Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cover for gripping devices for objects with sensitive surfaces, especially for glass plates.

[0002] Gripping devices are used in various forms in a wide range of industries, such as the glass, furniture panel, aircraft, automotive, and electrical industries, for handling delicate objects. Particularly in the handling and transportation systems of the glass industry, gripping devices in the form of suction plates of various shapes and designs are used. It must be ensured that the suction devices do not damage the glass plates in any way. Damage can occur, for example, when dust or dirt particles present between the gripping device and the glass plate cause scratches when the suction cups move on the glass plate. Furthermore, the glass surface can become dirty during suction, and the contamination may potentially trigger a chemical reaction with the glass surface, especially with specially coated glasses, posing a significant problem. The likelihood of damage or contamination increases considerably with the wear of the seals of the suction devices. While suction plates with removable seals have been developed, which can be quickly and inexpensively replaced when worn, this does not eliminate the problem of potential damage to the glass surface.

[0003] The invention aims to provide a cost-effective solution to these problems with gripping devices for objects with sensitive surfaces, especially for glass plates.

[0004] The stated objective is achieved by a cover for gripping devices, characterized in that it is made of a flexible material with a velvety surface.

[0005] The cover of the gripping device prevents direct contact between the material of the gripping device and the object, such as a glass plate. The flexible material with the velvety surface reduces the local, point-like pressure or force exerted by potentially present hard dust particles on the glass surface, minimizing the likelihood of scratches. Additionally, the cover reduces the possibility of contamination of the object’s surface by the gripping device, which, for handling glass plates or similar objects, may advantageously be a suction plate.

[0006] To ensure that the cover can be easily and effortlessly attached to the gripping device, it is advisable to equip the cover with an elastic band.

[0007] For suction plates as gripping devices, it is advantageous for the cover to be air-permeable to not impair the suction effect of the gripping device. The material of the cover can be provided with pores for this purpose. Of course, it is also possible to punch ventilation openings from the material.

[0008] The flexibility and velvety softness of the material for the cover are ensured in a special way by a textile material. Therefore, the cover may preferably be made of a textile material such as fabric, knit, or woven material. However, the use of a film material for the cover is also possible.

[0009] To prevent the coating itself from becoming a source of contamination, the material used for the coating should ideally be lint-free.

[0010] As material for the cover, various options are possible in principle. The plastic material known under the brand name Tyvek is characterized by its tear, abrasion, and flex crack resistance, as well as excellent lint properties and resistance to chemicals. Therefore, the cover may preferably be made of Tyvek.

[0011] Below, a preferred embodiment is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing.

 [0012] The single figure shows a cross-section through a suction plate seal 10 of a gripping device for glass plates, not further depicted. The seal 10 is provided with a protective cover 11 according to the invention, which is provided with air passage openings, for example in the form of pores and/or holes, at least in the area of the seal opening 13. The cover 11 is held on the seal 10 by means of a rubber band 12.

Patent claims

1. Cover for gripping devices for objects with sensitive surfaces, especially for glass plates, characterized in that it is made of a flexible material with a velvety surface.
2. Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping device is a suction plate (10).
3. Cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with an elastic band (12).
4. Cover according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is air-permeable.
5. Cover according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is made of a textile material.
6. Cover according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is made of a fabric, knit, woven material, or a film.
7. Cover according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the material is lint-free.
8. Cover according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is made of Tyvek.