Safety coupling device for robotic tooling
US4954005A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1989 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32581
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A coupling device includes a first support member which is connected to the arm of a robot and which supports a second support member for precision universal tilting and axial and/or rotary movement from an aligned normal position. The second support member supports robotic tooling, and a set of springs or springs and ball members or fluid actuated piston bias the support members to the normal position. An electrical control circuit is effective to stop movement of the robot arm in response to minute tilting or axial or rotary movement of the second support member in the event the tooling or article carried by the tooling is accidentally hit or overloaded. A set of semi-circular rings and auxiliary springs are attached to the support members for producing a substantial biasing force towards the normal position, and a set of construction balls and corresponding seats are used to establish a precision normal position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.