Air control unit for vacuum system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control unit comprising a vacuum generating unit and a rupturing unit that operate selectively by compressed air supplied to an air port on one side of a body. In particular, the vacuum rupturing unit comprises a rupturing passage to which compressed air is supplied, and first and second branching passages that branch off from the end of the rupturing passage, with one end extending to a suction port and the other end extending to the outside of the body. Specifically, the first branching passage, which is connected to the internal enclosed space of a gripper through the suction port, is configured to have a diameter or a portion with a smaller diameter cross-sectional area compared to the second branching passage, and the second branching passage is configured to pass through a pressure reducing valve. Accordingly, the influence of air pressure on an object during vacuum rupture can be minimized.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air-control unit for a vacuum system, and more specifically, to a control unit designed to optimally control supplied compressed air according to the intended use. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, a vacuum system comprises a vacuum pump operated by compressed air or a motor and a vacuum gripper that is exhausted by the action of the vacuum pump, and refers to a device that adsorbs and grips an object using the vacuum and negative pressure (-kPa) generated in the enclosed space inside the vacuum pump and gripper during system operation, and then transfers it to a predetermined position by a separate robotic means.

[0005] After the transfer of the object is completed as described above, compressed air is directly supplied to the enclosed space inside the gripper to rapidly separate the gripper from the object, thereby instantly dissipating the generated vacuum and negative pressure. Naturally, in the above system, the supply of high-speed compressed air needs to be appropriately controlled according to the purpose of generating or dissipating the vacuum.

[0007] The present invention relates to an air control unit for a vacuum system provided to optimally control the supply of the compressed air according to its intended use, namely, the purpose of generating or breaking a vacuum.

[0009] A conventional air-control unit used in the above system is configured such that the opening and closing of the flow path and the supply and blocking of air are achieved by a spool that reciprocates according to the on / off state of the electronic valve driving the unit. An air-control unit with such a structure is disclosed in Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0351557, Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0454082, Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2225162, etc.

[0011] To briefly explain, in the structure of this air-control unit, when the first solenoid valve is in the ON state, compressed air supplied from an air port on one side of the body pressurizes the first spool to open the vacuum line connecting the suction pad to the vacuum pump. After the object is grasped and transported in this state, when the second solenoid valve is in the ON state (with the first solenoid valve OFF), the compressed air pressurizes the second spool to open the release line directly connecting the air port to the suction pad.

[0013] It is true that air-control units configured in this way are actually being used effectively in general vacuum transfer systems. However, there is the following serious and fatal problem.

[0015] In other words, the items to be transported vary greatly in size, shape, weight, etc., requiring handling that takes into account the characteristics of the items during adsorption and separation, yet conventional technology and patents have absolutely no awareness of this. In particular, there are cases where the objects are damaged by high-pressure compressed air during vacuum 'breaking' and object separation. For example, if the objects are very thin and light small parts such as semiconductors, the surface may be damaged or scattering may occur due to the pressure of the compressed air.

[0017] The inventors completed the present invention by focusing on the fact that, when a vacuum is broken, there is virtually no need or reason for the compressed air supplied through the air port to maintain its original high pressure until it reaches the object, and that if the high pressure is maintained, serious adverse effects may occur in some objects as described above.

[0019] Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0351557,

[0020] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0454082,

[0021] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1035101

[0022] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2225162 The problem to be solved

[0024] The present invention is proposed to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art. The objective of the present invention is to provide an air control unit for a vacuum system that can ensure the safe transfer and separation of an object by reducing the pressure of high-pressure compressed air to low pressure and supplying it to the object side when the vacuum is broken. means of solving the problem

[0026] The air control unit of the present invention is:

[0027] A control unit comprising a vacuum generating unit and a rupturing unit that are selectively operated by compressed air supplied to one side of the body through an air port,

[0028] The above vacuum generating unit is:

[0029] A suction port and an exhaust port each formed on one side of the above body;

[0030] An exhaust passage formed inside the body to enable communication between the intake port and the exhaust port; and

[0031] A valve-type first spool installed and operated to open the exhaust passage by supplying the above compressed air;

[0032] Includes,

[0033] The above vacuum rupture unit is:

[0034] The above-mentioned rupture passage to which compressed air is supplied;

[0035] A first and second branch branch extending from the end of the above-mentioned destruction passage, with one end extending to the above-mentioned suction port and the other end extending to the outside of the body;

[0036] A valve-type second spool installed and operated to open the rupture passage by supplying the above compressed air;

[0037] Includes,

[0038] At this time, the above first branch is:

[0039] It is configured to include a diameter with a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the above-mentioned second branch or a portion with a smaller diameter;

[0040] The above second branch is:

[0041] It is configured via a pressure reducing valve installed and operated to open the second branch path by air pressure above a certain level;

[0042] It is characterized by.

[0044] In a vacuum system,

[0045] The above suction port has a vacuum gripper having an enclosed space inside, such as a so-called 'suction-cup', and the above exhaust port has a vacuum pump that causes a pressure drop inside to suck and exhaust the enclosed space through a separate operation;

[0046] It will be connected.

[0048] Preferably, the first branch is:

[0049] A structure configured such that a nozzle or fitting with a smaller diameter than the second branch is fitted therein;

[0050] It is characterized by.

[0052] Specifically, the pressure reducing valve is:

[0053] A fixed end fitted into a side mounting hole of the above body;

[0054] A valve provided on the inner side of the fixed end and corresponding to the compressed air discharged through the second branch; and

[0055] A spring extending between the fixed end and the valve, elastically supporting the opening and closing of the valve according to the air pressure of the compressed air;

[0056] Includes,

[0057] The above valve is:

[0058] Overcoming the elasticity of the spring by air pressure above a certain level and opening the second branch path;

[0059] It is characterized by.

[0061] Preferably, the fixed end is:

[0062] A screw mounted at the center and capable of adjusting the elasticity of the spring by entering or retracting in a rotational manner;

[0063] Includes

[0065] From the above, the exhaust passage is:

[0066] The compressed air supplied to the above airport passes through the first solenoid valve in the ON state and is opened by pressurizing the first spool;

[0067] It is characterized by.

[0069] In addition, the above destruction passage is:

[0070] The compressed air supplied to the above airport passes through the second solenoid valve in the ON state and is opened by pressurizing the second spool;

[0071] It is characterized by. Effects of the invention

[0073] According to the air control unit of the present invention, high-pressure compressed air is reduced to low pressure and supplied to the object side, particularly during vacuum breaking. Accordingly, vacuum breaking and object separation are possible with reduced air pressure, and as a result, even for lightweight, thin-film, or small items, safe transport and separation are guaranteed without fear of surface damage or scattering to the object, providing a special effect. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0075] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an air control unit according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the vacuum 'generation' operation of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the vacuum 'breaking' action of FIG. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0076] The features and effects of the present invention’s ‘air-control unit for a vacuum system’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘control unit’), which are described or not described above, will become more apparent through the description of the embodiments explained below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the control unit according to the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 1, the control unit (10) of the present invention comprises a vacuum generating unit (13) and a vacuum breaking unit (14) designed to operate selectively by compressed air supplied through an air port (12) formed on one side of a body (11). In a vacuum system, the control unit (10) can be used to generate / break a vacuum in the internal enclosed space (S) of a vacuum gripper (G), such as a so-called 'suction cup'. Reference numeral 'P' is a conventional vacuum pump that causes a pressure drop inside to draw in external air.

[0080] The vacuum generating unit (13) includes an intake port (15) and an exhaust port (16) formed spaced apart on one side of the body (11), and an exhaust passage (17) that connects the intake port (15) and the exhaust port (16) within the body (11) to enable communication. Additionally, it is configured to further include a valve-type first spool (18) installed and operated to open the exhaust passage (17) by supplying compressed air.

[0082] In a vacuum system, a vacuum gripper (G) having an enclosed space (S) inside, such as a so-called 'suction-cup', is connected to the suction port (15), and a conventional vacuum pump (P) that causes a pressure drop inside to suction and exhaust the enclosed space (S) by a separate operation is connected to the exhaust port (16).

[0084] The above vacuum rupture section (14) includes a rupture passage (19) to which compressed air is supplied, and first and second branch passages (20, 21) branched off from the end of the rupture passage (19), one end extending to a suction port (15) and the other end extending to the outside of the body (11) through an outlet (22). It is further configured to include a valve-type second spool (23) installed and operated to open the rupture passage (19) by supplying the compressed air.

[0086] As described above, the suction port (15) is connected to the enclosed space (S) of the gripper (G), and the discharge port (22) is connected to the atmosphere.

[0088] At this time, the first branch (20) is configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area or to include a small diameter portion compared to the opposite second branch (21). Meanwhile, the second branch (21) is configured via a pressure reducing valve (24) that is installed and operates to open the second branch (21) by air pressure above a certain level. In other words, the pressure reducing valve (24) operates to open and close the second branch (21).

[0090] In this embodiment, the first branch (20) has a smaller diameter compared to the second branch (21) and is configured to include a diameter portion with a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the second branch (21) by means of fittings (25a, 25b) that are fitted at appropriate positions on the first branch (20) and interfere. However, depending on the design, a part or the entire section of the first branch (20) may be formed narrowly, a separate nozzle may be inserted, and it may also be implemented in other ways for the convenience of design and manufacturing.

[0092] Specifically, the pressure reducing valve (24) comprises a fixed end (27) fitted into a side mounting hole (26) of the body (11), a valve (28) provided inside the fixed end (27) and corresponding to compressed air discharged through the second branch (21), and a spring (29) extending between the fixed end (27) and the valve (28) to elastically support the opening and closing of the valve (28) according to the pressure of the compressed air.

[0094] Accordingly, when the pressure of the compressed air moving through the second branch (21) pressurizes the valve (28) to a pressure greater than that which pushes the spring (29), the second branch (21) is opened and the compressed air passes through the outlet (22) and is discharged.

[0096] Depending on the design, the installation hole (26) passing through the spring (29) may be used as the discharge port (22). However, in this case, the compressed air may collide with the spring (29), causing noise and damage. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the discharge port (22) is formed separately from the installation hole (26) at a location that does not interfere with the spring (29). Reference numeral 30 of the drawing is a sound-absorbing silencer provided on the side of the discharge port (22) to absorb and process the noise generated when the compressed air is discharged.

[0098] In this embodiment, the fixed end (27) includes a screw (31) that is mounted at the center and can adjust the elasticity of the spring (29) by moving in or out in a rotational manner.

[0100] In the above, the exhaust passage (17) is opened by the compressed air supplied to the air port (12) passing through the first solenoid valve (32) in the ON state and pressurizing the first spool (18), and the rupture passage (19) is also opened by the compressed air supplied to the air port (12) passing through the second solenoid valve (33) in the ON state and pressurizing the second spool (23). At this time, the opening of the two passages (17, 19) is selective according to electronic control.

[0102] The operation of the vacuum generating unit (13) and the destruction unit (14) is explained separately below.

[0104] vacuum 'generation'

[0106] Referring to FIG. 2, high-speed, high-pressure compressed air supplied through the air port (12) passes through the first solenoid valve (32) in the ON state and pressurizes the head portion of the first spool (18) (see arrow ①). Then, as the exhaust passage (17) opens, the internal air of the enclosed space (S) moves along the exhaust passage (17) (see arrow ②), is drawn to the side of the separately operating vacuum pump (P), and is exhausted to the outside (see arrow ③). Through this process, vacuum and negative pressure for gripping the object to be transported are generated in the enclosed space (S).

[0108] And if the object is gripped using the vacuum and negative pressure generated in the enclosed space (S) in this way, it will be possible to transport it to a designated location.

[0110] Reference numeral 34 is an up-down type check valve placed in the exhaust passage (17) and supported by a spring (35), and is opened by the suction force of the vacuum pump (P) during exhaust. Meanwhile, if a vacuum leak or malfunction occurs during the vacuum generation process described above, the vacuum in the enclosed space (S) may be unintentionally destroyed. At this time, the check valve (34) can block the exhaust passage (17) so that a vacuum can be maintained at a certain level inside the enclosed space (S).

[0112] vacuum 'break'

[0114] When the gripping and transfer of the object are completed, the generated vacuum and negative pressure must be forcibly and quickly dissipated for the next operation.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 3, high-speed, high-pressure compressed air supplied through the air port (12) passes through the second solenoid valve (33) in the ON state and pressurizes the head portion of the second spool (23) (see arrow ④). Then, the rupture passage (19) opens and the air port (12) and the rupture passage (19) are connected. Accordingly, the compressed air is supplied directly to the rupture passage (19) (see arrow ⑤) and is appropriately distributed through the first and second branches (20, 21) at the end.

[0118] At this time, resistance pressure is generated in the first branch (20), causing a large amount of compressed air to accumulate on the opposite side, the second branch (21), which is relatively larger in diameter (see arrow ⑥-1).

[0120] As a result, when air pressure above a certain level is applied to the second branch (21), the pressure reducing valve (24) overcomes the elasticity of the spring (29) and opens, and a significant amount of compressed air is discharged to the outside through the outlet (22) (see arrow ⑥-1). Conversely, compressed air at a relatively low pressure compared to the second branch (21) is distributed to the first branch (20) side and supplied to the vacuum enclosed space (S) (see arrow ⑥-2), and the vacuum and negative pressure created in the enclosed space (S) are instantly destroyed.

[0122] This distribution method is highly significant when the object being transported in a vacuum system is sensitive to air pressure. In this structure, the degree of compressed air distribution described above may vary depending on the diameter or shape of the first branch (20) or fitting (25a, 25b) and the elastic characteristics of the spring (29).

[0124] As described above, the control unit (10) of the present invention, in particular when breaking the vacuum, reduces the pressure of high-pressure compressed air to the required level and supplies it at low pressure to the object side. Accordingly, the vacuum breaking and the separation of the object are possible with reduced air pressure, and as a result, even lightweight, thin-film, or small items can be safely transported and separated without fear of surface damage or scattering to the object. Explanation of the symbols

[0126] 10. Control Unit 11. Body 12. Airport 13. Vacuum generating unit 14. Vacuum Breaking Unit 15. Suction port 16. Exhaust port 17. Exhaust passage 18. 1st Spool 19. Destruction channel 20. To the 1st branch 21. To the 2nd branch 22. Outlet 23. Second Spool 24. Pressure reducing valve 25a, 25b. Fittings 26. Installer 27. Fixed end 28. Valve 29. Spring 30. Silencer 31. Screw 32. First solenoid valve 33. Second solenoid valve 34. Check valve 35. Spring S. Encircling space P. Vacuum pump

Claims

Claim 1 A control unit comprising a vacuum generating unit (13) and a vacuum breaking unit (14) that are selectively operated by compressed air supplied to one side air port (12) of a body (11), wherein the vacuum generating unit (13) comprises: an intake port (15) and an exhaust port (16) each formed on one side of the body (11); an exhaust passage (17) formed inside the body (11) to enable communication between the intake port (15) and the exhaust port (16); and a valve-type first spool (18) installed and operated to open the exhaust passage (17) by supplying the compressed air, and the vacuum breaking unit (14) comprises: a breaking passage (19) to which the compressed air is supplied; and first and second branching passages (20, 21) branched from the end of the breaking passage (19), with one end extending to the intake port and the other end extending to the outside of the body. An air-control unit characterized by including a valve-type second spool (23) installed and operated to open the rupture passage (19) by supplying the above compressed air, wherein the first branch (20) is configured to have a diameter with a smaller cross-sectional area than the second branch (21) or to include a small diameter portion; and the second branch (21) is configured via a pressure reducing valve (24) installed and operated to open the second branch (21) by air pressure above a certain level. Claim 2 An air-control unit characterized in that, in the first paragraph, a vacuum gripper (G) having an enclosed space (S) inside is connected to the suction port (15), and a vacuum pump (P) that causes a pressure drop inside and sucks and exhausts the enclosed space (S) by a separate operation is connected to the exhaust port (16) to form a vacuum system. Claim 3 An air-control unit characterized in that, in claim 1, the first branch (20) is configured with a nozzle or fitting (25a, 25b) having a smaller diameter than that of the second branch (21) fitted therein. Claim 4 In claim 1, the pressure reducing valve (24) comprises: a fixed end (27) fitted into a side mounting hole (26) of the body (11); a valve (28) provided on the inner side of the fixed end (27) and corresponding to compressed air discharged through the second branch (21); and a spring (29) extending between the fixed end (27) and the valve (28) and elastically supporting the opening and closing of the valve (28) according to the air pressure of the compressed air, wherein the valve (28) overcomes the elasticity of the spring (29) by an air pressure above a certain level and opens the second branch (21); an air-control unit characterized by. Claim 5 An air-control unit characterized in that, in paragraph 4, the fixed end (27) includes a screw (31) mounted at its center and capable of moving in or out in a rotational manner to adjust the elasticity of the spring (29). Claim 6 An air-control unit characterized in that, in claim 1, the exhaust passage (17) is opened by the compressed air supplied to the air port (12) passing through the first solenoid valve (32) in the ON state and pressurizing the first spool (18); and the rupture passage (19) is opened by the compressed air supplied to the air port (12) passing through the second solenoid valve (33) in the ON state and pressurizing the second spool (23). Claim 7 In paragraph 4, the compressed air outlet (22) is formed at a location that does not interfere with the spring (29) separately from the installation hole (26), in an air-control unit.

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