Abstract: A transfer station for temporarily storing at least one interchangeable die. The die can be removed by a joining tool to carry out a joining operation, and can be returned back into the transfer station after the joining operation. The transfer station including a die receptacle for holding the die, and a rotating device for rotating the die in the receptacle in order to establish an axial engagement between the die and the joining tool.

Abstract: In embodiments, a subsea manipulator tool changer comprises an ROV attachable standardized tool receiver and a tool, the subsea manipulator tool changer comprising a standardized tool latch and a standardized tool latch receiver whereby tools can be attached and detached subsea. In other embodiments, a system for changing tools while subsea comprises an ROV, a subsea manipulator tool changer, and a tool caddy configured to accept and release a tool where the tool comprises the standardized tool latch receiver.

Abstract: A robot quick-release assembly has a first joint member and a robot component mounted thereon, the first joint member has a first coupler and a second joint member, a robot arm mounted thereon, has a second coupler, a clamp, and a locking collar. The first coupler can be coaxially aligned with the second coupler and pressed into the second joint member, and detachably connected to the second joint member. The first mechanical coupler is detachably connected to the second mechanical coupler for transferring power across the quick-release assembly. The robot component can receive an additional electrical connector, the additional electrical connector supplying power to the robot component. The quick-release assembly coupling assembly further exerts large forces with the application of a relatively small torque to the locking collar by applying a two stage wedge engagement and can further include a sequencing system.

Abstract: A connecting device configured to couple to a robot arm and a robot tool includes a first connecting part including a fixing member having at least one first magnetic part, at least one first optical fiber connector, and at least one first electrical connector which are coupled to the fixing member. A second connecting part which is removable and securely coupled to the first connecting part including a fixing member having at least one second magnetic part, at least one second optical fiber connector, and at least one first conduction connector which are coupled to the fixing member. The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part have opposite magnetic force. When the first magnetic part contacts the second magnetic part, the first optical fiber connector connect to the second optical fiber connector and the first electrical connector connects to the first conduction connector.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate a robot part including a processor, at least one sensor, and an interface providing wireless connectivity. The processor may determine that the robot part is removablly connected to a particular robotic system and may responsively obtain identification information to identify the particular robotic system. While the robot part is removablly connected to the particular robotic system, the processor may (i) transmit, to an external computing system, sensor data that the processor received from the at least one sensor and (ii) receive, from the external computing system, environment information (e.g., representing characteristics of an environment in which the particular robotic system is operating) based on interpretation of the sensor data. And based on the identification information and the environment information, the processor may generate a command that causes the particular robotic system to carry out a task in the environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that adapt programming and/or control of a robot. The robot has at least one attachment area that can removably couple with any one of a plurality of end effectors. The programming and/or control is adapted based on received parameters of an end effector attached (or to be attached) to the attachment area of the robot. Some implementations are directed to adapting graphical user interface output of a robot programming application based on one or more parameters of an end effector for a robot being programmed via the robot programming application. Some implementations are directed to adapting control of a robot based on one or more parameters of an end effector attached (or to be attached) to the robot.

Abstract: A mechanical arm includes a frame with a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. At least one gear may be rotatably connected to the frame. The gear may include a series of projections along its circumference. A pair of opposing jaw members may extend beyond the distal end of the frame. At least one jaw member may be connected to a corresponding gear. An elongate member may be slidably disposed on the frame. The elongate member may include a row of teeth configured to operatively mesh with the series of projections of the gear and may cause rotation of the gear upon translation of the elongate member. A handle may be disposed on the frame nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The handle may include an actuator connected to the elongate member. The actuator may translate the elongate member upon actuation.

Abstract: A tool clamping fixture includes at least one clamping unit, at least one operating unit, and at least one return damping unit. The at least one clamping unit is configured to fixedly clamp a machining tool in an axial direction. The at least one operating unit is configured to actuate the at least one clamping unit. The at least one return damping unit is at least configured to damp a return motion of the at least one operating unit. The at least one return damping unit is also configured to generate friction torques of different magnitudes in opposite directions of motion of the at least one operating unit.

Abstract: An interface between a receptacle body and an insert designed, in particular, as a tool or workpiece insert, comprises a receptacle body (2) having a cylindrical receiving bore (4), which is circumscribed by a first plane surface (6) extending at a right angle to the bore axis and in which a first cone surface (9) is arranged, said first cone surface being coaxial with the bore axis and being arranged so that its tapered end faces toward the plane surface. The insert (3) has a pin (15) that is disposed to be plugged into the receiving bore (4) and is circumscribed by a second plane surface (22). At an axial distance from the second plane surface (22), said pin has a second cone surface (22), the tapered end of said second cone surface being arranged so as to face toward the second plane surface.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a tool holder, which can be displaced in an x-direction, in a y-direction that is perpendicular thereto, and in a z-direction that is perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction, and which can rotate about the z-direction A solid matter dosing head, provided as a tool, is automatically attached in a removable manner to the tool holder by means of a permanent magnet. The tool can be easily exchanged for another tool due to this automatic removable attachment of said tool to the tool holder involving the use of a permanent magnet.

Abstract: In the case of a machine tool which comprises at least one working spindle with a tool-holding fixture for tool holders carrying tools, and a tool changer with a gripper for the tool holders in order to transfer the tool holders between their magazine position, which is spaced apart from the tool-holding fixture, and their working position in the tool-holding fixture, a clamping system with a clamping apparatus by means of which a tool holder inserted into the tool-holding fixture is fixed is arranged in the working spindle, the clamping system additionally comprising a retaining apparatus for a tool holder situated in the tool-holding fixture. In the case of a method carried out on this machine tool, the clamping system carries out a retaining operation which temporally precedes the clamping operation in order to grasp the tool holder inserted into the tool-holding fixture before the clamping apparatus fixes the tool holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping a hollow shaft tool (1) or tool holder provided with a conical hollow shaft (3) in a machine spindle (2) provided with a taper bore (4), especially for use in a machine tool. The device comprises a clamping sleeve (7), axially displaceable inside the machine spindle (2), a tow-rod (8) for displacing the clamping sleeve (7) and being movable between a release position and a clamping position, and a plurality of pincer elements (19) associated with the clamping sleeve (7). The pincer elements are radially displaced by the displacement of the clamping sleeve (7) and have clamping faces (21, 24) to be placed on a conical inner surface (22) of the conical hollow shaft (3) and an opposite surface (26) on the work spindle (1). The aim of the invention is to provide a clamping device of the aforementioned kind wherein the hollow shaft tool is reliably retained in the machine spindle even when the tow-bar is already released.

Abstract: A tool pot according to the present invention includes a synthetic resin portion made from thermo-plastic resin and arranged over an entire length from an opening end to a tool gripping portion. Inner surface of the synthetic resin portion is a tool attachment hole. The synthetic resin portion is provided in the vicinity of the opening end of the attachment hole with a supporting surface for supporting a tool. The synthetic resin portion includes an outer structure defining outer shape, an inner structure defining inner circumference of the tool attachment hole, a cavity provided between the outer structure and the inner structure, and joint ribs joining the outer structure and the inner structure. Each of the outer structure, the inner structure and the joint ribs has wall-thickness enough to secure rigidity of the synthetic resin portion and capable of suppressing mold shrinkage of the synthetic resin portion.

Abstract: A tool pot used for a tool magazine of a machine tool to removably hold a tool is disclosed. A main body of the tool pot is constructed a cylindrical wall defining a holing aperture for holding the tool, end ribs formed at opposed ends of the cylindrical wall and a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed between the end ribs on the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall. And the main body is integrally molded from a glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin material such as crystalline nylon-type resin. Therefore, the tool pot has high wear resistance and light weight, and it can be recycled.

Abstract: Tool spindle with a moveable pulling rod (3) axially displaceable in the spindle axle (1) for firmly attaching a toot at the axle of the spindle. The end (10) of the pulling rod (3) that is opposite to the tool extends into a unit (4) that accommodates the end of the pulling rod and that is stationary in relation to the rotating pulling rod, in which there is a spool (9) surrounding the pulling rod (3) for sensing the axial position of this in the spindle axle (1), the pulling rod is provided with an axial, central hole (6) for leading a coolant agent under pressure to the bit of the tool, whereby the coolant is supplied to the bore (6) of the pulling rod (3) via the stationary unit, that the pulling rod (3) is provided with a piston (11) accommodated in a cylinder chamber (13).

Abstract: Arrangement for a tool spindle with a moveable pulling rod (3) axially displaceable in the spindle axle (1) for firmly attaching the tool. The pulling rod is surrounded by at least one spool (9) that is stationary in relation to the axial displacement of the pulling rod (3) which gives a specific current flow that differs depending on the axial position of the pulling rod (3) in the spool (9), whereby the rotating part (1, 3) of the tool spindle in the form of the spindle axle (1) or the end part (10) of the pulling rod (3) that projects out from this, is accommodated in a stationary unit (4) that is at the end of the tool spindle opposite to the tool and which has an axial bore (6), that the stationary unit (4) is provided with an inlet for introducing coolant fluid under pressure to the bore (6) and that a gap sealing is arranged between the rotating part (1, 3) and the stationary unit (4) adjacent to the inlet to allow leakage of fluid through the gap sealing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool comprising at least one machining unit having at least one work spindle which can be driven. The machine tool also comprises at least one tool magazine arranged in the working area, and has actuating devices for automatically shifting the tools between the tool holding fixture situated on the spindle and the tool holding fixture situated on the tool magazine. The tool holding fixture situated on the spindle is provided with a hydraulic expansion chuck which, with the aid of the spindle, can automatically press against the tool shaft of a tool.

Abstract: A machine tool tool changing device including a circular array of multiple collet fingers (5) housed in the shaft hole (12) of a spindle (1) capable of turning between a clamped position in which a tool holder (2) knob (22) is clamped and an unclamped position in which the knob is released, a collet sleeve (6) which surrounds the circular array of collet fingers and arrests the turning of same, an air cylinder which moves the collet sleeve axially relative to the collet fingers and releases the arresting of the collet fingers, a first plate spring (43) which exerts a strong force on the knob toward the spindle through the collet fingers, an air cylinder which removes the force exerted by the first plate spring, and a second plate spring (46) which exerts a force to maintain the collet fingers in the clamped position in opposition to the weight of the tool holder even if the collet fingers rotate and the force exerted by the first plate spring is removed.

Abstract: The motor-actuable coupler is used for connecting workpiece grippers with a manipulating device, in particular a robot, which passes on workpieces from one stamping press to the next. The coupler consists of a fixed element (12, 66, 80, 38) on the drive side and a connecting element (10, 54) on the gripper side. Since normally a very large number of different workpiece grippers are employed and the connecting elements on the gripper side entail great costs, it is proposed that the fixed element of the coupler has a collet chuck (66, 74, 80, 38), and that the connecting element (10, 54) is a tube section, which can be centered in the fixed element (12, 66, 80) spaced apart from the clamping area (at 68, 76) located at the front end of the collet chuck. The tube section (10) is preferably centered by clamping faces (70, 78) and/or by cone surfaces (58) at its end which can be inserted into the collet chuck (14).

Abstract: A device for clamping a knife of a machine center includes a kick member extends through a clamping member which is received in a sleeve. A knife is clamped by pawls extending from the clamping member and the sleeve has an annular flange to hold the pawls. Two bolts connected between the sleeve and the kick member via slots defined in the clamping member. The kick member is pushed by a pushing device which has a pressing member to push the kick member to disengage the annular flange from the pawls so that the knife is not securely held by the pawls and a knife switching arm can easily remove the knife from the pawls.

Abstract: An improved tool holding apparatus includes a collet chuck or a steel ball chuck that clamps a pull bolt, which defines the forward end portion of a tool, by resilient force applied thereto from a coned disc spring. The tool holding apparatus further includes a temporary clamping device which is buried in a sleeve to temporarily clamp the pull bolt. A clamping force applied by the temporary clamping device is set at such a level that an arm can draw the tool from a main spindle by gripping the rear end portion of the tool.

Abstract: A tool locking and releasing device having a rotatably driven spindle rotatably mounted on a support frame. A socket is formed in the spindle coaxial with an axis of rotation thereof and is adapted to receive a tool holder and to retain it against relative rotational movement. Wrench means is provided to grip a tool locking member so that upon the application of a rotary drive to the spindle in a first directional sense the tool holder is rotated and the tool locking member is tightened with a predetermined torque, and upon the rotation of the spindle in an opposite directional sense the tool locking member is loosened.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting an interchangeable tool head to the spindle of a numerically controlled machine includes radially displaceable wedge members which when actuated radially to an outer clamping position provide for a clamping connection between the spindle and the tool head. When actuated to an inner release position the system allows for withdrawal of the tool head from the spindle. The wedge members are displaced by a central actuating rod connected to the wedge members via cam means such that the wedge members are positively driven by the cam means in both radial directions of movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool holder for receiving an endmill or similar tool. The tool holder includes a shank portion adapted to fit into the spindle of a machine, and a closed end collet integrally formed with the shank portion. The collet includes an axial bore for receiving the tool and a plurality of resilient collet segments for gripping the tool. The collet segments are separated by a plurality of axially extending slots which terminate inwardly from the forward end of a collet. A continuous tie ring extends around the forward end of a collet and joins the plurality of collet segments together. The continuous tie ring provides for increased radial stiffness at the forward end of the collet which improves accuracy and repeatability of tool location. A lock nut threads onto the collet to collapse the collet segments radially inwardly to grip the tool.

Abstract: A shank (10) for retaining a tool or touch probe in the socket (S) of a machine tool spindle comprises 6 areas of surface which, in use, bear against the wall of the socket (S). The areas of surface are provided by three balls (34) resiliently supported for movement radial to a shank axis (A) on small flange section (26) (FIG. 2 ) at one end of the shank (10), and three further balls (36) embedded in the other end of the shank (10). As the shank is drawn into the socket (S) the small flange sections (26) deform allowing the balls (34) to move radially inward until the surface of balls (36) engage the wall of the socket (S). A pull-up stud (38), supported on a frusto-conical block (40) is connected to the shank by a plunger (42) and compression spring (46). Retraction of the shank into the socket by pull-up stud (38) against the resilience of the small flange sections (26), causes the plunger ( 42) to compress spring (46) until the block (40) bears firmly against the wall of the socket (S).