Overload protection device
US4714865A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1986 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J19/063
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An overload protection device adapted to be secured between a robot arm and a tool, comprises a floating piston (20) within a cylinder (18). Hall effect sensors (124) are spaced around the cylinder wall and mating magnets (40) are spaced around the piston wall. The cylinder is pressurized to axially align the piston with the cylinder and to position each magnet in alignment with a sensor. When an overload occurs involving either the robot arm or the tool, the magnets are moved relative to the sensors causing the sensors to signal for depressurization of the cylinder. An electronic system (FIG. 27) responsive to the Hall effect sensor signals lights an "overload" LED D1 and triggers a timer circuit T1 which generates a timing pulse of fixed duration. During the duration of the timing pulse, the robot is de-energized. A red LED R is illuminated indicating the robot system is not ready to be operated. Also, a solenoid valve L1 is energized, cutting off the pressure to the cylinder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.