Charging Plug Gripper with Negative Contour Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require a special, active gripping tool for each type of charging connector, adding complexity and necessitating additional actuators and manual intervention for locking and unlocking, which is not efficient for automated charging processes.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with an adaptable design that uses a housing with a negative contour matching the charging plug's gripping area, allowing for a single tool to grip various plug types, and includes a locking mechanism that secures the plug without additional actuators, using a spring mechanism for unlocking and a lever for actuating the locking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robot uses a gripper to pick up objects, then the object can be grasped and moved, but the sensor may be damaged by direct contact with the object
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor protection member is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the object. This protection member has a sensor reception portion that faces the object and allows the sensor to detect the object, while physically shielding the sensor from direct contact and potential damage during grasping operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot picks up objects using only the gripper, then the grasping function is simple, but the robot cannot perform stacking or placement operations requiring vertical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper device is designed with dual functionality: it can both grasp objects horizontally and lift them vertically through an integrated lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting rod that can move upward to raise the gripper and object, enabling stacking and placement operations without requiring separate specialized mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is exposed to directly detect the object, then detection accuracy is high, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage from object contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor protection member acts as a mediator that maintains the sensor's detection capability while protecting it from damage. The protection member has a sensor reception portion with a specific structure that allows detection signals to pass through or around it, preserving measurement precision while physically protecting the sensor from direct object contact
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripper device (20) for an object and to a charging robot having such a gripper device (20). The gripper device (20) comprises a housing (21) having an inner contour (22). Said inner contour (22) is in the form of a negative contour adapted at least partly to a contour of an object. The object can particularly be a charge plug for a motor vehicle.