New Compact Valve From Schmalz Centralizes Vacuum Gripping
The new LQE compact valves from Schmalz feature a small, lightweight design that can be mounted directly to robotic arms to reduce system complexity, featuring IO-Link for data monitoring.
Schmalz, a leader in vacuum and efficient industrial handling and gripping systems, has recently announced the release of a new fast-acting compact valve for vacuum allocation on automated systems. The solution is designed to be minimal in both footprint and weight, allowing it to be mounted directly to robotic arms or the gripper itself. The LQE compact valve is capable of routing the necessary vacuum in mere fractions of a second.
The LQE can seal in the event of power failure to keep the product in place. The valve is small enough to be mounted on a robotic arm, close to the tool. Image used courtesy of Schmalz
Fast-Acting Valve for Vacuum Routing
In order to maximize the throughput of automated gripping systems, gripping speed is a major concern. The two most significant players in gripping speed for suction-based grippers are the time it takes for suction to be created at the generator and the time for the vacuum to propagate from the generator to the end tool.
In order to speed up gripping times, the LQE is able to operate with extremely short evacuation and ventilation times. Faster grip times translate to higher throughput and increased production of manufacturing equipment.
Although this is a valve and not a vacuum generator, the use of a central vacuum system allows these compact control valves to be placed closer to the end tools, reducing the propagation time.
In addition to fast vacuum speeds, the valve has been designed to accept digital plant infrastructure. As part of the Schmalz Connect series, the valves can use IO-Link to provide process and status data to upper-level control systems at all times. This can be useful for ensuring plant uptime and helps with preventative maintenance. Remote specialists can gain access to the equipment remotely to check on system status. It gives them the ability to detect slight changes in equipment operation to help predict failures before they occur.
Features of the LQE Compact Valve
The LQEc/LQEi compact valves from Schmalz contain many unique features to help customers with their vacuum generation needs, especially where speed and size are a factor. They can be used as vacuum regulation and control devices for central vacuum generation on one or more circuits. When used in combination with electric vacuum generators, they can be used to set up all-electric vacuum generation infrastructure.
The valves feature a direct-acting 3/2-way valve that helps to consolidate the system for installation directly on the gripper. This can help manufacturers realize the benefits of process monitoring for vacuum systems directly at the gripper, helping to reduce system complexity. Installation time and startup costs can be reduced as a result of the integrated vacuum switch, which reduces the number of components necessary for the valve's operation.
The LQEc/LQEi compact valves feature a small, lightweight plastic housing. Image used courtesy of Schmalz
How Do the Compact Valves Work?
The valves are composed of an optimized flow cross-section. This allows the valves to deposit work objects electrically, without the use of compressed air, helping to save on energy costs. The valves are bistable with end fixing and an additional check valve, meaning that they stay in the current state of operation even in the event of a power interruption. This helps to prevent the gripper from dropping product, and improves process reliability in the event of a power failure.
Connection to the central control system is achieved using an M12 connector to facilitate easy discrete signaling and reliable operation, or the optional IO-Link control is available for systems that have the capability. A simple LED indicator is available to display valve status, and the valves are capable of creating 240 L/min of nominal flow from their plastic body housing.
Providing new, compact solutions for air-powered end tools while minimizing wasteful consumed air is important for efficient manufacturing operations. Solutions like the new LQE series from Schmalz provide modern methods of providing the right grip to the right product as effectively as possible.
