Mounting and locating device for a breakaway tool holder
US5782445A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K37/0241
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A breakaway mechanism for supporting a non-contact tool to protect the tool in the event of an inadvertent collision includes a non-redundant locating system to establish precise tool repositioning and a magnetic holding device to retain the tool in its operative attached position. The non-redundant locating system assures initial mounting and relocating after breakaway which is immune from inaccuracies resulting from manufacturing tolerances and the magnetic mounting device permits breakaway separation free from any mechanical restraint. The invention is particularly suitable for use on an automatic metal cutting torch, but may be applied to many non-contact tools which are positioned and operated by computer or robotic control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.