Flexible suction cup assembly for unstacker

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible suction cup assembly for an unstacker, which comprises an assembly connecting plate, a universal connecting rectangular plate, a cross universal connector, a guide optical shaft, a proximity sensor, a spring I, an oil buffer, a spring II, a proximity switch bracket, a shaft limiting ring and an adsorption assembly, the adsorption assembly comprises an external thread pagoda, a reducer union, a suction cup shell, a cellular board, a skirt check ring, a cylindrical internal thread lining, a flexible sponge, a silica gel strip, a vacuum flange, an electronic pressure gauge, a partition plate, a flange plate and a square shell. By arranging the vacuum flanges on the two sides, the adsorption efficiency is remarkably improved, the adsorption force is improved in the mode that the branch channels are matched with the auxiliary channels, and by adopting the combined structure of the flexible sponge, the skirt check ring and the cellular board, the adsorption problem of materials poor in sealing performance is effectively solved; the weight of materials sucked by the suction cup shell is balanced through cooperation of the oil buffer, the shaft limiting ring, the spring I and the spring II, the carrying process is more stable, and the unstacking quality and the working efficiency are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of adsorption devices for depalletizers, specifically a flexible suction cup assembly for depalletizers. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum suction cups are widely used in depalletizing and palletizing equipment as a core component for material gripping, fixing, and handling. Traditional vacuum suction cups often employ rigid or semi-rigid structures with fixed adsorption surfaces such as circles or squares. This design cannot adapt to irregular surfaces like fine bran, coarse bran, or mixed bran, resulting in poor adsorption stability. Furthermore, they are prone to failure due to air leakage with materials containing micropores (such as fine bran and fertilizer granules), making them incompatible with the handling needs of various materials with different characteristics. This limitation restricts the application of vacuum suction cups in complex material handling scenarios. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new vacuum suction cup structure that can simultaneously solve the problems of air leakage and pressure relief and is compatible with various depalletized materials. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a flexible suction cup assembly for destacking machines, thereby resolving issues such as air leakage, pressure loss, and poor compatibility in the prior art.

[0004] This invention provides the following technical solution: a flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer, comprising an assembly connecting plate, a universal connecting rectangular plate, a cross universal connector, a guide optical axis, a proximity sensor, spring I, a hydraulic damper, spring II, a proximity switch bracket, a shaft limiting ring, and an adsorption assembly. The adsorption assembly includes an external thread pagoda, a reducing joint, a suction cup shell, a honeycomb plate, a skirt retaining ring, a cylindrical internal thread bushing, a flexible sponge, a silicone strip, a vacuum flange, an electronic pressure gauge, a partition, a flange, and a square housing. The lower end of the assembly connecting plate is connected to the universal connecting rectangular plate via four guide optical axes. The assembly is connected at the end. Each guide optical axis is located near the top corner of the assembly connecting plate. Springs II are provided around the guide optical axis. A set of proximity switch brackets are provided on the front and rear sides of the lower end of the assembly connecting plate. A proximity sensor is provided on the proximity switch brackets. A cross universal connector is provided in the middle of the universal connecting rectangular plate. The lower end of the cross universal connector is connected to the adsorption assembly. Springs I are provided around the upper end of the adsorption assembly. The other end of springs I is connected to the lower end of the universal connecting rectangular plate. The hydraulic dampers are located near the four top corners of the lower end of the universal connecting rectangular plate. Each hydraulic damper has a shaft limiting ring at its lower end.

[0005] In the adsorption assembly, the upper end of the flange is connected to a cross universal connector and spring I, and the lower end of the flange is provided with a square shell. A vacuum flange is provided on each of the left and right sides of the square shell. One end of each vacuum flange is connected to the inside of the square shell, and the other end of the vacuum flange is connected to the external threaded pagoda through a reducing joint. The vacuum flange has a T-shaped channel structure.

[0006] The square housing has a hollow interior. A partition is installed at the bottom of the flange. An electronic pressure gauge is installed at the front end of the square housing. A suction cup shell is installed at the bottom of the square housing. The suction cup shell is connected to the square housing and the vacuum flange through a vertical channel. A silicone strip is installed around the upper part of the inner side of the suction cup shell. A flexible sponge is installed at the bottom of the suction cup shell. A skirt retaining ring is installed above the flexible sponge and along the inner side of the suction cup shell. A honeycomb plate is installed between the skirt retaining ring and the upper part of the inner side of the suction cup shell. Several cylindrical internal thread bushings are installed between the honeycomb plate and the upper part of the suction cup shell. The cylindrical internal thread bushings have a threaded structure inside.

[0007] Furthermore, the component connecting plate is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism of the destacking machine.

[0008] Furthermore, the output end of the external wire pagoda is connected to the fan assembly via an air pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the transverse channel of the vacuum flange is the main channel, and the vertical channel is the auxiliary channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the proximity sensor and electronic pressure gauge are electrically connected to an external controller via wires.

[0011] Furthermore, the partition divides the interior of the square shell into two equally sized channels.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By setting up double-sided vacuum flanges, the adsorption efficiency is significantly improved. By using a combination of sub-channels and auxiliary channels, the air intake is increased, and the adsorption force is greatly enhanced.

[0013] The combination structure of flexible sponge, skirted retaining ring and honeycomb plate gives the suction cup shell an adaptive downward extension capability, effectively solving the adsorption problem of materials with poor sealing, achieving stable and tight adsorption of various types of materials, and meeting the needs of complex depalletizing scenarios.

[0014] By utilizing the combination of hydraulic buffer and shaft limiting ring, as well as the combination of spring I and spring II, the weight of the material picked up by the suction cup shell can be balanced, reducing the impact force during the adsorption process, making the handling process smoother, and significantly improving the destacking quality and work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible suction cup assembly structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the flexible suction cup assembly of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the flexible suction cup assembly of the present invention; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the air suction operation of the flexible suction cup assembly of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Component connecting plate; 2. Universal connecting rectangular plate; 3. External thread pagoda; 4. Reducing joint; 5. Suction cup housing; 6. Honeycomb panel; 7. Skirt retaining ring; 8. Cylindrical internal thread bushing; 9. Flexible sponge; 10. Silicone strip; 11. Vacuum flange; 1101. Main channel; 1102. Auxiliary channel; 12. Cross universal connector; 13. Guide optical axis; 14. Proximity sensor; 15. Spring I; 16. Hydraulic shock absorber; 17. Spring II; 18. Proximity switch bracket; 19. Electronic pressure gauge; 20. Shaft limit ring; 21. Partition plate; 2101. Sub-channel; 22. Flange; 23. Square housing. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1-4A flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer includes a component connecting plate 1, a universal connecting rectangular plate 2, a cross universal connector 12, a guide optical axis 13, a proximity sensor 14, spring I 15, a hydraulic damper 16, a spring II 17, a proximity switch bracket 18, a shaft limiting ring 20, and an adsorption assembly. The adsorption assembly includes an external thread pagoda 3, a reducing joint 4, a suction cup housing 5, a honeycomb plate 6, a skirt retaining ring 7, a cylindrical internal thread bushing 8, a flexible sponge 9, a silicone strip 10, a vacuum flange 11, an electronic pressure gauge 19, a partition 21, a flange 22, and a square housing 23. The lower end of the component connecting plate 1 is connected to the upper end of the universal connecting rectangular plate 2 via four guide optical axes 13. The connection includes a guide optical axis 13 positioned near the top corner of the component connecting plate 1, with springs II 17 arranged around the guide optical axis 13. A set of proximity switch brackets 18 are arranged on the front and rear sides of the lower end of the component connecting plate 1, with proximity sensors 14 mounted on the proximity switch brackets 18. A cross universal connector 12 is arranged in the middle of the universal connecting rectangular plate 2, with the lower end of the cross universal connector 12 connected to the adsorption component. Springs I 15 are arranged around the upper end of the adsorption component, with the other end of springs I 15 connected to the lower end of the universal connecting rectangular plate 2. The hydraulic buffers 16 are positioned near the four top corners of the lower end of the universal connecting rectangular plate 2, with a shaft limiting ring 20 at the lower end of each hydraulic buffer 16.

[0020] In the adsorption assembly, the upper end of the flange 22 is connected to the universal joint 12 and the spring I 15, and the lower end of the flange 22 is provided with a square shell 23. A vacuum flange 11 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the square shell 23. One end of each vacuum flange 11 is connected to the inside of the square shell 23, and the other end of the vacuum flange 11 is connected to the external thread pagoda 3 through the reducing joint 4. The vacuum flange 11 has a T-shaped channel structure.

[0021] The square housing 23 has a hollow interior. A partition 21 is provided at the bottom of the flange 22. An electronic pressure gauge 19 is provided at the front end of the square housing 23. A suction cup housing 5 is provided at the lower end of the square housing 23. The suction cup housing 5 is connected to the square housing 23 and the vacuum flange 11 through a vertical channel. A silicone strip 10 is provided around the upper part of the inner side of the suction cup housing 5. A flexible sponge 9 is provided at the lower end of the suction cup housing 5. A skirt retaining ring 7 is provided above the flexible sponge 9 and along the inner side of the suction cup housing 5. A honeycomb plate 6 is provided between the upper part of the inner side of the suction cup housing 5 and the skirt retaining ring 7. Several cylindrical internal thread bushings 8 are provided between the honeycomb plate 6 and the upper part of the suction cup housing 5. The cylindrical internal thread bushings 8 have a threaded structure inside.

[0022] Preferably, the component connecting plate 1 is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism of the destacking machine.

[0023] Preferably, the output end of the external wire pagoda 3 is connected to the fan assembly via an air pipe.

[0024] Preferably, the transverse channel of the vacuum flange 11 is the main channel 1101, and the vertical channel is the auxiliary channel 1102.

[0025] Preferably, the proximity sensor 14 and the electronic pressure gauge 19 are electrically connected to an external controller via wires.

[0026] Preferably, the partition 21 divides the interior of the square shell 23 into two equally sized sub-channels 2101.

[0027] Working principle: Under the control of the external controller, the Z-axis moving mechanism drive assembly connecting plate 1 moves towards the material to be destacking, bringing the suction cup housing 5 close to the material surface. The external fan assembly operates, and air inside the suction cup housing 5 is drawn in from the parallel branch channel 2101 and auxiliary channel 1101, and discharged through the main channel 1101, creating a negative pressure state inside the suction cup. The material bag surface is stably adsorbed onto the suction cup housing 5 along the flexible sponge 9, skirt retaining ring 7, and honeycomb plate 6. The hydraulic buffer 16 and shaft limiting ring 20 work together to balance the weight of the material and prevent tilting. Springs II 17 and I 15 work together to absorb the impact force and resist the local deformation force of the material bag at the moment of adsorption. Adjustments are made according to the data provided by the proximity sensor 14 and electronic pressure gauge 19 to match the surface state of the material bag. By controlling the adsorption force, the destacking process of the material bag is completed.

[0028] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible suction cup assembly for use on a depalletizer, characterized in that: The components include a component connecting plate (1), a universal connecting rectangular plate (2), a cross universal connector (12), a guide optical axis (13), a proximity sensor (14), spring I (15), a hydraulic damper (16), spring II (17), a proximity switch bracket (18), a shaft limiting ring (20), and an adsorption assembly. The adsorption assembly includes an external wire pagoda (3), a reducing joint (4), a suction cup housing (5), a honeycomb plate (6), a skirt retaining ring (7), a cylindrical internal wire bushing (8), a flexible sponge (9), a silicone strip (10), a vacuum flange (11), an electronic pressure gauge (19), a partition (21), a flange (22), and a square housing (23). The lower end of the component connecting plate (1) is connected to the upper end of the universal connecting rectangular plate (2) via four guide optical axes (13). The connection is as follows: each guide optical axis (13) is set near the top corner of the component connection plate (1), and spring II (17) is provided around the guide optical axis (13). A set of proximity switch brackets (18) is set on the front and rear sides of the lower end of the component connection plate (1), and a proximity sensor (14) is set on the proximity switch brackets (18). A cross universal connector (12) is set in the middle of the universal connection rectangular plate (2). The lower end of the cross universal connector (12) is connected to the adsorption component. Spring I (15) is provided around the upper end of the adsorption component. The other end of spring I (15) is connected to the lower end of the universal connection rectangular plate (2). The hydraulic buffer (16) is set near the four top corners of the lower end of the universal connection rectangular plate (2). Each hydraulic buffer (16) is provided with a shaft limiting ring (20) at the lower end. In the adsorption assembly, the upper end of the flange (22) is connected to the universal joint connector (12) and the spring I (15), and the lower end of the flange (22) is provided with a square shell (23). A vacuum flange (11) is provided on each of the left and right sides of the square shell (23). One end of each vacuum flange (11) is connected to the inside of the square shell (23), and the other end of the vacuum flange (11) is connected to the external thread tower (3) through the reducing joint (4). The vacuum flange (11) has a T-shaped channel structure. The square shell (23) has a hollow structure inside. A partition (21) is set at the bottom of the flange (22). An electronic pressure gauge (19) is set at the front end of the square shell (23). A suction cup shell (5) is set at the lower end of the square shell (23). The suction cup shell (5) is connected to the square shell (23) and the vacuum flange (11) through a vertical channel. A silicone strip (10) is set around the upper end of the inner side of the suction cup shell (5). A flexible sponge (9) is set at the lower end of the suction cup shell (5). A skirt retaining ring (7) is set above the flexible sponge (9) and along the inner side of the suction cup shell (5). A honeycomb plate (6) is set between the upper end of the inner side of the suction cup shell (5) and the skirt retaining ring (7). Several cylindrical internal thread bushings (8) are set between the honeycomb plate (6) and the upper end of the suction cup shell (5). The cylindrical internal thread bushings (8) have a threaded structure inside.

2. The flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The component connecting plate (1) is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism of the destacking machine.

3. A flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output end of the external wire pagoda (3) is connected to the fan assembly via an air pipe.

4. A flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum flange (11) has a main channel (1101) inside the horizontal channel and an auxiliary channel (1102) inside the vertical channel.

5. A flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximity sensor (14) and electronic pressure gauge (19) are electrically connected to an external controller via wires.

6. A flexible suction cup assembly for a depalletizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (21) divides the interior of the square shell (23) into two equal-sized channels (2101).

Images