Abstract: A manually actuated robotic tool changer comprises master and tool units, each adapted to be connected to a different one of a robotic arm and a robotic tool. The tool changer includes a plurality of rolling members retained in one of the units and a piston mounted in one of the units and moveable in an axial direction. The piston includes a multi-faceted cam surface including an initial contact surface, a locking surface, and a failsafe surface interposed between the initial contact surface and the locking surface. When the piston is in a locked position in the tool changer, the cam surface is operative to contact the rolling members in one of the units and to urge each rolling member against a surface of the other unit to couple the master and tool units together.

Abstract: A manually actuated robotic tool changer includes a first housing having a generally cylindrical piston with a central axis partially extending from the first housing, the piston rotatable about the axis. A plurality of tabs are disposed about the circumference of a portion of the piston extending from the first housing. A second housing has a bore to receive a portion of the piston. A plurality of locking lugs are disposed about the bore. The tool changer is manually actuated from an unlocked position wherein the piston assumes a position with respect to the first housing such that the extending portion of the piston may be moved within the bore with the tabs moving between the locking lugs, to a locked position wherein the piston is rotated with respect to the first housing such that the tabs move beneath the locking lugs to lock the first and second housings together.

Abstract: A manually actuated robotic tool changer includes a first housing having a generally cylindrical piston with a central axis partially extending from the first housing, the piston rotatable about the axis. A plurality of tabs are disposed about the circumference of a portion of the piston extending from the first housing. A second housing has a bore to receive a portion of the piston. A plurality of locking lugs are disposed about the bore. The tool changer is manually actuated from an unlocked position wherein the piston assumes a position with respect to the first housing such that the extending portion of the piston may be moved within the bore with the tabs moving between the locking lugs, to a locked position wherein the piston is rotated with respect to the first housing such that the tabs move beneath the locking lugs to lock the first and second housings together.

Abstract: A manually actuated robotic tool changer comprises master and tool units, each adapted to be connected to a different one of a robotic arm and a robotic tool. The tool changer includes a plurality of rolling members retained in one of the units and a piston mounted in one of the units and moveable in an axial direction. The piston includes a multi-faceted cam surface including an initial contact surface, a locking surface, and a failsafe surface interposed between the initial contact surface and the locking surface. When the piston is in a locked position in the tool changer, the cam surface is operative to contact the rolling members in one of the units and to urge each rolling member against a surface of the other unit to couple the master and tool units together.