초록 ▼

An exchange system is provided for connecting a remote, manipulable element, such as a robot arm tool gripper, to a central control source, such as a robot arm and its associated programmable control. An upper exchange unit attaches to the robot arm and receives control signals which pass through th

An exchange system is provided for connecting a remote, manipulable element, such as a robot arm tool gripper, to a central control source, such as a robot arm and its associated programmable control. An upper exchange unit attaches to the robot arm and receives control signals which pass through the body of the upper unit to a matable lower exchange unit. A plurality of lower exchange units are provided, each attached to an individual tool gripper and relaying control signals to the gripper. The mating upper and lower exchange units provide for serial connection of the robot arm to any desired one of an array of tool grippers and for communication of control signals through the mated units to each tool gripper without the need for separate control umbilicals between each tool gripper and the control signal source.

대표청구항 ▼

A manipulator tool exchange sytem, comprising: a. a lightweight first exchange unit attachable to and in signal communication with a central control source and having control signal conducting means passing therethrough; b. at least one lightweight second exchange unit matable with and releasably co

A manipulator tool exchange sytem, comprising: a. a lightweight first exchange unit attachable to and in signal communication with a central control source and having control signal conducting means passing therethrough; b. at least one lightweight second exchange unit matable with and releasably connectable to the first exchange unit and attachable to and in control signal communication with a remote manipulable element, the second exchange unit having control signal conducting means passing therethrough and matable with the first exchange unit for passing of control signals to the remote manipulable element; and c. locking means, internal to the first exchange unit, in signal communication with and responsive to the central control source for connecting and disconnecting the matable exchange units, the locking means comprising a plurality of latch means, pivotally connected to an axially moveable drive means and slidable on a pin fixed in a mount to engage latch retaining means in response to signals from the central control source to the drive means to engage and disengage on command, the matable exchange units.