Importance

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Abstract

A robotic tool changer for the transfer of a secondary current across a master module and a tool module capable of being mated together. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts on the two modules, comprising a pair of contacts with a flat plate for electrical contact and a vertical connector tab for connection to a cable, are generally the same size and shape and are interchangeable. Both sets of contacts are slideably mounted on their respective modules, and can be moved laterally relative to each other to alter the size of a gap formed between the connector tabs, to fit a variety of kickless cable terminals. The contacts on the master module may connect directly to a kickless cable terminal, and are thus cooled by a water cooling system of the kickless cable. The contacts on the tool module may connect to a pair of shunt cables. The tool module contacts are moveable from a retracted to an extended position relative to the tool module, and are biased towards the extended position by springs. The master module contacts are fixed. When the master and tool modules are mated, the tool module contacts are biased to assume a spaced apart relationship relative to the master module contacts by springs. An actuator mounted on the master module engages the tool module contacts and moves them from the extended position to the retracted position, where they abut the fixed master module contacts and establish electrical connectivity across the tool changer. When the actuator releases the tool module contacts, the springs move the tool module contacts away from the master module contacts.

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First Claim