Sucker floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle types

Abstract

The invention discloses a suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle types. The suction cup floating locking device comprises a body structure. The connecting rod can move relative to the body structure; the suction cup assembly is connected to the tail end of the connecting rod; the spring is arranged between the body structure and the connecting rod and is used for providing floating and returning effects; the gas circuit connector is arranged between the connecting rod and the suction cup assembly and is used for ensuring stable vacuum connection of the suction cup assembly; and the air brake is arranged on the body structure and is used for selectively locking the connecting rod. According to the suction cup, self-adaptive floating adjustment is achieved when the suction cup sucks a plate, the position is stably locked in the carrying process, and therefore the molded surface difference of the plates of different vehicle models is effectively dealt with, and the reliability of the carrying process is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a suction cup floating locking device, and in particular discloses a suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle models. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous improvement of automation in the automotive manufacturing industry, robots are increasingly used in production processes, particularly in the handling of body panels. To meet market demand for product diversification, automotive production lines are moving towards flexible, multi-model production. This places new demands on handling equipment: a single set of equipment must be able to efficiently and stably handle panels of varying models, shapes, and heights. This reduces the number of specialized equipment designed for a single model (such as specific robotic tooling), thereby reducing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0003] In automated handling, suction cups are widely used for gripping various panels due to their surface-safety and ease of operation, particularly for large, delicate exterior parts like automotive roof panels. However, on flexible production lines with multiple models, panel surface shapes, curvatures, and heights can vary significantly. This makes it difficult for traditional fixed or simple cushioning suction cups to ensure reliable, tight adhesion and stable suction across all panel surfaces, impacting handling success and safety.

[0004] To address the issue of suction cups adapting to varying surface heights, existing techniques have attempted to mount the suction cups on cylinders, adjusting their position or selecting different suction cups by retracting or switching the cylinders. However, this approach requires multiple cylinders and corresponding piping and control systems, complicating the handling device's structure and significantly increasing its size and weight. This not only significantly increases the manufacturing cost and maintenance difficulty of the equipment, but also places higher demands on the robot's load capacity, limiting its widespread adoption in lightweight and high-speed robotic applications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle models. This device, through a clever combination of mechanical and pneumatic mechanisms, achieves adaptive floating adjustment of the suction cup when picking up panels and stable locking during handling. This effectively addresses the surface variations of panels from different vehicle models and ensures reliable handling.

[0006] The present invention discloses a suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle models, comprising a main body structure; a connecting rod movable relative to the main body structure; a suction cup assembly connected to the end of the connecting rod; a spring arranged between the main body structure and the connecting rod for providing floating and return functions; an air path joint arranged between the connecting rod and the suction cup assembly for ensuring a stable vacuum connection of the suction cup assembly; and an air brake arranged on the main body structure and used for selectively locking the connecting rod.

[0007] Preferably, the locking state of the airlock is controlled by a conduction valve.

[0008] Preferably, the end of the connecting rod is threadedly connected with a locking nut, and the air brake is located between the locking nut and the suction cup assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the air circuit connector is connected to a vacuum generator The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: First, the present invention realizes the adaptive floating function of the suction cup through the combination of connecting rods and springs, so that it can effectively absorb the deviations of panels of different models and different profile heights, ensure the reliable fit of the suction cup and the surface of the panel, greatly improve the adaptability of the device to flexible production lines of multiple models, and reduce the need to design special handling equipment for different models. Secondly, after the panel is sucked and floated into place, the present invention uses an air brake to lock the connecting rod, so that during the subsequent handling process, the relative position of the suction cup and the panel remains fixed, effectively suppressing the shaking of the panel, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the handling process. In addition, the structural design of the present invention is simple, compact and reliable. Compared with the existing solution of using multiple cylinders for position adjustment, it significantly reduces the volume and weight, reduces the manufacturing cost and maintenance difficulty, and also reduces the restrictions on the load capacity of robots or other handling equipment. By arranging an air circuit joint between the connecting rod and the suction cup, it is guaranteed that the vacuum source of the suction cup is stable and reliable when the connecting rod is floating or locked. The present invention has broad applicability, not only for robotic grippers but also for flexible deployment in various applications requiring workpiece handling, such as manual slings and transfer fixtures. In summary, the present invention provides an efficient, reliable, economical, and adaptable suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle models, effectively resolving the existing issues of suction cups' poor adaptability to varying surfaces and insufficient handling stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. These drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the natural state of the spring of the present invention that is not in contact with the workpiece; Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the spring compression and locking state during transportation of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following further describes the technical solutions (including preferred technical solutions) of the present invention through accompanying drawings and by enumerating some optional embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments described are merely some, and not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0013] The present invention provides a suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle models, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes: an airlock 2 mounted on the main structure of the device; a connecting rod 3 movable in one direction relative to the main structure; a suction cup assembly 6 connected to the end of the connecting rod 3; a spring 4 disposed between the main structure and the connecting rod 3 to provide elasticity and return; and an air connector 5 disposed within the connecting rod 3 or between the connecting rod and the suction cup assembly 6 to ensure a stable vacuum connection of the suction cup. The device is also connected to a conduction valve 7 for controlling the state of the airlock 2 and a vacuum generator 8 for providing vacuum suction. Furthermore, the device may include a locking nut 1 for adjusting the preload or travel of the spring 4.

[0014] The overall structure of the device is achieved through the coordination of the aforementioned components. Connecting rod 3 is axially movable within the main structure. Spring 4, positioned around or to the side of connecting rod 3, provides upward and downward elastic support, allowing connecting rod 3 to float when unlocked. Airlock 2, located within the main structure, can be controlled by air pressure signals, selectively tightening or releasing connecting rod 3 to achieve locking. The air connector 5 ensures that the vacuum line connected to the suction cup assembly 6 does not twist or become detached during the floating movement of connecting rod 3, maintaining stable vacuum transmission.

[0015] One application scenario of the present invention is to place the device on a robot gripper to transport panels. The specific operation process is as follows: First, the device is reasonably arranged on the robot gripper according to needs, and the conduction valve 7 is connected to the robot's control system, and the vacuum generator 8 is also connected to the robot's vacuum control system.

[0016] When the robot gripper carrying device approaches the plate to be grasped, it is in a natural state without contacting the workpiece, such as Figure 1At this time, the control system controls the conduction valve 7 to be in a conducting state (e.g., connected to an air source or exhausted, depending on the working principle of the airlock 2), so that the air source or exhaust passage acting on the airlock 2 is connected, thereby putting the airlock 2 in a released state, allowing the connecting rod 3 to float freely relative to the main structure.

[0017] As the robot descends and the suction cup assembly 6 contacts and presses against the panel surface, the connecting rod 3 can move upward or downward in a floating state, allowing the suction cup to better fit the panel surface due to possible height differences in the panel profile. At this point, the control system activates the vacuum generator 8, creating a vacuum between the suction cup assembly 6 and the panel, generating suction to hold the panel in place.

[0018] At the same time (or immediately after) the suction cup generates a stable suction force, the control system controls the conduction valve 7 to cut off the air, so that the air source acting on the airlock 2 is cut off or the state is changed, so that the airlock 2 quickly enters the locking state, holds the connecting rod 3 tightly, and locks the connecting rod 3 in the position after it is in contact with the plate. Figure 2 This action completes the absorption of the plate and locks its relative position.

[0019] The robot can then perform stable panel handling. Since the connecting rod 3 is locked by the airlock 2, the relative position of the suction cup and the panel is fixed, effectively preventing shaking during the handling process.

[0020] After transporting to the target location and completing unloading, the vacuum generator 8 is first controlled to stop working and release the suction force on the panel. The optional blowing function can be used to assist in releasing the adhesion between the suction cup assembly 6 and the panel. Then, after the gripper leaves the panel a certain distance, the control system controls the conduction valve 7 to be opened again, so that the airlock 2 is unlocked and the connecting rod 3 is released. At this time, the connecting rod 3 returns to its original floating position under the return action of the spring 4. Figure 1 shown.

[0021] By repeating this process, multiple panels can be transported continuously, stably and efficiently.

[0022] It should be noted that the above embodiment is only an application example of the present invention. The suction cup floating locking device of the present invention can be flexibly arranged on various tooling, robot grippers, manual slings, transfer fixtures and other equipment that need to transport panels or other workpieces according to the needs of specific application scenarios, and the size, spring strength, suction cup type and other parameters of the device can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-mentioned embodiments are only used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and various changes and modifications can be made, such as changing the specific type of the airlock 2, the control method of the guide valve 7, the setting position and form of the spring 4, etc. These changes and modifications are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, combinations, replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A suction cup floating locking device for flexible production of multiple vehicle models, characterized by: It includes a main body structure; a connecting rod movable relative to the main body structure; a suction cup assembly connected to the end of the connecting rod; a spring arranged between the main body structure and the connecting rod for providing floating and return functions; an air circuit joint arranged between the connecting rod and the suction cup assembly for ensuring a stable vacuum connection of the suction cup assembly; and an air lock arranged on the main body structure and used to selectively lock the connecting rod.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking state of the airlock is controlled by a conduction valve.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The end of the connecting rod is threadedly connected with a locking nut, and the air brake is located between the locking nut and the suction cup assembly.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The air path connector is connected to a vacuum generator.

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