Robotic tool changer for attaching robotic tool to robotic arm, has power switch circuit to selectively suppress application of power supplies to tool electrical signal module during coupling or uncoupling of master and tool modules

摘要

The tool changer (10) has a master electrical signal module (26) affixed to a master module (12), and a tool electrical signal module (20) affixed to a tool module (14), where both electrical signal modules are powered by application of power supplies. A power switch circuit is utilized to selectively suppress application of the power supplies to the tool electrical signal module while maintaining application of the power supplies to the master electrical signal module during coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. An independent claim is also included for a method for removably attaching a robotic tool to a robotic arm.