Compressible suction cup with an additional vacuum compartment, along with its lip and bellows.

Abstract

This invention relates to a compressible suction cup with an additional vacuum chamber, and its lip and bellows. The invention discloses a suction cup for engaging and lifting objects, comprising a lip, a bellows, and an upper portion hermetically connected to the bellows for connecting the internal volume of the suction cup to a vacuum source. The suction cup, in its operating state, can be locked in at least a partially compressed state in the lip and / or bellows. Locking is achieved by venting air trapped in a sealed external volume formed between the lip and bellows and / or between one or more segments of the bellows in the operating state through one or more open through-holes provided in the lip and / or bellows when a vacuum is connected to the suction cup. The invention also discloses a corresponding lip and a corresponding bellows for the suction cup.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a suction cup for engaging and lifting objects, comprising a lip, a bellows, and an upper portion hermetically connected to the bellows for connecting the internal volume of the suction cup to a vacuum source. The suction cup, in an operational state, can be locked in at least a partially compressed state in the lip and / or the bellows. Locking is achieved by venting air trapped in a sealed external volume between the lip and the bellows and / or between one or more segments of the bellows in the operational state through one or more open through-holes provided in the lip and / or the bellows when a vacuum is connected to the suction cup. The invention also relates to a corresponding lip and a corresponding bellows for the suction cup. Background Technology

[0002] Suction cups are commonly used in the automation industry to engage and lift various objects by using decompression within the cup. Suction cups can also be referred to as vacuum suction cups. Traditionally used suction cups may also include bellows, for example, to enhance the cup's compressibility and flexibility.

[0003] Many suction cups tend to lose their stability and friction when lifting an object at approximately one-third of its maximum load limit. Some suction cups (such as friction cups) rely heavily on being fully compressed to maximize their friction. Friction cups typically include a hub that is rigidly attached to the upper attachment portion of the suction cup. If the hub of a friction cup is no longer in contact with the object, the primary source of friction and stability is lost. Since the hub can be considered almost rigid, if the upper portion of the friction cup shifts upward relative to the object to be lifted from its original actuation position, contact between the hub and the object may be lost. In this state, the friction cup exhibits poor stability and significantly less friction.

[0004] US 4,600,229 discloses a vacuum suction cup with a spiraling bellows, which is similar to the one described in that document. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to existing suction cups, this vacuum suction cup is described as having increased holding force without increasing the overall size or vacuum level of the suction cup. The suction cup disclosed in this document has an annular volume in the collapsed operating state, extending from the main chamber of the suction cup above the bellows convolute. Adjacent outer surfaces of the bellows convolute are provided with complementary ridges and grooves, which interlock when the bellows is in the collapsed operating state. The suction cup may also include means for reducing slippage. However, in the collapsed operating state, as described in this document… Figure 4As can be seen, the vacuum cup disclosed in US4,600,229 will be fully compressed and therefore very rigid. Additionally, the vacuum cup disclosed in US4,600,229 requires a workpiece stop (also referred to as a hub in the art) for its function. When the stop applies a large force to the workpiece surface, the hub may cause marks or dents. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some applications, it is desirable to lock the suction cup in a fully compressed or partially compressed state while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility in this locked compressed state.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a suction cup that can be locked in at least a partially compressed state, and the suction cup should have improved flexibility in this compressed state.

[0007] Preferably, it should be possible to avoid the risk of creating marks on the surface of an object by suction cup.

[0008] According to the present invention, a conventional suction cup 10 includes: a lip 20; a bellows 30 including at least one compressible bellows segment 37, the bellows segment 37 including an upper outer surface 36 and a lower outer surface 35, the bellows being hermetically connected to the lip; and an upper portion 5 hermetically connected to the bellows for connecting the internal volume 15 of the suction cup to a vacuum source, wherein the upper outer surface 25 of the lip and the lower outer surface 35 of the bellows opposite thereto, and / or the lower outer surface 35 of the upper segment 37 of the bellows and the lower outer surface 35 of the bellows opposite thereto, are... The upper outer surfaces 36 of adjacent lower segments 37 of the bellows can be compressed relative to each other into a compressed state. The above objective has been achieved by the following technical features of the present invention, according to which at least one open through hole 40 is provided in at least one of the opposing surfaces, the at least one open through hole being fluidly connected to the internal volume of the suction cup, and a raised sealing portion 50 is provided in at least one of the opposing surfaces, the raised sealing portion being able to form a seal between the opposing surfaces in the compressed state of the suction cup.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention relates to such a suction cup.

[0010] By positioning one or more open through-holes and positioning one or more raised sealing portions, one or more pairs of opposing surfaces (25; 35 and / or 36; 35) can be locked in a compressed state. For any given pair of opposing surfaces, at least one open through-hole is required so that these surfaces can be locked in a compressed state. Additionally, for any given pair of opposing surfaces, at least one raised sealing portion is required so that these surfaces can be locked in a compressed state.

[0011] In some implementations, the lip edge is made non-lockable to a bellows in order to allow it to remain flexible in the actuated state of the suction cup.

[0012] This invention allows the suction cup to be delayed or slowly relaxed from an actuated compressed state to a relaxed uncompressed state. Therefore, the risk of damage to the object 100 due to sudden expansion of the suction cup during release can be minimized.

[0013] The suction cup of the present invention does not rely on the hub 60 to achieve its locking capability. Therefore, the suction cup of the present invention can avoid the risk of creating marks or dents on the surface of an object. In embodiments without a hub, the force applied by the suction cup to the surface of the object can be directed to the outer region of the lip, thereby reducing the impact on the surface of the object. In addition, this minimizes the risk of atmospheric leakage into the suction cup from below the lip. Furthermore, the absence of a hub allows for better engagement of non-flat surfaces, such as concave surfaces. In embodiments without a hub and where the lip does not have a raised friction element 27 in its lower engagement surface 26, reduced vacuum area loss in the event of leakage can be achieved.

[0014] However, in some embodiments, a hub 60 is included to improve friction between the suction cup and the surface of the object 100 to be engaged by the suction cup.

[0015] Furthermore, unlike the suction cup disclosed in US 4,600,229, the suction cup of the present invention does not rely on the upper annular volume to achieve its locking capability. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion 5 of the suction cup of the present invention is capable of providing flexibility within the upper portion of the suction cup of the present invention.

[0016] The suction cup of the present invention can be configured to allow greater displacement of the upper portion, the bellows, or the lip, or any combination thereof, in the actuated state of the suction cup, until the maximum lifting force of the suction cup is obtained.

[0017] Furthermore, since the present invention does not require an upper annular volume and a hub, and since the mounting plate (when present) does not need to be as wide as the upper annular volume (e.g., according to US 4,600,229), the suction cup of the present invention can be made lighter and simpler compared to the suction cups of the prior art.

[0018] In one embodiment of the suction cup of the present invention, the lip edge can be detached from the bellows.

[0019] Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a compressible lip 20 for an embodiment of the suction cup 10 of the present invention, the lip having an upper outer surface 25 and a lower engagement surface 26, the lip having a raised sealing portion 50 in the upper outer surface of the lip.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a compressible bellows 30 for an embodiment of the suction cup 10 of the present invention, the bellows comprising at least one bellows segment 37, the bellows segment 37 comprising an upper outer surface 36 and a lower outer surface 35, wherein at least one open through hole 40 is provided in at least one of the upper outer surface 36 and the lower outer surface 35, and a raised sealing portion 50 is provided in at least one of the upper outer surface 36 and the lower outer surface 35 of the bellows.

[0021] Other embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims.

[0022] The term “upper side” (e.g., as used herein in the context of the upper outer surface) is intended to refer to a position 100 further away from the object to be joined.

[0023] The term "lower side" (e.g., as used herein in the context of the lower outer surface) is intended to refer to a location closer to the object 100 to be joined.

[0024] The terms "segment" and "bellows segment" are used interchangeably herein to refer to a portion of a bellows that includes an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface. Thus, a bellows comprises one or more segments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A conventional suction cup 10 is shown, which includes an upper portion 5, a lip edge 20, and a corrugated tube 30.

[0026] Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention with the suction cup 10 in a relaxed state is shown. The bellows 30 of the illustrated embodiment comprises only one segment 37. The illustrated embodiment includes two open through holes 40 and a raised sealing portion 50 formed in the lower outer surface 35 of the bellows 30.

[0027] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The suction cup 10 of the present invention is in an actuated compressed state against an object 100 (in this case a flat, dry steel plate), wherein a raised sealing portion 50 forms a seal between opposing surfaces 25 and 35, thereby sealing a sealable compartment 45 which is in fluid communication with an internal volume 15 through an open through-hole 40.

[0028] Figure 4 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a suction cup 10 having a hub 60, wherein the suction cup is in an actuated compressed state.

[0029] Figure 5An embodiment of the suction cup 10 of the present invention is shown, wherein the lip 20 is detachable from the bellows 30 by means of an attachment device 80 provided on the lip and an attachment device 70 provided on the bellows, and wherein both the lip and the bellows have open through holes 40.

[0030] Figure 6 An embodiment of the lip edge 20 of the present invention is shown, which corresponds to Figure 5 The lip margin. Figure 6 The embodiment of the lip shown has a raised friction element 27 in the lower mating surface 26 of the lip.

[0031] Figure 7 An embodiment of the bellows 30 of the present invention is shown, which corresponds to Figure 5 The bellows in the diagram has its upper portion 5 cut off. The bellows 30 of the illustrated embodiment comprises only one segment 37.

[0032] Figure 8 An embodiment of the suction cup 10 of the present invention is shown, the suction cup 10 having a bellows 30, the bellows 30 including adjacent compressible bellows segments 37 on the upper and lower sides respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0033] By positioning one or more open through-holes 40 and positioning one or more raised sealing portions 50, one or more pairs of opposing upper and lower surfaces can be locked in a compressed state. For any given pair of opposing upper and lower surfaces (25; 35, 36; 35), at least one open through-hole is required so that these surfaces can be locked in a compressed state. Additionally, for any given pair of opposing upper and lower surfaces, at least one raised sealing portion is required so that these surfaces can be locked in a compressed state.

[0034] By forming a sealable compartment 45 between the upper outer surface 25 of the lip 20 and the lower outer surface 35 of the bellows 30 under the compressed state of the suction cup 10, such as... Figure 3 As shown, and by providing an open through-hole 40 (through which the compartment can be emptied into the internal volume 15), the suction cup can be locked in a compressed state when connected to a vacuum. In embodiments of the suction cup of the present invention, as described above, the lower outer surface of the lip and the bellows (or the lowest outer surface in the case of more than one segment) can be locked in a compressed state, which will increase the maximum lifting force and improve the contact between the lip and the object to be joined or lifted, and the contact between the hub (if present) and the object to be joined or lifted, thereby increasing the friction between the suction cup and the object.

[0035] In embodiments where the bellows 30 includes at least an upper section 37 and an adjacent lower section 37, for example... Figure 8 As shown, in the compressed state of the suction cup 10, similar to Figure 3 The sealable compartment 45 formed between the lip and the bellows shown can be formed between the upper outer surface 36 of the lower segment 37 and the lower outer surface 35 of the opposite upper segment 37, thereby enabling the two adjacent segments of the bellows to be locked in a compressed state.

[0036] The raised sealing portion 50 may be located on the opposing upper outer surface, the lower outer surface, or both the opposing upper and lower outer surfaces. Preferably, the raised sealing portion is located on the outer periphery of the one or both surfaces, for example... Figures 2-8 As shown, this is to achieve maximum stability, friction, and locking force. The geometry of the cross-section of the sealing portion 50 is not critical, as long as it can form a tight seal with the opposing surface or with the mating protrusions 50 disposed on the opposing surfaces. For example, if the cross-section of the protruding sealing portion 50 is substantially rectangular, an external concentric protrusion 50 can be provided on one of the opposing surfaces to mate with an internal concentric protrusion (not shown) provided on the other surface of the opposing surfaces. This allows for a certain amount of movement within the sealing portion without breaking the seal or losing vacuum from the sealable compartment. Additionally, improved radial stability can be achieved.

[0037] In an embodiment according to the invention, as described above, where the lip can be locked to the lower surface of the bellows opposite it, at least one open through-hole 40 is provided in the upper outer surface of the lip, in the lower outer surface of the bellows, or in both the upper outer surface of the lip and the lower outer surface of the bellows. In a preferred embodiment, at least one open through-hole 40 of the invention is provided in the lower outer surface of the bellows because a reduction in vacuum will occur in the area surrounding the open through-hole. Additionally, through-holes provided in the lip may be more easily blocked or contaminated, thereby impairing their proper and intended function. Furthermore, in cases where the lip is subjected to wear, especially when the lip is made relatively thin, through-holes provided in the lip may make the lip more prone to cracking near the through-hole. For these reasons, through-holes in the lip are preferably avoided according to the invention. However, in alternative, generally less preferred embodiments, for example, for ease of manufacture, at least one open through-hole 40 is provided in the lip. In embodiments where the lip has open through-holes 40, it is preferred that the through-holes are located between the raised friction elements 27, for example... Figure 6 As shown, or in the recess of the lower mating surface 26.

[0038] When the raised sealing portion 50 separates from the opposing surface, causing a loss of vacuum from the sealable compartment and atmospheric air to flow into the internal volume 15 through the open through-hole 40, the open through-hole 40 needs to be small to avoid significant pressure loss in the suction cup. On the other hand, a larger open through-hole is thought to allow for more efficient evacuation of the sealable compartment when the suction cup is actuated, and can reduce the risk of the sealing portion 50 separating from the opposing surface, thus reducing the risk of vacuum loss from the sealable compartment. A larger open through-hole may also be advantageous when leaked atmospheric air must be evacuated from the compartment, for example, when dust or other contaminants at the sealing surface hinder a tight seal.

[0039] Typically, the cross-sectional area of ​​a small open through-hole 40 will be 0.5mm. 2 -1mm 2 Within the range.

[0040] The open orifice remains in fluid contact with the internal volume of the suction cup. Thus, for example, when the suction cup is actuated, the pressure difference across the orifice will generate atmospheric flow through the open orifice. Therefore, according to the invention, no device configured to open and / or close the orifice is used.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment that includes a lip that can be locked to a bellows, particularly when a thin lip is required, the raised sealing portion 50 of the invention is provided on the bellows (instead of on the lip).

[0042] Preferably, the raised sealing portion 50 also prevents the opposing outer surfaces 25 and 35 of the sealable compartment from contacting each other when the sealable compartment 45 is emptied, such as Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Similarly, the raised sealing portion 50 also preferably prevents leakage when formed on the opposing outer surfaces 35 and 36 (e.g., included in...). Figure 8 When the sealable compartment 45 between the two sides (in the embodiment shown) is emptied, the opposing outer surfaces 35 and 36 come into contact with each other.

[0043] In some embodiments of the suction cup 10 of the present invention, the lip edge 20 can be detached from the bellows 30, for example... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Devices for making the lip and bellows detachable from each other (e.g., allowing only replacement of the lip) are known in the art and will therefore not be described in detail herein. However, such devices are shown herein as examples by means of devices 70 and 80, wherein an attachment device 70 is provided on the bellows and a corresponding attachment device 80 is provided on the lip, as shown in the diagram. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the figures. In this embodiment, it can be considered that the invention significantly reduces the connection device between the lip and the bellows (i.e., reference). Figure 5The lifting stress on the attachment devices 70, 80 in the embodiments shown is reduced, and thus the risk of the lip accidentally detaching from the bellows is reduced.

[0044] When the suction cup of the present invention returns to its relaxed state, the airflow passes through the open through-hole, thereby allowing the raised sealing portion 50 to separate from the opposite surface.

[0045] The suction cup of the present invention can be made of any conventionally used material known in the art for compressible suction cups. Such material is preferably a flexible polymer material.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 5. The upper part of the suction cup

[0048] 10 suction cups

[0049] 15 Internal volume

[0050] 20. Lip border

[0051] 25. Upper outer surface of the lip margin

[0052] 26. The lower lateral surface of the lip, also known as the lower outer surface of the lip.

[0053] 27. Raised friction element

[0054] 30 Corrugated Pipe

[0055] 35. Lower outer surface of the bellows

[0056] 36. Upper outer surface of the bellows

[0057] 37 Compressible bellows segments

[0058] 40 Open through hole

[0059] 45. A sealable compartment, also known as an additional vacuum compartment.

[0060] 50. Raised sealing portion

[0061] 60 hubs

[0062] 70, 80 Attachment

[0063] 100 Objects to be joined by a suction cup

Claims

1. A suction cup (10) for engaging and lifting an object (100), the suction cup comprising: a lip (20); a bellows (30) comprising at least one compressible bellows segment (37) comprising an upper outer surface (36) and a lower outer surface (35), the bellows being sealingly connected to the lip; and an upper portion (5) sealingly connected to the bellows for connecting an inner volume (15) of the suction cup to a vacuum source, wherein the upper outer surface (25) of the lip and the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto, and / or the lower outer surface (35) of an upper segment (37) of the bellows and the upper outer surface (36) of an adjacent lower segment (37) of the bellows opposite thereto, are compressible against each other into a compressed state, characterized in that at least one open through hole (40) is provided in at least one of the opposite upper and lower outer surfaces, the at least one open through hole being in fluid connection with the inner volume of the suction cup, and in that a raised sealing portion (50) is provided in at least one of the opposite upper and lower outer surfaces, the raised sealing portion being capable of forming a seal between the opposite upper and lower outer surfaces in the compressed state of the suction cup.

2. The suction cup of claim 1, wherein, The lip (20) and the bellows (30) are detachable from each other.

3. The suction cup according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a hub (60).

4. The suction cup according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least a first bellows segment (37) and an adjacent second bellows segment (37), wherein, Neither the upper outer surface (25) of the lip nor the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto has an open through hole (40).

5. The suction cup of claim 4, wherein, Neither the upper outer surface (25) of the lip nor the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto has a raised sealing portion (50).

6. The suction cup of claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one open through hole is provided in the upper outer surface (25) of the lip and / or the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto, and wherein a raised sealing portion (50) is provided in at least one of the upper outer surface (25) of the lip and the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto, the raised sealing portion being capable of forming a seal between the upper outer surface (25) of the lip and the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto in the compressed state of the suction cup.

7. The suction cup of claim 6, wherein, The at least one open through hole is provided in the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite the lip, but not in the lip.

8. The suction cup of claim 6, wherein, The raised sealing portion is not provided in the upper outer surface (25) of the lip, but in the lower outer surface (35) of the bellows opposite thereto.

9. The suction cup of claim 1, wherein, Both the pair of opposite lower and upper outer surfaces have a raised sealing portion.

10. The suction cup of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lower engagement surface (26) of the lip has a friction element (27).

11. A compressible bellows (30) for a suction cup (10) according to claim 2, said compressible bellows (30) comprising at least one bellows segment (37), said bellows segment (37) comprising an upper outer surface (36) and a lower outer surface (35), characterized in that, At least one open through hole (40) is provided in at least one of the upper and lower outer surfaces, and a raised sealing portion (50) is provided in at least one of the upper and lower outer surfaces of the bellows.

12. Compressible bellows according to claim 11, comprising at least an upper bellows segment (37) and an adjacent lower bellows segment (37), each of the upper bellows segment (37) and the lower bellows segment (37) comprising an upper outer surface (36) and a lower outer surface (35), wherein, At least one of the upper outer surface of the lower bellows segment and the lower outer surface of the upper bellows segment opposite thereto has at least one open through hole (40), and wherein at least one of the upper outer surface of the lower bellows segment and the lower outer surface of the upper bellows segment opposite thereto has a raised sealing portion (50).

13. Compressible bellows according to claim 11 or 12, which is sealingly connected to an upper side portion (5) of a suction cup (10).

14. A compressible lip (20) for a suction cup (10) according to claim 2, said compressible lip (20) having an upper side outer surface (25) and a lower side engaging surface (26), characterized in that, The compressible lip (20) has a raised sealing portion (50) in the upper outer surface of the lip.

15. Compressible lip (20) according to claim 14, having at least one open through hole (40) in the lip, which connects the upper outer surface (25) of the lip with the lower joint surface (26) of the lip.

16. Compressible lip (20) according to claim 14 or 15, having a raised friction element (27) on the lower joint surface of the lip.

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