Sucker device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a suction cup device, and relates to the technical field of vacuum suction cups, the device comprises a connector and a suction cup body, the interior of the connector is hollow to form an air channel, the air channel is communicated with a vacuum generation device, and the air channel is communicated with the outside through an electromagnetic valve; an air hole is formed in the top of the cavity and used for being communicated with the air channel; the cavity comprises a gap cavity and an adsorption cavity which are vertically connected, the gap cavity is used for communicating the upper end face of the adsorption cavity and the air holes, and the lower end face of the adsorption cavity is open and used for making contact with a to-be-adsorbed object; and at least one bulge is arranged in the gap cavity. The protrusions occupy the space in the gap cavity, the size of the gap cavity is reduced, and therefore the vacuum breaking efficiency of the vacuum suction cup can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the technical field of vacuum suction cups, and more particularly to a suction cup device. Background Technology

[0002] The production process of photovoltaic modules involves the installation of cover glass, which typically uses vacuum chucks to move the cover glass. The vacuum chuck is connected to vacuum equipment (such as a vacuum generator) via a connecting pipe, then contacts the object to be lifted, such as the cover glass. The vacuum equipment is activated, creating negative pressure within the chuck to firmly hold the object in place, allowing it to be moved. Once at the designated location, the vacuum chuck is connected to atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum is broken to separate the chuck from the cover glass, which is then placed in the designated position. However, older types of chucks are prone to vacuum breaking errors and slow vacuum breaking, resulting in low installation efficiency. With continuously increasing production capacity, this low efficiency has severely impacted the overall production line's capacity.

[0003] Currently, some patents disclose methods for achieving efficient and rapid detachment of suction cups from objects. However, because these methods use a push rod to quickly push the object away from the suction cup, they are not suitable for adsorbing fragile and easily damaged items such as glass covers. Furthermore, the suction cup structures in these patents are relatively complex and costly. For example, Chinese patent CN220431548U discloses a self-elastic vacuum suction cup assembly, including a connector, a suction cup connector seat, a suction cup, and a push rod. The lower part of the connector is fixedly connected to the upper end of the suction cup connector seat, and the suction cup is fixedly connected to the lower end of the suction cup connector seat. A spring channel is formed in the lower middle part of the connector, and a spring is fitted inside the spring channel. A first side air chamber is formed on the side of the spring channel, and a first air passage leading to the spring channel is formed on the upper end face of the connector. A chamber is formed in the middle of the suction cup connector seat, including an upper chamber and a lower channel connected vertically. A second air passage is formed in the middle of the suction cup. The middle part of the push rod is a radially protruding ring. In use, the upper end of the connector is connected to an external vacuum device. Initially, the protruding ring on the push rod blocks the upper port of the lower channel under the elastic force of the spring. When vacuuming to pick up an object, the lower end of the suction cup contacts the object, and the push rod pushes upward to compress the spring. When it is time to put the object down, the external vacuum device breaks the vacuum, the air pressure returns to normal, and the push rod moves downward quickly under the elastic force of the spring, pushing the object downward away from the suction cup, thus achieving the purpose of efficient and rapid separation between the suction cup and the object. Utility Model Content

[0004] This specification provides one or more embodiments of a suction cup device to solve the following technical problem: existing suction cups are prone to vacuum breaking errors and slow vacuum breaking, resulting in low loading efficiency and affecting the overall production line capacity.

[0005] One or more embodiments of this specification employ the following technical solutions:

[0006] This utility model provides a suction cup device, the device comprising:

[0007] The connector has a hollow interior forming an air passage that is connected to a vacuum generator and is also connected to the outside world via a solenoid valve.

[0008] The suction cup body has a cavity at the bottom and an air hole at the top of the cavity for communication with the air passage.

[0009] The cavity includes a gap cavity and an adsorption cavity connected vertically. The gap cavity is used to connect the upper end face of the adsorption cavity and the pores. The lower end face of the adsorption cavity is open for contacting the object to be adsorbed.

[0010] At least one protrusion is provided inside the gap cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the diameter of the lower end face of the adsorption chamber is larger than the diameter of the upper end face, and the upper end face and the lower end face of the adsorption chamber are connected by an inclined adsorption surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adsorption surface is a smooth surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the protrusion can be any shape among spheres, hemispheres, strips, and irregular shapes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusion is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gap cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the protrusion is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity, and the height of the protrusion is less than the height of the gap cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protrusion is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity, and the protrusion is a highly compressible elastic element with a natural height greater than the height of the gap cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, one end of the protrusion is connected to the top wall of the cavity, and the other end is a smooth round head.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the cavity is made of fluororubber.

[0019] The suction cup device of this invention includes: a connecting body and a suction cup body. The connecting body has a hollow interior forming an air channel, which is connected to a vacuum generating device and also connected to the outside via a solenoid valve. A cavity is formed at the bottom of the suction cup body, and an air hole is opened at the top of the cavity for communication with the air channel. The cavity includes a gap cavity and an adsorption cavity connected vertically. The gap cavity connects the upper end face of the adsorption cavity to the air hole, and the lower end face of the adsorption cavity is open for contacting the object to be adsorbed. At least one protrusion is provided inside the gap cavity. This invention, by providing a protrusion inside the gap cavity of the suction cup body, reduces the volume of the gap cavity. During vacuum breaking, air entering the gap cavity can fill it more quickly and reach the adsorption cavity, thereby more quickly balancing the air pressure inside the adsorption cavity with the external air pressure, thus improving the vacuum breaking efficiency of the vacuum suction cup. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the suction cup device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 Provided for the embodiments of this utility model Figure 1 The suction cup device shown is a bottom view schematic diagram.

[0023] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0024] 1. Suction cup body; 11. Cavity; 111. Gap cavity; 112. Protrusion; 113. Adsorption cavity; 114. Adsorption surface; 2. Connector; 21. Air passage; 22. Air hole. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] To enable any person skilled in the art to implement and use this application, the following description is provided. In this description, details are set forth for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be implemented without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes will not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0027] The vacuuming and vacuum breaking techniques involved in this invention utilize pressure difference to achieve the function of a vacuum suction cup. When using the vacuum suction cup to move a cover glass, a closed cavity is formed between the vacuum suction cup and the cover glass it adheres to. Vacuuming refers to mechanically extracting the gas from the closed cavity using a vacuum generator, maintaining a low-pressure state inside. The external atmospheric pressure is higher than the gas pressure inside the cavity, exerting pressure on the cover glass and thus firmly adhering it to the vacuum suction cup. Vacuum breaking refers to mechanically venting the gas from the closed cavity using a solenoid valve, restoring the internal pressure to atmospheric pressure. After using the vacuum suction cup to move the cover glass to the designated position, the vacuum suction cup is broken to separate the vacuum suction cup from the cover glass before using the vacuum suction cup to move the next cover glass.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model provides a suction cup device, which includes: a connecting body 2 and a suction cup body 1. The connecting body 2 has a hollow interior forming an air channel 21, which is connected to a vacuum generating device and is connected to the outside through a solenoid valve. The suction cup body 1 has a cavity 11 at the bottom and an air hole 22 at the top of the cavity 11 for communication with the air channel 21. The cavity 11 includes a gap cavity 111 and an adsorption cavity 113 connected vertically. The gap cavity 111 is used to connect the upper end face of the adsorption cavity 113 and the air hole 22. The lower end face of the adsorption cavity 113 is open for contacting the object to be adsorbed. At least one protrusion 112 is provided in the gap cavity 111.

[0029] In this invention, a protrusion 112 is provided in the gap cavity 111 of the suction cup body 1. The protrusion 112 occupies the space in the gap cavity 111, reducing the volume of the gap cavity 111. When breaking the vacuum, after the air enters the gap cavity 111, it can fill the gap cavity 111 more quickly and reach the adsorption cavity 113, thereby making the air pressure in the adsorption cavity 113 equal to the external air pressure more quickly, thus improving the vacuum breaking efficiency of the vacuum suction cup.

[0030] refer to Figure 1In some embodiments, the diameter of the lower end face of the adsorption cavity 113 is larger than the diameter of the upper end face, and the upper and lower end faces of the adsorption cavity 113 are connected by an inclined adsorption surface 114. When using the suction cup device of this embodiment for the cover glass loading process, when the suction cup device is moved to the initial position of the cover glass, the lower end face of the adsorption cavity 113 is brought close to the cover glass, then the solenoid valve is closed, and the vacuum generator is started to extract the air in the cavity 11, so that a vacuum is formed in the adsorption cavity 113. Under the action of atmospheric pressure, the adsorption cavity 113 deforms and flattens, and the adsorption surface 114 is tightly attached to the cover glass.

[0031] Vacuum generating devices utilize compressed air to create negative pressure. These can include both vacuum generators and vacuum pumps. A vacuum pump is a machine that creates negative pressure at the inlet and directly vents to the atmosphere at the outlet, resulting in a large pressure ratio at both ends for gas extraction. A vacuum generator is a pneumatic component that uses the flow of compressed air to create a certain degree of vacuum. Compared to a vacuum pump, it has a simpler structure, smaller size, lighter weight, lower price, and easier installation. It is also easier to integrate with other components, and it generates and releases vacuum quickly. It is suitable for intermittent work with low flow rates and for decentralized use. Those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate device based on their needs.

[0032] In some embodiments, the adsorption surface 114 is a smooth surface. A smooth adsorption surface 114 can reduce the gap between the adsorption surface 114 and the cover glass, thereby improving the adsorption force. In some embodiments, a sealing ring may also be provided at the edge of the lower end face of the adsorption cavity 113, or an adsorbent may be used on the adsorption surface 114 to improve the adsorption force, thereby improving the stability and safety of handling.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the protrusion 112 is any shape among spheres, hemispheres, strips, and irregular shapes. The function of the protrusion 112 is to reduce the space of the gap cavity 111. Therefore, those skilled in the art can use any feasible shape of protrusion 112 that can achieve this effect.

[0034] It is understandable that the multiple protrusions 112 are generally spaced apart. When the vacuum generator evacuates the cavity 11, the gap cavity 111 will also undergo a small deformation. There are gaps between the protrusions 112. When the gap cavity 111 deforms, the protrusions 112 will not squeeze the inner wall of the gap cavity 111, thereby avoiding the gap cavity 111 from being squeezed and damaged.

[0035] In some embodiments, the protrusion 112 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gap cavity 111. The protrusion 112 can be made of rubber or silicone and can be integrally molded onto the inner wall of the gap cavity 111 through vulcanization. Compared with the traditional step-by-step manufacturing process, the integral molding process has lower production costs, faster production speed, and simpler process flow. In addition, the integrally molded protrusion 112 has a stronger connection with the inner wall of the gap cavity 111, and the protrusion 112 is not easy to fall off.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diameter of the pore 22 is smaller than the diameter of the gap cavity 111. The pore 22 is opened on the top wall of the gap cavity 111. The protrusion 112 can be formed on the top wall and the surrounding side walls of the protrusion 112. Generally, the position of the protrusion 112 will avoid the passage between the pore 22 and the upper end face of the adsorption cavity 113, so as not to affect the efficiency of vacuum breaking.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the protrusion 112 is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity 111, and the height of the protrusion 112 is less than the height of the gap cavity 111. When adsorbing the cover glass, the protrusion 112 will not contact the cover glass, thus preventing damage to the cover glass, generating no extra pressure, and not affecting the adsorption effect.

[0038] In some embodiments, the protrusion 112 is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity 111, and the protrusion 112 is a highly compressible elastic element, with its natural height greater than the height of the gap cavity 111. When adsorbing the cover glass, the protrusion 112 is compressed under atmospheric pressure. Those skilled in the art will understand that this embodiment requires the adsorption force to be greater than the weight of the cover glass and the elastic force of the protrusion 112. When a vacuum breaking operation is required, the vacuum generator is turned off, and the solenoid valve is opened, allowing the cavity 11 to communicate with the outside through the air hole 22 and air passage 21. At this time, air enters the gap cavity 111 and the adsorption cavity 113, and simultaneously, under the pushing action of the elastic force of the protrusion 112, the cover glass separates from the suction cup. Besides the protrusion 112 itself reducing the space of the gap cavity 111, the elastic force of the protrusion 112 also improves the efficiency of vacuum breaking, enabling the cover glass to separate quickly from the suction cup.

[0039] In suction cup devices, a solenoid valve with a vacuum-breaking function is typically used. This solenoid valve is designed to close the forward passage (i.e., close the channel of compressed air to the vacuum generator) while simultaneously opening an interface to the atmosphere, allowing atmospheric air to quickly enter the vacuum suction cup's cavity 11 and break the existing vacuum. When the solenoid valve is energized, compressed air is allowed to enter the vacuum generator, creating a vacuum, and the suction cup adheres to the cover glass. When the cover glass needs to be released, the solenoid valve is de-energized, the previously closed atmospheric interface opens, and atmospheric air immediately rushes into the suction cup, quickly restoring normal pressure. This balances the internal and external pressures of the suction cup device, causing it to lose its suction force and allowing the cover glass to be released smoothly. In practical applications, the solenoid valve is usually installed in the air passage between the vacuum generator and the suction cup body. One port of the solenoid valve is connected to the vacuum generator, another port is connected to the outside atmosphere, and the third port is connected to the suction cup body. In practical applications, by controlling the on / off state of the solenoid valve, the generation and breaking of the vacuum can be effectively controlled, achieving precise control of the suction cup device's adsorption and release operations.

[0040] It is understood that in some embodiments, a sealing ring may be provided at the edge of the lower end face of the adsorption cavity 113, or an adsorbent may be used on the adsorption surface 114 to improve the adsorption force. When using an adsorbent or a sealing ring, in order to enable the cover glass to separate quickly from the suction cup, the solution of the above embodiment can be adopted, in which the elastic force of the protrusion 112 abuts against the cover glass to achieve rapid separation of the cover glass from the suction cup.

[0041] In some embodiments, one end of the protrusion 112 is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity 111, and the other end is a smooth round head. When the natural height of the protrusion 112 is greater than the height of the gap cavity 111, the end of the protrusion 112 that contacts the cover glass is set as a smooth and elastic round head, thereby preventing the protrusion 112 from damaging the cover glass when it contacts the surface of the cover glass.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inner wall of cavity 11 is made of fluororubber. Fluororubber is a high-molecular-weight elastomer. The introduction of fluorine atoms endows the rubber with excellent heat resistance, oxidation resistance, oil resistance, corrosion resistance, and atmospheric aging resistance. Fluororubber has a long service life, high temperature resistance, high chemical stability, and excellent vacuum performance, making it suitable for adsorbing smooth cover glass.

[0043] In summary, this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0044] (1) The suction cup device has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. The protrusion 112 will not damage the surface of the cover glass during transport.

[0045] (2) A protrusion 112 is provided in the gap cavity 111 of the suction cup body 1. The protrusion 112 occupies the space in the gap cavity 111, reducing the volume of the gap cavity 111. When breaking the vacuum, after the air enters the gap cavity 111, it can fill the gap cavity 111 more quickly and reach the adsorption cavity 113, thereby making the air pressure in the adsorption cavity 113 more quickly reach equilibrium with the external air pressure, thus improving the vacuum breaking efficiency of the vacuum suction cup.

[0046] The suction cup device provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and embodiments of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in specific embodiments and application scope based on the idea of ​​this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0047] The above are merely one or more embodiments of this specification and are not intended to limit this specification. Various modifications and variations can be made to the one or more embodiments of this specification by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included within the scope of the claims of this specification.

Claims

1. A suction cup device, characterized in that, include: Connector (2), the interior of which is hollow to form an air passage (21), the air passage (21) is connected to a vacuum generating device, and the air passage (21) is connected to the outside through a solenoid valve; The suction cup body (1) has a cavity (11) formed at the bottom and an air hole (22) is opened at the top of the cavity (11) for communicating with the air passage (21). The cavity (11) includes a gap cavity (111) and an adsorption cavity (113) connected vertically. The gap cavity (111) is used to connect the upper end face of the adsorption cavity (113) and the air hole (22). The lower end face of the adsorption cavity (113) is open for contacting the object to be adsorbed. At least one protrusion (112) is provided inside the gap cavity (111); The protrusion (112) is spherical or hemispherical; The protrusion (112) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the gap cavity (111); The protrusion (112) is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity (111) and located inside the connector (2), and the height of the protrusion (112) is less than the height of the gap cavity (111).

2. The suction cup device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the lower end face of the adsorption cavity (113) is larger than the diameter of the upper end face, and the upper end face and the lower end face of the adsorption cavity (113) are connected by an inclined adsorption surface (114).

3. The suction cup device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adsorption surface (114) is a smooth surface.

4. The suction cup device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (112) is a highly compressible elastic element.

5. A suction cup device according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the protrusion (112) is connected to the top wall of the gap cavity (111), and the other end is a smooth round head.

6. A suction cup device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cavity (11) is made of fluororubber.

Images