Detachable Adapter and Detachment Method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manually or automatically separating a separable adapter, which adapter has a first part and a second part detachably connected to the first part. The present invention also relates to a separable adapter for adapting a tool to an industrial robot, which adapter has a first part and a second part detachably connected to the first part. The adapter is designed with at least two locking members, which engage the first part or the second part from the rear in a spring-loaded manner and are supported in a displaceable or pivotable manner in the second part or the first part not engaged from the rear. In order to separate the first part and the second part of the adapter from each other, all the locking members are simultaneously loaded relative to the first part and the second part or relative to each other by an external force applied as pressure. By means of the present invention, a separable adapter that can be manipulated both manually and automatically has been developed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manually or automatically separating a separable adapter, which has a first part and a second part detachably connected to the first part, and a separable adapter for adapting a tool to an industrial robot, which has a first part and a second part detachably connected to the first part, wherein at least one spring-loaded locking member is movably or pivotally supported in the second part, and the locking member contacts at least the first part. Background Art

[0002] A manually operable adapter is known from DK 201800149 Al. The adapter is supported in a pivotable manner on one side. Its operating element is fixed by means of a clamping connection during the pivoting closing process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to develop a separable adapter that can be manually and automatically operated.

[0004] This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. For this purpose, the adapter is designed to have at least two locking members that engage the first part or the second part from the rear in a spring-loaded manner, and these locking members are movably or pivotally supported in the second part or the first part that is not engaged from the rear respectively. Each locking member surrounds a guide element, which is arranged in the part supporting the locking member and engages in a form-fitting manner into a guide element receiving portion, which is arranged in the part not supporting the locking member. In order to separate the first part and the second part of the adapter from each other, all the locking members are simultaneously loaded by an external force applied as pressure relative to the first part and the second part or relative to each other. Each locking member is pushed or pivoted relative to the first part and the second part by this external force, and the load on at least the spring element of the locking member is also additionally increased. During this pushing or pivoting process of each locking member, the engagement of the locking member with the rear of the first part or the second part is released. The first part and the second part are separated from each other against the assembly direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the adapter, wherein the guide element and the guide element receiving portion are disengaged.

[0005] In the separable adapter, at least one spring-loaded second locking member is movably or pivotally supported in the first part or the second part. Each locking member engages the part not supporting the locking member from the rear. Each locking member respectively surrounds a guide element, which is arranged in the part supporting the locking member. In addition, each guide element respectively engages in a form-fitting manner into a guide element receiving portion, which is arranged in the part not supporting the locking member.

[0006] A separable adapter forms an interface between an industrial robot and, for example, a tool. Here, one part, for example a first part, is arranged on the robot side as a fixed part, and another part, for example a second part, is arranged on the tool side as a movable part. In order to separate the movable part from the fixed part, both locking members are loaded directly or indirectly against the spring force as a locking force by an external force. Now the movable part can be removed, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the adapter.

[0007] In order to connect the movable part to the fixed part, the locking member is moved against the spring force to the release position. The movable part and the fixed part are moved towards each other, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the adapter until they reach their operating positions. By removing the load on the locking member, the locking member is moved by one or more spring elements until it engages the fixed part from behind.

[0008] At least two spring-loaded locking members can be manipulated independently of each other, in groups, or together. The guide element and the guide element receiving part determine the disassembly and assembly directions. This ensures that all locking members are manipulated during the manual and automatic separation and coupling of the adapter. Description of the Drawings

[0009] Further details of the invention can be derived from the dependent claims and the following description of the schematically illustrated embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 A separable adapter is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A bottom view of the fixed part is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 A top view of the fixed part is shown;

[0013] Figure 4 The base body of the fixed part is shown;

[0014] Figure 5 An insert is shown;

[0015] Figure 6 A bottom view of the movable part is shown;

[0016] Figure 7 The main body of the movable part is shown;

[0017] Figure 8 The locking member is shown;

[0018] Figure 9 The first guide element is shown;

[0019] Figure 10Shows a second guiding element;

[0020] Figure 11 Shows a cross-section of the adapter through the locking member;

[0021] Figure 12 Shows the movable part with a manipulation part;

[0022] Figure 13 Shows Figure 12 a bottom view of the movable part in

[0023] Figure 14 Shows Figure 12 a side view of the movable part of

[0024] Figure 15 Shows Figure 14 section A - A of Detailed description

[0025] Figure 1-11 Shows a separable adapter 10 and some of its individual components. Such an adapter 10 is used to removably fix various tools to an industrial robot. These tools can be handling tools, machining tools, measuring tools, cameras, etc. Handling tools are, for example, gripping tools, pushing tools, pulling tools, etc. These can be electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated. Machining tools are, for example, cutting or non - cutting tools, such as milling cutters, drills, saws, bending punches, etc.

[0026] The separable adapter 10 has a first part 20 and a second part 60 detachably arranged on the first part 20. The first part 20, for example designed as a fixed part 20, is fixed, for example, on the pivot head of an industrial robot. In this embodiment, a hole pattern with four fixing bores 21 and a centering bore 22 is used for this purpose. On the end face 23 of the fixed part 20, for example at the bottom, a centering boss 24 with, for example, a circular cross - section is formed. The adapter 10 is centered on the industrial robot by means of this centering boss 24 and a centering pin placed in the centering bore 22.

[0027] A tool is fixed on the second part 60, which is, for example, formed as a movable part 60. For this purpose, the end face 61 of the movable part 60 has a tool receiving part 62 and, for example, a flat placement surface 75. In addition, the end face 61 of the movable part 60 has a centering notch 63 and fixing holes 64. Thereby, the tool can be fixed on the movable part 60 by means of screws. In this embodiment, the end face 23 of the fixed part 20 is complementary to the end face 61 of the movable part 60. Thus, it is conceivable to fix the tool directly to the industrial robot without using the adapter 10.

[0028] In this embodiment, the separable adapter 10 has an envelope profile that is at least approximately cylindrical. In this embodiment, two locking members 91 project from the outer peripheral surface of this envelope profile. The two locking members 91 are arranged, for example, opposite one another on the movable part 60. They are offset from one another, for example, by 180 degrees in a normal plane to the longitudinal axis of the adapter 10. Different offset angles of the two locking members 91 relative to one another are also conceivable. For example, they can be offset from one another by 90 degrees to the above-mentioned angle. The locking members 91, 111 have gripping surfaces 92 that point radially outwards. These gripping surfaces 92 can be flat or arched.

[0029] Above each locking member 91, the movable part 60 has a gripping groove 65, respectively. Each of the gripping grooves 65 has, for example, a pitch-circular base surface 66 and a constant height. The guide surfaces 67 of the two gripping grooves 65 are oriented at least regionally parallel to one another.

[0030] In the embodiment, the cable 68 is connected to the movable part 60 by means of a plug 69. Control and / or monitoring signals can thus be exchanged, for example, between an industrial robot and a tool.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view and a bottom view of the fixed part 20 are shown. The fixed part 20 is formed in a shell shape and has a cylindrical outer wall. It has a base body 31 (see Figure 4 ) and two inserts 51 that are inserted into the base body 31 (see Figure 5 ). A closing cover 25 closes the central region 46 of the fixed part 20.

[0032] The base body 31 has a bottom 32 and two outer wall regions 33. A notch 38 for receiving the insert 51 is formed between the wall regions 33. In this embodiment, the two notches 38 have the same dimensions. In addition to the fixing bores 21, two groups of three counterbores 35 each also pass through the bottom 32. These counterbores 35 merge into the resting surface 36 of the notch 38. Centering bores 37 are provided between the counterbores 35.

[0033] The wall regions 33 are structured in two tiers. The region adjacent to the bottom 32 is designed as a cylindrical jacket 42. An edge tab 43 is provided on the cylindrical jacket 42. The edge tab 43 forms part of an annular centering portion. The side of it remote from the bottom 32 is formed as a flat surface 44. The direction of this flat surface is oriented normal to the longitudinal axis 11.

[0034] The two notches 38 each cover a sector angle of 90 degrees. The boundary surfaces 41 of the notches 38 that are oriented in the longitudinal direction 12 are, for example, oriented radially with respect to the longitudinal axis 11.

[0035] The base body 31 furthermore has two guide element receiving parts 47, 48 which are not arranged centrally. These guide element receiving parts 47, 48 have, for example, the same depth. Their orientation is parallel to the longitudinal axis 11. The guide element receiving parts 47, 48 have different cross-sections. In Figure 3 and Figure 4 the illustration, the cross-sectional area of the guide element receiving part 47 shown on the left is smaller than that of the guide element receiving part 48 shown on the right.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the base body 31 is made of aluminum. For example, the elastic modulus of this material is 70,000 newtons per square millimeter.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the two inserts 51 are formed identically to one another. They have a shell segment-like configuration. In the upper region 52, they have an inwardly directed surrounding edge 53. This surrounding edge 53 covers a sector of, for example, 36 degrees. The cross-section of each surrounding edge 53 is wedge-shaped. Its upper side 54 and lower side 55 enclose an angle of 5 degrees in this embodiment. The apex line of this angle is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11. When the insert 51 is assembled, the upper side 54 lies in the plane of the flat face 44 of the edge tab 43. Outside and below the surrounding edge 53, the inner diameter of the insert 51 corresponds to the inner diameter of the edge of the base body 31. The outer diameter of the insert 51 corresponds to the outer diameter of the base body 31. On their bottom faces 56, the inserts 51 each have three threaded bores 57 and two centering pin receiving parts 58.

[0038] The insert 51 in this embodiment is made of steel. The elastic modulus of this material is 210,000 newtons per square millimeter. Thus, this elastic modulus is three times that of the base body 31. The material can be selected such that the elastic modulus of the insert 51 is more than twice that of the base body 31. It is also conceivable to use the insert 51 as a replacement part. For this purpose, it can, for example, be made of plastic.

[0039] When assembling the fixing part 20, each insert 51 is inserted into a notch 38. The centering pin and the fixing screw 45 inserted into the countersunk hole 35 can hold and fix the insert 51. For example, an electrical component can be inserted into the central region 46 at the bottom. Then, for example, the central region 46 is closed by means of the closing cover 25.

[0040] Figure 6A bottom view of the movable part 60 is shown. The movable part 60 includes a movable part body 71, two guiding elements 121, 131 formed, for example, as guiding pins, dowel pins or cones, and two locking members 91, 111. A cover plate 89 closes the inner side of the tool receiving portion 62. The two locking members 91, 111 are arranged opposite to each other. Each locking member 91; 111 is guided radially movably in the movable part body 71 and respectively in the guiding pins. For guiding along the guiding pins, each locking member 91; 111 respectively has a guiding slot 93. Each locking member 91; 111 is supported by two spring elements 112. These spring elements 112 designed, for example, as compression springs respectively load the locking members 91; 111 radially outwards. The spring elements 112 are respectively supported on the supporting tabs 73 of the movable part body 71.

[0041] In Figure 6 the illustration, the upper locking member 91 is shown as being pushed in. For example, the gripping surface 92 is almost flush with the envelope contour of the movable part 60. Here, the compression spring is compressed. The stroke of the locking member 91 is restricted by the guiding slot 93 and the guiding pin.

[0042] In Figure 6 the illustration, the lower locking member 111 is moved outwards by the compression spring. The stroke of the locking member 111 in the outer terminal position is restricted by the guiding pin and the guiding slot 93.

[0043] Figure 7 The movable part body 71 is shown. It has a lid part 72 and a movable part body edge 74. The lid part 72 has a flat placement surface 75, with reference to Figure 1 . An opening for the tool receiving portion 62 is introduced therein. On the inner side 77, with reference to Figure 7 , the supporting tabs 73 separate the centrally arranged tool receiving portion 62 from two opposite locking member receiving portions 78. For example, the movable part body 71 is made of the same material as the base body 31.

[0044] The cable channel 79 merges into the tool receiving portion 62, and in Figure 1 and Figure 6 the illustration, a plug 69 is connected to the outer side of this cable channel. The tool receiving portion 62 is surrounded by the movable part body edge 74. The movable part body edge is formed in two levels. Figure 7 The edge region protruding downwards in

[0045] The locking member receiving portions 78 each have a flat sliding surface 82. The two sliding surfaces 82 are located in a common plane. This plane is parallel to the placement surface 75 of the movable part 60. Threaded bores 83 are introduced in each of the sliding surfaces 82. Each of the threaded bores 83 is, for example, centered between the two longitudinal sides 84 of the locking member receiving portion 78. A guide pin is screwed into each of the threaded bores 83. A spring receiving portion 85 is pressed into the support tab 73. When the movable part 60 is assembled, a compression spring is arranged therein. Adjacent to the sliding surface 82, guide grooves 86 are formed in the longitudinal sides 84.

[0046] Figure 8 The locking members 91; 111 are shown. In the present embodiment, the two locking members 91; 111 are formed to be identical. However, it is also conceivable to design the two locking members 91, 111, for example, to have different widths. Each of the locking members 91; 111 has a central guide slot 93 and two lateral guide strips 94. The guide slot 93 is radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis 11 of the adapter 10. The guide strips 94 are parallel to the guide slot 93. When the movable part 60 is assembled, the guide strips 94 are guided in the guide grooves 86. The guide slot 93 surrounds each respective guide pin. Referring Figure 6 and Figure 11 , each of the guide slots 93 is configured to have a recess 95.

[0047] On its outer side, the locking member 91; 111 has a gripping surface 92. In Figure 8 's illustration, above and spaced from the gripping surface 92, a protruding hook 96 is arranged. Here, the gripping surface 92 exceeds 30% of the component length measured radially of the hook 96. The hook 96 is arcuate in a top view of the locking member 91; 111. In a normal plane to the longitudinal axis 11, the arc length is 38 degrees. The cross-section of the hook 96 is wedge-shaped. In the present embodiment, the wedge angle between the upper side 97 of the hook and the lower side 98 of the hook is 5 degrees. This is also the magnitude of the angle formed by the lower side 98 of the hook with the normal plane of the longitudinal axis 11. At its free end, the hook 96 has an insertion inclined surface 99 adjacent to the lower side 98 of the hook. In the present embodiment, the angle between the insertion inclined surface 99 and the upper side 97 of the hook is 30 degrees. On its rear side oriented towards the longitudinal axis 11, the locking member 91; 111 can have a spring receiving portion. For example, it is designed in the same form as the spring receiving portion in the support tab 73. In the present embodiment, the two locking members 91, 111 are made of the same material as the insert 51.

[0048] Figure 9 and 10 The two guide pins of this embodiment are shown. The two guide pins have different configurations. Figure 9 The guide pin shown in Figure 10The second guide pin is shown. The two guide pins have, for example, the same length. In this embodiment, it is made of the same material as the insert 51.

[0049] The first guide pin has an external thread 122, the nominal size of which corresponds to the nominal size of the threaded bore 83. Adjacent to this external thread 122 is a guide boss 123, the diameter of which is larger than the nominal size of the threaded bore 83. The diameter of the guide boss 123 is smaller than the free width of the guide slot 93. Adjacent to the guide boss 123 is a placement boss 124. When the locking members 91; 111 are assembled, this placement boss 124 prevents the locking members 91; 111 from being lifted or tilted relative to the movable part body 71, etc.

[0050] Adjacent to the placement boss 124 of the first guide pin is an assembly section 125. In this embodiment, it has two parallel key surfaces 127 arranged on its outer circumferential surface. Adjacent to the assembly section 125 is a guide pin head 128. In this embodiment, the guide pin head is dome-shaped.

[0051] The second guide pin also has an external thread 132 and a guide boss 133. These are formed in the same way as the corresponding regions of the first guide pin. The length of the placement boss 134 of the second guide pin is formed to be, for example, equivalent to the sum of the lengths of the placement boss 124 and the assembly section 125 of the first guide pin. The guide pin head 135 of the second guide pin is also dome-shaped. However, its diameter is larger than Figure 9 the diameter of the guide pin head 128 of the shown guide pin. The end face of the second guide pin has an internal hexagon 136.

[0052] When assembling the movable part 60, the spring element 112 is inserted into the spring receiving portions 85 of the movable part body 71 and the locking members 91; 111. The locking members 91, 111 are inserted into the locking member receiving portion 78, wherein the guide strip 94 is guided in the guide slot 86. Here, the spring element 112 is compressed.

[0053] A guide pin is inserted into each of the locking members 91; 111. The guide pin is pushed through the guide slot 93 of the locking members 91; 111 and screwed into the corresponding threaded bore 83. After the locking members 91, 111 are released, they are pushed outwards by the spring element 112. The hooks 96 of the respective locking members 91; 111 point outwards. The cover plate 89 is fixed in the movable part body 71, and the plug 69 is mounted on the outside of the movable part body 71. Finally, a tool can be inserted into the movable part 60 and fixed thereto.

[0054] For the attachment of the adapter 10, the movable part 60 is connected to the stationary part 20. This can be done manually or by means of a gripping device. Both locking parts 91, 111 are pressed in and thereby grip the movable part 60. When using a gripping device, the movable part 60 can also additionally be gripped at the gripping recess 65. The movable part 60 is placed on the stationary part 20 such that the insert 51 and the locking parts 91; 111 are stacked on top of each other and the centering ring 81 of the movable part 60 is within the edge tab 43 of the stationary part 20. When the movable part 60 is moved further closer to the stationary part 20 in the assembly direction 13 oriented in the longitudinal direction 12, the guide pins engage in the guide pin receptacles of the stationary part 20. Due to the different geometric designs of the two guide pins and the corresponding guide pin receptacles, the movable part 60 can only be pushed onto the stationary part 20 in one position. Other structural solutions for ensuring the radial orientation of the movable part 60 relative to the stationary part 20 are also conceivable. Once the guide pins have engaged in the guide pin receptacles, the movable part 60 cannot be moved further relative to the stationary part 20 in the assembly direction 13. The guide pins engaging in the guide pin receptacles center the movable part 60 relative to the stationary part 20 in a form-fitting manner.

[0055] Figure 11 A sectional view of the adapter 10 during assembly is shown. The two guide pins are located in the guide pin receptacles. The locking part 91 on the right is shown in the release position 101. This right locking part 91 abuts against the guide pin with its release stop 102. The hook 96 is located within the cylindrical section defined by the surrounding edge 53.

[0056] When the locking parts 91, 111 are released, they move outwards by means of the spring element 112. Here, the hook 96 moves to the surrounding edge 53. The hook 96 slides along the underside 55 of the surrounding edge 53 with its hook underside 98. The two wedge parts pull the movable part 60 and the stationary part 20 further together in the assembly direction 13. In Figure 11 the illustration, the locking part 111 on the left is in the locking position 103. The hook 96 engages behind the surrounding edge 53. The movable part 60 is fixed to the stationary part 20 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner.

[0057] With the attachment of the adapter 10, the stationary part 20 can also be pneumatically connected to the movable part 60, for example. This can be achieved, for example, with an elastically deformable pneumatic connection part that is compressed during the attachment process. It is also conceivable to route the pneumatic connection through the guide pins. When attaching the adapter 10, it is also possible to connect, for example, electrical wires and / or hydraulic lines to each other within the adapter 10. Thereby, for example, load currents, signals, data, hydraulic media, etc. can be transmitted, cf. DE 10 2017 009 319 B3.

[0058] During the operation of the tool arranged on the adapter 10, the operating force is transmitted through the adapter 10. In the axial direction, the force is transmitted through the guide pins. These axial forces are transmitted from the guide bosses 123, 133 through the guide pin heads 128, 135 to the bottom 32 of the fixed part 20.

[0059] The lateral forces on the tool are also transmitted through the guide pins. These forces are also transmitted through the locking members 91, 111 and, if necessary, through the annular centering part.

[0060] The torque between the fixed part 20 and the movable part 60 is basically transmitted through the guide pins. The friction of the force-fit connection between the locking members 91, 111 and the surrounding edge 53 also contributes to the transmission of the torque.

[0061] To replace the tool, the adapter 10 is separated. This can be done manually or automatically.

[0062] When replacing the tool manually, the operator presses the two locking members 91, 111 inward. The locking members 91, 111 are released from the surrounding edge 53. Now the tool and the movable part 60 can be removed together from the fixed part 20 against the assembly direction 13. For example, it can be stored in a tool box. Here, the movable part 60 can be held in the gripping groove 65. Subsequently, the new tool together with the movable part 60 arranged thereon is taken out of the tool box. Assembly on the fixed part 20 is carried out as described above.

[0063] In the case of automatic tool change, the movable part 60 can first be held, for example, by means of a rigid fork-shaped gripper in the gripping groove 65. A gripper with movable jaws squeezes the two locking members 91, 111 against each other. The movable part 60 is separated from the fixed part 20 as described above. In this case, the removed tool together with the movable part 60 fixed thereon can also be placed in the tool box. After the movable part 60 is placed in the tool box, the jaws of the gripper are released. The locking members 91, 111 of the movable part 60 move to their retracted basic position. The new tool together with the movable part 60 fixed thereon can also be taken out of the tool box by a gripper with movable jaws. When gripping the movable part 60, the jaws squeeze the locking members 91, 111 together. As described above, the movable part 60 with the workpiece fixed thereon is attached to the fixed part 20. After the movable part 60 reaches the stop on the fixed part 20 when the locking members 91, 111 are pressed in, the jaws are released. The locking members 91, 111 engage the surrounding edge 53 from behind and fix the movable part 60 to the fixed part 20.

[0064] For automatic or manual tool replacement, the adapter 10 can also be pushed into the unlocking receptacle. The unlocking receptacle meshes, for example, with the gripping or guiding groove 65. For example, the unlocking receptacle is wedge-shaped. When the adapter 10 is pushed into the unlocking receptacle, the two locking members 91, 111 are actuated. The actuating elements can be arranged here offset slightly from one another or offset from one another by up to a semi-circular angle. Then, the first part 20 and the second part 60 are separated as described above.

[0065] The locking members 91, 111 can also be actuated, for example, from one of the end faces 23. For example, when the wedge slider is pressed in, the locking members 91, 111 move inwards. In this case, the external force is transmitted to the locking members 91, 111 via a wedge gearing. Then, the separation of the first part 20 and the second part 60 takes place as described above.

[0066] The unlocking operation can also be carried out by a single button. When the button is pressed, all the locking members 91, 111 move simultaneously under the additional load of the spring elements 112. In this case, the respective positive rear engagement is released.

[0067] Figure 11-15 A variant of the movable part 60 with two locking members 91, 111 is shown, which can be actuated together by a button 114. The external dimensions of the movable part 60 are the same as Figure 6 the external dimensions of the movable part 60 shown. For example, Figure 11-15 the movable part 60 shown can be combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 the fixed part 20 shown.

[0068] The two locking members 91, 111 are each slidably supported in the movable part 60 and are guided by guide elements 121, 131 fixed in the movable part 60. The guide elements 121, 131 are, for example, hollow and have internal channels 129, 137. The formation of the respective guide slots 93 and hooks 96 is the same as described in the first embodiment. Each locking member 91; 111 has a drive pin 104; 113, which engages respectively into the drive slots 115; 116 of the button 114. The respective drive pins 104; 113 are located on the tabs 105 of the locking members 91; 111.

[0069] Button 114 has a gripping section 117 that projects radially outward from the active part 60 and has a gripping surface 92. In this embodiment, the button is loaded into the retracted position by four spring elements 118, 119. Two of these spring elements 118, which are designed as compression springs, support the body of the button 114 on the active part body 71. The other two spring elements 119, which are also designed as compression springs, are arranged between the active part body 71 and the gripping section 117. In this embodiment, the two driving slots 115, 116 are arranged in a V-shape with respect to each other. The angle enclosed by the two driving slots 115, 116 is, for example, 90 degrees. The driving pins 104, 113 are respectively located at the ends of the driving slots 115, 116 facing the hook 96.

[0070] In the shown locked position 103, the spring elements 118, 119 radially outwardly press, for example, the two locking members 91, 111 through the forced guiding portions of the driving slots 115, 116 and the driving pins 104, 113. All the compression springs are partially loaded and partially compressed compared to their relaxed state. If the button 114 is pushed in by an external pressure, the load on the compression springs increases. The button 114 moves the two locking members 91, 111 towards the center through the forced guiding portions. For example, the hook 96 of the locking mechanism is released. After the externally applied force, whether manually or automatically applied, is removed, the locking members 91, 111 are moved back to the locked position 103 under the spring load.

[0071] The single spring-loaded locking members 91; 111 can also engage the fixed part 20 or the active part 60 from the rear, for example, when pivoting about the longitudinal axis 11. In this case, at least two locking members 91, 111 have the same pivoting direction. For example, the locking members 91; 111 can be rigidly connected to each other and jointly loaded by the spring element 112 to achieve locking. In this embodiment, each locking member 91; 111 also respectively encloses the guiding elements 121; 131. When pivoting, the actuating element is guided along this guiding element 121; 131. To release the lock, pressure is applied to one or more buttons. These forces are transmitted to the respective locking members 91; 111 as described above.

[0072] The actuation can also be carried out by, for example, a disk section that can pivot about the longitudinal axis 11 and has a protruding projection. The disk section can be part of the spring-loaded locking members 91, 111 or can actuate them. It is also conceivable to actuate the two locking members 91, 11 by a single disk section.

[0073] In all variants, it is also conceivable to access an electric drive and / or a transmission.

[0074] It is also conceivable to design the adapter 10 such that the locking members 91; 111 and the corresponding guide elements 121 are supported in the first part 20 or the second part 60. Then, the second locking members 111; 91 and the corresponding guide elements 131 are respectively supported in the other part 60; 20. Correspondingly, the guide element receiving portions 47, 48 are arranged in the part 60; 20 in which the corresponding guide elements 121; 131 are not fixed.

[0075] The adapter 10 can also be formed with more than two locking members 91, 111. Thus, the locking members 91, 111 supported and guided in the fixed part 20 engage the movable part 60 from the rear. The locking members 91; 111 supported and guided in the movable part 60 engage the fixed part 20 from the rear. Each locking member 91, 111 is guided by the guide elements 121; 131 and is spring-loaded individually, in groups, or together with other locking members 91, 111 in the locking direction.

[0076] Combinations of the various embodiments are also conceivable.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 10 Detachable adapter

[0079] 11 Longitudinal axis

[0080] 12 Longitudinal direction

[0081] 13 Assembly direction of 60 relative to 20

[0082] 20 Fixed part, first part

[0083] 21 Fixed drill hole

[0084] 22 Centering drill hole

[0085] 23 End face, bottom side

[0086] 24 Centering boss

[0087] 25 Enclosing cover

[0088] 31 Base

[0089] 32 Bottom

[0090] 33 Edge, wall area

[0091] 34 Countersink group

[0092] 35 Countersink

[0093] 36 Resting surface

[0094] 37 Centering drill hole

[0095] 38 Notch

[0096] 41 Boundary surface

[0097] 42 Outer cylinder sleeve

[0098] 43 Edge tab, part of the annular centering portion

[0099] 44 Flat surface

[0100] 45 Fixing screw

[0101] 46 Central region

[0102] 47 Guide element receiving portion

[0103] 48 Guide element receiving portion

[0104] 51 Insert

[0105] 52 Upper region of 51

[0106] 53 Enclosing edge

[0107] 54 Upper side of 53

[0108] 55 Lower side of 53

[0109] 56 Bottom surface

[0110] 57 Threaded drill hole

[0111] 58 Centering pin receiving portion

[0112] 60 Moving part, second part

[0113] 61 End face

[0114] 62 Tool receiving portion

[0115] 63 Centering notch

[0116] 64 Fixing hole

[0117] 65 Gripping or guiding groove

[0118] 66 Base surface

[0119] 67 Guiding surface

[0120] 68 Cable

[0121] 69 Plug

[0122] 71 Moving part body

[0123] 72 Cover part

[0124] 73 Support tab

[0125] 74 Edge of the movable part body

[0126] 75 Placing surface

[0127] 77 Inner side

[0128] 78 Locking component receiving part

[0129] 79 Cable channel

[0130] 81 Centering ring, part of the annular centering part

[0131] 82 Sliding surface

[0132] 83 Threaded drill hole

[0133] 84 Longitudinal side

[0134] 85 Spring receiving part

[0135] 86 Guide groove

[0136] 89 Cover plate

[0137] 91 Locking component

[0138] 92 Gripping surface

[0139] 93 Guide slot

[0140] 94 Guide bar

[0141] 95 Recess

[0142] 96 Hook

[0143] 97 Upper side of the hook

[0144] 98 Bottom side of the hook

[0145] 99 Insertion inclined surface

[0146] 101 Release position

[0147] 102 Release stop

[0148] 103 Locking position

[0149] 104 Driving pin, part of the forced guiding parts 104, 115

[0150] 105 Tab

[0151] 111 Locking component

[0152] 112 Spring element, compression spring

[0153] 113 Driving pin, part of the forced guiding parts 113, 116

[0154] 114 Button

[0155] 115 Driving slot, part of the forced guiding parts 104, 115

[0156] 116 Driving slot, part of the forced guiding parts 113, 116

[0157] 117 Gripping section

[0158] 118 Spring element, compression spring

[0159] 119 Spring element, compression spring

[0160] 121 Guiding element, first guiding element, guiding pin

[0161] 122 External thread

[0162] 123 Guiding boss

[0163] 124 Placing boss

[0164] 125 Assembly section

[0165] 127 Key surface

[0166] 128 Guiding pin head

[0167] 129 Channel

[0168] 131 Guiding element, second guiding element, guiding element

[0169] 132 External thread

[0170] 133 Guiding boss

[0171] 134 Placing boss

[0172] 135 Guiding pin head

[0173] 136 Hexagon socket

[0174] 137 Channel

Claims

1. A method for manually or automatically separating a separable adapter (10), said adapter having a first part (20) and a second part (60) detachably connected to said first part (20), having at least two locking members (91; 111), these locking components are pivotably supported in the second part (60) or the first part (20) that are not respectively engaged from the rear, and can be pushed or pivoted, wherein each locking component (91; 111) surrounds a guiding element (121; 131), and the guiding element is arranged in the first part (20) and / or the second part (60) that supports the locking component (91; 111), and is respectively engaged in a form - fit manner into a guiding - element receiving part (47; 48), and the guiding - element receiving part is arranged in the first part (20) and / or the second part (60) that does not support the locking component (91; 111). - wherein, all the locking components (91; 111) are simultaneously loaded relative to the first part (20) and the second part (60) or relative to each other by an external force applied as pressure. - wherein each locking component (91, 111) is pushed or pivoted relative to the first part (20) and the second part (60) by the external force, and at this time, the load on the spring elements (112, 118, 119) of the locking component (91, 111) is also additionally increased. - wherein during this pushing or pivoting process of each locking component (91; 111), the rear engagement of the locking component (91; 111) with the first part (20) or the second part (60) is released, and - wherein the first part (20) and the second part (60) are separated from each other against the assembly direction (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction (12) of the adapter (10), and the guiding element (121; 131) and the guiding - element receiving part (47, 48) are disengaged.

2. A separable adapter (10) for adapting a tool to an industrial robot, said adapter having a first part (20) and a second part (60) detachably connected to said first part (20), wherein at least one spring-loaded locking member (91; 111) is displaceably or pivotably supported in the second part (60), said locking member at least contacting the first part (20), characterized in that - At least one spring - loaded second locking component is pivotably supported in the first part (20) or the second part (60). - Each locking component (91; 111) engages the first part (20) and / or the second part (60) that does not support the locking component (91; 111) from the rear. - Each locking component (91; 111) respectively surrounds a guiding element (121; 131), and the guiding element is arranged in the first part (20) and / or the second part (60) that supports the locking component (91; 111), and - Each guiding element (121; 131) is respectively engaged in a form - fit manner into a guiding - element receiving part (47; 48), and the guiding - element receiving part is arranged in the first part (20) and / or the second part (60) that does not support the locking component (91; 111).

3. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The two guiding elements (121; 131) have different configurations.

4. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that At least two locking components (91, 111) are offset relative to each other in a normal plane of the longitudinal axis (11) of the adapter (10).

5. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first part (20) and / or the second part (60) has a base body (31) and at least one insert (51) forming an edge section.

6. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 5, wherein the elastic modulus of each insert (51) is at least twice the elastic modulus of the base body (31).

7. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The adapter has at least one external gripping surface (92) for manipulating the locking members (91, 111), which gripping surface projects radially beyond the envelope profile of the first part (20) and / or the second part (60).

8. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first part (20) and / or the second part (60) have gripping or guiding grooves (65) on their outer peripheral surfaces.

9. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that An annular centering portion is formed in the demarcation seam between the first part (20) and the second part (60).

10. The separable adapter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that Its two end faces (23, 61) are formed to be complementary to each other.

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