Patents by Inventor Ernst Zimmer

Ernst Zimmer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6477880
    Abstract: A flanging or hemming device (1) is provided with an external flanging unit (6) and/or an internal flanging unit (7) as well as a clamping device (3). The clamping device (3) has one or more leading pressing and clamping elements (71) which are movable or deformable and can be adjusted in accordance with the place or time and/or force with which they act on the workpiece or work-pieces (9). The pressing and clamping elements (71) are notably elastically deformable. They can also comprise a spring (72) or be fluidically pre-stressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6223581
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hemming device 1 with a hemming head 6, which has one or more hemming tools 8, 9, divided into segments 12 through 16 in the case of a plurality of hemming tools, wherein the hemming tool or hemming tools is/are provided with a hemming edge 11 rotating in the operating position. The hemming device 1 also has a stroke drive for generating the hemming stroke and an adjusting device 22 for withdrawing and extending the segments 12 through 16, which has an adjusting drive 23, which moves all segments 12 through 16 simultaneously. The segments have adapted contact surfaces 17, which have a contact angle &agr; of 20° to 50°. The adjusting drive 23 is preferably designed as a crank mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissaniagen GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5624364
    Abstract: A tool change device for manipulators, which have a rotary connection for fluidic supply lines of the tool. The rotary connection comprises a fixed part and a rotary part, whose contact plane is directed at right angles to the power take-off axis of rotation of the manipulator. The rotary and fixed parts have ring channels, which are arranged in concentric circles around the power take-off axis of rotation and open into cross channels. The rotary and fixed parts are flatly in contact with one another and are held together in the housing of the manipulator-side coupling part along the power take-off axis of rotation in an adjustable tensioning connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen & Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5437207
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multiaxial manipulator (1), in which the supply lines (9, 10) for the tool (7) and for the manipulator drives (8) are led in separate bundles of lines and are connected separately. The supply lines (9, 10), led in from the outside, are connected to the relatively stationary base (2) of the manipulator (1), wherein at least the supply lines (10) for the tool (7) are then led inside the base (2) to the moving carousel (3). The supply lines (10) again exit to the outside at the carousel (3) and are then led along the moving manipulator parts (4, 5, 6) to the tool (7). The supply lines (9) for the manipulator drives (8) can also be led in a similar manner on the inside through the base (2) and then on the outside, along the manipulator parts (4, 5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlegen & Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5400944
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a processing station (1) for workpieces, especially vehicle bodies (2), in a transfer line (3). Changeable clamping frames (5, 6) are kept ready in magazines (7, 8), and the magazines (7, 8) are arranged on both sides in front of and/or behind the work station (29) in relation to the direction of the transfer line (3). At least one processing device (4) is arranged at the work station (29) on the side of the transfer line (3). The magazines (7, 8) are preferably designed as rotatable and upright drum magazines and are connected in pairs by a common transport device (10). The old clamping frame (5) can thus be moved from the work station (29) into one magazine (7, 8) and a new clamping frame (6) can at the same time be brought to the work station (29) by one movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlgen + Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Zimmer, Johann Maischberger, Thomas Sturm, Heinz Meyer
  • Patent number: 5375896
    Abstract: Proposed is a bucket mechanism, particularly a ship unloader, which includes at least one rotating traction member with receiving elements fastened thereto. The receiving elements are formed of a stiff supporting member, with an elastically yielding material receiving region disposed therebelow which is preferably composed of an elastically deformable supporting frame of steel leaf springs and a rubber bucket inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: PWH Anlagen & Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5305652
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multiaxial industrial robot (1), including of a mount (2), a rotatable and swingable rocker (3), a swingable extension arm (6) and a multi-member rotatable and swingable robot hand (8), whose members are driven by motors (10, 11, 12) arranged on extension arm (6). Extension arm (6) is mounted (27) on one side on a one-arm formed rocker (4), whereby at least two motors (10, 11, 12) are arranged next to each other on the extension arm in the direction of extension of its swinging axis (7). With a triangular arrangement, motors (10, 11, 12) are arranged with their motor axes (13) in an isosceles triangle, whose base is oriented to bearing (27) of extension arm (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen + Robotor GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4944445
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for automatically joining and matching assemblies consisting of several components each and retained on a workpiece carrier (4) in a transfer line with retoolable machining stations (3). In the machining station (3), the assembly components are first taken off the workpiece carrier, brought into the joining position relative to each other, retained there and machined, in particular tacked or finish-welded. To carry out these various activities and to make the machining station highly flexible, the latter has several tool carriers (22, 23) which can move in at least three axes. The tool carriers (22, 23) are each disposed in a parallel plane above or below the workpiece carrier (4) so they can travel freely. The tool carriers (22, 23) support individual tools which they can change automatically at stationary or movable tool magazines (31, 33, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen & Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4935597
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for seeking and following a hollow weld during a shielded arc welding, especially welding with carbon dioxide gas. The welding torch is moved by a path-controlled manipulator, whereby prior to the welding the positional coordinates of one or more weld reference point of the hollow weld are found by mechanical contour probing and the actual position of the hollow weld found therefrom is saved in the path control. The lengthwise guidance is then done only through the appropriately corrected path control, only the height of the welding torch above the toe of the weld being adjusted in dependence on the welding current. The mechanical contour probing is done by contact sensing of the sides of the weld adjacent to the weld reference point, and the coordinates of the weld root point are computed from these data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen & Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4893398
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatically joining and machining assemblies consisting of several components each and retained on a work-piece carrier (4) in a transfer line with retoolable machining stations (3). In the machining station (3), the assembly components are first taken off the workpiece carrier, brought into the joining position relative to each other, retained there and machined, in particular tacked or finish-welded. To carry out these various activities and to make the machining station highly flexible, the latter has several tool carriers (22, 23) which can move in at least three axes. The tool carriers (22, 23) are each disposed in a parallel plane above or below the workpiece carrier (4) so they can travel freely. The tool carriers (22, 23) support individual tools which they can change automatically at stationary or movable tool magazines (31, 33, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Kuka GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4771652
    Abstract: A head assembly for a manipulator has a rear segment rotatable about an inner axis fixed relative to the manipulator and extending through the rear segment, an intermediate segment supported on the rear segment for rotation about an intermediate axis defined by the rear segment and intersecting the inner axis at an acute intermediate angle open away from the rear segment, and a front segment having a holder adapted to carry a tool and suppported on the intermediate segment for rotation about an outer axis fixed relative to the intermediate segment, extending through the front segment, and intersecting the intermediate axis at an acute outer angle open away from the intermediate segment. A drive rotates the intermediate and outer segments on the inner and intermediate segments about the respective intermediate and outer axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen+Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4757180
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device for welding wire feed for welding equipment, in particular arc sheild-gas welding tools on manipulators. The welding wire is transported from a magazine or reel with the aid of two separate drives. The main drive determines the feed and it is mounted near the application welding die, while the auxiliary is arranged spaced therebehind. The motor of the main drive is controlled to a constant speed corresponding to the selected feed, while the auxiliary drive acts on the welding wire with slip. The motor of the auxiliary drive is also controlled to a constant speed, the speed adjustment of the drives being, however, control-technologically connected for maintenance of a certain difference of the transport speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Kuka Schweibanlagen + Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Kainz, Karel Mazac, Helmut Obermeier, Peter Rippl, Josef Stadler, Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4741218
    Abstract: An a manipulator having a pair of main elements pivoted together at a main axis has a drive having a motor mounted on one of the elements and having a motor output, and first, second, and third stepdown transmissions connecting this output with continuous-mesh force transmission to the other element. The first stepdown transmission has an input wheel connected to the motor output, an output wheel, and a toothed belt interconnecting the input and output wheels. The second stepdown transmission has a rotary input element connected to the output wheel, and a rotary output element noncoaxially associated with the input element and connected thereto. The third stepdown transmission has an output gear connected to the other element centered on the main axis, and an input gear rotatable about a gear axis offset from the main axis and having two axially separate halves relatively rotatable about the gear axis and both meshing with the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen + Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4736645
    Abstract: The invention is a further development of the gear-head unit for a manipulator described in German Open Patent Application No. 34 28 748. In order to increase the radius of action and range of applicability of the gear-head unit a structural arrangement with three concentric drive axes and four allowed rotational motions of front, intermediate and rear segments of the manipulator is set forth. These front, intermediate and rear segments are pivotally mounted together about first and second inclined pivot axes which are inclined to each other and to the main drive shaft axis. Along these inclined pivot axes two hollow drive shafts connected with each other extend which are supported by reduction gears in the front and/or intermediate segments. Because of that simultaneous opposing rotational motions of the intermediate and rear segments can be obtained from a single drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Kuka-Schweissanlagen+Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4733576
    Abstract: A multi-axial industrial robot having a compact modular design for the drive system, which can be varied in numerous ways. The robot consists of a column or stand (1), with a rocker arm (7) swingably supported thereon and an outrigger (9) swingably supported on the rocker arm. The modular construction system is achieved by locating in the rocker arm (7) the oscillatory drive (26) for the outrigger (9), as well as the oscillatory drive (16) for the arm itself. Preferably, in the rocker arm are housed the complete drives (16, 26) with only the off-drive members (21, 31) protruding outwardly. Off-drive members (21, 31) are centered and connected non-rotatably with the stand (1) and the outrigger (9). As a result, the rocker arm (7) rotates about the fixed off-drive member (21) with respect to the housing. Drives (16, 26) consist each of a motor (11, 13) and a two-step timing-belt drive (17, 20 and 27, 30), whose second step can be a gear transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignees: Kuka Schweissanlagen, Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Zimmer, Karl L. Binder
  • Patent number: 4710093
    Abstract: The invention concerns a manipulator (1) which is able to automatically receive the tool holder (7), to clamp it and to set it down again, in order thus to make possible a rapid changing of different tools. For this purpose, the last drive element (6) of the manipulator (1) as well as the tool holder (7) are provided with coupling parts (8,9) and with cooperating screw systems (16,17). The manipulator-side screw system (17) is mounted via an operating element (11) for rotation at a second operating element (10) which forms a rotation barrier (13) with the tool holder (7) as the coupling parts (8,9) come together. The screwing process is actuated by rotation of the last drive member (6). The two operating elements (10,11) are furthermore non-rotationally connected through a fixing mechanism (20). This rotation lock is abolished as soon as the rotation barrier (13) between the operating part (10) and the tool holder (7) becomes effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: KUKA Schweissanlagen & Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Zimmer, Botho Kikut
  • Patent number: 4706510
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a guidance system (9, 14) for two machine parts (1, 2) which are movable relative to each other and are interconnected through this guidance system. To protect this guide track (9) disposed on the first machine part (1) from the track dust, grease, oil and the like, it is disposed in an almost completely closed guide channel. This guide channel is accessible only from the top through a slot engaged by guide elements (14) of the other machine part (2). The slot is covered on the one hand by the housing of machine part (2), and in the area outside of this housing it is closed by a belt (4). The guide track (9) is thus closed to the outside in any position of the machine part (2). If a toothed belt drive (3) is used, the toothed belt (4) acts as driving and covering element at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen & Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4704913
    Abstract: A rack-type drive for displacing a movable part longitudinally and horizontally relative to a stationary part has a longitudinally extending rack fixed on one of the parts which is formed above the rack with a longitudinal slot through which the rack is exposed upward and the other part is above the one part. A drive shaft rotatable about a horizontal and transverse upper axis on the other part is provided with a drive gear operatively engaged down through the slot with the rack. A pair of outer idler rollers generally below and longitudinally flanking the drive gear are rotatable about respective horizontal and transverse lower axes and a pair of inner idler rollers rotatable about the transverse axis on the drive shaft coaxially flank the drive gear and have outer peripheries lying relative to the axis radially outside the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen+ Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4705243
    Abstract: To supply the implement, mostly a welding tool, of a manipulator (1), with energy, the invention, instead of running the supply lines in the known manner from a fixed point in a large, freely suspended loop directly to the tool, provides an external suspension of a line bundle (10) along the constructional assemblies of the manipulator. In accordance with the invention, this line bundle (10) is held in place and guided in tubular casings (13) which are disposed at the individual assemblies (3-5) of the manipulator (1), with inserts (19) being provided in these casings (13) for receiving and holding lines of unequal size (parallel with each other) which are adapted to the various functions of the manipulator and can quickly be exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignees: KUKA Schweissanlangen, Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Hartmann, Kurt Wiedemann, Ernst Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4662815
    Abstract: A head assembly for a manipulator has an inner part, an intermediate part, and an outer part adapted to hold a tool. The inner part can rotate on the manipulator about an inner axis defined thereby whereas the intermediate part rotates on the inner part about an intermediate axis defined by the inner part and intersecting the inner axis at an acute intermediate angle open away from the inner part. The outer part rotates on the intermediate part about an outer axis defined by the intermediate part and intersection the intermediate axis at a point offset from the inner axis and at an acute outer angle open away from the intermediate part. In no position of head assembly can any of the pivot axes--inner, intermediate, or outer--be coaxial with any of the other pivot axes. The intermediate pivot and drive includes a shaft extending along the inner axis from the inner part. In addition there is another shaft extending along the intermediate axis in the intermediate part and gears rotationally couple the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen+Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Zimmer