Robot grippers, also known as robot end effectors, are devices that industrial robots use to directly perform operations and are used to grip and carry objects. According to different classification standards, robot grippers can be divided into many types.
The following are some common types of robot grippers:
1. Classification by drive mode
Pneumatic grippers: Compressed air is used as the power source, and the movement of the fingers is achieved through a transmission mechanism. This type of gripper has a simple structure, low price, and easy maintenance, and is widely used in industrial automation production lines.
Servo motor driven grippers: Servo motors are used as the power source, and precise movement of the fingers is achieved through a precise control system. This type of gripper has the characteristics of high precision, high speed, and high responsiveness, and is suitable for occasions with high requirements for gripping accuracy.
2. Classification by structural characteristics
Clamp-type grippers: It is the most commonly used end effector in the robot assembly process. It is mostly driven by pneumatic or servo motors.
The closed-loop control is equipped with sensors to accurately control the start, stop, and speed of the fingers and accurately respond to external signals.
The clamp-type gripper has the characteristics of light weight, high output, high speed, low inertia, strong sensitivity, smooth rotation, and stable torque. Its structure is similar to the clamp-type gripper of the robot handling operation, but it has higher precision and better flexibility than the gripper of the handling operation.
Special gripper: An end effector that is set separately for a certain type of assembly occasion in the robot assembly operation, and some of them have magnetic force, which is often used for the assembly of screws and bolts.
This type of gripper is mostly driven by pneumatic or servo motors, and is equipped with corresponding sensors and control systems for precise control.
3. Classification according to the clamping method
External gripper: The object is clamped by the clamping force applied when the gripper jaws are closed. This is the most common clamping method.
Internal gripper: In some applications, due to the geometric shape of the object or the need to approach the outside of the object, the gripper clamps the object from the center through the expansion force.
4. Classification according to the transmission mechanism
Gear transmission type: The movement of the finger is realized by the gear mechanism.
Lever rotation type: The rotation of the finger is realized by the lever principle.
Rotational type: The fingers rotate around a certain axis.
Translational type: The fingers perform linear translational motion to clamp objects.
5. Other special types
Spring-assisted gripper: When the air pressure is no longer supplied, the elastic force of the spring is used to maintain the grip of the object to prevent the object from falling.
Vacuum suction cup gripper: The vacuum suction force is used to adsorb the surface of the object to achieve gripping, which is suitable for handling thin sheets, paper and other objects that are easily deformed or damaged.
In summary, there are many types of robot grippers, each with its own characteristics and applicable occasions.
When choosing a robot gripper, it is necessary to make comprehensive considerations based on the specific application requirements, working environment and object characteristics.