US 11,904,458 B2
End effector for mobile robot configured for tool changeout and breakaway
Kyle Carithers, Wexford, PA (US); Jason Geist, Sarver, PA (US); Vladimir Altman, Pittsburgh, PA (US); and Thomas Galluzzo, Gibsonia, PA (US)
Assigned to Onward Robotics, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (US)
Filed by IAM ROBOTICS, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
Filed on Mar. 9, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/196,831.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/987,053, filed on Mar. 9, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0276203 A1, Sep. 9, 2021
Int. Cl. B25J 15/06 (2006.01); B25J 15/04 (2006.01); B25J 19/02 (2006.01)
CPC B25J 15/0441 (2013.01) [B25J 15/045 (2013.01); B25J 15/065 (2013.01); B25J 15/0608 (2013.01); B25J 19/023 (2013.01)] 29 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tool changer system for a manipulation robot arm, the system comprising:
an adapter comprising:
a pneumatic fitting,
a top surface configured for connection to an end of a robotic arm, and
a bottom surface including a port in fluid communication with the pneumatic fitting, an adapter magnetic connector, and an adapter electrical connector; and
an end effector having a body, the body comprising:
a distal end including a picker; and
a proximal end configured for a releasable break-away connection with the bottom surface of the adapter, the connection including a quick disconnect fitting configured for connection with the port of the adapter, an end effector magnetic connector, and an end effector electrical connector,
wherein the adapter magnetic and electrical connectors are configured for connection with the end effector magnetic and electrical connectors, respectively, to provide the releasable break-away connection between the adapter and the end effector, and
wherein the top surface of the adapter comprises at least one robotic arm alignment feature and at least one attachment fixture.