• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    “MODULAR TOOL RECEIVER” A modular tool receiver that includes a wall having an orifice that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably arranged in the orifice, and a lock actuator that is arranged on a first side the wall. The lock actuator is movable between a first position in which the lock actuator pushes the coupling member in a first defined direction from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position in which the lock actuator allows the coupling member moves in a second defined direction from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first request element requests the lock actuator to the first position. A damper controls a rate of movement of the lock actuator from the second position to the first position.
    公开号:BR112017003642B1
    申请号:R112017003642-8
    申请日:2016-02-16
    公开日:2021-01-19
    发明作者:James R. Kalb；Michael Thomas Charlton
    申请人:Norgren Automation Solutions, Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FUNDAMENTALS
    [001] Industrial manufacturing operations are often carried out using automated manufacturing equipment, such as mechanical manipulators and robotic arms. Manufacturing equipment is often equipped with a tool that is designed to perform a specific function. The tool can be specifically configured for a particular part, such as certain workpiece clamping devices, such as fasteners, gripping devices, vacuum cups, etc., which can engage and move the workpiece. The tool is typically designed based on the geometry of the part with which it is intended to be used, and the tool that is designed for use with a particular part cannot usually be used with a different part.
    [002] The removable and replaceable tool allows manufacturing equipment to be used to manufacture parts with various configurations, as opposed to being dedicated to a particular part configuration. However, the time and effort required to reconfigure manufacturing equipment from one purpose to another should be minimized to the greatest extent possible without compromising the accuracy and precision of the manufacturing equipment. In some projects, the tool is connected to the manufacturing equipment by conventional fasteners. Other designs provide a quick disconnect tool, which allows the tool to be replaced using a two-part coupler that can be quickly connected and disconnected. These two part couplers often include structures that align and lock the two coupler parts together without the need for special tools or alignment procedures. Many quick-disconnect coupler designs are, however, expensive or difficult to operate. Therefore, there remains a need for quick-disconnect couplers, which are inexpensive and simple to operate. SUMMARY
    [003] One aspect of the description is a modular tool receiver that includes a wall having an orifice that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the orifice, and a latch actuator that is arranged in a first side of the wall. The latch actuator is movable between a first position in which the latch actuator prompts the coupling member in a first defined direction from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position in which the latch actuator allows the coupling member moves in a second defined direction from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first request element that requests the lock actuator to the first position. A damper controls a rate of movement of the lock actuator from the second position to the first position.
    [004] In another aspect of the description, the modular tool receiver includes a retainer that is positioned on the second side of the wall and is movable between a first position in which the retainer is in engagement with the engagement member to obstruct the movement of the member coupling in the second direction and a second position in which the retainer allows movement of the coupling member in the second direction. In another aspect of the description, a second request element that requests the retainer for the first position of the retainer. In another aspect of the description, the wall is cylindrical and the retainer is a ring.
    [005] In another aspect of the description, the wall is cylindrical. In another aspect of the description, the lock actuator is a plunger. In another aspect of the description, the coupling member is spherical.
    [006] In another aspect of the description, the modular tool receiver includes a lever that engages with the lock actuator to move the lock actuator from the first position to the second position.
    [007] In another aspect of the description, the damper is a fluid damper. In another aspect of the description, the damper includes a damper housing, a damper plunger that is disposed within the damper housing, and a fluid that is disposed within the damper housing. In another aspect of the description, the damper plunger includes a plunger head having one or more orifices that allow fluid to flow past the plunger head. In another aspect of the description, the damper includes a valve member that at least partially restricts the flow of fluid during the movement of the lock actuator from the second position to the first position. In another aspect of the description, the damper plunger includes a plunger head having a first group of one or more holes that allow the fluid to flow past the plunger head, a second group of one or more holes that allow the fluid to flow out for after the plunger head, and a valve member that obstructs fluid flow through the second group of one or more orifices during the movement of the lock actuator from the second position to the first position. In another aspect of the description, fluid flow through the first group of one or more orifices is not obstructed by the valve member during the movement of the lock actuator from the second position to the first position.
    [008] In another aspect of the description, the coupling elements are operable to maintain the coupling with a modular tool adapter in the first position and to release the modular tool adapter in the second position.
    [009] Another aspect of the description is a modular tool receiver that includes a housing having an internal cavity, a cylindrical wall that surrounds the internal cavity and extends along a longitudinal geometric axis, and a plurality of holes that extend through of the cylindrical wall in a direction that is substantially transversal to the longitudinal geometric axis. A plurality of engagement elements are each at least partially seated in a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices and are movable with respect to the cylindrical wall. A plunger is disposed within the internal cavity. The plunger has a first engaging surface formed on an outer periphery thereof and a second engaging surface formed on an outer periphery thereof, wherein the plunger is movable between the first position and the second position with respect to the housing. The plunger is movable between a first position in which the plunger requests the engaging elements in an outward direction in relation to the cylindrical wall and a second position in which the plunger allows the engaging elements to move inwardly in relation to the cylindrical wall . A first request element requests the plunger to the first position. A damper controls a rate of movement of the plunger from the second position to the first position.
    [0010] Another aspect of the description is a coupling ring for a modular tool device. The coupling ring includes a body having a central opening defined in part by an annular wall extending around the central opening, annular projections extending inwardly from the annular wall to a radial center of the central opening, and openings positioned between adjacent pairs of the annular projections.
    [0011] In another aspect of the description, the openings are evenly spaced radially around the central opening. In another aspect of the description, the openings are unevenly spaced radially around the central opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0012] The various other uses of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view showing a quick disconnect device in an unplugged position.
    [0013] Figure 2 is a side view showing the quick disconnect device in a partially connected position.
    [0014] Figure 3 is a side view showing the quick disconnect device in a connected position.
    [0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a quick disconnect device in an unplugged position.
    [0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the quick disconnect device in a connected position with a release mechanism in a locked position.
    [0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the quick disconnect device in a position connected with a release mechanism in a release position.
    [0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a receiver housing.
    [0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the receiver housing.
    [0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plunger.
    [0021] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger.
    [0022] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a coupling ring.
    [0023] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling ring.
    [0024] shock absorber. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a
    [0025] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the shock absorber.
    [0026] Figure 15 is a front view of the coupling ring.
    [0027] alternative. Figure 16 is a front view of a coupling ring DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0028] Figures 1 to 3 show a quick disconnect device 100 that includes a receiver 110 and a coupler 180 that is removably connectable to receiver 110. In particular, receiver 110 and coupler 180 are movable between an disconnected position (figure 1), where the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 are not in engagement with each other, a partially connected position (figure 2), in which the receiver 110 is partially engaged with the coupler 180, but not locked to the coupler 180, and a connected position (figure 3), in which the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 are in engagement with each other and are locked in a fixed relationship to each other. The quick disconnect device 100 can be part of a modular tool kit. The receiver 110 can also be referred to as a modular tool receiver. Coupler 180 can also be referred to as a modular tool adapter.
    [0029] The quick disconnect apparatus 100 can be used to connect a base frame 102 to a tool set 104. The base frame 102 can be any frame, to which an additional frame, such as a tool set 104, if you want to fix it. As an example, the base structure 102 can be an automatic manufacturing equipment, such as a mechanical manipulator or a robotic arm. A tool set 104 can be any type of tool, when necessary, to perform a particular function, and can include modular tools, such as bars, joints, connectors, couplers, fingers and / or paddles. Base frame 102 and tool assembly 104 can be connected to receiver 110 and coupler 180, respectively, using conventional elements, such as fasteners 106.
    [0030] In order to support the coupler 180 with respect to the receiver 110 while the coupler 180 is being connected to the receiver 110, the coupler 180 includes an elongated hook 188 and the receiver 110 includes an elongated flange 118. In the partially connected position, the coupler 180 is moved into engagement with receiver 110 by placing the elongated hook 188 on the elongated flange 118 so that an angled rearward facing surface 189 of the elongated hook 188 is engaged with an angled rearward facing surface 119 of the elongated flange 118. When the angled backward facing surface 189 is engaged with, and angled in alignment with (for example, substantially coplanar with), the angled backward facing surface 119, the coupler 180 is angled with respect to the receiver 110, but can then be moved to the position connected by rotation of the coupler 180 for alignment with the receiver 110, with this rotation being centered at the point at which the hook extends 188 contacts elongated flange 118.
    [0031] In order to align the connection between the receiver 110 and the coupler 180, one or more guide structures can be provided, such as a thinned guide pin 112. In the illustrated example, the thinned guide pin 112 is positioned on the receiver 110 and is received in a corresponding opening in coupler 180, when receiver 110 and coupler 180 are moved to the connected position. Also, to ensure that the appropriate coupler 180 is connected to receiver 110, mechanical code pins 114 can be provided on each of receiver 110 and coupler 180.
    [0032] When the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 are in the disconnected position, they can be moved to the position connected by the movement of the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 towards each other. When the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 are in the connected position, they can be moved to the disconnected position by first operating a release mechanism, such as a lever 116 that can be pivoted from a locked position (figure 5) to a position of release (figures 4 and 6). When the lever 116 reaches the release position, the lock previously established between the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 ceases, thus allowing the receiver 110 and the coupler 180 to be moved away from each other, as will be explained in detail here.
    [0033] As best shown in figures 4 to 6, the receiver 110 includes a receiver base portion 120, which is connectable to the base structure 102. The mechanical code pins 114 are arranged in the openings 122 that are formed in the portion receiver base 120. Lever 116 is pivotally connected to receiver base portion 120 and is ordered away from the release position (figure 4), in a clockwise direction, as shown in figure 5 , by a request element 124, such as a torsion spring.
    [0034] The receiver 110 includes a receiver housing 130, which defines an inner cavity 132. The receiver housing 130 can extend along a geometry axis 134. Geometry axis 134 can extend through the inner cavity 132. In the In the example shown, the inner cavity 132 is substantially cylindrical, and the geometry axis 134 is a central geometry axis of the inner cavity 132.
    [0035] As best seen in figures 7 to 8, the receiver housing 130 includes a base 136 that is connectable to the receiver base portion 120 of the receiver 110. A substantially cylindrical wall 138 extends outwardly from the base 136 and substantially surrounds the inner cavity 132. An end wall 140 extends transversely to the geometric axis 134 and extends inwardly from the cylindrical wall 138, opposite the base 136.
    The receiver 110 includes a plunger 150 which is disposed within the internal cavity 132 of the receiver housing 130, and a request element, such as a compression spring 152, which requests the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing 130 along geometry axis 134. Other suitable request elements include a stack of Belleville washers or a block of compressible elastic material. The rate of movement of the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing 130 is controlled by a damper 210. The damper 210 is attached to the plunger 150 and a damper plunger 212 is connected to the receiver housing 130 either directly or by a retainer 200 that is fixed to the housing by fasteners or conventional methods.
    [0037] Plunger 150 engages with a plurality of engagement elements 160. In one example, engagement elements 160 are substantially spherical elements, such as ball bearings.
    [0038] The receiver 110 additionally includes a bearing ring 170 which controls the movement of the coupling member 160 with respect to the receiver housing 130. A request element 172 engages the bearing ring 170 in order to urge the bearing ring 170 away from the receiver housing 130. As an example, the request element 172 may be a compression spring, a stack of Belleville washers, or a block of compressible elastic material. The bearing ring 170 can be in the form of a ring-shaped element that surrounds the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130 and has an internal diameter that is complementary to the outside diameter of the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130. In order to of receiving the bearing ring 170 and the requesting element 172, a channel 142 is formed in the base 136 of the receiver housing 130. The channel 142 can be substantially circular and can substantially surround the cylindrical wall 138.
    [0039] In order to receive at least partially the engaging elements 160, a plurality of holes or openings 144 extends through the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130. In implementations in which the engaging elements are spherical, the openings 144 can be substantially circular in cross-section when viewed in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cylindrical wall 138. The openings may extend through the cylindrical wall in a direction that is substantially transversal to the geometric axis 134, such as in one direction radial to the cylindrical wall 138.
    [0040] In order to retain the bearing ring 170 and the request element 172 in the receiver housing 130 and to define a travel limit for the bearing ring 170, a plurality of supports 146 can extend outwardly from the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130. The supports 146 can be any type of projection extending outwardly from the nominal periphery of the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130, and can be structures, such as pins or ridges or grooves . The supports 146 can be formed on the cylindrical wall 138 or can be connected to the cylindrical wall 138 by any appropriate means, such as by threaded engagement of the supports 146 with threaded openings (not shown) that are formed through the cylindrical wall 138. Consequently, the bearing ring 170 can move between a retracted position, in which bearing ring 170 is arranged in channel 142 and does not block or obstruct openings 144, and an extended position, in which the bearing ring is engaged with brackets 146 and blocks or obstructs the openings 144. The request element 172 requests the bearing ring 170 to the extended position.
    [0041] The supports 144 are positioned in radially spaced locations around the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130. The supports 144 can be of the same number as the openings 144, with one of the supports 144 positioned between each adjacent pair of the openings 144 .
    [0042] Plunger 150 is best shown in Figures 9 and 10. Plunger 150 may include a cylindrical wall 153 surrounding an inner cavity 154, and an end wall 156 is connected to cylindrical wall 153 and is arranged opposite a open end of inner cavity 154. Adjacent to open end of inner cavity 154 of plunger 150, a first contoured engaging surface 158 and a second contoured engaging surface 159 can be formed around an outer periphery of cylindrical wall 153 of plunger 150 for coupling with coupling elements 160, as will be explained in detail here.
    [0043] With reference to figures 4 to 6, the plunger 150 is movable between a disengaged position (figures 4 and 6) and a engaged position (figure 5). The plunger 150 moves within the inner cavity 132 of the receiver housing 130 along the geometry axis 134 under the influence of the stress force that is applied to the plunger 150 by the compression spring 152, which is disposed within the inner cavity 154 of the plunger. 150 so that it engages the receiver housing 130 and the plunger 150.
    [0044] The disengaged position of the plunger 150 is established when the plunger 150 is moved in response to the engagement of the lever 116 with the plunger 150. In particular, when the lever 116 is moved to the release position, the lever 116 engages the plunger 150 so that the compression spring 152 is compressed when the plunger 150 moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
    [0045] In the disengaged position, the second contoured engaging surface 159 of the plunger 150 is positioned adjacent to the openings 144 in the receiver housing 130. Because the second contoured engaging surface 159 has a smaller maximum diameter than the first contoured engaging surface 158 and is contoured so that it is complementary to the engaging elements 160, the engaging elements 160 are able to move inwardly with respect to the receiver housing 130 and toward the second contoured engaging surface 159 of the plunger 150 when the plunger 150 is in the disengaged position. As an example, the size and shape of the second contoured engaging surface may allow the engaging elements 160 to retract into the receiver housing 130 by a distance that is sufficient to cause the outermost portions of the engaging elements are positioned flush with, or inward, with respect to the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130. Thus, when the plunger 150 is in the disengaged position, the stress applied to the bearing ring 170 by the request element 172 causes the bearing ring 170 extends so that it is positioned adjacent to the openings 144 and forces the engaging elements 160 to move into the openings 144 of the receiver housing 130. Once this position is established, the ring bearing 170 maintains the engaging elements 160 in their respective positions within the openings 144 and, as a result of engaging the engaging elements 160 with the second surface contoured feature 159 of the plunger 150, the plunger 150 is held in the disengaged position after the force is no longer applied to the plunger 150 by lever 116. The disengaged position of the plunger 150 continues until the bearing ring 170 is retracted, as will be explained here.
    [0046] The bearing ring 170 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position when the coupler 180 is moved into engagement with the receiver 110 to define the engaged position. Coupler 180 includes a coupler body 181, which is connected to a tool assembly 104. One or more openings 182 can be formed in coupler body 181 to receive mechanical code pins 114. The coupler housing is connected to a coupler ring 190 which can be coupled with the receiver 110 to connect the coupler 180 to the receiver 110, as will be explained in detail here. Coupling ring 190 can be received in a recess 184 which is defined by coupler body 181. A shoulder 186 can be formed within recess 184.
    [0047] As best shown in figures 11 and 12, the coupling ring 190 can define a central opening 192, in which at least a portion of the receiver 110 is adapted to be received within the central opening 192 of the coupling ring 190. The opening central 192 is defined in part by an annular wall 194 extending around central aperture 192. One or more annular projections 196 extend inwardly from annular wall 194 to a radial center of central aperture 192. Annular projections 196 are adapted to engage the engaging elements 160 of the receiver 110 when the receiver 110 is connected to the coupler 180. The annular projections 196 define a ring having a minimum inner diameter that is complementary to the outer diameter of the cylindrical wall 138 of the receiver housing 130. The ring defined by the annular projections 196 is interrupted by openings 198 that are formed by, or arranged between, adjacent pairs of the annular projections 196 to allow the suppositions rtes 146 of receiver housing 130 move past annular projections 196 when receiver 110 and coupler 180 are moved to the connected position. The openings 198 can be structures, such as slits, interstices, or other types of openings.
    [0048] As shown in figure 15, the openings 198 of the coupling ring 190 can be uniformly spaced radially around the annular wall 194 at angles θl, where θ1 is equal to 90 degrees. When used here, evenly spaced radially means that the angular spacing between all adjacent pairs of openings 198 is the same, when measured with respect to the radial center of the central aperture 192. As shown in figure 16, an alternate coupling ring 390 includes an aperture central 392, an annular wall 394, annular projections 396, and openings 398a, 398b, 398c, and 398d, which are all similar to the corresponding parts of the coupling ring 190, except that the openings 398a, 398b, 398c, and 398d do not they are uniformly spaced radially around the annular wall 395. This uneven radial spacing prevents the installation of the coupler and receiver in an incorrect angular orientation, since the supports 146 would be arranged in correspondence with the locations of the openings 398a, 398b, 398c, and 398d and would engage coupling ring 190 to prevent incorrect installation. In the illustrated example, aperture 398a is spaced from aperture 398b by angle θ1, where θ1 is equal to 90 degrees, aperture 398a is spaced from aperture 398c by angle θ1, aperture 398a is spaced from aperture 398b by angle θl, where θl is equal to 90 degrees, opening 398c is spaced from opening 398d by angle θ2, where θ2 is equal to 80 degrees, and opening 398b is spaced from opening 398d by angle θ3, where θ3 is equal to 100 degrees. When used here, unevenly spaced radially means that the angular spacing between at least one adjacent pair of openings 398a-d is not the same as the angular spacing between at least one other adjacent pair of openings 398a-d, when measured with respect to the center central opening radial 392.
    [0049] When the coupler l80 is moved to the engaged position with respect to the receiver ll0, the receiver housing l30 enters the central opening l92 of the coupling ring l90. The coupling ring l90 engages the bearing ring l70, thus moving the bearing ring l70 from its extended position to its retracted position during the movement of coupler l80 towards the receiver ll0. Once when the bearing ring l70 is no longer positioned adjacent to the openings l44, the stress force of the compression spring l52 moves the plunger down, away from the receiver housing l30, and the resulting engagement of the second latching surfaces l59 of the piston l50 with the latching elements l60 forces the latching element l60 outwards with respect to the receiver housing l30 through the openings l44. As best seen in figure 5, this places the engagement elements l60 in engagement with the annular projections l96 of the coupling ring l90, while the engagement elements l60 are held in place by engagement with the first engagement surfaces l58 of the piston l50. While the engagement elements l60 are kept in engagement with the coupling ring l90 by the plunger l50, the coupler l80 is locked in the engaged position with respect to the receiver ll0. As previously described, in order to disengage the coupler l80 with respect to the receiver ll0, the lever ll6 is moved to the released position, thus compressing the compression spring 152, which allows the engaging elements 160 to move into the receiver housing 130 in response to an eccentricity action that is applied to the coupling elements 160 by the wedge-type profile of the annular projections 196 of the coupling ring 190 under the influence of the bearing ring 170 and the request element 172, which requests the coupler 180 away from the engaged position with respect to the receiver 110, once when the engaging elements 160 are free to move into the receiver housing 130.
    [0050] As best shown in figures 13 and 14, the shock absorber 210 resists movement. In the illustrated example, the movement of a damper plunger including the plunger rod 212 and a plunger head 214 is resisted by the passage of a fluid through holes including a first group of holes 230 and a second group of holes 232. A plunger rod 212 and plunger head 214 can be integrally formed or separately formed and connected in a fixed relationship. The holes in the first group of holes 230 and the second group of holes 232 are defined in the plunger head 214, which is attached to the plunger rod 212. The first group of holes 230 and a second group of holes 232 each allow the fluid drains past the plunger head 214 when the plunger head 214 moves axially.
    [0051] The buffer 210 includes a buffer housing 216 that defines an internal space 217. The buffer housing 216 may be a hollow cylindrical member and may be referred to as a buffer cylinder. Fluid is disposed within the internal space 217 to resist axial movement of the plunger head 214 within the internal space 217. In an implementation, the fluid is a gas. In another implementation, the fluid is a liquid, such as an oil. The buffer housing 216 includes a closed end and an open end. A seal assembly is disposed at the open end of the buffer housing 216. The seal assembly includes a seal body 218 with an opening 220. The plunger rod 212 extends through the opening. The seal assembly additionally includes a first seal ring 222 and a second seal ring 224. The first seal ring 222 engages the damper housing 216 and the seal body 218. The second seal ring engages the seal body 218 and the piston rod 212, and is retained in the seal body by a retaining ring 226.
    [0052] A hole 228 in the closed end of the buffer housing 216 can be used to connect the buffer 210 to the plunger 150 by a conventional fastener, such as a screw.
    [0053] The buffer 210 is configured to resist the movement of the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing 130 under the influence of the request element 152. Thus, after the lever 116 is moved to the release position, thus compressing the element request 152 and moving the plunger 150 towards the receiver housing 130, the plunger 150 and lever 116 do not immediately return to the locked position. Instead, the movement of the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing 130 occurs slowly, at a rate determined by the force applied by the request element 152 and the configuration of the holes in the plunger head 214. As a result, lever 116 does not needs to be manually held in the release position while coupler 180 is removed from receiver 110. Instead, after lever 116 is moved to the release position, there is a period of time in which coupler 180 will be removable, until the movement of the plunger 150 causes the engaging elements 160 to reengage the coupling ring 190. During this time, the coupler 180 can be supported with respect to the receiver 110 by the elongated hook 188 and the elongated flange 118.
    [0054] The buffer 210 can be configured to resist the movement of the plunger 150 to the receiver housing 130 to a lesser extent than it resists the movement of the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing 130. For example, the first group of orifices 230 can include one or more orifices having an aggregate area less than that of one or more orifices in the second group of orifices 232. A valve member 234 is provided to block the second group of orifices while the damper piston rod 212 210 moves in response to the movement of the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing 130. This decreases the rate of fluid flow through the plunger head 214 and thus slows the plunger 150. Valve member 234 does not block the second group of holes 232 when plunger 150 is moving into receiver housing 130, to provide less restriction in this direction. For example, valve member 234 can be a rubber flap that extends around plunger rod 212, is seated against plunger head 214, and is held in place by a retaining ring 236. When fluid drains from from the side of the plunger head 214, in which the valve member 234 is provided, the valve member 234 covers the orifices of the second group of orifices 232 and the fluid drains past the plunger head 214 through the first group of orifices 230, but not through the second orifice group 232, because the second orifice group 232 is obstructed by the valve member 234, while the first orifice group 230 is not obstructed by the valve member 234. When fluid flows from the side from plunger head 214, opposite valve member 234, valve member 234 is moved away from plunger head 214 by fluid pressure to open the orifices of the second group of orifices 232 and the fluid drains past the head piston 214 through the first orifice group 230 and the second orifice group 232, because the first orifice group 230 and the second orifice group 232 are not obstructed by the valve member 234.
    [0055] In operation, coupler 180 is manually connected to receiver 110 by an operator (ie, a person). The operator aligns the coupler 180 with the receiver 110 and then slightly angles the coupler 180 upwards while hooking the elongated hook 188 of the coupler 180 over the elongated flange 118 of the receiver 110. After the elongated hook 188 is engaged with the elongated flange 118 , the operator rotates the coupler 180 downwards to the axial alignment with the receiver 110. During this movement, the coupling ring 190 of the coupler 180 engages the bearing ring 170 and moves the bearing ring 170 into the channel 142 of the bearing housing. receiver 130 by compression of the request element 172. When the coupling ring 190 passes the engaging elements 160, the engaging elements 160 are forced outwardly by the plunger 150, which is driven away from the receiver housing 130 by the compression spring 152. The engagement elements 160 are held in engagement with the inside of the coupling ring 190 by the force applied to the engagement elements 160 by the plunger 150 to lock the coupler 180 in place. ceptor 110.
    [0056] When the operator wishes to release the coupler 180 from the receiver 110, the operator first pivots lever 116 towards the coupler 180 to the release position of lever 116. This moves the plunger 150 in the direction to the receiver 130 by compression of the compression spring 152 and relieves the force applied to the engaging elements 160 by the plunger 150. When the operator releases the lever 116, the spring force applied to the plunger 150 by the compression spring 152 prompts the plunger 150 away from the receiver housing to the locked position, but this movement is delayed by the shock absorber 210. Thus, the operator does not need to hold the lever 116 while removing the coupler 180 from the receiver 110. Before the plunger 150 causes the engagement 160 re-engage the coupling ring 190, the operator pivots the coupler 180 upward slightly to disengage the coupling ring 190 from the bearing ring 170, so that the bearing ring 170 pos only maintaining the engaging elements in the receiver housing 130. The operator then raises the coupler 180 from the receiver 110 to disengage the elongated hook 188 from the coupler 180 from the elongated flange 118 of the receiver 110.
    [0057] Although the invention has been described in connection with certain modalities, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the described modalities, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included in the spirit and scope of the claims annexes, this scope to which the broadest interpretation must be granted in order to understand all of such modifications and equivalent structures, as permitted by law.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [0001]
    1. A modular tool receiver (110), comprising: a wall (138) having an orifice (144) extending through it; an engaging member (160) which is movably disposed in the hole (144); a lock actuator (150) which is arranged on a first side of the wall (138), where the lock actuator (150) is movable between a first position in which the lock actuator (150) requests the coupling member ( 160) in a first defined direction from the first side of the wall (138) to a second side of the wall (138) and a second position in which the lock actuator (150) allows the engagement member (160) to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall (138) to the first side of the wall (138); a first request element (152) requesting the lock actuator (150) for the first position; a damper (210) that controls a rate of movement of the lock actuator (150) from the second position to the first position, characterized by the fact that the modular tool receiver (110) additionally comprises: a retainer (170) which is positioned on the second side of the wall (138) and is movable between a first position in which the retainer (170) is engaged with the engagement member (160) to obstruct the movement of the engagement member (160) in the second direction and a second position in which the retainer (170) allows the movement of the coupling member (160) in the second direction.
    [0002]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a second request element (172) requesting the retainer (170) for the first position of the retainer (170).
    [0003]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the wall (138) is cylindrical.
    [0004]
    4. Modular tool receiver (110) according to claim 3, characterized in that the retainer (170) is a ring.
    [0005]
    5. Modular tool receiver (110) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lock actuator (150) is a plunger.
    [0006]
    6. Modular tool receiver (110) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling member (160) is spherical.
    [0007]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a lever (116) that can be coupled with the lock actuator (150) to move the actuator lock (150) from the first position to the second position.
    [0008]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the damper (210) includes a damper housing (216), a damper piston (212, 214) which is disposed within the buffer housing (216), and a fluid which is disposed within the buffer housing (216).
    [0009]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to claim 8, characterized in that the damper piston (212, 214) includes a piston head (214) having one or more holes (230, 232) that allow to the fluid flowing past the plunger head (214) and a valve member (234) that at least partially restricts the flow of fluid during the movement of the lock actuator (150) from the second position to the first position.
    [0010]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to claim 9, characterized in that one or more holes (230, 232) in the plunger head (214) include a first group of one or more holes (230) that allow the fluid to flow past the plunger head (214) and a second group of one or more orifices (232) that allow fluid to flow past the plunger head (214), the valve member (234) obstructing flow fluid through the second group of one or more orifices (232) during the movement of the lock actuator (150) from the second position to the first position, in which fluid flow through the first group of one or more orifices (230) is not obstructed by the valve member (234) during the movement of the lock actuator (150) from the second position to the first position.
    [0011]
    Modular tool receiver (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coupling member (160) is operable to maintain the engagement with a modular tool adapter (180) in the first position and release the modular tool adapter (180) in the second position.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112017003642B1|2021-01-19|modular tool receiver
    US9981391B2|2018-05-29|Quick disconnect apparatus for modular tooling
    BR102015020051A2|2016-03-08|parking lock mechanism
    US20150198259A1|2015-07-16|Positioning structure of water guiding duct in faucet valve base
    BRPI0610825A2|2010-07-27|high temperature completion plug
    EP3470722A2|2019-04-17|Flange assembly
    BRPI1000386B1|2019-10-22|quick connector release tool
    BR102013001157A2|2016-03-15|coupling element and unlocking element for coupling element
    US2251491A|1941-08-05|Automatic stud driver
    ES2654715T3|2018-02-14|Coupling system for hoses and tubes and procedure for assembling a coupling system
    JP2020518479A|2020-06-25|Quick changer for modular tools
    BRPI0921177B1|2019-07-09|ACTUATOR FOR CONNECTION AND DETACHMENT OF A COMPONENT IN A PIPE WELL
    BR112014026618B1|2020-11-17|QUICK CONNECTION COUPLING FOR CEMENTATION OPERATIONS AND METHOD
    BR112019018331A2|2020-03-31|FLOATING WRENCH, GEAR AND ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY METHOD
    KR20140005333A|2014-01-14|Flow rate control apparatus
    US20190243395A1|2019-08-08|Valve Core Connection Structure and Stop Valve Set of Valve Assembly
    US4069842A|1978-01-24|Quick-fitting pipe coupling
    RU57182U1|2006-10-10|DEVICE FOR INSTALLATION OF PREPARATIONS |
    US1860866A|1932-05-31|Joint or connection for tubular bodies
    JP2009281537A|2009-12-03|Pipe fitting
    KR101450644B1|2014-10-15|Ball Valve
    US1022036A|1912-04-02|Shoring-tool.
    CN215111119U|2021-12-10|Adjustable limiting clamp for anti-roll bar
    BR112016010402B1|2022-02-08|FLUID TRANSMISSION CONNECTOR
    JP2020101253A|2020-07-02|Auto coupling device
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    JP6467040B2|2019-02-06|
    US10836050B2|2020-11-17|
    BR112017003642A2|2017-12-05|
    MX2016011260A|2016-11-30|
    JP2017532212A|2017-11-02|
    WO2016133877A2|2016-08-25|
    US20190009416A1|2019-01-10|
    US10105855B2|2018-10-23|
    EP3259101B1|2019-10-02|
    ES2762945T3|2020-05-26|
    US20160236357A1|2016-08-18|
    EP3259101A2|2017-12-27|
    WO2016133877A3|2016-10-13|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US2508832A|1948-08-28|1950-05-23|Borg Warner|Coupling device|
    GB1567252A|1976-08-24|1980-05-14|Kennametal Inc|Connection arrangements for tool holders|
    US4350463A|1977-06-13|1982-09-21|Kennametal Inc.|Arrangement for mounting a cutter|
    US4432506A|1982-07-28|1984-02-21|Cetec Corporation|Reel and hub lock for tape drives|
    DE3435119C2|1984-09-25|1986-08-07|Gildemeister-De Vlieg System-Werkzeuge Gmbh, 4800 Bielefeld|Tool or workpiece holder arrangement for cutting machine tools|
    DE3636027A1|1986-10-23|1988-04-28|Hilti Ag|HAND DEVICE WITH DETACHABLE TOOL HOLDER|
    US4767246A|1986-12-05|1988-08-30|Camloh Industries, Inc.|Quick-release tool holding device|
    US4708040A|1987-01-27|1987-11-24|Kennametal Inc.|Lock rod and apparatus for holding a toolholder|
    US4793053A|1987-04-16|1988-12-27|General Motors Corporation|Quick disconnect device|
    DE3734052A1|1987-10-08|1989-04-20|Hertel Ag Werkzeuge Hartstoff|QUICK-CHANGE CLAMPING DEVICE FOR MACHINE TOOLS|
    US4919023A|1988-03-22|1990-04-24|Bloink Harry W|Quick-change tool adapter|
    JP2505624B2|1990-06-28|1996-06-12|ビー・エル・オートテック株式会社|Master plate and tool plate for robot arm coupling device and robot arm coupling device combining them|
    USD363979S|1994-08-16|1995-11-07|Clark James M|Bead seal gasket|
    US6196094B1|1995-03-17|2001-03-06|Kennametal Pc Inc.|Tool unit clamping apparatus having a locking mechanism with increased gripping force|
    DE29718726U1|1997-10-10|1999-02-18|Kuka Schweissanlagen Gmbh|Interchangeable coupling|
    US6000306A|1998-06-12|1999-12-14|Kennametal Inc.|Side activated tool unit clamping apparatus using mechanical advantage|
    US6254303B1|1999-02-01|2001-07-03|Bogdan S. Falat|Quick-release connector and methods therefore|
    US6439860B1|1999-11-22|2002-08-27|Karl Greer|Chambered vane impeller molten metal pump|
    US7252453B1|2002-05-29|2007-08-07|Ati Industrial Automation, Inc.|Robot arm coupling apparatus|
    US6932358B1|2002-10-31|2005-08-23|Lomar Machine & Tool Co.|Quick change endform tool cartridge|
    US7779716B2|2004-10-22|2010-08-24|Ati Industrial Automation, Inc.|Quick disconnect tooling apparatus|
    DE102005012790A1|2005-03-19|2006-09-21|Sms Demag Ag|Coupling of two adjustable plug-in parts|
    ES2300903T3|2005-07-09|2008-06-16|System 3R International Ab|TIGHTENING DEVICE FOR A TOOL OR A WORK PIECE.|
    US8005570B2|2006-03-14|2011-08-23|Ati Industrial Automation|Robotic tool changer|
    US8601667B2|2006-04-04|2013-12-10|Ati Industrial Automation, Inc.|Rotating coupling for robotic tool changer with actuation mechanism|
    GB2436920B|2006-04-04|2010-10-06|Oil States Ind|Connector assemblies for connecting members under tension|
    US7998053B2|2006-08-30|2011-08-16|Nexstim Oy|Transcranial magnetic stimulation induction coil device and method of manufacture|
    JP4126074B1|2007-03-13|2008-07-30|株式会社スター精機|Robot arm coupling device|
    US7621200B2|2007-11-13|2009-11-24|Works Bell Inc.|Steering wheel adapter|
    CN101978201B|2008-02-16|2013-05-29|基伊埃图亨哈根有限公司|Process valve acting as a lift valve|
    US7828261B2|2008-05-14|2010-11-09|Greer Karl E|Post mounting assembly and method for molten metal pump|
    US8220804B2|2009-02-05|2012-07-17|Kennametal Inc.|Toolholder assembly with axial clamping mechanism|
    US8992113B2|2009-06-08|2015-03-31|Re2, Inc.|Robust manual connector for robotic arm end effector|
    US8579538B2|2010-07-30|2013-11-12|United Technologies Corporation|Turbine engine coupling stack|
    USD647181S1|2010-10-21|2011-10-18|Superior Tool Corp.|Toilet ring|
    FR2990011B1|2012-04-27|2014-05-02|Eurocopter France|FLEXIBLE COUPLING MEANS AND MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION|
    WO2014045390A1|2012-09-21|2014-03-27|ビー・エル・オートテック株式会社|Tool exchanger|
    USD737133S1|2012-12-07|2015-08-25|Langdon Incorporated|Clamping member|
    CN105189052A|2013-03-29|2015-12-23|必爱路自动化设备|Master unit for tool exchange device|
    USD756492S1|2013-04-26|2016-05-17|Aegis Flow Technologies, L.L.C.|Bleed ring body|
    USD739921S1|2013-04-26|2015-09-29|Aegis Flow Technologies, Llc|Bleed ring body|
    DE202013103712U1|2013-08-15|2013-08-29|Pflitsch Gmbh & Co. Kg|Wall bushing|
    WO2015110170A1|2014-01-24|2015-07-30|Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH|Device for coupling and mechanically connecting a first component to a second component|
    US9669469B2|2014-04-25|2017-06-06|Cherng Jin Technology Co., Ltd.|Coupling device of jig|
    US10661449B2|2014-08-20|2020-05-26|Ati Industrial Automation, Inc.|Safe robotic tool changer|
    BR112017003642B1|2015-02-16|2021-01-19|Norgren Automation Solutions, Llc|modular tool receiver|JP6475979B2|2014-12-26|2019-02-27|ニッタ株式会社|Engaging parts, female mold member, and tool changer|
    WO2018204369A1|2017-05-01|2018-11-08|Norgren Automation Solutions, Llc|Quick disconnect apparatus for modular tooling|
    BR112017003642B1|2015-02-16|2021-01-19|Norgren Automation Solutions, Llc|modular tool receiver|
    US9981391B2|2015-02-16|2018-05-29|Norgren Automation Solutions, Llc|Quick disconnect apparatus for modular tooling|
    JP6353796B2|2015-02-27|2018-07-04|株式会社コスメック|Output device and output system|
    US11167411B2|2015-08-24|2021-11-09|Rethink Robotics Gmbh|Quick-release mechanism for tool adapter plate and robots incorporating the same|
    CN106426244A|2016-12-02|2017-02-22|江苏尚诚精密模具科技有限公司|Quick replacing mechanism for mechanical hand clamp|
    CN110709215A|2017-04-07|2020-01-17|睿信科机器人股份有限公司|Quick release mechanism for tool adapter plate and robot equipped with same|
    USD898879S1|2017-05-01|2020-10-13|Norgren Automation Solutions, Llc|Modular tooling coupler|
    EP3587003B1|2018-06-29|2020-08-05|System 3R International AB|Modular clamping system|
    WO2020174821A1|2019-02-25|2020-09-03|京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社|Gripping mechanism and assembly device|
    CN114174016A|2019-08-07|2022-03-11|右手机器人股份有限公司|Robotic device configuration|
    WO2021151489A1|2020-01-30|2021-08-05|Ferrum Packaging Ag|Seaming-shaft device for a seamer|
    法律状态:
    2020-03-31| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-12-08| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2021-01-19| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 16/02/2016, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201562116633P| true| 2015-02-16|2015-02-16|
    US62/116633|2015-02-16|
    US15/044,178|US10105855B2|2015-02-16|2016-02-16|Quick disconnect apparatus for modular tooling|
    US15/044178|2016-02-16|
    PCT/US2016/018025|WO2016133877A2|2015-02-16|2016-02-16|Quick disconnect apparatus for modular tooling|
    [返回顶部]