US 2026/0295867 A1 · Mechanically Actuated Robotic Tool Changer with Configurable Manual Actuation Lock-out

Abstract

A mechanically actuated tool changer comprises a robot unit comprising a locking post having an engagement cap, and a tool unit having a central recess to accept the locking post in a decoupled state. In a coupled state, the effective diameter of the central recess is reduced, capturing the engagement cap of the locking post. The coupling mechanism comprises a pair of geometrically identical sliding wedges, arranged in an inverted and longitudinally opposite orientation relative to each other. Mainsprings bias the sliding wedges apart, reducing the effective diameter of the central recess. To decouple, engagement edges of the sliding wedges are moved together, against the bias of the mainsprings. The engagement edges are pressed together as the tool unit is placed in a tool stand. A configurable manual actuation lock-out mechanism selectable allows or prevents manual actuation of the coupling mechanism.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A mechanically actuated robotic tool changer system, comprising:

a robot unit configured to be connected to an actuator and comprising a locking post;
a tool unit having a housing and configured to be connected to a robotic tool, having a central recess, and comprising a pair of sliding wedges in inverted and longitudinally opposite configuration to each other, the sliding wedges being biased apart from each other to assume a default coupled state in which the locking post of the robot unit is captured in the central recess of the tool unit to couple the tool unit to the robot unit, and moveable towards each other to assume a decoupled state in which the locking post of the robot unit is released.

A mechanically actuated robotic tool changer, comprising:

a robot unit configured to be connected to an actuator and comprising a locking post;
a tool unit having a housing and configured to be connected to a robotic tool, having a central recess, and comprising a pair of geometrically identical sliding wedges in inverted and longitudinally opposite configuration to each other, the sliding wedges being biased apart from each other to assume a default coupled state in which the locking post of the robot unit is captured in the central recess of the tool unit to couple the tool unit to the robot unit, and moveable towards each other to assume a decoupled state in which the locking post of the robot unit is released;
and
a manual actuation lock-out mechanism configured to disable manual actuation of the sliding wedges from the coupled state to the decoupled state, wherein actuation of the sliding wedges from the coupled state to the decoupled state can only occur by placing the tool unit in an associated tool stand.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mechanically Actuated Robotic Tool Changer with Configurable Manual Actuation Lock-out

Life of this patent

Mechanically Actuated Robotic Tool Changer with Configurable Manual Actuation Lock-out

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17