Novel means for mounting a tool to a robot arm
US5018266A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/1738
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tool changer including male and female flanges for connecting end effectors to robot arms. A male flange having a tapered projection is inserted into a tapered opening in a female flange having a rod coaxial with the diameter of the tapered opening. A rotatable locking stud is aligned within an opening in the male projection and includes a slot having locking grooves at its lower end. The stud is rotated through an angle causing the male and female flanges to be drawn together until the cooperating tapers are seated together. A spring retains the flanges in the locked position. A cooperating pin and pin receiving socket respectively provided on the male and female flanges at locations displaced from the male and female tapers are utilized to assure proper orientation between flanges and to prevent rotation of the flanges. Electrical terminals on the male connecting flange engage cooperating conductive terminals on the female flange, providing an electrical path between electrical sources and load utilization devices on the end effectors. Pneumatic couplings are also provided between the male and female flanges. A plurality of removable flange identifying pins are arranged along t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.