System for exchanging tools and end effectors on a robot

Patent · Tue Feb 19 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:7084171

Burry, D B; Williams, P M

A system and method for exchanging tools and end effectors on a robot permits exchange during a programmed task. The exchange mechanism is located off the robot, thus reducing the mass of the robot arm and permitting smaller robots to perform designated tasks. A simple spring/collet mechanism mounted on the robot is used which permits the engagement and disengagement of the tool or end effector without the need for a rotational orientation of the tool to the end effector/collet interface. As the tool changing system is not located on the robot arm no umbilical cords are located on robot. 12 figures.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP03533
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 4993139; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-502962
• OSTI ID: 7084171
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 2 Apr 1990
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
ROBOTS
TOOLS
INSTALLATION
OPERATION
WEIGHT
EQUIPMENT
420203* - Engineering- Handling Equipment & Procedures