Safe tool changer
US11198223B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J19/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tool changer set out having a master unit and a tool unit. The master unit comprises a safety controller with two separate processing circuitries, a coupler and at least two coupling sensors. The tool unit comprises at least one tool unit sensor, the at least one tool unit sensor provides two output signals sent to the safety controller. The at least two coupling sensors individually detect if the tool unit is coupled to the master unit and the output signals are sent to the safety controller. The two separate processing circuitries are arranged to receive a request to decouple the tool unit, determine whether the tool unit is coupled to the master unit and whether the tool unit is in the tool stand, send the result of the determinations to other processing circuitry, receive a result of determinations and send a decouple signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.