Fluid power connector system for manipulator
AssigneeCincinnati Milacron Inc.
InventorOliver L. Baily
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A manipulator has an end effector with a tool end movable with respect to a reference base by means of a multi-axis joint system. The joint system is contained within a housing to provide the relative movement through a mechanical power train. Fluid ducts are provided through both a first, duct component and a second, end effector power train component having an internal duct, extending into a housing plenum at first and second points, thereby providing fluid communication between the plenum and end effector. The housing has relatively movable sealed sections, and sealing means are provided at the interface of said first and second duct components with the housing.
Claims3
In a manipulator having a reference base, an end effector with a tool end movable with respect to said reference base, a multi-axis joint system linking said base to said end effector through a joint housing, an improved apparatus for connecting fluid motive power from said base to said end effector, wherein the improvement comprises:
- (a) a plenum chamber within said joint housing, and said joint housing is split into a plurality of relatively movable housing parts;
- (b) means for ducting fluid from a fluid source into said plenum chamber, said means for ducting fluid being connected to one of said plurality of housing parts;
- (c) an end effector power train component connected to said housing and extending into said plenum chamber, said power train component being connected to another of said plurality of housing parts;
- (d) a fluid duct within said power train component in fluid communication with said plenum chamber and said tool end of said end effector;
- (e) means for sealing said component with said housing;
- and
- (f) means for sealing said housing parts with one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.