Vacuum gripper device comprising u-shaped channel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum gripper device that suction-grips a workpiece using high-speed compressed air. Fundamentally, the vacuum gripper device comprises: a hollow body; a pad connected to a lower end of the body in fluid communication therewith; and a vacuum ejector disposed inside the body. In particular, the body comprises: a compressed air inlet and outlet formed adjacent to each other on an upper surface of the body; a lower base provided to mount the ejector; and a U-shaped vacuum channel extending from the inlet to the outlet via the ejector. The ejector is a cylindrical nozzle vertically arranged inside the body in such a way that a lower end thereof is mounted on the base and an upper end thereof corresponds to the outlet, and includes a through-hole formed in a side wall thereof, wherein the pad communicates with the ejector via the through-hole.

Description

Vacuum gripper device including a U-shaped channel

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum gripper device, and more specifically, to a vacuum gripper device that absorbs and grips a workpiece using vacuum and negative pressure generated by high-speed compressed air.

[0002]

[0003] Typically, a vacuum gripper device comprises a hollow body, a pad connected to and attached to the lower end of the body, and a vacuum ejector provided with a hose connection or internal mounting to the body. When compressed air passes through the ejector at high speed while the pad is in contact with the surface of the object, the internal air of the pad is drawn into the ejector via the body and discharged to the outside together with the compressed air.

[0004]

[0005] At this time, a vacuum and negative pressure are generated within the internal space of the pad, and the object is absorbed and held by the pad due to the generated negative pressure. Then, the object will be transported to a designated location by an automated device or robotic system connected to the outside of the body.

[0006]

[0007] As an example of the prior art, Fig. 1 shows a 'vacuum gripper device' disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0131617. The gripper device (110) disclosed herein includes a hollow body (111), a pad (112) connected and connected to the lower end of the body (111), and a vacuum ejector (113) mounted transversely on the inside of the body (111).

[0008]

[0009] Compressed air is supplied through an inlet (115) on one side of the body (111), passes through an ejector (113) at high speed, and is then discharged through an outlet (116) on the opposite side. At this time, the internal air of the pad (112) is drawn into the inside through a side wall hole (114) of the ejector (113) and discharged to the outside together with the compressed air. In this way, the internal space (S) of the pad (112) is exhausted, and at this time, the object (W) is adsorbed and held by the pad (112) by the negative pressure generated in the internal space (S).

[0010]

[0011] As another example of the prior art, FIG. 2 illustrates an 'in-line vacuum pump' disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1157542 (U.S. Patent No. 9,151,300). The vacuum pump (120) disclosed herein includes a hollow body (121), a pad (122) connected and connected to the lower end of the body (121), and a vacuum ejector (123) mounted longitudinally on the inside of the body (121).

[0012]

[0013] In this case, compressed air is supplied through the upper inlet (125) of the body (121), passes through the ejector (123) at high speed, and is then discharged to the outside through the lateral discharge port (126), and the internal space (S) of the pad (122) is exhausted in the same manner as described above. For example, the 'vacuum gripper device' disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2525827 is also the same.

[0014]

[0015] As can be seen from the above examples, in conventional vacuum gripper devices, the air passage between the inlet and outlet, which defines the flow of compressed air, is configured in a 'straight line (―)' or 'right angle (ㄴ)' shape. Until now, the design of this type of air passage has been taken for granted in a structure that utilizes a hollow body (111, 121), mounts a vacuum ejector (113, 123) on the inside thereof, and fastens a pad (112, 122) to the lower portion thereof, and in fact, gripper devices with this structure are commonly used in the field.

[0016]

[0017] However, this structure is far from the compressed air inlet and outlet and the directions in which they are formed relative to the body are different:

[0018] It is impossible to collectively check and control the supply and discharge status of compressed air;

[0019] It is also impossible to design and manufacture the device compactly and easily.

[0020] In addition, it is not easy to apply in cases where application is required according to the characteristics of the device's array or other work objects;

[0021] There are also problems such as:

[0022]

[0023] <Prior Art Literature>

[0024] Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0131617

[0025] Patent Registration No. 10-1157542

[0026] Patent Registration No. 10-1659517

[0027] Patent Registration No. 10-1019948

[0028] Patent Registration No. 10-2525827

[0029]

[0030] The present invention has been proposed to address the problems of the prior art described above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vacuum gripper device capable of forming compressed air inlets and outlets adjacent to each other and in the same direction on the body. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a vacuum gripper device that can be designed and manufactured in an overall compact manner.

[0031]

[0032] The vacuum gripper device of the present invention:

[0033] A device comprising a hollow body, a connector for connecting a pad that is connected to and connected to the lower part of the body, and a vacuum ejector disposed inside the body,

[0034] The above body:

[0035] It includes a compressed air inlet and outlet formed on the upper side, a lower base provided for mounting the ejector, and a 'U'-shaped vacuum channel extending from the inlet to the outlet via the ejector;

[0036] The above base is:

[0037] A cylindrical mounting base extending laterally from the lower end of a supply pipe extending downwardly into the body from the inlet, comprising one or more circular mounting portions formed on the upper surface thereof;

[0038] The above ejector:

[0039] A cylindrical nozzle vertically arranged in the internal space of the body in such a manner that the lower part is mounted on the upper surface of the transverse base and the upper part is fitted into the discharge port, and the nozzle includes a perforation formed in the side wall thereof;

[0040] The above pads:

[0041] The internal space communicates with the ejector through the above-mentioned opening;

[0042] The above vacuum channel:

[0043] Formed in a 'U' shape by passing through the upper inlet → downward supply pipe → horizontal base → upward ejector → upper outlet in sequence;

[0044] It features.

[0045]

[0046] Preferably, the base includes a plurality of mounting portions, wherein the ejector is configured in an array form that is mounted on each mounting portion and connected in parallel.

[0047]

[0048] Additionally, the body:

[0049] A break channel extending directly from the compressed air inlet formed on the upper side to the internal space of the pad;

[0050] may include more, and also

[0051] A measuring hole extending from the upper side into the internal space of the pad to enable measuring the internal pressure of the pad;

[0052] may include more.

[0053]

[0054] According to the vacuum gripper device of the present invention, the compressed air inlet and outlet are connected using a 'U'-shaped vacuum channel, and the ejector is provided vertically and forms a part of the vacuum channel. Accordingly, the inlet and outlet can be formed and arranged adjacent to each other in the upper direction of the body, and the device as a whole can be designed and manufactured compactly.

[0055]

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, since the individually added destruction channel and measurement hole are also designed from the upper side of the body, the vacuum gripper device of the present invention can be designed compactly as a whole while further including the functions of vacuum destruction and measurement.

[0057]

[0058] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional vacuum gripper device.

[0059] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a conventional vacuum gripper device.

[0060] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vacuum gripper device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 4 is an exploded view of Figure 3.

[0062] Figure 5 is a plan view of Figure 3 with the upper cover removed.

[0063] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 'A-A' of Figure 5.

[0064] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 'B-B' of Figure 5.

[0065] Fig. 8 is a vacuum action diagram of the vacuum gripper device of Fig. 3.

[0066] Figure 9 is a diagram of the breaking action of Figure 8.

[0067] Fig. 10 is an array configuration diagram of the vacuum gripper device of Fig. 3.

[0068]

[0069] [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10. Gripper device

[0071] 11. Body

[0072] 12. Connector

[0073] 13. Ejector

[0074] 14. Pad

[0075] 15. Cover

[0076] 16. Inlet

[0077] 17. Exhaust

[0078] 18. Base

[0079] 19. Vacuum channel

[0080] 20. Public

[0081] 21. Supply pipe

[0082] 22. Supporting part

[0083] 23. Check valve

[0084] 24. Inlet

[0085] 25. Destruction Channel

[0086] 26. Check valve

[0087] 27. Hole

[0088] S. Space

[0089] W. Work object

[0090]

[0091] The features and operational effects of the 'vacuum gripper device including a U-shaped channel' (hereinafter referred to as the 'gripper device') of the present invention, whether described or not described above, will become more apparent through the description of preferred embodiments described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings below, FIG. 3, the gripper device of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0092]

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the gripper device (10) of the present invention is a device including a hollow body (11), a connector (12) for connecting a pad (14) that is connected to the lower end of the body (11), and a vacuum ejector (13) installed inside the body (11). In the drawing, the pad (14) for suction for a workpiece (W) is directly connected to the connector (12), but the pad (14) may be connected at a location away from the connector (12) via a hose or the like.

[0094]

[0095] The above body (11) includes a compressed air inlet (16) and outlet (17) formed adjacent to the upper surface of the upper cover part (15), a cylindrical lower base (18) provided for mounting the ejector (13), and a 'U'-shaped vacuum channel (19) extending from the inlet (16) to the outlet (17) via the ejector (13). That is, the compressed air supplied to the upper inlet (16) circulates in a 'U' shape inside the body (11), passes through the ejector (13), and is then discharged to the outside through the upper outlet (17).

[0096]

[0097] In the drawing, the inlet (16) and outlet (17) are exemplified as being formed on the 'upper surface' of the body (11), but the present invention is not limited to the specific location as long as they are formed on the 'upper side' of the body (11) and can form the 'U'-shaped vacuum channel (19).

[0098] The above base (18) is a cylindrical mounting base that extends laterally from the lower end of a supply pipe (21) extending downwardly into the body (11) from the inlet (16), and is configured to include one or more circular mounting portions (22) formed on its upper surface.

[0099] Here, the ejector (13) is a cylindrical nozzle vertically arranged in the internal space of the body (11) in such a manner that the lower end is mounted on the base (18) and the upper end is fitted into the discharge port (17) in a corresponding manner, and includes a hole (20) formed in the side wall. The internal space (S) of the pad (14) communicates with the ejector (13) through the hole (20).

[0100]

[0101] More specifically, the vacuum channel (19) is designed to sequentially pass through the inlet (16) on the upper surface of the body (11) → downward air supply pipe (21) inside the body (11) → horizontal lower base (18) → upward vacuum ejector (13) → outlet (17) on the upper surface of the body (11). That is, the compressed air supplied to the upper inlet (16) passes through the downward supply pipe (21) and the base (18), circulates in a 'U' shape inside the body (11), passes through the vertical ejector (13), and is then discharged to the outside through the upper outlet (17).

[0102]

[0103] In this compressed air discharge process, the internal air of the pad (14) is drawn into the ejector (13) through the hole (20) and discharged together with the compressed air. In this way, the internal space (S) of the pad (14) is 'exhausted', and a vacuum and negative pressure are generated for adsorption and gripping of the workpiece (W). Reference numeral 23 is a non-return type check valve installed on the upper side of the connector (12) and allowing air flow only in the 'exhaust' direction.

[0104]

[0105] Preferably, the base (18) includes a plurality of circular mounting portions (22), and in this state, the ejectors (13) are individually mounted on each mounting portion (22) in a manner that the lower ends are fitted together and are configured in an array form connected in parallel. At this time, each ejector (13) forms one vacuum channel (19) branched from the inlet (16).

[0106]

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, four ejectors (13) are arranged approximately concentrically and spaced apart from each other, and the number of ejectors (13) used can be adjusted to correspond to the required vacuum and negative pressure levels in consideration of the weight, area, and other characteristics of the workpiece (W). For example, when a high vacuum and negative pressure are not required, the ejector (13) array can be implemented and adjusted by mounting the ejectors (13) on one or two mounting portions (22) and finishing the rest.

[0108]

[0109] In this embodiment, the body (11) further includes a blowing channel (25) that extends directly from a compressed air inlet (24) formed separately on the upper surface of the upper cover portion (15) to the internal space (S) of the pad (14). Compressed air through the blowing channel (25) is directly supplied to the internal space (S) of the pad (14), thereby enabling the vacuum formed in the internal space (S) of the pad (14) to be instantly broken in order to blow up the workpiece (W).

[0110]

[0111] The symbol 26 is a non-return type check valve installed at the lower end of the above-mentioned destruction channel (25) and opening the above-mentioned destruction channel (25) by the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the above-mentioned inlet (24). In addition, the above-mentioned body (11) further includes a measuring hole (27) extending from the upper surface of the cover part (15) to the internal space (S) of the pad (14) so ​​as to measure the internal pressure of the pad (14). A vacuum sensor will be connected to the upper end of the hole (27).

[0112]

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, first, when the pad (14) is in contact with the surface of the workpiece (W), compressed air is supplied to the inlet (16) (see arrow ①), passes through the vacuum channel (19) at high speed (see arrows ②, ③), and is then discharged through the outlet (17). In this process, the internal air of the pad (14) is drawn into the ejector (13) through the hole (20) (see arrow ④) and discharged to the outside together with the compressed air (see arrow ⑤). In this way, the internal space (S) of the pad (14) is 'exhausted', generating negative pressure, which causes the workpiece (W) to be adsorbed and held.

[0114]

[0115] Then, the object (W) will be transported to a designated location by an automated or robotic device connected to the body (11). Once the transport is completed, the pad (14) and the object (W) will be separated, and the pad (14) will be prepared for the next operation. However, for the productivity of the operation, the pad (14) needs to be quickly separated.

[0116]

[0117] Referring to Fig. 9, when the transport of the object (W) is completed, compressed air is supplied to another inlet (24) (see arrow ⑥). This compressed air is directly supplied to the internal space (S) of the pad (14) through the destruction channel (25) (see arrow ⑦), and thus the vacuum and negative pressure formed in the internal space (S) of the pad (14) are instantly destroyed in order to destroy and transport the work object (W). Therefore, the pad (14) can be quickly separated from the object (W).

[0118]

[0119] According to the gripper device (10) of the present invention, by utilizing the above-described 'U'-shaped vacuum channel (19) and vertical ejector (13), the compressed air inlet (16) and outlet (17) can be arranged adjacent to one side of the body (11), while the entire gripper device (10) can be compactly designed in a vertical configuration. This compact design is also very advantageous when configuring a plurality of gripper devices (10) in an array form.

[0120]

[0121] Fig. 10 shows a plurality of gripper devices (10) of the present invention fastened to separate brackets (31).

[0122] An example configured in the form of an array (30) is shown. For example, when the surface area or load of the object (W) is large, the array (30) can be advantageously used.

Claims

1. A device including a hollow body (11), a pad (14) that is connected and fastened to the lower part of the body (11), a connector (12) for connection, and a vacuum ejector (13) that is placed inside the body (11), The above body (11): It includes a compressed air inlet (16) and outlet (17) formed on the upper side, a lower transverse base (18) provided for mounting the ejector (13), and a 'U'-shaped vacuum channel (19) extending from the inlet (16) to the outlet (17) via the ejector (13); The above lower transverse base (18) is: A cylindrical mounting base extending laterally from the lower end of a supply pipe (21) extending downwardly into the body (11) from the above inlet (16), comprising one or more circular mounting portions (22) formed on its upper surface; The above ejector (13): A cylindrical nozzle which is vertically arranged in the internal space of the body (11) in such a way that the lower part is mounted on the upper surface mounting part (22) of the lower transverse base (18) and the upper part is fitted into the discharge port (17) in a corresponding manner, and which includes a perforation (20) formed in the side wall thereof; The above pad (14) is: The internal space (S) communicates with the ejector (13) through the above-mentioned opening (20); The above vacuum channel (19): It is formed in a 'U' shape by passing through the upper inlet (16) → downward supply pipe (21) → lower horizontal base (18) → upward ejector (13) → upper discharge port (17) in sequence; A vacuum gripper device characterized by:

2. In paragraph 1, A vacuum gripper device characterized in that the compressed air inlet (16) and outlet (17) are formed adjacent to the upper surface of the body (11).

3. In paragraph 1, The above base (18) includes a plurality of mounting portions (22), wherein the ejector (13) is configured in an array form that is mounted on each mounting portion (22) and connected in parallel; A vacuum gripper device characterized by:

4. In paragraph 1, The above body (11): Including a blow-off channel (25) extending directly from a compressed air inlet (24) formed separately on the upper side to the internal space (S) of the pad (14); A vacuum gripper device characterized by:

5. In paragraph 1, The above body (11): Including a measuring hole (27) extending from the upper side into the internal space (S) of the pad (14) so as to measure the internal pressure of the pad (14); A vacuum gripper device characterized by:

6. In paragraph 4, The above body (11): A non-return type check valve (26) installed at the lower end of the above-mentioned destruction channel (25) and opening the above-mentioned destruction channel (25) by the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the above-mentioned inlet (24); A vacuum gripper device characterized by:

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