Link for industrial robot and industrial robot

Abstract

The invention relates to a link (20) for an industrial robot (10), the link comprising: a main body (21) having a first surface section (23) comprising an opening (35) with a circumferential surface (36); a removable cover (30) configured to close the opening, the removable cover having a head portion (31) with an outer surface (32) and a body portion (34) extending from the head portion in an axial direction (A); a sealing arrangement (40) for sealing the removable cover with respect to the opening; a connector coupling (50) having a connector part (52) arranged on the body portion and a corresponding connector part (54) arranged at or on the circumferential surface of the opening; and wherein the connector part is adapted to be in rotational engagement with the corresponding connector part to form a sealed connection between the removable cover and the first surface section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to industrial robots. In particular, this invention relates to a link for an industrial robot, and an industrial robot including such a link. Background Technology

[0002] Maintaining high levels of hygiene is crucial in certain processing environments. These environments often involve the use of industrial robots to handle food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals. In such environments, any hygienic negligence can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is customary to thoroughly clean the robots and their surrounding areas daily.

[0003] Maintaining these hygiene standards presents a significant challenge in the external design of the robot's components, which typically include one or more links and joints. Some components, such as covers, are bolted together, requiring several bolts to ensure sufficient and evenly distributed sealing force. This design often creates concave corners and crevices where dirt, bacteria, or other unwanted materials can accumulate. While sanitary bolts are used on flat surfaces in industrial applications to mitigate this problem, these bolts themselves are not easy to clean. In hygiene-critical applications, the bolts need to be rinsed with high-pressure, high-temperature water from multiple angles—a challenging and time-consuming task.

[0004] Furthermore, for certain actuator arrangements, several covers are required for installation purposes. The cleaning challenges associated with the bolts are exacerbated by the number of covers required, each mounted on the actuator in a different orientation.

[0005] Given these challenges, there is a need to further develop the robot’s external design and its surfaces in order to reduce the need for such large-scale cleaning, or at least facilitate a more efficient cleaning process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In light of the above, it is desirable to further enhance the hygiene and cleanliness of robots, such as industrial robots operating in environments requiring high hygiene standards, by more seamlessly integrating components such as covers with robot links (one or more).

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a link for an industrial robot is provided. The link includes a body having a first surface segment. The first surface segment includes an opening with a circumferential surface. Furthermore, the industrial robot includes a removable cover configured to close the opening. The removable cover includes a head portion with an outer surface and a body portion extending axially from the head portion. The industrial robot also includes a sealing device for sealing the removable cover relative to the opening. Additionally, the industrial robot includes a connector coupling having a connector component disposed on the body portion of the removable cover and a corresponding connector component disposed on or on the circumferential surface of the opening. Furthermore, the connector component is adapted to rotatably engage with the corresponding connector component to form a sealing connection between the removable cover and the first surface segment.

[0008] This invention is based, at least in part, on the understanding that the challenges of maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination in industrial robots, particularly those used in sensitive environments such as food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processing, can be addressed by rethinking the connection and sealing mechanisms of covers used in robots, such as robot links.

[0009] The removable cover configuration and connector arrangement facilitate easy access during maintenance or modification, ensuring the structural integrity of the linkage is maintained. Furthermore, compared to other covers in the prior art, the connector provides a safer and more precise connection, enhancing ease of assembly and disassembly. This advantage can be particularly beneficial for maintenance or replacement activities, as it allows for quick and efficient handling of parts without compromising safety or hygiene. Additionally, the removable cover configuration allows for a tight fit and reliable closure, protecting the robot's internal components from external contaminants. Moreover, the sealing mechanism helps prevent leaks and the ingress of contaminants, thus ensuring the durability of the linkage and its components.

[0010] Typically, the connector component is configured to rotate into engagement with a corresponding connector component until the outermost radial surface area of ​​the head portion is coplanar with the first surface segment of the body. This means that these surfaces are horizontal or lie on the same plane. This configuration provides a clean and user-friendly arrangement between the removable cover and the body, enhancing ease of maintenance and overall aesthetics.

[0011] Therefore, the outer surface of the head portion typically includes the outermost radial surface area. The removable cover may also have an extension in the axial direction and an extension in the radial direction.

[0012] The outer surface of the head portion of the removable cap may also include one or more tool-interacting portions configured to interact with a tool for rotating the removable cap relative to the opening. Thus, the removable cap is configured to be rotated to a closed position, thereby forming the sealing connection. The arrangement of one or more tool-interacting portions allows for easy and efficient manipulation of the cap using standard tools, reducing downtime and simplifying maintenance procedures.

[0013] One or more tool interaction portions can be configured as recesses distributed around an outer surface. These recesses provide a firm grip on the tool, minimizing the risk of slippage and damage during operation. Alternatively, one or more tool interaction portions can be configured as recesses distributed in an inward radial region around the outer surface.

[0014] Alternatively, one or more tool interaction portions can be configured as protrusions distributed around the outer surface. These protrusions can be easily engaged with various types of tools, providing flexibility in maintenance operations. Alternatively, one or more tool interaction portions can be configured as protrusions distributed around an inner radial region.

[0015] The body portion may include an outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the body portion may include connector components, and the circumferential surface of the opening may include corresponding connector components. This configuration ensures a consistent and robust mechanical connection.

[0016] Connector components may include threaded portions, and corresponding connector components may include corresponding threaded portions. Threaded connections provide adjustable tightness and a secure attachment, allowing for custom installations to meet given requirements.

[0017] Alternatively, the connector coupling can be a bayonet coupling, wherein one of the connector component and the corresponding connector component includes a radial protrusion, and the other includes a bayonet-type connecting groove for receiving a portion of the radial protrusion. Bayonet couplings provide quick and secure tightening and loosening, improving the efficiency of assembly and maintenance operations.

[0018] The sealing device can be a circumferential seal arranged around the removable cover. Circumferential seals provide improved leak protection and ensure the integrity of the internal environment.

[0019] The sealing device can be configured to provide a liquid-tight connection in the radial direction between the removable cover and the opening when the removable cover is rotatably engaged to the body of the linkage. Ensuring a liquid-tight seal can prevent or at least reduce the risk of fluid damage to internal components and can be particularly useful for operation in harsh environments.

[0020] The body may also include a second surface segment with a corresponding opening and a corresponding circumferential surface. The link may include an additional removable cover configured to close the corresponding opening.

[0021] The body may include an outer main surface, which includes a first surface segment and an intermediate segment interconnecting a first surface segment and a second surface segment. The unified body design with interconnected surface segments provides enhanced structural strength and stability.

[0022] The intermediate section can be coplanar with the first and second surface sections. Alignment of these sections allows for streamlined design, reduces potential fouling points, and simplifies the cleaning process.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, an industrial robot comprising a link according to a first aspect of the invention is provided. The second aspect of the invention seeks to solve the same problems described in the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, the effects and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention.

[0024] Industrial robots typically include at least one joint. In some examples, industrial robots include multiple joints. Thus, an industrial robot may include a first joint, a second joint, wherein links are configured to interconnect the first joint and the second joint.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below, without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] These and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a perspective view based on an example industrial robot;

[0028] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustration shows an example. Figure 1 Examples of robot components;

[0029] Figures 4 to 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of Figures 1 to 3 An example of a robot with a removable cover;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of Figures 1 to 3Another example of a robot with a removable cover; and

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of Figures 1 to 3 Another example of a robot with a removable cover. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In this specific embodiment, various embodiments of the industrial robot are described primarily with reference to an industrial robot comprising multiple links. However, the described industrial robot is applicable to any type of industrial robot. For ease of reference, the industrial robot may simply be designated as a robot. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar structural features.

[0033] Turn now Figure 1 , Figure 1 A first perspective side view of an exemplary industrial robot 10 is schematically shown. The industrial robot 10 can operate, for example, in a hygienic environment to handle food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the industrial robot 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 is the foundation of the robot 10 and is configured to provide stability during operation of the robot 10. The base 12 is typically designed to allow for easy integration into existing production lines. Figure 1 It also indicates the external environment 11 outside the industrial robot 10.

[0035] like Figure 1 As schematically depicted, robot 10 includes multiple links 20. Each link 20 provides operational integration and functionality for robot 10. Figure 1 As shown, the links 20 can be rotatably arranged relative to each other. Furthermore, at least one link 20 is typically rotatably arranged relative to the base 12. It should be noted that although in some examples the robot 10 may include only a single link 20, the robot 10 typically includes multiple links 20, such as a first link 20a, a second link 20b, etc.

[0036] Linkage 20 is interconnected via one or more joints 18. Figure 1 In this robot 10, multiple joints 18 are included, such as first joints 18, 18a, second joints 18, 18b, etc. For example, first links 20, 20a are rotatably arranged relative to second links 20, 20b via first joints 18, 18a. Figure 1As shown, each link in the linkage 20 is typically also configured to rotate about a corresponding axis of rotation 16. It should be noted that while the robot 10 may include only a single axis of rotation 16 in some examples, the robot 10 typically includes multiple axes of rotation 16, such as a first axis of rotation 16, a second axis of rotation 16, etc. In this way, the linkage 20, joint 18, and axis of rotation 16 together form a manipulator arrangement, wherein the linkage 20 and joint 18 provide one or more robotic arms.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, each link in the linkage 20 also includes a body 21. Typically, the body 21 of the link 20 extends at least between adjacent joints 18. For the other links 20, the body 21 serves as an end of the robot 10. Therefore, the body 21 is connected to a single joint only at one end. Figure 1 From this, we can learn and conceive of other ways to extend the main body 21 of the connecting rod 20.

[0038] Turning back to link 20 of robot 10, Figure 1 An example of link 20 in Figure 2 and Figure 3 Further illustrations are provided. (See also:) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As schematically shown, the body 21 includes an outer main surface 22. The outer main surface 22 includes at least a first surface segment 23. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this configuration, the outer main surface 22 further includes a second surface segment 24 and an intermediate segment 25. The intermediate segment 25 extends between the first surface segment 23 and the second surface segment 24. Therefore, the body 21 of the link 20 includes an outer main surface 22 comprising a first surface segment 23, a second surface segment 24, and an intermediate segment 25 interconnecting the first surface segment 23 and the second surface segment 24. Furthermore, in this example, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the intermediate section 25 is coplanar with the first surface section 23 and the second surface section 24. For other links 20, the intermediate section 25 is arranged at an angle to the first surface section 23 and the second surface section 24. It should be noted that even in the example where the intermediate section 25 is coplanar with the first surface section 23 and the second surface section 24, each of the first surface section 23, the second surface section 24, and the intermediate section 25 may include one or more curved surface regions.

[0039] To allow for the assembly and disassembly of some components of the robot 10, one or more links 20 are provided with one or more openings 35. Each opening 35 is covered and closed by a corresponding removable cover 30, for example, as shown below. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown. The arrangement of the opening 35 and the corresponding removable cover 30 provides access to the gearbox and joints of the robot 10, and also allows for the interconnection of links 20 with each other, or the interconnection of one link 20 to the base 12. For example, one link 20 can be mounted to the gearbox of one joint of joint 18 by inserting a tooling device through the opening 35 covered by the removable cover 30. Alternatively, two links 20 can be rotatably mounted to each other through one or more openings 35.

[0040] Furthermore, the arrangement of the opening 35 and the corresponding removable cover 30 allows access to cables, etc. For example, through the opening 35 covered by the removable cover 30, wiring harnesses can be manually accessed for wiring inside the robot 10, such as between the base 12 and the link 20.

[0041] As described above, the removable cover 30 is configured to close the opening 35. The purpose of the cover 30 is to prevent contamination of the internal environment of the robot 10. The removable cover 30 also provides protection for the internal environment of the robot 10 during the rinsing process.

[0042] Turn again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The outer main surface 22 of the body 21 is a continuous outer main surface. Furthermore, the outer main surface 22 faces the external environment 11 outside the robot 10. The outer main surface 22 is substantially planar here. Other designs and extensions of the body 21 are also possible, for example, as... Figure 1 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0043] Now refer to Figures 4 to 6 The removable cover 30 is further described as being closed relative to the opening 35. Figures 4 to 5 An example depicting the closure of the removable cover 30 relative to the opening 35 is shown, while Figure 6 Another example of the removable cover 30 being closed relative to the opening 35 is illustrated schematically.

[0044] First turn Figure 4 , Figure 4 The image depicts the removable cover 30 in a detached state 70 relative to the main body 21 of the connecting rod 20. Figure 5 The image depicts the connection state 72 of the removable cover 30 relative to the main body 21 of the connecting rod 20.

[0045] The removable cover 30 has an extension in the axial direction A and an extension in the radial direction R. The axial direction A is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction R. The removable cover 30 also has a central axis Ac extending in the axial direction A. The removable cover 30 is configured to rotate about the central axis Ac. Furthermore, the removable cover 30 has a circumferential direction C.

[0046] The removable cover 30 is substantially circular here. Similarly, the opening 35 is substantially circular here. The shape of the opening 35 is similar to the shape of the removable cover 30. In one example, the shape of the opening 35 is complementary to the shape of the removable cover 30. The opening 35 is an integral part of the first surface segment 23. Therefore, the first surface segment 23 includes the opening 35. The opening 35 defines a through-hole extending through the first surface segment 23.

[0047] The extension of the through hole with an opening of 35 is in Figures 4 to 6 The diagram is schematically illustrated. (For example...) Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the opening 35 has a circumferential surface 36 surrounding the opening 35. The circumferential surface 36 extends in the axial direction A and the circumferential direction C of the opening 35.

[0048] For the sake of completeness, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the link 20 includes a second surface section 24, the second surface section 24 includes a corresponding opening 35. The corresponding opening 35 typically extends through the second surface section 24. Furthermore, in such examples, the link 20 includes an additional removable cover 30 configured to close the corresponding opening 35.

[0049] The removable cover 30 is configured to rotate and shift in the axial direction A between a disassembled state 70 and a connected state 72. In the disassembled state 70, the removable cover 30 is separated from the body 21, and in the connected state 72, the removable cover 30 is sealingly connected to the body 21. More specifically, the removable cover 30 is configured to be rotatable about its central axis Ac and movable in the axial direction A. The removable cover 30 is configured to be movable relative to the opening 35 between the disassembled state 70 and the connected state 72, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0050] The removable cover 30 can be designed in several different ways. In one example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the removable cover 30 includes a head portion 31. The head portion 31 also includes an outer surface 32. The outer surface 32 extends in the radial direction R of the removable cover 30.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface 32 includes an outermost radial surface region 33. The outermost radial surface region 33 is the outermost region of the outer surface 32 in the radial direction R relative to the center of the removable cover 30, which is defined by the central axis Ac, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0052] The head portion 31 has a substantially circular cross-section. (As shown) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the head portion 31 should be designed to fit within the opening 35.

[0053] The removable cover 30 also includes a body portion 34. The body portion 34 extends from the head portion 31 in the axial direction A of the removable cover 30. Furthermore, the body portion 34 includes an outer circumferential surface 38. The outer circumferential surface 38 extends around the body portion 34 in the circumferential direction C. The outer circumferential surface 38 also extends a considerable portion in the axial direction A.

[0054] The body portion 34 is rotatably inserted into the opening 35. The body portion 34 has a substantially circular cross-section. The body portion 34 is also designed here to fit within the opening 35, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. In connection state 72, the body portion 34 is arranged to extend fully into the hole of opening 35. Typically, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the radial extension of the body portion 34 is smaller than the radial extension of the head portion 31.

[0055] The removable cover 30 is held in a connected state 72 relative to the opening 35 by a connector coupling 50. The connector coupling 50 allows for a secure, closed connection between the removable cover 30 and the body 21 of the link 20. The connector coupling 50 can be designed in several different ways. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration shows one example of connector coupling 50, while another example of connector coupling 50 is shown in... Figure 6 The diagram in the middle is shown.

[0056] For this purpose, the removable cover 30 is adapted to be rotatably engaged with the opening 35 via the connector engagement 50. The connector engagement 50 also allows the removable cover 30 to be rotatably inserted into the opening 35. Thus, the removable cover 30 is adapted to be rotatably inserted into the opening 35. Figure 5 As shown, when the removable cover 30 is rotated and inserted into the opening 35, the removable cover 30 is positioned in the opening 35.

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connector coupling 50 includes a connector component 52 disposed on the body portion 34 of the removable cover 30. Therefore, the connector component 52 is an integral part of the removable cover 30. Furthermore, the connector coupling 50 includes a corresponding connector component 54 disposed on the circumferential surface 36 of the opening 35. Therefore, the corresponding connector component 54 is an integral part of the body 21. Accordingly, the connector coupling 50 is an integral part of the connecting rod 20.

[0058] In one example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the circumferential surface 36 includes a corresponding connector component 54. By way of example, the axial extension of the corresponding connector component 54 is defined by the axial extension of the circumferential surface 36. In other examples, the corresponding connector component 54 is arranged along the axial portion of the circumferential surface 36. However, in other examples, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the corresponding connector component 54 is defined as a recess in the circumferential surface 36. Thus, the corresponding connector component 54 is located at or on the circumferential surface 36 of the opening 35. Therefore, the corresponding connector component 54 can be located at or on the circumferential surface 36 of the opening 35 in several different ways.

[0059] The connector engagement 50 is configured to allow the removable cover 30 to shift from a disassembled state 70 to a connected state 72 by rotational movement of the removable cover 30 in the circumferential direction C. Figure 5 In this configuration, the connector coupling 50 is arranged to allow rotational engagement until the outermost radial surface region 33 of the head portion 31 is coplanar with the first surface segment 23 of the body 21.

[0060] The configuration of the connector engagement 50 typically allows for rotational engagement until the outermost radial surface region 33 of the head portion 31 becomes substantially flush with the first surface segment 23, which in Figure 5 The middle indicator is the planar state P.

[0061] To provide a sealing connection between the removable cover 30 and the opening 35, a sealing device 40 is provided, which, for example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. The sealing device 40 is configured to seal the removable cover 30 relative to the opening 35.

[0062] Thus, through the arrangement of the connector component 52, which cooperates with the sealing device 40 and is adapted to rotate into engagement with the corresponding connector component 54, a removable cover 30 and the first surface section 23 form a sealed connection. Typically, a removable cover 30 and the first surface section 23 form a sealed connection when the outermost radial surface region 33 of the head portion 31 is coplanar with the first surface section 23 of the body 21.

[0063] The sealing device 40 can be provided and arranged in several different ways. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this context, the sealing device 40 is a circumferential sealing device arranged around the removable cover 30. For example, the sealing device 40 is a circumferential sealing device arranged completely around the body portion 34 of the removable cover 30. The circumferential sealing device can be configured as an annular sealing ring, such as a conventional O-ring. The material of the sealing device 40 is typically a flexible material, such as a suitable polymer material or rubber material.

[0064] Therefore, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this case, the sealing device 40 is an annular sealing ring disposed on the outer peripheral surface 38 of the body portion 34, and further disposed between the outer surface 32 and the connector component 52, as seen in the axial direction A of the removable cover 30.

[0065] In connection state 72, such as Figure 5 As shown, the sealing device 40 provides a liquid-tight connection in the radial direction R between the removable cover 30 and the opening 35. Thus, the sealing device 40 is configured to provide a liquid-tight connection in the radial direction R between the removable cover 30 and the opening 35 when the removable cover 30 is rotatably engaged to the body 21 of the connecting rod 20.

[0066] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this example, the sealing device 40 is an integral part of the removable cover 30. In other examples, the sealing device 40 is an integral part of the body 21 of the link 20. For example, the sealing device 40 may be pre-attached to the opening 35. Thus, the sealing device 40 is an integral part of the link 20.

[0067] Turn again Figure 4 and Figure 5 Connector assembly 50. (e.g.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As schematically illustrated, connector 50 is a circular connector. Thus, link 20 includes a circular connector component 52 disposed on the body portion 34 of removable cover 30 and a corresponding circular connector component 54 disposed on or at the circumferential surface 36 of opening 35. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration shows a circular connector member 50 in the form of a threaded connector. For example, connector member 52 includes a threaded portion, and corresponding connector member 54 includes a corresponding threaded portion.

[0068] The circular connector component 52 is adapted to be rotated into engagement with the corresponding circular connector component 54 until the outermost radial surface region 33 of the head portion 31 is coplanar with the first surface section 23 of the body 21, thereby allowing the cover 30 and the first surface section 23 to be removed to form a sealed connection.

[0069] Typically, the outer peripheral surface 38 of the body portion 34 includes a connector component 52, and the peripheral surface 36 of the opening 35 includes a corresponding connector component 54. Accordingly, the peripheral surface 36 surrounding the opening 35 includes a corresponding connector component 54.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, the removable cap 30 is configured to form a sealing connection with respect to the opening 35 via a tool 80. The tool 80 may be, for example, a rotatable tool using a vacuum for manipulating the removable cap 30 relative to the opening 35.

[0071] To engage the removable cap 30 with the tool 80, the head portion 31 of the removable cap 30 includes one or more tool-interacting portions 60, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In Figure 4 In the head portion 31, the outer surface 32 includes a plurality of tool-interacting portions 60. The tool-interacting portions 60 are configured to interact with the tool 80, allowing the removable cover 30 to rotate about its central axis Ac. Furthermore, the tool-interacting portions 60 are adapted to allow rotational movement of the removable cover 30 between a disassembled state 70 and a connected state 72. Thus, the removable cover 30 is configured to engage with the tool 80 to facilitate rotational movement of the removable cover 30 between the disassembled state 70 and the connected state 72.

[0072] The tool interaction portion 60 can be set as a recess, such as Figure 4 As shown, or set as a prominent part, such as Figure 7 As shown. The tool interaction portion 60 is generally distributed around the outer surface 32 of the body 21 of the removable cover 30. Therefore, in Figure 4 In this configuration, one or more tool interaction portions 60 are arranged in the form of recesses distributed around the outer surface 32. Figure 7 In this embodiment, one or more tool interaction portions 60 are configured as protrusions distributed around the outer surface 32. These tool interaction portions 60 may be distributed symmetrically or asymmetrically around the center of the removable cover 30, such as around a central axis Ac.

[0073] It should be noted that tool 80 is also typically configured to insert removable cover 30 into opening 35. More specifically, tool 80 is typically configured to insert removable cover 30 into opening 35 until initial engagement is achieved between connector part 52 and corresponding connector part 54.

[0074] In some examples, although not illustrated, the outer surface of the head portion 31 includes a single tool interaction portion 60 configured to interact with the tool 80 to rotatably move the removable cap between a disassembled state 70 and a connected state 72.

[0075] It should also be noted that when the removable cover 30 is in the connected state 72 relative to the opening 35, the removable cover 30 is arranged to form a sealed connection with the first surface section 23 of the body 21 of the link 20 due to the combination of the connector coupling 50 and the sealing device 40. Furthermore, in the connected state 72, the removable cover 30 generally provides a liquid-tight connection relative to the opening 35 due to the configuration of the sealing device 40.

[0076] Figure 6 Another example of connector coupling 50 is shown. Figure 6 In this configuration, the connector coupling 50 is configured as a bayonet-type coupling mechanism. Thus, the connector coupling 50 is a bayonet-type connector, wherein one of the connector component 52 and the corresponding connector component 54 includes a radial protrusion 55, and the other includes a bayonet-type connecting groove 56 for receiving a portion of the radial protrusion 55. Figure 6 In the middle, the connector component 52 of the body part 34 includes a radial protrusion 55, and the corresponding connector component 54 includes a bayonet-type connecting groove 56. For example... Figure 6 As shown, a bayonet-type connection slot 56 is provided on the circumferential surface 36 of the opening 35. The bayonet-type connection slot 56 is adapted to receive a radial protrusion 55, or at least a portion thereof. The bayonet-type connection slot 56 includes an inlet 57 for the radial protrusion 55, facilitating the insertion and removal of the removable cover 30. The bayonet-type connection slot 56 also includes a path portion 58 with an abutting surface 59. The path portion 58 generally extends from the inlet 57 in the axial direction A and further extends in the circumferential direction C to the abutting surface 59. In this way, another example of a connector coupling 50 for the removable cover 30 is provided, wherein the radial protrusion 55 of the connector component 52 is adapted to rotately engage with the bayonet-type connection slot 56 of the corresponding connector component 54 until the outermost radial surface region 33 of the head portion 31 is coplanar with the first surface section 23 of the body 21. Thus, the removable cover 30 and the first surface section 23 form a sealing connection. It should also be readily understood that the opposite arrangement of the radial protrusion 55 and the bayonet-type connecting groove 56 is possible, wherein the radial protrusion 55 is part of the corresponding connector component 54, and the bayonet-type connecting groove 56 is part of the connector component 52.

[0077] Similarly, in Figure 6 In this example, the connecting rod 20 includes a sealing device 40. The sealing device 40 is a circumferential sealing device in the form of an annular sealing ring. The sealing device 40 is part of the outer circumferential surface 38 of the body portion 34. (As mentioned above regarding...) Figure 4 and Figure 5The sealing device 40 can also be a separate component positioned on the outer peripheral surface 38 of the body portion 34. The sealing device 40 is positioned between the body 31 and the connector port 52 to ensure the integrity of the seal. Typically, the sealing device 40 should be positioned at least between the outer surface 32 of the body 31 and the connector port 52.

[0078] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, many different changes, modifications, etc., will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be noted that parts of the system and method may be omitted, interchanged, or arranged in various ways, while the system and method still perform the functionality of the invention.

[0079] Furthermore, those skilled in the art, when practicing the claimed invention, can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. The fact that certain measures are referenced only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A link (20) for an industrial robot (10), the link (20) comprising: The body (21) has a first surface segment (23) including an opening (35) with a circumferential surface (36). A removable cover (30) is configured to close the opening, the removable cover having a head portion (31) with an outer surface (32) and a body portion (34) extending from the head portion in the axial direction (A). Sealing device (40) for sealing the removable cover relative to the opening; A connector coupling (50) having a connector component (52) disposed on the body portion and a corresponding connector component (54) disposed at or on the circumferential surface of the opening. and The connector component is adapted to rotately engage with the corresponding connector component to form a sealed connection between the removable cover and the first surface segment.

2. The linkage of claim 1, wherein the connector component is configured to rotately engage with the corresponding connector component until the outermost radial surface region of the head portion is coplanar with the first surface segment of the body.

3. The linkage according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the head portion further includes one or more tool interaction portions (60) configured to interact with a tool (80) for rotating the removable cap relative to the opening.

4. The link of claim 3, wherein the one or more tool interaction portions are configured as recesses distributed around the outer surface.

5. The linkage of claim 3, wherein the one or more tool interaction portions are configured as protrusions distributed around the outer surface.

6. The connecting rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the body portion includes the connector component, and the circumferential surface of the opening includes the corresponding connector component.

7. The connecting rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector component includes a threaded portion, and the corresponding connector component includes a corresponding threaded portion.

8. The connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connector coupling is a bayonet coupling, and wherein one of the connector component and the corresponding connector component includes a radial protrusion (55), and the other includes a bayonet-type connecting groove (56) for receiving a portion of the radial protrusion.

9. The connecting rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device is a circumferential sealing device arranged around the removable cover.

10. The connecting rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device is configured to provide a liquid-tight connection in the radial direction between the removable cap and the opening when the removable cap is rotatably engaged to the body of the connecting rod.

11. The link according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body further comprises a second surface segment (24), the second surface segment having a corresponding opening and also having a corresponding circumferential surface, and wherein, The link includes an additional removable cover configured to close the corresponding opening.

12. The link according to claim 11, wherein the body includes an outer main surface (22), the outer main surface including the first surface segment and an intermediate segment (25) interconnecting the first surface segment and the second surface segment.

13. The connecting rod according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate section is coplanar with the first surface section and the second surface section.

14. An industrial robot (10) comprising a link (20) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. The industrial robot of claim 14, further comprising a first joint (18) and a second joint (18), wherein the link (20) is configured to interconnect the first joint (18) and the second joint (18).

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