192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Torque responsive
Patent
1987-10-16
1989-07-18
Bonck, Rodney H.
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Torque responsive
192 56R, 464 36, 901 46, 901 49, F16D 4320
Patent
active
048485462
ABSTRACT:
The invention provides an "on the fly" adjustable clutch for use with robot end-of-arm tooling that senses movement of a tool attached to the clutch and can send a signal to shut down the robot when an overload is encountered. The clutch includes a piston capable of lateral movement within a chamber that is slidably mounted on a pin and a tool plate. The pin extends beyond the clutch housing, and the tool plate is pivotally mounted on the pin. Spring act to bias the piston away from the tool plate such that the tool plate is held somewhat rigidly in relation to the clutch housing by the springs. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized air may be introduced into the piston chamber on either side of the piston to increase or decrease the bias of the springs. Thus, the clutch is capable of varying sensitivities with the biasing being adjustable under program control. Also included on the clutch are locating studs and proximity sensors. The locating means act to position the tool plate in a normal position in relation to the clutch housing. The proximity sensors detect movement of the tool plate in relation to the housing.
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Robotic Accessories' brochure entitled "Uni-coupler Safety Joint"; Rumble Equipment advertisement, Page 9, Robotics World, Jan., 1986.
Kuka brochure, Pages 26-27 disclosing collision protective device; Diagram labeled "G.M. Clutch".
Autry, Jr. Walter D.
McCormick Peter E.
Bonck Rodney H.
Lorence Richard M.
Thompson Daniel V.
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