Gripping and transport clamp mounted at the end of a robotic arm and method for operating the same
US6746203B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/12
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a gripping and transport clamp mounted at an end of a robotic arm. The clamp has a support member mounted at the end of the robotic arm and two lower pressing plates and one upper pressing plate mounted on the support member. A sensor is used to detect a reaction force being exerted on the first pressing plate upon displacement thereof. An actuator inserts the first lower pressing plate under the object to be gripped in response to a detection of the reaction force by the sensor. The second lower pressing plate under the first pressing plate moves between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an actuator mounted between the second lower pressing plate and the support member. It is also inserted under the object to be gripped. An actuator moves the upper pressing plate towards the object for gripping it between the plates. A controller receives detection signals from the sensor and operates the actuators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.