Leakage detection method of vacuum pump assembly and vacuum generation system

Abstract

The invention provides a leakage detection method of a vacuum pump assembly and a vacuum generation system. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a current working air pressure value of a working port of the vacuum pump assembly in a vacuum working condition; the working port is used for applying vacuum adsorption force to the sucker; under the condition that the working air pressure value is greater than a preset air pressure value, determining a first moment when the working port reaches the preset air pressure value and a second moment when the working port reaches the working air pressure value; wherein the preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached by the working port; according to the first moment, the second moment, the working air pressure value and the preset air pressure value, the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined; and under the condition that the leakage rate is larger than the leakage rate threshold value, isolation operation is carried out on the vacuum pump assembly, and the reliability of the factory affair vacuum equipment for carrying workpieces is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial production equipment technology, and in particular to a method for detecting leaks in a vacuum pump assembly and a vacuum generation system. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production, factory vacuum equipment is widely used for handling workpieces. Factory vacuum equipment mainly includes: vacuum pumps, vacuum pump assemblies, vacuum suction cup systems, vacuum lifting devices, etc. Its principle is to create, maintain, or utilize a vacuum (low pressure) state. For example, through a vacuum pump assembly, the suction cup generates a vacuum suction force (low pressure, -99kPa~0kPa) to hold the workpiece, facilitating its handling. Multiple vacuum pump assemblies are connected in parallel using a shared vacuum pump.

[0003] Existing leak detection methods can only determine whether a vacuum pump assembly is leaking. In the event of a leak, they cannot promptly prevent other vacuum pump assemblies connected in parallel from leaking. In other words, if one vacuum pump assembly leaks, not only are the workpieces connected to it via suction cups at risk of falling, but the workpieces connected to other vacuum pump assemblies connected in parallel via suction cups are also at risk of falling, resulting in poor reliability of workpiece handling in factory vacuum equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting leaks in vacuum pump components, addressing the problem that existing leak detection methods can only determine whether a vacuum pump component is leaking. In the event of a leak, they cannot promptly prevent other vacuum pump components connected in parallel from leaking due to the leaking vacuum pump component. In other words, if one vacuum pump component leaks, not only are the workpieces connected to it via suction cups at risk of falling, but the workpieces connected to other vacuum pump components connected in parallel via suction cups are also at risk of falling, resulting in poor reliability of workpiece handling in factory vacuum equipment.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for detecting leakage in a vacuum pump assembly, comprising:

[0007] Obtain the current working pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions; the working port is the working port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup.

[0008] When the working air pressure value is greater than the preset air pressure value, the first moment when the working port reaches the preset air pressure value and the second moment when the working port reaches the working air pressure value are determined; wherein, the preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached by the working port;

[0009] The leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined based on the first time point, the second time point, the working air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value.

[0010] If the leakage rate exceeds a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly.

[0011] Optionally, the step of performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold includes:

[0012] Control the vacuum pump assembly to end the vacuum operation.

[0013] Optionally, the vacuum pump assembly includes a vacuum supply valve, which is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum extraction port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum extraction port; the vacuum extraction port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0014] Controlling the vacuum pump assembly to terminate the vacuum condition includes:

[0015] The vacuum supply valve is closed to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0016] Optionally, controlling the vacuum supply valve to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuum port, includes the following steps:

[0017] Determine whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function, wherein the self-holding function is the function of driving the valve core of the vacuum supply valve to reset after the vacuum supply valve is closed;

[0018] If the vacuum supply valve does not have the self-holding function, control the valve core to switch to the reset state.

[0019] Optionally, if the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly, including:

[0020] If the vacuum pump assembly is confirmed to have a self-holding function, the vacuum supply valve is controlled to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuuming port.

[0021] The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0022] Optionally, if the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly, including:

[0023] If it is determined that the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function, the vacuum supply valve is closed to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0024] After the vacuum breaking valve has been open for a preset time, the vacuum breaking valve is closed.

[0025] The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0026] Optionally, prior to the step of closing the control vacuum supply valve, the method further includes:

[0027] Obtain the device name of the vacuum pump assembly;

[0028] If the device name contains characteristic characters, the vacuum pump assembly is determined to have a self-holding function; otherwise, the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function.

[0029] Optionally, the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined according to the following formula, based on the first time point, the second time point, the operating air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value:

[0030] The pressure difference is obtained by subtracting the preset pressure value from the current working pressure value, and the pressure difference is divided by the difference between the first time and the second time.

[0031] Optionally, after determining the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly based on the first time point, the second time point, the operating pressure value, and the preset pressure value, the method further includes:

[0032] If the leakage rate is less than or equal to the leakage rate threshold, the preset air pressure value is updated to the working air pressure value, and the first moment is updated to the second moment.

[0033] Optionally, after the step of obtaining the current operating pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions, the method further includes:

[0034] If the working air pressure value is less than the preset air pressure value, the preset air pressure value is updated to the working air pressure value, and the first time moment is updated to the second time moment.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a vacuum pump assembly, including:

[0036] The acquisition module is used to acquire the current working pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions; the working port is the working port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup.

[0037] The first execution module is used to determine, when the working air pressure value is greater than the preset air pressure value, a first moment when the working port reaches the preset air pressure value and a second moment when the working port reaches the working air pressure value; wherein, the preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached by the working port;

[0038] The calculation module is used to determine the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly based on the first time point, the second time point, the working air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value.

[0039] The second execution module is used to perform an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than the leakage rate threshold.

[0040] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a vacuum generating system comprising a plurality of vacuum generators connected in parallel, each of the vacuum generators applying the steps of the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0041] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps in the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0042] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product, including computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, the current working pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum condition is obtained; the working port is the working port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup; when the working pressure value is greater than a preset pressure value, a first moment when the working port reaches the preset pressure value and a second moment when the working port reaches the preset pressure value are determined; wherein, the preset pressure value is the minimum pressure value reached by the working port; based on the first moment, the second moment, the working pressure value, and the preset pressure value, the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined; when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly. This invention, when a leak is determined in the vacuum pump assembly, can promptly avoid the leakage of other vacuum pump assemblies connected in parallel with the leaking vacuum pump assembly by performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly, thereby improving the reliability of workpiece handling in factory vacuum equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the factory's vacuum equipment.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the process for determining the leakage isolation algorithm.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a leakage detection device for a vacuum pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions in 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0051] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this embodiment of the invention are used to distinguish similar objects, not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, without limiting the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, "or" indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three scenarios: Scenario 1: includes A but does not include B; Scenario 2: includes B but does not include A; Scenario 3: includes both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0052] In the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "connection", "coupling" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections.

[0053] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0054] This invention provides a method for detecting leaks in a vacuum pump assembly. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The leakage detection method for the vacuum pump assembly may include:

[0055] Step 11: Obtain the current working pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions; the working port is the port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup.

[0056] Step 12: When the working air pressure value is greater than the preset air pressure value, determine the first moment when the working port reaches the preset air pressure value and the second moment when the working port reaches the working air pressure value; wherein, the preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached by the working port;

[0057] Step 13: Determine the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly based on the first moment, the second moment, the working air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value;

[0058] Step 14: If the leakage rate is greater than the leakage rate threshold, perform an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly.

[0059] See Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a factory vacuum equipment. A factory vacuum generator can be connected in parallel to multiple devices 300 (i.e., the vacuum pump assembly in this embodiment) via pipelines. Specifically, the vacuum port of the factory vacuum generator is connected to the vacuum port (i.e., the vacuum extraction port) of each device 300, and the working port (i.e., the working port) of each device 300 is connected one-to-one with a suction cup. The factory vacuum generator evacuates gas from the vacuum pump assembly until the vacuum pump assembly switches to a vacuum state. Through the working port, the vacuum state of the vacuum pump assembly causes the suction cup to generate a vacuum suction force, allowing the suction cup to adsorb the workpiece onto the suction cup.

[0060] The preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached at the working port during the process of switching to the current vacuum condition. It should be noted that in practical applications, to facilitate workpiece handling, the vacuum pump assembly needs to be repeatedly switched between positive pressure and vacuum states. Specifically, when a workpiece needs to be held, the vacuum pump assembly is controlled to switch from positive pressure to vacuum, allowing the suction cup to create a vacuum suction force to successfully hold the workpiece; when the workpiece needs to be unloaded, the vacuum pump assembly is controlled to switch from vacuum to positive pressure, causing the suction cup to release the vacuum suction force on the workpiece, and the workpiece detaches from the suction cup. Therefore, the minimum air pressure value reached at the working port during the process of switching to the current vacuum condition refers to the minimum air pressure value reached at the working port during this process of reaching the vacuum state (switching from positive pressure to vacuum).

[0061] In this embodiment, the working pressure value can be the pressure value at the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions. This working pressure value can be collected by setting a pressure sensor at the working port or by other possible methods. The specific value can be determined according to the actual situation, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0062] In this embodiment, the minimum pressure value can be the pressure at which the vacuum pump assembly reaches a vacuum state during switching, or the minimum pressure value reached by the vacuum pump assembly during operation. The vacuum pump assembly has a default initial minimum pressure value of 0 kPa after power-on, and this minimum pressure value can be updated in real time based on the actual collected pressure data during operation. Therefore, it can be understood that if the comparison result indicates that the pressure value is greater than the minimum pressure value, it means that the vacuum pump assembly cannot reach the required vacuum state, and a leakage fault is determined in the vacuum pump assembly.

[0063] In this embodiment, the isolation operation may be to isolate the leaking vacuum pump assembly from other parallel vacuum pump assemblies. The isolation operation may refer to closing the supply valve to end the vacuum state, or isolating the gas path of the leaking vacuum pump assembly from other vacuum pump assemblies. Of course, other possible methods can also be used to achieve isolation, and the specific method can be determined according to the actual situation. This embodiment does not limit this approach.

[0064] It should be noted that the vacuum requirement, i.e., the vacuum level, can be specifically set by the user according to actual needs, and this invention does not impose further limitations on it. Understandably, if the workpiece is very heavy, a greater vacuum suction force is required to hold it in place, and therefore the vacuum level should be increased. Conversely, the same applies.

[0065] In this embodiment, subtracting the first time from the second time point yields the time difference between the minimum air pressure value (i.e., the preset air pressure value) and the working air pressure value.

[0066] The change in air pressure is the difference between the working air pressure value and the preset air pressure value.

[0067] The leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly can be obtained by dividing the change in air pressure by the time difference.

[0068] It should be noted that the leakage rate threshold can be determined by the user according to actual needs, and the present invention does not impose further limitations on it.

[0069] In this embodiment, if the leakage rate is greater than the leakage rate threshold, it indicates that the leakage rate is too high and the user needs to stop it in time and isolate it from other vacuum pump components connected to the same factory vacuum equipment (i.e., perform an isolation operation on the vacuum pump component) to avoid the gas pressure at the working port of other vacuum pump components from rising due to its gas leakage, and to prevent the suction cups of other vacuum pump components from dropping the workpiece, thereby reducing losses.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the current working pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum condition is obtained; the working port is the working port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup; when the working pressure value is greater than a preset pressure value, a first moment when the working port reaches the preset pressure value and a second moment when the working port reaches the preset pressure value are determined; wherein, the preset pressure value is the minimum pressure value reached by the working port; based on the first moment, the second moment, the working pressure value, and the preset pressure value, the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined; when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly. This invention, when a leak is determined in the vacuum pump assembly, can promptly avoid the leakage of other vacuum pump assemblies connected in parallel with the leaking vacuum pump assembly by performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly, thereby improving the reliability of workpiece handling in factory vacuum equipment.

[0071] In some embodiments, optionally, the step of performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold may include:

[0072] Control the vacuum pump assembly to end the vacuum operation.

[0073] In this embodiment, controlling the vacuum pump assembly to end its vacuum operation can be achieved by shutting off the connection between the vacuum pump assembly and the plant vacuum equipment. At this time, other vacuum pump assemblies connected to the same plant vacuum equipment remain connected, effectively preventing an increase in the working port gas pressure of other vacuum pump assemblies. This method is simple to operate and highly efficient.

[0074] In some embodiments, optionally, the vacuum pump assembly may include a vacuum supply valve, which is located on a pipe between the working port and the vacuum extraction port, for connecting or disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuum extraction port; the vacuum extraction port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0075] Controlling the vacuum pump assembly to terminate the vacuum operation can include:

[0076] Close the control vacuum supply valve to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0077] In this embodiment of the invention, the vacuum pump assembly ends its vacuum operation by controlling the vacuum supply valve to close. The method is simple to operate, highly efficient, and can form an isolation in a timely manner.

[0078] In some embodiments, optionally, controlling the vacuum supply valve to close to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port may include, prior to:

[0079] Determine whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function, which is the function of driving the valve core of the vacuum supply valve to reset after the vacuum supply valve is closed;

[0080] If the vacuum supply valve does not have a self-holding function, the control valve core switches to the reset state.

[0081] Whether a vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function is indicated on the equipment nameplate of the vacuum supply valve. In some embodiments, determining whether a vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function includes: obtaining the equipment nameplate information of the vacuum supply valve, and determining whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function based on the equipment nameplate information.

[0082] It should be noted that the self-holding function is typically used to ensure continued operation (i.e., remaining closed) in the event of a power failure, preventing the suction cup from dropping the workpiece. In this embodiment of the invention, the vacuum supply valve is controlled to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuum port. Then, it is determined whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function. If the vacuum supply valve does not have a self-holding function, intervention is required to control the vacuum supply valve and switch the valve core to the reset state.

[0083] In this embodiment, the self-holding function is achieved by using a spring to provide elastic force to the valve core of the vacuum supply valve, maintaining the valve core in the position when the vacuum supply valve is open. With the small spring, the valve core can be reset by the spring force after the supply valve is closed. Without the small spring, the valve core will not reset and requires positive air pressure to push it back to its original position. This process requires opening the vacuum breaker valve immediately after closing the supply valve. The positive pressure pushes the vacuum breaker valve to the right, and the force of the large spring moves the valve core to the right, maintaining the vacuum breaker valve open for 200ms. Only then can it be closed; the spring structure maintains the preloaded state of the valve body during normal system operation, ensuring sealing and reliability during air circuit switching; the self-holding function can be achieved through this holding spring. To achieve the self-holding effect, the holding spring is set to exert a thrust in the same direction as the valve core opening direction, that is, the free extension force after the spring is pre-compressed assists the valve core to maintain the open position. By accurately calculating the initial pre-compression amount, stiffness coefficient and maximum working stroke for matching, it is ensured that sufficient axial thrust can still be provided to overcome other mechanical resistance after the main air pressure drive is lost; for the self-holding scheme without small spring, although the state locking capability of the equipment when power is lost does not require the support of additional spring parts, it is still necessary to achieve the forced reset action at the control algorithm level through the active injection of positive pressure by the vacuum breaking valve. That is, after the system detects a fault or shutdown signal, it must first close the trigger condition of the supply valve, and use physical thrust to push the valve core of the supply valve that is in the open state back to the closed position.

[0084] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the small spring can be installed on the return path of the supply valve core and the vacuum breaking valve core. With the small spring installed, the supply valve core can be reset by the spring force after the supply valve is closed. However, the supply valve core without the small spring will not reset and requires positive air pressure to push the valve core back to its original position. This process requires the vacuum breaking valve to be opened immediately after the supply valve is closed. The positive pressure will push the vacuum breaking valve to the right, and the spring force of the large spring will move the vacuum breaking valve core to the right. The vacuum breaking valve will remain open for 200ms before it can be closed. The large spring can be installed in the linkage mechanism of the supply valve and the vacuum breaking valve to help maintain the valve core position.

[0085] The sensor can be installed at the gas path monitoring point to collect the gas pressure value at the working port in real time; the vacuum breaking valve can be installed inside the vacuum pump. When the vacuum breaking valve is open, the working port is connected to the positive pressure port; when closed, it cuts off the positive pressure path. The valve core of the vacuum breaking valve is located inside the vacuum breaking valve. When open, it connects the working port to the positive pressure port; when closed, it cuts off this path. The supply valve can be installed inside the vacuum pump. When the supply valve is open, the working port is connected to the vacuum port; when closed, it cuts off the vacuum path. The valve core of the supply valve is located inside the supply valve. It moves to the left to open the valve port under the thrust of positive pressure gas; it moves to the right to close the valve port under the action of spring force or a reset mechanism. The working port is connected to the gas inlet for leak detection; the vacuum port is connected to an external vacuum pump to provide a negative pressure source for the system; the positive pressure port is connected to a compressed air source to drive the vacuum breaking valve and the reset operation.

[0086] The embodiments of the present invention, through the above steps, effectively improve the adaptability of the present invention to various types of vacuum supply valve structures, which is beneficial for its wide application.

[0087] In some embodiments, optionally, performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold may include:

[0088] If the vacuum pump assembly is confirmed to have a self-holding function, the vacuum supply valve is controlled to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuuming port.

[0089] The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0090] Whether a vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function is indicated on the equipment nameplate of the vacuum supply valve. In some embodiments, determining whether a vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function includes: obtaining the equipment nameplate information of the vacuum supply valve, and determining whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function based on the equipment nameplate information.

[0091] It should be noted that the self-holding function is typically used to ensure continued operation (i.e., remaining closed) in the event of a power failure, preventing the suction cup from dropping the workpiece. In this embodiment of the invention, the vacuum supply valve is controlled to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0092] In some embodiments, optionally, performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold may include:

[0093] If it is determined that the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function, the vacuum supply valve is closed to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0094] After the vacuum breaking valve has been open for a preset time, the vacuum breaking valve is closed.

[0095] The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0096] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset time can be determined by the user according to actual needs, and the invention does not impose further limitations on this.

[0097] In some embodiments, optionally, prior to the step of closing the control vacuum supply valve, the following steps are also included:

[0098] Obtain the device name of the vacuum pump assembly;

[0099] If the device name contains characteristic characters, the vacuum pump assembly is determined to have a self-holding function; otherwise, the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function.

[0100] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the self-holding function of the vacuum pump assembly is achieved by a spring. Specifically, the self-holding function is achieved by the spring providing elastic force to the valve core of the vacuum supply valve, maintaining the valve core in the position when the vacuum supply valve is open. Vacuum pump assemblies equipped with springs possess the aforementioned characteristic characters. Therefore, if the device name contains the characteristic characters, it can be determined that the vacuum pump assembly has a self-holding function, improving the efficiency and accuracy of determining whether it possesses a self-holding function.

[0101] In some embodiments, optionally, the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined according to the following formula, based on the first time point, the second time point, the operating gas pressure value, and the preset gas pressure value:

[0102] The pressure difference is obtained by subtracting the preset pressure value from the current working pressure value, and the pressure difference is divided by the difference between the first time and the second time.

[0103] Subtracting the first time from the second time point yields the time difference between the minimum air pressure value (i.e., the preset air pressure value) and the working air pressure value.

[0104] The change in air pressure is the difference between the working air pressure and the preset air pressure. Dividing the change in air pressure by the time difference yields the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0105] The leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined efficiently and with high accuracy using the formula described above.

[0106] In some embodiments, optionally, after determining the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly based on the first time point, the second time point, the operating pressure value, and the preset pressure value, the method further includes:

[0107] If the leakage rate is less than or equal to the leakage rate threshold, the preset air pressure value is updated to the working air pressure value, and the first moment is updated to the second moment.

[0108] It should be noted that a leakage rate less than or equal to the leakage rate threshold indicates a large leakage rate. Even without isolation operations, the suction cup can maintain a firm grip on the workpiece without the user needing to block it in time or isolate it from other vacuum pump components connected to the same plant vacuum equipment.

[0109] In this embodiment of the invention, by updating the preset air pressure value to the working air pressure value if the leakage rate is less than or equal to the leakage rate threshold, updating the first moment to the second moment, and using the second moment as the new first moment, the impact of excessive operation on the efficiency of handling workpieces can be avoided, ensuring high execution efficiency.

[0110] In some embodiments, optionally, after the step of obtaining the current operating pressure value of the operating port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions, the method further includes:

[0111] If the working air pressure value is less than the preset air pressure value, the preset air pressure value is updated to the working air pressure value, and the first time moment is updated to the second time moment.

[0112] It should be noted that if the working air pressure value is less than the preset air pressure value, it indicates that the vacuum pump assembly is working normally. At this time, the current working air pressure can be used as the preset air pressure, thereby updating the first moment to the second moment, so that the preset air pressure is the minimum air pressure value reached by the accurate working port when the embodiment of the present invention is executed next time. The first moment is the moment when the accurate working port reaches the preset air pressure value, thereby improving the accuracy of detection.

[0113] The following description is based on specific embodiments.

[0114] A vacuum pump assembly, see Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a vacuum pump assembly. The basic mechanical structure of the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function. The basic principle is as follows: When the supply valve is open and the vacuum breaking valve is closed, the valve core of the supply valve moves to the left due to the thrust of the positive pressure port. At this time, the vacuum port and the working port are connected. When the vacuum port is connected to the vacuum pump, the working port is in a vacuum state, and the pressure collected by the sensor is the negative pressure of the working port. When the supply valve is closed and the vacuum breaking valve is open, the valve core of the vacuum breaking valve moves to the right due to the positive pressure port. At this time, the working port and the positive pressure port are connected, and the pressure collected by the sensor is the positive pressure of the working port. When both the supply valve and the vacuum breaking valve are closed, the valve core is in a reset state due to the action of the spring, and the working port is not connected to either the vacuum port or the positive pressure port.

[0115] A method for determining leakage isolation algorithms, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the process of the leak isolation algorithm for determining leakage, including the following steps:

[0116] 1. Connect the vacuum port and positive pressure port of the equipment to the corresponding gas. When working in the plant vacuum, the supply valve needs to be opened and the vacuum breaking valve closed. At this time, the gas pressure at the working port gradually decreases and enters a vacuum state. The sensor collects the gas pressure at the working port, which is less than the starting value (default -50kPa, can be set: 0 < starting value ≤ 99kPa). Only then will the leakage isolation function be activated. Otherwise, the following steps will not be followed.

[0117] 2. Once the algorithm is in progress, it will constantly check whether the working air pressure value collected by the current sensor is lower than the previously recorded minimum air pressure (0 kPa by default). If it is lower, the minimum air pressure value will be updated to the current working air pressure value, and the time corresponding to the current working air pressure value will be recorded (updating the first moment to the second moment) to ensure that the air pressure and time are in one-to-one correspondence.

[0118] 3. When the current working air pressure detected by the sensor is greater than the recorded minimum value (preset air pressure value), it is considered that a leak has occurred. The air pressure difference is calculated by subtracting the recorded minimum air pressure value (preset air pressure value) from the current working air pressure and it is determined whether the air pressure difference is greater than the preset pressure difference value (default 8 kPa, 0 ≤ preset pressure difference value ≤ 99 kPa, this algorithm is turned off when set to 0). If it is greater than, the following process will continue. If it is less than, it is considered that it is just a fluctuation in air pressure and the following process will not continue but will jump to step 2.

[0119] 4. When the pressure difference is greater than the preset pressure difference value, the time difference is calculated by subtracting the time of recording the minimum pressure value from the current time value. Combined with the pressure difference calculated in step 3, the leakage rate (i.e. the leakage rate of the vacuum pump component) is calculated. This rate is compared with the preset value. If it is greater than the preset value, it is considered that a part falling (the workpiece falls from the suction cup) scenario has occurred and isolation action is required. If it is less than the preset value, the recorded minimum pressure and time are updated to the current pressure and time value for the next leakage judgment. Then, it jumps to step 2 to continue the judgment and operation.

[0120] The preset values ​​are set by the customer or other personnel according to different scenarios and workpieces;

[0121] 5. When a leakage isolation condition occurs, the algorithm controls the mechanical components to shut off the vacuum to prevent affecting the operation of other equipment. For example, first determine whether the valve core has a small spring. We provide pump assemblies with and without small springs (those without small springs have a self-holding function). If it has a small spring, the valve core will reset using the spring force after the supply valve is closed. However, if the supply valve core does not have a small spring, positive air pressure is needed to push the valve core back to its original position. This process requires opening the vacuum breaking valve immediately after closing the supply valve. The positive pressure will push the vacuum breaking valve to the right, and the spring force of the large spring will move the vacuum valve core to the right. The vacuum breaking valve will remain open for 200ms before it can be closed.

[0122] The following are the structural details of the vacuum pump assembly:

[0123] (1) Whether or not it has a small spring is determined by the equipment name set at the factory and the algorithm will determine the equipment by judging the equipment.

[0124] (2) The self-holding function can continue to work in the event of a power failure, ensuring that the system does not drop the workpiece during pick-up.

[0125] 6. Ending the entire leak isolation process and promptly shutting off the supply valve can prevent parallel equipment (such as pump assemblies) from sending out collective leaks, which could cause workpieces to fall and result in unnecessary losses.

[0126] 7. To restart the currently leaking plant vacuum equipment, simply repeat the process of reopening the supply valve and closing the vacuum breaking valve to continue operation.

[0127] In summary, this invention enables the detection of individual leakage rates and gas fluctuations in a vacuum environment through cascading multiple devices; it allows for flexible adjustment of the gas pressure value for activating the leakage isolation algorithm, comprehensively covering all working scenarios for end-user manufacturers; it allows for free adjustment and accurate identification of parameters related to large or small workpiece leakage rates; and it can be combined with devices that have built-in self-isolation functions (such as vacuum pump components), enabling the self-isolation function to be activated in the event of a power failure and the leakage isolation function to be activated in the event of a leak, providing dual protection to minimize losses for manufacturers.

[0128] This invention provides a vacuum pump assembly, see [link to previous article]. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a vacuum pump assembly. The vacuum pump assembly 50 includes:

[0129] The acquisition module 51 is used to acquire the current working pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions; the working port is the working port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup.

[0130] The first execution module 52 is used to determine, when the working air pressure value is greater than the preset air pressure value, a first moment when the working port reaches the preset air pressure value and a second moment when the working port reaches the working air pressure value; wherein, the preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached by the working port;

[0131] The calculation module 53 is used to determine the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly based on the first time moment, the second time moment, the working air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value.

[0132] The second execution module 54 is used to perform an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than the leakage rate threshold.

[0133] In some embodiments, optionally, the second execution module 54 is further configured to control the vacuum pump assembly to terminate the vacuum condition.

[0134] In some embodiments, optionally, the vacuum pump assembly includes a vacuum supply valve, which is disposed on a pipe between the working port and the vacuum extraction port, for connecting or disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuum extraction port; the vacuum extraction port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0135] The second execution module 54 is also used to control the vacuum supply valve to close, so as to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0136] In some embodiments, optionally, the second execution module 54 is further configured to determine whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function, wherein the self-holding function is the function of driving the valve core of the vacuum supply valve to reset after the vacuum supply valve is closed;

[0137] The second execution module 54 is further configured to control the valve core to switch to the reset state if the vacuum supply valve does not have the self-holding function.

[0138] In some embodiments, optionally, the second execution module 54 is further configured to control the vacuum supply valve to close when it is determined that the vacuum pump assembly has a self-holding function, so as to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0139] The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0140] In some embodiments, optionally, the second execution module 54 is further configured to control the vacuum supply valve to close when it is determined that the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function, so as to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

[0141] The second execution module 54 is also used to close the vacuum breaking valve after a preset time has elapsed since the vacuum breaking valve was opened;

[0142] The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

[0143] In some embodiments, optionally, the second execution module 54 is further configured to obtain the device name of the vacuum pump assembly;

[0144] The second execution module 54 is further configured to determine that the vacuum pump assembly has a self-holding function if the device name contains characteristic characters; otherwise, the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function.

[0145] Optionally, in some embodiments, the calculation module 53 is further configured to determine the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly according to the following formula, based on the first time moment, the second time moment, the working gas pressure value, and the preset gas pressure value:

[0146] The pressure difference is obtained by subtracting the preset pressure value from the current working pressure value, and the pressure difference is divided by the difference between the first time and the second time.

[0147] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second execution module 54 is further configured to update the preset air pressure value to the working air pressure value and update the first moment to the second moment if the leakage rate is less than or equal to the leakage rate threshold.

[0148] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second execution module 54 is further configured to update the preset air pressure value to the working air pressure value and update the first moment to the second moment when the working air pressure value is less than the preset air pressure value.

[0149] This invention provides a vacuum generating system comprising multiple vacuum generators connected in parallel, each of which applies the steps in the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one embodiment of this invention.

[0150] This invention provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the embodiment of the leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described above, and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0151] The readable storage medium may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0152] This invention also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described vacuum pump assembly leakage detection method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0153] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0154] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0155] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other modifications under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these modifications are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting leakage in a vacuum pump assembly, characterized in that, include: Obtain the current operating pressure value at the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions; The working port is the working port that applies vacuum suction force to the suction cup; When the working air pressure value is greater than the preset air pressure value, the first moment when the working port reaches the preset air pressure value and the second moment when the working port reaches the working air pressure value are determined; wherein, the preset air pressure value is the minimum air pressure value reached by the working port; The leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined based on the first time point, the second time point, the working air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value. If the leakage rate exceeds a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly to isolate the leaking vacuum pump assembly.

2. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of performing an isolation operation on the vacuum pump assembly when the leakage rate is greater than a leakage rate threshold includes: Control the vacuum pump assembly to end the vacuum operation.

3. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vacuum pump assembly includes a vacuum supply valve, which is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum extraction port and is used to open or close the connection between the working port and the vacuum extraction port; the vacuum extraction port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly. Controlling the vacuum pump assembly to terminate the vacuum condition includes: The vacuum supply valve is closed to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port.

4. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Controlling the vacuum supply valve to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuum port, includes the following prior steps: Determine whether the vacuum supply valve has a self-holding function, wherein the self-holding function is the function of driving the valve core of the vacuum supply valve to reset after the vacuum supply valve is closed; If the vacuum supply valve does not have the self-holding function, control the valve core to switch to the reset state.

5. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the leakage rate exceeds a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly, including: If the vacuum pump assembly is confirmed to have a self-holding function, the vacuum supply valve is controlled to close, thereby disconnecting the connection between the working port and the vacuuming port. The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

6. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the leakage rate exceeds a leakage rate threshold, an isolation operation is performed on the vacuum pump assembly, including: If it is determined that the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function, the vacuum supply valve is closed to disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum port. After the vacuum breaking valve has been open for a preset time, the vacuum breaking valve is closed. The vacuum supply valve is located on the pipe between the working port and the vacuum pumping port, and is used to connect or disconnect the connection between the working port and the vacuum pumping port; the vacuum pumping port is connected to the pumping end of the vacuum pump assembly.

7. The method for detecting leakage in a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Prior to the step of closing the control vacuum supply valve, the following is also included: Obtain the device name of the vacuum pump assembly; If the device name contains characteristic characters, the vacuum pump assembly is determined to have a self-holding function; otherwise, the vacuum pump assembly does not have a self-holding function.

8. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly is determined according to the following formula, based on the first time point, the second time point, the operating air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value: The pressure difference is obtained by subtracting the preset pressure value from the current working pressure value, and the pressure difference is divided by the difference between the first time and the second time.

9. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, After determining the leakage rate of the vacuum pump assembly based on the first time point, the second time point, the working air pressure value, and the preset air pressure value, the method further includes: If the leakage rate is less than or equal to the leakage rate threshold, the preset air pressure value is updated to the working air pressure value, and the first moment is updated to the second moment.

10. The leakage detection method for a vacuum pump assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of obtaining the current operating pressure value of the working port of the vacuum pump assembly under vacuum conditions, the method further includes: If the working air pressure value is less than the preset air pressure value, the preset air pressure value is updated to the working air pressure value, and the first time moment is updated to the second time moment.

11. A vacuum generating system, characterized in that, It includes multiple vacuum pump assemblies connected in parallel, each of which applies the steps in the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A readable storage medium, characterized in that: The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps in the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the leak detection method for a vacuum pump assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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