Robot Tool Changer

Tool Changer for Robots

This technology is a tool changer mechanism that performs the coupling and decoupling of a robot arm and a tool. It features a structure where the master unit's grab bracket and the slave unit's hook bracket are engaged, and a driving member within the slave unit controls locking by inducing linear and rotational movement in the link member and shaft bracket member.

Conventional tool changers require separate interface plates for the master and the tool, are difficult to maintain due to complex coupling mechanisms, and suffer from operational limitations because they do not allow for flexible switching between automatic and manual modes.

This technology separates the slave unit into a first housing (base coupling part) and a second housing (drive module part), allowing for switching between automatic and manual coupling modes based on the attachment or detachment of the second housing. It also simplifies the structure through an internal linear-to-rotational motion conversion link mechanism. Applicable to industrial robots and automation systems, it improves the structure of tool changers, facilitates maintenance, and simplifies the attachment/detachment process.

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Key Features:

• A hook bracket member disposed within the first housing member, connected to the shaft bracket member, and configured to rotate in response to the linear movement of the shaft bracket member.
• A driving member disposed within the second housing member, providing the power required to couple or decouple the master unit and the slave unit.
• A shaft bracket member disposed within the first housing member, configured to move linearly in response to the operation of the driving member.
• A link member with one end connected to the shaft bracket member and the other end connected to the hook bracket member.

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the development of core technologies for end-effectors for rescue robots.