A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

A force multiplier (5) configured to assist movement of the operating rod (22) in its axial direction is provided. An engagement recess (52) provided on an outer periphery of the operating rod (22) has a cam surface (52a) configured to make engagement with an engagement ball (51). There is provided a support hole (53) configured to allow movement of the engagement ball (51) in a radial direction of operating rod (22) and to restrict movement of the engagement ball (51) in the axial direction of the operating rod (22). A pressing member (54) configured to press the engagement ball (51) is provided, and the pressing member (54) has a force-multiplying surface (54a).

A robotic tool changer in which the coupling mechanism is actuated using magnetic force is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a robotic tool changer may include a tool unit operatively connected to a robotic tool and a master unit operative to connect to a robotic arm. The master unit may include a housing and a piston. The piston may be disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to place the master unit in one of a coupled state and a decoupled state. Further, the master unit may be operative to assume the coupled state or the decoupled state in response to altering an orientation of magnetic fields to provide a first magnetic force that moves the piston to the coupled state or provide a second magnetic force that moves the piston to the decoupled state.

A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

An interchangeable tool including a finger of a shape suitable for various components is mechanically detachably mounted to a robot arm. This eliminates the need for seeking the origin of the actuator for each interchange. By interchanging fingers themselves, the entire end effector can be reduced in size and weight.

A robotic tool changer includes master and tool assemblies that are coupled by urging a plurality of rolling members contained in openings in the master assembly into contact with a bearing race contained in the tool assembly. Accumulations of debris in and around the contact points between the rolling members and bearing race are permitted to escape via a series of debris passages formed between the rolling members and the openings when the master and tool assemblies are coupled.

In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.

A mechanical end-effector changer includes a first connection unit and a second connection unit. The first connection unit has mounted therein multiple movable members and mating elastic members. Subject to the linking relationship between each movable member and the respective elastic member, the first connection unit and the second connection unit can be automatically connected together or detached from each other, facilitating end-effector change.

A robotic tool changer includes a locking feature, and may be made washable by sealing against fluid incursion. The tool changer comprises a master unit and one or more tool units, and it transitions between decoupled and coupled states by rotation of one part relative to another. The rotation displaces rolling members in the master unit, such as balls, from a retaining surface to a locking surface which is sized and positioned to force the rolling members against a coupling surface of the tool unit. A deformable pin interposed between the retaining and locking surfaces resists movement of the rolling members therebetween, requiring the application of force. The pin remains deformed, and continues to exert a force on the rolling members, when the robotic tool changer is in the coupled state, providing a locking feature which automatically and positively resists any inadvertent decoupling of the tool changer.

A tool changer is described, the tool changer includes a robot-side portion having a longitudinal axis and fixable to a manipulator, and a tool-side portion fixable to a tool and abuts against the robot- side portion along the longitudinal axis. The tool changer also includes a lock to lock the tool-side portion on the robot-side portion, and an actuator of the lock. The lock is selectively movable by the actuator between a locked position, where it engages the tool-side portion that abuts against the robot-side portion, thereby preventing the separation of the two portions of the tool changer, and an unlocked position, where it does not engage the tool-side portion, which can therefore be separated from the robot- side portion. The actuator of the lock is an electric motor whose drive shaft rotates on a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.