System for exchanging tools and end effectors on a robot
US4993139A · kind A · utility
18Cited by
8References
12Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/13
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for exchanging tools and end effectors on a robot permits exchange during a programmed task. The exchange mechanism is located off the robot, thus reducing the mass of the robot arm and permitting smaller robots to perform designated tasks. A simple spring/collet mechanism mounted on the robot is used which permits the engagement and disengagement of the tool or end effector without the need for a rotational orientation of the tool to the end effector/collet interface. As the tool changing system is not located on the robot arm no umbilical cords are located on robot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.