Safe robotic tool changer
US10661449B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T279/17145
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an inherently safe robotic tool changer, a master unit couples to a tool unit via a first power source, and decouples from the tool unit using a separate, second power source. The second power source is only available when an attached tool is safely disposed in a tool stand. In embodiments where the first power source is not selectively applied, such as the constant bias provided by a spring, a detent mechanism maintains the master unit in a decoupled state when the master unit is removed from the tool unit. The detent mechanism allows the master unit to couple to a different tool unit upon physically abutting the new tool unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.