Bearings, Gears And Linear Axes For Cobots

2023 Author : Hannah Pearcy | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-06-01 01:49

Lightweight robots (LBRs) and cobots are increasingly spreading in automation and manufacturing plants. A rapidly growing market that Schaeffler also wants to open up. The company therefore has a number of new developments in its portfolio that are specially designed for use in LBRs and cobots.

This includes the new XZU angular needle bearing. The double row bearing is used as an articulated arm bearing. Compared to the cross roller bearings previously used for these articulated arm bearings, the number of load-bearing rolling elements increases with the same size. Due to the X arrangement of the needles in two raceways, the XZU also has support spacings in addition to the larger number of load-bearing rolling elements, which increases the stiffness by at least 30% compared to crossed roller bearings, depending on the size. By guiding the rolling elements in cages and arranging them in two instead of one raceway, the angular needle bearing has a 20% reduced friction.

Picture gallery

Picture gallery with 8 pictures

According to Schaeffler, the customer benefits from greater accuracy in movement and less reverberation when approaching the end position. Overall, fewer control processes should be necessary and higher speeds should be possible.

The bearings can be used in articulated arms of LBRs and cobots, but are also used in the ready-to-install RTWH reduction gears, which Schaeffler has also developed for use in robot joints. The combination of gearbox and XZU is intended to ensure high rigidity with compact dimensions in use.

User meeting mechatronic drive technology

The focus of the user meeting mechatronic drive technology is on the mechanical components of gears, clutches and brakes as well as their design, dimensioning and interaction in the overall mechatronic system.

More info

Precision gear for robot joints

Schaeffler offers the ready-to-install reduction gear in the silk hat version. The functional principle of the wave gearbox gives high reduction ratios and therefore correspondingly high torques with a relatively light construction. According to Schaeffler, the gearbox is free of play, precise positioning, compact and has a long service life.

Depending on the size, the manufacturer offers reductions from 50 to 150. The resulting torques are transmitted safely and precisely thanks to the robust design and the combination of the gearbox and the stiff angular needle bearing XZU. The drive flange of the gear unit is designed as a hollow shaft so that there is space for supply lines.

Schaeffler is currently working on integrating sensors and complete, ready-to-install joint solutions.

Increase the range of cobots with linear modules

In addition to the complete gearbox solution, Schaeffler is showing another ready-to-install novelty in Hanover that users of LBRs and cobots will like: The plug-and-play linear modules extend the horizontal travel of an LBR or cobot by up to 18 m.

The compact, ready-to-install linear axis consists of a tandem module MDKUVE, a suitable adapter plate for the cobot, a motor gear unit, assembled motor cables, a drag chain for all supply lines of the cobot and the motor controller. The interfaces Profibus, Profinet or Ethercat are available for connection to the customer control. In addition to the Schaeffler solution, the customer can also use his own drive technology; the connection options are variable.

Linear technology dossier

Use linear technology in assembly and handling

The linear axis can be customized: different lengths are possible with a ball screw drive MDKUVE-KGT, a toothed belt drive MDKUVE-3ZR or with a linear motor as a drive element.

Up to 18 m long, multi-part linear axes can be realized with a toothed belt drive. Speeds of up to 5 m / s can be achieved. Schaeffler puts the repeatability at +/- 0.1 mm.

Linear technology

Lubricate profile rail guides automatically

Simple condition monitoring system for all systems

For maintenance engineers and plant operators, comprehensive and automated condition monitoring is becoming increasingly important. However, simple solutions are required that can be used without in-depth software and IT know-how. With Optime, Schaeffler promises an efficient and easy-to-use condition monitoring solution in the lower price segment. The system will be shown for the first time at the Hannover Messe 2020.

Optime consists of wireless, battery-operated vibration sensors, a gateway and an app for visualizing the analysis results. The data captured by the sensors are analyzed using specially developed algorithms. These are based on Schaeffler knowledge, the physical models that have been developed over decades and the condition monitoring experience from the rolling bearing service. With a lead time of several weeks, Optime should damage the respective components of, for example, electric motors, fans and pumps, as well as unbalance, incorrect alignment and stops. The app visualizes trends, the severity of incidents using traffic light colors, alarms and other information. Specific recommendations for action are intended to facilitate internal maintenance or service companies in the efficient planning of maintenance measures, personnel deployment and the procurement of spare parts.

Mechatronic drive technology

Optimal design of efficient drive system

The sensors are screwed or glued to the components and activated via near-field communication (NFC) via the app. They connect independently with each other and with the gateway to form an independent mesh network. In the network, the sensors transmit raw vibration and temperature data as well as KPIs via the gateway to the Schaeffler cloud. There the data analysis takes place and the results are sent to the app.

Optime complements the Schaeffler portfolio of condition monitoring systems (CMS) Smartcheck and Prolink. According to Schaeffler, maintenance staff do not need any knowledge in the field of vibration and condition monitoring for all three CMS.

#plus

Safety