Vacuum moving systems are widely used in various industries and construction. With the help of such devices, typical manipulations with a variety of materials are carried out reliably and safely within the framework of logistics and production processes. For fast and frequent high-altitude movement, a vacuum elevator is used, which can have various performance characteristics and structural design.
General principle of the lift
The device contains special vacuum suction cups in the design, due to which the target material is captured. Next, the held object is moved along a given motion path. The principle of vacuum capture is ensured by the force of a special pump with a generator that provides suction of the suction cup. Roughly speaking, under the action of pneumatic compression, a dense connection of the surface of the suction cup and the target material occurs with a certain load, sufficient to perform subsequent manipulations without breaking. Some modifications include a hook in the mechanical gripping system, which also allows parallel hooking of cans, buckets, boxes and other objects having a suspension point.
Types of vacuum gripping mechanisms
Since the conditions for performing capture and movement operations may be different, the designs of the working mechanisms also differ. We are talking about the basis of vacuum capture, which is in direct contact with the surface of the object. The following varieties of it are distinguished:
- A single grip is the simplest small-sized solution that is optimally suited for servicing boxes, hulls, plates, etc.
- Round grip is a special mechanism for working with rough materials. For example, vacuum hoists for metal, stone slabs and wooden products that have undergone rough abrasion are supplied with such heads.
- Double capture - a system that is used in working with objects that require retention at several points. In particular, if it is planned to move glued, connected or unreliably joined in another way boxes on weight.
- Multifunctional grip - the most complex design of the retention mechanism, which involves the simultaneous operation of four or more fixation heads. This is the best vacuum lift for glass and other fragile materials, which are presented in the format of large panels. In this case, retention at several load points is required, which eliminates the risk of breakage and damage to products under their own weight.
Crane mechanisms in the lift system
Capturing the target is only half the battle. Further, its direct movement is required, for which the crane is responsible. Its design is usually made of steel or aluminum (anodized alloy) beams and profiles that are designed for specific application conditions. The basis of the crane is a supporting or suspension base. In the first case, it is a floor vertical column, which is securely fixed and, if necessary, insured with reinforcing elements. In the case of the hinged system, the design of the rail ceiling manipulator is implemented. The vacuum hoist moves along predetermined routes within the working area on rigid suspension mounts, for example, in the form of a chain hoist. The force for the movement of such a transport trolley creates a power unit with its own energy supply.
Communication hose device
A generator, a crane and vacuum grippers connect the lifting element to each other. It directly connects the mobile hoist and devices to the suction cups. The lifting element acts both as a bearing part, and as a full-fledged functional organ that provides nutrition and coordination of the movement of the working mechanism. In a vacuum hose lift, it is presented in the form of a spring balancer with long handles, along which the direct direction of the grippers is provided. The surfaces of the lifting sleeve are additionally protected by covers that prevent mechanical, thermal and chemical damage to the critical communication circuit.
Control system operation
The capture and movement processes in the complex are controlled by the operator through a special remote control. The simplest button modules allow you to perform basic operations of the pneumatic system and crane equipment, and in more advanced versions the mechanisms also support auxiliary functions:
- Air saving pneumatics.
- Turn.
- Long retention in place.
- Speed adjustment
An automatic vacuum elevator can operate according to a given algorithm in the cyclic repetition mode without the direct involvement of the operator. In addition, the latest systems use the wireless principle of communication, which eliminates the need for routing busbars to the control panel.
Key Features
Among the main technical and operational parameters of this equipment, the following can be distinguished:
- Payload - from 35 to 350 kg.
- Turning angle - from 90 ° to 180 °.
- Operating voltage for electric drive - single-phase 220 V networks are usually used
- Lifting height - usually limited by the position of the top point of the crane and can reach 2.5-3.5 m, depending on the model.
- The speed of movement of the vacuum lift - a maximum of an average of 45-60 m / min., But in modern models, as already noted, it is possible to adjust this parameter.
Features of battery lifts
A less common version of the vacuum gripping and moving system, which is completely autonomous during the work process. The presence in the design of rechargeable batteries eliminates the need to bring electrical cables to 12 V, which determines the specifics of the use of equipment. Such models are used as mobile forklifts in the construction industry to transport various materials with flat surfaces. For example, a vacuum elevator for cladding panels can be used both manually and mechanically. In conditions of complete autonomy, a construction with a seized building material is transferred by two workers, and in the conditions of mechanization, special equipment with a drive performs the same task. The difference is only in the energy levels from the battery - in complex mode or in part (only the capture device is supplied).
Conclusion
Vacuum lifting equipment is an example of a combination of manufacturability, functionality and economy. To a large extent, the combination of such conflicting properties became possible thanks to the principle of operation of the pneumatic gripping mechanism, which consumes a minimum of energy, but at the same time effectively performs its task. At the same time, a number of technical and structural difficulties remain when organizing the operation of a vacuum elevator precisely as stationary equipment in production. To achieve high performance indicators, the creation of an appropriate infrastructure with a power drive, a structural base of manipulators and auxiliary control nodes is required. However, these shortcomings are becoming a thing of the past as technological development and general optimization of vacuum-pneumatic mechanisms.