Robot gripper and method for its manufacture

US8011708B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Föderung der Wissenschaften e.V. · US

Inventors

• Ralf Becker · Langen, DE
• Andrzej Grzesiak · Oberkochen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 1, 2006
• Grant date: Sep 6, 2011
• Expiry date: May 26, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y80/00
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a robot gripper having a fixing flange for detachably attaching it to a robot manipulator arm, and at least one actuator element which is supported in a frame, that actuates at least two gripper jaws indirectly or directly kinematically via at least one articulated unit. At least the fixing flange, the frame and the actuator element are manufactured integrally using a generative manufacturing method, and the actuator element is in the form of a bellows, enclosed an internal volume, which can be filled with a medium via at least one opening, and is capable of expanding, when filled with a medium, along a linear axis predetermined by the bellows design of the actuator element and of contracting, when the volume is emptied, in the opposite direction.