Breakaway mount for robot arm
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Dec 16, 1997
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Mar 22, 1995
filing date -
Mar 22, 1995
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A breakaway connection for securely mounting a tool to a robot is disclosed. The breakaway connection incorporates a plunger that is spring biased from a moving member into a notch in a fixed member. Moment arm forces on the tool are translated to the connection between the plunger and the notch. Should those overload forces exceed the spring force on the plunger, the plunger moves out of the notch. At that time, the tool is free to pivot relative to the housing to a disabled position. This pivoting movement allows the tool to move away from an obstruction that might have caused the force. A universal joint connection is used between the moving member and its housing. The spring force on the plunger may be adjusted. In addition, a sensor may monitor movement of the plunger and communicate with a control for the robot to allow the robot to identify when the plunger begins to move. In other features, additional structure may be incorporated with the breakaway connection to resist an axial force directly into the tool. Several embodiments of the axial force resistance structure are disclosed. In some embodiments, a spring provides a resistance force, and in one embodiment, a breakaway connection is provided relative to an axial force.
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address
Add to Portfolio(s)
To add this patent to one, or more, of your portfolios, simply click the add button.
This Patent is in these Portfolios:
Add to additional portfolios:
Last Refreshed On:
Changes done successfully