A loading and unloading robot with protective functions

Abstract

A loading / unloading robot with protective functions relates to the field of loading fixture technology, including a robotic arm, a telescopic device, a protective cover, and grippers. The telescopic device is installed at the actuator end of the robotic arm and contains a housing, a telescopic cylinder, and a guide assembly. The protective cover has an open end and is connected to the fixed part of the telescopic device, with the telescopic part of the telescopic device penetrating through the protective cover. The grippers are installed on the telescopic part, and the telescopic device drives the grippers to extend from inside the protective cover to grip the workpiece, and then pulls it back into the protective cover after completion. The guide assembly of the telescopic device consists of guide grooves and guide rods, ensuring the stability and gripping accuracy of the gripper's extension and retraction. This invention, with its components working together, ensures stable and reliable loading / unloading; the protective cover reduces clamping force to prevent workpiece damage; the guide assembly design ensures stable and precise gripper movement, improving work efficiency and quality; and the motor-driven rotary seat enhances the robot's adaptability and flexibility in complex working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of loading clamp technology, and in particular to a loading and unloading robot with protective functions. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industrial production, loading and unloading robots have become key equipment on automated production lines, widely used in many fields such as automobile manufacturing, machining, and electronics production. They have greatly improved production efficiency, reduced labor costs, and improved the working environment. Traditional loading and unloading robots mainly consist of a robotic arm and grippers. The robotic arm is responsible for moving workpieces to or from the workstation, while the grippers are used to grasp and hold the workpieces, thus completing the loading and unloading operation process.

[0003] However, existing loading and unloading robots have some shortcomings. On the one hand, during workpiece gripping operations, some robots lack effective protective measures, and the control of gripper clamping force is difficult. If the clamping force is insufficient, the workpiece is prone to accidentally falling off during handling, leading to production interruption, workpiece damage, or even safety accidents. Conversely, if the clamping force is too large, it will damage the workpiece surface, affecting its quality and precision. This problem is particularly prominent for some fragile, high-precision workpieces, such as precision mechanical parts and electronic components. On the other hand, during the movement of the robotic arm, the exposed state of the grippers and workpieces makes them susceptible to interference from external environmental factors, such as collisions, dust, and oil stains in the production environment. This not only reduces the service life and reliability of the grippers but may also contaminate or damage the workpiece, thereby affecting the stability of the entire production process and product quality.

[0004] While some improvements exist in the industry to address the aforementioned issues, such as optimizing the gripper structure to enhance clamping force stability or adding simple protective devices to the robotic arm, these solutions often suffer from drawbacks like complex design, high cost, or inadequate protection, making them difficult to widely apply and effectively solve in actual production. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a loading and unloading robot that can balance workpiece protection, improve gripping reliability, and possess a simple structure and controllable cost. This would meet the demands of modern industrial production for efficient, stable, and high-quality manufacturing, and drive the further development and improvement of automated production technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model discloses a loading and unloading robot with protective functions.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A loading and unloading robot with protective functions includes:

[0008] robotic arm;

[0009] Telescopic device, installed at the actuator end of the robotic arm;

[0010] A protective cover is provided at one end of the telescopic device. One end of the protective cover is open, and the other end is fastened to the fixed part of the telescopic device. The telescopic part of the telescopic device can move through the protective cover.

[0011] The gripper is installed on the telescopic part of the telescopic device; when gripping the workpiece, the telescopic device pushes the gripper out of the protective cover; after gripping the workpiece, the telescopic device pulls the gripper and the workpiece together into the protective cover.

[0012] Preferably, the telescopic device includes:

[0013] The housing, the top of which is connected to the actuator end of the robotic arm;

[0014] The telescopic cylinder is installed inside the housing, and the telescopic end of the cylinder is fastened to the tail end of the gripper.

[0015] Guide assemblies, comprising a plurality of such assemblies spaced apart along the inner wall of the housing; the guide assemblies include:

[0016] Guide grooves are located on the inner wall of the housing;

[0017] The guide rod has one end slidingly engaged with the guide groove and the other end fastened to the tail end of the gripper.

[0018] Preferably, the top of the housing is provided with a connecting flange.

[0019] Preferably, a rotating base driven by a motor is installed between the telescopic device and the actuator of the robotic arm.

[0020] Preferably, the gripper is an electric multi-link gripper, and the gripper arms are made of rubber.

[0021] Preferably, the protective cover is a transparent cover with a wear-resistant plate laid on its bottom.

[0022] By adopting the technical solution described above, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] (1) This utility model makes the loading and unloading process of workpieces more stable and reliable through the coordinated operation of the robotic arm, telescopic device, protective cover and gripper. The robotic arm drives the telescopic device and protective cover to move precisely to the area near the workpiece. The telescopic cylinder of the telescopic device drives the gripper to extend out of the protective cover to grab the workpiece. After completion, it pulls the workpiece back into the protective cover, which effectively avoids the risk of the workpiece accidentally falling off due to insufficient clamping force of the gripper. At the same time, due to the protection of the protective cover, the clamping force of the gripper can be appropriately reduced to prevent the workpiece from being damaged by clamping, which effectively ensures the integrity and safety of the workpiece during the loading and unloading process.

[0024] (2) The guide component of the telescopic device of this utility model is ingeniously designed. The sliding cooperation between the guide groove and the guide rod restricts the rotation of the gripper during the telescopic movement, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the gripper's action, improving the gripper's gripping accuracy on the workpiece, reducing gripping errors or collision damage to the workpiece that may occur due to gripper deflection, and improving the efficiency and quality of the entire loading and unloading operation.

[0025] (3) The motor-driven rotating seat assembled between the telescopic device and the robotic arm can change the orientation of the protective cover and the gripper by rotating, so that it can be more accurately aligned with the workpiece, which enhances the adaptability and operational flexibility of the robot in complex working conditions and can meet the loading and unloading needs of workpieces at different work positions and different placement angles.

[0026] (4) The electric multi-link gripper of this utility model has a simple structure and low cost. Its rubber gripper arms further enhance the protection of the workpiece and reduce damage such as scratches on the surface of vulnerable workpieces. The transparent protective cover allows operators to observe the status of the workpiece inside the cover in real time, making it convenient to detect and handle abnormal situations in a timely manner, and ensuring the smooth progress of the loading and unloading process. The wear-resistant plate at the bottom of the protective cover, such as the stainless steel plate, enhances the wear resistance of the protective cover, extends its service life, and reduces maintenance costs. The open shape at the top of the protective cover expands the range of workpieces that the robot can adapt to, enabling it to meet the loading and unloading tasks of more types and larger sizes of workpieces, improving the robot's versatility and practicality, and providing an efficient, reliable, flexible and protective automated solution for the loading and unloading process in industrial production. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the protective cover.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the telescopic device;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the gripper and the guide rod.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper structure.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Robotic arm; 2. Telescopic device; 2-1. Housing; 2-2. Telescopic cylinder; 2-3. Guide groove; 2-4. Guide rod; 2-5. Connecting flange; 3. Protective cover; 4. Gripper; 5. Rotary seat; 6. Wear-resistant plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] Combined with appendix Figures 1-5 A loading / unloading robot with protective functions includes a robotic arm 1, a telescopic device 2, a protective cover 3, and grippers 4. The robotic arm 1 acts as the loading / unloading actuator, its function being to move workpieces to or remove them from the corresponding workstation. The telescopic device 2 is mounted on the actuator end of the robotic arm 1, and one end of the telescopic device 2 is connected to the protective cover 3. (See attached...) Figure 2 As can be seen, the protective cover 3 has a rectangular shell structure, with one end open and the other end matching and being securely connected to the fixed part of the telescopic device 2. The telescopic part of the telescopic device 2 can flexibly move through the protective cover 3. In short, the protective cover 3 does not move along with the telescopic part of the telescopic device 2, but moves together with the fixed part of the telescopic device 2, driven by the robotic arm 1, to the vicinity of the workpiece.

[0038] A gripper 4 is installed on the telescopic part of the telescopic device 2. This gripper 4 is a commercially available and mature device, as shown in the attached image. Figure 5As shown, its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Normally, the gripper 4 is inside the protective cover 3. When performing workpiece gripping operations, the telescopic device 2 will push the gripper 4 out of the protective cover 3; after the gripper 4 has gripped the workpiece, the telescopic device 2 will pull the gripper 4 and the workpiece back into the protective cover 3.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in the attached document Figure 3 As shown, the telescopic device 2 comprises a housing 2-1, a telescopic cylinder 2-2, and a guide assembly. The top of the housing 2-1 corresponds to and is connected to the actuator of the robotic arm 1. Inside the housing 2-1, the telescopic cylinder 2-2 is installed. The cylinder body of the telescopic cylinder 2-2 is tightly fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing 2-1, and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 2-2 is tightly fixedly connected to the tail end of the gripper 4. When the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 2-2 is in the extended state, the gripper 4 can be pushed out from the protective cover 3, allowing the gripper 4 to smoothly grasp the workpiece without being interfered with by the protective cover 3. At the same time, with the operation of the robotic arm 1, the position and angle of the protective cover 3 can be adjusted to ensure that the inner bottom surface of the protective cover 3 is kept flush with the workpiece placement surface.

[0040] After the gripper 4 has finished gripping the workpiece, the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 2-2 begins to shorten, thereby pulling the gripper 4 and the workpiece together into the protective cover 3. This design can effectively prevent the workpiece from accidentally falling off due to insufficient clamping force of the gripper 4. Moreover, because of the protective cover 3, the clamping force of the gripper 4 can be appropriately reduced in actual operation, thereby preventing damage to the workpiece due to excessive clamping force of the gripper 4.

[0041] To prevent the gripper 4 from deflecting arbitrarily, multiple guide components are arranged at regular intervals on the inner wall of the housing 2-1. This is evident from the attached... Figure 3 and 4 As can be clearly seen, the guide assembly mainly consists of a guide groove 2-3 and a guide rod 2-4. The guide groove 2-3 is located on the inner wall of the housing 2-1; one end of the guide rod 2-4 is slidably engaged with the guide groove 2-3, while the other end is tightly fixedly connected to the tail end of the gripper 4. When the telescopic cylinder 2-2 drives the gripper 4 to extend or retract, the guide rod 2-4 moves synchronously along the guide groove 2-3, thereby limiting the rotation of the gripper 4.

[0042] Example 2:

[0043] Combined with appendix Figures 1-5This paper introduces a loading and unloading robot with protective functions. The main difference between this robot and Embodiment 1 is that, based on the structure of Embodiment 1, a connecting flange 2-5 is added to the top of the housing 2-1. This design allows the housing 2-1 to be easily and reliably installed onto the execution end of the robotic arm 1.

[0044] Furthermore, a rotating seat 5 driven by a motor is installed between the telescopic device 2 and the execution end of the robotic arm 1. Through the driving action of the rotating seat 5, the telescopic device 2 can be rotated, thereby changing the orientation of the protective cover 3 and the gripper 4. This facilitates precise alignment with the workpiece and makes the entire operation process more flexible.

[0045] Example 3:

[0046] Combined with appendix Figure 2 and 5 This paper describes a loading and unloading robot with protective functions. Based on Embodiment 1 or 2, a specific selection was made for the gripper 4, namely, the use of an electric multi-link gripper. This gripper structure is relatively simple and inexpensive. Simultaneously, the gripper arms of 4 are made of rubber, which further protects the workpiece. Furthermore, the protective cover 3 adopts a transparent design, allowing the operator to directly observe the status of the workpiece inside the protective cover 3. To improve the service life of the protective cover 3, a wear-resistant plate 6, such as a stainless steel plate, is laid at the bottom of the protective cover 3. Notably, the top of the protective cover 3 is designed as an open type, which effectively expands the range of workpieces that this loading and unloading robot can handle.

[0047] The parts of this utility model not described in detail are prior art. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that this utility model can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and are intended to include all changes that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents within this utility model.

Claims

1. A loading and unloading robot with protective functions, characterized in that, include: robotic arm (1); Telescopic device (2) is installed at the execution end of robotic arm (1); A protective cover (3) is provided at one end of the telescopic device (2). One end of the protective cover (3) is open, and the other end is fastened to the fixed part of the telescopic device (2). The telescopic part of the telescopic device (2) can move through the protective cover (3). The gripper (4) is installed on the telescopic part of the telescopic device (2). When gripping the workpiece, the telescopic device (2) pushes the gripper (4) out of the protective cover (3). After gripping the workpiece, the telescopic device (2) pulls the gripper (4) and the workpiece together into the protective cover (3).

2. The loading and unloading robot with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic device (2) includes: The housing (2-1) has its top connected to the actuator of the robotic arm (1); Telescopic cylinder (2-2) is installed inside housing (2-1), and the telescopic end of telescopic cylinder (2-2) is fastened to the tail end of gripper (4); Guide assemblies, which are a plurality of such assemblies spaced apart along the inner wall of the housing (2-1); the guide assemblies include: Guide groove (2-3) is provided on the inner wall of the housing (2-1); The guide rod (2-4) has one end slidingly engaged with the guide groove (2-3) and the other end fastened to the tail end of the gripper (4).

3. The loading and unloading robot with protective function as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the housing (2-1) is provided with a connecting flange (2-5).

4. The loading and unloading robot with protective function as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A rotating seat (5) driven by a motor is installed between the telescopic device (2) and the execution end of the robotic arm (1).

5. The loading and unloading robot with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The gripper (4) is an electric multi-link gripper, and the gripper arm of the gripper (4) is made of rubber.

6. The loading and unloading robot with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover (3) is a transparent cover, and its bottom is covered with a wear-resistant plate (6).

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