Monolithically formed suction body with filter structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a monolithically formed suction body (10) comprising a suction body wall (14) with a first wall section (16) and a second wall section (26), wherein the first wall section surrounds a suction chamber (18) open by a suction opening (24) and wherein the second wall section forms a connection section (30) with a fluid channel (34) formed therein, through which the suction chamber can be supplied with negative pressure, and a filter structure (36) arranged in the suction chamber, wherein the filter structure is connected to the suction body wall in the area of ​​the connection section.

Description

The invention relates to a monolithically formed suction body for suctioning an object.Suction bodies are known in a variety of ways from the prior art and are used, for example, to handle stacked, rigid and / or flexurally slack workpieces. In particular, absorbent bodies made of elastomer, for example, have been found. This is established by rubber which has a certain deformability and can thus easily conform sealingly to an outer contour of an object to be gripped.Such suction bodies usually have a suction body wall with a connection section and a wall section extending away from the connection section, which wall section delimits a suction space open through a suction opening. The suction opening is usually surrounded by a sealing lip of the suction body, which is placed against or pressed against the surface of the latter for gripping an object. After the sealing lip has been placed against the object, the suction chamber is subjected to a negative pressure (for example by a pump, a blower, an ejector or a negative pressure accumulator) and the object is thus sucked in.In order to prevent an object which has been sucked in from being sucked into the suction chamber, it is known to provide, for example to clip, a filter insert, for example in the form of a metal screen, in the region of the sealing lip.DE 10 2017 124 472 B3 discloses a vacuum suction cup with a bellows and a suction foot with a suction opening attached to the bellows, wherein a vacuum channel is formed in an inner central region of the vacuum suction cup, in which a vacuum filter is arranged.In addition, DE 10 2013 009 344 A1 discloses a suction gripper for holding flexible objects by means of negative pressure, which suction gripper has a suction recess which has a working opening on a front side and which is divided by an air-permeable suction wall from a suction chamber which can be acted upon by negative pressure, wherein the suction wall is penetrated by a multiplicity of suction channels.In addition, DE 26 15 791 A1 discloses a vacuum suction device for lifting and transport devices.The invention is concerned with the object of improving robust, safe and low-maintenance operation in the case of suction bodies of the type mentioned at the beginning.This object is achieved according to the invention by an absorbent body having the features of claim 1.The absorbent body is monolithically formed. In this respect, the absorbent body is formed from a continuous material. In particular, the absorbent body is manufactured from a single material. The absorbent body can be produced, for example, in a casting process, e.g. injection molding, or by means of 3D printing. In particular, the absorbent body is an elastomer absorbent body, i.e. made of an elastomer material, for example. Rubber prepared.The absorbent body has an absorbent body wall. The absorbent body wall is in particular configured rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the absorbent body. The absorbent body wall has a first wall section and a second wall section connected to the first wall section. In particular, the first wall section adjoins the second wall section as viewed in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.The first wall section (occasionally also only this part is referred to as the suction body wall) delimits a suction space which is open by a suction opening. In particular, the first wall section extends between the first wall section and a sealing lip delimiting the suction opening. The first wall section is in particular designed to be flexibly deformable.The second wall section (occasionally also referred to as the base section of the absorbent body) forms a connection section of the absorbent body. The second wall section delimits a fluid channel, via which the suction chamber can be supplied with negative pressure. In the fluid channel, a connecting piece (occasionally also referred to as a connecting nipple) is provided, for example. A metal part with a connection thread for fastening the suction body to a carrier of a suction gripper is arranged. In the connecting piece, a fluid channel can itself be formed, via which the suction chamber can be supplied with negative pressure.The second wall section is in particular formed thicker than the first wall section. In this respect, the second wall section has in particular a greater wall thickness than the first wall section. This enables sufficient stability in the region of the connection section with simultaneous flexibility of the first wall section, which promotes sealing contact also with articles having an irregular shape.The absorbent body also has a filter structure (formed monolithically with the absorbent body wall), in particular in the form of a filter screen. The filter structure is arranged in particular in the suction chamber or in the fluid channel. The filter structure is designed in particular for preventing objects from being sucked into or through the fluid channel of the connection nipple. The filter structure is in particular formed and arranged in such a way that a flow path runs from the suction opening through the fluid channel through the filter structure.The filter structure is connected to the absorbent body wall in the region of the connection section, in particular in such a way that a distance of the filter structure from the connection section (second wall section) is smaller than a distance of the filter structure from the suction opening, in particular from the sealing lip of the first wall section. The filter structure can be directly connected, for example, to the second wall section (connection section), for example, via a fastening section extending from the second wall section. The filter structure can also be connected to the absorbent body wall in a transition region of the absorbent body wall between the first wall section and the second wall section, for example via a fastening section extending from the transition section. The transition section can be characterized in that a direction of extension of the absorbent body wall changes, in particular abruptly. The transition section can be characterized in that a wall thickness of the absorbent body wall changes in the transition region.Such an absorbent body with a monolithically formed filter structure in the region of the connection section enables reliable, low-maintenance and robust operation. Because the filter structure is not arranged at the suction opening, but rather in the region of the connection section, flexibility of the first wall section is not impaired or only slightly impaired, which facilitates reliable sealing of the suction opening and thus reliable operation. At the same time, the filter structure has a stabilizing effect for the first wall section in the suctioned state, which makes the absorbent body robust. This is further promoted in that the filter structure is formed monolithically with the absorbent body wall. The arrangement according to the invention of the filter structure in the region of the connection section (i.e. "deep" in the suction chamber) additionally actively allows objects to be sucked into the suction chamber, which can be advantageous, for example, when gripping films, bags or piece goods. At the same time, the objects entering the suction chamber are prevented from being sucked in through the fluid channel and thus blocking a supply of negative pressure. Because the filter structure is formed monolithically with the absorbent body wall, wear of the absorbent body is also significantly reduced. In particular, wear due to friction between sections made of different materials (as in the prior art between the absorbent body wall and the clipped-in metal screen), for example, can be prevented. The proposed suction body is therefore low-maintenance and has a long service life. In addition, the one-piece configuration can reduce the risk of undesired dropping of the filter structure, which further promotes reliable operation of the absorbent body. A further advantage of the monolithic configuration of the filter structure results from a high degree of freedom of configuration associated therewith when designing the absorbent body wall, in particular the first wall section. Thus, for example, it does not have to be taken into account that a metal screen has to be clipped into the suction chamber, as is customary in the prior art. Finally, the monolithic configuration facilitates simple production of the absorbent body.In the present context, a longitudinal direction of the suction body is understood to mean a direction from the connection section to the suction opening.The filter structure can be designed differently. The filter structure is preferably designed as a filter screen with a plurality of through-openings (in particular more than ten, preferably more than twenty through-openings). Preferably, a diameter of the fluid channel is at least five times, preferably at least ten times, as large as the diameter of a respective through-opening.The filter structure is preferably formed by a material section, in particular a flat material section, having a plurality of through-openings formed therein or comprises such a section.The material section can be oriented at least in regions inclined, preferably orthogonally, to a longitudinal direction (central axis) of the absorbent body. The material section can also be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body at least in regions.Within the scope of an advantageous embodiment, the material section can be designed to be plate-shaped or disk-shaped. In this respect, the filter structure can comprise a filter plate or be a filter plate. In particular, the material section, in particular the filter plate, extends in a filter plane, preferably orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. The through openings are preferably arranged orthogonally to the filter plane.The material section can also be curved, for example, convex or concave with respect to the suction chamber. The material section can also be designed as a free-form surface. The material section can also be formed by a bottom surface and / or a lateral surface of an, in particular cylindrical, projection which protrudes from the absorbent body wall into the suction chamber.In a first advantageous embodiment, the filter structure can be arranged in the fluid channel. In this respect, the filter structure can be directly connected to the connection section (second wall section). Then, the filter structure is preferably formed as a filter plate having a plurality of through holes.In a second advantageous embodiment, the filter structure can be arranged in the suction chamber. The filter structure can then be designed in particular for preventing objects from being sucked into the fluid channel of the connection section. The filter structure is then preferably formed and arranged in such a way that a flow path runs through the filter structure from the suction opening to the fluid channel.In the second embodiment, it may be advantageous if a diameter of the filter structure, in particular a diameter of the material section, is greater than a diameter of the fluid channel.Within the scope of an advantageous development of the second embodiment, the filter structure, in particular in the case of an embodiment of the filter structure as a filter plate, can be held on an, in particular annular, fastening section of the absorbent body and be connected to the absorbent body wall via this fastening section. The fastening section is thus formed monolithically with the filter structure and the absorbent body wall.The fastening section is preferably designed as a projection which protrudes from the absorbent body wall, in particular in the longitudinal direction, so that the fastening section protrudes into the suction chamber. The fastening section can extend away from the absorbent body wall into the suction chamber. In this respect, the filter structure can be connected to the absorbent body wall via a fastening section projecting from the absorbent body wall into the suction chamber. Such a configuration has proven to be advantageous for the stability of the absorbent body, since the fastening section can in this way support the first wall section laterally.In particular, the fastening portion extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction (pointing from the connection portion to the suction opening) of the suction body.Within the scope of an advantageous development, the fastening section can protrude from the absorbent body wall or project into the absorbent chamber in such a way that a filter chamber is formed between the filter structure and the fluid channel. In particular, the filter structure is held on the fastening portion in such a way that a filter space is formed between the filter structure and the fluid channel. In this way, a flow and thus a reliable suction are promoted. The filter space is in particular bounded in the radial direction by the fastening section.In particular, the fastening portion is formed such that a diameter of the filter space is greater than a diameter of the fluid channel in the connection portion. In particular, a diameter of the filter structure can then be greater than a diameter of the fluid channel. In this way, a larger suction surface is provided, which further promotes reliable suction and at the same time reduces the risk of blockages of the filter structure. Overall, safe operation of the absorbent body can thus be improved. Within the scope of an advantageous development, the fastening section can be designed in such a way that a diameter of the filter space increases starting from the fluid channel to the filter structure.It has proven to be advantageous if the fastening section surrounds the filter structure at least in sections. In particular, the fastening section can be of annular design. In this respect, the filter structure can be surrounded by an annular fastening section, via which the filter structure is connected to the absorbent body wall. Such an annular fixing portion where the filter structure is located gives the absorbent body higher stability in the sucked state because the first wall portion can be supported by the fixing portion.It is particularly advantageous if the filter structure is connected to the absorbent body wall via a fastening ring which projects from the absorbent body wall into the suction chamber (and is monolithically formed with the filter structure and the absorbent body wall).Within the scope of an advantageous development, the fastening section can project with an end region beyond the filter structure in the longitudinal direction. In this respect, the fastening section can protrude into the suction chamber in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body beyond a filter plane of the filter structure. A free end of the fastening portion and the filter structure can thus be offset with respect to one another along the longitudinal direction. The fastening section can in particular have a first region (base region) which extends from the absorbent body wall to the filter structure, and a second region (end region) which extends away from the filter structure into the suction chamber. The end region or the free end of the fastening section can form a contact surface (contact surface) for a suctioned object.In particular, the fastening portion can have a bead or extension which projects beyond the filter structure into the suction space. The bead or extension can extend away from the filter structure in particular in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.Preferably, the fastening section engages on the absorbent body wall in a transition region of the absorbent body wall between the first wall section and the second wall section, i.e. is connected to the absorbent body wall in this transition region. The transition section can be characterized in that a direction of extension of the absorbent body wall changes, in particular abruptly. The transition section can be characterized in that a wall thickness of the absorbent body wall changes in the transition region. The fastening section can stabilize this region and thus further reduce closure, which has a positive effect on the service life of the absorbent body.Furthermore, it can prove to be advantageous if the fastening section has a greater wall thickness than the first wall section at least in a base region merging into the absorbent body wall. This further facilitates stability of the absorbent body.The fastening section can in turn have one or more (radial) passage openings. In this respect, the fastening portion itself can fulfil a filter function. In particular, the through-openings are formed in the fastening section in such a way that a flow connection is produced between the optionally formed filter space and the suction space through the through-openings.Within the scope of a further advantageous development of the second embodiment, the filter structure can be designed as a filter basket (which is configured monolithically with the absorbent body wall). The filter basket preferably comprises a side wall, which protrudes in particular from the absorbent body wall into the suction chamber, and a bottom wall, which is arranged in particular at an end of the side wall facing away from the absorbent body wall. The side wall can be connected to the connection section (second wall section) or the transition region described above. The side wall and / or the bottom wall have one or more through-openings, in particular in such a way that a flow connection is produced between the fluid channel and the suction chamber through the through-openingsRegardless of the configuration of the filter structure, it may be advantageous if the first wall section is designed as a bellows with at least one fold, in particular at least two, more particularly at least four, folds. In the second embodiment, it can be advantageous if the filter structure is connected to the absorbent body wall at a position between the connection section and the fold (in the case of a fold in the embodiment) or at a position between the connection section and the fold of the bellows closest to the connection section (in the case of two or more folds in the embodiment), in particular via the fastening section described above. In this respect, the fastening portion can be connected to the absorbent body wall at a position between the connection portion and the at least one fold, in particular the first fold, of the bellows as viewed in the longitudinal direction.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a drawn-out illustration of an absorbent body in a sectional view; and FIG. 2 shows the absorbent body according to FIG. 1 in a perspective sectional view. FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of an absorbent body in a sectional view; and FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of an absorbent body in a sectional view.In the following description and in the figures, the same reference numerals are used in each case for identical or corresponding features.FIG. 1 shows, in a diagram, an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent body, which is denoted overall by reference numeral 10.The absorbent body 10 is monolithically formed. In this respect, the sections shown in the figures are manufactured from a continuous material, in particular the same material. The absorbent body is preferably made of an elastomer material, for example. Rubber manufactured.The absorbent body 10 extends along a central axis 12. In embodiments not shown, the absorbent body wall 14 can also be designed asymmetrically.The absorbent body wall 14 has a first wall section 16 which delimits a suction chamber 18 of the absorbent body 10. The first wall section 16 is designed as a bellows in the example, in particular with four folds 20. In embodiments not shown, the first wall section 16 can also have more or fewer (for example only one or two) folds 20 or be formed without folds 20.The first wall section 16 has an abutment section 22, in particular a sealing lip, which delimits a suction opening 24 of the suction chamber 18. For the suction of an object, the suction body 10 is placed with the contact section 22 onto the object, so that the suction chamber 18 is sealed.The absorbent body wall 14 also has a second wall section 26 which adjoins the first wall section 16. In particular, the first wall section 16 merges into the second wall section 26 in a transition section 28.The second wall section 26 forms a connection section 30 of the suction body 10. The suction body 10 in this respect has a connection section 30 (also referred to as base section) and a bellows extending away from the connection section 30, which bellows delimits a suction space 18 open through a suction opening 24. A longitudinal direction 32 of the suction body 10 runs parallel to the central axis 12 and points from the connection section 30 to the suction opening 24.As can be seen from FIG. 1, the second wall section 26 (connection section 30) delimits a fluid channel 34, via which the suction chamber 18 can be supplied with negative pressure.As mentioned above, the fluid channel 34 may be connected to an external vacuum supply (not shown). For this purpose, a metal insert (not shown) can be arranged, for example, in the fluid channel 34, by means of which metal insert the absorbent body 10 is held on a carrier and through which the absorbent body 10 can be supplied with negative pressure.As can be seen from FIG. 1, the first wall section 16 has a smaller wall thickness than the second wall section 26.The absorbent 10 also comprises a filter structure 36 (formed monolithically with the absorbent wall 14). the filter structure 36 is arranged in the suction chamber 18 and is connected to the absorbent wall 14 via a fastening section 38 (formed monolithically with the absorbent wall 14 and the filter structure 36).The filter structure 36 is formed, for example, as a filter plate 40 having a plurality of through-openings 42. In concrete terms, the filter structure 36 is formed by a plate-shaped flat material section 44, in which a plurality of through-openings 42 is formed.The flat material section 44 defines a filter plane of the filter structure 36.By way of example and with preference, a diameter of the filter structure 36 / filter plate 40 is greater than a diameter of the fluid channel 34. it is furthermore preferred if a diameter of the fluid channel 34 is at least five times, preferably at least ten times, as large as the diameter of a respective through opening 42.In the example, the fastening section 38 engages on the absorbent body wall 14 in the transition section 28 between the first and second wall sections 16, 26, and in this respect between the connection section 30 and the first fold 20 of the bellows.The fastening portion 38 is preferably formed annularly around the filter structure 36. The fastening section 38 thus forms a fastening ring for the filter structure 36.As can be seen from FIG. 2, the fastening section 38 is designed as a projection which protrudes from the absorbent body wall 14 and extends into the suction chamber 18, preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 32.The filter structure 36 is held on the fastening section 38 in such a way that a filter space 46 is formed between the filter structure 36 and the fluid channel 34. The filter chamber 46 is bounded in the radial direction by the fastening portion 38. By way of example and with preference, a diameter of the filter space 46 is greater than a diameter of the fluid channel 34 in the connection section 30.As can be seen from FIG. 1, the filter structure 36 is held on the fastening section 38 by way of example and preferably in such a way that the fastening section 38 projects with an end region 48 beyond the filter structure 36 into the suction chamber 18. In the specific example, the end region is designed as a bead or extension 50, which extends away from the filter structure 36 in the longitudinal direction 32.The bead or extension 50 can form an abutment portion (also as a contact surface) for a suctioned object.During the suction, the first wall section 16 (bellows) is compressed along the central axis 12. In this suctioned state, the fastening section 38, in particular with its outer wall 52, can form a lateral support for the first wall section 16.As can be seen from FIG. 1, the fastening section 38 has a greater wall thickness in a base region 54 merging into the absorbent body wall 14 than in the end region 48, and in particular also a greater wall thickness than the first wall section 16.In the example shown, the suction body 10 also has optional reinforcing ribs 56 in the inner side of the first wall section 16. In embodiments not shown, however, these can also be omitted.FIGS. 3 and 4 show two further exemplary embodiments of an absorbent body 10 with a filter structure 36. The same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding features.FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic illustration of a further exemplary configuration of an absorbent body 10, in which the filter structure 36 is designed as a filter basket 58. A plurality of through openings 42 are formed in the filter basket 58. The fluid channel 34 is fluidically connected to the suction chamber 18 via the through-openings 42, so that, during operation, the suction chamber 18 can be supplied with negative pressure through the through-openings 42.In the specific example, the filter basket 58 comprises a side wall 60 emerging from the second wall section 26 (connection section 30) and a bottom wall 62, which is oriented orthogonally thereto in the example. Through openings 42 are formed both in the side wall 58 and in the bottom wall 62. In embodiments not shown, however, passage openings 42 can also be formed only in the side wall 60 or only in the bottom wall 62.The filter basket 58 is shown cylindrically in the example. In embodiments not shown, however, other shapes are also conceivable. For example, the filter basket 58 may have a rectangular or polygonal cross section.In the example, the side wall 60 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 32. The bottom wall 62 is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 32. In embodiments not shown, it is however also conceivable for the side wall 60 to be oriented at least in sections obliquely to the longitudinal direction 32. It is also conceivable for the side wall 60 to be curved. For example, the filter basket 58 may have a hemispherical shape.FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic illustration of a further exemplary configuration of an absorbent body 10, in which the filter structure 36 is arranged in the fluid channel 34 of the connection section 30 (second wall section 26). In the specific example, the filter structure 36 is formed as a filter plate 40 which is connected to the second wall section 26. In the example, the filter plate 40 is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 32. In embodiments not shown, however, the filter plate 40 can also be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction 32. It is also conceivable that the filter structure 36 is curved, for example convex or concave, instead of a plate-shaped structure.

Claims

Absorbent body (10), in particular elastomer absorbent body, for the suction of an object, comprising: - an absorbent body wall (14), having a first wall section (16) and a second wall section (26), wherein the first wall section (16) surrounds a suction space (18) open through a suction opening (24), and wherein the second wall section (26) forms a connection section (30) having a fluid channel (34) formed therein, via which the suction space (18) can be supplied with negative pressure, - a filter structure (36) arranged in the suction space (18) or in the fluid channel (34), wherein the filter structure (36) is connected to the absorbent body wall (14) in the region of the connection section (30), - wherein the absorbent body (10) is monolithically formed, wherein a connecting piece for fastening the suction body (10) to a carrier of a suction gripper is arranged in the fluid channel (34).Absorbent body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the filter structure (36) comprises or is formed from a material section (44), in particular a plate-shaped or disc-shaped material section, having a plurality of through-openings (42) formed therein.Absorbent body (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter structure (36) is arranged in the suction chamber (18), wherein the absorbent body (10) has a fastening section (38), wherein the filter structure (36) is held on the fastening section (38) and is connected via the latter to the absorbent body wall (14), wherein the fastening section (28) is formed as an in particular annular projection which protrudes from the absorbent body wall (14) into the suction chamber (18).Absorbent body (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening portion (38) is formed in such a way that a filter space (46) delimited by the fastening portion is formed between the filter structure (36) and the fluid channel (34), in particular wherein the fastening portion (38) has one or more through-openings which fluidically connect the filter space (46) to the suction space (18).Absorbent body (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a diameter of the filter space (46) is greater than a diameter of the fluid channel (34), in particular a diameter of the filter space (46) increases starting from the fluid channel (34) to the filter structure (36).Absorbent body (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fastening section (38) surrounds the filter structure (36) at least in sections, in particular is formed annularly around the filter structure (36).Absorbent body (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fastening section (38) projects with a free end beyond the filter structure, in particular comprises a bead or extension projecting beyond the filter structure into the suction space.Absorbent body (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the fastening section (38) engages on the absorbent body wall (14) in a transition region (26) between the first wall section (16) and the second wall section (26).Absorbent body (10) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the fastening section (38) has a greater wall thickness than the first wall section (16) at least in a base region (54) merging into the absorbent body wall (14).Absorbent body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the filter structure (36) is arranged in the suction chamber (18), wherein the filter structure (36) is formed as a filter basket (58) with a side wall (60) and a bottom wall (62), wherein a plurality of through openings (42) is formed in the side wall (60) and / or in the bottom wall (62).Absorbent body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall section (16) is designed as a bellows with at least one, in particular at least two, more particularly at least four, folds (20), wherein the filter structure is connected to the absorbent body wall (14), in particular via the fastening section (38), at a position between the connection section (30) and the at least one fold (20), in particular the fold (20) of the bellows lying closest to the connection section (30).

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