Patent · US Expired

Simplified and enhanced SCARA arm

US6494666B2 · kind B2 · utility

26Cited by
13References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 26, 2001
Grant dateDec 17, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 10, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L21/67739
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A three DOF SCARA arm, adapted for transporting semiconductor wafers, includes an end-effector assembly at a distal joint of the arm. In one configuration, the end-effector turns a workpiece over. The arm includes a support column having an open column assembly that projects above a base. Within the assembly, a Z-axis drive energizes extension and retraction of a hollow tube carried by the support column. A shaft, rotatable about the Z-axis and having a distal end furthest from the support column's base, receives an arm assembly. An arm-assembly rotary-drive energizes the shaft's rotation. An arm base-plate, secured to the shaft's distal end, supports the arm assembly therefrom. The arm base-plate carries a wrist joint that is displaced from the Z-axis, and receives the end-effector whose rotation about a wrist-joint axis is energized by an end-effector rotary-drive.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.