Gripper mechanism having spring-loaded jaws
US5054836A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/111
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A gripper for grasping articles in an automatic or semi-automatic handling system includes spring-loaded jaws. No fasteners such as screws, pins, or the like are required to hold the jaws to the gripper assembly. The jaws are moved by way of motor-driven cams. During a grip mode, the cams do not contact the jaws, and the grip is achieved by way of the springs acting against rollers contacting the outside of the jaws. A worm on the motor shaft compresses a spring to buffer the deceleration of the motor. The spring applies a moment to worm gears which mate with the worm on the motor shaft. The gear shaft of each worm gear is operatively coupled to a respective camshaft. In this manner, the cams are locked.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.