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US 11,383,395 B2Granted
Communications module for a robot
AssigneeABB Schweiz AG
InventorsMatt Simkins, Said Zahrai
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.
Claims25
A robot, comprising:
- a first sensor and a second sensor;
- a robot controller;
- a base at one end of the robot;
- an end effector at another end of the robot;
- a joint disposed between the base and the end effector;
- a robot tool mounting surface disposed between the joint and the end effector, the robot tool mounting surface being adapted to attach the end effector thereto, wherein the robot tool mounting surface comprises an industry standard tool flange;
- a communications module connected to the industry standard tool flange, the communications module comprising a housing with a communications module mounting surface, the communications module mounting surface being adapted to attach the end effector thereto;
- and
- a data switch disposed within the housing, the data switch comprising first and second input ports and an output port, wherein the first and second sensors are connected to the first and second input ports, respectively, and the robot controller is connected to the output port, the data switch routing sensor data from both the first and second input ports through the output port to the robot controller.
6 more elements
A robot, comprising:
- a base at one end of the robot;
- an end effector at another end of the robot;
- a joint disposed between the base and the end effector;
- a member attached to the joint, the member having a robot tool mounting surface configured to attach directly to the end effector, the robot tool mounting surface comprising an industry standard tool flange;
- a first module connected to the robot tool mounting surface, the first module comprising:
- at least one electrical circuit;
- and
- a housing enclosing the at least one electrical circuit, the housing comprising a first plate, a second plate, and a circumferential member disposed between the first plate and the second plate,
- wherein the first plate is configured to attach directly to the robot tool mounting surface, and
- wherein the second plate is configured to attach directly to the end effector.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.