Trim and flame robot end effector with optional automatic blade change feature

摘要

A combination trimming/flame treatment end effector adapted for mounting to the end of a robotic arm. A trimming blade extends from a main body portion of the end effector for performing a trimming operation. The trimming blade may be mounted in an exchangeable cartridge to facilitate blade changing. Also extending from the main body portion is a flame treatment element for performing a flame treatment operation. The flame treatment element generally comprises a torch or burner. Because both the trimming blade and the flame treatment element are part of the same end effector, the robot simply manipulates the end effector such that the desired one of the trimming blade or the flame treatment element is properly positioned for use. As such, a tooling change can be avoided. While not restricted thereto, it is contemplated that an end effector of the present invention may be used to process vehicle bumper fascias.

主权项

1. A combination robot end effector, comprising:
a main body portion having a first end adapted for attachment to an end of a robot arm; a trimming device comprising a slicing blade releasably affixed to said main body portion so as to extend from a second end thereof, said trimming device releasably affixed to said main body portion via a cartridge retention assembly that includes an actuator located within the main body portion; a burner affixed to and extending from near said second end of said main body portion, said burner extending from said main body portion at a diverging angle to said trimming device; wherein said trimming device and said burner can be selectively used to respectively trim and flame treat an article of interest.