Tool interface for robot end effectors

A tool interface for a robot end effector comprising,

• a tool changer rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a socket on said axis with means for securing a tool therein, said tool securing means including spring jaws inserted in said socket and secured therein for clamping said tool, said jaws being a tubular body made of resilient material split longitudinally at one end and integrally united at the opposite end, said jaws having an inclined surface at the split end, an annular sleeve fitting around side spring jaws in said socket, said sleeve being longitudinally slidable against said jaws and against walls of said socket for engaging said jaws at said inclined surface, a spring having a spring axis, said spring axially positioned behind said sleeve in contact with one end of said sleeve for pushing said sleeve into engagement with the jaws, thereby actuating said jaws, said spring axis being the same as the said longitudinal axis,
• a piston having an annular portion radially spaced from said sleeve, and a radial portion integrally connected to said annular portion and spaced apart from walls of said socket to form a chamber, said radial portion being in contact with said spring in a position capable of pushing longitudinally back against said spring, and a fluid supply line for supplying pressurized fluid to said changer, said piston and said fluid supply line forming a fluid pressure mechanism for pushing said spring longitudinally away from said sleeve thereby disengaging said sleeve from said jaws releasing said tool, and
• means disposed on said longitudinal axis for rotating said tool changer about the longitudinal axis.