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US 11,413,761 B2Granted
Modular platform for robotic end effector
AssigneeABB Schweiz AG
InventorMatt Simkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims24
A modular platform for a robot comprising:
- a first portion comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising at least three mount connectors, each mount connector being connectable to the robot;
- and
- a second portion comprising a second surface that is connectable to one or more of a plurality of different robot end effectors, the second surface including a plurality of receiving ports, each receiving port configured to connect with an end effector and comprising a plurality of fastening apertures structured to receive a plurality of fasteners, the plurality of fastening apertures located radially outward from a fluid port structured to convey a hydraulic fluid, each receiving port further comprising an electrical power port and a communication port,
- wherein the first surface of the first portion of the modular platform is structured to be releasably connectable to a second surface of a second portion of a second modular platform,
- wherein the second surface of the second portion of the modular platform is structured to be releasably connectable to a first surface of a first portion of the second modular platform, and
- wherein each receiving port is configured to be releasably connectable to a mount connector on a plurality of additional modular platforms.
3 more elements
A method comprising:
- connecting a modular platform to a robot assembly, the modular platform comprising a front side and a backside, the front side having at least three mounting locations, each mounting location being connectable to a robot, the backside disposed opposite the front side and having at least two receiving ports, each receiving port configured to be releasably connectable to a mounting location on a plurality of additional modular platforms and including a plurality of fastening apertures structured to receive a plurality of fasteners, the plurality of fastening apertures located radially outward from a fluid port structured to convey a hydraulic fluid;
- 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,
- wherein the connecting includes connecting a second modular platform to a robot to form the robot assembly where the backside of the modular platform is connected to a front side of the second modular platform, the front side of the second modular platform having at least two second receiving ports, each second receiving port including a second plurality of fastening apertures structured to receive a second plurality of fasteners, each second plurality of fastening apertures also located radially outward from a second fluid port structured to convey the hydraulic fluid.
1 more element
A robot system comprising:
- a robot;
- a controller operably coupled to the robot;
- a modular platform having a first surface comprising at least three mount connectors and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and comprising a plurality of receiving ports;
- 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;
- wherein each of the plurality of receiving ports is configured to be releasably connectable to a mount connector on a plurality of additional modular platforms and includes a plurality of fastening apertures structured to receive a plurality of fasteners, the plurality of fastening apertures located radially outward from a fluid port located in the receiving port and structured to convey a hydraulic fluid, each receiving port further comprising an electrical power port and a communication port;
- and
- wherein the first surface of the modular platform is structured to be releasably connectable to a second surface of a second modular platform, and
- wherein the second surface of the modular platform is structured to be releasably connectable to a first surface of the second modular platform.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.