Sucking disc mechanism and sucking disc device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a suction cup mechanism and a suction cup device, the suction cup mechanism comprises a suction cup main body, a suction lifting assembly and an ejection assembly, the suction cup main body is provided with a suction end, the suction end is provided with a force sensor, and the force sensor is configured to detect the contact pressure between the suction end and a prepreg; the suction lifting assembly is provided with a lifting driving end in transmission connection with the suction cup body and is configured to drive the suction cup body to ascend and descend in the axial direction. The ejection assembly comprises an ejection driving unit and an ejection rod, the ejection assembly is arranged in the suction cup body, the ejection driving unit is provided with an ejection driving end in transmission connection with the ejection rod, and the ejection driving unit is configured to drive the ejection rod to enter and exit from the suction end. According to the prepreg transfer device, on the premise that the surface quality of the prepreg is guaranteed, the prepreg can be accurately and efficiently sucked and efficiently released, and the prepreg transfer device is suitable for the technical field of prepreg transfer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of prepreg transfer, in particular to a suction cup mechanism and a suction cup device. Background Art

[0002] In order to further improve the product quality and production efficiency of advanced resin-based composite materials, prepreg molding technology came into being. Advanced resin-based composite material prepreg is an intermediate material made of reinforcement, resin matrix, release paper and other materials through coating, hot pressing, cooling, laminating, winding and other processes. It has the advantages of high fiber volume content, controllable resin content, stable quality, friendly operation, and applicability to a variety of molding processes. The emergence and wide application of prepreg has greatly shortened the manufacturing cycle of composite products.

[0003] The transfer technology of prepreg is very critical in the rapid and automated production process of composite materials. The quality and speed of the transfer process play a key role in the overall production efficiency and quality of composite products. Thermosetting prepregs have high viscosity at both room temperature and high temperature, and thermoplastic prepregs have high resin viscosity at high temperature. Therefore, in the existing prepreg vacuum suction cup transfer technology, the suction cup is easy to adhere to the prepreg, thereby affecting the release speed of the prepreg after the transfer. Moreover, when the contact pressure between the suction cup and the prepreg is too large, the prepreg at the connection of the suction cup is easy to form defects such as pits, ripples and wrinkles, which affects the surface quality of the prepreg and thus affects the quality and efficiency of the final product production. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the utility model provides a suction cup mechanism and a suction cup device, which solves the problem that the suction cup is easily adhered to the prepreg, thereby affecting the release speed of the prepreg after the transfer, affecting the surface quality of the prepreg, and thus affecting the quality and efficiency of the final product production.

[0005] The suction cup mechanism according to the first aspect of the embodiment of the utility model comprises:

[0006] A suction cup body, wherein the suction cup body is provided with a suction end, and the suction cup body is provided with a force sensor, wherein the force sensor is configured to detect a contact pressure between the suction end and the prepreg;

[0007] A suction lifting assembly is provided with a lifting driving end which is transmission-connected to the suction cup body, and the suction lifting assembly is configured to drive the suction cup body to lift and lower in the axial direction;

[0008] The ejection assembly includes an ejection drive unit and an ejector rod. The ejection assembly is arranged in the suction cup body. The ejection drive unit is provided with an ejection drive end that is transmission-connected to the ejector rod. The ejection drive unit is configured to drive the ejector rod to move in and out of the adsorption end.

[0009] The suction cup mechanism according to the embodiment of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0010] When sucking the prepreg, the sucking lifting assembly drives the suction cup body to approach the prepreg, and the force sensor real-time detects the contact pressure between the adsorption end and the prepreg. When the pressure exceeds the preset threshold, the movement of the sucking lifting assembly stops, and the sucking action is completed.

[0011] Because when the contact pressure between the suction cup and the prepreg is too large, the prepreg at the connection of the suction cup is likely to form defects such as pits, ripples and wrinkles. By real-time detecting the contact pressure between the adsorption end and the prepreg through the force sensor, accurate and efficient sucking of the prepreg can be achieved on the premise of ensuring the surface quality of the prepreg. When releasing the prepreg, the ejecting assembly moves quickly downward, contacts the prepreg, and knocks the prepreg off the suction cup body, realizing the efficient release of the prepreg, and overcoming the problem that the suction cup is easily adhered to the prepreg and cannot be separated.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the suction cup body includes a suction cup main body and a flexible skirt. The flexible skirt is annular, the force sensor is an annular force sensor, and the annular force sensor is connected between the suction cup main body and the flexible skirt.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, further, the suction cup main body includes a connection section and a conical section. The connection section is a hollow tubular structure, the conical section is a hollow conical structure, and the inner diameter gradually increases from one end close to the connection section to the other end.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the ejector rod has an ejecting end for pushing the prepreg, and a top table is arranged at the ejecting end. The top table is a frustum-shaped structure, and the outer diameter of the top table gradually increases from one end close to the ejector rod to the other end.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, a top contact layer is arranged on the bottom surface of the top table, and the top contact layer is a soft component.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the suction cup mechanism further includes a vacuum generator. The vacuum generator is installed at one end of the suction cup body away from the adsorption end, and the vacuum generator is used to evacuate the suction cup body.

[0017] A suction cup device according to the second aspect of the embodiment of the present utility model includes the suction cup mechanism described above, and further includes an overall frame. A plurality of the suction cup mechanisms are provided, and the plurality of suction cup mechanisms are evenly distributed on the overall frame.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, a controller is provided at the center of the overall frame, and the controller is simultaneously signal-connected to the suction lifting assembly, the force sensor, and the ejection driving unit.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the overall frame is provided with an installation guide rail, and the suction cup mechanism is slidably and adjustably installed on the installation guide rail.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, a matching wire routing storage groove is provided on the overall frame.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present utility model will be described in the subsequent specification, and partly will become apparent from the specification, or will be understood by implementing the present utility model. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The following further describes the present utility model in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments, where:

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the ejection assembly of the suction cup mechanism provided by the present utility model retracted into the suction cup main body in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the ejection assembly of the suction cup mechanism provided by the present utility model extending out of the suction cup main body in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the suction cup device including the suction cup mechanism provided by the present utility model in one embodiment.

[0026] Reference Numerals in the Drawings:

[0027] Suction cup mechanism 100; suction cup main body 110; connection section 111; tapered section 112; force sensor 113; flexible skirt 114; vacuum generator 115; ejection assembly 120; ejector rod 121; ejection table 122; ejection contact layer 123; ejection driving unit 124; suction lifting assembly 130; docking block 131; lifting telescopic member 132;

[0028] Overall frame 200; installation guide rail 210; installation seat 220; controller 230. Detailed Embodiments

[0029] The following details the embodiments of the present utility model. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present utility model and should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.

[0030] In the description of the present utility model, it should be understood that regarding the orientation description, such as the upper and lower directions, the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0031] In the description of the present utility model, "a plurality" refers to more than two. If the first and second are described only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features, it should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features or the sequence relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0032] In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as "arrangement", "installation", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. Those skilled in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0033] Next, the technical solution of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the following described embodiments are some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments.

[0034] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the following embodiments are made for a suction cup mechanism 100 of the present utility model:

[0035] The suction cup mechanism 100 of the embodiment of the present utility model includes a suction cup main body 110, a suction lifting assembly 130, and an ejecting assembly 120.

[0036] Among them, the suction cup main body 110 is provided with an adsorption end. The suction cup main body 110 contacts the prepreg through the adsorption end to form a seal.

[0037] Then, the suction cup main body 110 is evacuated, and the prepreg is adsorbed in the suction cup main body 110 by atmospheric pressure. As shown in the figure, the axis of the suction cup main body 110 of this embodiment extends vertically up and down, and the adsorption end is located at the bottom of the suction cup main body 110. In some other embodiments, the suction cup main body 110 may extend in other directions.

[0038] The suction cup mechanism 100 of this embodiment further includes a vacuum generator 115. The vacuum generator 115 is installed at one end of the suction cup main body 110 away from the adsorption end. The vacuum generator 115 is used to evacuate the suction cup main body 110. In some other embodiments, the suction cup main body 110 can be evacuated by an external vacuum generating device. In this embodiment, the vacuum generator 115 is integrated with the suction cup main body 110 to achieve modularization and convenient use.

[0039] In this embodiment, a force sensor 113 is disposed on the suction cup body 110. As for the installation position of the force sensor 113, the force sensor 113 of this embodiment is disposed at the suction end. Meanwhile, the arrangement of the force sensor 113 does not affect the sealing contact between the suction cup body 110 and the prepreg. The force sensor 113 is configured to detect the contact pressure between the suction end and the prepreg. In other embodiments, the force sensor 113 may be installed at other positions of the suction cup body 110, and the contact pressure between the suction end and the prepreg may be detected.

[0040] The suction lifting assembly 130 of this embodiment is provided with a lifting driving end which is transmission-connected to the suction cup body 110, and a control signal connection can be realized between the suction lifting assembly 130 and the force sensor 113. The suction lifting assembly 130 is configured to drive the suction cup body 110 to lift and lower axially to realize the contact and separation between the suction cup body 110 and the prepreg.

[0041] The lifting drive end on the suction lifting component 130 of this embodiment is connected to the top of the suction cup body 110, and the suction lifting component 130 directly drives the suction cup body 110 to move up and down along its own axial direction. The suction lifting component 130 of this embodiment includes a lifting telescopic member 132 and a docking block 131. The upper end of the lifting telescopic member 132 is a fixed end, and the fixed end of the lifting telescopic member 132 is connected to the docking block 131. The lifting drive end is located at the lower end of the lifting telescopic member 132. Among them, the lifting telescopic member 132 can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder and an electric drive. At this time, the lifting drive end is fixedly connected to the vacuum generator 115.

[0042] The ejection assembly 120 of the present embodiment is arranged inside the suction cup body 110, and the ejection assembly 120 includes an ejection drive unit 124 and an ejector rod 121. The ejection drive unit 124 is arranged at the top of the ejector rod 121, and the ejection drive unit 124 directly controls the ejector rod 121 to move up and down along the axis, so as to quickly impact the prepreg adsorbed and fixed inside the suction cup body 110, thereby realizing efficient release of the prepreg and avoiding the phenomenon that the prepreg and the suction cup body 110 are adhered and cannot be separated. In some other embodiments, the ejection assembly 120 can move in other ways to realize the peeling of the prepreg from the suction cup body 110, wherein the ejection assembly 120 can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder and an electric push.

[0043] Further, in this embodiment, the suction cup body 110 includes a suction cup main body and a flexible skirt 114. The flexible skirt 114 is annular. The flexible skirt 114 can be made of non-stick materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone rubber, fluororubber, polyurethane, etc. The force sensor 113 is an annular force sensor. The force sensor 113 is connected between the suction cup main body and the flexible skirt 114 to detect the contact pressure between the flexible skirt 114 and the surface of the prepreg in real time. At the same time, the flexible skirt 114 reduces the disturbance effect of the suction cup mechanism 100 on the surface of the prepreg and increases the contact surface with the prepreg to improve the sealing performance, which is beneficial to improving the

[0044] vacuum degree inside the suction cup body 110. At the same time, it plays a certain protective role for the force sensor 113, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the force sensor 113. The annular force sensor 113 is combined with the suction cup main body and the flexible skirt 114, and the force is evenly distributed, making the detection of the force sensor 113 more sensitive to stress changes.

[0045] In this embodiment, the suction cup main body includes a connecting section 111 and a conical section 112. The connecting section 111 is a hollow tubular structure, and the conical section 112 is a hollow conical structure. The inner diameter gradually increases from one end close to the connecting section 111 to the other end to expand the aperture of the adsorption port for sucking the prepreg, so as to achieve efficient sucking of the prepreg. In some other cases, the suction cup main body can be set to other shape structures such as bell-shaped, as long as the condition of forming a seal can be satisfied.

[0046] Further, in this embodiment, the lower end of the ejector rod 121 is the ejection end for pushing the prepreg. The ejection end is provided with an ejection table 122. The ejection table 122 is a frustum-shaped structure. The outer diameter of the ejection table 122 gradually increases from one end close to the ejector rod 121 to the other end. The contact surface shape between the ejection table 122 and the prepreg is a circular plane. When impacting the prepreg at high speed, the force is evenly applied to the prepreg and the force application area is large, so as to achieve efficient ejection of the prepreg and overcome the adhesion between the prepreg and the suction cup mechanism 100. The ejector rod 121 and the ejection table 122 are integrally formed structures to ensure the connection strength between the ejector rod 121 and the ejection table 122. In some other cases, the ejection end of the ejector rod 121 can be set to other shapes, or the structure of the ejection end can be fixed by connection methods such as locking.

[0047] Preferably, in this embodiment, the bottom surface of the ejection table 122 is provided with an ejection contact layer 123. The ejection contact layer 123 is a soft structure. The ejection contact layer 123 can be made of non-stick materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone rubber, fluororubber, polyurethane, etc. It plays a buffering role when the ejection assembly 120 contacts the prepreg. Further, the ejection contact layer 123 is a vulnerable part and can be set to structures such as a film to achieve a quick-disassembly design.

[0048] Regarding the usage method of the suction cup mechanism 100 in this embodiment:

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, when the suction cup mechanism 100 sucks the prepreg, the suction lifting assembly 130 drives the suction cup body 110 to move downward from the initial position and gradually approaches the prepreg. The force sensor 113 real-time detects the contact pressure between the flexible skirt 114 and the prepreg. According to the differences in materials and processes, a preset threshold corresponding to the critical state is set. When the contact pressure exceeds the preset threshold, the suction lifting assembly 130 immediately stops moving, so as to ensure the sealing between the suction cup body 110 and the prepreg surface without affecting the surface quality of the prepreg. At this time, the vacuum generator 115 connected to the suction cup body 110 evacuates the inside of the suction cup body 110, and the adsorption and fixation of the prepreg are completed by evacuating the air.

[0050] As Figure 2 shown, when the suction cup mechanism 100 releases the prepreg, the vacuum generator 115 is turned off, and the vacuum state inside the suction cup body 110 is released. However, due to the viscosity of the prepreg, the process of releasing the prepreg only under the action of gravity is slow. The ejector rod 121 quickly moves outward toward the adsorption end under the drive of the ejecting drive unit 124. The ejecting contact layer 123 contacts the prepreg and knocks down the prepreg. The suction lifting assembly 130 drives the suction cup body 110 to move upward to return to the initial position, completing the function of efficiently releasing the prepreg.

[0051] Referring Figure 3 to this, the present utility model also proposes a suction cup device, and the following embodiments are made:

[0052] The suction cup device of the embodiment of the present utility model includes the above-mentioned suction cup mechanism 100 and the overall frame 200. Multiple suction cup mechanisms 100

[0053] are provided. As Figure 3 shown, in this embodiment, 5 suction cup mechanisms 100 are provided. The axial direction of the suction cup mechanisms 100 extends vertically. The main body of the overall frame 200 is a rectangular planar structure in the horizontal direction. Each suction cup mechanism 100 is installed on the lower side of the overall frame 200. Each suction cup mechanism 100 is evenly distributed and has the same horizontal height, so that the mass distribution of the overall frame 200 is uniform to ensure the stability of the suction cup device during the transfer process.

[0054] In this embodiment, the overall frame 200 is a truss structure, which has the advantages of light weight and large span while having bending and shear resistance. The overall frame 200 includes one or more mounting rails 210. The mounting rails 210 are groove structures. A plurality of suction cup mounting seats 220 that can slide along the grooves are provided on the mounting rails 210. The suction cup mounting seats 220 are clamped in the grooves by protrusions that cooperate with the grooves. When there are a plurality of mounting rails 210, the plurality of mounting rails 210 are arranged side by side. A docking block 131 is provided on the lifting assembly 130 of the suction cup mechanism 100. The docking block 131 can be combined with the mounting seat 220. Thus, the suction cup mechanism 100 can be installed on the overall frame 200. By adjusting the postures and positions of the mounting rails 210 and the suction cup mounting seats 220, the mounting positions on the overall frame 200 can be arbitrarily changed, so that the number and positions of the suction cup mechanisms 100 can be adjusted instantaneously according to actual usage requirements when using the suction cup device.

[0055] In this embodiment, the overall frame 200 is further provided with a controller 230. The controller 230 is installed at the central position on the back side of the overall frame 200 to ensure uniform mass distribution of the overall frame 200 and improve the stability of the overall frame 200 during the transfer process. The controller 230 is simultaneously connected to the suction and lifting assembly 130, the force sensor 113, and the ejection assembly 120. The controller 230 is configured to judge the contact pressure signal transmitted by the force sensor 113 in real time and transmit a signal to control the suction and lifting assembly 130 and the vacuum generator 115.

[0056] Furthermore, the controller 230 can be configured to detect the vacuum degree inside the suction cup body 110 in real time, set a minimum vacuum degree threshold according to materials and processes, and when the minimum vacuum degree is reached, the controller 230 controls the vacuum generator 115 to stop pumping vacuum, thereby improving the pre-impregnated material suction efficiency.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a wire routing storage groove matching the strip-shaped mounting rail 210 is provided on the overall frame 200 to protect and hide the wire routing structure and make the appearance of the device simple.

[0058] For the usage method of the suction cup device in this embodiment: As Figure 3As shown, based on material and process requirements, the number and arrangement of the suction cup mechanisms 100 are selected, and the positions of the mounting rails 210 and the mounting seats 220 are adjusted. The suction cup mechanisms 100 are installed on the mounting seats 220 of the overall frame 200 through the docking blocks 131. The suction cup device moves from the initial position to above the prepreg bath, and the suction and lifting assembly 130 drives the suction cup body 110 to move downward from the initial position, gradually approaching the prepreg. The force sensor 113 detects the contact pressure between the flexible skirt 114 and the prepreg in real time and transmits it to the controller 230. The controller 230 judges the magnitude of the contact pressure in real time. When the contact pressure exceeds the preset threshold, the suction and lifting assembly 130 immediately stops moving. The controller 230 controls the vacuum generator 115 to evacuate the inside of the suction cup body 110, and the adsorption and fixation of the prepreg are completed through evacuation.

[0059] After sucking the prepreg, the suction cup device moves to the designated position. The controller 230 controls the vacuum generator 115 to close, and the negative pressure inside the suction cup body 110 gradually disappears. The controller 230 transmits a signal to make the ejection assembly 120 quickly extend downward, and the ejection contact

[0060] layer 123 impacts the prepreg. After the prepreg detaches from the suction cup body 110, the suction and lifting assembly 130 drives the suction cup body 110 to rise back to the initial position, completing the transfer process of the prepreg.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention within the knowledge scope of those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A suction cup mechanism for prepreg transfer, characterized in that include: A suction cup body, wherein the suction cup body is provided with a suction end, and the suction cup body is provided with a force sensor, wherein the force sensor is configured to detect a contact pressure between the suction end and the prepreg; A suction lifting assembly is provided with a lifting driving end which is transmission-connected to the suction cup body, and the suction lifting assembly is configured to drive the suction cup body to lift and lower in the axial direction; The ejection assembly includes an ejection drive unit and an ejector rod. The ejection assembly is arranged in the suction cup body. The ejection drive unit is provided with an ejection drive end that is transmission-connected to the ejector rod. The ejection drive unit is configured to drive the ejector rod to move in and out of the adsorption end.

2. The suction cup mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction cup body comprises a suction cup body and a flexible skirt, the flexible skirt is ring-shaped, and the force sensor is an annular force sensor connected between the suction cup body and the flexible skirt.

3. The suction cup mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The suction cup body comprises a connecting section and a tapered section, wherein the connecting section is a hollow tubular structure, and the tapered section is a hollow tapered structure, and the inner diameter gradually increases from one end close to the connecting section to the other end.

4. The suction cup mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ejector pin has an ejection end for pushing the prepreg, and the ejection end is provided with an ejection platform. The ejection platform is a truncated cone structure, and the outer diameter of the ejection platform gradually increases from one end close to the ejector pin to the other end.

5. The suction cup mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the ejection platform is provided with an ejection contact layer, and the ejection contact layer is a soft component.

6. The suction cup mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction cup mechanism also includes a vacuum generator, which is installed on an end of the suction cup body away from the adsorption end, and the vacuum generator is used to evacuate the suction cup body.

7. A suction cup device, characterized in that: comprising a suction cup mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; It also includes an overall frame, and a plurality of the suction cup mechanisms are provided, and the plurality of the suction cup mechanisms are evenly distributed on the overall frame.

8. The suction cup device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A controller is provided at the center of the overall frame, and the controller is simultaneously connected to the suction lifting assembly, the force sensor, and the ejection driving unit by signal.

9. The suction cup device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The overall frame is provided with a mounting rail, and the suction cup mechanism is slidably and adjustably mounted on the mounting rail.

10. The suction cup device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The overall frame is provided with matching wiring storage grooves.

Images