Programmable breakaway clutch system with collapsible failure mode
US4998606A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J19/063
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A breakaway clutch for robot end-of-arm tooling includes a housing and movable member constrained within the housing for movement along a central axis. A tool connecting member is linked to the movable member by way of a capsule-shaped link. The tool connecting member is located such that a movable member is in the normal position and the tool connecting member is movable in all directions except in the direction of a front housing wall. The movable member is biased toward the normal position, with the biasing being adjustable to vary the bias and thereby vary the sensitivity of the clutch to forces applied to the movable member by way of the tool connecting member. Movement of the movable member away from the normal position is sensed to send an alarm signal to the robot controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.