Air supply module for logistics sorting robots

Abstract

This utility model discloses an air source module for a logistics sorting robot, belonging to the technical field of logistics automation equipment. Addressing the problems of existing air source systems such as scattered components, cumbersome installation, inconvenient maintenance, and low space utilization, this module includes an air distribution block, a solenoid valve assembly, at least N branch negative pressure switches, at least N air path connectors, at least N vacuum filters, and a base. Core components such as the air distribution block and solenoid valve assembly are integrated into the base's wall panel or internal space. The air path connectors penetrate the base wall panel to achieve internal and external air path transfer, and the solenoid valve assembly controls the vacuuming and depressurization states through a switching structure. This utility model simplifies the installation process through integrated design, reduces the risk of air path leakage, and improves space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of logistics automation equipment, specifically relating to an air source control module for a logistics sorting robot. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of logistics sorting, robotic vacuum adsorption systems are core components for the automated sorting of lightweight goods such as document envelopes and small parcels. The stability of its air source module directly affects sorting efficiency and reliability. Existing technologies have the following shortcomings in the structural design of the air source module:

[0003] 1. Low integration: Core components such as air distribution blocks, solenoid valve groups, and pressure detection elements are scattered and installed in various parts of the robotic arm and base, resulting in a fragmented component layout. During on-site installation, the air circuits and fixing components need to be assembled one by one, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, the chaotic air circuit layout increases the difficulty of installation and debugging.

[0004] 2. The decentralized layout results in numerous gas connection points and messy wiring, which not only affects the overall aesthetics of the equipment but also increases the risk of gas leaks. In addition, when a component malfunctions, it is necessary to check each of the scattered components one by one, making maintenance difficult and time-consuming.

[0005] 3. Lack of integrated design leads to low system space utilization. Especially in small logistics sorting robots, scattered components are prone to interference with the movement trajectory of the robotic arm, which limits the compact design of the equipment and makes it difficult to adapt to the needs of narrow working spaces. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model aims to solve the technical defects of existing gas source systems, such as cumbersome installation, inconvenient maintenance, and low space utilization, by integrating the core components and optimizing the gas path connections through an integrated structural design.

[0007] The air supply module of the logistics sorting robot of this utility model includes:

[0008] The gas distribution block is provided with one main air inlet channel and at least N branch air outlet channels that are connected to each vacuum suction cup in actual operation, where N is a natural number corresponding to the number of vacuum suction cups.

[0009] The solenoid valve assembly includes at least N gas distribution block connection ports that are connected to the branch gas outlet channels one by one, at least N vacuum suction cup air passage interfaces that are connected to each vacuum suction cup one by one during actual operation, and at least N positive pressure air passage interfaces that are connected to the vacuum suction cups one by one to achieve pressure relief.

[0010] At least N pneumatic connectors, one end of which is connected to the pneumatic interface of the vacuum suction cup of the solenoid valve assembly;

[0011] At least N vacuum filters, wherein the input end of the vacuum filter is connected to the other end of the air path connector, and the output end is used to connect to the vacuum suction cup;

[0012] At least N branch negative pressure switches, wherein the branch negative pressure switches are connected in series between the vacuum suction cup air circuit interface and the air circuit connector of the solenoid valve group, and each branch negative pressure switch corresponds to a vacuum suction cup for operation.

[0013] The base, the gas distribution block, the solenoid valve group and the branch negative pressure switch are all installed on the wall panel or internal space of the base, and the gas connection head is set through the base wall panel;

[0014] The solenoid valve assembly is equipped with a switching structure. When vacuuming is required, the solenoid valve assembly switches to the gas distribution block connection port and connects with the corresponding vacuum suction cup air path interface. When pressure relief is required, the solenoid valve assembly switches to the positive pressure air path interface and connects with the corresponding vacuum suction cup air path interface.

[0015] Preferably, the system further includes a mounting plate, which is fixed to the outside of the base, and the vacuum filter is fixed to the mounting plate. Further, the vacuum filter is fixed to the mounting plate by bolts, and the mounting plate is fixed to the outer wall of the base by bolts.

[0016] Preferably, the main air intake channel of the gas distribution block is connected in series with a main air circuit negative pressure switch, and the main air circuit negative pressure switch is provided with a signal output terminal.

[0017] Preferably, it also includes a fan, which is mounted on the wall panel of the base and its air outlet faces the inside of the base.

[0018] Preferably, the number of branch outlet channels of the gas distribution block, the number of interfaces of the solenoid valve group, the number of branch negative pressure switches, the number of gas connection heads, and the number of vacuum filters are all equal to N.

[0019] Preferably, the branch negative pressure switch is provided with a signal output terminal.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] 1. Enhanced integration and simplified installation: The base centrally mounts core components such as the gas distribution block, solenoid valve assembly, and branch negative pressure switch, replacing the traditional distributed layout and reducing the use of numerous independent brackets, pipes, and fasteners. During on-site installation, only the overall module needs to be fixed and connected to the main gas circuit; there is no need to assemble individual components one by one. Installation and commissioning time is reduced by more than 50%, significantly reducing assembly complexity.

[0022] 2. Optimize gas path layout and reduce maintenance costs: The integrated design reduces gas path connection points by more than 60%, avoiding the problem of messy pipelines. This not only improves the overall aesthetics of the equipment but also significantly reduces the risk of gas path leakage. At the same time, the core components are centrally located, so there is no need to check each of the scattered components during troubleshooting. Problem points can be quickly located, the maintenance cycle is shortened to 1 / 3 of the traditional solution, and component replacement is more convenient.

[0023] 3. Improved space utilization and adaptation to compact design: The compact integrated structure reduces the overall volume of the air source module by more than 40% compared to the distributed layout, effectively avoiding interference with the movement trajectory of the robotic arm. It is especially suitable for small logistics sorting robots, providing a spatial basis for the lightweight and miniaturized design of the equipment, and is more adaptable to the needs of confined working environments.

[0024] 4. Enhanced system stability: Each component is fixed by the base wall panel or internal space. The design of the air circuit connector passing through the base wall panel reduces pipeline shaking. Combined with the sealing structure, it further ensures the air circuit sealing performance and reduces the impact of mechanical vibration caused by loose layout on the air circuit stability, thereby improving the reliability of vacuum adsorption and release operations by more than 30%. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gas source module in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gas source module in Example 1 from another direction.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a front view of the gas source module in Example 1.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a left view of the gas source module in Example 1.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Gas distribution block; 2. Solenoid valve assembly; 21. Positive pressure air circuit interface; 22. Vacuum suction cup air circuit interface; 23. Gas distribution block connection port; 3. Air circuit connector; 4. Branch negative pressure switch; 5. Vacuum filter; 6. Main air circuit negative pressure switch; 7. Fan; 8. Wiring hole; 9. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] The following describes the structure, assembly, and working process of this utility model in detail, taking the air source module (i.e., N=7, where N is a natural number corresponding to the number of vacuum suction cups) of a logistics sorting robot adapted to 7 vacuum suction cups as an example.

[0033] I. Overall Structural Composition

[0034] See Figure 1-4 The air source module in this embodiment includes an air distribution block 1, a solenoid valve group 2, seven branch negative pressure switches 4, seven air line connectors 3, seven vacuum filters 5, a base 9, a fan 7, and a main air line negative pressure switch 6. The specific parameters of each component are as follows:

[0035] Gas distribution block 1: Made of aluminum alloy, it has a rectangular structure and is internally machined with one main air intake channel (one end of which extends to the outside of gas distribution block 1 for connecting to the vacuum generator) and seven branch air outlet channels; the branch air outlet channels are vertically connected to the main air intake channel and are equipped with quick-connect interfaces at their outer ends.

[0036] Solenoid valve assembly 2: Employs a 7-unit integrated solenoid valve, comprising: 7 gas distribution block connection ports 23 (quick-connect interfaces), corresponding one-to-one with the branch gas outlet channels of gas distribution block 1; 7 vacuum suction cup gas path interfaces 22 (quick-connect type, 10mm diameter); and 7 positive pressure gas path interfaces 21 (quick-connect type, 8mm diameter). The solenoid valve assembly 2 internally features an electromagnetically driven switching structure, controlling the gas path to switch between "a. gas distribution block connection port 23 connected to vacuum suction cup gas path interface 22" and "b. positive pressure gas path interface 21 connected to vacuum suction cup gas path interface 22" via a DC24V electrical signal, with a response time ≤10ms.

[0037] Branch negative pressure switch 4: Utilizes an electronic pressure sensor with a side-mounted signal output terminal (PNP type, DC24V output). This signal output terminal facilitates signal transmission between branch negative pressure switch 4 and the robot control system, enabling branch negative pressure switch 4 to feed back pressure data to the control system, allowing the robot control system to regulate the airflow.

[0038] Gas connection head 3: It is a 304 stainless steel through-plate connector with quick-connect interfaces at both ends and a circular flange in the middle. The flange is fitted with a fluororubber sealing ring at the contact point with the base 9 wall plate.

[0039] Vacuum Filter 5: It adopts a cylindrical filter with a quick-connect interface at the inlet and a threaded interface at the outlet. The outer shell is made of transparent ABS material, which makes it easy to observe the pollution status of the filter element.

[0040] Base 9: Made of sheet metal bending (steel plate, 2.5mm thick), with overall dimensions of 300mm long × 200mm wide × 220mm high, including left wall panel, right wall panel, rear wall panel and internal mounting cavity; the rear wall panel has 7 pre-set through holes for installing air connection head 3.

[0041] Fan 7: An axial fan is bolted to the inside of the right wall panel of base 9 (located below solenoid valve assembly 2). The air outlet faces the internal mounting cavity of base 9 and is used to dissipate heat from solenoid valve assembly 2 and branch negative pressure switch 4. Fan 7 reduces the operating temperature of solenoid valve assembly 2 by 15°C, extending its service life.

[0042] Main air circuit negative pressure switch 6: Connected in series in the main air intake channel of the gas distribution block 1 (near the vacuum generator connection end), it has a threaded interface that connects to the main air intake channel, and the signal output terminal is connected to the control system via a wire to monitor the overall pressure of the main air circuit. The main air circuit negative pressure switch 6 can quickly respond to main air circuit faults.

[0043] II. Assembly Relationship

[0044] The components are integrated and assembled via base 9, and the specific connection method is as follows:

[0045] Installation of air distribution block 1 and main air circuit negative pressure switch 6: Air distribution block 1 is fixed to the inside of the left wall panel of base 9 (30mm from the bottom) by bolts. The threaded interface of the main air intake channel extends out of the bottom (25mm in length). The main air circuit negative pressure switch 6 is connected to the main air intake channel. The 7 branch air outlet channels are connected to the 7 air distribution block connection ports 23 of the solenoid valve group 2 one by one through PU air pipes.

[0046] Solenoid Valve Assembly 2 Installation: Solenoid Valve Assembly 2 is fixed to the right wall plate of the internal mounting cavity of Base 9 by four bolts. Its length direction is consistent with Base 9. The seven vacuum suction cup air passage interfaces 22 face forward, and the seven positive pressure air passage interfaces 21 can be freely set (connected to atmospheric pressure), using the air inside Base 9 as a positive pressure air source. Of course, the positive pressure air passage interfaces can also be connected to positive pressure air source equipment such as compressed air tanks and air pumps through pipelines.

[0047] Installation of Branch Negative Pressure Switches 4: Seven branch negative pressure switches 4 are fixed to the left wall of the base 9 by clips. Their input ends are connected one-to-one to the vacuum suction cup air interface 22 of the solenoid valve assembly 2 via PU air tubes, and their output ends are connected to the inner end of the air circuit connector 3 via PU air tubes. The signal output terminals of all branch negative pressure switches 4 are aggregated through a terminal block and connected to the robot control system via the wiring hole 8 at the bottom of the base 9. The signal output terminals are used to transmit signals between the branch negative pressure switches 4 and the robot control system, enabling the branch negative pressure switches 4 to feed back pressure data to the control system so that the robot control system can regulate the air circuit.

[0048] Installation of gas connector 3: Seven gas connectors 3 pass through the through holes in the rear wall panel of the base 9, and are fitted to the rear wall panel by flanges (fixed with bolts). The inner end (inside the base 9) is connected to the output end of the branch negative pressure switch 4, and the outer end (outside the base 9) is connected to the input end of the vacuum filter 5. The sealing ring ensures that there is no air leakage at the through point.

[0049] Vacuum Filter 5 Installation: 7 vacuum filters 5 are fixed to the outside of the rear wall of the base 9 by L-shaped brackets (corresponding one-to-one with the air connection head 3). Their output ends are connected to 7 vacuum suction cups through PU air tubes. The outer layer of the air tubes is covered with a nylon braided protective sleeve.

[0050] Fan 7 Installation: Fan 7 is fixed to the inside of the right wall panel of base 9 with bolts, located directly below solenoid valve group 2. Its power line converges with the power supply line of solenoid valve group 2 and is connected to the robot power system (DC24V) through the wiring hole 8 at the bottom of base 9.

[0051] III. Work Process

[0052] In this embodiment, vacuum adsorption and release are achieved by switching the gas path of solenoid valve group 2. The specific process is as follows:

[0053] 1. Adsorption state:

[0054] When the robot needs to grasp goods, the control system sends a "negative pressure" signal to the solenoid valve assembly 2. The internal switching structure of the solenoid valve assembly 2 activates, and the air distribution block connection port 23 and the vacuum suction cup air circuit interface 22 are connected.

[0055] The negative pressure (-40kPa) generated by the vacuum generator passes sequentially through the main air inlet channel of the air distribution block 1 → 7 branch air outlet channels → solenoid valve group 2 → branch negative pressure switch 4 → air connection head 3 → vacuum filter 5, and is finally transmitted to 7 vacuum suction cups to complete the adsorption of goods.

[0056] At this time, the branch negative pressure switch 4 monitors the gas pressure in real time. When the pressure of all 7 lines is stable above -45kPa, it sends a "successful adsorption" signal to the control system.

[0057] 2. Released state:

[0058] When cargo needs to be released, the control system sends a "positive pressure" signal, the solenoid valve group 2 reverses its switching action, and the positive pressure air circuit interface 21 and the vacuum suction cup air circuit interface 22 are connected.

[0059] The air inside the base 9 passes through the positive pressure air circuit interface 21 → solenoid valve group 2 → branch negative pressure switch 4 → air circuit connector 3 → vacuum filter 5 to introduce positive pressure gas into the vacuum suction cup. After the negative pressure is eliminated, the goods are released.

[0060] When the negative pressure switch 4 of the branch circuit detects that the pressure of the 7th circuit has risen to above -5kPa, it will send back a "release complete" signal.

[0061] Accessibility features in operation:

[0062] When the air source module is started, the fan 7 is powered on and runs synchronously, drawing in external cold air to keep the internal temperature of the base 9 below 50℃ (when the ambient temperature is 30℃).

[0063] The main air circuit negative pressure switch 6 monitors the pressure of the main air intake channel of the gas distribution block 1 in real time. When the pressure of the main air circuit is lower than -70kPa (i.e. insufficient negative pressure), it sends an alarm signal to the control system to avoid overall adsorption failure due to vacuum generator failure.

[0064] In this embodiment, the number of branch air outlet channels of the gas distribution block 1, the interfaces of the solenoid valve group 2 (positive pressure air path interface 21, vacuum suction cup air path interface 22, gas distribution block connection port 23), the branch negative pressure switch 4, the air path connector 3, and the vacuum filter 5 are all 7 (equal to N=7). However, the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the case where "the number is exactly N". In practical applications, more than N components can be set (for example, when N=7, 8 branch air outlet channels, 8 sets of solenoid valve interfaces, and 8 branch negative pressure switches 4 can be used), of which 7 correspond one-to-one with the vacuum suction cup, and the remaining 1 can be used as a spare interface (idle or blocked). This design not only meets the core requirement of "the actual number of working components matching the vacuum suction cup", but also reserves space for subsequent expansion of the number of air paths, and still falls within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0065] The integrated gas source module of this utility model significantly reduces the number of gas connection points and greatly reduces the risk of leakage; on-site installation only requires fixing the base and connecting the main gas line, greatly shortening the assembly time.

[0066] The preferred embodiments of this utility model disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present utility model. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the utility model to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of this utility model, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize it. This utility model is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A gas supply module for a logistics sorting robot, characterized in that, include: The gas distribution block is provided with one main air inlet channel and at least N branch air outlet channels that are connected to each vacuum suction cup in actual operation, where N is a natural number corresponding to the number of vacuum suction cups. The solenoid valve assembly includes at least N gas distribution block connection ports that are connected to the branch gas outlet channels one by one, at least N vacuum suction cup air passage interfaces that are connected to each vacuum suction cup one by one during actual operation, and at least N positive pressure air passage interfaces that are connected to the vacuum suction cups one by one to achieve pressure relief. At least N air path connectors, one end of which is connected to the air path interface of the vacuum suction cup of the solenoid valve group, and the other end is connected to the input end of the vacuum filter after passing through the base wall plate. At least N vacuum filters, the output of which is connected to a vacuum suction cup; At least N branch negative pressure switches, wherein the branch negative pressure switches are connected in series between the vacuum suction cup air circuit interface and the air circuit connector of the solenoid valve group, and each branch negative pressure switch corresponds to a vacuum suction cup for operation. The base, the gas distribution block, the solenoid valve group and the branch negative pressure switch are all installed on the wall panel or internal space of the base, and the gas connection head is set through the base wall panel; The solenoid valve assembly is equipped with a switching structure. When vacuuming is required, the solenoid valve assembly switches to the gas distribution block connection port and connects with the corresponding vacuum suction cup air path interface. When pressure relief is required, the solenoid valve assembly switches to the positive pressure air path interface and connects with the corresponding vacuum suction cup air path interface.

2. The air supply module of the logistic sorting robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting plate, which is fixed to the outside of the base, and the vacuum filter is fixed to the mounting plate.

3. The air supply module of the logistic sorting robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main air intake channel of the gas distribution block is connected in series with a main air circuit negative pressure switch, and the main air circuit negative pressure switch is provided with a signal output terminal.

4. The gas supply module of the logistic sorting robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fan, which is mounted on the wall panel of the base and has its air outlet facing the inside of the base.

5. The gas supply module of the logistic sorting robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of branch outlet channels of the gas distribution block, the number of interfaces of each solenoid valve group, the number of branch negative pressure switches, the number of gas connection heads, and the number of vacuum filters are all equal to N.

6. The gas supply module of the logistic sorting robot according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vacuum filter is fixed to the mounting plate by bolts, and the mounting plate is fixed to the outer wall of the base by bolts.

7. The air supply module of the logistic sorting robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch negative pressure switch is equipped with a signal output terminal.

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