Negative pressure element for working surface or negative pressure working surface
By integrating negative pressure elements on the negative pressure working surface, and using their coupling parts, scattering layer, light-transmitting layer and other components, high-accuracy detection of the edge of the object is achieved, and the problem of inaccurate edge detection in the prior art is solved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380074852.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-10-26
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-16
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, it is difficult for the negative pressure working surface to effectively detect the edge of the object when placing the object, resulting in inaccurate edge detection.
A negative pressure element is designed, which includes a coupling part, a scattering layer, a light transmitting layer, a reflective surface or a reflective layer, a light source and a cavity part. Through the synergy of these components, local and selective illumination of the working surface or the negative pressure working surface is achieved, thereby improving the detection effect of the edge of the object.
Through the uniform illumination and negative pressure effect provided by the negative pressure element, the detection accuracy and reliability of the edge of the object is significantly improved, and the edge detection process is simplified.
Smart Images
Figure CN120018931A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum element (vacuum element) for a (vacuum) working surface, a vacuum working surface having at least one vacuum element, and a method for detecting the position of an object on a vacuum working surface. Background Art
[0002] Vacuum workbenches without lighting functions are known in the prior art. Such devices usually fix objects or workpieces on the work surface by vacuum or negative pressure for subsequent processing. Summary of the invention
[0003] The object of the present invention may be to further improve the vacuum working surface, in particular to enable and / or improve edge detection of an object placed on the vacuum working surface.
[0004] This object is achieved by the teaching of the independent claim. Embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, a negative pressure element is provided for a work surface and / or a negative pressure work surface, in particular for a work surface of a work surface assembly, or for a negative pressure work surface of a negative pressure work surface assembly, in particular in order to partially and / or selectively illuminate the work surface and / or the negative pressure work surface. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one connecting portion, which is designed to connect a negative pressure portion (negative pressure source) and / or a negative pressure device. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has a scattering layer / diffusing layer, wherein the scattering layer has perforations at least partially. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has a light-transmitting layer. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer has perforations at least partially. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer is designed to introduce / couple light into the scattering layer of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer may be a light-guiding layer, in particular a layer that guides light in the direction of the scattering layer of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the perforations of the scattering layer, alternatively, the perforations of the scattering layer and the perforations of the light-transmitting layer, are designed so that, in particular when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure element, in particular to at least one connection portion of the negative pressure element, air can flow through the corresponding perforations in the direction of the negative pressure or the negative pressure device. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one light source, in particular, at least one light source configured to emit light in the direction of the light-transmitting layer. In some embodiments, the at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one cavity portion, which is designed to distribute the vacuum acting on at least one connection portion or the negative pressure acting on at least one connection portion to the perforations, in particular to at least a portion of the perforations. In some embodiments, at least one cavity portion is configured to distribute the applied vacuum to at least a portion of the perforations of the scattering layer, alternatively, to at least a portion of the perforations of the scattering layer and at least a portion of the perforations of the light-transmitting layer. In other words, in some embodiments, at least one cavity portion is configured so that the perforations of the scattering layer and / or the perforations of the light-transmitting layer are in fluid communication with at least one connection portion through the cavity portion. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured so that it is arranged or can be arranged at a perforated negative pressure working surface, especially with a surface of a scattering layer, and the scattering layer also has or can have perforations that are complementary to the perforations of the negative pressure working surface. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is designed so that it is arranged on the working surface, and the working surface has perforations that are complementary to the negative pressure element, especially (only) in the area where the negative pressure element should be arranged or can be arranged. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured or designed so that it can be integrated into a recess of a working surface, especially a working surface without its own negative pressure connection portion. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured so that it can be integrated into a recess of the negative pressure working surface. For this purpose, in an improved solution, the negative pressure element can have a frame, which has at least one connection portion, a scattering layer, a light-transmitting layer, at least one reflective surface or reflective layer, at least one light source and at least one cavity portion, especially as described above.
[0006] The term “scattering layer” as used herein is understood to mean in particular a (light) diffuser / diffuser which is configured to distribute light incident thereto at least substantially evenly.
[0007] The term "connection" as used herein is understood in particular to be a fluid connection structure independent of a specific shape, which is in particular configured to enable a (technical) vacuum or negative pressure (in particular compared to the ambient pressure and / or atmospheric pressure under normal conditions) and / or a fluid flow in the direction of the vacuum or negative pressure, in particular to the vacuum or negative pressure present around the negative pressure element, or to the negative pressure device. In some embodiments, the term "connection" as used herein may be understood to be a proprietary interface or a commercially available interface, in particular an interface that establishes and / or enables a fluid connection by connection, in particular a (complementary) plug connection, which is in particular connected to a negative pressure device, which may be connected in particular via a fluid connection, for example, in particular a hose. In some embodiments, the negative pressure device may be a negative pressure pump or a vacuum pump.
[0008] Thus, in some embodiments, it can be advantageously achieved that the negative pressure element represents or is a separate, in particular separate, lighting unit, which has (at least partial) negative pressure capability for negative pressure fixing of objects. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element can advantageously be used flexibly for pick and place operations and / or roll-to-roll applications, in particular for (higher) contrast edge detection of objects using corresponding edge detection systems and methods. In some embodiments, the edges of objects can advantageously be (more) reliably detected by means of the illumination contrast provided by the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element can advantageously achieve a (more) uniform illumination on its scattering layer or on a surface configured for edge detection, thereby simplifying the edge detection of objects on the negative pressure element and / or the surface set up.
[0009] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is designed so that it partially, more precisely only illuminates a section of the working surface and / or selectively illuminates or can illuminate the working surface, in particular a working surface without a negative pressure connection or without access to a negative pressure device. In other words, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element is designed so that it does not at least substantially illuminate the entire working surface. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is arranged in a recess of the working surface, in particular configured to be arranged or in a corresponding recess. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured to be arranged on the working surface. To this end, in some embodiments, the working surface has perforations, which at least substantially coordinate / correspond to the perforations of the negative pressure element, in particular can be complementary thereto.
[0010] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is designed to partially, more precisely, only illuminate a section of the negative pressure working surface and / or selectively illuminate or can illuminate the negative pressure working surface. In other words, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element is designed to not at least substantially illuminate the entire negative pressure working surface.
[0011] In some embodiments, at least one light source is arranged so that it irradiates the light-transmitting layer from the side. In some embodiments, the light source is arranged on a side of the negative pressure element, which side is at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the scattering layer and / or at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the light-transmitting layer.
[0012] Thus, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element can advantageously be embodied in a (more) space-saving manner.
[0013] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one reflective surface or reflective layer, which is designed to reflect light emitted by at least one light source in the direction of the light-transmitting layer and / or the scattering layer. In some embodiments, the at least one reflective surface or reflective layer is configured to reflect light leaving the light-transmitting layer at least substantially in the direction of the light-transmitting layer (130) and / or the scattering layer (120).
[0014] In some embodiments, at least one cavity is arranged between at least one reflective surface and a light-transmitting layer, in particular so that the "layer sequence" of the negative pressure element at the location of the cavity is: reflective surface, cavity, light-transmitting layer and scattering layer.
[0015] In some embodiments, at least one cavity is adjacent to the reflective surface, so that the negative pressure element has such a "layer sequence": the cavity is arranged on the reflective surface, the reflective surface is arranged on the light-transmitting layer, and the light-transmitting layer is adjacent to the scattering layer. In other words, the "layer sequence" from bottom to top is: cavity, reflective layer, light-transmitting layer, scattering layer. For this purpose, the reflective layer has perforations at least in some places, in particular so that a fluid, in particular air, can flow through the (corresponding) perforations toward the negative pressure or the negative pressure device.
[0016] In some embodiments, at least one cavity is arranged between the scattering layer and the light-transmitting layer. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the "layer sequence" is: reflective surface, light-transmitting layer, cavity, scattering layer.
[0017] In some embodiments, at least one cavity portion is at least partially integrated into at least one of the layers mentioned herein, in particular into a scattering layer, a light-transmitting layer, and at least one of a reflective surface or a reflective layer, in particular so that air can flow or can flow through the perforations of the scattering layer and / or the light-transmitting layer, or through the perforations of the scattering layer, the light-transmitting layer, and the reflective layer toward the negative pressure or the negative pressure device, for which purpose these layers in particular have perforations at least partially.
[0018] In some embodiments, by means of the arrangement of the at least one cavity portion described herein, the perforations of the scattering layer can advantageously be locally fluidically connected to the at least one connection portion, in particular by means of the perforations of the light-transmitting layer and / or by means of the perforations of the reflective surface, if an embodiment with an at least partially perforated reflective surface is involved (as described herein).
[0019] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer has a support structure, in particular a support structure configured to support at least one cavity portion. According to some embodiments, the support structure can support at least one cavity portion against the scattering layer and / or against a reflective surface or a reflective layer, in particular depending on the arrangement of the at least one cavity portion. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the scattering layer and / or the reflective surface or the reflective layer can form a support structure, which supports a gap portion introduced into the negative pressure element through the at least one cavity portion. In some embodiments, the support structure is designed so that it at least substantially does not hinder or reduce the flow of fluid through the at least one cavity portion.
[0020] This advantageously enables a reduction in, in particular the prevention of, a bending of at least one layer of the negative pressure element, in particular when negative pressure or external loads, for example due to weight, are applied. Thus, in some embodiments, the stiffness of the negative pressure element can also be advantageously increased and / or improved. Thus, in some embodiments, it can also be advantageous to integrate at least one cavity portion into one or more of the layers of the negative pressure element, thereby (further) reducing the structural volume of the negative pressure element.
[0021] In some embodiments, the perforations of the scattering layer are arranged alternately with the perforations of the light-transmitting layer. In some embodiments, the perforations of the reflective surface (if present) are arranged alternately with the perforations of the light-transmitting layer.
[0022] Therefore, in some embodiments, the illumination uniformity of the negative pressure element can be advantageously improved.
[0023] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is designed to achieve at least 90% illumination uniformity on the outwardly directed surface of the scattering layer. In some embodiments, at least 90% illumination uniformity may refer to illumination uniformity measured according to at least one of the standards mentioned below, in particular according to standards ISO (International Organization of Standardisation), VESA (Video Elektronics Standard Association), SPWG (Standards Panel Working Group), etc.
[0024] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer, in particular the perforations of the light-transmitting layer, is designed and arranged in such a way that at least 90% illumination uniformity is achieved on the surface of the scattering layer arranged opposite to the surface of the scattering layer adjacent to the light-transmitting layer or opposite to the surface of the scattering layer adjacent to the light-transmitting layer.
[0025] Therefore, in some embodiments, the application of negative pressure elements, in particular the use of the negative pressure elements described herein to detect the edges of objects, can be advantageously improved.
[0026] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one electrical connection portion configured to electrically connect to at least one light source. In some embodiments, the electrical connection portion has a connection element configured to electrically connect to the negative pressure working surface or a complementary connection element of the working surface.
[0027] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the electrical connection can be arranged in such a way that the negative pressure element can be electrically connected (more) simply, in particular via the connecting element. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element, in particular the electrical connection, can comprise at least one permanent magnet, in particular so that the negative pressure element, in particular the electrical connection of the negative pressure element, can be (more) easily placed in, at or on a receptacle provided for the negative pressure element, in particular a receptacle of a working surface or a negative pressure working surface. In some embodiments, the electrical connection with at least one permanent magnet can be configured so that the electrical connection is placed in, at or on the receptacle so that the electrical connection is (electrically) connected, in particular so that at least one light source is powered or can be powered.
[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, a negative pressure working surface is provided, which has at least one negative pressure element as described herein. In some embodiments, the working surface of the negative pressure working surface and the surface of the scattering layer of the negative pressure element (facing away from the negative pressure element) form a common surface, especially a plane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, at least one negative pressure element is arranged on the negative pressure working surface with its scattering layer, and the perforations of the scattering layer are coordinated with the perforations of the negative pressure working surface, especially so that when negative pressure acts on the negative pressure working surface and / or the negative pressure element, air flows through or can flow through the perforations of the negative pressure working surface and the perforations of the scattering layer toward the negative pressure, especially the negative pressure device.
[0029] In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface is part of a negative pressure working surface assembly, or in some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly has at least one negative pressure working surface. The term "negative pressure working surface assembly" used herein is particularly understood in this way, that is, the negative pressure working surface assembly is configured to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure working surface, and in particular, at least one space in which negative pressure can be formed is formed by the negative pressure working surface assembly. In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface is constructed on the negative pressure working surface assembly in a loose or removable manner, and in particular has a sealing portion, so that the negative pressure working surface assembly can form a negative pressure with the installed negative pressure working surface, and the negative pressure acts on or can act on an object, in particular through the perforations of the negative pressure working surface.
[0030] In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly is designed so that the distance between the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly and the negative pressure working surface at least substantially corresponds to the height of the negative pressure element, so that the negative pressure element is accommodated or can be accommodated in the intermediate space between the negative pressure working surface and the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly. In some embodiments, the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly has at least one connecting element, which is complementary to the connecting element of the electrical connection portion of the negative pressure element. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is advantageously possible to achieve (more) simple electrical connection or electrical connection of the negative pressure element in the negative pressure working surface assembly. In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly can be integrated into the negative pressure table. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly can be used for roll-to-roll applications or production.
[0031] Thus, in some embodiments, objects or workpieces, in particular semi-finished products, can advantageously be pulled onto the work surface and / or placed on the work surface. In some embodiments, the negative pressure work surface can be used to detect the edge of an object or workpiece, in particular a semi-finished product, placed on the negative pressure work surface, and in particular it can be achieved that the edge detection can be improved by illuminating the edge of the object or workpiece by at least one negative pressure element, in particular by the increased contrast provided by the negative pressure element.
[0032] In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface and / or the negative pressure element has at least one sealing portion, which is configured to form a seal on the working surface around the negative pressure element, especially so that by integrating at least one negative pressure element, the negative pressure acting on the negative pressure working surface or the (technical) vacuum acting on the negative pressure working surface is at least basically maintained constant or can be maintained constant.
[0033] In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface may have an area of at least 250 mm by at least 100 mm, in particular an area of at least 350 mm by at least 100 mm. In some embodiments, at least one negative pressure element, in particular integrated into or arranged on the negative pressure working surface, may have an area of at least 40 mm by 40 mm. In some embodiments, the area of the negative pressure working surface may be at least 5 times the area of the at least one negative pressure element.
[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, a negative pressure platform is provided, which has at least one negative pressure working surface or a negative pressure working surface assembly. In some embodiments, at least one negative pressure working surface of the negative pressure platform may correspond to the entire (working) surface of the negative pressure platform, in particular at least 90% of the surface, at least 75% of the surface, at least 50% of the surface and / or 50% of the highest surface. In some embodiments, the negative pressure platform may have two or more negative pressure working surfaces or negative pressure working surface assemblies.
[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for identifying the position of an object on a negative pressure work surface described herein or a work surface described herein is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes placing an object on a negative pressure work surface or a work surface, in particular, a negative pressure work surface described herein or a work surface described herein, wherein the negative pressure work surface or the work surface has at least one negative pressure element described herein, in particular, so that at least one edge of the object is located on the negative pressure element of the negative pressure work surface or the negative pressure element of the work surface. In some embodiments, the method includes determining at least one edge position of the placed object on at least one negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the method also includes determining the condition of the object on the negative pressure work surface or determining the condition of the object on the work surface, in particular determining the position of the object on the negative pressure work surface or the work surface. In some embodiments, the condition of the object on the negative pressure work surface or the work surface is determined based on at least one determined edge position of the object and the known size of the object, in particular determining the position of the object on the negative pressure work surface or the work surface.
[0036] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the position and / or location of the object on the negative pressure working surface or working surface can be determined (more) precisely, in particular by means of the contrast at the edges of the object improved by the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the position of the object located on the negative pressure working surface or working surface can be determined to 100 μm or better. In some embodiments, the object can be reprocessed more precisely, in particular more precisely in position.
[0037] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," "having," "with," "having" or any other variation thereof, as necessary, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. Thus, for example, a method or apparatus that comprises or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to that method or apparatus.
[0038] In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).
[0039] The terms "a" and "an", as used herein, are defined as "one or more." The terms "another" and "another" and any other variations thereof should be construed to mean "at least one additional."
[0040] The term "configured" or "designed" to perform a certain function (and its corresponding variants) as used herein should be understood to mean that the relevant device or its components are already in a design or setting that can perform this function, or that they are at least adjustable - that is, configurable, so that they can perform this function after corresponding settings. In this case, the configuration can be carried out, for example, by setting the parameters of the process accordingly or by activating or deactivating the function or setting using switches or the like. In particular, the device can have a plurality of predefined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.
[0041] The exemplary embodiments described herein, in particular their corresponding features, can be combined with each other and with features of the method as desired, in particular to form new embodiments, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible. The (exemplary) embodiments of the negative pressure working surface described herein, in particular their features, can be transferred to working surfaces that are not provided for negative pressure or can be combined with each other (as desired), in particular to form new embodiments of the working surface, as long as this is not technically impossible or excluded. This applies analogously to the embodiments of the corresponding working surface assembly or negative pressure table with at least one working surface.
[0042] The method described herein is preferably designed to be performed by a negative pressure working surface according to the invention or a working surface according to the invention, in particular the embodiments thereof described herein. The negative pressure working surface or working surface is preferably designed to perform the method described herein, in particular the embodiments thereof described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention are apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0044] Figure 1 A negative pressure element according to one embodiment is schematically shown in a side sectional view;
[0045] Figure 2 A negative pressure element according to an alternative embodiment is schematically shown in a side sectional view;
[0046] Figure 3 A negative pressure element according to another alternative embodiment is schematically shown in a side sectional view;
[0047] Figure 4 A negative pressure element according to another alternative embodiment is schematically shown in a side sectional view;
[0048] Figure 5 Schematically shows a negative pressure working surface having three negative pressure elements according to one embodiment;
[0049] Figure 6 Schematically shows a cross section of a negative pressure working surface in one embodiment;
[0050] Figure 7 A cross section through a negative pressure working surface in an alternative embodiment is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same, similar or corresponding elements. The elements shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. More specifically, the elements shown in the accompanying drawings are presented so that those skilled in the art can understand their functions and general uses. The connections and couplings between the functional units and elements shown in the accompanying drawings can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings, unless otherwise explicitly stated. The functional units can be implemented in particular as hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.
[0052] Figure 1 The embodiment of the negative pressure element 100 is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view of the negative pressure element 100. The negative pressure element 100 has a reflective surface 140, a first cavity portion 150, a light-transmitting layer 130, a second cavity portion 150 and a scattering layer 120 from bottom to top, wherein the upper portion corresponds to the surface of the scattering layer 120, for example, an object or a workpiece can be placed on the surface, or the scattering layer can be placed on the negative pressure working surface, as will be described later. Figure 7 The reflective layer 140 reflects the light from the light source 110 in the direction of the light-transmitting layer 130. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 140 may also (i.e., additionally or alternatively) be arranged on the side of the negative pressure element 100, so that the light from the one or more light sources 110 is particularly reflected (back) into the negative pressure element 100, and further particularly so reflected that the light reaches the scattering layer 120, for example, through the light-transmitting layer 130. Figure 1Also shown is a connection portion 160, which is designed as an opening of a negative pressure element here by way of example, and connects the negative pressure element 100 to a negative pressure portion that exists or can exist outside the negative pressure element. Negative pressure is transmitted to the surface of the scattering layer 120 through the perforations 170b of the light-transmitting layer 130 and the perforations 170a of the scattering layer 120, so that, for example, an object located on the surface is fixed or can be fixed on the surface by the negative pressure. Air can flow through the perforations 170a, 170b and the cavity portion 150 toward the connection portion 160 from a normal pressure or a pressure higher than the negative pressure at the connection portion 160, and thereby generate a negative pressure "holding force" in particular at the surface of the scattering layer 120. The cavity portion 150 is shown in the figure in such a way that it extends over the entire width of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, one or more cavity portions 150 may extend only over a portion of the negative pressure element, in particular over a portion having perforations 170a, 170b.
[0053] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a negative pressure element 100 ′ is shown, which has Figure 1 Identical or similar features, as can be seen from the reference numerals. Figure 2 and Figure 1 The embodiment shown is different in that only one cavity 150' is schematically shown. Accordingly, the scattering layer 120' and the light-transmitting layer 130' are arranged in contact with each other. The perforations 170'a, 170'b are designed so as to ensure or enable air flow in the direction of negative pressure. In addition, Figure 2 1 shows a connection 160' which realizes or can realize a connection to a (technical) vacuum or negative pressure, in particular via a standardized interface or via a standardized connection. Figure 1 As in FIG. 1 , the arrangement is also such that at the upper surface of the scatter layer 120 ′ in the direction of the drawing, there is at least a substantially uniform illumination over at least a portion or the entire surface of the scatter layer 120 ′.
[0054] Figure 3 An embodiment of a negative pressure element 100" is shown, which has a light source 110" arranged on the side, and the light source emits light in the direction of a light guide layer 130". The light guide layer 130" is arranged between a reflective layer 140" and a scattering layer 120". In some embodiments, other reflective layers and / or reflective surfaces can be arranged on the negative pressure element, which in particular reflect light from at least one light source or multiple light sources 110" in the direction of the scattering layer 120". Figure 3The embodiment shown in also has a perforation 170"c in the reflective layer 140". The cavity portion 150" is arranged in layer sequence below the reflective layer 140", and a connecting portion 160" is provided to be fluidically connected to the perforation 170"a, so that a fluid, in particular air, can flow through the perforations 170"a, 170'b, 170'c in the direction of negative pressure or vacuum, in particular in the direction of the negative pressure device.
[0055] exist Figure 4 An embodiment of a negative pressure element 100'" is schematically shown in the figure, wherein the light-transmitting layer 130'" has a supporting structure 180'". Here, the supporting structure 180'" supports the space extended by the cavity portion 150'", so that the negative pressure element 100'" is particularly (more) stable. In addition, it is schematically shown that the perforations 170'"b, 170'"a of the light-transmitting layer 130'" and the scattering layer 120'" are arranged alternately with each other, so that air passes or can pass through the perforations 170'"a, 170'"b, in particular, through the perforations 170'"a, 170'"b and the cavity portion 150'", and flows in the direction of negative pressure, that is, leaves the negative pressure element 100'" at (at least one) connecting portion 160'".
[0056] Figure 5 The negative pressure working surface 200 is schematically shown in a top view. In the illustrated embodiment, the negative pressure working surface 200 has three negative pressure elements 100, which are arranged so that when an object is placed on the negative pressure working surface 200, the object placed on the negative pressure working surface 200 (shown in dotted lines) is illuminated or can be illuminated by the negative pressure elements 100 at one or more edges of a predetermined side of the object. The negative pressure element 100 partially shows the perforations 170a of the scattering layer 120 in a top view, through which the object is confined or can be confined. In addition, the negative pressure working surface 200 itself has perforations 270, which also confine or can confine the object, in particular fix the object on the negative pressure working surface 200. In addition, Figure 5 The section line AA is shown as a dashed line. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The negative pressure element 100 is shown in different sizes and can match the edge shape of the object in some embodiments, or can have any other shape of the features described herein. Likewise, in some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface can be designed to have a shape and / or face different from that shown here, especially depending on the object or workpiece.
[0057] exist Figure 6 The embodiment of the negative pressure working surface 200 is schematically shown in a cut-away side view, the cut-away side view being along Figure 5 Correspondingly, in Figure 62 shows two negative pressure elements 100 in section, which are integrated into the working surface of the negative pressure working surface. To this end, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element 100 or the recess in the negative pressure working surface 200 configured to accommodate the negative pressure element 100 may have a sealing portion. In addition, in Figure 6 In the figure, an exemplary object located on the negative pressure working surface is shown with a dashed line, which is fixed on the surface by the negative pressure acting on the perforations 170a, 170b, 270. Another dashed line represents the lower bottom of the negative pressure working surface. This is used to illustrate the possible (low) structural height of the negative pressure working surface.
[0058] Figure 7 Based on Figure 5 The side view as a sectional view along the section line AA shown in FIG. 1 shows an alternative embodiment of the negative pressure working surface 200 ′. Figure 6 , Figure 7 In this case, the negative pressure element 100 is not integrated into the negative pressure working surface, in particular the recess of the negative pressure working surface 200', but is arranged on the negative pressure working surface 200'. The scattering layer of the negative pressure element 100 is in contact with the negative pressure working surface 200', so that the light scattered by the scattering layer is irradiated through the working surface of the negative pressure working surface 200'. In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface 200' is composed of a corresponding material suitable for this. Figure 7 The electrical connection part 290' is also shown. When the negative pressure working surface 200' and / or the negative pressure working surface assembly has a corresponding complementary connection part, the electrical connection part 290' is configured to electrically connect at least one light source 110 of the negative pressure element 100. To this end, in some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface 200' can be particularly at the bottom of the closed negative pressure working surface assembly (which is at the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly). Figure 7 The perforations of the scattering layer 120 and the perforations of the working surface 200 are consistent with each other, so that, in particular, when negative pressure acts on one of the negative pressure element 100 and / or the negative pressure working surface 200, the negative pressure acts or can act on the working surface.
[0059] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that there are a large number of variations of the embodiments. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. On the contrary, the foregoing description will provide those skilled in the art with instructions for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein it should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the subject matter correspondingly determined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents.
[0060] Reference numerals list
[0061] 100, 100', 100", 100'" Negative pressure element
[0062] 110, 110', 110", 110'" light source
[0063] 120, 120', 120", 120'" scattering layer
[0064] 130, 130', 130", 130'" light-transmitting layer
[0065] 140, 140', 140", 140'" Reflective surface or layer
[0066] 150, 150', 150", 150'" Cavity
[0067] 160, 160', 160", 160'" Connection
[0068] 170a-170b, 170'a-170'b, 170"a-170"c, 170'"a-170'"c Perforation
[0069] 180'” Support Structure
[0070] 200, 200' negative pressure working surface
[0071] 270' working face perforation
[0072] 290' Electrical connection
Claims
1. A negative pressure element (100), the negative pressure element being used to be arranged in and / or on a working surface, or the negative pressure element being used to be arranged in and / or on a negative pressure working surface (200), the negative pressure element (100) comprising: At least one connecting portion (160), the at least one connecting portion being designed to be used for connecting to a negative pressure portion and / or to connecting to a negative pressure device; A scattering layer (120), the scattering layer (120) having perforations (170a) at least partially, the perforations (170a) of the scattering layer (120) being designed so that when negative pressure acts on the negative pressure element (100), air can flow through the corresponding perforations (170a) in the direction of the negative pressure device; The light-transmitting layer (130), in particular the light-guiding layer, wherein: The light-transmitting layer (130) is designed to introduce light into the scattering layer (120); at least one light source (110), in particular at least one LED, the at least one light source being configured to emit light in the direction of the light-transmitting layer (130); At least one cavity portion (150), the at least one cavity portion being designed to distribute the negative pressure acting on the at least one connecting portion (160) to the perforations (170a), in particular to at least a portion of the perforations (170a); The negative pressure element (100) is designed so that it can be arranged on a working surface having a perforation complementary to the negative pressure element (100) or on a perforated negative pressure working surface (200), or the negative pressure element (100) can be integrated into a recess of the working surface or the negative pressure working surface (200).
2. The negative pressure element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source (110) is arranged such that it irradiates the light-transmitting layer (130) from the side, and the light source (110) is particularly arranged on a side surface of the negative pressure element (100) which is perpendicular, particularly at least substantially perpendicular, to a surface of the scattering layer (120).
3. The negative pressure element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The negative pressure element (100) has at least one reflecting surface (140), which is designed to reflect light emitted by the at least one light source (110) and / or light leaving the light-transmitting layer (130) in the direction of the light-transmitting layer (130) and / or the scattering layer (120).
4. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one cavity portion (150) is locally arranged between the at least one reflective surface (140) and the light-transmitting layer (130), and the light-transmitting layer (130) at least locally has a perforation (170b), and the perforation is designed so that when a negative pressure acts on the negative pressure element (100), air can flow in the direction of the negative pressure device; or the at least one cavity portion (150) is adjacent to the reflective surface (140), and the reflective surface (140) has a perforation (170c), and the perforation is designed so that when a negative pressure acts on the negative pressure element (100), air can flow in the direction of the negative pressure device.
5. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The scattering layer (120), the light-transmitting layer (130) and / or the reflective surface have a supporting structure (180'"), in particular a supporting structure (180'") designed to support the at least one cavity portion (150).
6. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The perforations (170) of the scattering layer (120) and the perforations (170) of the light-transmitting layer (130) are arranged alternately.
7. The negative pressure element (100) according to the second alternative of claim 4 or according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The perforations (170) of the reflective surface (140) and the perforations (170) of the light-transmitting layer (130) are arranged in an alternating manner.
8. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least 90% illumination uniformity is achieved on the outwardly directed surface of the scattering layer (120) that forms the outer side surface of the negative pressure element; and / or the light-transmitting layer (130), in particular the perforations (170) of the light-transmitting layer (130), are designed, in particular arranged, so that at least 90% illumination uniformity is achieved on the surface of the scattering layer (120) that is arranged opposite to the surface of the scattering layer (120) adjacent to the light-transmitting layer (130), or the surface that is arranged opposite to the surface adjacent to the light-transmitting layer (130).
9. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The negative pressure element (100) also has at least one electrical connection portion (290') configured to be electrically connected to the at least one light source (110), the electrical connection portion (290') having a connection element configured to be electrically connected to a complementary connection element of the negative pressure working surface.
10. A negative pressure working surface (200) or working surface having at least one negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: In particular, the surface of the negative pressure working surface (200) or the working surface and the scattering layer (120) of the negative pressure element (100) form a common surface, in particular a plane; or, at least one negative pressure element (100) is arranged with its scattering layer (120) on the negative pressure working surface (200) or the working surface, and the perforations (170a) of the scattering layer (120) and the perforations of the negative pressure working surface (170d) or the working surface are coordinated with each other.
11. A method for identifying a position of an object on a negative pressure working surface (200) or a working surface, the method comprising: Placing an object on the negative pressure working surface (200) or working surface according to claim 10; Determining at least one edge position of a placed object on the negative pressure working surface (200) or at least one illuminated negative pressure element (100) of the working surface; and Based on the determined position of at least one edge and the known object dimensions, the condition of the object on the negative pressure working surface (200) or the working surface, in particular the position of the object, is determined.