Abstract: An apparatus for gripping an object includes a base element and at least three gripping arms which are mounted on the base element. The at least three gripping arms are each movable independently of one another relative to the base element and the object can be picked up by the at least three gripping arms. The at least three gripping arms each have a hook-shaped gripping tool.

Abstract: A component assembly consists of a first, largely dimensionally stable component having at least two latching protrusions, which are largely diametrically opposed to each other and by which a second, flexible component can be positioned. The second component has cutouts corresponding to the latching protrusions. In an assembled end position, the latching protrusions are positionally fixed in the cutouts. At least one latching protrusion transitions, at the front and at the rear with respect to a positioning direction, into the first component at a largely right angle. Because of the design, very accurate positional fixing between the first component and the second component is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a first component to a second component by a ball which is fastened to the first component and which is fastenable in an opening of the second component includes a tool which includes two gripping elements and a retainer. The ball can be encompassed and pulled into the opening in a fastening direction by the two gripping elements. The second component is holdable in a position relative to the tool along the fastening direction by the retainer. The two gripping elements are movable relative to the retainer along the fastening direction to pull the ball into the opening until the first and second components are in contact with one another. The tool is movable in three dimensions by a robot.

Abstract: A device for gripping an object includes a base element and at least two gripping arms held on the base element. The at least two gripping arms are movable relative to one another and the base element into a configuration suitable for gripping and picking up the object. Preferably at least three gripping arms are provided, with each arm being able to move independently of one another relative to the base element, and a sensor such as a camera provides signals to electronics which can determine the position of the at least three gripping arms and control movement of the gripping arms into position to grip and pick up the object. A method for gripping and picking up an object using the gripping device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing or assembling a product which includes at least two components, for example a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle module, by at least two fixing parts. The first fixing part is formed as a female part and the second fixing part is formed as a male part. The components disposed at a processing station and the first fixing part are measured by a measuring device, for example by a stationary camera or a camera fastened on a first or a second manipulator or photogrammetry bar having three cameras, and a deviation from a target geometry or target position is determined, and a corrected target position of the second fixing part is calculated on the basis of the determined deviation, such that the second fixing part is joined together with the first fixing part by the first manipulator and the product is thus produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting at least one component includes a supporting device having a first and at least one second support element, which are mounted movably relative to each other, and a shape-defining device with a surface contour which fits, at least in some regions, a contour of a supporting section of the component. The supporting device can be placed against the shape-defining device, and, by contact of the at least two support elements with the surface contour of the shape-defining device, the first support element can be moved into a defined position relative to the at least second support element, in which position the at least two support elements reproduce the contour of the supporting section, at least in some regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting at least one component includes a supporting device having a first and at least one second support element, which are mounted movably relative to each other, and a shape-defining device with a surface contour which fits, at least in some regions, a contour of a supporting section of the component. The supporting device can be placed against the shape-defining device, and, by contact of the at least two support elements with the surface contour of the shape-defining device, the first support element can be moved into a defined position relative to the at least second support element, in which position the at least two support elements reproduce the contour of the supporting section, at least in some regions.

Abstract: A tool for laser beam processing is provided. The tool includes an upper tool and a lower tool, which are able to be advanced toward one another by way of a press, such that at least one component is able to be fixed in a predefined position between the upper tool and the lower tool. At least one laser beam exit surface, which is part of an inner surface of the upper tool or lower tool, and at least one laser beam guide, into which laser radiation is able to be coupled and is able to be directed through the laser beam exit surface onto a processing location on the component are provided. A control device, which enables and/or disables the coupling of laser radiation into the at least one laser beam guide depending on the advancing movement between upper tool and lower tool is provided. Furthermore, a laser beam processing apparatus and a method for laser beam processing are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing or assembling a product which includes at least two components, for example a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle module, by at least two fixing parts. The first fixing part is formed as a female part and the second fixing part is formed as a male part. The components disposed at a processing station and the first fixing part are measured by a measuring device, for example by a stationary camera or a camera fastened on a first or a second manipulator or photogrammetry bar having three cameras, and a deviation from a target geometry or target position is determined, and a corrected target position of the second fixing part is calculated on the basis of the determined deviation, such that the second fixing part is joined together with the first fixing part by the first manipulator and the product is thus produced.

Abstract: A fastening claw has an annular section with a radial inner side, from which at least two flexible, tongue-type elements project inwards and obliquely upwards towards an upper side of the fastening claw. The tongue-type elements have free ends which define a central, open region of the fastening claw, into which region a securing element can be introduced from the underside of the fastening claw and can be clamped between the free ends of the tongue-type elements.

Abstract: A tool for laser beam processing is provided. The tool includes an upper tool and a lower tool, which are able to be advanced toward one another by way of a press, such that at least one component is able to be fixed in a predefined position between the upper tool and the lower tool. At least one laser beam exit surface, which is part of an inner surface of the upper tool or lower tool, and at least one laser beam guide, into which laser radiation is able to be coupled and is able to be directed through the laser beam exit surface onto a processing location on the component are provided. A control device, which enables and/or disables the coupling of laser radiation into the at least one laser beam guide depending on the advancing movement between upper tool and lower tool is provided. Furthermore, a laser beam processing apparatus and a method for laser beam processing are also provided.

Abstract: A component connection has a first component, a male fixing element which is formed by at least one sphere and which is connected to the first component at a connecting point of the first component and which projects from the first component, and a clip element, which is clipped onto the male fixing element in such a way that the clip element bears obliquely from below on the outside of the at least one sphere in a region between an upwardly pointing top of the first component and an equatorial plane of the at least one sphere. The connecting point at which the male fixing element is connected to the first component is an elevation, in particular an outward pressing, or a depression, in particular an inward pressing, of the first component.

Abstract: A method for fastening components, in particular sheet metal parts in vehicle body manufacturing, has the following steps: providing a first component having at least one receiving opening in a planar region of the first component, a plurality of clamping portions extending from the edge of the receiving opening in the direction of the center of the opening; providing a second component having at least one extension extending from a surface of the second component; and introducing the extension into the receiving opening, thereby bending the clamping portions.

Abstract: A fastening claw has an annular section with a radial inner side, from which at least two flexible, tongue-type elements project inwards and obliquely upwards towards an upper side of the fastening claw. The tongue-type elements have free ends which define a central, open region of the fastening claw, into which region a securing element can be introduced from the underside of the fastening claw and can be clamped between the free ends of the tongue-type elements.