Hidden supporting and inserting vacuum chuck

By designing a hidden vacuum suction cup and combining a lifting unit and a support unit, the problem of packages with large length-to-width ratios falling off during handling in existing technologies has been solved, achieving stable support and efficient handling of goods.

CN224160041UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24SENAD TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SENAD TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-29
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When handling packages with large length and width ratios, existing robotic arms have difficulty applying force evenly to the suction cups, which can easily lead to packages falling during the gripping process.

Method used

A concealed vacuum suction cup was designed, which combines a lifting unit and a support unit. The lifting motor and the extension motor drive the lifting screw and the extension screw, and combined with the guide mechanism and slide rail, the support unit can be lifted and extended quickly, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the goods.

Benefits of technology

It enables precise placement and support of goods, reduces shaking and deviation, improves stability and efficiency during handling, and prevents goods from falling.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of carrying, and relates to a hidden supporting and inserting vacuum suction cup which comprises a connecting frame, a supporting plate and a vacuum suction cup body. The side plate is connected with a plurality of vacuum chucks; the lifting unit is arranged on the connecting frame; and the supporting and inserting unit is connected with the movable end of the lifting unit. After the structure is adopted, the carrying and inserting unit has the beneficial effects that cargoes adsorbed by the vacuum suction cups are supported, and the stability in the carrying process is guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of material handling technology, specifically, it relates to a concealed vacuum suction cup. Background Technology

[0002] Material handling and palletizing robots are commonly used mechanical equipment in industrial production, capable of replacing manual labor in material handling, loading, and unloading at various workstations. Currently, commonly used palletizing and handling robots both domestically and internationally are mechanical or vacuum suction cup grippers; however, when handling packages with large length and width ratios, suction cups struggle to distribute force evenly, making it easy for packages to fall during the gripping process. Therefore, improvements are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a concealed insert vacuum suction cup.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] As one aspect of this utility model, a hidden insert vacuum suction cup is proposed, which includes: a connecting frame, one side of which is connected to a side plate; and a plurality of vacuum suction cups are connected to the side plate.

[0006] The lifting unit is located on the connecting frame;

[0007] A support unit is connected to the movable end of a lifting unit; the support unit includes a support base, which is connected to the bottom end of a lifting linkage frame; a storage space is formed on the support base, and an extension motor is provided on the support base; an extension screw is rotatably connected to the connecting frame via a bearing, and the output end of the extension motor is connected to one end of the extension screw; an extension linkage frame is threaded onto the extension screw; the extension linkage frame can be accommodated by the storage space; and a support support is connected to the other end of the extension linkage frame.

[0008] Optionally, the connecting frame has a receiving space, and the lifting unit is located within the receiving space.

[0009] Optionally, the lifting unit includes a lifting motor, which is located within the receiving space of the connecting frame; a lifting screw is rotatably connected within the receiving space, and the output end of the lifting motor is connected to one end of the lifting screw; a lifting linkage is threaded onto the lifting screw, and the lifting linkage moves up and down within the receiving space.

[0010] Optionally, the connecting frame is provided with a first linear guide rail, on which a first slider is slidably connected, and the first slider is connected to the lifting linkage frame.

[0011] Optionally, the left and right sides of the support base are respectively provided with second slide rails, and second sliders are slidably connected on the second slide rails. The extension link is connected to the second sliders.

[0012] Optionally, a guide rod is also included, which is connected to the front end of the support bracket, and the front part of the guide rod is an arc portion.

[0013] Optionally, an intermediate linkage unit is also included, through which the support bracket is movably connected to the extension linkage frame.

[0014] Optionally, the intermediate linkage unit includes a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear rotatably connected to the extended connecting rod frame and spaced apart, the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear being connected by a belt; the outer side of the belt near the second transmission gear is connected to the support base, and the inner side of the belt near the second transmission gear is connected to the support bracket.

[0015] Optionally, the extended connecting rod frame is provided with a third slide rail, and a third slider is slidably connected to the third slide rail, the third slider being connected to the support bracket.

[0016] Optionally, a proximity switch is also included, which is connected to the side panel.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model's concealed insert vacuum suction cup are specifically reflected in the following aspects: 1. The lifting motor drives the lifting screw to move up and down, and the guide mechanism is the first linear guide rail; the lifting motor can accurately control the rotation speed and displacement of the lifting screw, thereby realizing the precise lifting and lowering of the insert unit; the first linear guide rail and the first slider ensure the stability and accuracy of the lifting process, reducing shaking and deviation.

[0018] 2. The pallet-support unit uses an extension motor to drive the extension screw, and the guide mechanism is a second slide rail. The pallet-support unit adopts a three-layer fork mechanism: the outer layer is the pallet-support base, the middle layer is the extension linkage frame, and the inner layer is the pallet support. The driving motion relationship between the pallet support and the extension motor is a speed-multiply relationship, which is achieved through belt transmission. This speed-multiply relationship design enables the pallet support to extend and retract quickly, improving the efficiency of pallet-support. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concealed insert vacuum suction cup of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a side view of the structure of the concealed insert vacuum suction cup of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a front view of the extended state of the insert unit of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the extended state of the insert unit of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] One embodiment of this application provides a concealed insert vacuum suction cup, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, it includes: a connecting frame 1, which is connected to a handling robot; a connector 11 connected to the actuator of the handling robot is connected to the connecting frame 1; the connector 11 is annular, and its structure is existing technology, so it will not be described in detail here; the connecting frame 1 has a receiving space 12.

[0026] A side plate 2 is connected to one side of the connecting frame 1; several vacuum suction cups 6 are connected to the side plate 2, and the vacuum suction cups 6 are divided into multiple independent zones; as an example, there are 80 vacuum suction cups 6, with 20 vacuum suction cups 6 spaced apart as a group, each group working independently, for a total of four zones. The suction force of the vacuum suction cups 6 in different areas can be flexibly adjusted according to the different shapes and weight distribution of the goods to ensure the stability of the goods during handling; it should be noted that the vacuum suction cups 6 are connected to a vacuum system, and the structure and working principle of the vacuum suction cups 6 and the vacuum system are existing technologies, which will not be described in detail here; the focus here is on dividing the several vacuum suction cups 6 into zones and using them independently with the zones as boundaries;

[0027] The lifting unit 3 is located within the accommodating space 12 of the connecting frame 1, resulting in a good overall spatial layout;

[0028] The support unit 4 is connected to the movable end of the lifting unit 3; the support unit 4 supports the goods held by the vacuum suction cup 6, ensuring stability during the handling process.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lifting unit 3 includes a lifting motor 31, which is located within the accommodating space 12 of the connecting frame 1. The lifting motor 31 is a servo motor, and its structure is existing technology, so it will not be described in detail here. A lifting screw 32 is rotatably connected to the accommodating space 12 via bearings, and the output end of the lifting motor 31 is connected to one end of the lifting screw 32. A lifting linkage frame 33 is threaded onto the lifting screw 32, and the lifting linkage frame 33 moves up and down within the accommodating space 12. The lifting motor 31 rotates forward or in reverse, driving the lifting screw 32 to rotate, which in turn drives the lifting linkage frame 33 to move up or down relative to the connecting frame 1.

[0030] To ensure more stable operation of the lifting linkage 33, the connecting frame 1 is provided with a first linear guide rail 34. The first linear guide rail 34 is symmetrically arranged. As an example, in this embodiment, there are four sets of first linear guide rails 34, which are arranged at the four corners of the connecting frame 1 to achieve better stability. A first slider 35 is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail 34, and the first slider 35 is connected to the lifting linkage 33. The lifting motor 31 can precisely control the rotation speed and displacement of the lifting screw 32, thereby realizing the precise lifting and lowering of the lifting linkage 33. The first linear guide rail 34 ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the lifting process, reducing shaking and deviation.

[0031] Specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the insert unit 4 includes an insert base 41, which is connected to the bottom end of the lifting linkage frame 33. A storage space 42 is formed on the insert base 41, and an extension motor 43 is provided on the insert base 41. The structure of the extension motor 43 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. The extension motor 43 is located within the storage space 42. An extension lead screw 44 is rotatably connected to the storage space 42 via bearings. The output end of the extension motor 43 is connected to one end of the extension lead screw 44. An extension linkage frame 45 is threaded onto the extension lead screw 44, and the extension linkage frame 45 can be accommodated by the storage space 42. The extension motor 43 rotates forward or reverse, driving the extension lead screw 44 to rotate, thereby causing the extension linkage frame 45 to extend or retract relative to the insert base 41.

[0032] To ensure smooth operation of the extension link frame 45, the left and right sides of the support base 41 are respectively provided with second slide rails 46, and second sliders 47 are slidably connected on the second slide rails 46. The left and right sides of the extension link frame 45 are respectively connected to the corresponding second sliders 47, resulting in high stability.

[0033] The other end of the extended link frame 45 is connected to a support bracket 48, which is used to support the goods and ensure stability during the handling process. As an example, there are two support brackets 48, which are located on the left and right sides of the extended link frame 45 respectively.

[0034] To enable the support insert 48 to more easily enter the bottom of the goods for support, a guide rod 49 is also included. The guide rod 49 is connected to the front end of the support insert 48. The front part of the guide rod 49 is an arc part 491, which facilitates the guide rod 49 entering the bottom of the goods. In the final retracted state of the support insert 48, the guide rod 49 is located on the side of the connecting frame 1 and does not affect the operation of the vacuum suction cup 6 when the support insert unit is not needed.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it also includes an intermediate linkage unit 5. The support bracket 48 is movably connected to the extension link frame 45 through the intermediate linkage unit 5. Under the action of the intermediate linkage unit 5, the support bracket 48 can be stored in the extension link frame 45, making the bracket unit 4 small in size, occupying little space, and more flexible. There are two sets of intermediate linkage units 5, which are symmetrically arranged around the center of the extension link frame 45 to ensure the stability during operation.

[0036] Specifically, the intermediate linkage unit 5 includes a first transmission gear 51 and a second transmission gear 52 rotatably connected to the extension link frame 45 and spaced apart. The first transmission gear 51 and the second transmission gear 52 are connected by a belt 53. The outer side of the belt 53 near the second transmission gear 52 is connected to the support base 41 by a first connecting block 54, and the inner side of the belt 53 near the second transmission gear 52 is connected to the support support 48 by a second connecting block 56. The belt 53 between the first connecting block 54 and the second connecting block 56 serves as the extension length of the support support 48. At this time, the support support 48 is located inside the extension link frame 45. The support support 48 and the extension link frame 45 are slidably connected. The extension link frame 45 is provided with a third slide rail 55, and a third slider is slidably connected to the third slide rail 55. The third slider is connected to the support support 48. The sliding direction of the third slide rail 55 is the same as the sliding direction of the second slide rail 46.

[0037] During operation, the extension linkage 45 extends under the action of the extension screw 44. Since the outer side of the belt 53 is fixedly connected to the support base 41, the belt 53 is driven between the first transmission gear 51 and the second transmission gear 52, thereby causing the support support 48 connected to the inner side of the belt 53 to extend. That is, the support support 48 extends twice under the drive of the extension screw 44, making the extension efficiency higher. The same applies when the support support 48 retracts. This can improve the efficiency of cargo support, increase the extension stroke of the support support 48, and ensure the accuracy of movement. It should be noted that the vacuum source and circuit control involved in this application are all prior art and will not be described in detail.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a proximity switch, which is connected to the side plate 2 and is used to sense whether the goods are sucked by the vacuum suction cup 6; the side plate 2 is provided with mounting holes 21 for mounting the proximity switch. It should be noted that the structure and operation of the proximity switch are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0039] In this embodiment, there are 80 vacuum suction cups 6, which are divided into four zones for control. By controlling the four zones, the suction force of different areas can be flexibly adjusted according to the different shapes and weight distributions of the goods, so as to ensure the stability of the goods during the handling process.

[0040] In this embodiment, the lifting motor 31 drives the lifting screw 32 to move up and down, and the guide mechanism is the first linear guide rail 34. The lifting motor 31 can precisely control the rotation speed and displacement of the lifting screw 32, thereby realizing the precise lifting and lowering of the support unit. The first linear guide rail 34 and the first slider ensure the stability and accuracy of the lifting process, reducing shaking and deviation.

[0041] In this embodiment, the insert unit 4 uses an extension motor 43 to drive the extension screw 44 to move, and the guide mechanism is the second slide rail 46. The insert unit 4 adopts a three-layer fork mechanism, with the outer layer being the insert base 41 fixed, the middle layer being the extension linkage frame 45, and the inner layer being the support insert 48. The driving motion relationship between the support insert 48 and the extension motor 43 is a speed-multiply relationship, which is achieved through belt transmission 53. This speed-multiply relationship design enables the support insert 48 to extend and retract quickly, improving the efficiency of cargo inserting.

[0042] In use, the robotic arm first moves above the cargo, and the hidden vacuum suction cup then approaches the target cargo. When the distance reaches a suitable range, the proximity switch sends a signal to trigger the vacuum system to start. The vacuum suction cup 6 quickly adheres to the surface of the package, while the support unit 4 extends smoothly from below, providing stable support for the target cargo and evenly distributing the suction force to prevent the target cargo from falling due to uneven force.

[0043] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the patent application of the present utility model shall be covered by the present utility model.

Claims

1. A concealed insert vacuum suction cup, characterized in that, It includes: connections A frame, one side of which is connected to a side plate; several vacuum suction cups are connected to the side plate; The lifting unit is located on the connecting frame; A support unit is connected to the movable end of a lifting unit; the support unit includes a support base, which is connected to the bottom end of a lifting linkage frame; a storage space is formed on the support base, and an extension motor is provided on the support base; an extension screw is rotatably connected to the connecting frame via a bearing, and the output end of the extension motor is connected to one end of the extension screw; an extension linkage frame is threaded onto the extension screw; the extension linkage frame can be accommodated by the storage space; and a support support is connected to the other end of the extension linkage frame.

2. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting frame has a receiving space, and the lifting unit is located within the receiving space.

3. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting unit includes a lifting motor, which is located within the accommodating space of the connecting frame; a lifting screw is rotatably connected within the accommodating space, and the output end of the lifting motor is connected to one end of the lifting screw; a lifting linkage is threaded onto the lifting screw, and the lifting linkage moves up and down within the accommodating space.

4. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting frame is provided with a first linear guide rail, and a first slider is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail. The first slider is connected to the lifting linkage frame.

5. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The left and right sides of the support base are respectively provided with second slide rails, and second sliders are slidably connected on the second slide rails. The extension connecting rod is connected to the second slider.

6. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a guide rod, which is connected to the front end of the support bracket, and the front part of the guide rod is an arc portion.

7. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an intermediate linkage unit, through which the support bracket is movably connected to the extension link frame.

8. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The intermediate linkage unit includes a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear that are rotatably connected to the extended connecting rod frame and are spaced apart. The first transmission gear and the second transmission gear are connected by a belt. The outer side of the belt near the second transmission gear is connected to the support base, and the inner side of the belt near the second transmission gear is connected to the support bracket.

9. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The extended connecting rod frame is provided with a third slide rail, and a third slider is slidably connected to the third slide rail. The third slider is connected to the support bracket.

10. The concealed insert vacuum suction cup as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a proximity switch, which is connected to the side panel.