Vacuum generator equipment

Abstract

A vacuum generator device (1) is proposed, comprising at least one vacuum generator unit (2), the vacuum generator unit (2) having a working unit (12) having an ejector unit (42) configured to generate a vacuum and a vacuum control valve device (23) configured to load compressed air onto the ejector unit (42). The vacuum generator unit (2) further includes a display and operation module (14) which is pivotally supported at the working unit (12) by means of a pivot support device (52). The display and operation module (14) can be selectively positioned in a basic position that at least partially covers the working unit (12) or in a pivoting position that pivots upwards away from the working unit (12). In this way, the display device (79) and the operation device (80) of the display and operation module (14) can be advantageously positioned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vacuum generator device.

[0002] - Equipped with at least one vacuum generator unit, which extends in the main direction along the main axis, in the height direction along a vertical axis orthogonal to the main axis, and in the lateral direction along a horizontal axis orthogonal not only to the main axis but also to the vertical axis.

[0003] - The vacuum generator device has two axial end sides oriented relative to each other in the main direction, an upper side oriented in the height direction, and a lower side opposite to the upper side.

[0004] -The vacuum generator unit includes a working unit having an ejector unit through which compressed air can flow to generate a vacuum that can be drawn from the vacuum tap opening of the working unit, and an electrically operable vacuum control valve device for controlling the compressed air loading required for this purpose in the ejector unit.

[0005] - Furthermore, the vacuum generator unit includes a display and operation module that, when in the basic position, extends along the working unit in the main direction on the upper side of the vacuum generator unit. In the basic position, the display and operation module has a display device configured for visualizing status information and an operation device configured for manually inputting and / or requesting operating parameters on the functional side pointing upward away from the working unit. Background Technology

[0006] The vacuum generator device of this type disclosed in EP 2 300 721 B1 includes a working unit, which in particular has an ejector unit and a vacuum control valve device configured to operate the ejector unit. Compressed air from the ejector unit, generated by the vacuum control valve device, is applied to the suction zone to create a vacuum, which can be drawn from a vacuum tap opening constructed outside the vacuum generator unit. This vacuum can be used, for example, to operate a suction-type sauggreifer. Extending along the upper side of the working unit is a display and operation module, called a contact unit, fixed thereon. This module has an LCD display for showing various operating states on its upward-facing functional side, and input devices in the form of buttons for manually setting the internal control electronics. The contact unit is inserted into the working unit from above, and the working unit for this purpose has at least one communication interface arranged at the vacuum control valve device and configured as a plug-in device.

[0007] DE 10 2004 031 924 A1 describes a vacuum generator device having multiple vacuum generator units, each referred to as an ejector, which are collectively fixed to a housing. Each vacuum generator unit has various buttons and multiple displays on its upper side for inputting and visualizing operating parameters.

[0008] A vacuum generator device is known from DE 10 2007 058 114 A1, which has a vacuum generator unit equipped with an ejector unit and a control valve configured to operate the ejector unit. The vacuum generator unit also includes a regulating device for electrically operating the control valve. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of this invention is to incorporate measures in a vacuum generator device that allow for comfortable operation while maintaining a compact size.

[0010] This task is addressed in the vacuum generator device by incorporating the features mentioned earlier, wherein the display and operation module is oscillatingly supported at the working unit by means of an oscillating support device, thereby enabling it to be selectively positioned in a basic position or in at least one oscillating position that oscillates upward away from the working unit by means of a module oscillating motion that can be performed about the oscillation center.

[0011] The vacuum generator device according to the invention comprises one or more vacuum generator units, which, according to the suction nozzle principle, can generate a vacuum that can be drawn at a vacuum tap opening. The at least one vacuum generator unit includes an ejector unit through which compressed air can flow to generate a vacuum. The ejector unit is also part of a structural assembly referred to as a working unit, such as an electrically operable vacuum control valve device, through which the compressed air loading required to generate a vacuum can be controlled. The vacuum generator unit also includes a display and operation module that occupies a basic position on the upper side of the vacuum generator unit when the vacuum generator device is used as intended, in which it covers the working unit along at least a portion of its length in the main direction. On the functional side opposite to the working unit, the display and operation module has a display device configured for visualizing status information and an operation device configured for manually inputting and / or requesting operating parameters. Because the display and operation module extends along the upper side of the working unit, orthogonally oriented to the main direction, the vacuum generator unit can achieve a compact length dimension while ensuring comfortable operation. The information visualized by the display device can be easily identified, and the operation device can be manipulated in a gripping manner. Another advantage lies in the swingability of the display and operation module, which allows it to swing, at least temporarily, from its base position to a swing position that swings upwards away from the working unit when needed. This is for example, to orient the functional side equipped with the display and operation devices in a manner conducive to operation and viewing, and / or to make the area of ​​the working unit that is obscured by the display and operation module in the base position accessible without having to remove the display and operation module from the working unit. For example, the module's swinging motion allows access to display elements and / or operation elements that may be present in the working unit and are covered by the display and operation module in the base position, and / or it can create the preconditions for the simple assembly and disassembly of vacuum control valve devices, where obstruction caused by the display and operation module would necessitate its removal from the working unit. The display and operation module, temporarily swinging to the swing position, can also swing back to its base position towards the working unit at any time.

[0012] Advantageous improvements of the invention are known from the dependent claims.

[0013] Suitably, the display and operation module is securely and non-swingingly fastened in its basic position in a detachable manner by a working unit latch. Preferably, a latching connection device is provided, which automatically activates and achieves a detachable latching due to a certain elasticity when the display and operation module is swung into the basic position. The latching connection device is specifically constructed such that it automatically releases the latching due to a certain elasticity when a swinging force is manually applied to the display and operation module. The latching solution ensures reliable maintenance of the basic position even in the installation position of the vacuum generator equipment (where the upper side of the at least one vacuum generator unit is oriented horizontally or downwardly).

[0014] The swing support device is constructed in such a way that the swing motion of the display and operation module occurs in a swing plane that is parallel not only to the main axis of the vacuum generator unit but also to the vertical axis.

[0015] Preferably, the swing support device is designed such that the center of the module's swing motion is defined by a swing axis extending in the transverse direction of the vacuum generator unit. Advantageously, the swing axis is fixedly arranged with respect to the working unit's position in any direction orthogonal to the transverse axis and does not undergo any positional change. In this way, the display and operation module can swing with particular precision and be positioned as desired.

[0016] The display and operation module can, in principle, be connected to the working unit as a single piece, wherein the swing support device has a flexible solid hinge to define the swing center. However, a preferred design, which guarantees simpler manufacturing and exceptional durability, involves a display and operation module that is a separate component from the working unit, while the swing support device has at least one swing support body that defines the swing axis and through which the display and operation module is oscillatingly connected to the working unit.

[0017] The at least one swing support is suitably a separate body with respect to the display and operation module and / or working unit.

[0018] For example, the at least one swing support is a swing support pin fastened to the working unit, which is completely or partially surrounded by the display and operation module in a swingable manner. In the case of only partial enclosure, the swing support device can be implemented such that the display and operation module can be clamped onto the swing support pin.

[0019] The swing support device may have only one swing support body, or it may have multiple swing supports, and in particular two swing supports.

[0020] The swing support device is suitably arranged in the region of one of the two axial end sides of at least one vacuum generator unit. Therefore, the swing center of the module's swing motion is associated with one of the two axial end sides of the vacuum generator unit. Combined with a swing axis oriented parallel to the transverse axis of the vacuum generator unit, this provides the feasibility of displaying and operating the module to swing to such a swing position in which the maximum possible area of ​​the working unit can be accessed unobstructed from above.

[0021] It is considered particularly advantageous if the swing center for the module's swing motion and the vacuum tap opening are associated with opposite axial end sides of the working unit. In this case, the vacuum tap opening is located in the region of one of the two axial end sides of the vacuum generator unit, opposite to the axial end side of the vacuum generator unit where the swing support is located. This allows the display and operating module to be used and manipulated as far away from the vacuum tap opening as possible, thereby reducing the risk of obstruction by, for example, a suction gripper connected to the vacuum tap opening.

[0022] Suitablely, the display and operation module is shorter than the working unit, wherein the display and operation module extends only a portion of the length of the working unit in the main direction in its basic position. In the basic position of the display and operation module, therefore only a length segment of the working unit connected to the swing center, shorter than the total length of the working unit, is covered by the display and operation module. Thus, even in the basic position of the display and operation module, a segment of the outer surface of the working unit oriented in the same direction as the functional side of the display and operation module can be provided for constructing display and / or operation elements that are readily accessible at all times.

[0023] Preferably, the swing support device is arranged in the upper region of the vacuum generator unit, more specifically, in such a way that the swing center is at least substantially at the same height as the upward upper outer surface of the working unit in the height direction of the vacuum generator unit. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous that swinging out of the basic position display and operation module does not result in an extension of the vacuum generator unit, or only a slight extension. This is beneficial for accommodating the vacuum generator equipment in limited available space. This design is considered particularly advantageous when combined with a structural configuration in which the swing support device is arranged in the region of one of the two axial end sides of the vacuum generator unit.

[0024] Advantageously, the display and operation module can swing from its base position to at least a vertical swing position, in which it swings upwards by 90 degrees about the base position. With the swing axis parallel to the transverse axis of the vacuum generator unit, the functional side of the display and operation module is oriented in the main direction in the 90-degree swing position. The swing support can be constructed such that the maximum swing angle of the display and operation module is limited to 90 degrees, but larger swing angles can also be easily provided.

[0025] In the lateral direction of the vacuum generator unit, the display and operation module suitably has the same width as the vacuum control valve device. Therefore, in the basic position of the display and operation module, the vacuum control valve device completely covers the entire length covered by the display and operation module. The display and operation module can be equipped with a well-readable display and easily operable operating devices without increasing the structural width of the vacuum generator unit to exceed the width of the vacuum control valve device.

[0026] To provide the vacuum control valve device with the electrical control signals required for its operation, particularly for applying or removing operating voltage, it is advantageous that the working unit has an internal communication structure electrically connected to the vacuum control valve device, which is connected to or at least connectable to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit can be an integral part of the vacuum generator equipment or an external unit. The communication structure suitably has an interface for connecting to an internal or external electronic control unit that provides electrical control signals for manipulating the vacuum control valve device. Preferably, an electrical connection exists between the communication structure and the display and operation module, achieved by means of a flexible, bent conductor line extending particularly within the vacuum generator unit, which is deformable during module oscillation. This eliminates the need to disconnect the conductor line from the display and operation module, i.e., from the display and operation devices, when module oscillation is to be performed. The bending flexibility can involve the entire length of the conductor line or only a portion of its length in the area of ​​the oscillation support device. Preferably, the flexible conductor line is constructed as a flexible flat cable.

[0027] A preferred structure for the display and operation module includes a module housing in which at least one module circuit board is arranged, at least partially supporting the display device and the operation device. Preferably, the module housing is at least partially transparent on the functional side so that information visualized by the internal display device is visible from the outside. The module housing may also have a wall penetration on the functional side for the operating elements of the operation device. The aforementioned flexible, bent conductor lines are particularly connected to the module circuit board, preferably by means of plug-in connections, for electrical connection with the display device and the operation device.

[0028] In a suitable design of this vacuum generator device, at least one, and preferably each vacuum generator unit, has an upper outer surface constructed at the working unit in a region on its upper side. This upper outer surface is at least partially covered in the basic position of the display and operation module. At least one manually activated control element and / or at least one display element are arranged in the region covered by the display and operation module. In at least one swing position where the display and operation module is raised from the basic position, the corresponding control and / or display element can be accessed from the upper side of the vacuum generator unit. Therefore, the user of the vacuum generator device has the feasibility to use the display and / or control elements of the working unit even when temporarily inaccessible, by bringing the display and / or control elements to the corresponding swing position.

[0029] At least one actuating element and / or at least one display element of the working unit are particularly components of the vacuum control valve device. In particular, the at least one actuating element may be a manually activated auxiliary actuating device of the vacuum control valve device, which can be used to manually operate the vacuum control valve device independently of electrical control signals, for example, for setup or testing purposes. At least one display element of the vacuum control valve device is, for example, a status display element that visualizes the current operating status of the vacuum control valve device, particularly its on / off position.

[0030] In a suitable design, at least one vacuum generator unit has a base unit comprising an ejector unit, and a valve assembly face is constructed thereon. A vacuum control valve assembly is fixed to this valve assembly face in a particularly detachable manner. The detachability of the vacuum control valve assembly facilitates installation and removal from the base unit as needed. The vacuum control valve assembly is secured to the base unit, particularly by a threaded connection.

[0031] The swingable support of the display and operation module is located at the base unit, and more specifically, in such a way that the display and operation module at least partially covers the vacuum control valve device mounted on the valve assembly surface in its basic position. The display and operation module can swing to at least one swing position within the frame of module swing movement, in which the cover of the vacuum control valve device is raised, thereby allowing the vacuum control valve device to be assembled and disassembled unimpeded, particularly from the upper side of the vacuum generator unit.

[0032] Suitably, the base unit has a valve-receiving area that opens at least to the upper side of the vacuum generator unit, which is limited on the lower side by a valve mounting surface, and in which the assembled vacuum control valve device is fully or partially housed. In one of the two axial end sides of the vacuum generator unit, the valve-receiving area is limited by a module-supporting section of the base unit that carries the display and operation module. The display and operation elements are pivotally supported at the module-supporting section by a pivot support device. The aforementioned flexible conductor lines can extend through the module-supporting section, if present. For this purpose, the module-supporting section is at least partially constructed to be hollow. Under the combined action of the module-supporting section, the pivot center, limited by the pivot support device, is suitably located a distance in the main direction in front of the vacuum control valve device, so that at least in the 90-degree pivot position of the display and operation module, the vacuum control valve device is completely uncovered on its upper side in the pointing height direction.

[0033] A suitable structural configuration of the vacuum generator device is such that, at least one vacuum generator unit, the base unit has a substrate with a valve mounting surface and a muffler housing, comprising a muffler, disposed in the substrate in a mating region. The muffler housing is attached to the substrate, particularly in the main direction. An ejector unit extends at least a portion of its length within the substrate, the ejector unit comprising an ejector nozzle, a collection nozzle, and a suction region disposed between the ejector nozzle and the collection nozzle. Preferably, the ejector unit is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the ejector, which is parallel to the main axis. In principle, the ejector unit can be completely housed within the substrate, but preferably it extends through the mating region so that it is partially housed within the substrate and partially within the muffler housing. The ejector nozzle is fluidly connected to a vacuum control valve device mounted on the valve mounting surface via an air inlet channel constructed in the substrate, thereby enabling the vacuum control valve device to control the loading of compressed air in the air outlet channel to generate a vacuum. The suction region of the ejector unit is fluidly connected to a vacuum tap opening constructed on the external vacuum tap surface of the base unit via a vacuum channel. For example, a suction gripper or other device to be vacuumed for manipulation purposes can be connected to the vacuum tap opening. An air outlet passage through the muffler housing and the muffler therein is connected to the collecting nozzle, through which compressed air required to generate the vacuum is blown as exhaust gas into the surrounding environment. For this purpose, the air outlet opening constructed at the air outlet face is located in the muffler housing. While the vacuum tap opening preferably points in the main direction, the air outlet opening is suitably oriented perpendicular to it, particularly in the height direction.

[0034] The module-bearing section belonging to the basic unit is suitably fixed to the base as a separate component, especially by means of threaded connections. The base is suitably located between the muffler housing and the module-bearing section in the main direction. The muffler housing is also suitably fastened to the base by means of threaded connections.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one vacuum generator unit is equipped with a device that allows for the rapid release of negative pressure generated in the vacuum channel when needed. Therefore, an object held by a suction gripper connected to the vacuum tap opening can be very quickly lowered or ejected again when required. The device particularly includes a ventilation channel that communicates with the vacuum channel and can be used to apply overpressure to the vacuum channel when needed. This overpressure application can be controlled by a vacuum control valve device.

[0036] During operation, the active ventilation of the vacuum channel will be periodically implemented in a pulsed manner with short overpressure pulses, which will also be referred to below as ejection pulses, as they help to actively eject objects held by means of a suction gripper.

[0037] Preferably, during the process of connecting the throttling section to the ventilation channel, the throttling section has a throttling element suitable for variable adjustment of the flow cross section, which is particularly constructed as a throttling thread. This throttling thread has an operating section, which can represent the operating element of the working unit mentioned above. The intensity of the ejection pulse can be adjusted using the throttling element so that the characteristics of the object to be manipulated by the suction gripper can be taken into account individually.

[0038] Advantageously, the air pressure at the vacuum tap opening can be monitored. To achieve this, it is preferable that the vacuum tap opening communicates with a sensor channel, which leads to a pressure sensor housed within the working device, allowing the pressure sensor to detect the pressure present at the vacuum tap opening. In particular, the pressure sensor is used to monitor a desired negative pressure at the vacuum tap opening. Preferably, the sensor channel for connection to the vacuum tap opening is coupled to the aforementioned vacuum channel, where the same pressure as at the vacuum tap opening is present. The pressure sensor is suitably housed within the aforementioned substrate of the working unit.

[0039] The pressure sensor is suitably mounted on a circuit board, also referred to below as the sensor circuit board, which is secured within a substrate. Evaluation electronics may be located on the sensor circuit board. This evaluation electronics evaluates the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor and triggers measures based on the result, such as automatically switching the compressed air supply to the air inlet channel to implement an air-saving circuit. Diagnostic functions may also be implemented in the evaluation electronics. Preferably, the evaluation electronics are connected to the aforementioned electronic control unit via the sensor circuit board, particularly via the also mentioned internal communication structure of the working unit.

[0040] At least one vacuum generator unit has a vacuum control valve device configured to control the compressed air loading onto the associated injector unit. Specifically, it is capable of selectively supplying compressed air to the injection nozzles of the injector unit or interrupting the compressed air supply. Optionally, the feasibility of venting the inlet of the injector unit via the vacuum control valve device can be provided, especially in the absence of a separate ventilation path.

[0041] The controlled compressed air loading of the injector unit and the optional ventilation duct is carried out in a coordinated manner. For this purpose, the vacuum control valve device can be configured, for example, as a 3 / 3-way valve, having a locked position as an additional on / off position in which neither the injector unit nor the ventilation duct is loaded with compressed air.

[0042] Vacuum control valve devices, especially electro-dynamic pre-controlled directional valves.

[0043] In one possible design, the vacuum generator device consists of a single vacuum generator unit, and thus can be described as a vacuum generator device in the form of a separate vacuum generator unit. However, a preferred embodiment is configured such that the vacuum generator device has multiple vacuum generator units, which are combined into a vacuum generator structural assembly and mechanically interconnected to achieve unified operation. In this case, the multiple vacuum generator units are arranged in rows in a direction orthogonal to their main direction and are mechanically connected directly or indirectly to each other, for example, by multiple tie rods. This is, in particular, a detachable connection. The working units of the rows of vacuum generator units are provided with a common supply channel for connection to an external compressed air source through this row direction. This supply channel is called the structural assembly supply channel and is connected in each vacuum generator unit to its vacuum control valve device to provide the compressed air required for the compressed air loading of the control ejector unit and optional ventilation channels.

[0044] To accomplish a wide range of control tasks, vacuum generator assemblies can not only have vacuum generator units as functional units, but can also be additionally equipped with one or more valve units. These valve units are not used to generate a vacuum, but rather to achieve pneumatic control of pneumatic actuators, such as linear actuators operated by compressed air. Such valve units can be grouped together with the vacuum generator units in adjacent rows, or arranged in any orientation.

[0045] For the control of multiple vacuum control valve devices contained in the vacuum generator structural assembly, it is advantageous to have an electrical communication line running through the vacuum generator units in a row-to-row orientation. This communication line is electrically connected to the vacuum control valve devices and display and operation modules within each vacuum generator unit. In each vacuum generator unit, this communication line performs the function of the communication structure already mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0047] Figure 1 The perspective view shows a preferred design of the vacuum generator device according to the invention as a vacuum generator structural assembly in a suitable structural shape, wherein a display and operation module is shown occupying its basic position, and wherein a controllable suction gripper is schematically drawn.

[0048] Figure 2 Shown in top view Figure 1 The vacuum generator device in which the view direction is based on Figure 1 Arrow II in the middle,

[0049] Figure 3 From and Figure 1 Different perspectives show the following Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another perspective view of the vacuum generator equipment.

[0050] Figure 4 Shown in perspective Figures 1 to 3 The vacuum generator device, wherein the display and operation module of the vacuum generator unit is displayed as an oscillating position oscillating from the basic position, wherein it is a 90-degree oscillating position,

[0051] Figure 5 Show Figures 1 to 4 According to the vacuum generator equipment in Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along the VV line shows the display and operation modules in their basic positions, while the vacuum control valve device is only symbolically illustrated.

[0052] Figure 6 Showing with Figure 5 A similar cross-sectional view, but with a display and operation module swinging to a 90-degree swing position, and in the disassembled vacuum control valve assembly lifted from the valve assembly surface, and

[0053] Figure 7-9 They were displayed respectively Figures 1 to 4 A separate perspective view of one of the vacuum generator units included in the vacuum generator structural assembly, wherein, Figure 7 Similar to Figure 5 The assembled vacuum generator unit, with its display and operation modules in their basic position, is shown. Figure 8 The assembled vacuum generator unit, featuring a display and operation module tilted 90 degrees, is shown. Figure 9 The vacuum generator unit, which displays and operates the display and operation modules in a 90-degree swing position in the disassembled state, and the vacuum control valve device removed from the base unit, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figures 1 to 4 The image shows a vacuum generator device 1, which, among other things, has multiple vacuum generator units 2, one of which is also... Figures 5 to 9 It is shown separately again in the middle.

[0055] Each vacuum generator unit 2 is capable of generating a vacuum, also known as a negative pressure, independently of other vacuum generator units 2, which can be drawn from an externally accessible vacuum pump 3 for any purpose.

[0056] A preferred use of the vacuum generator device 1 is configured for the operation of the suction gripper 4, one of which is in Figure 1 The image is schematically shown, in which such a suction gripper 4 can be detachably connected or attached to each vacuum tap opening 3 via a suction line 5. With the aid of the suction gripper 4, an object 6, such as a workpiece, can be temporarily held in place by negative pressure for manipulation and, in particular, repositioning.

[0057] The suction gripper 4 includes, for example, one or more suction cups. To grip and hold the object 6, the suction gripper 4, positioned at the object 6 with a suction opening, is evacuated, caused by the aforementioned vacuum, which generates the suction flow 7 indicated by the arrow. To place the object 6, the vacuum can be released, and the suction gripper 4 can be vented at atmospheric pressure or overpressure. This functionality is also provided by the vacuum generator unit 2.

[0058] In embodiments not shown, the vacuum generator device 1 comprises only a single vacuum generator unit 2. In the preferred embodiment shown, the vacuum generator unit 2 is equipped with multiple vacuum generator units 2, which are mechanically connected and combined into a unified, operable structural assembly. Therefore, the vacuum generator device 1 can be referred to as a vacuum generator structural assembly 1a. The multiple vacuum generator units 2 can operate independently of each other.

[0059] Within the vacuum generator assembly 1a, vacuum generator units 2 are arranged side-by-side in the direction 8 (shown by dashed lines) and mechanically connected to each other. For this mechanical connection, a plurality of rod-shaped tie rods 11 are provided, passing through the vacuum generator units 2 arranged in the direction 8 and clamping each other in a detachable manner. Alternatively, the vacuum generator units 2 can be fastened to their respective connected vacuum generator units 2 by fastening threads, or can be independently assembled onto a common, for example, plate-shaped vacuum unit carrier.

[0060] The preferred structural design of the illustrated vacuum generator assembly 1a includes only the functional unit configured as vacuum generator unit 2. In embodiments not shown, the vacuum generator assembly 1a may also include other types of functional units, particularly one or more valve units suitable for pneumatically controlled pneumatic actuators.

[0061] The vacuum generator structural assembly 1a also suitably includes two end modules 18a, 18b, which are disposed on two opposite ends of a row of vacuum generator units 2 in the direction 8 of their respective rows, and are suitably also secured by a tie rod 11 or other fastening device.

[0062] To control the operation of the vacuum generator unit 2, an electronic control unit 21 is suitably provided. This is exemplarily an external control unit connected to the electromechanical interface 20 of the vacuum generator structural assembly 1a, which is exemplarily located at the first end module 18a of the two end modules 18a, 18b. The electromechanical interface 20 can be configured as a multi-pole connection for parallel signal transmission or a fieldbus connection for serial signal transmission.

[0063] Attached to or alternative to the external electronic control unit 21, the vacuum generator structural assembly 1a may have an internal electronic control unit and / or an internal fieldbus communication unit.

[0064] Each vacuum generator unit 2 is capable of controlling the flow of compressed air for generating a vacuum and, if necessary, for the driving force of the suction gripper 4. This compressed air is supplied to each vacuum generator unit 2 through a structural assembly supply channel 22 that passes through all the vacuum generator units 2 in a row 8, and, for example, has a connection opening 22a at the first end module 18a, through which an external compressed air source P is connected during the operation of the vacuum generator device 1.

[0065] In the vacuum generator unit 2, the structural assembly supply channel 22 is connected to the electrically operable control valve device 23 belonging to the corresponding vacuum generator unit 2, which is also referred to below as the vacuum control valve device 23.

[0066] Preferably, the vacuum generator units 2 arranged in a row are also traversed in the rowing direction 8 by at least one common ventilation channel 24 for ventilation purposes, referred to as the structural assembly ventilation channel 24, and this ventilation channel is exemplaryly present in dual form. At least one structural assembly ventilation channel 24 is connected to the atmosphere through a ventilation opening 24a, exemplaryly arranged on the exterior of the first end module 18a.

[0067] However, the ventilation channel 24 of the at least one structural assembly is exemplary and non-functional. Therefore, the vacuum generator unit 2 is internally constructed such that there is no fluid connection between the ventilation channel 24 of the at least one structural assembly and the vacuum control valve device 23, which from... Figure 5 This is clearly visible. Nevertheless, it is certainly feasible to provide such an internal fluid connection in the vacuum generator unit 2 if it is functionally appropriate.

[0068] If, as previously stated, the vacuum generator structural assembly 1a also includes one or more valve units suitable for pneumatic drives, then the ventilation passage of the at least one structural assembly can be used for common ventilation of these valve units.

[0069] The structural assembly ventilation channel 22 and at least one optional structural assembly ventilation channel 24 consist of channel segments arranged in rows, which are configured as straight-through channels in each vacuum generator unit 2. Seals (not described in more detail) arranged between adjacent vacuum generator units 2 are responsible for sealing in the transition area.

[0070] The vacuum generator assembly 1a suitably includes an electrical communication line 25 extending through all functional units 12 in a row 8 direction. This line has, on the one hand, the previously mentioned electrical interface 20, and on the other hand, a communication structure 25a within each vacuum generator unit 2 electrically connected to the associated vacuum control valve device 23. In this way, the vacuum control valve device 23 receives the electrical control signals required for its operation from the electronic control unit 21. The communication line 25 extends through a cavity called a communication channel 29, which passes through all vacuum generator units and is composed of channel segments arranged in a row from each vacuum generator unit 2.

[0071] The communication line 25 includes multiple communication structures 25a respectively arranged in one of the vacuum generator units 2. For example, the communication line 25 is implemented via a circuit board assembly composed of circuit boards from each of the vacuum generator units 2. These circuit boards are electrically and mechanically interconnected when the vacuum generator units 2 are interconnected, forming a modular circuit board assembly. Each circuit board forms a communication structure 25a. Alternatively, the circuit board assembly can also consist of a single, continuous, and particularly integral circuit board, where the length segments of this continuous circuit board form the individual communication structures 25a. In particular, if the vacuum generator device 1 includes only a single vacuum generator unit 2, the communication structure 25a can be configured, for example, as a separate electromechanical interface element, enabling cable connection to an external electronic control unit 21.

[0072] In the following text, especially in reference Figures 5 to 9 A preferred structure for the vacuum generator unit 2 is described. The described structure is suitable for all vacuum generator units 2 in the vacuum generator structural assembly 1a.

[0073] The vacuum generator 2 has a fictitious main axis 26 indicated by a dashed line, the axial direction of which is called the main direction 26a. The dimensions on the main direction 26a define the structural length of the vacuum generator unit 2.

[0074] The vacuum generator unit 2 also has a vertical axis 27 orthogonal to the main axis 26, the axial direction of which is referred to as the height direction 27a, wherein the dimensions in the height direction 27a define the structural height of the vacuum generator unit 2.

[0075] Finally, the vacuum generator unit 2 has an imaginary transverse axis 28 orthogonal to both the main axis 26 and the vertical axis 27, the axial direction of which defines the transverse direction 28a. The dimension in the transverse direction defines the structural width of the vacuum generator unit 2. Figure 3 In the middle, the horizontal axis 28 extends perpendicularly to the drawing plane.

[0076] The vacuum generator unit 2 has two axial end sides 44a and 44b oriented opposite to each other in the main direction 26a, which are referred to below as the front end side 44a and the rear end side 44b for better distinction. The vacuum generator unit 2 also has an upper side 44c oriented in the height direction 27a and a lower side 44d opposite to the upper side 44c. In the normal orientation during operation of the vacuum generator device 1, the upper side 44c points vertically upwards. However, in principle, the vacuum generator device 1 can operate in any spatial orientation of the aforementioned four sides 44a-44d.

[0077] Preferably, the vacuum generator unit 2 is constructed in a plate shape, as is the embodiment illustrated. Here, the length of the structure is greater than its height, and the height is greater than its width. The main expansion plane of the plate-shaped vacuum generator unit 2 extends perpendicular to the transverse axis 28. The vacuum generator units 2 are arranged in rows below each other under mutually parallel main expansion planes.

[0078] The vacuum generator unit 2 is constructed in multiple parts. The vacuum generator unit includes a working unit 12, which in turn consists of two sub-units: a vacuum control valve device 23 and a base unit 13 that supports the vacuum control valve device 23. Furthermore, it has a display and operation module 14 located in the base unit 13.

[0079] A receiving space 38 extending in the main direction 26a is constructed within the base unit 13. This receiving space is also referred to below as the injector receiving space 38, and a longitudinally extending injector unit 42 is received within this receiving space. The injector unit 42 has an injector longitudinal axis 43, which preferably extends parallel to the main axis 26.

[0080] The ejector unit 42 can be filled with compressed air to generate a vacuum that can be drawn at the vacuum tap opening 3. The required compressed air supply for this purpose can be controlled by the vacuum control valve device 23.

[0081] In a preferred structural design implemented by example, the base unit 13 includes a base 31 and a muffler housing 32, typically made of plastic, connected to the base 31 in a joining region 34. Preferably, the muffler housing 32 is connected to the base 31 in the main direction 26a, wherein it is exemplarily located at the front end side 44a. The base 31 may be made of, for example, plastic or metal, and suitably constructed as a single piece. The muffler housing 32 houses the muffler 33.

[0082] The fixing device 37 provides a preferred detachable mechanical connection between the muffler housing 32 and the base 31. Exemplarily, the fixing device 37 includes at least one fixing thread 37a that passes through the muffler housing 32 in the main direction 26a, wherein the fixing thread is supported by a threaded head at the muffler housing 32 and screwed into the base 31 via a threaded shank.

[0083] The ejector unit 42 has a jet nozzle 45 axially passing through a jet nozzle channel 45a and a collection nozzle 46 axially connected thereto by a collection nozzle channel 46a. The axial distance between the jet nozzle 45 and the collection nozzle 46 forms a suction zone 47. Seal rings 48a and 48b surrounding the jet nozzle 45 and the collection nozzle 46 seal the ejector unit 42 relative to the outer peripheral wall of the ejector housing space 38, so that the air inlet zone 49 upstream of the jet nozzle 45 and the air outlet zone 50 downstream of the collection nozzle 46 are fluid-tightly separated from the suction zone 47.

[0084] The injector unit 42 is suitably partially within the base 31 and partially extends within the muffler housing 32, extending suitably through the engagement region 34. However, it may also be completely housed within the base 31 or the muffler housing 32.

[0085] The jet nozzle channel 45a is permanently fluidly connected to the air inlet channel 54 extending in the substrate 31. Specifically, this is achieved by the air inlet channel 54 opening into the air inlet region 49.

[0086] The air inlet channel 54 passes through the base 31 and is connected to the valve assembly surface 56 of the base unit 13, which is exemplarily constructed on the base 31, through the first channel inlet 55. The vacuum control valve device 23 is mounted on the valve assembly surface in such a way that it is connected to the air inlet channel 54 through the first channel inlet 55.

[0087] The aforementioned structural assembly supply channel 22 also extends to the valve assembly surface 56 via the second channel inlet 57, thus enabling it to be fluidly connected to the vacuum control valve device 23. In the case of the vacuum generator device 1 formed by a single vacuum generator unit 2, the compressed air source P can also be easily connected directly to the vacuum control valve device 23 outside the base 31.

[0088] The valve mounting surface 56 is exemplarily constructed on the upper side 44c of the base 31 facing the vacuum generator unit 2. It extends particularly on at least one plane orthogonal to the vertical axis 27, which may be stepped.

[0089] The base unit 1 suitably restricts a valve receiving area 15 that is open at least to the upper side 44c of the vacuum generator unit 2. This valve receiving area is restricted at the lower side by a valve mounting surface 56 pointing toward the upper side 44c, and the mounted vacuum control valve device 23 is housed therein.

[0090] The valve receiving area 15 is restricted towards the front end 44a by the muffler housing 32 that protrudes upward from the base 31, and towards the rear end 44b by a component called the module carrying section 16 that protrudes at the same height from the base 31 through the supporting display and operation module 14 of the base unit 13.

[0091] According to the illustrated embodiment, the module carrier section 16 is preferably fastened as a separate component to the base 31. The base 31 is suitably arranged in the main direction 26 between the muffler housing 32 and the module carrier section 16. Exemplarily, the base 31 has a mounting surface 35 on its rear side opposite the engagement region 34 in the main direction 26a, to which the module carrier section 16 is connected by a mounting surface 36 constructed thereon. In particular, releasable fastening is achieved by a module carrier fastening device 39, which exemplaryly includes at least one fastening thread 39a passing through the module carrier section 16 in the main direction 26a, wherein it is supported by a threaded head at the module carrier section 16 and screwed into the base 31 using a threaded shank.

[0092] For example, in addition to the at least one fixed threaded member 39a, the module carrier fixing device 39 also includes hook structures 39b spaced apart in the height direction 27a for mutually shaped-fitting hooks to the module carrier section 16 and the base 31.

[0093] In particular, the module-bearing section 16 has a longitudinal shape and is exemplarily structured in a beam-like manner. It is connected to the base 31 by a module-bearing longitudinal axis 51 parallel to the vertical axis 27, wherein it ends in the region on the upper side 44c with an end section that protrudes upward from the valve mounting surface 56 and is referred to as the upper module-bearing end section 16a.

[0094] The vacuum control valve device 23 has a lower valve surface 66 that faces and rests against the valve assembly surface 56 in the assembled state, and an upper valve surface 67 that is opposite to it in the height direction 27 and away from the valve assembly surface 56. The upper valve surface 67 is part of the upper outer surface 68 of the working unit 13 located in the upper side 44c region of the vacuum generator unit 2. For example, it also includes an air outlet surface 61 constructed in the silencer housing 32, which is in contact with the upper valve surface 67 in the main direction 26a.

[0095] The sealing device, which is not shown in the diagram, is suitably located between the lower valve face 66 and the valve assembly face 56.

[0096] The vacuum control valve assembly 23 is releasably fastened to the valve assembly surface 56 by a valve fastening device 30. Preferably, this fastening is achieved by a threaded connection. For example, the valve fastening device 30 includes two fixed threaded members 30a and 30b, which pass through the vacuum control valve assembly 23 in the height direction 27a at portions spaced apart from each other in the main direction 26a, wherein each of them is supported by a threaded head at the upper valve surface 67 and screwed into the base 31 with a threaded shank extending beyond the lower valve surface 66.

[0097] The compressed air loading in the air inlet channel 54 can be controlled via the vacuum control valve device 23. Therefore, the vacuum control valve device 23 can be switched to the vacuum position "VS", in which it connects the structural assembly supply channel 22 to the air inlet channel 54 to deliver compressed air into the injection nozzle channel 45a of the injection nozzle 45. Alternatively, the vacuum control valve device 23 can be suitably switched to the locked position "AS", in which the air inlet channel 54 is disconnected from the assembly supply channel 22, and thus from the compressed air source P.

[0098] Starting from the air outlet region 50, the air outlet channel 58 is connected to the outlet opening of the trap nozzle channel 46a away from the jet nozzle 45. The air outlet channel passes through the muffler housing 32 and the muffler 33 located therein, and opens out toward the surrounding environment at the outer surface of the muffler housing 32, which is called the air outlet surface 61.

[0099] Preferably, the air outlet surface 61, including the air outlet opening 62, is oriented perpendicular to the main axis 26 in the muffler housing 32. Preferably, and according to the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet surface 61 and the air outlet opening 62 therein point in the height direction 27a, and suitably upwards. The air outlet surface 61, like the air outlet opening 62, is specifically arranged on the upper side 44c of the vacuum generator unit 2. The air outlet surface 61 suitably extends in a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis 27a.

[0100] A vacuum channel 63 is constructed inside the vacuum generator unit 2, extending between the suction zone 47 and the vacuum tap opening 3. The vacuum tap opening 3 extends out from the outer surface of the muffler housing 32, referred to as the vacuum tap surface 64, which is preferably located at the front end side 44a. Suitably, the vacuum tap opening 3, like the vacuum tap surface 64, is oriented generally in the main direction 26a.

[0101] The vacuum tap opening 3 is provided with a connecting device 65, which allows for detachable connection of the suction line 5, and is, for example, composed of internal threads. Alternatively, a flexible hose plug-in connector may be provided as the connecting device 65.

[0102] The above explanation clearly shows that there is a 90-degree angle between the orientation of the vacuum tap opening 3 and the air outlet opening 62. This has, among other things, the effect that suction and gripping actions performed near the vacuum tap opening 3 are not affected by the exhaust gas blown out at the air outlet opening 62. In particular, even very light objects to be manipulated cannot be accidentally blown away.

[0103] The vacuum channel 63 passes through the muffler housing 32 in the main direction 26a, and in particular has a linear extension.

[0104] The ejector unit 42 operates based on the known principle of the ejector nozzle. Compressed air fed into the ejector nozzle 45 flows through the ejector unit 42 and creates a negative pressure in the suction zone 47, from which the suction flow 7 described above is generated. Thus, a vacuum can also be drawn at the vacuum tap opening 3, and the connected suction gripper 4 is evacuated to grip the object 6.

[0105] Preferably, the air outlet passage 58 in the muffler housing 32 has a 90-degree deflection to deflect the compressed air discharged from the injector unit 42 along the main direction 26a to an air outlet opening 62 oriented transversely to the main direction 26a. The air outlet passage 58 passes through the muffler 33, which is preferably constructed as a so-called open muffler, through which the air outlet passage 58 passes entirely axially.

[0106] Inside the muffler housing 32, there is, exemplarily, an intersecting region 74 where the air outlet passage 58 and the vacuum passage 63 intersect without any fluid connection between them. Suitably, the vacuum passage 63 is divided within the muffler housing 32 into two channel branches spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction 28a, which pass through the air outlet passage 58 on opposite sides in the lateral direction 28a. Thus, the suction flow 7 splits in the first channel branch into two partial flows that flow through one of the two channel branches respectively, where these two partial flows re-merge in the second channel branch.

[0107] As long as the blown airflow 77, indicated by the arrow, flows through the ejector unit 42 and is generated by the vacuum control valve device 23, a vacuum is always generated, and the blown airflow 77 is discharged at the air outlet opening 62. Preferably, a movable check valve element 78 is arranged in the vacuum channel 63, which closes the vacuum channel 63 in the area between the suction zone 47 and the vacuum tap opening 3 when the blown airflow 77 is interrupted, thereby locking the vacuum present at the vacuum tap opening 3 and preventing ventilation through the ejector unit 42.

[0108] Related to this is the air-saving effect, because in order to maintain the desired vacuum, only a temporary airflow 77 is needed to compensate for leakage. The check valve element 78 only allows airflow towards the suction zone 47 when the air pressure present in the suction zone 47 is lower than the air pressure at the vacuum tap opening 3. If the air pressure in the suction zone 47 is higher than the air pressure at the vacuum tap 3, the check valve element 78 occupies the closed position, locking the vacuum passage 63.

[0109] In one embodiment, a check valve element 78 is arranged in a mating region 34 between the base 31 and the muffler housing 32, wherein it is sandwiched between the base 31 and the muffler housing 32 and thus securely fastened. Preferably, the check valve element 78 is a swingable one-way valve.

[0110] The vacuum generator unit 2 appropriately provides the possibility of releasing the vacuum present at the vacuum tap opening 3, especially at any time, for example, to store or discard an object 6 previously grasped by the suction gripper 4. If there is no check valve element 78, this can be easily accomplished by switching the vacuum control valve device 23 to the locked position "AS" to prevent compressed air from being further supplied into the air blow-in channel 54.

[0111] Advantageously, the vacuum generator unit 2 provides the possibility of applying overpressure to the vacuum tap opening 3 in a pulsed manner to suddenly reduce the existing vacuum under the ejection pulse and quickly eject the object 6 that may have been grabbed. The illustrated embodiment has such a means to generate the ejection pulse.

[0112] The aforementioned pop-up pulse facility includes a ventilation channel 81 constructed in the base unit 13, which is connected to the vacuum control valve device 23 on one hand through a third channel inlet 82 constructed at the valve device surface 56, and is in fluid communication with the vacuum channel 63 on the other hand.

[0113] The vacuum control valve device 23 is preferably switchable to a third switch position, referred to as the ventilation position "BS," in which the ventilation channel 81, closed in the two other switch positions, is connected to the structural assembly supply channel 22 and loaded with compressed air. This generates a venting airflow 41 in the ventilation channel 81 that appears at the vacuum tap opening 3, thus creating overpressure at the vacuum tap opening 3 and canceling the vacuum that has so far existed in the connected suction gripper 4.

[0114] The ventilation position "BS" is typically set for only a short time, so the resulting overpressure appears only as a brief ejection pulse. However, longer ventilation periods can also be achieved effortlessly, for example, to clean the ejected object 6 with compressed air and remove any attached impurities. Ventilation or maintaining the ventilation position "BS" can, in principle, be performed at any time.

[0115] A suitable pop-out pulse device provides the possibility of variably adjusting the pop-out pulse intensity. For this purpose, a throttling section 84 is introduced into the path of the ventilation duct 81, which restricts flow. The throttling section 84 has a throttling element 85, specifically a throttling thread, adjustablely arranged within the muffler housing 32. The throttling element 85, in its adjusted position, is accessible from the outside of the vacuum generator unit 2, and exemplary, it has an operating section 86 arranged in the area of ​​the air outlet surface 61, configured for manual operation and / or tool-assisted operation.

[0116] The vacuum generating unit 2 is suitably equipped with a pressure sensor 87, through which the air pressure present at the vacuum tap opening 3, and especially the negative pressure, can be detected.

[0117] Pressure sensor 87 is suitably located in base unit 13, and therein, particularly in substrate 31. Pressure sensor 87 communicates with sensor channel 88 constructed in base unit 13, which is fluidly connected to vacuum channel 63, and thus can collect pressure present therein to act on pressure sensor 87. Sensor channel 88 extends, for example, through engagement region 34, and extends partly in substrate 31 and partly in muffler housing 32.

[0118] The pressure sensor 87 is preferably mounted on a sensor circuit board 91 mounted in the base 31, which is exemplarily inserted from the lower side 44d into a plate receiving portion 92 constructed in the base 31. The sensor circuit board 91 is electrically connected via a contact device 89 to a communication structure 25a also arranged in the base 31, so that an electrical signal based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor 87 can be transmitted to the electronic control unit 21. This electrical signal corresponds in particular to the on / off state or other parameters of the vacuum control valve device 23. In other words, the electrical signal can be either the raw measurement value of the pressure sensor 87 or a signal generated through electronic evaluation of these raw measurements.

[0119] Preferably, the sensor circuit board 91 is equipped with evaluation electronics that can evaluate the measurements from the pressure sensor 87 in order to influence the electrical operation of the vacuum control valve device 23 based on the results. For example, the evaluation electronics may be partially located on the sensor circuit board 91 and partially arranged on or within the communication structure 25a. In this case, the evaluation or signal processing part occurs on the sensor circuit board 91 and part occurs on or within the communication structure 25a.

[0120] The vacuum control valve device 23 is suitably designed with electro-pneumatic pre-control, and includes, for example, a main valve 93 capable of achieving the three switching positions "VS", "AS", and "BS", and a pre-control valve device 94 integrated with the main valve 93 into a unified control unit. The pre-control valve device 94 is electrically connected to the communication structure 25a via an electrical contact device 95 and can be electrically operated via control signals provided by the electrical control unit 21. The pre-control valve device 94 is pneumatically operable to set one of the three switching positions "VS", "AS", and "BS" in each case. The required compressed air is supplied to the pre-control valve device 94 through the main valve 93 via a pre-control supply channel 96 constructed in the base 31. The pre-control supply channel 96 suitably passes through all the vacuum generator units 2 of the vacuum generator structural assembly 1a and leads to a connection opening 96a constructed in the second end module 18b, to which the control pressure source PS can be connected or has been connected.

[0121] In order to allow the pre-control valve devices 94 of all vacuum generator units 2 to exhaust together, a pre-control exhaust passage 97 is suitably provided through the vacuum generator unit 2. The pre-control valve devices 94 are respectively connected to the pre-control exhaust passage via a main valve 93. The pre-control exhaust passage leads to an exhaust opening 97a constructed at the second end module 18b, which leads to the atmospheric environment RS.

[0122] For example, each pre-control valve device 94 includes two electrically actuated pre-control valves 94a, 94b combined into a single structural unit, which are suitably solenoid valves.

[0123] The pre-control valve device 94 is suitably mounted on one of the two axial end sides of the main valve 93. Exemplarily, the vacuum control valve device 23 is oriented such that the pre-control valve device 94 faces the module carrying section 16. The upper valve face 67 includes an upper main valve face section 67a constructed at the main valve 93 and an upper pre-control valve face section 67b constructed at the pre-control valve device 94 and connected thereto in the main direction 26a. Two fixing threads 30a, 30b preferably extend through the main valve 93.

[0124] The vacuum control valve device 23 is suitably equipped with two manual auxiliary operating devices 69a, 69b, which enable purely manual operation of the vacuum control valve device independent of electrical control signals. Preferably, the two manual auxiliary operating devices 69a, 69b are associated with one of two pre-controlled valves 94a, 94b, respectively, and allow manual operation of these pre-controlled valves 94a, 94b to set the desired on / off position of the main valve 93.

[0125] Each hand-assisted operating device 69a, 69b has a manually activated operating element 70, which is arranged on the upper valve face 67, and particularly in the upper pre-control valve face section 67b. Thus, the operating element 70 is essentially accessible from the upper side 44c of the vacuum generator unit 2 for operation.

[0126] Preferably, at least two display elements 71 are also present on the upper valve surface 67. These elements function, for example, at least partially as status display elements for the vacuum control valve device 23 and are capable of visualizing one or more of the aforementioned switch positions. The display elements 71 are particularly configured as illumination display elements. For example, they are formed by upper end sections of a plurality of light conductors 72 that pass through the pre-controlled valve device 94 and lead to a light-emitting diode device 73 configured as part of the communication structure 25a. Light signals emitted from the light-emitting diode device 73 are transmitted through the light conductors 72 to the display elements 71 and output therefrom.

[0127] Depending on the design of the vacuum control valve device 23, there may be a different number of operating elements 70 and display elements 71 than the number of the aforementioned elements. Furthermore, operating elements and / or display elements for other purposes may also be arranged on the upper outer surface 68, either as an alternative to or attached to the device.

[0128] The display and operation module 14, mentioned above, is arranged in a swingable manner at the working unit 12. It can occupy... Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The visible basic position is where it extends along the working unit 12 in the main direction 26a in the region of the upper side 44c of the vacuum generator unit 2. The swingable support is achieved by a swing support device 52, which advantageously is implemented at the module-bearing section 16 according to the illustrated embodiment, and particularly there at its upper module-bearing end section 16a. Thus, the swing support device 52 is located in one of the two axial end sides 44a, 44b of the vacuum generator unit 2—in this embodiment, this is the region of the rear end side 44b—and the swing support device 52 is also located in the region of the upper side 44c of the vacuum generator unit 2.

[0129] Considering the preferred design of the vacuum control valve device 23, the swing support device 52 is arranged adjacent to the pre-control valve device 94 in the main direction 26a, wherein the swing center 53 of the possible swing motion, referred to as the module swing motion 59, for displaying and operating the module 14, is at least substantially and preferably exactly at the same height as the adjacent surface segment of the upper outer surface 68 of the working unit 12 in the height direction 27a. For example, this surface segment is the pre-control valve surface segment 67b. The module swing motion 59 in Figure 1 , 3 Double arrows are used to represent numbers 4 and 5.

[0130] During the module swing motion 59, the display and operation module 14 swings relative to the working unit 12 on the swing plane 10 parallel to the main axis 26 and the vertical axis 27.

[0131] Considering that the vacuum tap opening is located at the front end side 44a, the swing center 53 of the module swing motion 59 and the vacuum tap opening 3 are arranged at the axial end sides 44a and 44b opposite each other in the main direction 26a of the vacuum generator unit 2.

[0132] The display and operation module 14 has a longitudinal shape and a longitudinal axis, indicated by a dashed line, referred to as the module longitudinal axis 60. In the basic position of the display and operation module 14, the module longitudinal axis 60 is suitably oriented at least substantially parallel to the main axis 26 of the vacuum generator unit 2. In this case, the display and operation module 14 extends from the rear end side 44b in the direction of the opposite front end side 44a. Although in principle the structural length of the display and operation module 14, measured in the axial direction of the module longitudinal axis 60, could be implemented to extend beyond the entire length of the working unit 12 in the basic position, it is considered significantly more advantageous to achieve a shorter structural length according to the illustrated embodiment, so that the display and operation module 14 extends only a portion of the length of the working unit 12 in the basic position.

[0133] Preferably, the structural length of the display and operation module 14 is chosen such that even the vacuum control valve device 23 is only partially covered by the display and operation module 14 along its length in the main direction 26a. For example, the display and operation module 14, occupying the basic position, extends beyond the adjacent length section of the entire pre-control valve device 94 and the main valve 93.

[0134] Therefore, the display and operation module 14 appropriately covers only the short section of the working unit 12 connected to the swing center 53 in its basic position, which is relatively short compared to the total length of the working unit 12.

[0135] Figure 5 It is clearly shown that the swing center 53 is suitably arranged in the main direction 26a at a distance from the vacuum control valve device 23.

[0136] The longitudinal side of the display and operation module 14, orthogonal to the module's longitudinal axis 60, which points upwards in the height direction 27a away from the working unit 12 in its basic position, is referred to below as the functional side 75 of the display and operation module 14. On this functional side 75, the display and operation module 14 has a display device 79 for visualizing status information related to the vacuum generator unit 2, and a control device 80 for manually inputting and / or querying operating parameters related to the vacuum generator unit 2. In the basic position of the display and operation module 14, these two devices 79 and 80 are clearly visible from the top 44c and easily accessible.

[0137] The display and operation module 14 is electrically connected to the communication structure 25a within the vacuum generator unit 2. Specifically, this electrical connection of the display and operation module 14 relates to electrical and / or electronic components 83 that are present for implementing the display device 79 and the control device 80, which are equipped on a module circuit board 90 located inside the module housing 100 of the display and operation module 14.

[0138] The components 83 used to realize the presence of the display device 79 include, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 79a. Thus, the display device 79 is an LED display device. The display device 79 is particularly configured to display status information in alphanumeric format. For example, it displays the actual vacuum value determined by the pressure sensor 87, the desired set vacuum value, the switching point of the vacuum control valve device 23, hysteresis, error diagnosis, or similar information.

[0139] Operating parameters, such as setting the vacuum value or the switching point of the vacuum control valve device 23, can be set via the operating device 80, preferably through menu-guided input. In this case, the display device 79 is also configured to visualize the various menu items. Alternatively, the settings or operating parameters can be actively queried through manual operation of the operating device 80, especially again via menu guidance.

[0140] For example, the module housing 100 is configured to be light-transmitting at least in the area of ​​the display device 79 on the functional side 75, so that the visualized display values ​​can be read without difficulty. The hollow module housing 100 may have a window-like area 76 that is at least partially light-transmitting or transparent, for example, implemented by a plastic element of the module housing 100 that has corresponding light transmittance.

[0141] For example, the window-like region 76 can be composed of an opaque thin film, which is constructed in such a thin-walled manner that it can be illuminated by the light-emitting diode 79a. This thin-walled region is particularly transparent or translucent.

[0142] In addition to the aforementioned component 83 of the module circuit board 90, the operating device 80, as an example, also includes one or more operating keys 80a located on the module circuit board 90 and extending through a wall penetration of the module housing 100 into the functional side 75 region, so that they can be operated with the fingers of the hand. For example, three operating keys may be provided: two arrow keys and one setting key. The operating keys 80a are preferably implemented as components of a rubber elastic switch pad.

[0143] The swing support device 52 enables the display and operation module 14 to swing from a basic position to at least one swing position that swings upward away from the working unit 12 within the range of the module swing motion 59, and return to the basic position. Therefore, when using the vacuum generator device 1, the display and operation module 14 can be selectively positioned in the basic position or at least one position called the swing position that swings away from the upper outer surface 68.

[0144] Preferably, the maximum swing angle for the module swing motion 59 is mechanically predetermined by the design scheme of the swing support device 52.

[0145] In at least one swing position, the display and operation module 14 is suitably secured detachably by a latch. The latching can be implemented in several swing positions. However, it is preferred that the display and operation module 14 be secured detachably by a latch in exactly one swing position. The secureable swing position, and especially the single secureable swing position, is particularly the 90-degree swing position, which is also described below.

[0146] In addition, the following design is feasible, in which the display and operation module 14 can be smoothly and arbitrarily positioned within the maximum swing range, for example due to frictional connection.

[0147] Figure 4 , 6 Preferred swing positions of the display and operation module 14 are described in sections 8 and 9. This is a vertical swing position in which the display and operation module 14 occupies a position that is swung upwards by 90 degrees relative to the basic position, which is also referred to below as the 90-degree swing position. The module's longitudinal axis 60 extends here specifically orthogonally to the main axis 26.

[0148] The swayability of the display and operation module 14 allows for changes in the orientation of the functional side 75, enabling the display device 79 and operation device 80 to be positioned advantageously to the current application situation. For example, the display device 79 can be read particularly well from the rear end side 44b, especially in a 90-degree sway position.

[0149] Furthermore, the display and operation module 14 can be swung away from the upper valve face 67 by the module swing movement 59 so that the operating element 70 located there can be directly approached for manual activation and / or the display element 71, which is also located there, can be directly viewed.

[0150] Last but not least, the display and operation module 14, which swings out from the basic position and especially to at least a 90-degree swing position, allows for... Figure 6 and Figure 9 The assembly and disassembly of the vacuum control valve device 23 shown are performed because, in this case, the flip cover of the vacuum control valve device 23, which is located in its basic position, is removed. Specifically, the vacuum control valve device 23 in... Figure 6 and Figure 9 The linear assembly and disassembly movement 102, indicated by the double arrows, is possible in the height direction 27a, so as to lift or place the vacuum control valve device 23 from the valve mounting surface 56 when the valve retaining device 30 is released.

[0151] Since each communication structure 25a in the vacuum generator assembly 1a is part of an electrical communication line 25, the display and operation modules 14 of all vacuum generator units 2 are electrically connected to the communication line 25, and thus electrically connected to the electronic control unit 21. The display and operation module 14 suitably has the same width as the vacuum control valve device 23 in the lateral direction 28a; therefore, in the basic position of the display and operation module 14, at least in the region of the vacuum control valve device 23, the upper outer surface 68 of the working unit 12 completely covers the entire length of the display and operation module 14.

[0152] The swing center 53 of the module swing motion 59 is suitably defined by a swing shaft 103 that extends in the transverse direction 28a of the vacuum generator unit 2. This is exemplarily a case in which the swing support device 52 is further constructed such that the swing shaft 103 is fixed in position relative to the working unit 12 in any direction orthogonal to the transverse axis 28.

[0153] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the swing center 53 can be implemented, for example, by an arcuate guide, such as in the form of at least one arcuate longitudinal groove constructed at the working unit 12, which functions as a slide groove into which the display and operation module 14 is slidably inserted as a sliding block follower.

[0154] The display and operation module 14 is preferably a separate component relative to the working unit 12, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment. The swing support device 52 suitably includes at least one swing support body 104, which is fastened to the module carrying section 16 along a longitudinal axis parallel to the transverse direction 28a, and is movably surrounded by at least one, for example, lug-shaped support protrusion 105 of the display and operation module 14. The support protrusion 105 is suitably an integral section of the module housing 100 and has a through-hole through which the associated swing support body 104 extends.

[0155] The at least one support protrusion 105 may be slotted so that it can be clamped onto the swing support 104 either non-detachably or detachably for mounting the display and operation module 14.

[0156] According to the illustrated embodiment, the swing support 104 may be a separate component with respect to the display and operation module 14 and the module carrying section 16.

[0157] Suitably, according to the illustrated embodiment, the swing support 104 is configured as a swing support pin.

[0158] In an embodiment not shown, the display and operation module 14 has two flexible, bendable support protrusions arranged adjacent to each other at a distance in the axial direction of the swing axis 103, each having a support groove, specifically configured as a through portion, open on the outside opposite to its respective other support protrusion. The module carrying section 16 has two swing supports 104, configured as cylindrical support protrusions, which engage from their open outer sides into the support groove of one of the two support protrusions. For mounting the display and operation module 14, the two support protrusions can be briefly elastically bent toward each other to allow them to engage in the support groove.

[0159] The electrical connection between the display and operation module 14 and the communication structure 25a is suitably provided by a flexible, bent conductor line 106, indicated only by dashed lines. This conductor line 106 has a first terminal 107 electrically secured at the communication structure 25a and a second terminal 108 electrically secured at the module circuit board 90. This securing is preferably achieved through a detachable plug-in connection.

[0160] The flexible, bent conductor line 106 comprises a plurality of conductors, which are insulated from each other by a flexible plastic sheath. Preferably, the flexible, bent conductor line 106 is implemented as a flexible flat cable. Alternatively, the flexible, bent conductor line 106 may also consist of a plurality of individual electrical conductors.

[0161] The bending flexibility of the conductor line 106 allows for unimpeded module swinging motion 59, wherein the second line end 108, which is fastened to the display and operation module 14, follows the module swinging motion 59, and the conductor line 106 is at least partially elastically deformed, especially bent.

[0162] Preferably, the conductor line 106 is configured to be flexible along its entire length. However, the flexibility may also be limited to the upper line end section 09 associated with the second line end 108, which is supported by the swing support device 52.

[0163] Preferably, a guide channel 110 is constructed within the module carrying section 16, which exits from the channel inlet 110a above the upper module carrying end section 16a and from the lower channel inlet 110b at the lower module carrying end section 16b. While the upper channel inlet 110a is preferably constructed at the upward-pointing end of the upper module carrying end section 16a, the lower channel inlet 110b is suitably located at the mounting surface 36 of the lower module carrying end section 16b facing the substrate 29 in the main direction 26a. The lower channel inlet 110b communicates with the communication channel 29, which is open to the mounting surface 35. The conductor line 106 extends from the communication channel 29 through the lower channel inlet 110b into the guide channel 110, and then exits at the upper channel inlet 110a for connection to the module circuit board 90.

[0164] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The comparison clearly shows that the flexible conductor 106 is of sufficient length to move within the guide channel 110 according to the swing angle of the display and operation module 14 during the module swing motion 59.

[0165] Preferably, the vacuum generator unit 2 is equipped with a locking connection device 111, by which the display and operation module 14 is secured in a non-oscillating manner in its basic position by a detachable locking mechanism. Preferably, the locking connection device 111 comprises two flexible, curved locking hooks 111a constructed downwardly projecting from the module housing 100 in the basic position, and a locking recess 111b constructed for each locking hook 111a in the region of the upper valve surface 67 in the vacuum control valve device 23. When the display and operation module 14 swings from the oscillating position to the basic position, the locking hooks 111a automatically engage with the locking recesses 111b. The locking connection can be easily released by manually applying torque to the display and operation module 14 in a manner that moves away from the oscillation of the vacuum control valve device 23.

[0166] The display and operation module 14 is constructed, in particular, according to a single-arm lever configuration. It has a first axial end region 14a to which a swing support device 52 and a swing center 53 are associated, and correspondingly opposite to it a second axial end region 14b, from which the display and operation module 14 terminates freely. Suitably, the module housing 100, at its second axial end region 14b, on the underside facing the vacuum control valve device 23, forms an operating surface 112 inclined relative to the module's longitudinal axis 60. The operating surface 112 can be comfortably gripped with the fingers of the hand for swinging out of its basic position.

Claims

1. A vacuum generator device, - Equipped with at least one vacuum generator unit (2), which extends along the main axis (26) in the main direction (26a), along the vertical axis (27) orthogonal to the main axis (26) in the height direction (27a), and along the horizontal axis (28) orthogonal not only to the main axis (26) but also to the vertical axis (27) in the transverse direction (28a). - The vacuum generator device has two axial end sides (44a, 44b) oriented relative to each other in the main direction (26a), an upper side (44c) oriented in the height direction (27a), and a lower side (44d) opposite to the upper side (44c). - The vacuum generator unit (2) has a working unit (12) with an ejector unit (42) through which compressed air can flow to generate a vacuum that can be drawn at the vacuum tap opening (3) of the working unit (12), and an electrically operable vacuum control valve device (23) for controlling the compressed air loading required for this purpose in the ejector unit (42). - and among them, The vacuum generator unit (2) includes a display and operation module (14), which, when in its basic position, extends along the working unit (12) in the main direction (26a) at the upper side (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2). In its basic position, the display and operation module, on its upward-pointing functional side (75) away from the working unit (12), has a display device (79) configured for visualizing status information and an operation device (80) configured for manually inputting and / or requesting operating parameters. Its features are, The display and operation module (14) is oscillatingly supported at the working unit (12) by means of a swing support device (52), so that it can be selectively positioned in a basic position or in at least one swing position that swings upward away from the working unit (12) by means of a module swing movement (59) that can be performed about the swing center (53).

2. The vacuum generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) is locked in its basic position in a detachable manner by locking with the working unit.

3. The vacuum generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swing support device (52) is configured such that the display and operation module (14) can swing relative to the working unit (12) in a swing plane (10) parallel to the main axis (26) and the vertical axis (27) by the module swing motion (59).

4. The vacuum generator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swing center (53) of the module swing motion (59) is defined by the swing axis (103) extending in the lateral direction (28a) of the vacuum generator unit (2).

5. The vacuum generator device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The swing axis (103) is fixed in position with respect to the working unit (12) in any direction orthogonal to the transverse axis (28).

6. The vacuum generator device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) is a separate component from the working unit (12), wherein the swing support device (52) has at least one swing support body (104) defining the swing axis (103), via which the display and operation module (14) is oscillatingly connected to the working unit (12).

7. The vacuum generator device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The swing support is at least partially surrounded by the display and operation module (14) in a swing motion.

8. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The swing support device (52) is arranged in the region of one of the two axial end sides (44a, 44b) of the vacuum generator unit (2).

9. The vacuum generator device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vacuum tap opening (3) is arranged in the region of one of the two axial end sides (44a, 44b) of the vacuum generator unit (2), which is opposite to the axial end sides (44a, 44b) of the vacuum generator unit (2), and the swing support device (52) is located in the region of the axial end side.

10. The vacuum generator device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) is shorter than the working unit (12) and in its basic position extends only along a portion of the length of the working unit (12) in the main direction (26a), in such a way that only a shorter length segment of the working unit (12) connected to the swing center (53) and which is covered by the display and operation module (14) in the basic position is covered by the display and operation module (14).

11. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The swing support device (52) is arranged in the area on the upper side (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2).

12. The vacuum generator device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The swing center (53) is at least substantially at the same height as the adjacent surface segment of the upward-pointing upper outer surface (68) of the working unit (12) in the height direction (27a).

13. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) is capable of swinging at least to an upright swing position in which it swings upward by 90 degrees relative to its basic position.

14. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) has the same width as the vacuum control valve device (23) in the lateral direction (28a) of the vacuum generator device (2), so that in the basic position of the display and operation module (14), the vacuum control valve device (23) is completely covered by the display and operation module (14) in its length.

15. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The working unit (12) has a communication structure (25a) internally connected to the vacuum control valve device (23), the communication structure being configured to transmit valve control signals determined for the vacuum control valve device (23) and originating from the electronic control unit (21), and the communication structure being electrically connected to the display and operation module (14) via a flexible conductor line (106) deformable during module swing motion (59).

16. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) has a module housing (100) in which a module circuit board (90) is arranged, which is equipped with the display device (79) and the operation device (80) and the component (83).

17. The vacuum generator device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The module housing is configured to be at least partially transparent or light-transmitting on the functional side (75).

18. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, At least one working unit (12) of the vacuum generator unit (2) has an upper outer surface (68) in the region of the upper side (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2), which is at least partially covered by the display and operation module (14) in the basic position of the display and operation module (14). The upper outer surface has at least one manually activated operating element (70) and / or display element (71) in the region covered by the display and operation module (14), which can be accessed from the upper side (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2) in at least one swing position of the display and operation module (14) at at least one swing height.

19. The vacuum generator device according to claim 18, characterized in that, At least one operating element (70) and / or at least one display element (71) of the working unit (12) are components of the vacuum control valve device (23).

20. The vacuum generator device according to claim 19, characterized in that, At least one actuating element (70) belongs to the manually activatable manual auxiliary actuating device (69a, 69b) of the vacuum control valve device (23) and / or at least one display element (71) is the status display element of the vacuum control valve device (23).

21. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The working unit (12) has a base unit (13) containing an injector unit (42), the display and operation module (14) is pivotally supported on the base unit, and a valve assembly surface (56) is constructed on the base unit, the vacuum control valve device (23) being fixed on the valve assembly surface.

22. The vacuum generator device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The display and operation module (14) in its basic position at least partially covers the vacuum control valve device (23) which is detachably mounted on the valve assembly surface (56) pointing upward (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2) in the height direction (27a), and is capable of swinging to at least one swing position in which the cover of the vacuum control valve device (23) is lifted to enable its assembly and disassembly.

23. The vacuum generator device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The base unit (13) defines a valve receiving area (15) that is open at least toward the upper side (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2) and limited on the lower side by the valve mounting surface (56). The assembled vacuum control valve device (23) is received in the valve receiving area, and the valve receiving area is limited in one of the two axial end sides (44a, 44b) of the vacuum generator unit (2) by the module support section (16) of the base unit (13). The display and operation module (14) is oscillatingly supported in the module support section via the swing support device (52).

24. The vacuum generator device according to claim 23, characterized in that, Flexible, bent conductor lines (106) for making electrical contact with the display device (79) and the operating device (80) extend through the module carrying section.

25. The vacuum generator device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The base unit (13) has a base (31) with a valve mounting surface (56) and a muffler housing (32) containing a muffler (33) disposed in the mating region (34) at the base (31). The ejector unit (42) extends in the base (31) with at least a portion of its length, and the ejector unit has an ejection nozzle (45), a collection nozzle (46), and a suction zone (47) disposed between the ejection nozzle (45) and the collection nozzle (46). The injection nozzle (45) is connected to the vacuum control valve device (23) mounted on the valve assembly surface (56) via an air inlet channel (54) constructed in the substrate (31). The vacuum control valve device can control the compressed air loading in the air inlet channel (54). The suction zone (47) is further connected via a vacuum channel (63) to a vacuum tap opening (3) located on the external vacuum tap surface (64) of the base unit (13). Furthermore, an air outlet passage (58) passing through the muffler housing (32) and the muffler (33) therein is connected to the collecting nozzle (46), and the air outlet passage (58) is connected to the surrounding environment through an air outlet opening (62) at the air outlet surface (61) of the muffler housing (32).

26. The vacuum generator device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The base unit (13) defines a valve receiving area (15) that is open at least toward the upper side (44c) of the vacuum generator unit (2) and limited on the lower side by the valve mounting surface (56). The assembled vacuum control valve device (23) is received in the valve receiving area, and the valve receiving area is limited in one of the two axial end sides (44a, 44b) of the vacuum generator unit (2) by the module support section (16) of the base unit (13). The display and operation module (14) is swayably supported in the module support section via the swing support device (52), wherein the module support section (16) is fixed as a separate component to the base (31).

27. The vacuum generator device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The base (31) is arranged in the main direction (26s) between the muffler housing (32) and the module carrying section (16).

28. The vacuum generator device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The vacuum channel (63) is connected to the vacuum control valve device (23) mounted on the valve assembly surface (56) via a ventilation channel (81) extending in the base unit (13), through which the vacuum channel (63) can be overpressurized to release the vacuum generated therein.

29. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The vacuum tap opening (3) is connected to the sensor channel (88), which supplies the pressure present at the vacuum tap opening (3) to the pressure sensor (87) housed in the working unit (12), and the pressure sensor (87) is electrically connected to the display and operation module (14).

30. The vacuum generator apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The vacuum generator device is constructed as a vacuum generator structural assembly (1a) having a plurality of vacuum generator units (2) arranged in rows and mechanically connected to each other in a row direction (8) extending orthogonally to the main direction (26a). The working unit (12) of the vacuum generator unit is provided with a structural assembly supply channel (22) for connection to an external compressed air source (P) through the row direction (8). The structural assembly supply channel is connected to a vacuum control valve device (23) in each vacuum generator unit (2) to provide compressed air required for controlling the compressed air loading.

31. The vacuum generator device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The vacuum generator units (2) arranged in a row are traversed by an electrical communication line (25) in the direction of their arrangement (8). The electrical communication line is electrically connected to the vacuum control valve device (23) of all the vacuum generator units (2) and the display and operation module (14). The electrical communication line has an interface (20) for electrical connection with the electronic control unit (21).

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