Linearly actuated switch for robot crash protector device
US7964998B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18296
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A linearly actuated switch assembly is adjustably disposed in a housing stem bore of a robotic crash protector device. An actuation plate is disposed over the central bore of the contact surface. As the piston moves toward the housing base in response to a crash force or torque applied to the actuator, the actuation plate moves in an axial direction, and contacts and actuates the switch. The actuation plate is biased towards the contact surface by an actuation spring disposed between the actuation plate and a spring plate that is rigidly affixed to the housing stem. This arrangement allows the actuation plate to “float” with respect to the fixed spring plate. In particular, the actuation plate may assume the orientation of the piston, which may be canted from its default orientation—normal to the device central axis—by uneven application of force by the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.