Mechanical end-effector changer and method of using same

Abstract

A mechanical end-effector changer includes a first connection unit and a second connection unit. The first connection unit has mounted therein multiple movable members and mating elastic members. Subject to the linking relationship between each movable member and the respective elastic member, the first connection unit and the second connection unit can be automatically connected together or detached from each other, facilitating end-effector change.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of using a mechanical end-effector changer in a robotic arm for end-effector change, said end-effector changer comprising a first connection unit and a second connection unit, said first connection unit comprising a first holder base and a post having an engagement hole, said second connection unit comprising a second holder base, a first movable module, a second movable module and a third movable module, the axis of said second movable module and the axis of said third movable module extending perpendicular to the axis of said second holder base, the axis of said first movable module extending in a parallel manner relative to the axis of said second holder base, said first movable module being arranged between said second movable module and said third movable module, the method comprising the steps of:
 (1) during the operation of said robotic arm to let said second connection unit and said first connection unit be connected together, enabling said first movable module to touch a top surface of said first holder base of said first connection unit, and then enabling said first movable module to be moved toward a top surface of said second holder base and said second movable module to be moved toward the axis of said second holder base to force said second movable module into engagement with said engagement hole of said post of said first connection unit; and   (2) during the operation of said robotic arm to separate said second connection unit and said first connection unit, enabling said second connection unit to impart a downward pressure to said first connection unit to further move said third movable module in direction toward the axis of said second holder base, and enabling said first movable module to be moved toward the top surface of said second holder base to force said second movable module in direction away from the axis of said second holder base so as to disengage said second movable module from said engagement hole of said post of said first connection unit.