Self-priming conveyor

Abstract

The application provides a self-suction carrying device, which comprises a connecting sleeve in the shape of a cap, a fixed plug core hung on the top wall of the connecting sleeve, a connecting seat extending to the inner cavity of the connecting sleeve, a suction disc arranged at the lower end of the connecting seat, a communicating cylinder arranged at the upper end of the connecting seat, the communicating cylinder being fixed and communicated with the suction disc through the connecting seat, the plug core being used for upward communication and downward one-way plugging of the communicating cylinder after vertical movement to the inner cavity of the communicating cylinder, a limiting assembly arranged between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat, the limiting assembly being used for limiting the vertical distance between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat to ensure that the plug core plugs or opens the communicating cylinder, and the workpiece is sucked up by using the self-suction function of the suction disc under the atmospheric pressure, without using a vacuum air source and an air path, and the structure is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of workpiece handling, and particularly relates to a self-priming handling device. Background Art

[0002] In some production lines, workpieces need to be transported from one workstation to another.

[0003] During the handling process, a robot is used. The robot structure requires a vacuum system, including a vacuum generator, a supply valve, and a release valve. It uses vacuum pressure and suction cups to pick up the workpiece and transport it. This complex structure results in high equipment costs and is complex to use and maintain.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a transport device with a simple structure to reduce the use cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address some or all of the above technical problems in the prior art, the present invention proposes a self-priming transport device. This device eliminates the need for a mechanical transporter and utilizes the self-priming function of a suction cup under atmospheric pressure to pick up workpieces, eliminating the need for a vacuum air source and air circuit, resulting in a simple structure.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a self-priming transport device comprising:

[0007] Cap-type connecting sleeve,

[0008] The plug is fixedly hung on the top wall of the connecting sleeve.

[0009] The upper end of the connection seat extends into the inner cavity of the connection sleeve,

[0010] A suction cup is provided at the lower end of the connecting seat,

[0011] A connecting tube is provided at the upper end of the connecting seat, the connecting tube and the suction cup are fixed and connected through the connecting seat, and the plug moves vertically toward the connecting tube to the inner cavity of the connecting tube for upward communication and downward one-way blocking of the connecting tube.

[0012] A limiting component is provided between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat, and the limiting component is used to limit the vertical distance between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat to ensure that the plugging core blocks or opens the communicating tube.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plugging core is cylindrical in structure, and a mounting groove is provided on the outer wall of the plugging core, and a one-way sealing ring is embedded in the mounting groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the limiting assembly includes:

[0015] A limiting groove is provided on the outer wall of the connecting seat, wherein the limiting groove is formed with a high point and a low point.

[0016] A positioning pin is used to pass through the wall of the connecting sleeve and be inserted into the limiting groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the limiting groove is constructed as a heart-shaped structure and forms the high point at the apex of the heart and the low point at the fossa, and the limiting groove includes an outbound section connected from the high point to the low point and a return section connected from the low point to the high point.

[0018] In one embodiment, a coil spring is provided between the connecting seat and the suction cup, the connecting sleeve is circumferentially clamped with the connecting cylinder, the outward section includes a first section, a second section and a third section connected in sequence from a high position to a low position, the coil spring is initially tensioned when installed, and the positioning pin moves in the first section so that the coil spring is further tensioned.

[0019] In one embodiment, the return section includes a fourth section, a fifth section, and a sixth section connected in sequence from the low point to the high point, and a limiting ridge is provided in the limiting groove of the connecting seat, and the limiting ridge extends toward the low point and protrudes horizontally from the connection between the fourth section and the fifth section.

[0020] In one embodiment, a wedge-shaped block is provided on the sixth segment, and the wedge-shaped block forms a step at the high point.

[0021] In one embodiment, an anti-rotation bushing is fixed in the inner cavity of the connecting sleeve, and the outer wall of the connecting tube is configured as a hexagonal column and is used for circumferential engagement with the anti-rotation bushing.

[0022] In one embodiment, an elastic reset element is provided axially between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat.

[0023] In one embodiment, the suction cup is configured as an accordion-type suction cup.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: the self-priming transport device eliminates the need for a mechanical transport arm, and utilizes the self-priming function of the suction cup under atmospheric pressure to suck up the workpiece, without the need for a vacuum air source and air path, with a simple structure and convenient transport operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A diagram showing a first state of the self-priming transport device according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2For those from Figure 1 AA cross-section of

[0028] Figure 3 A second state diagram of the self-priming transport device according to the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 For those from Figure 3 BB cross-section diagram;

[0030] Figure 5 A retaining groove according to the present invention is shown.

[0031] In the drawings, like parts are given like reference numerals, but the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only a portion of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not exhaustive. Furthermore, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0033] The embodiment of the present invention provides a self-priming transport device. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the self-priming handling device includes a cap-shaped connecting sleeve 1, a plugging core 2, a connecting seat 3, a suction cup 4, a connecting tube 5 and a limiting assembly. The connecting sleeve 1 is cap-shaped and arranged with its opening facing downward. The plugging core 2 is rod-shaped and fixedly suspended on the top wall of the connecting sleeve 1, and is used to move with the connecting sleeve 1. The connecting seat 3 is arranged at the lower end of the connecting sleeve 1, and the upper end of the connecting seat 3 extends into the inner cavity of the connecting sleeve 1. The suction cup 4 is arranged at the lower end of the connecting seat 3 and is used to suck the workpiece. The connecting tube 5 is arranged at the upper end of the connecting seat 3. The connecting tube 5 and the suction cup 4 are fixedly connected together through the connecting seat 3, and the two are connected. When the connecting sleeve 1 drives the plugging core 2 to move vertically toward the connecting tube 5, after the plugging core 2 is inserted into the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5, the plugging core 2 is used to connect upward and one-way block the connecting tube 5 downward. The limiting assembly is arranged between the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting seat 3, and is used to limit the axial position between the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting seat 3 to ensure that the plugging core 2 blocks or opens the connecting tube 5.

[0034] During use, the lower end of the suction cup 4 is placed on a hard surface of the workpiece to be transported. Then, the connecting sleeve 1 is pressed down, and the connecting sleeve 1 moves downward relative to the connecting seat 3, and drives the plug core 2 to move downward and insert into the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5, thereby one-way blocking the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5. Figure 3 and 4As shown, the connecting sleeve 1 moves downward, forcing the connecting base 3 to move downward, thereby compressing the suction cup 4. The air in the suction cup 4 is expelled unidirectionally through the inner cavity of the suction cup 4 and the connecting tube 5, thereby sucking the workpiece. At this point, the limit assembly operates to ensure that the plug 2 is positioned within the connecting tube 5, preventing air from entering the suction cup 4 from the upper end of the connecting tube 5. When the connecting sleeve 1 is moved upward by an external power source, the limit assembly causes the connecting sleeve 1 to move the connecting base 3 and the suction cup 4 upward. At this point, under the weight of the workpiece to be transported, the suction cup 4 partially recovers, and the volume of the inner cavity increases. Because the plug 2 unidirectionally blocks air from entering the connecting tube 5, the air pressure within the suction cup 4 decreases, creating a certain negative pressure, which attracts the workpiece. The workpiece to be transported can then be moved using an external power source. Once the workpiece reaches the desired location, the power source causes the self-priming transport device to move downward to the desired position. Simultaneously, the limit assembly is unlocked, allowing the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting base 3 to move relative to each other. At this time, the external power source lifts the connecting sleeve 1, drives the plug core 2 to lift up, and leaves the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5, and the air enters the suction cup 4 through the connecting tube 5, and the suction cup 4 releases the workpiece.

[0035] In one embodiment, the plug core 2 is cylindrical. A mounting groove 21 is provided on the outer wall of the plug core 2. A one-way sealing ring 22 is embedded in the mounting groove 21. Figure 4 As shown. After the plug 2 is inserted into the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5, the one-way sealing ring 22 acts to connect upward and block downward, ensuring that air in the suction cup 4 can be discharged through the one-way sealing ring 22, while preventing air from entering the suction cup 4 through the one-way sealing ring 22. Preferably, the outer diameter of the lower end of the plug 2 gradually decreases. For example, the lower end of the plug 2 is configured in an arc shape or a cone shape to ensure that the lower end of the plug 2 can be smoothly inserted into the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5.

[0036] Look again Figure 5 and 1 The limiting assembly includes a limiting groove 31 provided on the outer wall of the connecting seat 3 and a positioning pin 11 for passing through the wall of the connecting sleeve 1 and inserted into the limiting groove 31. The positioning pin 11 can be constructed as a spring pin. A high point 32 and a low point 33 are formed on the limiting groove 31. During the downward movement of the connecting sleeve 1 relative to the connecting seat 3, the positioning pin 11 is driven to move together, and the limiting groove 31 guides the positioning pin 11 to move. When the positioning pin 11 is at the low point 33, the plugging core 2 is inserted into the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5. The limiting assembly can ensure the positional relationship between the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting seat 3, and can also ensure that the plugging core 2 blocks the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5. When the positioning pin 11 is at the high point 32, the plugging core 2 is pulled out of the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5. The limiting assembly mainly ensures the positional relationship between the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting seat 3.

[0037] like Figure 5As shown, the retaining groove 31 is constructed in a heart-shaped structure, forming a high point 32 at the apex and a low point 33 at the fossa. The retaining groove 31 includes an outbound section 311 connecting the high point 32 to the low point 33, and a return section 312 connecting the low point 33 to the high point 32. In other words, the retaining groove 31 guides the positioning pin 11 along the outbound section 311, from the high point 32 to the low point 33. During the return journey, the retaining groove 31 guides the positioning pin 11 along the return section 312, from the low point 33 to the high point 32.

[0038] The connecting seat 3 is cylindrical, and a first step surface 34 facing upward is provided at the upper end of the connecting seat 3. At the same time, a second step surface 51 facing downward is formed on the outer wall of the connecting tube 5. The lower end of the connecting tube 5 passes through the connecting seat 3 and is fixed to the upper end of the suction cup 4, for example, by a threaded sealing connection. At this time, the second step surface 51 sits on the first step surface 34. A third step surface 35 facing downward is provided at the lower end of the connecting seat 3, which is used to match the upper end of the suction cup 4. Due to the above connection, the connecting seat 3 is sleeved on the outer walls of the lower end of the connecting tube 5 and the upper end of the suction cup 4, and the connecting seat 3 axially limits the connecting tube 5 and the suction cup 4 in the form of step surface matching.

[0039] A coil spring 6 is disposed between the connecting base 3 and the suction cup 4. For example, a connecting groove 36 is provided on the outer wall of the connecting base 3, connecting the inside and outside. One end of the coil spring 6 is snapped into the connecting groove 36 for fixation. This connection method facilitates disassembly and installation, making it easy to manufacture. The other end of the coil spring 6 can be fixed to the upper end of the suction cup 4 using screws (not shown). The connecting sleeve 1 is circumferentially snapped into contact with the connecting tube 5, meaning that the connecting tube 5 can rotate under the influence of the connecting sleeve 1. The outward section 311 includes a first section 313, a second section 314, and a third section 315, which are connected in sequence from the high point 32 to the low point 33. The coil spring 6 is initially tensioned during installation to store energy. The movement of the positioning pin 11 in the first section 313 further tensions the coil spring 6. The return section 312 includes a fourth section 316, a fifth section 317, and a sixth section 318, which are connected in sequence from the low point 33 to the high point 32. Initially, the positioning pin 11 is at the high point 32. In the process of pressing down the connecting sleeve 1, the positioning pin 11 first enters the first section 313 to move. Since the first section 313 extends downward in an oblique direction (this oblique direction can ensure that the coil spring 6 continues to store energy), it guides the connecting sleeve 1 to move downward relative to the connecting seat 3 and rotate circumferentially. Among them, the connecting sleeve 1 moves relative to the connecting seat 3 in the circumferential direction, and drives the connecting tube 5 to move circumferentially, and then drives the upper end of the suction cup 4 to move circumferentially, so that the coil spring 6 is pulled. The connecting sleeve 1 moves downward relative to the connecting seat 3 and the connecting tube 5, which can ensure that the plug 2 moves into the connecting tube 5 in an inserted manner. When the positioning pin 11 reaches the intersection of the first section 313 and the second section 314, under the action of the coil spring 6 and the downward pressure, the positioning pin 11 moves along the second section 314. Since the second section extends downward in an oblique direction (this oblique direction can ensure that the coil spring 6 releases a certain amount of energy), it drives the positioning pin 11 to the lowest point. When the positioning pin 11 reaches the junction of the second section 314 and the third section 315, the positioning pin 11 moves along the third section 315 under the action of the coil spring 6 and the upward lifting force. Since the third section 315 extends upward in an oblique direction (the oblique direction can ensure that the coil spring 6 releases a certain amount of energy), the positioning pin 11 is easily stuck in the low position 33. At this point, the position of the connecting sleeve 1 relative to the connecting seat 3 can be defined, and at the same time, the position of the plug core 2 relative to the connecting tube 5 is also defined. After the workpiece to be transported is transported into place, the connecting sleeve 1 is pressed down so that the positioning pin 11 moves in the fourth section 316 and reaches the lowest point of the return section 312. The connecting sleeve 1 is lifted up so that the positioning pin 11 moves in the fifth section 317 and the sixth section 318 in turn, and returns to the high position 32, and the transport of one workpiece is completed.

[0040] In the present application, the coil spring 6 can also be other elastic reset parts, such as a clockwork spring. When the coil spring 6 is constructed as other reset elastic parts, the connection mode with other components can be adaptively adjusted, which is foreseeable by those skilled in the art.

[0041] Preferably, by Figure 5 It can be seen that the angle formed by the oblique extension direction of the first section 313 and the horizontal direction is 30-60 degrees, for example, 45 degrees. Compared with the angle formed by the oblique extension direction of the first section 313 and the horizontal direction, the angle formed by the oblique extension direction of the sixth section 318 and the horizontal direction is about 15 degrees larger. For example, when the angle formed by the oblique extension direction of the first section 313 and the horizontal direction is 45 degrees, the angle formed by the oblique extension direction of the sixth section 318 and the horizontal direction is 60 degrees. The above arrangement ensures that the high point 32 and the low point 33 are not on the same axial line, but are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The above spacing ensures that the low point 33 is pulled relative to the high point 32 so that the coil spring 6 is stored with energy, thereby allowing the coil spring 6 to release the stored energy during the return movement to actuate the positioning pin 11 to smoothly return to the high point 32.

[0042] Preferably, a limiting ridge 37 is provided on the outer wall of the connecting base 3. The limiting ridge 37 extends toward the low point 33 and protrudes horizontally from the junction of the fourth section 316 and the fifth section 317. This arrangement ensures that during movement, the positioning pin 11 will inevitably enter the low point 33, rather than sliding directly from the third section 315 to the fourth section 316, thereby ensuring that the positioning pin 11 is locked into the preset position.

[0043] Preferably, a wedge 319 is provided on the sixth section 318. After the wedge 319 is flatly butted against the fifth section 317, it gradually thickens to form a step 320 at the high point 32. This step 320 prevents the positioning pin 11 from entering the sixth section 318 from the high point 32, ensuring that the positioning pin 11 enters the first section 313 from the high point 32 during the downward pressing process.

[0044] Preferably, an anti-rotation bushing 7 is secured within the inner cavity of the connecting sleeve 1. The outer wall of the connecting tube 5 is constructed in a hexagonal prism shape and is used for circumferential engagement with the anti-rotation bushing 7. This simple structure achieves circumferential engagement between the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting tube 5, ensuring that the connecting tube 5 rotates simultaneously with the connecting sleeve 1. However, the connecting sleeve 1 is also capable of axial movement relative to the connecting tube 5.

[0045] Preferably, an elastic reset member 8 is provided between the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting seat 3. This elastic reset member 8 is a spring. The spring is sleeved onto the outer wall of the connecting tube 5, with one end abutting the lower end surface of the anti-rotation bushing 7 and the other end abutting the upper end surface of the connecting seat 3. The spring is compressed as the connecting sleeve 1 moves downward relative to the connecting seat 3. During the workpiece release process, it assists the connecting sleeve 1 in restoring its position relative to the connecting seat 3.

[0046] Preferably, in this application, an accordion-type suction cup is used, which can store a large amount of air and has a built-in cushioning function. Based on the principle of PV=NRT, theoretically, when the suction cup 4 is compressed, half of the air inside the suction cup 4 is expelled, and the suction cup 4 returns to its original shape under the load. The vacuum level inside the suction cup 4 can reach -50kPa (half of the atmospheric pressure of 101kPa). This configuration effectively ensures suction and smooth transport of the workpiece to be handled.

[0047] The following is based on Figures 1 to 5 A method for transporting a workpiece using a self-priming transport device is described in detail.

[0048] First, the power source drives the self-priming transport device to move downward, so that the suction cup 4 contacts the hard surface of the workpiece.

[0049] Then, the power source drives the connecting sleeve 1 to move downward. In the process of the power source driving the connecting sleeve 1 to move downward, the connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting seat 3 have relative movement. Specifically, the connecting sleeve 1 moves downward relative to the connecting seat 3. On the one hand, it compresses the elastic reset member 8 to store energy; on the other hand, it drives the positioning pin 11 to move in the outward section 311; on the third hand, it drives the plugging core 2 to be inserted into the inner cavity of the connecting tube 5 for one-way sealing of the upper end opening of the suction cup 4. In addition, the connecting sleeve 1 moves downward, and drives the connecting seat 3 to move downward together to compress the suction cup 4, and the suction cup 4 sucks the workpiece. Since the upper end of the connecting tube 5 is sealed in one direction, the air in the suction cup 4 is discharged. Until the positioning pin 11 reaches the lowest point of the second section 314.

[0050] The power source then drives the connecting sleeve 1 upward, moving it relative to the connecting base 3 and causing the positioning pin 11 to move along the third section 315 to the low position 33. The connecting sleeve 1 and the connecting base 3 are restrained by a stop assembly. The third section 315 extends obliquely upward, forming the low position 33 in the recess, ensuring the stability of the positioning pin 11's engagement there.

[0051] The power source continues to move upward, driving the connecting sleeve 1 upward with the connecting base 3, causing the suction cup 4 to deform. The compressed suction cup 4 partially recovers, increasing the volume of air inside. However, the one-way seal 22 prevents air from entering, reducing the air pressure inside the suction cup 4 and creating a negative pressure that lifts the workpiece. The power source then removes the workpiece.

[0052] When the workpiece reaches the designated position, the power source moves downward, and the positioning pin 11 comes out from the low point 33 and continues to move downward to the return section 312.

[0053] Finally, the power source moves upward, and positioning pin 11 returns to high position 32 along return section 312. During this process, elastic return member 8 ensures that only connecting sleeve 1 moves, preventing suction cup 4 from moving. At this point, plug 2 has moved out of connecting tube 5, and air enters suction cup 4 through the inner cavity of connecting tube 5, releasing the workpiece.

[0054] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, “plurality” means two or more; the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “fortieth”, “fifth”, “sixth”, etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they become aware of the basic inventive concepts. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and / or modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention, and changes and / or modifications made in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-priming transport device, characterized in that: include: Cap-type connecting sleeve, The plug is fixedly hung on the top wall of the connecting sleeve. The upper end of the connection seat extends into the inner cavity of the connection sleeve, A suction cup is provided at the lower end of the connecting seat, A connecting tube is provided at the upper end of the connecting seat, the connecting tube and the suction cup are fixed and connected through the connecting seat, and the plug moves vertically toward the connecting tube to the inner cavity of the connecting tube for upward communication and downward one-way blocking of the connecting tube. A limit assembly is provided between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat, and the limit assembly is used to limit the vertical distance between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat to ensure that the plug core seals or opens the connecting tube, and the limit assembly includes a limit groove provided on the outer wall of the connecting seat and a positioning pin for passing through the wall of the connecting sleeve and inserted into the limit groove, a high point and a low point are formed on the limit groove, and the limit groove is constructed as a heart-shaped structure and forms the high point at the apex of the heart and the low point at the fossa of the heart, and the limit groove includes a going section connected from the high point to the low point and a going section connected from the low point to the high point The return section of the point, a coil spring is arranged between the connecting seat and the suction cup, the connecting sleeve is circumferentially clamped with the connecting cylinder, the outward section includes a first section, a second section and a third section connected in sequence from the high point to the low point, the coil spring is initially tensioned during installation, and the positioning pin moves in the first section so that the coil spring is further tensioned, the return section includes a fourth section, a fifth section and a sixth section connected in sequence from the low point to the high point, a limiting convex strip is arranged in the limiting groove of the connecting seat, the limiting convex strip extends toward the low point and protrudes horizontally from the connection between the fourth section and the fifth section.

2. The self-priming transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plugging core is cylindrical in structure, and an installation groove is provided on the outer wall of the plugging core, and a one-way sealing ring is embedded in the installation groove.

3. The self-priming transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A wedge-shaped block is provided on the sixth section, and the wedge-shaped block forms a step at the high point.

4. The self-priming transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An anti-rotation bushing is fixed in the inner cavity of the connecting sleeve, and the outer wall of the connecting tube is constructed in a hexagonal column shape and is used for circumferential clamping with the anti-rotation bushing.

5. The self-priming transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: An elastic reset member is provided axially between the connecting sleeve and the connecting seat.

6. The self-priming transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The suction cup is constructed as an accordion-type suction cup.

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