Optimized rocker arm suction cup and optimized rocker arm suction cup tool

Abstract

rocker arm suction cups, featuring: a basic body (10); a rocker arm (20) pivotably mounted on the base body (10) about an axis (A) and having an eccentric section (30); a bolt (40) guided in the base body (10); and a suction disc (50) connected to the bolt (40); wherein the eccentric section (30) and the bolt (40) are operatively connected in such a way that when the rocker arm (20) pivots about the axis (A) the eccentric section (30) displaces the bolt (40) relative to a substrate (60), so that a vacuum can be generated between the suction disc (50) resting on the substrate (60) and the substrate (60).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The following descriptions concern a toggle-lever suction cup for lifting, carrying, holding and / or fixing loads with a flat, gas-tight surface, especially glass panes.

[0002] Furthermore, the following statements concern a rocker arm suction tool with at least two such rocker arm suction cups. Technical background

[0003] Toggle suction cups are suitable for lifting, carrying, holding, and / or securing loads with a flat, gas-tight surface. These types of toggle suction cups typically consist of a base, a pivoting toggle lever, and a suction disc. Actuating the toggle lever creates a vacuum beneath the suction disc.

[0004] It has been shown that various difficulties can arise when using lever suction cups.

[0005] This can cause a relatively large initial volume to form under the suction cup when it is applied to a surface. This can lead to a long actuation stroke and high actuation forces being required to generate sufficient vacuum. This places a significant mechanical load on the suction cup. Furthermore, a residual vacuum can remain under the suction cup after the rocker arm is released, making it difficult to detach the rocker arm suction cup from the surface.

[0006] Furthermore, operating the rocker lever may require a multi-stage movement sequence, which is ergonomically unfavorable and can promote incorrect operation.

[0007] Furthermore, during a period of negative pressure in the toggle-lever suction cup, the toggle lever may protrude from the base body in an actuated position, allowing it to be caught by cables, ropes, straps, or clothing. This can result in the suction disc unintentionally detaching from the surface being suctioned.

[0008] When the rocker arm is released from the actuated position, the elastic energy stored in the suction disc can accelerate the rocker arm beyond a rest position, which can lead to damage to the rocker arm suction cup or injury to the operator.

[0009] Finally, with toggle lever suction cups, the feedback to the operator may not be sufficient to reliably indicate whether a sufficient vacuum has been built up.

[0010] A washer can be placed between the rocker arm and the base body, which can reduce friction at the interface between the rocker arm and the base body.

[0011] Based on this situation, there is a need to propose a rocker arm suction cup and a rocker arm suction cup tool that can improve the generation of the vacuum, the operation, the operational safety and the feedback to the operator. Description - Technical Solution

[0012] The present need is met by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Where technically feasible, the teachings of the dependent claims or descriptive features may be combined arbitrarily with the teachings of the main and dependent claims.

[0013] In particular, the need is therefore solved by a rocker arm suction cup comprising a base body, a rocker arm pivotably mounted on the base body about an axis, which has an eccentric section, a bolt guided in the base body and a suction disc connected to the bolt, in particular made of an elastic material, wherein the eccentric section and the bolt are operatively connected in such a way that when the rocker arm is pivoted about the axis, the eccentric section displaces the bolt relative to a surface, so that a vacuum can be generated between the suction disc resting on the surface and the surface.

[0014] The following sections explain advantageous aspects and subsequently describe preferred modified embodiments. Explanations, particularly regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred, but not limiting, examples. If an explanation is limiting, this will be explicitly stated.

[0015] In other words, it is preferable that the rocker arm suction cup has a base body that can support the other components of the suction cup. A rocker arm is pivotally mounted on the base body about an axis. The rocker arm has an eccentric section, i.e., a section whose outer contour is eccentric to the axis. A bolt is guided in the base body and connected to a suction disc made of an elastic material. An elastic material can be, in particular, rubber, silicone, or another elastomer. The eccentric section and the bolt are operatively connected in such a way that when the rocker arm pivots about the axis, the eccentric section acts on the bolt and displaces it relative to the surface.By repositioning the bolt, the gap between the suction cup resting on the surface and the surface can be enlarged, thereby creating a vacuum between the suction cup and the surface. This vacuum can hold the rocker arm suction cup to the surface of the substrate.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the suction disc can be designed with a convex geometry on its suction side facing the substrate in the rocker arm suction cup's initial state. This allows the suction disc to conform to the substrate from the center outwards when pressed against it, thereby displacing any gas volume trapped beneath the suction disc outwards. The initial volume under the suction disc before the bolt begins to move can thus be significantly smaller than with a suction disc that is flat in the rocker arm suction cup's initial state or equipped with a release nub. The term "rocker arm suction cup's initial state" can be understood to refer specifically to the unloaded state of the rocker arm suction cup and thus also of the suction disc, in which it is not pressed against the substrate.

[0017] The convex geometry on the suction side can be designed, in particular, as a release radius. A release radius can be understood as a convexly curved section on the suction side, which differs from a release knob in that it does not form a locally confined, stamp-like protrusion on an otherwise flat suction side, but rather convexes the suction side over a larger area. This allows the suction disc to be brought into contact with a comparatively short pull when pressed, without requiring significant stretching of the suction disc. Plastic deformation of the suction disc, which can occur with strong stretching, can thus be avoided or at least reduced.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the convex geometry of the rocker arm suction cup in its initial state can be designed such that when the suction disc is pressed against the surface, a volume of gas trapped between the suction disc and the surface is displaced outwards. This allows a high vacuum to be generated even with a short actuation stroke of the bolt. The actuation force on the rocker arm can thus be reduced, and the mechanical stress on the suction disc decreased. Furthermore, when the rocker arm is released, the suction disc can return to its convex initial shape, allowing air to flow between the suction disc and the surface and preventing a residual vacuum.

[0019] The initial volume under the suction disc in the rocker arm suction cup's initial state can be less than 3000 mm³, especially with a suction disc having a convex geometry. 3 preferably less than 2000 mm 3 , particularly preferably about 1600 mm 3In comparison, the initial volume of a suction disc with a release nub can exceed 5000 mm³. 3 , in particular about 5700 mm 3 The initial volume can be reduced to less than half, and in particular to about one-third, of that of a suction disc with a release nub due to its convex geometry. The volume figures above are given in cubic millimeters and refer to suction discs that generate a comparable vacuum between the suction disc and the substrate in the rocker arm suction vacuum state. In particular, a suction disc with a convex geometry can have an initial volume of less than 3000 mm³. 3 to create a vacuum for which a suction disc with a release nub requires an initial volume of more than 5000 mm³ 3 needed.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the rocker arm can be designed such that an actuating force directed essentially perpendicular to the surface, in the rocker arm suction cup's basic state, pivots the rocker arm around its axis into a vacuum state. This allows the operator to actuate the rocker arm suction cup with a single, downward hand movement. The suction disc can be pressed onto the surface and the rocker arm pivoted simultaneously. This eliminates the need for a multi-stage movement sequence requiring first a vertical press followed by a sideways flip. Operation can be more intuitive and less prone to error. "Essentially" here means that the main movement component corresponds to a downward hand movement.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the rocker arm can be designed with an arc-shaped form, extending in a curve from the axis to a free end. This allows the lever arm to be designed such that an actuating force directed perpendicular to the surface already generates a lever arm pivoting around the axis in the initial position. Furthermore, the arc-shaped form can help the rocker arm follow the outer contour of the base body when the rocker arm is under vacuum.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, it can be stipulated that a projection line between the axis and a free end of the rocker arm, in a starting position of the rocker arm, forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the surface. The projection line can, in particular, be understood as an imaginary straight line connecting the pivot point of the axis with the point of the rocker arm furthest from the pivot point, whereby sections of the rocker arm not involved in transmitting the actuating force to the eccentric section can be disregarded when determining the free end. This definition can also allow for an unambiguous determination of the angle even if the rocker arm has a curved shape. The angle can, in particular, be measured between this projection line and a plane of the surface.This allows the rocker arm to be pre-positioned in such a way that an actuating force acting perpendicular to the surface can immediately generate a torque around the axis. The operator does not need to move the rocker arm past a dead center before the pivoting movement begins. The total pivoting distance between the initial position and the actuated position can therefore be shorter.

[0023] The angle between the projection line and the ground in the initial position can be, in particular, between 40 degrees and 85 degrees, preferably between 45 degrees and 80 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that, in a toggle-lever suction cup vacuum state, the toggle lever, in its folded-down position, is essentially flush with the base body. "Essentially flush" can be understood, in particular, to mean that the toggle lever, in the folded-down position, essentially follows the outer contour of the base body and does not project significantly beyond this outer contour, whereby a remaining gap between the toggle lever and the base body and / or an actuating section that protrudes at least partially may be irrelevant to the user. This can reduce the risk of the toggle lever being caught by cables, ropes, straps, clothing, or similar objects during operation. Unintentional detachment of the suction disc from the suctioned surface can thus be largely avoided.The operational reliability of the rocker arm vacuum cleaner, especially when used on construction sites or in workshops, can be increased.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the rocker arm can be provided with a stop that prevents it from pivoting beyond a position essentially perpendicular to the surface. This prevents the rocker arm from being accelerated beyond the perpendicular position by the elastic energy stored in the suction disc when it is released from the actuated position. This also prevents the rocker arm from striking other components of the rocker arm suction cup. Furthermore, it prevents injury to the operator, particularly to the hands and fingers.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the base body can be designed with a disc assembly located between the rocker arm and the base body. This disc assembly is mounted with limited movement in a substantially horizontal direction and can be displaced against the bolt when the rocker arm is pivoted, thus generating an acoustic signal. This provides the operator with perceptible feedback as to whether sufficient negative pressure has been established between the suction disc and the surface. With sufficient negative pressure between the suction disc and the surface, the tensile force exerted on the bolt by the negative pressure can, via the eccentric section, exert a torque on the rocker arm. This torque, when the rocker arm is pivoted, can cause a sudden horizontal displacement of the disc assembly against the bolt, thereby generating a clearly perceptible acoustic signal.If the acoustic signal is absent, this can indicate to the operator that the rocker arm suction cup has not built up sufficient negative pressure and should not be loaded.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic signal can be designed so that it is only generated once a predetermined vacuum level is reached between the suction disc and the surface. This allows the acoustic signal to serve as a reliable indicator of whether the rocker arm suction cup has built up a sufficient vacuum for safe operation. Below the predetermined vacuum level, the tensile force acting on the bolt may not be sufficient to abruptly move the disc assembly against the bolt, resulting in the acoustic signal being absent or only faintly perceptible. The presence or absence of the acoustic signal can thus provide the operator with binary feedback without requiring instrumental measurement of the vacuum.

[0028] A vertical stroke of the bolt between the rocker arm suction ground state and the rocker arm suction vacuum state can preferably be between 3 mm and 6 mm, and particularly preferably about 4.5 mm.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the rocker arm can be provided with a lug and the disc assembly with a raised section, which are designed or matched such that the lug rolls over the raised section when the rocker arm pivots. This allows the generation of the acoustic signal to be specifically linked to exceeding a predetermined vacuum level. During pivoting, the lug can first slide up the raised section and then pass over its highest point. At the moment of passing over the raised section, if sufficient vacuum is present, the tensile force exerted on the bolt by the vacuum can, via the eccentric section, exert a horizontal force component on the disc assembly, which abruptly displaces the disc assembly against the bolt. The limited horizontal travel of the disc assembly can preferably be 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm inclusive, and particularly preferably 0.6 mm.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to the acoustic signal, the sudden displacement of the disc assembly can generate haptic feedback at the rocker arm, which is perceptible to the operator. The acoustic signal can, in particular, be a sudden clicking sound produced by the disc assembly striking the bolt. For this purpose, the disc assembly can preferably be made of a metallic material.

[0031] This need is further met by a toggle-lever suction cup tool comprising at least two toggle-lever suction cups, as previously described, and at least one connecting segment linking the toggle-lever suction cups, the connecting segment being designed, in particular, as a handle. This allows several toggle-lever suction cups to be combined into a manageable tool, which is particularly suitable for lifting and transporting glass panes. The connecting segment, designed as a handle, enables the operator to handle the toggle-lever suction cup tool safely.

[0032] The rocker arm suction tool can, in particular, have two, three or four rocker arm suction cups connected to each other via the connecting segment. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] A preferred technical solution is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The term "figure" is abbreviated as "Fig." in the drawings.

[0034] The drawings show Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup in a rocker arm suction cup basic state; Fig. 2a a schematic side view of a bolt and a suction cup with a release stud according to the prior art; Fig. 2b a schematic side view of a bolt and a suction disc with a convex geometry on the intake side; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup with a lever arm and illustration of the actuating force and the pivoting movement of the rocker arm; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a rocker arm suction tool with a left rocker arm suction cup in the rocker arm suction vacuum state, wherein the rocker arm is essentially flush with the base body and with a right rocker arm suction cup in the rocker arm suction ground state; Fig. 5a a schematic side view of a rocker arm according to the state of the art; Fig. 5b a schematic side view of a rocker arm with a stop and an angle between a projection line and the surface; Fig. 6a a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup with a disc construction in a rocker arm suction cup basic state of the rocker arm suction cup; Fig. 6b a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup with a disc construction in a rocker arm suction cup vacuum state of the rocker arm suction cup; Fig. 6c an enlarged detail view of the rocker arm suction cup in the area of ​​the disc construction; and Fig. 7 a view of a rocker arm suction tool with two rocker arm suction cups and a connecting segment. Detailed description of the drawings

[0035] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and / or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a particular embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature described for an embodiment of a particular claim category can also be used accordingly in an embodiment of a different claim category.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup 1 in its basic state. The rocker arm suction cup 1 has a base body 10 on which a rocker arm 20 is pivotally mounted about an axis A. The rocker arm 20 has an eccentric section 30 whose outer contour is eccentric to the axis A. A bolt 40 is guided in the base body 10 and is connected to a suction disc 50. The suction disc 50 is shown resting on a surface in the illustrated initial position. The rocker arm 20 is essentially upright in the initial position. The suction disc 50 has a release nub on the suction side.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2a shows a schematic side view of a bolt 40 and a suction disc 50 according to the prior art. The suction disc 50 has a release nub on the suction side facing the substrate. An initial volume can form in the area of ​​the release nub and in the edge region of the suction disc 50, which must be overcome by displacement of the bolt 40 when the rocker arm is actuated in order to generate sufficient negative pressure. Furthermore, axis A is visible.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2b shows a schematic side view of a bolt 40 and a suction disc 50 according to a preferred embodiment. In the rocker arm suction unit's initial state, the suction disc 50 has a convex geometry on its suction side facing the substrate. When the suction disc 50 is pressed against the substrate, the convex geometry can fold inwards from the center and displace an enclosed volume of gas outwards. The initial volume under the suction disc 50 before the bolt 40 begins to move can therefore be significantly smaller than in the [context missing]. Fig. The version shown in 2a has a release knob. Furthermore, axis A is visible.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup 1 with a lever arm. An arrow indicates the actuating force acting on the rocker arm 20, which is directed essentially perpendicular to the surface. Curved arrows show the resulting pivoting movement of the rocker arm 20 about axis A. The lever arm is arranged such that the perpendicular actuating force simultaneously pivots the rocker arm 20 in the direction of rotation and presses the suction disc 50 onto the surface. The base body 10, the eccentric section 30, and the bolt 40 are also shown. The illustration shows the transition from the rocker arm suction cup's initial state to the rocker arm suction cup's vacuum state.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a rocker arm suction tool 1000 with several rocker arm suction cups 1. The left rocker arm suction cup 1 is in a rocker arm suction vacuum state. In the inverted position, the rocker arm 20 is essentially flush with the base body 10. A minimal gap between the rocker arm 20 and the surface is indicated at the left edge of the illustration. It can be seen that in the inverted position, the rocker arm 20 essentially follows the outer contour of the base body 10 and does not project significantly beyond it. The right rocker arm suction cup 1 is in a rocker arm suction base state, with the rocker arm 20 in an upright starting position.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5a shows a schematic side view of a rocker arm 20 according to the prior art. The rocker arm 20 has an eccentric section 30. The lever arm at the lower end of the rocker arm 20 is, compared to the one in Fig. The version shown in 5b is shorter.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5b shows a schematic side view of a rocker arm 20 according to a preferred embodiment. The rocker arm 20 has an eccentric section 30 and a stop 70. Independently of other features, the rocker arm 20 has an arcuate shape, extending upwards in a curve from the axis A. The stop 70 extends laterally beyond the axis at the lower end of the rocker arm 20. The stop 70 can simultaneously function as a lever arm that converts a vertically directed actuating force into a torque about the axis. Furthermore, the stop 70 can prevent the rocker arm 20 from pivoting beyond a substantially vertical position. An angle α is shown between a projection line connecting the pivot point of the axis with the point of the rocker arm 20 furthest from the pivot point and a plane of the ground.The angle α is less than 90 degrees in the starting position shown.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6a shows a schematic sectional view of a rocker arm suction cup 1 with a disc assembly 80 in a rocker arm suction cup's basic state. The disc assembly 80 is arranged between the rocker arm 20 and the base body and is mounted with limited movement in a substantially horizontal direction. The eccentric section 30, the bolt 40, the suction disc 50, and the axis A are also shown. One arrow indicates the pivot direction of the rocker arm 20, and another arrow indicates the horizontal direction of movement of the disc assembly 80.

[0044] Fig. Figure 6b shows a schematic sectional view of the rocker arm suction cup 1 according to Fig. 6a in a rocker arm suction vacuum state. The rocker arm 20 is shown in a folded position. The rocker arm 20 has a lug 90, and the disc assembly 80 has a raised section 100. The lug 90 and the raised section 100 are aligned such that the lug 90 rolls over the raised section 100 when the rocker arm 20 pivots. A stroke of 4.5 mm, for example, is shown as a vertical distance. With sufficient vacuum under the suction disc 50, the tensile force acting on the bolt 40 due to the vacuum can exert a torque on the rocker arm 20 via the eccentric section 30. This torque, after passing the highest point of the raised section 100, can cause a sudden displacement of the disc assembly 80 against the bolt 40. This can produce a clearly perceptible acoustic signal.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6c shows an enlarged detail view of the disc assembly 80 and the rocker arm 20. The detail view shows the contact area between the rocker arm 20 and the disc assembly 80 in profile. The suction disc 50 is also visible.

[0046] Fig. Figure 7 shows a toggle lever suction tool 1000 with two toggle lever suction cups 1 and a connecting segment 110. The connecting segment 110 joins the two toggle lever suction cups 1 and serves as a handle. The toggle lever suction cups 1 are each shown resting on a base 60. The base bodies 10 and the toggle levers 20 of the respective toggle lever suction cups 1 are visible. Reference symbol list 1 rocker arm suction cup 10 basic shapes 20 rocker arms 30 eccentric section 40 bolts 50 suction discs 60 Underground 70 strikes 80 disc construction 90 Nose 100 increase 110 connecting segment 1000 rocker arm suction tool Axis α abbreviated alpha, angle

Claims

A rocker arm suction cup comprising: a base body (10); a rocker arm (20) pivotably mounted on the base body (10) about an axis (A) and having an eccentric section (30); a bolt (40) guided in the base body (10); and a suction disc (50) connected to the bolt (40); wherein the eccentric section (30) and the bolt (40) are operatively connected such that when the rocker arm (20) pivots about the axis (A), the eccentric section (30) displaces the bolt (40) relative to a substrate (60), so that a vacuum can be generated between the suction disc (50) resting on the substrate (60) and the substrate (60). rocker arm suction device according to claim 1, wherein the suction disc (50) has a convex geometry on its suction side facing the substrate (60) in the rocker arm suction device basic state. rocker arm suction device according to claim 2, wherein the convex geometry in a rocker arm suction device ground state is designed such that when the suction disc (50) is pressed onto the substrate (60), a volume of gas enclosed between the suction disc (50) and the substrate (60) is displaced to the outside. rocker arm suction device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rocker arm (20) has a lever arm which is designed such that an actuating force directed substantially perpendicular to the base (60) in a rocker arm suction device ground state of the rocker arm suction device (1) turns the rocker arm (20) about the axis (A) in a pivoting direction into a rocker arm suction device vacuum state of the rocker arm suction device (1). rocker arm suction cup according to claim 4, wherein a projection line between the axis (A) and a free end of the rocker arm (20) in a starting position of the rocker arm (20) with the substrate (60) encloses an angle (α, alpha) of less than 90 degrees. rocker arm suction device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a rocker arm suction device vacuum state of the rocker arm suction device (1) the rocker arm (20) in its folded-over position is essentially flush with the base body (10). Toggle lever suction cup according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toggle lever (20) has a stop (70) which prevents the toggle lever (20) from pivoting beyond a position oriented substantially perpendicular to the substrate (60). rocker arm suction cup according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (10) has a disk construction (80) which is arranged between the rocker arm (20) and the base body (10), and which is mounted so as to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction and can be displaced when the rocker arm (20) pivots against the bolt (40) so that an acoustic signal can be generated. rocker arm suction device according to claim 8, wherein the acoustic signal can only be generated when a predetermined negative pressure is reached between the suction disc (50) and the substrate (60). rocker arm suction cup according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the rocker arm (20) has a nose (90) and the disc assembly (80) has a raised portion (100) which are designed such that the nose (90) rolls over the raised portion (100) when the rocker arm (20) pivots. Toggle lever suction tool comprising at least two toggle lever suction cups (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10; and at least one connecting segment (110) connecting the toggle lever suction cups (1), wherein the connecting segment (110) is designed in particular as a handle.

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