Compressed air driven vacuum generating device and surface suction type clamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressed-air-driven vacuum generating device (1), in particular for insertion into a housing (17) of a surface suction jig (18), comprising: a plurality of nozzle lines (3, 5, 7), each nozzle line (3, 5, 7) having at least one spray nozzle (9, 11, 13) for generating a vacuum from compressed air; at least one compressed air connection (21) for connection to a compressed air source; and a valve device (19) which is designed to individually open and / or close a specific fluid connection between the nozzle line (3, 5, 7) and the at least one compressed air connection (21).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a compressed air driven vacuum generating device and a surface suction clamp. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such vacuum generating devices and surface suction clamps for clamping objects are known. This makes it possible to suck objects, to keep them in a sucked state and to move them, for example, so that they can be used for subsequent process steps. For example, when sucking an object, the suction force required by the vacuum generating device is usually greater than when keeping the object in a sucked state. Known vacuum generating devices, which are able to generate a constant vacuum and thus a constant suction force, are therefore inefficient in terms of compressed air source and energy usage.

[0003] One energy-saving approach is to switch the vacuum generating device on and off temporarily. However, this often results in high pressure differentials and is not suitable for all materials and pressure ranges, since the suction effect usually weakens or strengthens rapidly. In addition, the switching on and off produces a relatively high and sudden pressure differential, which in some cases exerts a great deal of pressure on the clamped object.

[0004] This approach is particularly problematic for porous objects that are permeable to air, since the holding force drops too quickly when the vacuum generating device is switched off, which can affect reliability, for example, by causing the object to fall unexpectedly. SUMMARY

[0005] The object of the invention is to save energy and compressed air when sucking and holding objects, while at the same time not reducing reliability as much as possible.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a compressed air driven vacuum generating device having the features of claim 1. The compressed air driven vacuum generating device is designed in particular for insertion into a housing of a surface suction clamp. The vacuum generating device has a plurality of nozzle lines, each of which has at least one jet nozzle for generating a vacuum from compressed air. In addition, the vacuum generating device has at least one compressed air connection for connection to a compressed air source, in particular an external one, and a valve device designed and preferably configured for opening or closing a fluid connection between a specific nozzle line, in particular the corresponding jet nozzle, and the at least one compressed air connection. In particular, this design makes it possible for the fluid connection to be connected, preferably selectively, to individual / singular jet nozzles, in particular independently of one another in terms of control. This makes it possible to switch off individual compressed air lines in order to save energy and / or compressed air from a compressed air reservoir, wherein one of the other compressed air lines can still generate a vacuum, so that overall a sufficient vacuum is generated, in particular for holding a permeable or porous object.

[0007] The fluid connections herein in particular refer to fluid connections between the compressed air connections and at least one of the nozzle lines, in particular at least one of the spray nozzles arranged in a particular nozzle line. In particular, at least two such particular fluid connections are provided, which are preferably at least partially fluidically connected in parallel with one another and lead to a corresponding number of particular nozzle lines and spray nozzles arranged therein.

[0008] The nozzle lines can be operated at least to some extent independently of one another. In this case, independent operation and single / separate opening and closing are understood to mean, in particular, that the nozzle lines can be closed and opened independently, in particular in terms of valve control, in terms of closing and opening, and in particular in terms of the associated technical switching. The vacuum generation device is thus designed at least structurally to close and open individual nozzle lines without having to close all other nozzle lines, and preferably without having to close other nozzle lines. The valve means can be provided and configured accordingly, in particular by means of a control unit, such that the valve means have a logical dependency, such that when one nozzle line is opened or blocked, the state of another nozzle line is first checked. This is not contradictory to the independent or separate opening and blocking of the nozzle lines discussed herein.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of nozzle lines can be opened and blocked simultaneously, provided that at least one nozzle line is not opened and blocked simultaneously with the other nozzle lines. Alternatively, all existing nozzle lines can also be opened and blocked independently of one another.

[0010] The flow capacity through the nozzle lines can thus be activated and deactivated individually. The nozzle lines can be opened and blocked individually, wherein the vacuum generation device is preferably also constructed structurally to block and open all nozzle lines independently of one another, in particular logically independently of one another.

[0011] The nozzle lines can be supplied with compressed air, preferably by means of at least one compressed air connection, wherein in particular compressed air from an external compressed air source can flow to the nozzle lines and the spray nozzles via the fluid connections.

[0012] A nozzle line in the present context is in particular understood to mean a fluid section comprising at least one jet nozzle, which is designed and configured to be able to generate a vacuum with the aid of overpressure, i.e. compressed air. The nozzle line extends from a nozzle line inlet to a nozzle line outlet, wherein the nozzle line inlet preferably corresponds to the inlet of a first jet nozzle, in particular the front jet nozzle in the flow direction, and the nozzle line outlet corresponds to the outlet of the first jet nozzle, or - in particular in the case of a nozzle line having multiple jet nozzles - to the outlet of a downstream additional, in particular second or third, jet nozzle. The additional jet nozzle is arranged in the same nozzle line downstream of the first jet nozzle in the flow direction. Thus, there is an initial flow through the first jet nozzle and then through another jet nozzle, in particular a second or third jet nozzle, when flowing through the nozzle line.

[0013] Preferably, at least two, preferably three, nozzle lines are provided, wherein each of the at least two, preferably three, nozzle lines comprises at least one individual jet nozzle.

[0014] In order to guide compressed air from the compressed air connection to the nozzle line, a supply flow section extending from the compressed air connection to the nozzle line is preferably provided. Preferably, the supply flow section comprises, starting from the compressed air connection, a common flow section for all nozzle lines, and a plurality of fluid branches adjacent to the common flow section, which preferably branch off from the common flow section in order to supply compressed air to the plurality of individual nozzle lines and jet nozzles when the fluid connection is open.

[0015] Alternatively, a plurality of compressed air connections is preferably provided, wherein each fluid branch extends from the nozzle line to one of the compressed air connections.

[0016] Preferably, the vacuum generation device has one common compressed air connection for at least two, preferably all, nozzle lines. Alternatively, the vacuum generation device preferably has a separate compressed air connection for each nozzle line.

[0017] In particular, the fluid connection is considered to be open if the compressed air supplied through the compressed air connection is able to flow through the fluid connection, in particular is able to flow through in such a way that the jet nozzle generates a vacuum suitable for suctioning and / or holding an object. Correspondingly, the fluid connection is considered to be closed if a flow cannot be achieved through the fluid connection, or at least cannot be achieved to the required extent for holding and / or suctioning. This means that, for example, the fluid connection can also be opened and blocked for flow by means of a valve of a downstream connection.

[0018] Preferably, the valve of the valve device is arranged in flow terms between the nozzle line, in particular the first injection nozzle of the nozzle line, and the compressed air connection, in particular in the fluid branch leading to the injection nozzle or downstream in flow terms of the common flow section.

[0019] Alternatively, the valve is arranged in flow terms downstream of the injection nozzle, which is assigned to the valve in the same fluid branch as the injection nozzle.

[0020] The valve herein is in particular understood as an actuable device which is designed and configured to interrupt or open a fluid connection upon actuation. Preferably, the valve is designed and configured to interrupt or open only one fluid branch. Alternatively, the valve is designed and configured to open and / or block a plurality of different fluid branches, in particular in different valve positions.

[0021] The valve device comprises at least one valve. The valve device is designed and configured to be able to close at least one nozzle line while at least one other nozzle line cannot be closed. By stopping the supply of compressed air, the flow through the nozzle line which cannot be closed can be stopped.

[0022] In particular, a plurality of fluid branches and their downstream nozzle lines and injection nozzles arranged therein can be closed and opened simultaneously by the same valve in the same valve position. Furthermore, it can also occur that a plurality of fluid branches and the corresponding nozzle lines and injection nozzles cannot be opened or closed.

[0023] Preferably, the valve device comprises a plurality of valves and / or one valve, in particular a multiple-way valve, wherein the multiple-way valve is designed for opening and closing a plurality of nozzle lines and injection nozzles, wherein different valve positions are provided for opening and closing individual nozzle lines of the plurality of nozzle lines.

[0024] Preferably, the fluid cross section of the nozzle line, in particular of each of the first, second and / or third nozzle line, is greater at a first distance from the compressed air connection than at a second distance, wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance. Preferably, the fluid cross section in the nozzle line decreases at least partially with increasing distance from the compressed air connection, wherein the fluid cross section preferably reaches a minimum value at the fluid outlet of the injection nozzle.

[0025] The vacuum generating device can be designed and configured to suck up and transport objects.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the valve device is designed and configured to block and open a first nozzle line of the plurality of nozzle lines with a first closing member and to block and open a second and a third nozzle line of the plurality of nozzle lines with a second closing member. Preferably, a first valve and a second valve are used as the first closing member and the second closing member, respectively. This makes it possible to realize a plurality of vacuum generation stages with only two closing members, thereby making the manufacture of the vacuum generating device relatively simple and cost-effective. Furthermore, the plurality of vacuum stages makes it possible to flexibly adjust the vacuum in accordance with the objects to be gripped and held.

[0027] The fluid flowing through the first nozzle line, the second nozzle line and the third nozzle line can be fed from the compressed air connection, preferably via first, second and third fluid branches, respectively. The first, second and third fluid branches branch off from a common flow section extending between the fluid branches and the compressed air connection.

[0028] Preferably, the second and third nozzle lines are blocked by the same actuation of the second closing member, in particular simultaneously, and opened by a respective additional actuation. To this end, a common fluid branch section is preferably provided in terms of flow, which is arranged between the common flow section and / or the compressed air connection and the second and third nozzle lines, which connects the second and third nozzle lines, in particular the second and third fluid branches, to the compressed air connection, in particular to the common flow section.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the valve device for opening and blocking the fluid connection has at least one control piston, in particular a first control piston and a second control piston. The first control piston is in particular used as a closing member or closing valve in the sense of the present description. The control piston, in particular the first control piston, is preferably arranged in a control piston device, which is designed and configured to be able to block, preferably tightly close, at least one nozzle line, in particular the first nozzle line, in terms of flow and to interrupt or at least impair the fluid connection to the jet nozzle of this nozzle line. This makes it possible for the flow path to be closed individually, so that the vacuum generated by the vacuum generating device can be adjusted by adjusting the control piston.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one nozzle line, in particular the first nozzle line, is blocked on the inlet side

[0031] The entire control piston device is preferably designed as a control piston module, which is structurally separate from the rest of the vacuum generating device. This control piston module can be reversibly separated from the other modules of the vacuum generating device, preferably by means of easily operable fastening means, so that it can be reconnected after separation

[0032] A module in the present context is also understood to mean in particular that the respective device is designed as a structural unit, in particular a structural unit which has a housing of its own.

[0033] In particular, the control piston interrupts the fluid connection between the at least one nozzle line and the compressed-air connection.

[0034] Preferably, the control piston is inserted into the nozzle line and / or into a fluid branch leading to the nozzle line in order to interrupt the fluid connection to the injection nozzle of the nozzle line. This ensures that the nozzle line is closed tightly and reliably.

[0035] Preferably, the valve device is designed and configured to block both nozzle lines, in particular the second and third nozzle lines, simultaneously using the second control piston, in particular by blocking a common fluid-branch section which is arranged in terms of flow between the compressed-air connection and the nozzle lines.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the vacuum- generating apparatus for opening and closing the fluid connection has a control device which is designed and configured to actuate the valve device, in particular its closing element, especially the control piston, in an electric and / or in a pneumatic manner, in particular individually and / or completely independently. This simplifies the operation of the valve device and in particular enables an electric and / or pneumatic control of the valve device.

[0037] For actuating the valve device, the control device preferably comprises electronics which can be actuated via a control interface and / or follow an internally stored or structurally configured logic in order to actuate the valve device and open and block the fluid connection between the compressed-air connection and the nozzle lines or injection nozzles.

[0038] Preferably, the control device is designed to be self-sufficient and does not require an external control signal for opening and blocking the fluid connection. In particular preferably, the control device does not require a control connection to the outside, wherein all required control logic for driving the valve device is configured in the vacuum-generating apparatus. This simplifies the installation of the vacuum-generating apparatus and makes the vacuum-generating apparatus more versatile, since the requirements on external supply infrastructure are also reduced.

[0039] The control device is further preferably designed and configured to be completely self-sufficient, wherein the control device is preferably designed and configured for a completely pneumatic operation and / or wherein no external power supply is provided, in particular no corresponding electronic and / or control connection means are configured.

[0040] The control device is preferably designed as a separate control module which is structurally separate from the rest of the vacuum generating device and can be connected thereto, in particular reversibly. The control module can be reversibly separated from the other modules of the vacuum generating device, preferably connected by easily operable fastening means, so that it can be reconnected after separation.

[0041] Alternatively, the control device can be integrated into the valve device, the control valve module and / or the control piston module or other modules.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the control valve device is designed and configured to regulate the control piston and for this purpose preferably has at least one control valve which can be actuated in an electrically and / or pneumatically manner. The control device is additionally preferably designed and configured to actuate the control valve in an electrically and / or pneumatically manner. The control valve and the control piston are preferably arranged in modules which can be separated from one another, in particular a control valve module and a control piston module. This means that the control piston can in particular be driven automatically and that, due to the arrangement in modules which can be separated from one another, individual components can be replaced individually during maintenance or repair.

[0043] Preferably, the first control piston can be actuated by means of a first control valve and the second and third control pistons can be jointly actuated by means of a second control valve.

[0044] Alternatively, each control piston is assigned its own control valve, the actuation of which allows the regulation of the specifically assigned control piston.

[0045] The valve device preferably comprises a control valve device, a control device and / or a control piston device to open and block the fluid connection. Alternatively or additionally, the valve device can have additional valves for opening and blocking the fluid connection. In particular, these additional valves can be provided in the common flow section and / or in one or more fluid branches.

[0046] Furthermore, the valve device is preferably controlled by the control device to block the fluid connection between the compressed air connection and the nozzle line or the injection nozzle, in particular when the current vacuum in the suction volume of the suction body is below a first threshold value and to open the fluid connection when the vacuum generated in the suction volume is above a second threshold value. The suction volume is fluidically connected to the injection nozzle, in particular to the vacuum side thereof, and / or to the suction channel of the injection nozzle, so that, when the vacuum generating device is operated and when the fluid connection is open, a vacuum is generated in the suction volume by the injector nozzle to hold the object.

[0047] High vacuum - also referred to as strong vacuum, is here specifically understood as a nominal low pressure value. Low vacuum - also referred to as weak vacuum, is then understood as a corresponding nominal high pressure value. The pressure difference between the high vacuum state and the ambient pressure, in particular atmospheric pressure, is greater than in the low vacuum. Thus, if the generated vacuum is below the first threshold value or the second threshold value, it indicates a higher pressure difference, i.e. a stronger vacuum; correspondingly, if the generated vacuum is above the first threshold value or the second threshold value, it indicates a lower pressure difference, i.e. a weaker vacuum.

[0048] The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be the same nominally.

[0049] Preferably, however, the first threshold value is different from the second threshold value, wherein the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value, so that the vacuum value corresponding to the first threshold value is stronger than the second threshold value. This means that there is a range between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, in which range no opening or blocking control of the nozzle lines takes place.

[0050] Preferably, pressure sensors are provided to measure the generated vacuum. These sensors are preferably designed and constructed to measure the pressure in the suction volume and / or the suction channel. The pressure sensors are connectable, in particular to the control device, for signal transmission, in particular electronic transmission.

[0051] Preferably, the vacuum generation device is designed and constructed to block an increasing number of nozzle lines when the currently measured vacuum is below the first threshold value. Thus, additional nozzle lines are blocked until the measured vacuum rises above the first threshold value. Accordingly, if the measured vacuum is above the second threshold value, additional nozzle lines are preferably opened until the measured vacuum has fallen below the second threshold value.

[0052] It is particularly preferred that the vacuum generation device is designed and constructed to block a first nozzle line in a first blocking step when the measured pressure in the suction volume has fallen below the first threshold value, and preferably to block a second nozzle line and a third nozzle line in a second blocking step, in particular when the measured pressure continues to fall below the first threshold value, and further preferably to block the first nozzle line, the second nozzle line and the third nozzle line in a third blocking step, in particular when the measured pressure continues to fall below the first threshold value. Preferably, the blocking steps are carried out in this order. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to skip the first and / or the second blocking step, wherein, by means of the second threshold value, it is then checked whether an override has already occurred and whether it can be necessary to open the respective nozzle lines again.

[0053] Furthermore, the vacuum generating device is preferably designed and configured such that, if the measured pressure in the suction volume is measured to be above the second threshold value, the first nozzle line is opened in a first opening step, and preferably, in particular if the measured pressure is still above the second threshold value, the second and third nozzle lines are opened and preferably the first nozzle line is blocked in a second opening step, and further preferably, in particular if the measured pressure is still above the second threshold value, the first, second and third nozzle lines are opened in a third opening step. Preferably, the opening steps are carried out in this order. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to skip the first and / or second opening step, wherein it is then checked by means of the first threshold value whether an override has already occurred and whether it can be necessary to block the respective nozzle line again.

[0054] By means of the blocking and opening steps, a multi-stage pressure control, in particular with four pressure stages, having two shut-off elements, in particular the first and second control pistons, can be easily realized. This makes it possible to save a large amount of energy and compressed air.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the vacuum generating device, in particular the injection nozzle, has at least one suction channel, which fluidically connects a channel suction opening to the nozzle line. Preferably, a plurality of suction channels is provided, wherein each injection nozzle is assigned its own suction channel. The suction channel opens into the nozzle line and forms a vacuum side, such that during operation of the vacuum generating device with the nozzle line open, fluid, in particular air, is sucked into the nozzle line via the suction channel.

[0056] The channel suction opening can itself be designed and configured to grip an object. Furthermore, the suction channel can have a suction volume.

[0057] Preferably, the channel suction opening is fluidically connected to at least one, in particular elastically designed, suction body, which has a suction cavity surrounding the suction volume and having a suction opening for gripping an object. The suction body, in particular the elastically designed suction body, comes into contact with the object when gripped. The at least one suction body is preferably provided by a separately designed housing and / or an adapter piece fastenable to the housing.

[0058] According to one preferred embodiment of the application, the injection nozzle, the suction channel and the nozzle line are arranged in a nozzle device, which is in particular designed as a nozzle module. Such a nozzle module can easily be separated from the rest of the vacuum generating device, thereby simplifying, for example, maintenance and repair measures.

[0059] In particular, the nozzle module can also have a plurality of submodules, wherein, for example, a drive nozzle is arranged in a first submodule and a diffuser section of the nozzle line is arranged in a second submodule.

[0060] In summary, the nozzle device is designed and configured to receive compressed air via the inlet of the nozzle line, such that the compressed air flows through the drive nozzle, then through the nozzle region with the suction channel, and then, in particular, via the diffuser section to the fluid outlet.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the vacuum generating device has a silencer device, which is preferably designed as a silencer module, wherein the silencer device is arranged downstream of the nozzle line in terms of flow. This enables compressed air to flow from the nozzle line into the silencer device, in particular through the diffuser section. The silencer module can be designed in a multi-stage form, so that it contains a plurality of sub-modules. This makes it possible to reduce operating noise, wherein, due to the multi-stage design, the degree of noise reduction can be flexibly adjusted depending on the intended use and / or location of the vacuum generating device.

[0062] The silencer device herein is in particular understood to be designed and configured to reduce noise, wherein in particular noise generated due to the discharge of fluid can be reduced, for example by means of a foam.

[0063] Preferably, the flow through the nozzle line ends in the silencer device.

[0064] The silencer device has a fluid opening on its exterior, through which compressed air flowing through the vacuum generating device can escape to the outside.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the vacuum generating device has an interface device, in particular an input module arranged at the end, wherein a compressed air connection is arranged on the input module and preferably at least one signal connection, in particular a signal connection for electrical signals, is arranged on the input module.

[0066] In order to transmit input signals received from the outside via the control interface and / or to read measurement values and / or diagnostic data, a signal line can also be provided, which can in particular extend from the interface device via the control valve device to the control piston device. Thereby, signals received via the terminal interface device can be transmitted to the control valve and the control piston for control, wherein the control piston device and the control valve device do not have to be designed to be directly accessible from the outside.

[0067] Preferably, the electronics required to open and block the nozzle line are at least partially, preferably completely, integrated into the vacuum generating device. Therefore, no external control unit and / or control signals are required.

[0068] The signal line is connected on the one hand to the control device and on the other hand to the valve device, in particular to the control valve, and to the pressure sensor for measuring the vacuum in the suction volume and / or in the suction channel. Preferably, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are saved in the control device, for example in an electronic and / or digital manner. The pressure value measured by the pressure sensor can be transmitted via the signal line to the control device in order to be compared in the control device with the first threshold value and / or the second threshold value and to generate a control signal therefrom. The control signal can then be sent from the control device via the signal line to the nozzle line, in particular to the first, second and / or third nozzle line.

[0069] Preferably, all interfaces for contacting external devices, in particular compressed air connections and / or signal connections, are arranged on the interface device.

[0070] It is particularly preferred that the interface device has a cover which cannot be inserted into the outer housing for the vacuum generating apparatus and / or which is openable and accessible at least on one side even in the inserted state. When inserted, the cover closes the housing. This protects other parts of the vacuum generating apparatus inside the housing.

[0071] Preferably, the compressed air flow path comprising the nozzle line and preferably comprising the common flow section and the flow branches extends integrally from the compressed air connection of the interface device via the control valve device, the control piston device, the nozzle device into the muffler device. Preferably, the respective channel structures defining the compressed air flow path pass through the interface device, the control device, the control piston device and the nozzle device and open into the muffler device.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, at least two devices selected from the group consisting of the interface device, the control device, the control piston device, the nozzle device and / or the muffler device each have at least one fastener, in particular a plug-in connector, for fastening the two devices to each other. Preferably, the plug-in connectors are designed to be clamped together. This makes it easy and quick, in particular manual, to connect the modules to each other, wherein preferably no tools are required for this.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, the interface device, the control device, the control piston device, the nozzle device and / or the muffler device are connected to each other in series and preferably in the order described. This makes the design simple. Furthermore, such a vacuum generating apparatus is easily expandable, in particular in the case of a modular design of the devices, by additional modules, for example nozzle submodules and / or muffler submodules, being connected in series between them or downstream, so that the functionality and / or intensity of the sound damping or vacuum generation is enhanced.

[0074] Preferably, the vacuum generating device has at least one aligned outer surface which extends over a plurality of the arrangements, in particular modules, and has at least two partial surfaces which are aligned with one another, wherein the two partial surfaces are selected from the outer surface of the interface arrangement, the outer surface of the control valve arrangement, the outer surface of the control piston arrangement, the outer surface of the nozzle arrangement and / or the outer surface of the muffler arrangement. Preferably, at least one aligned outer surface is provided in each connection region, i.e. a region in which two adjacent arrangements are connected to one another, in particular plugged together. It is particularly preferred that all outer surfaces of two adjacent modules are aligned with one another in the border region which borders on the adjacent module. This makes it easier to insert the housing, avoids the creation of external edges and improves stability.

[0075] Each aligned outer surface is preferably arranged at a maximum distance from the insertion direction, in particular the central axis, of the vacuum generating device, so that no other outer surface of the two arrangements, possibly except the interface arrangement, in particular its cover, and except the plug-in connector, has a greater distance from the insertion direction or the central axis.

[0076] It is particularly preferred that the interface arrangement is exclusively connected to the control arrangement, wherein the control valve arrangement is connected to the control piston arrangement on the side facing away from the interface arrangement, wherein the control piston arrangement is connected to the nozzle arrangement on the side facing away from the control valve arrangement, wherein the nozzle arrangement is connected to the muffler arrangement on the side facing away from the control piston.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, at least one non-return device, in particular a non-return valve or a check valve, is arranged in the suction channel in order to prevent backflow from the nozzle line, in particular a closed nozzle line, through the channel suction opening, in particular in the direction of the suction body having the suction volume, to the outside. This increases the efficiency of the vacuum generating device and avoids energy and compressed air losses.

[0078] Preferably, a plurality of non-return devices is assigned to each nozzle line, wherein, in the case of a multi-stage nozzle line, at least one non-return device is preferably assigned to each stage of the nozzle line and is in fluid connection therewith.

[0079] The non-return device is designed and configured to block the fluid connection, in particular to block the fluid connection in the direction to the outside through the suction channel, when a threshold pressure difference between the internal pressure, in particular the internal pressure in the particular nozzle line, and the external pressure, in particular the external pressure outside the vacuum generating device, is exceeded.

[0080] According to a further preferred embodiment, the vacuum generation device is designed as an insert injector for a surface suction clamp, wherein the vacuum generation device can be inserted into a housing of the surface suction clamp, in particular such that in the inserted state, a module, in particular an interface module, which is preferably designed as a cover and has a compressed air outlet, protrudes from the housing of the surface suction clamp and / or is not completely covered by the housing. It is particularly preferred that the control valve module, the control piston module, the nozzle module and / or the muffler module are arranged in the housing in the inserted state such that these modules cannot be contacted from the outside of the housing and in particular are completely covered by the housing and possibly further modules and / or components of the vacuum generation device. This provides a compact and robust unit towards the outside.

[0081] The object of the application is also achieved in particular by a surface suction clamp having a vacuum generation device according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the surface suction clamp has a housing into which the vacuum generation device can be at least partially inserted, in particular pushed in, and preferably removed again. The housing has a plurality of suction openings which are preferably arranged equidistant to one another in their suction side, which is preferably provided on the underside. Furthermore, the housing encloses the vacuum generation device for the most part, preferably completely, in addition to the fluid outlet of the muffler device, the cover of the interface device and the duct suction openings. On the suction side, which is in particular provided on the underside of the housing, the channel suction openings are arranged in the inserted state, and in the region of the fluid outlet, corresponding recesses are provided in the housing. The vacuum generation device is inserted into the housing via an insertion opening in the housing. In the inserted state, the insertion opening is preferably completely covered by the interface device, in particular its cover. This means that the vacuum generation device is protected from the outside and is operated compactly.

[0082] The surface suction clamp preferably additionally comprises an adapter which is mounted on the underside and distributes the vacuum generated at the channel suction openings over a particularly large area and / or a particularly large number of suction openings. The adapter preferably has a plurality of elastic suction bodies which have suction openings, wherein the suction bodies are designed and configured to come into contact with the object to be clamped and in particular to clamp this directly during operation of the vacuum generation device.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, in the inserted state of the vacuum generation device, the muffler device is completely arranged in the interior space of the housing. This avoids disturbing the external contour, in particular prevents the surface suction disc from getting stuck on external structures.

[0084] Preferably, the control device, the control piston device, the control valve device, the nozzle device and / or the interface device are also arranged completely within the housing. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the interface device is only partially arranged inside the housing, wherein in particular the cover of the interface device at least partially protrudes from the housing.

[0085] Preferably, the dimensions of the muffler perpendicular to the insertion direction, in particular the height or the width, are not larger than the dimensions of the remaining modules and / or not larger than the extent of the interior of the housing.

[0086] Further details and preferred embodiments of the present application can be found in the following description, on the basis of which the embodiments of the present application shown in the drawings will be described and explained in more detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0087] In the drawings:

[0088] Figure 1 a top sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum generating apparatus is shown;

[0089] Figure 2 a side sectional view of the first embodiment of a vacuum generating apparatus shown in Figure 1

[0090] Figure 3 a bottom view of the first embodiment of a vacuum generating apparatus shown in Figure 1

[0091] Figure 4 a bottom view of a second embodiment is shown;

[0092] Figure 5 a perspective view of a vacuum generating apparatus according to a third embodiment is shown;

[0093] Figure 6 a rotated perspective view of a vacuum generating apparatus according to a third embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Figure 1 A vacuum generating apparatus 1 having a plurality of nozzle lines, in particular a first nozzle line 3, a second nozzle line 5 and a third nozzle line 7 herein, is shown. The nozzle lines each have a jet nozzle, in particular a first jet nozzle 9 in the first nozzle line 3, a second jet nozzle 11 in the second nozzle line 5 and a third jet nozzle 13 in the third nozzle line 7 herein.

[0095] The entire vacuum generating apparatus 1 is designed and configured to be inserted into an outer housing 17, which is shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 and Figure 2 in

[0096] ​​Figure 1 It is also shown that the surface suction clamp 18 has a vacuum generating device 1 and a housing 17

[0097] Preferably, the vacuum generating device 1 has at least one guide surface 15, which is arranged in the insertion direction of the vacuum generating device 1 into the housing 17. Figure 2 It is clearly discernible in that the vacuum generating device 1 is supported on the guide surface 15 when inserted, resting against the inner wall of the housing and / or the respective guide surface of the housing 17.

[0098] Furthermore, Figure 1 It is shown that a central axis M is defined, along which the vacuum generating device 1 is inserted into the housing 17, whereby the central axis M at the same time defines the insertion direction.

[0099] The vacuum generating device 1 has a valve device 19 for individually opening and / or blocking the fluid connection between the injection nozzles and the compressed air connection 21. In the shown embodiment, the valve device 19 has in particular a control valve and a control piston, wherein the control valve is designed to actuate the control piston. The control piston is then used to block the fluid connection.

[0100] In particular, two control pistons are provided, wherein a first control piston 23 is designed and configured to open or block the fluid connection to the first nozzle line 3. A second control piston 25 is also designed and configured to open or block the fluid connection to the second and third nozzle lines 7.

[0101] The first control piston 23 is actuatable via a first control valve 27, while the second control piston 25 is actuatable via a second control valve 29. Upon actuation of the control pistons, the first control piston 23 and the second control piston 25 are switched between a blocking position and an opening position.

[0102] Furthermore, a third control piston 31 is discernible in Figure 1 However, the third control piston 31 is not designed here to open or block the fluid connection to one of the nozzle lines. The third control piston 31 functions together with a third control valve as a discharge function.

[0103] The compressed air supplied via the compressed air connection 21 is first guided through a common fluid section 33 and is divided into individual fluid branches from the common fluid section 33. There is a fluid connection from the common fluid section 33 via a first fluid branch to the first nozzle line 3. The fluid connection to the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7 is achieved by a common fluid branch section 35, to which the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7 are connected.

[0104] In order to open and block the fluid connection to the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7 by means of the second control piston 25, the second control piston 25 is designed and constructed in such a way that it can penetrate into the common fluid branch section 35, in order to thereby, in particular, simultaneously block or open the fluid connection to the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7.

[0105] In order to actuate the valve device 19, in particular the control valves, a control device 37 is also provided, which in this case takes the form of a circuit board with installed control logic. The circuit board is connected in terms of control to the first control valve 27, the second control valve 29 and the third control valve, respectively, in order to transmit switching signals.

[0106] The control device 37 is preferably connected to a control valve device, which is designed as a control valve module 38. The control valve module 38 is designed as a structural unit and can in particular be reversibly separated from adjacent structures of the vacuum generating apparatus 1, in particular other modules.

[0107] Optionally, the interface device 39 can also have at least one signal connection 41 in order to contact the control device 37 from the outside, for example for diagnostic and maintenance purposes and / or to feed in control signals from the outside. The signal connection 41 is in particular electrically connected to the control device 37 and / or directly to the control valves for signal transmission.

[0108] In this case, the control valves are in particular designed for the pneumatic actuation of the control pistons. In particular, this is achieved by placing one of the control valves in the open position upon actuation, in which the flow path between the control line 43 branching off from the common flow section 33 and the control piston is opened, so that the pressure in the common flow section 33 acts on the control piston, in particular on the actuating end of the control piston, so that the control piston is moved into its blocking position.

[0109] By additionally actuating one of the control valves, the control valve can be brought into the blocking position, so that the control line is separated in terms of flow from the control piston. In order to achieve a reset, a reset mechanism is preferably provided, for example in the form of a spring reset.

[0110] Alternatively, the control pistons can be designed as double-acting control pistons, so that depending on the position of the control valve, the control piston is pushed into the blocking position or the open position.

[0111] The path of the compressed air flow through the vacuum generating device 1 begins at the compressed air connection, then flows through the common flow section 33 and is divided there into a flow branch leading to the first nozzle line 3 and a common flow branch leading to two further nozzle lines, in this case the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7. In the nozzle lines, the injection nozzles flow through from their drive nozzles 45. Subsequently, the incoming compressed air flows through a specific central section 47 and a downstream diffuser 49, which opens into the interior space 51 of the muffler device 53 designed as a module. In this case, each central section 47 is preferably designed as a multi-stage, in particular a three-stage, in order to provide a plurality of nozzle stages in the form of a plurality of, in particular three, injection nozzles in the respective nozzle line.

[0112] The nozzle device 55 with the nozzle lines with injection nozzles and the control piston device 57 with the control pistons are also designed as modules.

[0113] Since the interface device 39 is also designed as a module, in particular in the form of a cover, the vacuum generating device 1 overall consists of a plurality of modules, in particular five, namely an interface module, a control valve module 38, a control piston module 57, a nozzle module and a muffler module. These modules are designed to be reversibly separable from one another, wherein plug-in connectors 59 are provided as fasteners for securing the modules to one another. Some of these plug-in connectors 59 are shown in particular in Figure 3 and Figure 4 with reference to the first embodiment of the vacuum generating device 1 and in Figure 5 with reference to the second embodiment of the vacuum generating device 1. Each module has at least one plug-in connector 59 for each adjacent module in order to engage with the corresponding plug-in connector 59 of the adjacent module when the modules are snapped together.

[0114] Figure 2 The vacuum generating device 1 is shown in the form of a side view, it can also be seen that the control pistons, in particular the first control piston 23 herein, can be actuated by the control valves, in particular the first control valve 27 herein. The air entering the compressed air connection 21 via the interface device 39 designed as a module flows through the control valve module 38, the control piston device 57 designed as a module and the nozzle device 55 designed as a module into the muffler device 53 designed as a module. The air can be discharged from the muffler device 53 to the outside via the flow openings 61.

[0115] In the muffler device 53, a sound insulation 63 is arranged, which can for example comprise a foam.

[0116] Preferably, an expansion module, in particular with additional nozzle stages and / or additional sound insulation, can be provided between the muffler device 53 and the nozzle device 55. This enables the vacuum generating device 1 to be flexibly expanded and adapted.

[0117] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 2 that fluid, in particular air, can be sucked out of the vacuum generation device 1 or the surface suction clamp 18 from the lower side 65, which is designed as a suction side. In particular, three suction channels are provided. A first suction channel 67 leads from the lower side 65 to a first section 69 of the central channel 47 and is preferably designed as a first jet nozzle, has a small fluid cross section and forms a first nozzle stage. A second suction channel 71 leads to a second central section 73 of the central channel 47 and is preferably designed as a second jet nozzle, has a medium fluid cross section and forms a second nozzle stage. A third suction channel 75 leads to a third section 77 of the central channel 47, is preferably designed as a third jet nozzle, has a large fluid cross section and forms a third nozzle stage. This makes the vacuum generation very effective and a very high vacuum can be generated.

[0118] The first suction channel 67, the second suction channel 71 and the third suction channel 75 extend from a specific channel suction opening 79 to a nozzle line, wherein the first nozzle line 3 is shown in Figure 2 .

[0119] In Figure 3 , the vacuum generation device 1 is presented from below, the lower side 65 is directed towards the observer, so that the check valve 81 can be seen, through which the channel suction opening 79 can be closed, so that air can flow into the suction channels essentially only from the outside, while the air flow from the inside of the vacuum generation device 1 to the outside is blocked by the check valve 81.

[0120] Furthermore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the guide surface 15 can be seen particularly clearly from below, on which the vacuum generation device 1 is guided when it is inserted into the housing 17.

[0121] It can also be seen from Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 that each nozzle line 3, 5, 7 is not only equipped with three suction channels, but also with three channel suction openings 79 and three check valves 81, respectively, for preventing backflow from the vacuum generation device 1 to the outside.

[0122] The vacuum generation device 1 can be inserted into the housing 17, which has flowable regions, in particular recesses, on which the channel suction openings 79 and the fluid openings 61 of the silencer device 53 are located in the inserted state.

[0123] Unlike Figure 3 , the check valve 81 is not shown in Figure 4 in order to clearly see the suction channels from below.

[0124] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 3 and Figure 4 that the common flow section 33 is guided along the outside of the control valve module 38 to the control piston device 39. In conjunction with Figure 1 it can be clearly seen that Figure 3 and Figure 4 the first nozzle line is arranged on top, the second nozzle line 5 is arranged in the middle and the third nozzle line 7 is arranged on the bottom.

[0125] Figure 5 A vacuum generating apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment is shown, in which the individual modules are separated from one another. This means that there is no mutual mounting between the modules and the plug-in connectors 59 are not mutually engaged in the shown state. This makes replacement and maintenance of the individual modules more convenient.

[0126] In this case, compressed air can also be supplied via the compressed air connection 21, which then flows along the common flow section 33 through the control valve device 38 and thus to the control piston device 57. If the control piston arranged in the control piston device 57 is in the open position, the compressed air additionally flows into the nozzle lines - here the first nozzle line 3, the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7, wherein here it can also be preferred that the second nozzle line 5 and the third nozzle line 7 are closed and opened by the same control piston.

[0127] Here, an expansion module 83 with an additional nozzle stage and / or an additional sound damper is fluidically connected downstream of the nozzle device 55, which in particular has three nozzle lines.

[0128] The expansion module 83 can have a plurality of sub-modules, wherein in the end section 85 the air is split off to an upper flow path, in this case in particular via two upper fluid lines 87, so that the air flows back in the direction opposite to the fluid direction in the nozzle lines, i.e. in the direction of the nozzle device, and into a further two upper fluid lines 89 of the nozzle device 55.

[0129] After flowing through the expansion module, the air is fed via the further two upper fluid lines 89 to an interface structure 91, to which the sound damper device 53 is preferably connected in order to reduce the noise generated by the vacuum generating apparatus 1.

[0130] In the second embodiment of the vacuum generating apparatus 1 shown here, in particular the sound damper device 53 is arranged outside the housing 17, into which the vacuum generating apparatus 1 can be inserted, and the sound damper device 53 is preferably mounted on the housing 17 from the outside.

[0131] Figure 6 A vacuum generating apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment is shown, in which the individual modules are separated from one another. This means that there is no mutual mounting between the modules and the plug-in connectors 59 are not mutually engaged in the shown state. This makes replacement and maintenance of the individual modules more convenient. Figure 5A second embodiment of the vacuum generating device 1 is shown in the middle, wherein the individual modules are attached to each other here.

Claims

1. A compressed air-driven vacuum generating device (1), particularly for insertion into the housing (17) of a surface suction clamp (18), comprising: - Multiple nozzle lines (3, 5, 7), each of which has at least one injection nozzle (9, 11, 13) for generating a vacuum from compressed air; - At least one compressed air connector (21) for connecting to a compressed air source; as well as - Valve device (19), which is designed to individually open and / or close a specific fluid connection between the nozzle line (3, 5, 7) and the at least one compressed air connection (21).

2. The vacuum generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The valve device (19) is designed and configured to block and open the first nozzle line (3) using a first shut-off element, and to block and open the second nozzle line (5) and the third nozzle line (7) using a second shut-off element.

3. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The valve device (19) for opening and closing the fluid connection has at least one control piston (23, 25), which is preferably arranged in a control piston device (57) formed in particular, and the control piston (23, 25) is designed and configured to hydrodynamically block at least one of the nozzle lines (3, 5, 7) and interrupt or at least weaken the fluid connection with the injection nozzles (9, 11, 13) of the nozzle lines (3, 5, 7).

4. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vacuum generating device (1) for opening and closing the fluid connection has a control device (37) designed and configured to operate the valve device (19) electrically and / or pneumatically.

5. The vacuum generating device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, A control valve device (38) is provided, which is designed and configured to regulate the control piston (23, 25) and preferably has at least one control valve (27, 29) that can be operated electrically and / or pneumatically.

6. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vacuum generating device (1) has suction channels (67, 71, 75) that fluidly connect a channel suction opening (79) to at least one of the nozzle lines (3, 5, 7).

7. The vacuum generating device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The suction channels (67, 71, 75) and the nozzle lines (3, 5, 7) are arranged in a nozzle assembly (55), which is specifically designed as a nozzle module having its own nozzle module housing.

8. The vacuum generating device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, At least one check device, in particular a check valve or check flap (81), is arranged in the suction channel (67, 71, 75) to prevent backflow from the nozzle line (3, 5, 7), in particular the closed nozzle line (3, 5, 7), through the suction opening (79) of the channel.

9. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vacuum generating device (1) has a silencer device (53), wherein the nozzle lines (3, 5, 7) are connected to the silencer device (53).

10. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vacuum generating device (1) has an interface device (39) specially designed as a front cover, wherein the compressed air connector (21) and preferably at least one signal connector (41) are arranged on the interface device (39).

11. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 4, 7, 8 and 9, wherein, At least two of the devices selected from the interface device (39), the control valve device (38), the control device (37), the control piston device (57), the nozzle device (55), and / or the muffler device (53) are preferably designed as modules with their own modular housings and each has at least one fastener, particularly a plug-in connector (59), for fastening the two devices to each other.

12. The vacuum generating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 4, 7, 8 and 9, wherein, The interface device (39), the control device (37), the control valve device (38), the control piston device (57), the nozzle device (55), and / or the silencer device (53) are connected in series with each other and preferably in the order described above.

13. A surface suction clamp (18) having a vacuum generating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a housing (17), the vacuum generating device (1) being at least partially inserted into the housing (17), wherein, The housing (17) has multiple suction openings on the suction side.

14. The surface suction clamp (18) according to claim 13, wherein, With the vacuum generating device (1) inserted, the silencer device (53) is completely arranged in the internal space of the housing (17).

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