B - Operations – Transporting – 65 – G
Patent
B - Operations, Transporting
65
G
B65G 47/91 (2006.01) B25J 11/00 (2006.01) B65G 57/24 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 2291927
An end effector designed to be used with a computer- or processor-controlled industrial robot and to grasp layers of containers wrapped in packaging material. The end effector has a main body and two hands mounted on the main body, opposite one another. Each hand is powered by an actuator and operable to move between a first retracted, position and a second, extended position. Each hand has a plurality of fingers. In one embodiment each hand has numerous, relatively thin fingers that are designed to flex slightly when gripping a load. In another embodiment of the invention each hand has relatively few fingers and each finger is relatively rigid. Regardless of the type of fingers used, to pick up a load the end effector is moved into position by the robot over a layer of boxes and the hands are closed around it. A synchronization mechanism coupled to the first and second hands helps ensure that the hands open and close at a uniform rate. A vacuum assist system is then engaged to help maintain the grip on the layer of boxes. The vacuum assist system includes two vacuum plates coupled to the main body by an actuator and a row of vacuum devices coupled to the plates. The row of vacuum devices is movable by means of the two actuators between a first, upper position and a second, lower position. Once the hands have grasped a layer of boxes, the vacuum devices are lowered to engage the seam between adjacent boxes and provide additional gripping, i.e., a "vacuum assist."
Abb Flexible Automation Inc.
Smart & Biggar
LandOfFree
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