Self-aligning tool holder for use with robotic arms
US5947880A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/18
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tool rack support system which includes leaf spring type flexures which allow the tool rack a measure of compliance in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The support system comprises preferably two flexure support assemblies with each assembly preferably including two cantilevered, horizontally oriented, planar flexures and two cantilevered, vertically oriented, substantially planar flexures which are ultimately supported from the distal end of the horizontally oriented, planar flexures. The vertically oriented, planar flexures give the support system a measure of compliance which allows the tool rack to be moved discretely in the horizontal plane as a result of a robotic arm acquiring or delivering a tool to the tool rack. The horizontally oriented, substantially planar flexures of the support system give the support assembly vertical compliancy to allow the tool rack to be moved discretely in the vertical direction as a result of a robotic arm acquiring or delivering a tool from the tool rack. Travel stops are provided to limit the amount of vertical travel which can be imparted to be horizontally oriented, planar flexures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.