42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Machine tools; numerically controlled machine tools;
industrial robots; mobile robots for industrial use;
numerically controlled production machinery; welding
machines and systems; welding machines; welding torches;
robotic electrical welding apparatus; numerically controlled
machine tools for welding and parts therefor; mobile robotic
machine tools; industrial robots for welding; robots for
welding; electric welding machines and welding stations for
assembly lines. Design of industrial automation equipment; research relating
to the computerised automation of industrial processes;
research, development, engineering and testing services in
the fields of welding and joining of materials; consultancy
in the field of automation of industrial processes; research
consultancy in the field of welding and joining of
materials; creation of control programs for automatic
measurement, assembly, welding, adjustment and visualization
thereof; industrial process research; development of
industrial processes; services for monitoring industrial
processes; research relating to computerised automation of
technical processes; research in the field of artificial
intelligence technology; research and development services;
engineering design; industrial design.
2.
"A TRAY FOR SUPPORTING CELLS OF AN ELECTRIC BATTERY ADAPTABLE FOR RECEIVING CELLS HAVING DIFFERENT SHAPE AND/OR SIZE"
A tray (1) for supporting cells (2) of an electric battery comprising a support base (3) and at least two elongated blocks (5) for the retaining of battery cells (2) arranged parallel to and spaced from each other on the support base (3) and configured to receive and support therebetween a series (13) of battery cells (2) having major faces arranged along planes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the blocks. The portions (27) of each retaining block (5) which are configured to receive respective cells (2) of the series (13) each have at least two different seats (29; 31, 33, 37, 43) which are configured to receive cells (2) having different shape and/or size.
H01M 50/209 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
H01M 50/267 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders having means for adapting to batteries or cells of different types or different sizes
A method and product for inspecting and/or handling a component via a robotic arm includes a computer for displaying a first 3-D model of a component in a virtual environment. Sensors are used to generate a second 3-D model of the component which is compared to the first 3-D model to determine the position of the component relative to the robot arm. A graphic interface is used to generate a high level sequence of commands (CPRG) for moving the robot arm and executing predetermined actions on the component. Intended movements of the robot arm and actions in the commands are simulated and evaluated in the virtual environment. Acceptable robot arm movements proven in the virtual environment are converted to movement instructions (RPRG) and sent to a controller to execute movement of the robot, and actions of the sensors and/or actuators to inspect and/or handle the component.
A tray (1) for supporting and moving a plurality of electrical battery cells (2) into a formation chamber is provided with a degassing mask (23) configured to be mounted on the support structure (3) of the tray (1) in a predetermined position with respect to said support structure (3). The degassing mask (23) comprises a gas manifold (24) connectable to a vacuum source and a plurality of suction nozzles (29) which act as plugs for the degassing holes (2B) of the battery cells (2) whilst moving the degassing mask (23) up to the formation chamber. During the formation process of the battery cells (2) within said formation chamber, the degassing holes (2B) of the battery cells (2) are connected to a vacuum source, by means of said gas manifold (24) of the degassing mask (23), in order to vacuum the gases which develop inside the battery cells (2) during the formation process.
A tray (1) for supporting cells (2) of an electrical battery, usable in a system for the formation of electrical batteries, comprises a support structure (3) including two main walls (4A, 4B) firmly connected to each other by two end walls (5). One or more septa (6) divide the space of the tray into a plurality of sectors (7) side by side with each other, configured to receive respective cell arrays (200). A plurality of partitions (8), arranged inside each of said sectors (7), define, in each sector (7), a plurality of seats (9) for the cells. A system (10) for adjusting the size of the seats (9) for the cells orthogonally to the cells includes an actuator system (11) for relatively moving a first series (8A) of partitions (8) with respect to the partitions (8) of a second series (8B), the latter being intercalated with the partitions of the first series. During said relative motion, the distance between the partitions (8) of one and the same series (8A, 8B) is kept fixed.
H01M 50/209 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
H01M 50/242 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
H01M 50/264 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
H01M 50/267 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders having means for adapting to batteries or cells of different types or different sizes
H01M 50/358 - External gas exhaust passages located on the battery cover or case
A tray (1) for supporting cells (2) of an electrical battery, usable in a system for the formation of electrical batteries, comprises a support structure (3) comprising two main walls (4A, 4B) parallel and spaced apart from each other, firmly connected by two end walls (5). One or more septa (6) divide the space defined by said main walls (4A, 4B) and by said end walls (5) into a plurality of sectors (7) side by side with each other, configured to receive respective cell arrays (200). A plurality of partitions (8), arranged inside each of said sectors (7) and slidably carried by the support structure (3) of the tray along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B), define, in each sector (7), a plurality of seats (9) for the cells. A pushing system (10) includes actuator systems (11) to apply a load onto each cell array (200) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B). Each partition (8) comprises a support element (80) and an adaptor element (100) removably connected to each other, said adaptor element (100) being configured to receive a cell (2) having specific shape and size, and being replaceable with a different adaptor element (100) configured to receive a cell (2) having different shape and/or size.
H01M 50/209 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
H01M 50/242 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
H01M 50/264 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
H01M 50/267 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders having means for adapting to batteries or cells of different types or different sizes
H01M 50/291 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs characterised by their shape
H01M 50/358 - External gas exhaust passages located on the battery cover or case
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Machine tools; numerically controlled machine tools; industrial robots; mobile robots for industrial use; numerically controlled production machinery; welding machines and systems; welding machines; welding torches; robotic electrical welding apparatus; numerically controlled machine tools for welding and parts therefor; mobile robotic machine tools; industrial robots for welding; robots for welding; electric welding machines and welding stations for assembly lines. Design of industrial automation equipment; research relating to the computerised automation of industrial processes; research, development, engineering and testing services in the fields of welding and joining of materials; consultancy in the field of automation of industrial processes; research consultancy in the field of welding and joining of materials; creation of control programs for automatic measurement, assembly, welding, adjustment and visualization thereof; industrial process research; development of industrial processes; services for monitoring industrial processes; research relating to computerised automation of technical processes; research in the field of artificial intelligence technology; research and development services; engineering design; industrial design.
9.
WELDING EQUIPMENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR SINGLE-SIDED WELDING, AND A RELATED WELDING STATION
There is described an item of welding equipment (1), in particular for single-sided welding, comprising: - a welding electrode (2) - a ground electrode (4) - a first robot (6) carried said welding electrode (2) a second robot (8) carrying said ground electrode (4).
An industrial robot has a wrist (7) with an oscillating element (8) configured for supporting an end effector (9). A rear end (20) of the wrist (7) includes a closing wall (21), having a first passage (23) in a substantially 5 central position, and a plurality of second passages (27) in a peripheral position with respect to the first passage (23). Through the first passage (23) there extends a first line (24) extends for supplying the end effector (9), the first line (24) also extending along the wrist (7) and the oscillating element (8). Through the second passages (27) there extend lines (28a, 29a) for 10 electrical supply of two motors (15', 16') that cause movements of the oscillating element (8), and lines (28b, 29b) for position control signals provided by two corresponding position transducers.
B25J 9/04 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by movement of the arms, e.g. cartesian co-ordinate type by rotating at least one arm, excluding the head movement itself, e.g. cylindrical co-ordinate type or polar co-ordinate type
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Machine tools; numerically controlled manufacturing
machinery; welding machines; drilling machines; forming
machines; extrusion machines; moulding machines; reaming
machines; turning machines; industrial robots for welding;
industrial robots for drilling; industrial robots for
forming; industrial robots for extrusion; industrial robots
for moulding; industrial robots for reaming; industrial
robots for turning; assembly machines; mounting machines;
industrial robots for assembly; industrial robots for
mounting; conveyor machines; industrial robots for
conveying; conveyor belts for assembly lines; conveyors for
assembly lines; transfer elevators; conveyor lines; loading
and unloading stations for conveyor belts; conveyor belts
for pallet transport; numerically controlled machine tools;
industrial assembly lines; assembly lines for electric
motors, transmissions and their parts; side frames for
production lines for electric motors, transmissions and
parts thereof; coil winding machines; bobbin winding
machines; industrial robots for coil winding; electric
motors not for land vehicles, their parts and accessories;
parts and accessories for electric motors for land vehicles;
rotors; stators; ignition coils [parts of engines]; coils
[parts of electric motors]. Electric motors for land vehicles.
12.
An Apparatus And Method For Automatically Testing An Infotainment System Of A Motor-Vehicle
An apparatus and method for automatically testing an infotainment system of a motor-vehicle. The apparatus includes, and the method is configured to use, a first multi-axis articulated robot including a chain of connected robot elements which are mutually articulated and ending with a robot wrist, and a second multi-axis articulated robot mounted on the wrist of the first robot. Wherein the second robot is configured for entering into a passenger compartment of the motor-vehicle to automatically test the infotainment system.
A mobile robotic unit (1) configured for performing industrial processing operations within a work environment, comprising: - a plurality of retractable stationing feet (8) supported by respective stabilizer arms (9) extending from the frame (6) of the vehicle (3), - each stabilizer arm (9) comprising an automatic leveling assembly (13) associated with the retractable stationing foot (8), configured for detecting the contact position of the stationing foot (8) with the ground and stopping a lowering maneuver of the foot (8) in case of contact with the ground before reaching a stroke end position.
B25J 5/00 - Manipulators mounted on wheels or on carriages
B60S 9/06 - Ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring the vehicle, wholly or in part, e.g. built-in jacks for only lifting or supporting mechanically of screw-and-nut type
14.
A Processing Apparatus And Relative Marking Device To Generate Process Trajectories
A processing apparatus includes an industrial robotic unit and a marking device provided for generating process trajectories automatically recognizable by the robotic unit. The marking device is shaped like a rod and comprises at least one pointer element optically detectable by the robot by means of a vision system.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
(1) Machine tools; numerically controlled manufacturing machinery; welding machines; drilling machines; forming machines; extrusion machines; moulding machines; reaming machines; turning machines; industrial robots for welding; industrial robots for drilling; industrial robots for forming; industrial robots for extrusion; industrial robots for moulding; industrial robots for reaming; industrial robots for turning; assembly machines; mounting machines; industrial robots for assembly; industrial robots for mounting; conveyor machines; industrial robots for conveying; conveyor belts for assembly lines; conveyors for assembly lines; transfer elevators; conveyor lines; loading and unloading stations for conveyor belts; conveyor belts for pallet transport; numerically controlled machine tools; industrial assembly lines; assembly lines for electric motors, transmissions and their parts; side frames for production lines for electric motors, transmissions and parts thereof; coil winding machines; bobbin winding machines; industrial robots for coil winding; electric motors not for land vehicles, their parts and accessories; parts and accessories for electric motors for land vehicles; rotors; stators; ignition coils [parts of engines]; coils [parts of electric motors].
(2) Electric motors for land vehicles.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Metalworking machine tools; numerically controlled manufacturing machinery for manufacturing stators, rotors, electric motor components, transmissions and parts thereof; electric welding machines and laser welding machines; drilling machines; metal forming machines, namely, bending machines, crimping machines, twisting machines and end-forming machines for copper conductors; metal extrusion machines; injection moulding machines; reaming machines, namely, reamers being power tools; power-operated turning machines for metalworking; industrial robots for welding; industrial robots for drilling; industrial robots for forming; industrial robots for extrusion; industrial robots for moulding; industrial robots for reaming; industrial robots for turning; industrial robots for assembly; industrial robots for mounting; industrial robots for conveying; assembly-line machines, namely, industrial machines for assembling electric motors, transmissions and their parts; machines for mounting motor components on industrial assembly lines; conveyors being machines; conveyor belts for assembly lines; roller conveyors for assembly lines; transfer elevators; conveyor lines; loading and unloading machines for conveyor belts; conveyor belts for pallet transport; numerically controlled machine tools used for machining parts; industrial assembly lines, namely, a series of machines for assembling electric motors, transmissions and their parts; side frames specially adapted for production assembly lines; wire coil winding machines; bobbin winding machines for winding wire onto bobbins for electrical components; industrial robots for coil winding; rotors being parts of electric motors; stators being parts of electric motors; coils being parts of electric motors Electric motors for land vehicles.
17.
An Apparatus And Method For Assembling A Battery Pack For Powering Electric Traction Motors Of Electric Motor-Vehicles
An apparatus for assembling a multi-level battery pack. First and second processing lines are oriented parallel to one another and each containing successive work stations facing a respective work station of the other first or second processing line. The first processing line is configured to assemble a base level of the battery pack and the second processing line is configured to assemble successive level modules of the battery pack. First and second transport vehicles transport components along the respective processing line to provide components to the respective processing line and respective work station. A joining station is included in the respective processing line to join the battery pack successive level modules to the base level. The transport vehicles return to a starting point to begin a new battery pack assembly.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
H01M 10/04 - Construction or manufacture in general
18.
System and method for automatically applying a bead of sealant within a peripheral groove
A system for automatically applying a bead of sealant within a peripheral groove defined between two elements coupled to each other and having dimensions that are not strictly predetermined. In one example, a manipulator robot includes a sealant dispensing head including a dispensing nozzle and a profilometer. An electronic controller moves the sealant dispensing head for a first pass along the peripheral groove to detect the profile of the facing lateral surfaces defining the peripheral groove. The correct amount of sealant is calculated based on the detected profile of the groove. The electronic controller moves the dispensing head for a second pass to dispense the calculated amount of sealant in the peripheral groove. In one example, the sealant is dispensed with a constant flow rate and the speed of movement of the dispensing nozzle varies to apply the calculated amount of sealant to each portion of the peripheral groove.
B05C 11/10 - Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent materialRecovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
B05C 5/02 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work from an outlet device in contact, or almost in contact, with the work
19.
System and a method for locating a workpiece-holder frame in position in a processing or assembling station of a production plant
A system for locating a workpiece-holder frame and workpiece in a workpiece processing station. The system includes stationary support structures arranged on two sides of a working area in the workpiece processing station. The stationary support structures include vertically movable support members configured to engage and lift the workpiece-holder frame from a carriage and position the workpiece in a predetermined X, Y and Z coordinate position for processing of the workpiece. The stationary support structures lower and disengage the workpiece-holder frame which is removed from the working area for further processing of the workpiece.
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
B62D 65/18 - Transportation, conveyor or haulage systems specially adapted for motor vehicle or trailer assembly lines
A system of photovoltaic solar panels comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels and a supporting structure provided for supporting the photovoltaic solar panels in a number of rows parallel to one another on the supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a series of cross members arranged parallel to and at a distance apart from one another, configured for blocking a respective side of a photovoltaic solar panel. In one example, each cross member comprises a single piece of sheet metal bent so as to perform the functions of centring, referencing, and blocking said photovoltaic solar panels, without the aid of further fixing or referencing elements.
A method for outdoor installation of an array of solar converters, for example photovoltaic solar panels or solar mirrors, and a carriage for transport and the outdoor installation of the array of solar converters. The array of solar converters is assembled including a supporting frame having a longitudinal beam and cross members which together engage and support the solar converters. The carriage includes a lifting device and an auxiliary support structure including clamping devices which receive the longitudinal beam of the assembled array. The carriage engages the assembled array and transports it to an installation field. The lifting device raises and deposits the assembled array on predetermined support posts. The lifting device is lowered to disengage the carriage from the installed array and the carriage returns to engage another assembled array for transport and installation.
B60P 3/40 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load-supporting elements
22.
METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT INDUSTRIAL WORKING OPERATIONS WITHIN A WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED SYSTEM
Method for carrying out construction and/or assembly and/or maintenance and/or repair and/or inspection operations within a work environment, with the aid of a mobile robotic unit (1). The mobile robotic unit (1) comprises a multi-axis manipulator robot (2) carrying an operating head (4), and a vehicle (3) carrying said robot (2). The method comprises the steps of: - moving the vehicle (3) up to a predetermined work area in the work environment, and locking the vehicle (3) at this position, - starting a learning phase of the robot (2), wherein the operator (0), with the aid of a programming tool (5), provides an information to an electronic controller (E) about the position in the space of a plurality of working points, - processing a plurality of work trajectories of the operating head (4) on the basis of the information acquired on the position in the space of the working points and also on the basis of a selection from a plurality of predetermined work programs workable by the operating head (4).
G05B 19/427 - Teaching successive positions by tracking the position of a joystick or handle to control the positioning servo of the tool head, leader-follower control
23.
Apparatus For Assembling Battery Cells Or Battery Modules
An apparatus for assembling battery cells or battery modules together each having electrical terminals that must be subjected to a welding operation. The apparatus includes a tool for engaging and holding the battery cells or the battery modules to be welded, which can be moved along at least two axes to carry and maintain one or more battery cells or battery modules in a configuration r position suitable for welding the electrical terminals to at least one of respective electrical connecting elements or welding said electrical terminals to each other. The apparatus also includes a welding head carried by said tool and arranged to perform welding operations on the electrical terminals to be welded.
H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
H04N 23/695 - Control of camera direction for changing a field of view, e.g. pan, tilt or based on tracking of objects
H04N 23/23 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from infrared radiation only from thermal infrared radiation
24.
An Autonomous Mobile System, For Use In An Industrial Plant As A Reconfigurable Operating System
An autonomous mobile system (100) used in an industrial plant as a mobile operator system, suitable to be easily reconfigured according to the needs of each specific application. The system (100) includes an autonomous vehicle (1), in the form of an autonomous mobile robot, and a transport carriage (10) including one or more operating units (12) configured to receive a load thereon to be transported. The autonomous vehicle (1) includes a coupling device (5) to couple the autonomous vehicle to the carriage (10) to move the carriage (10) along a path, while the weight of the load carried on the carriage (10) rests solely on the carriage (10). The autonomous vehicle (1) is configured to control the devices onboard the carriage (10).
Described herein are solutions for inspecting and/or handling a component (20) via a robotic arm (10), wherein movement of the robotic arm (10) is managed via a controller (30). In particular, a computer (40a) is configured for showing a three-dimensional model (CM) of the component (20) in a virtual environment (42a), wherein the virtual environment (42a) makes it possible to specify one or more points of interest (CPOI). Next, the computer shows a graphic interface (42c; 42d) that makes it possible to specify a sequence of commands (CPRG) comprising a plurality of commands (CMD) for interacting with the robotic arm (10) and/or with one or more sensors (102, 12), wherein each command (CMD) comprises data that identify an action (AT) and one or more respective parameters (ARG), In particular, a command (MOVE) requests movement of the robotic arm (10) into a point of interest (CPOI1). The computer then acquires (2202) via the sensors (102, 12) one or more images (IMG) and/or a point cloud (PC) of the component (20), compares these data with the three- dimensional model (CM) of the component (20) to determine the position of the component (20) with respect to the robotic arm (10), and converts (2206) the coordinates of the point of interest (CPOI1 ) in the reference system (REF) of the virtual environment (42a) into coordinates of the reference system of the robotic arm (10) using for this purpose the position of the component (20) with respect to the robotic arm (10). Next, the computer generates (2208) a further virtual environment using the three- dimensional model (CM) of the component (20) and a model (RM) of the robotic arm, and processes each command (CMD). In the case where the command (CMD) corresponds to the command (MOVE) that requests movement of the robotic arm (10) into the point of interest (CPOI1 ), the computer selects (2210) a trajectory and evaluates the selected trajectory. In the case where the robotic arm (10) can follow the selected trajectory without colliding with the component (20), the computer generates one or more movement instructions (RPRG) for the selected trajectory and sends the one or more movement instructions (RPRG) to the controller (30).
An apparatus (1) and relative method for automatically testing an infotainment system of a motor-vehicle (V), comprising: - a first multi-axis articulated robot (2) comprising a chain of robot elements (21, 22, 23) mutually articulated and ending with a robot wrist (24), - a second multi-axis articulated robot (3) mounted on the wrist (24) of the first robot (2), wherein said second robot (3) is configured for entering into the passenger compartment of the motor-vehicle (V).
A method for assembling and installing arrays (1) of photovoltaic solar panels (P) in an outdoor field, includes a first step of assembling an array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels, which is carried out with the aid of at least one robot (R) in a transportable station (S1), located adjacent to the installation field (F). In a second step the assembled array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels is transported from the station (S1) to the site of installation of the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels with the aid of a motorized carriage (V) controlled by an operator external to the carriage. Finally, the method includes a third step of assembling the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels thus transported, wherein the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels is mounted on support structures (5) previously prepared in the installation field (F).
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
28.
Dummy electric battery cell, usable as a gauge to verify the correct operation of a measuring apparatus in an electric battery assembly plant, and a method using this dummy battery cell
In an electric battery assembly plant, including a battery assembly line having a station that receives battery cells or modules to be assembled together, a measuring apparatus is configured for measuring the electrical resistance and the electrical voltage of a single battery cell or a battery module. The correct operation of the measuring apparatus is verified by arranging at least one dummy battery cell configured and sized to emulate a real battery cell, and having an electrical resistance of a predetermined value and/or including a voltage generator to generate a voltage of a strictly predetermined value at the terminals of the dummy battery cell. The dummy battery cell may then be used as a gauge to check in a simple and rapid way whether the measuring apparatus is operating correctly and reliably.
A gripping tool, which can be used by a manipulator device for picking-up and handling pieces, includes a plurality of gripping devices (50), distributed in groups, each group consisting of one or more gripping devices. The gripping devices (50) of each group of gripping devices are mounted on a same supporting body (P), which is made in one-piece by an additive manufacturing technology.
A method for analysing the quality of a weld bead in a welding zone using a thermal camera. A thermal image (IMG) of a given area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas each having a respective temperature (Ti). During a learning step, the temperature evolution (Ti(t)) of each sub-area is monitored for different welding conditions. During a training step, the temperature evolutions (Ti(t)) are processed for training a classifier (304). For this purpose, a respective cooling curve is extracted (302) from each temperature evolution (Ti(t)), and parameters (F) are determined that identify the shape of each cooling curve. The parameters (F) are used as input features for the classifier (304). In normal operation the temperature evolution (Ti(t)) of each sub-area (Ai) is monitored and the classifier (304) estimates weld quality (S).
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
31.
A PROCESSING APPARATUS AND RELATIVE MARKING DEVICE TO GENERATE PROCESS TRAJECTORIES
A processing apparatus (1) comprises an industrial robotic unit (2) and a marking device (3) provided for generating process trajectories automatically recognizable by the robotic unit (2). The marking device (3) is shaped like a rod and comprises at least one pointer element (4) optically detectable by the robot (2) by means of a vision system (5).
A docking system useful to connect and place in communication a first operating unit (3) including one or more fluid accumulators and at least one second mobile service unit (7) carrying fluid in a reservoir for refilling the accumulators. The operating unit and the at least one second mobile service unit each include hydraulic connectors carried by a floating support connected to a float supporting device to facilitate alignment and connection of the hydraulic connectors. In one example, the docking system includes a stationary intermediate structure (5) to indirectly connect and communicate the hydraulic connectors of the operating unit and the second mobile service unit. In one example, the at least one second mobile service unit is an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous mobile robot.
An apparatus (A) for assembling a battery pack with a multi-level configuration (B1, B2, B3, B4) made up of several side-by-side and overlapping modules. The apparatus (A) comprises: - a plurality of stations (10, 20, 30, 40) arranged in succession and designed to work or assemble the different modules that form the levels (B1, B2, B3, B4) of the battery pack (B), - a first and a second processing line (1, 2) parallel to each other, each facing a respective side of the stations (10, 20, 30, 40), - a first and a second transport device (3, 4) arranged to transport, along the respective line (1, 2), respectively, a first group of components (C) of the battery pack (B) arranged to form a base level (B1) of said multi-level configuration, and a second group of components (C') of the battery pack (B) arranged to form successive levels (B2, B3, B4) to be overlapped on the base level (B1). The apparatus (A) also comprises a joining station (40) of the levels (B1, B2, B3, B4) configured to assemble said second group of components (C') above said first group of components (C), so to produce said multi-level configuration of the battery pack (B).
A system for locating a workpiece-holder frame (2) in position in a processing or assembling station of a production plant comprises stationary support structures (9) arranged on the two sides of the working area (A) of the processing or assembling station, and a carriage (8) that transports the workpiece-holder frame (2) along a conveying line (L) inside the working area (A). The stationary support structures (9), arranged on the two sides of the working area, carry vertically-movable support members (10), positioned and configured to engage and lift the workpiece- holder frame (2) carried by the carriage (8) when the carriage is stopped in the working area, so as to move the workpiece-holder frame (2) away from the carriage (8) and vertically position the workpiece-holder frame (2) at a predetermined vertical height (Z). The vertically-movable support members (10) include at least three ball supports (10), spaced apart from each other, each including a ball (12), which is freely rotatable in any direction around its center. The workpiece-holder frame (2) has a plurality of flat lower engagement surfaces (7), which are respectively engaged by the ball supports (10), in such a way that when the workpiece-holder frame (2) is raised to said predetermined vertical height (Z), the workpiece-holder frame (2) can float in any horizontal direction above the freely rotatable balls (12) of the ball supports (10). With at least two of the stationary support structures (9) there are also associated respective auxiliary centering members (22) which are vertically movable and spaced apart from each other, said auxiliary centering members cooperating with engagement elements (6) projecting downwardly from the workpiece- holder frame (2), in such a way as to locate in position the workpiece- A system for locating a workpiece-holder frame (2) in position in a processing or assembling station of a production plant comprises stationary support structures (9) arranged on the two sides of the working area (A) of the processing or assembling station, and a carriage (8) that transports the workpiece-holder frame (2) along a conveying line (L) inside the working area (A). The stationary support structures (9), arranged on the two sides of the working area, carry vertically-movable support members (10), positioned and configured to engage and lift the workpiece- holder frame (2) carried by the carriage (8) when the carriage is stopped in the working area, so as to move the workpiece-holder frame (2) away from the carriage (8) and vertically position the workpiece-holder frame (2) at a predetermined vertical height (Z). The vertically-movable support members (10) include at least three ball supports (10), spaced apart from each other, each including a ball (12), which is freely rotatable in any direction around its center. The workpiece-holder frame (2) has a plurality of flat lower engagement surfaces (7), which are respectively engaged by the ball supports (10), in such a way that when the workpiece-holder frame (2) is raised to said predetermined vertical height (Z), the workpiece-holder frame (2) can float in any horizontal direction above the freely rotatable balls (12) of the ball supports (10). With at least two of the stationary support structures (9) there are also associated respective auxiliary centering members (22) which are vertically movable and spaced apart from each other, said auxiliary centering members cooperating with engagement elements (6) projecting downwardly from the workpiece- holder frame (2), in such a way as to locate in position the workpiece- holder frame (2) along two horizontal directions (X, Y) orthogonal to each other and with respect to rotations of the workpiece-holder frame in the horizontal plane. holder frame (2) along two horizontal directions (X, Y) orthogonal to each other and with respect to rotations of the workpiece-holder frame in the horizontal plane.
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
B23K 37/047 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work moving work to adjust its position between soldering, welding or cutting steps
B62D 65/02 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
B62D 65/18 - Transportation, conveyor or haulage systems specially adapted for motor vehicle or trailer assembly lines
B23Q 7/14 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting co-ordinated in production lines
35.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY APPLYING A BEAD OF SEALANT WITHIN A PERIPHERAL GROOVE
A system for automatically applying a bead of sealant within a peripheral groove (4), which is defined between two elements (2, 3) coupled to each other and having dimensions that are not strictly predetermined, comprises a manipulator robot (R) equipped with a sealant dispensing head (12). An electronic controller (E) makes the sealant dispensing head (12) perform a first pass along the peripheral groove (4) without dispensing sealant, to detect the profile of the facing lateral surfaces of the peripheral groove (4), by means of a profilometer. The data relating to the detected profiles are processed to calculate the correct amount of sealant to be applied within each portion of the peripheral groove (4) along the perimeter extension of the peripheral groove. The sealant dispensing head (12) then carries out a second pass along the peripheral groove (4), while dispensing sealant in the calculated quantity in each portion of the peripheral groove (4) along the perimeter of the peripheral groove (4). In one example, the sealant is dispensed with a constant flow rate, and the electronic controller (E) varies the speed of movement of the dispensing nozzle (14) during the second pass, so as to apply the calculated amount of sealant to each portion of the peripheral groove (4) along the perimeter of the peripheral groove. The dispensing nozzle consists of a replaceable element of plastic material. After its replacement, a vision system is used to detect the position of the dispensing tip of the dispensing nozzle (14) with respect to a reference element (30) carried by the robot adjacent to the dispensing nozzle (14) and having a predetermined geometry.
B05C 5/02 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work from an outlet device in contact, or almost in contact, with the work
B05C 11/10 - Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent materialRecovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
36.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLING A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE OF A DISHWASHING MACHINE
A method and a system for assembling a supporting structure (1) of a dish-washing machine includes a hemming operation on metal sheet elements (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) forming part of said supporting structure (1). The method comprises a first hemming step wherein at least one first flange (F1) of a first metal sheet element (5, 6) is bent around a second flange (F2) of a second metal sheet element (2, 3, 4), and a second pressing step wherein the hemmed joint (J) obtained with the first hemming step is bent to a final position lying adjacent to one of the metal sheet elements (4). The first hemming step is performed by rolling, with the aid of a roller hemming head (H) carried by a manipulator robot (R). During the first hemming step the geometry of the metal sheet elements is maintained substantially unchanged with the aid of containment supports (A1, A2) applied to opposite faces of the metal sheet elements. The second pressing step is performed either by rolling, or by using one of the aforesaid containment supports (A2M) as a pressing tool. In both cases, a final pressing operation of the hemmed and bent joint is provided, using at least one of the aforesaid containment supports (A2) as a pressing tool, which is moved over the hemmed and bent joint (J), to press it into its final position.
B21D 39/02 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by platingTube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
A47L 15/42 - Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or table-ware Details
B21D 51/04 - Making hollow objects characterised by the structure of the objects built-up objects, e.g. objects with rigidly-attached bottom or cover
F16B 5/00 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
A system of photovoltaic solar panels comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels (1) and a supporting structure (S) provided for supporting the photovoltaic solar panels (1), in particular in a number of rows parallel to one another, on the supporting structure (S). The supporting structure (S) includes a series of cross members (5, 6, T2) arranged parallel to and at a distance apart from one another, configured for blocking a respective side of a photovoltaic solar panel (1). Each cross member (5, 6, T2) comprises a single piece of sheet metal bent so as to perform the functions of centring, referencing, and blocking said photovoltaic solar panels (1), without the aid of further fixing or referencing elements.
Described herein is a method for outdoor installation of an array (1) of solar converters that includes a supporting frame (2) and a plurality of solar converters (P), for example photovoltaic solar panels or solar mirrors, mounted on the supporting frame (2). A carriage (5) for transporting the array (1) of solar converters (P) is provided with a lifting device (6) for displacing the array (1) of solar converters (P) vertically between a position of maximum raising and a position of maximum lowering. Associated to the carriage (5) is an electronic control unit (E) for controlling movement of the carriage (5) and movement of the lifting device (6). The electronic control unit (E) is driven in such a way as to carry out the following steps: bringing the carriage (5) up adjacent to a row of supporting posts (7) in the installation field; lifting the array (1) of solar converters (P) above said supporting posts (7); displacing the carriage (5) within a space comprised between two successive posts (7) of the row; and lowering the array (1) of solar converters (P) until the longitudinal beam (3) of the supporting frame (2) of the array (1) of solar converters (P) is laid on the supporting posts (7) of the row.
B60P 1/00 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
B60P 3/00 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
39.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSTALLING ARRAYS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANELS IN AN OUTDOOR FIELD
temporary factory"temporary factory". The method includes a second step of transporting the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels assembled in the first step, wherein the assembled array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels is transported from the station (S1) to the site of installation of the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels with the aid of a motorized carriage (V) controlled by an operator external to the carriage. Finally, the method comprises a third step of assembling the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels thus transported, wherein the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels is mounted on support structures (5) previously prepared in the field (F).
An apparatus (1) is described here, for assembling battery cells or battery modules together, having electrical terminals (T) that must be subjected to a welding operation. The apparatus (1) comprises a tool (4) for engaging and holding the elements to be welded, which can be moved along at least two axes to carry and maintain one or more battery cells (C) or battery modules in a configuration and/or position suitable for welding the electrical terminals (T) to respective electrical connecting elements (B) and/or welding said electrical terminals (T) to each other. The apparatus also comprises a welding head (10) carried by said tool (4) and arranged to perform welding operations on the elements to be welded. The tool (4) and the welding head (10) are controlled in such a way that the tool carries said battery cells (C) or battery modules (M) into said configuration and/or position suitable for performing the welding, and said tool (4) maintains said battery cells (C) or modules (M) in said configuration and/or position during execution of the welding, if necessary by applying a pressure on the elements to be welded. The tool (4) is configured in such a way that the welding head (10) can operate to perform the welding while the tool maintains said battery cells (C) or battery modules (M) in said configuration and/or position suitable for welding.
In an electric battery assembly plant (4), comprising a battery assembly line (10-40) including a station (5) that receives battery cells or modules (2) to be assembled together, with which a measuring apparatus (7) is associated for measuring the electrical resistance and the electrical voltage of a single battery cell (2), the correct operation of the measuring apparatus (7) is verified by arranging at least one dummy battery cell (50, 60) configured and sized to emulate a real battery cell (2), and having an electrical resistance of a predetermined value and/or including a voltage generator (67) to generate a voltage of a strictly predetermined value at the terminals (64) of the dummy battery cell (60). In this way, the dummy battery cell (50,60) may be used as a gauge to check in a simple and rapid way whether the measuring apparatus (7) is operating correctly and reliably.
G01R 35/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass
G01R 31/36 - Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
G01R 31/385 - Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables
G01R 31/389 - Measuring internal impedance, internal conductance or related variables
42.
METHOD OF MONITORING THE QUALITY OF A WELD BEAD, RELATED WELDING STATION AND COMPUTER-PROGRAM PRODUCT
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
43.
System for interfacing with an operator's body for a function unit
A system for interfacing with an operator's body for distributing forces to the operator's body received by the system from a function unit. The system includes a frame and a plurality of contact units connected to the frame which are positioned and communicate with the operator's torso to distribute the received forces. The plurality of contact units each include a first and second support having an elastic body positioned therebetween which allows relative movement between the first and second supports.
An automated device has a movable structure covered at least in part by a sensorised covering. The sensorised covering comprises a plurality of covering modules, which includes one or more sensorised covering modules. Each sensorised covering module includes a plurality of distinct layers stacked on top of one another and including a load-bearing layer and at least one cushioning layer. Each sensorised covering module integrates at least one contact sensor device (C), which includes a first lower electrically conductive layer (61) and a second upper electrically conductive layer (63), set between which is an electrically insulating layer (62).
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G08C 23/04 - Non-electric signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems using light waves, e.g. infrared
45.
A GRIPPING TOOL WHICH CAN BE USED BY A MANIPULATOR DEVICE FOR PICKING UP AND HANDLING PIECES
A gripping tool, which can be used by a manipulator device for picking-up and handling pieces, comprises a plurality of gripping devices (50), distributed in groups, each group consisting of one or more gripping devices. The gripping devices (50) of each group of gripping devices are mounted on a same supporting body (P), which is made in one-piece by an additive manufacturing technology.
A docking system between a first operating unit (3) comprising one or more fluid accumulators and one or more mobile service units (7) carrying fluid reservoirs for refilling the accumulators. The operating unit and each mobile service unit carry respective hydraulic connectors (3A, 7B), which can be coupled, directly or indirectly, to each other. At least one of the hydraulic connectors (3A, 7B) is carried by the respective unit (3,7) by means of a support (19; 10; 26), which is mounted on the respective unit by means of a floating support device, so as to be free to move relative to the respective unit along first and second directions (x, y), which are orthogonal to each other and which are also orthogonal to an axial coupling direction (z) of the hydraulic connectors (3A, 7B). In one example, the system comprises a stationary intermediate structure (5) for docking said first operating unit (3) with said second service unit (7). The stationary intermediate structure (5) carries at least one hydraulic connector (5A) on its first side, which can be coupled with a hydraulic connector (3A) of the first operating unit (3), and at least one hydraulic connector (5B) on its second side, which can be coupled with a hydraulic connector (7B) of the second service unit (7), the hydraulic connectors (5A, 5B) provided on the aforesaid two sides of the stationary intermediate structure (5) are in hydraulic communication with each other. The aforesaid floating support is guided with respect to a main support (12) along said first and second directions (x, y) and is recalled towards a neutral position by a plurality of helical springs arranged radially around the main support (12).
An autonomous mobile system (100) is used in an industrial plant as a mobile operator system, suitable to be easily reconfigured according to the needs of each specific application. The system (100) comprises an autonomous vehicle (1), in the form of an autonomous mobile robot, and a transport carriage (10) configured to receive a load thereon to be transported and/or one or more operating units (12). The autonomous vehicle (1) is configured to be positioned adjacent to the carriage (10), and is equipped with a coupling device (5), which can be moved to couple the carriage (10) to the autonomous vehicle (1), in such a way that the autonomous vehicle (1) is able to move the carriage (10) along a path, while the weight of the load carried on the carriage (10) rests solely on the carriage (10). The carriage is configured to carry one or more operating units (12) controlled by one or more electronic controllers, arranged at least in part on the autonomous vehicle (1). The autonomous vehicle is, therefore, the brain that also controls the devices on board the carriage. The coupling device (5) comprises an electrical connector device (53, 54) for connecting between the operating units (12) carried by the carriage (10), and one or more electronic controllers (E) carried by the autonomous vehicle (1).
B62D 61/00 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern
A process for monitoring backlash in a gear of a joint of an industrial robot, wherein said joint includes a first joint body and a second joint body coupled together with the possibility of moving with respect to one other, a motor provided with an encoder, and a motion-transmission assembly designed to transmit the torque generated by said motor to said second joint body to bring about a movement of said second joint body with respect to said first joint body, said transmission assembly comprising said gear. The process is characterized in that the signal of the encoder of the motor for driving the joint is used without providing any additional sensor specifically dedicated to monitoring of the backlash.
A system for positioning a row of photovoltaic solar panels (1) on a support structure (S) arranged in an outdoor space includes a vehicle (20) on which the photovoltaic solar panels (1) to be installed are arranged, and a manipulator robot (24) arranged on-board the vehicle (20) for sequentially picking-up one or more photovoltaic panels (1) from the vehicle, and for positioning them on said support structure (S) as the vehicle moves on one side along the support structure (S). An optoelectronic system (27) is used for automatic optical recognition of the correct position in which a photovoltaic solar panel (1) must be picked-up as well as the correct installing position of the photovoltaic solar panel (1) on the support structure (S).
A portable safety control device for use with a portable electronic device to communicate with an industrial machine. The control device includes a body having gripping portion for engagement by a human hand and a supporting portion for engagement with the portable electronic device. In one example, separate enabling and emergency stop switches are positioned on the body proximate the gripping portion within reach of the hand engaged with the gripping portion, and is configured for ease of use by left or right-handed users. The supporting portion is configured and oriented to rest on the forearm of an operator. A control circuit is used to communicate with both the portable electronic device and the industrial machine controller.
G05B 19/409 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panelNumerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters
A laser source for industrial operations including a first laser outlet and a second laser outlet. The laser source is switchable to selectively provide at the first laser outlet a high beam quality and relative low power or at the second laser outlet with a higher power and lower beam quality to better accommodate the particular process. In one example, a selector addressing unit includes movable mirrors to selectively direct the generated laser beams to either the first laser outlet or the second laser outlet. In another example the laser source is used in an industrial plant to provide laser beams to a plurality of processing cells. The laser source operable to selectively provide a laser beam having desired or optimum qualities for the particular processing cell.
H01S 3/00 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range
H01S 3/106 - Controlling the intensity, frequency, phase, polarisation or direction of the emitted radiation, e.g. switching, gating, modulating or demodulating by controlling devices placed within the cavity
H01S 3/08 - Construction or shape of optical resonators or components thereof
H01S 3/094 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light
H01S 3/0941 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light of a semiconductor laser, e.g. of a laser diode
H01S 3/23 - Arrangement of two or more lasers not provided for in groups , e.g. tandem arrangement of separate active media
52.
Programmable device provided in a production environment for assisting an operator
A programmable device (D) arranged in a production environment, to assist an operator (O) in performing manual assembly operations carried out by the operator (O), particularly during assembly operations performed on pieces (P) transported by pallets (5) in a production line (1). The device (D) comprises an assembly means usable by the operator (O), a lighting device (4) for lighting a work area in which the operator (O) works, a sensor (6) configured to detect the position of the assembly means, an input device (10) usable by the operator, and an electronic control system (8) configured to memorize a learning sequence including a sequence of manual assembly operations.
G01V 8/12 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Machine tools; mounting machines; Soldering machines and systems; Handling, storage and industrial washing machines; Mechanical equipment and die-stamping machines; Motors and engines (except for vehicles), coupling and belts (except for vehicles); Large agricultural instruments; Incubators, in particular lathes and boring machines; Numerically controlled flexible modular machine tools and numerically controlled machine tools, and parts therefor; Conveyors and transport systems and components therefor- namely, Conveyors for assembly lines; Numerically controlled transfer lines; Loading and unloading stations for conveyor belts; Conveyor belts, pallets on conveyors; Pallet transport systems on conveyors; Transfer lifts; Lifting pulleys, assembly lines for vehicle chassis and parts therefor, lateral frames for chassis lines and electric welding stations for chassis; Electric welding machines and welding stations for assembly lines; Gear motors, clutches, brakes, bushings, shafts, bearings, joints, cylinders, and electric motors for machine tools and conveying systems; Robots for use in industry; Assembling machines (robots), soldering, drilling and conveying machines, electric welding machines and systems, including components relating thereto for assembly lines; Lathes and boring machines; Numerically controlled machine tools and parts therefor for welding, drilling and transport; Belt conveyors and conveyor belt systems including components therefor, in particular assembly conveyor belts; Numerically controlled production machinery; Loading and unloading stations for conveyors; Pallet conveyors; Pulleys, assembly lines and parts therefor, for vehicle chassis, electric motors (not for land vehicles), including parts for machine tools and conveyor systems; Machine tools, namely, turning and boring machines, Numerically controlled flexible modular machine tools and numerically controlled machine tools and parts therefor; Conveyors and transport systems and parts therefor; Components, Namely conveyor belts for assembly chains; Numerically controlled transfer lines, loading and unloading stations for conveyor belts, conveyor belts, pallets on conveyor belts, conveyors for pallet transport systems, transfer lifts; Lifting pulleys, assembly lines for vehicle chassis and parts therefor, lateral frames for chassis lines and electric welding stations for chassis; Welding machines; Electric washing machines for industrial purposes; Machines for use in assembly; Automated assembly machines; Robots for welding; Transportation robots; Robotic electric punching machines; Robots for machine tools; Robotic mechanisms for conveying; Robotic mechanisms for lifting; Robotic electrical welding apparatus; Industrial robots for shaping metal; Industrial robots for shaping plastic material; Robotic apparatus for handling materials; Robotic mechanisms for working metal; Belts for conveyors; Belt conveyors; Robotic exoskeleton suits, other than for medical purposes. Industrial automation software; Industrial automation controls; Robotic Process Automation [RPA] software; Computers for autonomous-driving vehicles; Autonomous driving control systems for vehicles; Industrial process control software; Business process management [BPM] software; Humanoid robots with artificial intelligence; AI software; Inspection machines; Testing machines. Design of industrial automation equipment; Research relating to the computerised automation of industrial processes; Consultancy in the field of the automation of industrial processes; Creation of control programs for automated measurement, assembly, adjustment, and related visualisation; Industrial process research; Development of industrial processes; Services for monitoring industrial processes; Research relating to the computerised automation of technical processes; Research in the field of artificial intelligence; Research and development services; Engineering design; Industrial design.
54.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE, SUCH AS AN AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE OR AN AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOT
An autonomous vehicle, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), has a support structure (2) having a general double-hull configuration, with two separate longitudinal hulls (3R, 3L), parallel to each other and transversely spaced apart, and at least two bridge structures (C1, C2, L1, L2; G1, G2) that connect the hulls to each other. The aforesaid bridge structures have ends connected to the two hulls by interposition of elastic joints (E1, E2, E3), in such a way that the two hulls are free to perform differentiated oscillating movements so as to allow the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle to remain in contact with the surface on which the vehicle is moving, even when this surface has irregularities and/or slope variations.
An autonomous vehicle, for example, an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous mobile robot, has a support structure having a general double-hull configuration, with two separate longitudinal hulls, parallel to each other and transversely spaced apart, and at least two bridge structures that connect the hulls to each other. The aforesaid bridge structures have ends connected to the two hulls by interposition of elastic joints, in such a way that the two hulls are free to perform differentiated oscillating movements so as to allow the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle to remain in contact with the surface on which the vehicle is moving, even when this surface has irregularities and/or slope variations.
B65G 17/00 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
56.
Method of monitoring the operating state of a processing station, corresponding monitoring system and computer program product
A method and device of monitoring the operating state of a processing station in an industrial plant. A plurality of limited spatial regions are defined in the station including an actuator which moves an element. Audio sensors and processing units are used to determine a first reference sequence and a second sequence of audio signals of the limited spatial regions during a work cycle. A similarity index is generated based on comparison of the reference and the second sequence which is operable to identify possible anomalies in the station operation during work cycles. In one example, the particular limited spatial region where the anomaly occurs, the actuator or element identified in the anomaly, and the time at which the anomaly occurs can be identified.
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
Described herein is a new method and device for operating a hemming head of the type comprising a hemming roller (101) and a second, opposed, roller (102), which are rotatable about respective axes contained in one and the same plane. The method includes variation of the position of the second roller that is opposed to the hemming roller as a function of a signal indicating the force exerted by said second roller on the metal sheet and/or as a function of a signal indicating the position of the head along the machining path.
B21D 39/02 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by platingTube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
An accessory device for use with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to assist loading and unloading of components onto the AGV for transport by the AGV. In one example, an electric motor, two lifting devices and an inverted omega-shaped upper platform are used to selectively raise and lower the component. In another example an accessory is positioned on a central portion of the upper platform to engage a pallet to further assist loading, unloading and positioning of the pallet relative to the AGV.
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
B66F 7/06 - Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehiclesPlatform lifts with platforms supported by levers for vertical movement
B66F 9/065 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks non-masted
A system for positioning a row of photovoltaic solar panels (1 ) on a support structure (S) arranged in an outdoor space comprises a vehicle (20) on which the photovoltaic solar panels (1 ) to be installed are arranged, and a manipulator robot (24) arranged on-board the vehicle (20) for picking-up one or more photovoltaic panels (1 ) from the vehicle, and for positioning them on said support structure (S). The robot is provided with a controller (30) programmed for picking-up and positioning said row of photovoltaic solar panels (1 ) in succession by said robot (24) as the vehicle moves on on one side, and along, said support structure, causing each photovoltaic solar panel to have an approaching movement towards the support structure (S), in such a way that, at the end of this movement, each photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) is already in its final position along the row. The manipulator robot (24) is equipped with an optoelectronic system (27) for automatic optical recognition of the correct position in which a photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) to be installed must be picked-up as well as the correct installing position of the photovoltaic solar panel (1 ) on the support structure (S).
An operating unit for dispensing an adhesive fluid or sealant, comprises a fluid dispensing nozzle (7), one or more fluid accumulator cylinders (5) and one or more pumping cylinders (6), each having a piston (61 ) operable in a first direction for drawing a fluid charge from a respective fluid accumulator cylinder (5) and in a second direction for supplying said fluid charge to the dispensing nozzle (7). The fluid accumulator cylinders (5) can be replaced when they are empty with full accumulator cylinders (5) and/or can be refilled without having to remove them from the operating unit.
An automated device has a movable structure covered at least in part by a sensorised covering. The sensorised covering comprises a plurality of covering modules, which includes one or more sensorised covering modules. Each sensorised covering module has a structure that comprises a plurality of distinct layers stacked on top of one another, which comprises a load-bearing layer made of rigid or semi-rigid material, having a pre-set shape, and at least one cushioning layer made of elastically compressible material, carried by the load-bearing layer. Each sensorised covering module integrates at least one contact sensor device (C), which includes a first lower electrically conductive layer (61 ) and a second upper electrically conductive layer (63), set between which is an electrically insulating layer (62). The electrically insulating layer (62) is made of an elastically compressible material and has a plurality of through openings (62a) arranged in such a way that the first lower electrically conductive layer (61 ) and the second upper electrically conductive layer (63) locally face one another at the through openings (62a).
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
63.
System and corresponding process for assembling together two components on a vehicle-body assembly line
A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion and known and controlled glued panel properties for subsequent riveting of the glued panels. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.
B62D 65/02 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
C09J 5/06 - Adhesive processes in generalAdhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving heating of the applied adhesive
B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
64.
PROGRAMMABLE DEVICE PROVIDED IN A PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT FOR ASSISTING AN OPERATOR
A programmable device (D) arranged in a production environment, to assist an operator (O) in performing manual assembly operations carried out by the operator (O), particularly during assembly operations performed on pieces (P) transported by pallets (5) in a production line (1 ). The device (D) comprises an assembly means usable by the operator (O), a lighting device (4) for lighting a work area in which the operator (O) works, a sensor (6) configured to detect the position of the assembly means, an input device (10) usable by the operator, and an electronic control system (8) configured to memorize a learning sequence including a sequence of manual assembly operations.
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
G01V 1/00 - SeismologySeismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting
G01V 8/00 - Prospecting or detecting by optical means
A functional assembly for an industrial robot includes a safety cover which selectively covers an operative unit or robot end effector. The cover includes a fixed portion and a movable portion which selectively moves relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion selectively moves to cover or uncover a portion of the operative unit for the operative unit to function for its intended purpose. The operative unit can move in two directions orthogonal to the movement of the cover movable portion allowing the operative unit to travel or reach to the full footprint of the cover. The safety cover may include sensors to detect objects in close proximity to the safety cover to slow or stop the robot or functional assembly.
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.
B62D 65/02 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
C09J 5/06 - Adhesive processes in generalAdhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving heating of the applied adhesive
B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
70.
Electric resistance welding head with electrodes located on the same side
An electronically-controlled electric resistance welding head and method having a support structure and the electrodes located on the same side. The welding head including a ground electrode having an elastic device and a detecting device for detecting a force load on the elastic device on contact with a component to be welded. A welding electrode is movable relative to the ground electrode and the support structure to contact the component to be welded. An electronic control unit is operable to selectively increase the force applied by each electrode when in contact with the component to be welded until respective threshold values are achieved. Current is generated by a transformer for passage to the electrodes.
A robot device having modules that can be combined together to produce alternative devices useful for educational purposes. The robot device includes one or more frame bodies and one or more motorized joints connected to the frame bodies and in communication with a central control unit. Each motorized joint includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. Through a combination of frame bodies and motorized joints modules, alternative motorized devices can be generated.
Described herein is a new method for operating a hemming head of the type comprising a hemming roller (101) and a second, opposed, roller (102), which are rotatable about respective axes contained in one and the same plane. The method envisages variation of the position of the second roller that is opposed to the hemming roller as a function of a signal indicating the force exerted by said second roller on the metal sheet and/or as a function of a signal indicating the position of the head along the machining path.
B21D 39/02 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by platingTube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
A sensorized covering, prearranged for covering at least part of a movable structure of an automated device. The sensorized covering is useful for sensing an actual impact or anticipating an imminent impact to the automated device. The sensorized covering includes one or more covering modules wherein each covering module may include contact sensors and/or proximity sensors, a loading bearing structure and/or controls. The individual sensorized modules may be independently connected or controlled, or connected together and collectively controlled. Examples of the automated device my include a movable robots or an automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
G01L 1/18 - Measuring force or stress, in general using properties of piezo-resistive materials, i.e. materials of which the ohmic resistance varies according to changes in magnitude or direction of force applied to the material
B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
G01B 7/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
A production line including a chain conveyor for moving part transporting pallets through an electronically controlled workstation. The workstation includes an implement for use by a workstation user which is freely movable along the transport direction of the pallets within the workstation. The workstation may further include a plurality of automated drawers containing components for manual assembly operations in the workstation. The chain conveyor includes front hook and rear hook units to engage the pallet for movement along the production line. When the pallet is prevented from further movement by an obstacle, the chain rear hook moves from a pallet engaged position to a position whereby an optical beam is interrupted. On interruption of the optical beam, a command signal is generated which causes the conveyor to stop.
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
B23P 19/00 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
B65G 19/02 - Conveyors comprising an impeller or a series of impellers carried by an endless traction element and arranged to move articles or materials over a supporting surface or underlying material, e.g. endless scraper conveyors for articles, e.g. for containers
B65G 43/00 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
76.
System for monitoring and controlling an industrial plant
A system and method for monitoring and controlling an industrial plant having a plurality of assembly/processing stations (ST) divided into separate control areas (A), each control area having an electronic control and processing unit (PLC). A portable computer (TAB) selectively serves as the industrial plant global monitoring device and the human machine interface (HMI) for the processing stations through one or more applications or programs.
The portable computer is selectively placed in communication with selective of the electronic control and processing units for selected global monitoring of the industrial plant operations, local monitoring of at least one of the assembly/processing stations and/or control of at the assembly/processing stations through sending of signals to the electronic control and processing unit(s).
In one example, identification devices (DK) or network access points (AP) are used in each control area to detect the presence of the portable computer in or near a given control area to establish communication between the portable computer and the electronic control and processing unit(s).
A laser source for use in providing a laser beam for industrial operations in an industrial plant. The laser source selectively providing a first laser beam at a first outlet having relatively high power and lower beam quality and a second laser beam at a second outlet having relatively lower power and higher beam quality. The laser source including an optical path selector device for selectively transmitting a first laser beam along a first or second optical line toward respective first and second outlets. The second optical path having an optical amplification unit for changing the first laser to the second laser. An industrial plant including at least a first laser source selectively controls the first laser source to provide the first and the second lasers to predetermined laser processing stations. A second laser source may be used and controlled to provide a first or second laser to an alternate laser processing station on a failure of another laser source.
H01S 3/23 - Arrangement of two or more lasers not provided for in groups , e.g. tandem arrangement of separate active media
H01S 3/08 - Construction or shape of optical resonators or components thereof
H01S 3/086 - One or more reflectors having variable properties or positions for initial adjustment of the resonator
H01S 3/0941 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light of a semiconductor laser, e.g. of a laser diode
H01S 3/00 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range
78.
Portable safety terminal, in particular for industrial machines
A laser source comprising a laser beam generating unit (2), including a plurality of laser diodes (201, 202) for generating laser beams with different wavelengths, The laser beams emitted by said diodes (201, 202) are received at the inlets (40) of an optical switching and addressing unit (4). This unit (4) has an optical selector device (43) having two operating positions. In a first position, the laser beams emitted by said diodes (201, 202) reach the inlets of an optical amplification unit (6), including a plurality of amplifier modules (60) configured to emit laser beams with a higher beam quality and a lower power value than the laser beams emitted by said diodes (201, 202). The outlets of the amplifier modules (60) converge towards an outlet (U2) of the laser source. In the second position of the optical switching and addressing unit (4), the laser beams emitted by said diodes (201, 202) are made to converge with each other into a single laser beam, in a condition that is at least partially overlapping, for the emission of a laser beam with relatively higher power and relatively lower quality at a further outlet (U1) of said laser source (1).
H01S 3/23 - Arrangement of two or more lasers not provided for in groups , e.g. tandem arrangement of separate active media
G02B 27/14 - Beam splitting or combining systems operating by reflection only
H01S 3/0941 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light of a semiconductor laser, e.g. of a laser diode
Described herein is a process for gluing two components on a vehicle-body assembly line, comprising the steps of: providing a first component and a second component; - applying a layer of glue on said first component and/or on said second component; - measuring the temperature of the first component and/or of the second component; thermally conditioning the first component and/or the second component and/or the glue applied on the first component or on the second component via heat-conditioning means controlled on the basis of the temperature measured; and coupling together said first and second components, with said layer of glue set in between.
C09J 5/06 - Adhesive processes in generalAdhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving heating of the applied adhesive
83.
SYSTEM AND CORRESPONDING PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING TOGETHER TWO COMPONENTS ON A VEHICLE-BODY ASSEMBLING LINE
Described herein is a process for gluing two components on a vehicle-body assembly line, comprising the steps of: providing a first component and a second component; - applying a layer of glue on said first component and/or on said second component; - measuring the temperature of the first component and/or of the second component; thermally conditioning the first component and/or the second component and/or the glue applied on the first component or on the second component via heat-conditioning means controlled on the basis of the temperature measured; and coupling together said first and second components, with said layer of glue set in between.
C09J 5/06 - Adhesive processes in generalAdhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving heating of the applied adhesive
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Educational services, namely, conducting classes, seminars, non-downloadable webinars, workshops and conferences all in the field of robot operation [ Industrial robots ] Robots with artificial intelligence for personal or hobby use; robots with artificial intelligence, namely, teaching robots; computer software for operating robots; downloadable software for connecting, operating, and managing networked robots in the internet of things (IoT); downloadable open source software for connecting, operating, and managing networked robots in the internet of things (IoT); electronic components specially adapted for robots, namely, integrated secure digital (SD) memory cards, external computer hard drives featuring software for electronic control of DC motors with torque-speed, electronic closed loop controls for motors, and electronic circuit boards
85.
PORTABLE SAFETY CONTROL DEVICE FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINES, IN PARTICULAR ROBOTS
A portable safety control device for an industrial machine (1) comprises: a control circuit (100) connectable in signal communication with the control unit of an industrial machine; at least one first control member (14) and one second control member (15), connected in signal communication with the control circuit (100), the control members (14, 15) being manually operable to cause transmission of respective safety information (B) to the control unit (4) of the industrial machine (1); an interface arrangement (101), for connecting in signal communication the control circuit (100) to a portable electronic apparatus (50). The safety control device (10) has a body (11) having a gripping portion (12), to which the first and second control members (14, 15) are associated and which is designed to be gripped by the hand of an operator, and a supporting portion (13) pre-arranged for supporting the portable electronic apparatus (50) in a removable way. The body (11) of the safety control device (10) is shaped in such a way that the back of the supporting portion (13) is designed to rest on the forearm of the operator when the gripping portion (12) is gripped by the corresponding hand of the operator. The first and second control members (14, 15) are both positioned at a first longitudinal face (12a) of the gripping portion (12), at least one of the control members (14) being positioned so as to be within the reach of the hand that grips the gripping portion (12). The supporting portion (13) has a substantially two-dimensional configuration and extends laterally from a second longitudinal face (12b) of the gripping portion (12) that is generally opposite to the aforesaid first longitudinal face (12a) in such a way that a front of the supporting portion (13) defines a resting surface (13a) for the back of the portable electronic apparatus (50). The supporting portion (13) has associated thereto one or more elements of constraint (17), for locally securing thereon the portable electronic apparatus (50).
G05B 19/409 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panelNumerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters
86.
Pallet for conveying pieces or components in assembly lines
A pallet for conveying pieces or components in assembly lines. The pallet includes a base structure, a rotatable platform above the base structure, a pair of vertical uprights, a pair of vertical columns respectively supported within said vertical uprights and an arch-shaped cross-member selectively engageable with the vertical columns. The arch cross-member selectively connected to an assembly component whereby the component may selectively be positioned at different heights and angular orientations to the platform and base for ease of access to the component by a user.
B65D 19/44 - Elements or devices for locating articles on platforms
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
87.
APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIVETS ON A PIECE COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR CHECKING AND CORRECTING THE POSITION OF A RIVETING OPERATING DEVICE WITH RESPECT TO SAID PIECE
The position of an operating device (2) with respect to a piece (P) is checked and corrected by associating to the operating device (2) a measuring device (5) carrying a plurality of sensors (505) located at given positions with respect to the operating device (2), the sensors (505) being adapted to measure, by means of a contactless technology, the distances of the sensors themselves from a surface (π) of the piece (P) along respective directions (l, r, s) having given orientations. The measurement values detected by said contactless sensors (505) are processed to obtain the value of at least one angle indicating the orientation of a main operative axis (X1) of the operating device (2) with respect to an operation axis (X2) defined by said surface (π) of the piece (P). The information obtained by means of said processing step is used for generating, if necessary, a signal for controlling said positioning apparatus (1) in order to position said operating device (2) according to a desired orientation with respect to the piece (P).
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
B23Q 15/22 - Control or regulation of position of tool or workpiece
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
B21J 15/28 - Control devices specially adapted to riveting machines not restricted to one of the preceding subgroups
88.
Industrial robot and a method for controlling an industrial robot
An industrial robot and control system including a high degree of cooperation between a human operator and the robot for increased safety. In an automatic operation mode, at least a first detection device detects the presence of a foreign body in the robot working area and the control system places the robot in a safe automatic operating mode. A second and third detection devices may be employed to detect possible impacts with the robot.
System for monitoring and controlling an industrial plant (1) comprising a plurality of processing stations (ST), grouped into a plurality of control areas (A). The system comprises: a plurality of PLCs, wherein associated to each area (A) is at least one PLC for monitoring and/or control of the stations (ST) that belong to the respective control area (A); a communication network (LAN) that connects the PLCs together; and at least one human-machine-interface unit comprising a portable computer (TAB) and configured for monitoring and/or controlling the stations (ST). The system comprises means (AP, SRV) configured for enabling access of the portable computer (TAB) to the communication network (LAN) and a plurality of identification devices (DK), wherein associated to each control area (A) is a respective identification device (DK) for detecting the presence of the portable computer (TAB) in a given control area (A). In this way, the system can be configured for executing a control command generated via the portable computer (TAB) and addressed to a given station (ST) only if the portable computer (TAB) and the station (ST) are located in the same control area (A).
A laser source comprising a laser beam generating unit (2), including one or more diode laser sources (20), for generating a first laser beam and an optical amplification unit (6), including at least one amplificator module (60) adapted to be pumped with laser light derived from said first laser beam emitted by said generating unit (2) and to emit a second laser beam at its output having a higher beam quality and a lower power value with respect to said first laser beam coming from said generating unit (2). Between said generating unit (2) and said optical amplification unit (6) there is interposed a laser beam shifting and addressing optical unit (4) which includes an optical path selector device (43), adapted to direct said first laser beam coming from said generating unit (2) selectively towards a first optical line (44), for emission of a laser beam having a relatively higher power value and a relatively lower quality at a first outlet (U1 ) of said laser source (1 ) or towards a second optical line (45), for generating the emission of the laser beam having a relatively lower power value and a relatively higher quality at a second outlet (U2) of said laser source (1 ).
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an An articulated robot wrist. One embodiment comprises a includes a first body, a second body and a third body. The first body comprising includes first and second ends, the first end being for mounting on a robot component which is rotatable around a first axis; a. The second body comprising includes first and second ends, the first end being rotatably mounted on said the second end of said the first body around a second axis inclined angled with respect to said the first axis; and a. The third body comprising includes a first and a second end, the first end being rotatably mounted on said the second end of said the second body around a third axis inclined angled with respect to said the second axis. The first and third axes form an angle substantially of 90° with respect to said the second axis, and wherein in. In at least one position of said the robot wrist said the first and third axes are substantially aligned with each other.
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
92.
Trolley for conveying containers for pieces or components in an industrial plant
A selectively extendable length trolley for supporting and conveying various sized and configured containers for pieces or components in an industrial plant. The trolley includes an adjustable length trolley structure, front and rear adjustable frames and locating supports for the containers that include side supports adjustable in position in a transverse direction, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L). A steering control unit (2) of the trolley (1) is articulated to the front frame (32) and operates in such a way that the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit are made to oscillate in opposite directions to keep the wheels aligned with the curved path to be followed. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear adjustable frames are T-shaped providing an open or free space at the two sides of the central structure of the trolley.
B62D 13/04 - Steering specially adapted for trailers for individually-pivoted wheels
B62B 3/02 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable, or convertible
B62B 3/00 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor
B62B 3/10 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
A roller hemming head (10) comprises an upper head portion (20) having a flange (22) for connection to the wrist (14) of a robot (R) or other supporting movable equipment. The head (10) further comprises a lower head portion (24) carrying one or more hemming rollers (26, 27). The hemming rollers are freely rotatably mounted on a roller-carrying unit (40) which is connected to the lower portion (24) of the head with the interposition of a quick-connection device (50) which rigidly and removably connects the roller-carrying unit (40) to the head lower portion (24). The quick-connection device (50) comprises spring means (54) tending to hold the device in a connection condition, and an actuating member (52) adapted to be moved against the action of the spring means (54), for releasing the connection. The actuating member (52) is adapted to be operated by an engagement member (60) provided at a fixed station (S) adjacent to the robot (R) or adjacent to a movable equipment supporting the head. The engagement member is adapted to be received within a cooperating seat of the head. Therefore, the quick-connection device of the hemming head enables quick replacement of the entire structure of the roller-carrying unit (40) and does not require the provision on the robot (R) or the movable equipment supporting the head of cables and/or supply hoses for controlling the quick-connection device (50).
B21D 39/02 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by platingTube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
B23Q 1/00 - Members which are comprised in the general build-up of a form of machine, particularly relatively large fixed members
94.
Tool head, with wireless monitoring system, for performing industrial operations
A system for performing industrial operations comprises at least one tool head provided with a tool and at least one sensor associated to the tool head. The system further comprises a control module mounted on the tool head including a data-acquisition unit connected to the sensor configured for acquiring the data coming from said at least one sensor, and a wireless transmission unit connected to the acquisition unit for receiving the aforesaid acquired data and for transmitting the data acquired to a receiving unit in a wireless mode. The module further comprises a device for storing electrical energy for electrical supply of the control module. The system further comprises a wireless charging system for charging the device for storing electrical energy comprising a first charging device carried by the tool head and connected to the energy-storage device and a second charging device associated to a stationary workstation.
B21D 3/02 - Straightening or restoring form of metal rods, metal tubes, metal profiles, or specific articles made therefrom, whether or not in combination with sheet metal parts by rollers
B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
B23K 37/02 - Carriages for supporting the welding or cutting element
B21D 39/02 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by platingTube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
95.
TROLLEY FOR CONVEYING CONTAINERS FOR PIECES OR COMPONENTS IN AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT
A trolley for conveying containers for pieces or components in an industrial plant comprises a trolley structure (3) adjustable in length in the longitudinal direction (L) of the trolley and locating supports for the container (C) that include side supports(AL) adjustable in position in a transverse direction (T), orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L). In this way, the trolley (1) can be adapted to containers for pieces (C) having dimensions and/or configurations different both with reference to the longitudinal direction (L) and with reference to the transverse direction (T). The trolley structure (3) comprises a central structure (30) and a front frame (32) and a rear frame (31), which are slidably mounted towards and away from each other on said central structure (30), in said longitudinal direction (L), and can be blocked selectively in different positions, in which they are at different distances from one another so as to define different lengths of the trolley (1). The lateral locating supports (AL) are slidably mounted on the front and rear frames (32, 31) in the transverse direction (T) and can be blocked in a plurality of different adjustment positions. The wheel units (WL, WR) of the trolley are carried pivotally by the front and rear frames (32, 31) at the two sides of the median plane (m) of the trolley. The steering control unit (2) of the trolley (1) is articulated to the front frame (32) and is connected by a tie-rod or chain or belt transmission to at least one front wheel unit (WL) and to at least one rear wheel unit, which are arranged on one side or on opposite sides of the trolley, in such a way that the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit are made to oscillate in opposite directions to keep the wheels aligned with the curved path to be followed. In the preferred embodiment the adjustable frames (32, 31) have in plan view a T-shaped configuration, to leave a free space at the two sides of the central structure (30) of the trolley.
B62B 3/00 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor
B62B 3/10 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
B62B 3/02 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable, or convertible
said system being characterized in that, in order to carry out said exchange of said first and second containers, said turret is configured for lifting said first and second containers so as to release them and pick them up from said stations.
B23Q 7/02 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of drums or rotating tables or discs
B23Q 7/14 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting co-ordinated in production lines
B23Q 1/66 - Work-tables interchangeably movable into operating positions
In an accumulation pallet conveyor (1) with an upper horizontal conveying run(1A) and a lower horizontal return run(1B) the pallets are carried by respective pallet-carrying members (P1) drawn by an endless chain (2). Each pallet-carrying member (P1) has at least one sprocket wheel(3) that engages without turning the chain (2) along the horizontal runs of the conveyor for drawing the respective pallet-carrying member (P1) together with the chain. In the case where a pallet-carrying member is stopped in position along a horizontal run of the conveyor (1) the aforesaid sprocket wheel carried by the pallet-carrying member (P1) starts to turn, enabling movement of the chain with respect to the pallet-carrying member (P1). In the curved stretches of the chain, at each end of the conveyor, the movement of the pallet-carrying member (P1) is caused by an engagement finger (F) that engages the chain and couples therewith only in said curved stretches of the chain. The engagement finger (F) is biassed against the chain by spring means (7) in such a way that in the case where the pallet-carrying member (P1) is stopped in position along the curved stretch of the chain, the chain can continue to move, causing a movement with multiple consecutive jumps of the engagement finger (F).
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
98.
Industrial robot having electronic drive devices distributed on the robot structure
In an industrial robot, the electronic drive devices for the electrical supply and control of electric motors of the robot are distributed on the robot structure, each being adjacent to the respective electric motor. The electronic drive devices are connected in series to each other and to a central processing unit. In this series connection an Ethernet line is included for communication of the electronic drive devices with the central processing unit. Thanks to this series connection, the robot harness is dramatically simplified and the operations for its replacement are consequently easier and faster. The structure of the connectors between the robot and the control unit is also greatly simplified.
An electric spot welding head for a multi-axis industrial robot that has a compact configuration, particularly in a longitudinal direction that goes from the end of the head for the attachment to the robot wrist towards the welding electrodes. This result is achieved primarily by the fact that the electrical transformer mounted on the head has its output connected to the electrode-holding arms arranged, respectively, on a front wall of the body of the transformer and on an end wall of the body of the transformer, for the connection to the electrode-holding arms of the head. The structure of the welding head is completely covered by a casing having a rear opening for connection to the robot wrist and a front opening from which the electrode arms of the welding head protrude.
An industrial robot comprising a robot chain of elements (12, 13, 14, 16, 18), mutually articulated between themselves and ending with a robot wrist (20) bearing a tool (100). Through the robot chain of elements and through the robot wrist (20) a continuous internal passage is defined, in which one or more cables and/or pipes for the power supply and/or the fluid supply to the tool (100) are received. The cables and pipes continue without interruption in a passage (Fl) through the flange of the robot up to respective connections of said tool, whereby the cables and pipes are arranged completely inside the robot and inside the tool, without the need to provide separate cables and pipes of the tool connected to the cables and the pipes of the robot at the flange of the robot. In the case that the tool is an electric spot welding head it is arranged with an electrical transformer having its output poles (118, 119) arranged respectively on a front wall of the body of the transformer and on an end wall of the body of the transformer, for connection to the electrode-holding arms (103, 104) of the head. In this way the size of the head in the longitudinal direction which goes from the flange of the robot towards the electrodes results in being more compact. The structure of the welding head is completely covered by a casing (105) having a rear opening for connection to the robot wrist and a front opening from which the electrode -holding arms (103, 104) of the welding head protrude.
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
