Modular platform for robotic end effector

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2019366553-A1
Application number	US-201815991834-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	May 29, 2018
Priority date	May 29, 2018
Publication date	Dec 5, 2019
Grant date	—

Abstract

The disclosed system includes a robot system with a robot having a modular platform and a controller operably coupled to the robot. The modular platform includes a plurality of mount connectors and a plurality of receiving port connectors. Each of the mount connectors is configured to attach to the robot and each of the receiving ports is configured to connect to an end effector such as a gripper, sensor or other tool. The modular platform is configured to mount to the robot in a plurality of orientations and to connect with a plurality of different end effectors.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A modular platform for a robot comprising:
a first portion connectable to the robot; and a second portion connectable to one or more of a plurality of different robot end effectors.

2 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising a fluid input port.

3 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising a fluid outlet port.

4 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising an electrical power input port.

5 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising an electrical power outlet port.

6 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising a communication input port.

7 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising a communication output port.

8 . The modular platform of claim 1 , wherein the second portion includes a receiving port configured to connect with an end effector.

9 . The modular platform of claim 8 , wherein the receiving port includes a threaded aperture.

10 . The modular platform of claim 1 , wherein the end effector includes one or more of a gripper, a sensor, and a tool.

11 . The modular platform of claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes two or more mount connectors connectable to the robot.

12 . The modular platform of claim 1 further comprising means for connecting two or more modular platforms together.

13 . A method comprising:
connecting a modular platform to a robot; and coupling one or more end effectors to the modular platform, wherein the modular platform is configured to couple with a plurality of different end effectors.

14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the connecting includes a plurality of mounting locations formed on the modular platform.

15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the coupling includes transmitting electrical power though the modular platform to each of the one or more end effectors.

16 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the coupling includes transmitting communication signals though the modular platform to each of the one or more end effectors.

17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the coupling includes directing a fluid though the modular platform to one or more of the end effectors.

18 . A robot system comprising:
a robot; a controller operably coupled to the robot; a modular platform having a plurality of mount connectors and a plurality of receiving port connectors; and wherein each of the mount connectors is configured to attach to the robot and each of the receiving ports is configured to connect to an end effector.

19 . The robot system of claim 18 , wherein each receiving port includes a threaded aperture.

20 . The robot system of claim 18 , wherein each receiving port includes a fluid port.

21 . The robot system of claim 18 , wherein each receiving port includes an electrical power port.

22 . The robot system of claim 18 , wherein each receiving port includes a communication port.

23 . The robot system of claim 18 , wherein the modular platform includes a connection region configured to couple with another modular platform.

24 . The robot system of claim 23 , wherein two or more modular platforms can be connected together in a parallel orientation and/or in a transverse orientation relative to one another and attached to the robot.

Assignees

• Abb Schweiz Ag

Inventors

• Simkins Matt

Classifications

• B25J19/0025

  Means for supplying energy to the end effector · CPC title

• B25J15/04 Primary

  with provision for the remote detachment or exchange of the head or parts thereof · CPC title

• B25J15/0066

  with different types of end effectors, e.g. gripper and welding gun (B25J15/0057 and B25J15/0061 take precedence) · CPC title

• B25J15/0061

  mounted on a modular gripping structure · CPC title

• B25J9/1697 Primary

  Vision controlled systems · CPC title