Vacuum Gripper Sealing Layout for Higher Plate Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for handling plate-shaped workpieces lack the ability to adjust holding force effectively, especially when dealing with unmachined, flat workpieces that require additional support during loading and transport.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with vacuum suction cups and a surrounding sealing element that can be controlled independently, allowing for an additional holding force through negative pressure applied to the sealing element, which can be adjusted based on the workpiece geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If vacuum suction cups are used for handling plate-shaped workpieces, then the workpieces can be gripped and handled, but the holding force is insufficient for unmachined flat workpieces requiring additional support
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into two independent functional segments: vacuum suction cups for basic gripping and a separate holding device with sealing elements for additional holding force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device with sealing elements is combined with the vacuum suction cup array on the same base body. The sealing elements surround the suction cup array and can be independently actuated to provide additional holding force, merging two gripping mechanisms into one integrated device.
2Force
If the sealing element surrounds all suction cups, then the holding force is increased, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be movable relative to the suction cup array, allowing it to be actuated into different positions. This dynamic configuration enables the sealing element to engage with the workpiece only when additional holding force is needed, providing flexible control without permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-positioned to surround the suction cup array but remains disengaged until needed. The control system can activate the sealing element to engage with the workpiece before or during the gripping operation, preparing the additional holding force in advance when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual sealing elements are provided for each suction cup field, then individualized control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple suction cup fields, with each field having its own surrounding sealing element. This segmentation enables independent control of each suction cup field and its associated sealing element, allowing tailored gripping strategies for different workpiece geometries and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each suction cup field with its surrounding sealing element forms a universal modular unit that can handle different workpiece types and geometries. The same basic structure serves multiple functions by being independently controllable, reducing the need for specialized components for different applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides enhanced holding force by utilizing the sealing element to support the workpiece, enabling secure handling of flat and formed workpieces with varying geometries, and allows for optimized positioning and control of suction cups.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum suction cups are simultaneously pressurized with negative pressure by a pump
Implementation Method 2
Each of these vacuum suction cups consists of a suction element that engages the workpiece and a valve for controlling the vacuum suction
Implementation Method 3
the control device for applying a further negative pressure to the at least one sealing element for the plate-shaped workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device for a handling device (26) of a machine tool (11), in particular for handling plate-shaped workpieces (12), with several vacuum suction cups (35) provided on a base body (33), which are arranged to each other to form at least one suction field (39) and at least one suction field (39) can be pressurized with negative pressure for handling the workpiece (12), wherein at least one holding device (41) is provided on the base body (33), which has at least one sealing element (42) and surrounds at least one suction field (39), and which has at least one control device (47) for applying a negative pressure for the at least one sealing element (42) to grip the plate-shaped workpiece (12).