Integrated vacuum generator

Abstract

The integrated vacuum generator comprises a body, a first control device and a second control device, and a first cavity and a second cavity are formed in the body; the two ends of the first cavity are in through connection with the positive pressure cavity and the positive pressure air port respectively, a first valve element is arranged in the first cavity, the first control device is used for driving the first valve element to move so that the positive pressure cavity and the positive pressure air port can be connected or disconnected, and the positive pressure cavity is further connected with the diffusion pipe unit; the two ends of the second cavity are in through connection with the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity respectively, the negative pressure cavity is further in through connection with the vacuum adsorption opening and the vacuum pump opening, and a second valve element is arranged in the second cavity. The second control device is used for driving the second valve element to move so that the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity can be connected or disconnected, and the vacuum adsorption opening and the vacuum pump opening can be connected or disconnected. The safety device has good response time, is good in maintaining effect, does not completely depend on the deformation capacity of the material, and can be used in a vacuum pump system as a safety device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum generator technology, and more specifically to an integrated vacuum generator. Background Technology

[0002] A vacuum generator is a device that creates negative pressure by compressing air. Utilizing the Laval tube principle, it forms a vacuum at the nozzle. Its core structure includes a vacuum chamber, nozzle, negative pressure chamber, and silencer. A vacuum environment is achieved by drawing in gas through a high-speed airflow. Vacuum generators are widely used in industry and are important components in industrial equipment, finding applications in photovoltaics, lithium batteries, semiconductor equipment, logistics handling, conveying, packaging, and more.

[0003] There are many types of vacuum generators on the market, but most of them are large in size, occupy a lot of equipment space, and require other supporting parts to be used, resulting in high procurement costs for enterprises. When products malfunction, they are difficult to maintain. Products with complex structures and excellent performance are expensive, and most enterprises cannot afford such high-cost products.

[0004] Furthermore, existing vacuum generators generally use rubber diaphragms as vacuum pressure-holding components. These diaphragms open and close based on their own deformation capacity, making the product response time highly dependent on material properties. After prolonged use, rubber diaphragms are prone to aging and damage, leading to decreased vacuum pressure-holding performance and even leakage, severely impacting the normal operation and efficiency of the equipment. In addition, at the moment of pressure holding, the supply of high-speed gas needs to be stopped, and negative pressure is used to adhere the diaphragm and block the pipeline opening to achieve pressure holding. Although this instantaneous process is very fast, it causes significant fluctuations in vacuum pressure.

[0005] Meanwhile, existing vacuum generators have limited functionality, only capable of generating a vacuum to achieve adsorption and gripping effects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an integrated vacuum generator with good response time, good holding effect, not completely dependent on the deformation ability of the material itself, and can also be used as a safety device in a vacuum pump system.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an integrated vacuum generator, including a body, a first control device and a second control device, wherein the body is provided with a first cavity and a second cavity.

[0008] The first cavity is connected to a positive pressure chamber and a positive pressure port at both ends, and a first valve core is provided inside the first cavity. The first valve core is connected to a first control device. The first control device is used to drive the first valve core to move so that the positive pressure chamber and the positive pressure port are connected or disconnected. The positive pressure chamber is also connected to a diffuser unit.

[0009] The second cavity is connected to the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity at both ends, respectively. The negative pressure cavity is also connected to the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port. A second valve core is provided inside the second cavity. The second valve core is connected to a second control device. The second control device is used to drive the second valve core to move so that the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity are connected or disconnected, and the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port are connected or disconnected.

[0010] Furthermore, a first guide sleeve is provided inside the first cavity, and a first stepped groove and a first conical groove are respectively provided at both ends of the first guide sleeve. The first valve core is provided inside the first guide sleeve. A first limiting end is provided at the end of the first valve core located in the first stepped groove, and a first sealing end is provided at the end of the first valve core located in the first conical groove. A first opening communicating with the positive pressure port is provided on the surface of the first guide sleeve.

[0011] The first sealing head is located on one side of the diffuser unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the first control device includes a first pilot valve, and a first control channel is provided in the body between the outlet end of the first pilot valve and the first limiting end. The first pilot valve uses high-pressure gas to push the first limiting end to move so that the first sealing end separates from the first conical groove.

[0013] Furthermore, both ends of the outer surface of the first guide sleeve are sealed to the first cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, a second guide sleeve is provided inside the second cavity, a second stepped groove is provided at one end of the second guide sleeve, the second valve core is provided inside the second guide sleeve, a second limiting end is provided at the end of the second valve core located in the second stepped groove, and a second opening communicating with the negative pressure cavity is provided on the surface of the second guide sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, the second control device includes a second pilot valve and a return spring. The other end of the second valve core extends out of the second guide sleeve and the second upper plug. A return spring is provided between the surface of the second upper plug away from the second valve core and the second cavity. A second sealing protrusion is also provided between the surface of the second valve core and the second guide sleeve. The second valve core, the second sealing protrusion, the second upper plug, the second guide sleeve, and the second cavity cooperate to form an operating pressure space. A second control channel is provided in the body between the outlet end of the second pilot valve and the operating pressure space. The second pilot valve pushes the second upper plug to move through high-pressure gas so that the second sealing end contacts the second stepped groove.

[0016] Furthermore, both ends of the outer surface of the second guide sleeve are sealed to the second cavity.

[0017] Furthermore, the negative pressure chamber is also connected to the detection channel, and one end of the detection channel is also connected to a pressure sensor.

[0018] Furthermore, the vacuum pump port is connected to a vacuum pump.

[0019] Furthermore, the vacuum pump port is equipped with a removable sealing plug.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. This invention uses the movement of the second valve core to connect or disconnect the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber. When connected, a negative pressure effect can be formed. When the product is adsorbed, it can be instantly closed to achieve pressure holding and product gripping. The entire process is achieved by the movement of the second valve core. There is no diaphragm structure, no need to consider material deformation, and the negative pressure can always be kept stable during the entire disconnection and pressure holding process.

[0022] 2. The use of the vacuum pump port allows the vacuum generator to be connected to a vacuum system directly connected to the vacuum pump. When the vacuum pump is in normal use, the vacuum generator does not need to be involved. However, when the vacuum pump fails, it can be directly involved as an alternative to maintain the vacuum level, thus effectively ensuring the adsorption effect. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the first cavity portion of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the second cavity portion of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core portion within the first cavity of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core portion within the second cavity of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gas path during vacuum adsorption according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the gas path when the vacuum pump is running in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 8 As shown, an embodiment of the integrated vacuum generator of the present invention includes a main body 1, a first control device 2, and a second control device 3. The main body contains a first cavity 4 and a second cavity 5. The first cavity is connected at both ends to a positive pressure cavity 6 and a positive pressure port 7, respectively. A first valve core 8 is disposed inside the first cavity and is connected to the first control device. The first control device drives the first valve core to move, thereby connecting or disconnecting the positive pressure cavity and the positive pressure port. The positive pressure cavity is also connected to a diffuser unit 9, which is a structure designed to accelerate gas flow, achieving high-speed injection of compressed air. The second cavity is connected at both ends to a negative pressure cavity 10 and a positive pressure cavity, respectively. The negative pressure cavity is also connected to a vacuum adsorption port 11 and a vacuum pump port 12. A second valve core 13 is disposed inside the second cavity and is connected to the second control device. The second control device drives the second valve core to move, thereby connecting or disconnecting the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity, and connecting or disconnecting the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port.

[0033] This vacuum generator has two uses: one is to directly generate vacuum adsorption products, and the other is to be used in a vacuum pump system as a safeguard.

[0034] Directly generate vacuum adsorption products: Refer to Figure 7 As shown, a removable sealing head 35 needs to be installed on the vacuum pump port first. Then, high-pressure gas is introduced through the positive pressure port. The first control device drives the first valve core downwards, connecting the positive pressure chamber and the positive pressure port. The high-pressure gas enters the positive pressure chamber, and due to the diffuser unit, it is accelerated and ejected from the diffuser unit, while being silenced by a silencer 36. There is a gap between the primary and secondary nozzles of the diffuser unit; the accelerated high-pressure gas carries the gas within this gap space with it and is discharged together.

[0035] At the same time, the second control device drives the second valve core to move downward. The second valve core will disconnect the passage between the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port, while connecting the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber. That is, the vacuum adsorption port, the negative pressure chamber, and the positive pressure chamber (which can also be understood as the gap between the first-stage nozzle and the second-stage nozzle) are connected. While the high-pressure gas is ejected, the gas at the vacuum adsorption port will also be continuously extracted. When the product is adsorbed, the passage between the vacuum adsorption port, the negative pressure chamber, and the positive pressure chamber can be kept under negative pressure, so the product will not fall off. At this time, the product can be transferred.

[0036] After the transfer, the first valve core resets, disconnecting the passage between the positive pressure chamber and the positive pressure port. The diffuser unit no longer discharges high-pressure gas, and the passage between the vacuum adsorption port, negative pressure chamber, and positive pressure chamber returns to atmospheric pressure. This means the product no longer has adsorption force and is released. The entire process is complete.

[0037] During the above process, the transfer of the product takes time, and maintaining the discharge of high-pressure gas would increase energy consumption. Therefore, during this process, the passage between the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber can be disconnected by resetting the second valve core. At this time, the vacuum suction port and the vacuum pump port are connected, but because the vacuum pump port is blocked, the negative pressure is maintained, i.e., pressure is held, and the product will not fall. At the same time, the first valve core also resets, blocking the discharge of high-pressure gas and achieving energy-saving effect. When it is necessary to release the product, the second valve core only needs to be activated again to restore atmospheric pressure by connecting the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber.

[0038] During the process of the second valve core disconnecting the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber, the negative pressure is maintained, so there will be no large fluctuations in vacuum.

[0039] For products adsorbed by the vacuum pump system: the vacuum pump port is connected to vacuum pump 34, and the vacuum adsorption port is used to adsorb products (currently, the vacuum pump directly adsorbs products through a pipeline), which is equivalent to connecting the vacuum generator into the vacuum pump system. During use, the second valve core is in a state where the passage between the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber is disconnected, while the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port are connected. The vacuum pump draws a vacuum, and the product is adsorbed through the vacuum adsorption port. When the vacuum pump malfunctions and cannot achieve the required vacuum adsorption force, the second valve core actuates, moving downwards. The second valve core disconnects the passage between the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port, and then connects the negative pressure chamber and the positive pressure chamber. Simultaneously, the first valve core actuates, causing high-pressure gas to be ejected to create a vacuum. This process is completed instantaneously, and the product does not fall off. Alternatively, the faulty vacuum pump can be shut off, and the vacuum generator can be used as an auxiliary system.

[0040] During the above process, when the vacuum pump is working normally, the vacuum generator does not operate, but only performs detection. Specifically, the negative pressure chamber is connected to the detection channel 32. A pressure sensor 33 is installed at one end of the detection channel. The vacuum pressure generated by the vacuum pump is detected by the pressure sensor in real time. The detection value of the pressure sensor determines whether to start the vacuum generator.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the structure of the first control device and the first valve core in this application is as follows: a first guide sleeve 14 is provided inside the first cavity, and a first stepped groove 15 and a first conical groove 16 are respectively provided at both ends of the first guide sleeve. The first valve core is located inside the first guide sleeve, and a first limiting end 17 is provided at the end of the first valve core located in the first stepped groove. A first sealing end 18 is provided at the end of the first valve core located in the first conical groove. A first opening 19 communicating with the positive pressure port is provided on the surface of the first guide sleeve. The first sealing head is located on one side of the diffuser unit. The first control device includes a first pilot valve 20. A first control channel 21 is provided in the body between the outlet end of the first pilot valve and the first limiting end. The first pilot valve pushes the first limiting end to move through high-pressure gas, causing the first sealing end to separate from the first conical groove.

[0042] The first guide sleeve effectively reduces manufacturing difficulty, facilitates assembly, and ensures a sealed environment. High-pressure gas enters the first guide sleeve through its first opening. The first valve core moves axially up and down inside the first guide sleeve to control the flow. Specifically, when the first valve core moves upward, the first sealing end abuts against the first conical groove, working with the sealing ring to seal the gas, preventing it from escaping from the first guide sleeve. When the first valve core moves downward, the first sealing end separates from the first conical groove, creating a gap that allows the high-pressure gas to flow out and exit through the diffuser unit. The first limiting end is used to limit the movement of the first sealing end during movement.

[0043] In the driving method of the first valve core, this application uses a first pilot valve in conjunction with high-pressure gas. Specifically, the inlet end of the first pilot valve is always connected to the positive pressure port. When the first pilot valve is opened, high-pressure gas enters the first control channel from the outlet end of the first pilot valve and enters the space between the first limiting end and the first cavity, that is, between the top surface of the first limiting end and the inner top surface of the first cavity. The high-pressure gas presses against the first limiting end, forcing it to move axially downward, thus causing the first valve core to move downward. When the first valve core needs to be reset, the first pilot valve closes, stopping the supply of high-pressure gas. At the same time, high-pressure gas continues to be supplied into the first guide sleeve. At this time, the high-pressure gas presses against the first limiting end, causing it to move upward, thereby achieving reset. The area of ​​the first limiting end is larger than that of the first sealing end. Under the same gas pressure, the force on the first limiting end is greater than that on the first sealing end, therefore it will move upward.

[0044] The first pilot valve has a venting function. When the first valve core moves upward, the high-pressure gas that was originally supplied is released, and there will be no obstruction to the upward movement.

[0045] Both ends of the outer surface of the first guide sleeve are sealed to the first cavity to ensure that the air passage is sealed and does not leak.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the structure of the second control device and the second valve core in this application is as follows: a second guide sleeve 22 is provided inside the second cavity, a second stepped groove 23 is provided at one end of the second guide sleeve, the second valve core is provided inside the second guide sleeve, a second limiting end 24 is provided at the end of the second valve core located in the second stepped groove, and a second opening 25 communicating with the negative pressure chamber is provided on the surface of the second guide sleeve. The second control device includes a second pilot valve 26 and a return spring 27. The other end of the second valve core extends out of the second guide sleeve and the second upper plug 28. A return spring is provided between the surface of the second upper plug away from the second valve core and the second cavity. A second sealing protrusion is also provided between the surface of the second valve core and the second guide sleeve. The second valve core, the second sealing protrusion, the second upper plug, the second guide sleeve, and the second cavity cooperate to form an operating pressure space 30. A second control channel 31 is provided in the body between the outlet end of the second pilot valve and the operating pressure space. The second pilot valve pushes the second upper plug to move by high-pressure gas so that the second sealing end contacts the second stepped groove.

[0047] The second guide sleeve effectively reduces manufacturing difficulty, facilitates assembly, and ensures a sealed environment. The return spring applies force to the top surface of the second valve core, specifically to the top surface of the second upper plug. The second valve core is compressed axially downwards by the return spring pressure, ensuring the second limiting end remains in contact with the opening at the connection between the lower part of the negative pressure chamber and the vacuum pump port, effectively sealing it and isolating the vacuum pump port. Simultaneously, the vacuum adsorption port and the negative pressure chamber remain connected, facilitating vacuum generation. When pressure maintenance is required, the second pilot valve activates, supplying high-pressure gas from the positive pressure port through the second control channel into the operating pressure space. The high-pressure gas applies force to the back of the second upper plug, exceeding the return spring pressure. This compresses the return spring, pushing the second upper plug upwards, causing the second valve core to move upwards, thus disconnecting the passage between the negative and positive pressure chambers.

[0048] After the pressure holding period ends, the second pilot valve closes, and high-pressure gas is no longer supplied. Simultaneously, the venting function of the second pilot valve opens, releasing the return spring and pushing the second upper plug downwards, thus achieving reset. The chamber containing the return spring has a through-flow with the outside, allowing outside air to effectively enter and air inside the chamber to effectively exit during the movement of the second upper plug. This means that air is not compressed during the movement of the second upper plug, and its movement is not affected. Both ends of the outer surface of the second guide sleeve are sealed to the second cavity, ensuring a leak-proof gas path.

[0049] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated vacuum generator, characterized in that, It includes a main body, a first control device, and a second control device, wherein the main body is provided with a first cavity and a second cavity; The first cavity is connected to a positive pressure chamber and a positive pressure port at both ends, and a first valve core is provided inside the first cavity. The first valve core is connected to a first control device. The first control device is used to drive the first valve core to move so that the positive pressure chamber and the positive pressure port are connected or disconnected. The positive pressure chamber is also connected to a diffuser unit. The second cavity is connected to the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity at both ends, respectively. The negative pressure cavity is also connected to the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port. A second valve core is provided inside the second cavity. The second valve core is connected to a second control device. The second control device is used to drive the second valve core to move so that the negative pressure cavity and the positive pressure cavity are connected or disconnected, and the vacuum adsorption port and the vacuum pump port are connected or disconnected.

2. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity is provided with a first guide sleeve. The first guide sleeve is provided with a first stepped groove and a first conical groove at both ends. The first valve core is provided in the first guide sleeve. The end of the first valve core located in the first stepped groove is provided with a first limiting end. The end of the first valve core located in the first conical groove is provided with a first sealing end. The surface of the first guide sleeve is provided with a first opening that communicates with the positive pressure port. The first sealing head is located on one side of the diffuser unit.

3. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first control device includes a first pilot valve. A first control channel is provided in the body between the outlet end of the first pilot valve and the first limiting end. The first pilot valve uses high-pressure gas to push the first limiting end to move, thereby separating the first sealing end from the first conical groove.

4. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Both ends of the outer surface of the first guide sleeve are sealed to the first cavity.

5. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second cavity is provided with a second guide sleeve. One end of the second guide sleeve is provided with a second stepped groove. The second valve core is provided inside the second guide sleeve. The end of the second valve core located in the second stepped groove is provided with a second limiting end. The surface of the second guide sleeve is provided with a second opening that communicates with the negative pressure cavity.

6. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second control device includes a second pilot valve and a return spring. The other end of the second valve core extends out of the second guide sleeve and the second upper plug. A return spring is provided between the surface of the second upper plug away from the second valve core and the second cavity. A second sealing protrusion is also provided between the surface of the second valve core and the second guide sleeve. The second valve core, the second sealing protrusion, the second upper plug, the second guide sleeve and the second cavity cooperate to form an operating pressure space. A second control channel is provided in the body between the outlet end of the second pilot valve and the operating pressure space. The second pilot valve pushes the second upper plug to move by high pressure gas so that the second sealing end contacts the second stepped groove.

7. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Both ends of the outer surface of the second guide sleeve are sealed to the second cavity.

8. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The negative pressure chamber is also connected to the detection channel, and one end of the detection channel is connected to a pressure sensor.

9. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum pump port is connected to the vacuum pump.

10. The integrated vacuum generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum pump port is equipped with a removable sealing plug.

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