Dual-function control drawer vacuum production device and handling device including such a vacuum production device.

Abstract

Vacuum production device, comprising at least one first ejector (1.1) having an inlet port (5.1) and a suction port (6.1). The device includes a control member (10) comprising a body (11) having at least one pressure inlet (12) and one suction inlet (13) intended to be connected respectively to a pressurized air circuit (101) and a vacuum circuit (102), and a first spool (20, 40) movablely mounted in the body (11) between a connection position of the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the pressure inlet (12) and the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the suction inlet (13), and a disconnection position of the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the pressure inlet (12) and the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the suction inlet. (13). Handling device comprising such a vacuum production device. FIGURE IN ABRIDGED: Fig.1.

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum production device with dual function control drawer and handling device comprising such a vacuum production device.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pneumatic circuits and more particularly to the control of vacuum circuits for gripping and handling parts by vacuum.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vacuum generation devices by ejection are known. Such a device comprises an ejector having an air inlet nozzle and an air exhaust venturi, which are separated from each other by an intermediate chamber communicating with the outside via a suction port. The ejector's inlet nozzle is connected to a pressurized air circuit via a control valve, and the air suction port is often equipped with a control valve or a check valve. The air introduced into the inlet nozzle via the inlet port is accelerated in the venturi, creating a vacuum in the intermediate chamber and in the vacuum circuit via the suction port.

[0004] Some devices include several ejectors with venturis of different profiles to adapt vacuum production according to requirements. Each ejector is then controlled by a valve and connected to the vacuum circuit by check valves to prevent leaks between the ejectors. This results in a size and complexity, including in the control system, which makes it difficult to integrate these vacuum production devices into the machines they are intended to equip, particularly if the intended application requires a relatively compact machine.

[0005] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention aims in particular to provide a multi-ejector vacuum production device that is relatively simple and compact. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention provides a vacuum generation device comprising at least one first ejector having an inlet port and a suction port. The device includes a control element comprising a body having at least one pressure inlet and one suction inlet intended to be connected respectively to a pressurized air circuit and a vacuum circuit, and a first spool movable within the body between a connection position of the inlet port of the first ejector with respect to the pressure inlet and of the suction port of the first ejector with respect to the suction inlet, and a disconnection position of the port of the inlet of the first ejector with respect to the pressure inlet and of the suction port of the first ejector with respect to the suction inlet.

[0008] The control element thus ensures, by means of a single spool, the simultaneous connection of the ejector to the pressure circuit and the vacuum circuit, and the simultaneous disconnection of the ejector from the pressure circuit and the vacuum circuit. This results in a simpler control implemented by a single, relatively compact control element.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the body comprises a first pressure channel and a first vacuum channel, separate from each other and respectively provided with a first seat and a second seat extending in line with each other along a sliding axis of the first spool between its connected and disconnected positions. The first pressure channel extends from the inlet port of the first ejector to the pressure inlet, and the first vacuum channel extends from the suction port of the first ejector to the suction inlet. The first spool passes through the first pressure channel and the first vacuum channel and comprises a first valve for cooperating with the first seat and a second valve for cooperating with the second seat.The first and second valves are engaged with the first and second seats when the first drawer is in its disconnected position; the first and second valves are disengaged from the first and second seats when the first drawer is in its connected position.

[0010] Advantageously then, the device also includes a second ejector having an inlet port and a suction port, the body comprising a second pressure channel and a second vacuum channel separated from each other and respectively provided with a first seat and a second seat extending in line with each other along a sliding axis of a second spool.

[0011] According to another particular embodiment, the device also includes a second ejector having an inlet port and a suction port. The first spool is received in a chamber having at least one pressure port connected to the pressure inlet and a primary vacuum port connected to the suction inlet, a first outlet port connected to the inlet port of the first ejector, a second outlet port connected to the inlet port of the second ejector, a first secondary vacuum port connected to the suction port of the first ejector, and a second secondary vacuum port connected to the suction port of the second ejector. The first spool is movable between a first position and a second position and includes: - a first pressure passage and a first vacuum passage to connect respectively the pressure port to the first outlet port and the primary vacuum port to the first secondary vacuum port when the first spool is in its first position; the first spool being arranged so that, in its second position, disconnect the pressure port from the first outlet port and the primary vacuum port from the first secondary vacuum port; - a second pressure passage and a second vacuum passage to connect respectively the pressure port to the second outlet port and the primary vacuum port to the second secondary vacuum port when the spool is in its second position; the first spool being arranged so that, in its first position, it disconnects the pressure port from the second outlet port and the primary vacuum port from the second secondary vacuum port.

[0012] Advantageously in this other embodiment, the chamber comprises two primary vacuum ports, namely a first primary vacuum port connected to the first secondary vacuum port by the first vacuum passage channel when the first drawer is in its first position and a second primary vacuum port connected to the second secondary vacuum port by the second vacuum passage channel when the first drawer is in its second position.

[0013] Preferably, then, the first drawer is arranged to have an intermediate position in which it disconnects: - the pressure port of the first outlet port and the primary vacuum port of the first secondary vacuum port, and - the pressure port of the second outlet port and the primary vacuum port of the second secondary vacuum port.

[0014] According to optional features, used individually or in whole or in combination: - the device includes at least one elastic return element mounted between the first drawer and the body to elastically return the first drawer to its intermediate position; - the device includes at least one elastic return element mounted between the first drawer and the body to elastically return the first drawer to its connection position; - the control unit includes an actuator for moving the first drawer at least towards its disconnection position; - the pressure inlet of the control unit is connected to the pressurized air circuit by a proportional valve.

[0015] The invention also relates to a handling device comprising a gripper having a conduit connected to the suction inlet of such a vacuum production device.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular and non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a production device empty according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a production device empty according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a more precise view, in cross-section like [Fig.2], of the vacuum production device according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view analogous to [Fig.3], showing the same device in usage course;

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.3], of the vacuum production device according to a first variant of the second embodiment of the invention;

[0023] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] is a view similar to [Fig. 3] of the vacuum production device according to a second variant of the second embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The invention is described herein with regard to the application of vacuuming a handling gripper. The vacuum generation device according to the invention is intended to be connected to a pressurized air circuit 101 and to a vacuum circuit 102 of the gripper.

[0025] With reference to the figures, the device here comprises a first ejector 1.1 and a second ejector 1.2. It is understood that the device could comprise a single ejector or more than two ejectors.

[0026] Each ejector 1.1, 1.2 comprises a nozzle 2.1, 2.2 and an air exhaust venturi 3.1, 3.2 which are separated from each other by an intermediate chamber 4.1, 4.2. The nozzle 2.1, 2.2 comprises an air inlet port 5.1, 5.2 and the intermediate chamber communicates with the outside via a suction port 6.1, 6.2. When air is introduced under pressure into the inlet nozzle 2.1, 2.2 via the inlet port 5.1, 5.2, it is accelerated in the venturi 3.1, 3.2 by creating a vacuum in the intermediate chamber 4.1, 4.2 and in the vacuum circuit via the suction port 6.1, 6.2. The venturi 3.1 here has a different profile from that of the venturi 3.2, therefore the first ejector 1.1 and the second ejector 1.2 offer different vacuum production performances.

[0027] The device includes a control element 10 ensuring the connection of the ejectors 1.1, 1.2 to the pressurized air circuit 101 and to the vacuum circuit 102.

[0028] The control member 10 comprises a body 11 having at least one pressure inlet 12 and one suction inlet 13 intended to be connected respectively to the pressurized air circuit 101 and the vacuum circuit 102. The pressure inlet 12 of the control member 10 is here connected to the pressurized air circuit 101 by an electrical connection.

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034] Proportional valve 70 allowing the air flow to be modulated according to needs. At least one spool is movable within the body 11 between two positions to selectively connect one or the other of the ejectors to the pressurized air circuit 101 and the vacuum circuit 102. The principle of the invention is that a single spool is arranged to: - in a connection position, connect the inlet port 5.1 (or 5.2) to the pressure inlet 12 and the suction port 6.1 (or 6.2) to the suction inlet 13, and - in a disconnect position, disconnect the inlet port 5.1 (or 5.2) from the pressure inlet 12 and the suction port 6.1 (or 6.2) from the suction inlet 13. The first embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to [Fig. 1]. In this first embodiment, the control member 10 comprises only a single first spool 20 which is mounted to slide in a chamber 14 of the body 11. The body comprises a single pressure inlet 12 and two suction inlets 13.1, 13.2. The two suction inlets 13.1, 13.2 may alternatively be connected together. The chamber 14 is provided with: - a pressure port 15 connected to the pressure inlet 12, - a first primary vacuum port 16.1 connected to the first suction inlet 13.1, - a second primary vacuum port 16.2 connected to the first suction inlet 13.2, - a first outlet port 17.1 connected to the inlet port 5.1 of the first ejector 1-1, - a second outlet port 17.2 connected to the inlet port 5.2 of the second ejector 1.2, - a first secondary vacuum port 18.1 connected to the suction port 6.1 of the first ejector 1.1, - a second secondary vacuum port 18.2 connected to the suction port 6.2 of the second ejector 1.2. Drawer 20 contains: - a first pressure pass 21.1 and a first vacuum pass 22.1; - a second pressure pass 21.2 and a second vacuum pass 22.2. Drawer 20 is movable in chamber 14 between a first extreme position and a second extreme position. In the first extreme position: - the first pressure passage 21.1 and the first vacuum passage 22.1 respectively connect the pressure port 15 to the first outlet port 17.1 and the first primary vacuum port 16.1 to the first secondary vacuum port 18.1; - the drawer 20 is arranged to disconnect the pressure port 15 from the second outlet port 17.2 and the primary vacuum port 16.2 from the second secondary vacuum port 18.2.

[0035] The first extreme position is therefore both a connection position of the first ejector 1.1 to the circuits 101, 102 and a disconnection position of the second ejector 1.2 from the circuits 101, 102.

[0036] In the second extreme position: - the second pressure passage 21.2 and the second vacuum passage 22.2 respectively connect the pressure port 15 to the second outlet port 17.2 and the second primary vacuum port 16.2 to the second secondary vacuum port 18.2; - the drawer 20 is arranged to disconnect the pressure port 15 from the first outlet port 17.1 and the first primary vacuum port 16.1 from the first secondary vacuum port 18.1.

[0037] The second extreme position is therefore both a connection position of the second ejector 1.2 to the circuits 101, 102 and a disconnection position of the first ejector 1.1 from the circuits 101, 102.

[0038] Drawer 20 is arranged here to have an intermediate position in which it disconnects: - the pressure port 15 of the first outlet port 17.1 and the first primary vacuum port 16.1 of the first secondary vacuum port 18.1, and - the pressure port 15 of the second outlet port 17.2 and the second primary vacuum port 16.2 of the second secondary vacuum port 18.2.

[0039] It is understood that, in the intermediate position of the drawer 20, the pressure orifice 15 is closed and neither of the ejectors 1.1, 1.2 is supplied and produces a vacuum.

[0040] The control member 10 comprises two elastic elements 50 mounted between the spool 20 and the body 11, in an opposing manner along the sliding direction of the spool, to elastically return the spool 20 to its intermediate position. The intermediate position, or neutral position, can be used to regulate the vacuum level or to provide blowing if a valve connected to the vacuum circuit 102 is available for connecting a compressed air supply.

[0041] The movement of the drawer 20 between its two extreme positions is here ensured by an actuator 60 such as a pneumatic cylinder controlled by a solenoid valve or a linear electric actuator. The actuator 60 is controlled in a manner known in itself- even for example by a microcontroller connected to a pressure sensor placed in the vacuum circuit 102.

[0042] The second embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to Figures 2 to 6.

[0043] In this second embodiment, the device includes two drawers 40.1, 40.2 movable each between the connection position and the disconnection position to control respectively the ejector 1.1 and the ejector 1.2.

[0044] The body 11 of the control member 10 comprises a first pressure channel 31.1 and a first vacuum channel 32.1, separated from each other and respectively provided with a first seat 33.1 and a second seat 34.1 extending in line with each other along a sliding axis of the first spool 40.1 between its connected and disconnected positions. The first pressure channel 31.1 extends from the inlet port 5.1 of the first ejector 1.1 to the pressure inlet 12, and the first vacuum channel 32.1 extends from the suction port 6.1 of the first ejector 1.1 to the suction inlet 13.

[0045] The first spool 40.1 passes through the first pressure channel 31.1 and the first vacuum channel 32.1 and includes a first valve 41.1 to cooperate with the first seat 33.1 and a second valve 42.1 to cooperate with the second seat 34.1. Thus: the first valve 41.1 and the second valve 42.1 are engaged with the first seat 33.1 and the second seat 34.1 when the first spool 40.1 is in its disconnected position; the first valve 41.1 and the second valve 42.1 are disengaged from the first seat 33.1 and the second seat 34.1 when the first spool 40.1 is in its connected position. It can be seen on [Fig.2] that the body 1 includes a bore 35.1 extending along the sliding direction of the first spool 40.1 and connecting the first pressure channel 31.1 and the first vacuum channel 32.1: this bore is provided with sealing means with the first spool 40.1 so that the first spool 40.1. It slides in a sealed manner to prevent pressure leakage from the first pressure channel 31.1 to the first vacuum channel 32.1.

[0046] The body 11 of the control member 10 comprises a second pressure channel 31.2 and a second vacuum channel 32.2, separate from each other and respectively provided with a first seat 33.2 and a second seat 34.2 extending in line with each other along a sliding axis of the second spool 40.2 between its connected and disconnected positions. The second pressure channel 31.2 extends from the inlet port 5.2 of the second ejector 1.2 to the pressure inlet 12, and the second vacuum channel 32.2 extends from the suction port 6.1 of the second ejector 1.2 to the suction inlet 13.

[0047] The second spool 40.2 passes through the second pressure channel 31.2 and the second vacuum channel 32.2 and includes a first valve 41.2 for cooperating with the first seat 33.2 and a second valve 42.2 to cooperate with the second seat 34.2. Thus: the first valve 41.2 and the second valve 42.2 are engaged with the first seat 33.2 and the second seat 34.2 when the second drawer 40.2 is in its disconnect position; the first valve 41.2 and the second valve 42.2 are disengaged from the first seat 33.2 and the second seat 34.2 when the second drawer 40.2 is in its connection position. It can be seen on [Fig.2] that the body 1 includes a bore 35.2 extending along the sliding direction of the second spool 40.2 and connecting the second pressure channel 31.2 and the first vacuum channel 32.2: this bore 35.2 is provided with sealing means with the second spool 40.2 so that the second spool 40.2 slides in a sealed manner to prevent pressure leakage from the second pressure channel 31.2 to the second vacuum channel 32.2.

[0048] The spools 40.1, 40.2 have, on the side opposite the first valve 41.1, 41.2, an end portion forming a piston, which slides securely into a housing 43.1, 43.2 in the body 11 to define two chambers having opposingly variable volumes, namely a cylindrical rear chamber and an annular front chamber extending around said end portion forming a piston. A port for connecting to a pilot valve opens into the rear chamber.

[0049] According to the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the control member 10 comprises a first elastic return element 50.1 mounted between the first drawer 40.1 and the body 11 to elastically return the first drawer 40.1 to its connection position and a second elastic return element 50.2 mounted between the second drawer 40.2 and the body 11 to elastically return the second drawer 40.2 to its connection position.

[0050] The control member 10 includes an actuator for moving each spool 40.1, 40.2 towards its disconnected position against the force exerted by the elastic return element 50.1, 50.2. The actuator here is a pneumatic cylinder 60.1, 60.2 having a piston to which the spool 40.1, 40.2 is attached.

[0051] It is understood that with the second embodiment it is possible to use both ejectors 1.1, 1.2 simultaneously, whereas this is not possible with the first embodiment.

[0052] It is also understood that, due to the position of the elastic return elements 50.1, 50.2 (which are here simple helical springs), the control device is normally open: in the event of a cut-off of the air supply, the drawers 40.1, 40.2 are elastically returned to the disconnected position, putting the ejectors 1.1, 1.2 to the atmosphere and interrupting the production of vacuum.

[0053] According to the first variant of the second embodiment, shown in [Fig. 5], the control member 10 comprises a first elastic return element 50.1' mounted between the first drawer 40.1 and the body 11 to elastically return the first drawer 40.1 to its disconnection position and a second elastic return element 50.2' mounted between the second drawer 40.2 and the body 11 to elastically return the second drawer 40.2 to its disconnection position.

[0054] It is understood that, due to the position of the elastic return elements 50.1', 50.2' (which are here also simple helical springs), the control device is normally closed: in the event of a cut-off of the air supply, the spools 40.1, 40.2 are elastically returned to the connection position so that the control member 10 maintains the vacuum in the network.

[0055] According to the second variant of the second embodiment, shown in [Fig.6], the control member 10 is devoid of an elastic element for returning the drawers 40.1, 40.2 in either of their positions.

[0056] It is understood that, due to the absence of an elastic return element, the drawers 40.1, 40.2 remain in their position in the event of an interruption of the air supply. The absence of an elastic return element has the advantage of allowing the drawers to travel between their two positions in the same way regardless of the direction of movement (the elastic return elements 50.1, 50.2, 50.1', 50.2' oppose the movement of the drawer in one direction and accompany the movement of the drawer in the opposite direction).

[0057] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0058] In particular, the control member 10 may have a different structure from that described and represented here.

[0059] The body may include more than one pressure port connected to the pressure inlet 12 and more or less than two primary vacuum ports.

[0060] The body may include more than one pressure inlet 12 and more or less than two suction inlets 13.1, 13.2.

[0061] The injectors may include one or more venturi stages.

[0062] The suction inlet of the vacuum production device can be connected to a gripper (the part of the handling device in contact with the object to be handled), a box, a suction cup... or any other device operating with vacuum.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Claims Vacuum production device, comprising at least one first ejector (1.1) having an inlet port (5.1) and a suction port (6.1), characterized in that the device comprises a control member (10) which comprises a body (11) having at least one pressure inlet (12) and one suction inlet (13) intended to be connected respectively to a pressurized air circuit (101) and to a vacuum circuit (102), and a first slide (20, 40) mounted movably in the body (11) between a position of connection of the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the pressure inlet (12) and the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the suction inlet (13) and a position of disconnection of the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1) opposite the pressure inlet (12) and the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1) opposite the suction inlet (13). Device according to claim 1, wherein the body (11) comprises a first pressure channel (31.1) and a first vacuum channel (32.1) separated from each other and provided respectively with a first seat (33.1) and a second seat (34.1) extending in the extension of each other along a sliding axis of the first slide (40.1) between its connection position and its disconnection position, the first pressure channel (31.1) extending from the inlet port of the first ejector (1.1) to the pressure inlet (12) and the first vacuum channel (32.1) extending from the suction port of the first ejector (1.1) to the suction inlet (13), the first slide (40.1) passing through the first pressure channel (31.1) and the first vacuum channel (32.1) and comprising a first valve (41.1) for cooperating with the first seat (33.1) and a second valve (42.1) for cooperating with the second seat (34.1); the first valve (41.1) and the second valve (42.1) being engaged with the first seat (33.1) and the second seat (34.1) when the first spool (40.1) is in its disconnected position, the first valve (41.1) and the second valve (42.1) being detached from the first seat (33.1) and the second seat (34.1) when the first spool (40.1) is in its connected position. Device according to claim 1, also comprising a second ejector (1.2) having an inlet port (5.2) and a suction port (6.2), the body (11) comprising a second pressure channel (31.2) and a second vacuum channel (32.2) separated from each other and provided respec- tively of a first seat (33.2) and a second seat (34.2) extending in the extension of one another along a sliding axis of a second drawer (40.2).

4. Device according to claim 1, also comprising a second ejector (1.2) having an inlet port (5.2) and a suction port (6.2); the first slide (20) being received in a chamber (14) provided with at least one pressure port (15) connected to the pressure inlet (12) and a primary vacuum port (16.1, 16.2) connected to the suction inlet (13.1, 13.2), a first outlet port (17.1) connected to the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1), a second outlet port (17.2) connected to the inlet port (5.2) of the second ejector (1.2); of a first secondary vacuum port (18.1) connected to the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1), of a second secondary vacuum port (18.2) connected to the suction port (6.2) of the second ejector (1.2); the first drawer (20) being movable between a first position and a second position and comprising: - a first pressure passage (21.1) and a first vacuum passage (22.1) for respectively connecting the pressure port (15) to the first outlet port (17.1) and the primary vacuum port (16.1) to the first secondary vacuum port (18.1) when the first slide valve (20) is in its first position; the first slide valve (20) being arranged to, in its second position, disconnect the pressure port (15) from the first outlet port (17.1) and the primary vacuum port (16.1) from the first secondary vacuum port (18.1); - a second pressure passage (21.2) and a second vacuum passage (22.2) for respectively connecting the pressure port (15) to the second outlet port (17.2) and the primary vacuum port (16.2) to the second secondary vacuum port (18.2) when the slide valve (20) is in its second position; the first drawer (20) being arranged to, in its first position, disconnect the pressure port (15) from the second outlet port (17.2) and the primary vacuum port (16.2) of the second secondary vacuum port (18.2).

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the chamber (14) comprises two primary vacuum ports, namely a first port primary vacuum port (16.1) connected to the first secondary vacuum port (18.1) by the first vacuum passage channel (22.1) when the first spool (20) is in its first position and a second primary vacuum port (16.2) connected to the second secondary vacuum port (18.2) by the second vacuum passage channel (22.2) when the first spool (20) is in its second position.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the first slide (20) is arranged to have an intermediate position in which it disconnects: - the pressure port (15) from the first outlet port (17.1) and the primary vacuum port (16.1) from the first secondary vacuum port (18.1), and - the pressure port (15) from the second outlet port (17.2) and the primary vacuum port (16.2) from the second secondary vacuum port (18.2).

7. Device according to claim 1, comprising at least one elastic return element (50) mounted between the first drawer (20) and the body (11) to elastically return the first drawer (20) to its intermediate position.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7, comprising at least one elastic return element (50.1) mounted between the first drawer (20, 40.1) and the body (11) to elastically return the first drawer (20) to its connection position.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control member (10) comprises an actuator (60) for moving the first drawer (20, 40.1) at least towards its disconnected position.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pressure inlet (12) of the control member (10) is connected to the pressurized air circuit (101) by a proportional valve (70).

11. A handling device comprising a gripper having a conduit (102) connected to the suction inlet (13) of a vacuum generating device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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