(negative pressure) negative pressure element for work surface

Abstract

A negative pressure element (100) for placement within and / or on a negative pressure work surface to selectively illuminate the negative pressure work surface, comprising: at least one connector (160) formed for connecting negative pressure and / or a negative pressure mechanism; a diffusion layer (120) having holes (170) in at least some areas; a light-transmitting layer (130), particularly a light-conducting layer having holes (170) in at least some areas and formed to couple light to the diffusion layer (120); and when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure element (100), air may flow through each of the holes (170) toward the negative pressure mechanism. A negative pressure element (100) having holes (170) in a diffuse layer (120) and a light-transmitting layer (130) formed to allow light to be emitted; at least one light source (110), in particular at least one LED, configured to emit light toward the light-transmitting layer (130); at least one volume (150) formed to distribute negative pressure applied to at least one connection (160) toward the holes (170), in particular toward at least a portion of the holes (170); and being formed to be placed on a perforated negative pressure work surface (200) or to be incorporated into a work surface or a cavity in the negative pressure work surface (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a negative pressure element for a (negative pressure) working surface, a negative pressure working surface having at least one negative pressure element, and a method for recognizing the position of an object on the negative pressure working surface.

Background Art

[0002] Vacuum tables without lighting are known in the art. Vacuum tables are generally used to fix an object or a workpiece on the surface in place by vacuum or negative pressure, usually for further processing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The problem of the present invention may be to further improve the negative pressure working surface, particularly to enable and / or improve the edge detection of an object placed on the negative pressure working surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The solution to this problem is achieved based on the teachings of the independent claims. Various embodiments and modifications of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, a negative pressure element for a work surface and / or negative pressure work surface, particularly for one work surface of a work surface assembly or one negative pressure work surface of a negative pressure work surface assembly, is provided, in particular, for illuminating the work surface and / or negative pressure work surface in a portion area and / or selectively. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one connector, which is formed for connecting a negative pressure and / or negative pressure mechanism. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has a diffusion layer, which has pores in at least a portion area. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has a light-transmitting layer. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer has pores in at least a portion area. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer is formed to couple light to the diffusion layer of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer may be a photoconducting layer, particularly a layer that transmits light in the direction of the diffusion layer of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the pores in the diffusion layer, or rather the pores in the diffusion layer and the pores in the light-transmitting layer, are formed so that air can flow through the respective pores in the direction of the negative pressure or negative pressure mechanism, particularly when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure element, particularly to at least one connection of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one light source, particularly at least one light source configured to emit light in the direction of the light-transmitting layer. In some embodiments, the at least one light source is a light-emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one volumetric section, which is formed to "distribute" the vacuum applied to at least one connection or the negative pressure applied to at least one connection to the pores, particularly to at least a portion of the pores. In some embodiments, the at least one volumetric section is formed to distribute the applied vacuum to at least a portion of the pores in the diffusion layer, or rather to at least a portion of the pores in the diffusion layer and at least a portion of the pores in the light-transmitting layer. In other words, at least one volumetric section is configured, in some embodiments, to allow fluid communication between the pores of the diffusion layer and / or the pores of the light-transmitting layer through this volumetric section and at least one connection section.In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured to be positioned on or configurable on a perforated negative pressure work surface, particularly on the surface of the diffusion layer, and more particularly on the surface of the diffusion layer having or having holes complementary to the holes in the negative pressure work surface. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is formed adjacent to a work surface having holes complementary to negative pressure, particularly in the area where the negative pressure element should or can be positioned. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured or formed to be incorporated into a cavity in a work surface, particularly a work surface without its own negative pressure connection. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured to be incorporated into a cavity in a negative pressure work surface. For this purpose, in one variant, the negative pressure element may have a frame, which has at least one connection, a diffusion layer, a light-transmitting layer, at least one reflective surface or reflective layer, at least one light source, and at least one volume, particularly as described above.

[0006] The term "diffusing layer" as used here specifically refers to a (light) diffuser that is formed to disperse incident light at least substantially uniformly.

[0007] The term “connection” as used herein refers, in particular, to a fluid communication, isolated from a particularly specific form, formed to allow a (industrial) vacuum or a negative pressure (particularly compared to ambient pressure and / or atmospheric pressure under normal conditions), and / or the flow of fluid in the direction of the vacuum or negative pressure, in particular to the vacuum or negative pressure prevailing around the negative pressure element, or to a negative pressure mechanism. In some embodiments, the term “connection” as used herein refers to a proprietary or commercially available interface, in particular an interface that establishes and / or enables a fluid communication using connectors, in particular (complementary) push-fit connectors, in particular an interface that establishes and / or enables a fluid communication to a negative pressure mechanism, which may be connected, for example, particularly via a tube, particularly through the fluid communication. In some embodiments, the negative pressure mechanism may be a negative pressure pump or a vacuum pump.

[0008] This allows, in some embodiments, to be advantageously a dedicated, particularly independent light-emitting unit having a negative pressure capacity (at least according to its distribution) for fixing an object in negative pressure. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the negative pressure element can be flexibly used in pick-and-place operations and / or roll-to-roll applications, particularly for (more) high-contrast edge detection of objects using a corresponding edge detection system and edge detection method. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the edge detection system and edge detection method can (more) reliably detect edges based on the illumination contrast provided by the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the negative pressure element can enable (more) uniform illumination across the entire surface of its diffuse layer or on a surface adapted for edge detection, thereby simplifying edge detection of objects, particularly on the negative pressure element and / or the adapted surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is formed to illuminate or be able to illuminate a work surface, particularly a work surface without negative pressure connections or access to negative pressure mechanisms, in some areas, or only one area of ​​the work surface, and / or selectively. In other words, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element is formed not to illuminate the work surface at least substantially as a whole. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is positioned within a cavity in the work surface, and in particular, positioned within or formed to be positioned within a corresponding cavity. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is formed to be positioned on the work surface. For this purpose, the work surface has holes that, in some embodiments, at least substantially coincide with, and in particular complement to, one or a particular hole of the negative pressure element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured to illuminate or be able to illuminate the negative pressure work surface in some areas, or only a portion of the negative pressure work surface, and / or selectively. In other words, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element is configured not to illuminate the negative pressure work surface at least substantially as a whole.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one light source is positioned to radiate light to the light-transmitting layer from the side. In some embodiments, the light source is positioned on one side of the negative pressure element and is positioned at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the diffusion layer and / or at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the light-transmitting layer.

[0012] This has the advantage that, in some embodiments, the negative pressure element can be manufactured in a (more) space-saving manner.

[0013] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one reflective surface or reflective layer formed to reflect light emitted from at least one light source toward the light-transmitting layer and / or the diffuse layer. In some embodiments, the at least one reflective surface or reflective layer is formed to reflect light coming out of the light-transmitting layer toward at least substantially the light-transmitting layer (130) and / or the diffuse layer (120).

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one volumetric section is positioned between at least one reflective surface and a light-transmitting layer, in particular, such that the "layer order" of the negative pressure elements at the location of the volumetric section is reflective surface, volumetric section, light-transmitting layer, and diffusing layer.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one volumetric section is in contact with a reflective surface, and in the "layer order" the negative pressure element has in this case, the volumetric section is located on the reflective surface, the reflective surface is located on the other side on a light-transmitting layer, and the light-transmitting layer is located in contact with a diffuse layer on the other side, in other words, the "layer order" from bottom to top is volumetric section, reflective layer, light-transmitting layer, diffuse layer. For this purpose, the reflective layer has holes in at least some areas, in particular so that a fluid, especially air, can flow through (each) hole toward the negative pressure or negative pressure mechanism.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one volumetric section is positioned between the diffusion layer and the light-transmitting layer. Correspondingly in these embodiments, the "layer order" is reflective surface, light-transmitting layer, volumetric section, and diffusion layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one volumetric section is incorporated, at least partially, into at least one of the layers listed herein, particularly the diffusion layer, the light transmission layer, and at least one of the reflective surface or reflective layer, in particular, into which air can or is designed to flow in the direction of negative pressure or a negative pressure mechanism through pores in the diffusion layer and / or the light transmission layer, or through pores in the diffusion layer, the light transmission layer, and the reflective layer, in particular, these layers have pores in at least some areas for this purpose.

[0018] The arrangement of at least one volumetric section described herein advantageously allows, in some embodiments, pores in the diffusion layer to be in fluid communication with at least one connection section, particularly through pores in the light transmission layer and / or through pores in the reflective surface in one embodiment having a perforated reflective surface in at least some area (as described herein).

[0019] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting layer has a support structure, in particular a support structure formed to brace and maintain at least one volume. According to some embodiments, the support structure can brace and maintain at least one volume, in particular depending on the arrangement of at least one volume, against the diffusion layer and / or the reflective surface or reflective layer. Alternatively or to complement this, in some embodiments, the diffusion layer and / or the reflective surface or reflective layer can form a support structure, which braces and maintains the hollow space created in the negative pressure element by at least one volume. In some embodiments, the support structure is formed such that the fluid flow through at least one volume is not blocked or reduced, at least substantially.

[0020] This is advantageous because it may be possible to reduce, and especially prevent, the deflection of at least one layer of the negative pressure element, particularly deflection under applied negative pressure or under external loads, such as weight. Furthermore, this is advantageous because, in some embodiments, the rigidity of the negative pressure element may be increased and / or improved. Furthermore, this is advantageous because, in some embodiments, at least one volumetric section may be incorporated into one or more layers of the negative pressure element, thereby (further) reducing the installation volume of the negative pressure element.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pores in the diffusion layer are offset from the pores in the light transmission layer. In some embodiments, the pores in the reflective surface (if present) are offset from the pores in the light transmission layer.

[0022] This has the advantage that, in some embodiments, the illuminance uniformity of the negative pressure element can be improved.

[0023] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element is formed on the outer-facing surface of the diffusion layer such that an illuminance uniformity of at least 90% is achieved. In some embodiments, the illuminance uniformity of at least 90% may relate to the illuminance uniformity measured based on at least one of the following standards, particularly standards such as ISO (International Organization of Standardisation), VESA (Video Elektronics Standard Asociation), SPWG (Standards Panel Working Group).

[0024] In some embodiments, the light transmission layer, particularly the holes in the light transmission layer, is formed, particularly arranged, on the surface of the diffusion layer that is opposite to the layer adjacent to the light transmission layer or on the surface that is opposite to the surface in contact with the light transmission layer such that an illuminance uniformity of at least 90% is achieved.

[0025] Thereby, in some embodiments, it is advantageous that one use of the negative pressure element, particularly edge detection of an object using the negative pressure element described herein, can be improved.

[0026] In some embodiments, the negative pressure element has at least one electrical terminal configured to make electrical contact with at least one light source. In some embodiments, this electrical terminal has a contact element, and this contact element is formed for making electrical contact with the negative pressure working surface or the complementary contact element of the working surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the electrical terminals can be arranged so that the negative pressure element can be electrically connected more easily, in particular by contact elements. In some embodiments, the negative pressure element, in particular the electrical terminals, may include at least one permanent magnet so that the negative pressure element, in particular the electrical terminals of the negative pressure element, can be more easily mounted in, adjacent to, or on a housing provided for the negative pressure element, in particular a housing for a work surface or a negative pressure work surface. In some embodiments, an electrical terminal with at least one permanent magnet may be formed to mount the electrical terminal in, adjacent to, or on a housing so that the electrical terminal is in (electrical) contact, in particular so that current is supplied to or can be supplied to at least one light source.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, a negative pressure work surface is provided having at least one negative pressure element as described herein. In some embodiments, the work surface of the negative pressure work surface and the surface of the diffusion layer of the negative pressure element (facing away from the negative pressure element) form one common, particularly flat surface. Alternatively, in some embodiments, at least one negative pressure element is positioned on the negative pressure work surface with its diffusion layer, and the pores of the diffusion layer coincide with the pores of the negative pressure work surface, in particular when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure work surface and / or the negative pressure element, air can flow or be directed through the pores of the negative pressure work surface and through the pores of the diffusion layer in the direction of the negative pressure, particularly the negative pressure mechanism.

[0029] In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface is part of the negative pressure working surface assembly, or in some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly has at least one negative pressure working surface. The term "negative pressure working surface assembly" as used herein should be understood specifically as follows: namely, the negative pressure working surface assembly is adapted to form a negative pressure on the negative pressure working surface, and in particular, the negative pressure working surface assembly creates at least one space capable of forming a negative pressure. In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface is fixedly or removably attached within the negative pressure working surface assembly and particularly has a sealing material, so that the negative pressure working surface assembly with the negative pressure working surface attached can form a negative pressure that acts or can act on an object, particularly through the holes of the negative pressure working surface.

[0030] In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly is designed such that the distance between the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly and the negative pressure working surface is at least substantially equivalent to the height of the negative pressure element, so that the negative pressure element can be or is accommodated in the space between the negative pressure working surface and the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly. In some embodiments, the bottom of the negative pressure working surface assembly has at least one contact element complementary to the contact element of the electrical terminal of the negative pressure element. Thereby, in some embodiments, advantageously, the negative pressure element can be (more) easily electrically contacted or made capable of being electrically contacted within the negative pressure working surface assembly. In some embodiments, the negative pressure working surface assembly can be incorporated into a negative pressure table. Instead, the negative pressure working surface assembly can be used in some embodiments in roll-to-roll applications or production.

[0031] This makes it advantageous in some embodiments that an object or workpiece, particularly a semi-finished product, can be pulled along and / or placed on the work surface. In some embodiments, a negative pressure work surface can be used for edge detection of an object or workpiece, particularly a semi-finished product, placed on the negative pressure work surface, and in particular, edge detection can be improved by illumination of the edges of the object or workpiece by at least one negative pressure element, which can be improved in particular by the increased contrast provided by the negative pressure element.

[0032] In some embodiments, a negative pressure work surface and / or negative pressure element has at least one sealant, which is configured to seal the work surface around the negative pressure element, and in particular, the incorporation of at least one negative pressure element is configured to ensure that the negative pressure applied to the negative pressure work surface or the (industrial) vacuum applied to the negative pressure work surface is kept at least substantially constant or remains constant.

[0033] In some embodiments, the negative pressure work surface may have an area of ​​at least 250 mm × at least 100 mm, and in particular at least 350 mm × at least 100 mm. In some embodiments, at least one negative pressure element, particularly one incorporated into or attached to the negative pressure work surface, may have an area of ​​at least 40 mm × 40 mm. In some embodiments, the negative pressure work surface may have an area at least five times that of at least one negative pressure element.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, a vacuum table is provided having at least one vacuum work surface or vacuum work surface assembly. In some embodiments, the at least one vacuum work surface of the vacuum table may correspond to the entire (working) surface of the vacuum table, in particular to at least 90%, at least 75%, at least 50%, and / or more than 50% of the surface. In some embodiments, the vacuum table may have two or more vacuum work surfaces or vacuum work surface assemblies.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for determining the position of an object on or on a negative pressure work surface as described herein is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises placing an object on a negative pressure work surface or work surface, in particular on a negative pressure work surface or work surface as described herein, wherein the negative pressure work surface or work surface has at least one negative pressure element as described herein, in particular, such that at least one edge of the object lies on one negative pressure element of the negative pressure work surface or one negative pressure element of the work surface. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining the position of at least one edge of an object placed on at least one negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining the orientation of an object on a negative pressure work surface, or determining the orientation of an object on a work surface, in particular determining the position of an object on a negative pressure work surface or work surface. In some embodiments, determining the orientation of an object on a negative pressure work surface or work surface, in particular determining the position of an object, is based on at least one determined edge position of the object and known dimensions of the object.

[0036] In some embodiments, it is advantageous that the orientation and / or position of an object on a negative pressure work surface or work surface can be determined (more) precisely, particularly based on the contrast of the object's edges, which is improved by the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, the position of an object on a negative pressure work surface or work surface can be determined to within 100 μm or more precisely. In some embodiments, further processing of the object can be carried out with greater precision, particularly at a more accurate position.

[0037] The terms “include,” “contain,” “embed,” “have,” “possess,” “equipped,” or any other variations thereof used here as needed, encompass non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not explicitly listed or that are inherent in such a method or apparatus.

[0038] Furthermore, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or," unless the reverse is explicitly stated. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0039] The terms "ein" (one) or "eine" (one) as used here are defined as meaning "one or more." The terms "one another" and "one further," and any other variations thereof, should be understood as meaning "at least one further."

[0040] The terms “configured” or “formed” (and their respective variations), as used here as necessary, mean that the device or component relating to it already exists in a form or configuration capable of performing the function, or at least in a form or configuration that can be configured, i.e., configured, to perform the function after corresponding adjustments. This configuration may be achieved, for example, through corresponding adjustments to process flow parameters, or by switching or similar means to activate or deactivate functionality or configuration. In particular, a device may have a number of predetermined configurations or operating modes, and configuration may be achieved by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0041] Each of the exemplary embodiments described herein, in particular its features, is optionally combinable with and with features of the described methods, especially for newer embodiments, unless explicitly excluded or technically impossible. In particular, each of the (exemplary) embodiments of a negative pressure work surface described herein, in particular its features, is adaptable to or (optionally) combinable with a work surface not adapted to negative pressure, especially for newer embodiments of the work surface, unless technically impossible or excluded. This also applies to embodiments of a corresponding work surface assembly or negative pressure table having at least one work surface.

[0042] The method described herein is preferably formed to be carried out using a negative pressure work surface or work surface according to the present invention, particularly one embodiment thereof described herein. The negative pressure work surface or work surface is preferably formed to carry out the method described herein, particularly one embodiment thereof described herein.

[0043] Further advantages, features, and applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is related to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a negative pressure element based on one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a negative pressure element based on an alternative embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a negative pressure element based on a further alternative embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a negative pressure element based on a further alternative embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a negative pressure work surface equipped with three negative pressure elements based on one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the negative pressure working surface in one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the negative pressure working surface in an alternative embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] In these diagrams, the same, similar, or corresponding elements are denoted by the same symbols. The elements shown in the diagrams are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the diagrams are represented in a way that their function and general purpose are understandable to those skilled in the art. Connections and combinations between functional units and functional elements shown in the diagrams may also be implemented indirectly, unless explicitly shown elsewhere. Functional units may be implemented, in particular, as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0046] Figure 1 schematically shows one embodiment of a negative pressure element 100 in a cross-sectional view of the negative pressure element 100. The negative pressure element 100 has, from bottom to top, a reflective surface 140, a first volume section 150, a light-transmitting layer 130, a second volume section 150, and a diffusion layer 120, with the top corresponding to one surface of the diffusion layer 120, on which, for example, an object or workpiece may be placed or is placed, or this surface of the diffusion layer 120 may be mounted adjacent to a negative pressure work surface, as will be described later in Figure 7. The reflective layer 140 reflects light from the light source 110 toward the light-transmitting layer 130. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 140 can also be placed on the sides of the negative pressure element 100 (i.e., additionally or alternatively), so that light from one or more light sources 110 is reflected (backward) into the negative pressure element 100, and more specifically, so that the light is reflected so that it reaches the diffuse layer 120, for example, through the light-transmitting layer 130. Figure 1 further shows a connection 160, which is formed here exemplary as an opening in the negative pressure element and communicates the negative pressure element 100 with the negative pressure that prevails or can prevail outside the negative pressure element. This negative pressure is transmitted to the surface of the diffuse layer 120 through the holes 170b in the light-transmitting layer 130 and the holes 170a in the diffuse layer 120, so that, for example, an object on this surface can be fixed or fixed to the surface by the negative pressure. Accordingly, air can flow from standard pressure or from a pressure higher than the negative pressure at the connection 160 through the holes 170a, 170b and volumetric section 150 toward the connection 160, thereby generating a negative pressure "holding force," particularly on the surface of the diffusion layer 120. The volumetric section 150 is shown in the figure as extending across the entire width of the negative pressure element. In some embodiments, one or more volumetric sections 150 may extend over only a portion of the negative pressure element, particularly having holes 170a, 170b along that portion.

[0047] Figure 2 shows another embodiment 100' of the negative pressure element, which has the same or similar features as Figure 1, as can be identified by its reference numerals. Figure 2 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in that only one volumetric section 150' is schematically shown. Correspondingly, the diffusion layer 120' and the light transmission layer 130' are arranged to touch each other. Holes 170'a and 170'b are formed so as to ensure or be able to ensure airflow in the direction of negative pressure. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows a connection section 160' which enables or can enable (industrial) vacuum or negative pressure connection, particularly via a standardized interface or a standardized connection section. The light source 110' is positioned, as in Figure 1, on the surface of the diffusion layer 120' that is facing upward in the plane of the paper, such that at least substantially uniform illumination is dominant over at least a portion or the entire surface of the diffusion layer 120'.

[0048] Figure 3 shows one embodiment 100'' of a negative pressure element with a light source 110'' positioned on the side, the light source 110'' emitting light in the direction of the photoconductive layer 130''. The photoconductive layer 130'' is positioned between the reflective layer 140'' and the diffuse layer 120''. In some embodiments, further reflective layers and / or reflective surfaces may be positioned within the negative pressure element, particularly to reflect light from at least one or more light sources 110'' in the direction of the diffuse layer 120''. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 further has a hole 170''c within the reflective layer 140''. The volume section 150'' is positioned below the reflective layer 140'' in layer order and creates a fluid communication from the connection section 160'' to the hole 170''a, thereby allowing fluid, particularly air, to flow through the holes 170''a, 170''b, and 170''c in the direction of negative pressure or vacuum, particularly in the direction of the negative pressure mechanism.

[0049] Figure 4 schematically shows one embodiment 100''' of a negative pressure element having a light-transmitting layer 130''' with a support structure 180'''. This support structure 180''' braces and maintains the space forming the volume 150''', thereby making the negative pressure element 100''' particularly (more) stable. Furthermore, it schematically shows that the holes 170'''b and 170'''a of the light-transmitting layer 130''' and the diffusion layer 120''' are offset from each other, more specifically, offset from each other so that air can or is able to flow through the holes 170'''a and 170'''b, particularly through the holes 170'''a and 170'''b, and the volume 150''', i.e., out of the negative pressure element 100''' at (at least one) connection 160'''.

[0050] Figure 5 schematically shows the negative pressure work surface 200 in a plan view. In the embodiment shown, the negative pressure work surface 200 has three negative pressure elements 100, which are arranged such that when an object is placed on the negative pressure work surface 200, one or more edges of an object placed on the negative pressure work surface 200 (shown by dashed lines) can be illuminated by the negative pressure elements 100 on a given side of the object. In the plan view, the negative pressure elements 100 show holes 170a of the diffusion layer 120 in some areas, and these holes 170a can press down on or hold down an object. Furthermore, the negative pressure work surface 200 itself has holes 270, which can also press down on or hold down an object, in particular, to fix it on the negative pressure work surface 200. Furthermore, Figure 5 shows a cutting line AA, indicated by a dashed line, which is the cutting plane of Figures 6 and 7. The negative pressure element 100 is shown in different sizes and, in some embodiments, can conform to the edge shape of an object or may have any other arbitrary shape having the features described herein. The negative pressure working surface may also, in some embodiments, form a different shape and / or area than those shown herein, particularly depending on the object or workpiece.

[0051] Figure 6 schematically shows one embodiment 200 of the negative pressure work surface in a cross-sectional side view along line AA as suggested in Figure 5. Correspondingly, Figure 6 shows two negative pressure elements 100 in cross-section, which are incorporated within the work surface of the negative pressure work surface. For this reason, the negative pressure elements 100, or the voids within the negative pressure work surface 200 formed to accommodate the negative pressure elements 100, may have a sealing material in some embodiments. Figure 6 further shows an exemplary object on the negative pressure work surface indicated by dashed lines, which is fixed or secured to the surface by the negative pressure applied to the holes 170a-b, 270. Further dashed lines indicate the lower bottom surface of the negative pressure work surface, which helps illustrate the possible (small) installation height of the negative pressure work surface.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment 200' of the negative pressure work surface in a side view as a cross-sectional view based on the cutting line AA suggested in Figure 5. Unlike in Figure 6, the negative pressure element 100 in Figure 7 is mounted on the negative pressure work surface 200' rather than being incorporated within the negative pressure work surface, particularly within the cavity of the negative pressure work surface 200'. The diffusion layer of the negative pressure element 100 is in contact with the negative pressure work surface 200', so that the light scattered by the diffusion layer appears to shine through the work surface of the negative pressure work surface 200'. The negative pressure work surface 200' is made of a suitable material for this purpose (in some embodiments). Figure 7 further shows an electrical terminal 290', which is formed for electrical connection of at least one light source 110 of the negative pressure element 100, if the negative pressure work surface 200' and / or the negative pressure work surface assembly have corresponding complementary terminals. For this purpose, the negative pressure work surface 200' may, in some embodiments, have corresponding terminals, particularly within the bottom surface (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 7) terminating the negative pressure work surface assembly. The holes in the diffusion layer 120 and the holes in the work surface 200 are coincident, and more specifically, coincident so that negative pressure can or should act on the work surface, particularly when negative pressure is applied to one of the negative pressure elements 100 and / or the negative pressure work surface 200.

[0053] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that numerous variations thereof exist. In this regard, it should be considered that the exemplary embodiment described is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and method described herein. Rather, the above description will guide those skilled in the art to implement at least one exemplary embodiment, and in this regard, it will be obvious that various modifications to the functional mode and arrangement of the elements described in one exemplary embodiment can be made without departing from the subject matter and its legal equivalents as defined in the respective appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 100, 100', 100'', 100''' negative pressure element 110, 110', 110'', 110''' light source 120, 120', 120'', 120'''' diffusion layer 130, 130', 130'', 130''' Light transmission layer 140, 140', 140'', 140''' Reflective surface or reflective layer 150, 150', 150'', 150''' Volume section 160, 160', 160'', 160'''' connection 170a~b, 170'a~b, 170''a~c, 170'''a~c hole 180''' support structure 200, 200' negative pressure work surface 270' Holes in the work surface 290' Electrical terminals

Claims

1. A negative pressure element (100) for placement within and / or on a work surface, or within and / or on a negative pressure work surface (200), It has at least one connector (160), the connector (160) is formed for connecting a negative pressure and / or negative pressure mechanism, The device has a diffusion layer (120), the diffusion layer (120) has holes (170a) in at least a portion of the area, and the holes (170a) of the diffusion layer (120) are formed such that when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure element (100), air can flow through each of the holes (170a) in the direction of the negative pressure mechanism. It has a light-transmitting layer (130), particularly a photoconducting layer, and the light-transmitting layer (130) is formed to couple light to the diffusion layer (120), The device comprises at least one light source (110), in particular at least one LED, wherein the light source (110) is configured to emit light in the direction of the light-transmitting layer (130), It has at least one volumetric section (150), and the volumetric section (150) is formed to distribute the negative pressure applied to the at least one connection section (160) to the hole (170a), and in particular to at least a portion of the hole (170a), The negative pressure element (100) is formed such that it can be placed on a work surface having a hole complementary to the negative pressure element (100) or on a perforated negative pressure work surface (200), or can be incorporated into a cavity on a work surface or negative pressure work surface (200).

2. The negative pressure element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (110) is arranged such that it radiates light to the light-transmitting layer (130) from the side, and the light source (110) is particularly arranged on one side of the negative pressure element (100), and in particular is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the diffusion layer (120).

3. The negative pressure element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the negative pressure element (100) has at least one reflective surface (140), and the reflective surface (140) is formed to reflect light emitted from the at least one light source (110) and / or light coming out of the light-transmitting layer (130) in the direction of the light-transmitting layer (130) and / or the diffusion layer (120).

4. A negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one volume portion (150) is disposed between the at least one reflective surface (140) and the light-transmitting layer (130) in a portion of the area, and the light-transmitting layer (130) has holes (170b) in at least a portion of the area, the holes (170b) being formed so that air can flow in the direction of the negative pressure mechanism when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure element (100), or the at least one volume portion (150) is in contact with the reflective surface (140) at its boundary, the reflective surface (140) having holes (170c), the holes (170c) being formed so that air can flow in the direction of the negative pressure mechanism when negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure element (100).

5. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the diffusion layer (120), the light transmission layer (130), and / or the reflective surface have a support structure (180'''), in particular a support structure (180''') formed to brace and maintain the at least one volume portion (150).

6. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holes (170) of the diffusion layer (120) are offset from the holes (170) of the light transmission layer (130).

7. The negative pressure element (100) according to the second option of claim 4 or claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the holes (170) of the reflective surface (140) are offset from the holes (170) of the light-transmitting layer (130).

8. The negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least 90% illuminance uniformity is achieved on the outward-facing surface of the diffusion layer (120) that forms the outer surface of the negative pressure element, and / or the light-transmitting layer (130), particularly the pores (170) of the light-transmitting layer (130), are formed, particularly arranged, on the surface of the diffusion layer (120) that is located on the side opposite to the surface of the diffusion layer (120) adjacent to the light-transmitting layer (130), or on the surface that is located on the side opposite to the surface bordering the light-transmitting layer (130).

9. A negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one electrical terminal (290') configured to make electrical contact with the at least one light source (110), wherein the electrical terminal (290') has a contact element, and the contact element is formed to make electrical contact with a complementary contact element on the negative pressure work surface.

10. A negative pressure work surface (200) or work surface having at least one negative pressure element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the negative pressure work surface (200) or the work surface and the surface of the diffusion layer (120) of the negative pressure element (100) form one common particularly flat surface, or the at least one negative pressure element (100) is arranged on the negative pressure work surface (200) or the work surface with its diffusion layer (120), and the holes (170a) of the diffusion layer (120) coincide with the holes (170d) of the negative pressure work surface or the holes of the work surface.

11. A method for recognizing the position of a negative pressure work surface (200) or an object on a work surface, The steps of placing an object on the negative pressure work surface (200) or work surface described in claim 10, A step of determining the position of at least one edge of the object placed on the negative pressure work surface (200) or the at least one illuminated negative pressure element (100) of the work surface, A step of determining the orientation of the object on the negative pressure work surface (200) or the work surface, particularly the position of the object, based on the position of at least one determined edge of the object and known dimensions, The method comprising the above.

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