Suction unit and suction device

Abstract

A suction unit 10 suitable for attracting an object P according to Bernoulli's principle comprises a deflection unit 12 having a deflection head 121 and a peg-shaped mounting element 122 adjacent to the deflection head 121, and a suction body 16, wherein the suction body 16 has a suction plate 11 with a front side facing away from the suction body 16, and the suction body 16 has an inlet passage 130 extending through the suction body 16 to the front side of the suction plate 11, the peg-shaped mounting element 122 is inserted into the inlet passage 130 from the front side of the suction plate 11, and the suction body 16 has a plurality of distribution passages 13 branching from the inlet passage 130, and a gaseous medium can be introduced into the deflection passage 110 from the inlet passage 130 through the distribution passages 13 to the front side of the suction plate 11, and the deflection passage 110 is bounded on one side by the front side of the suction plate 11 and on the other side by the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12. According to the present invention, along the flow channel segment 1300 of the inlet flow channel 130, each distribution flow channel 13 is connected to the inlet flow channel 130 by a connecting flow channel 133. The connecting flow channel 133 is closed by an inserted peg-shaped mounting element 122 or closing member 1200 along a part of the flow channel segment 1300, starting from the front side of the suction plate 11, and is open to the inlet flow channel 130 above the peg-shaped mounting element 122. Furthermore, a suction device 1 having a plurality of suction units 10 is disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction unit operating according to Bernoulli's principle and a suction device having at least one suction unit operating according to Bernoulli's principle, and can pick up an object, particularly an individual object, from a work process and release it again using the suction device.

Background Art

[0002] In many industrial applications, particularly in the food industry, products or objects having a predetermined dimension must be provided for packaging. Food products such as bread products, sausage products, and cheese are often sliced thinly or divided into pieces and then packaged. In other technical fields, plate-like workpieces such as wafers, circuit boards, foils, papers, and veneer boards are manufactured and used for further processing. In addition to disc-shaped objects, it is often necessary to capture objects of other shapes such as round or elongated shapes.

[0003] The object must be gently picked up at the pick-up point and delivered to the delivery point in an unchanged state, i.e., without deformation, damage, or contamination. Therefore, instead of mechanical gripping tools, a suction device operating preferably according to Bernoulli's principle is often used.

[0004] According to German Utility Model No. 202006016833 (U1), a Bernoulli suction unit usually consists of an axially symmetric substrate, and a gaseous medium (compressed air, inert gas, etc.) flows through the axially symmetric substrate from at least one nozzle in the direction of the object to be lifted. When hitting the object, the gaseous medium between the object unit and the substrate of the suction unit is deflected radially at a high flow rate. According to Bernoulli's equation, the kinetic energy and specific pressure energy are always constant. Therefore, a region of high flow rate and accordingly a reduced pressure results, thereby sucking the object.

[0005] To reduce the force due to pressure that counteracts the suction force generated when a medium flow strikes an object, known suction units deflect the medium flow radially before it strikes the object. A plate-shaped deflection unit is held in front of the incoming gas, and thus the incoming gas is deflected radially through a ring gap and directed to the side. German Utility Model No. 202006016833(U1) shows a suction unit in which a plate-shaped deflection unit is integrally connected to a base. Manufacturing such a suction unit with an integrally integrated deflection unit involves a high level of manufacturing effort.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022289500(A1) describes a suction unit comprising a deflection unit having a deflection head and a peg-like mounting element connected to the deflection head, and a suction body. The suction body has a front side facing away from the suction body, an inlet passage into which the deflection head is inserted and which is closed at the front, and a plurality of distribution passages branching from the inlet passage, allowing a gaseous medium to be introduced from the inlet passage through the distribution passages to the front side of the suction plate into the deflection passage or annular gap, the deflection passage or annular gap being bounded on one side by the front side of the suction plate and on the other side by the deflection head of the deflection unit, and the gaseous medium is guided away from the deflection unit through the deflection passage or annular gap. Manufacturing this suction unit also involves high production costs. The distribution passages are incorporated into the suction body by drilled holes, which requires intensive machining.

[0007] A suction device with multiple suction units allows for the simultaneous gripping or transfer of multiple objects, either manually or mechanically. This type of suction device typically has a complex structure, making it impossible to attach the suction units in a simple manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] German Utility Model No. 202006016833(U1) [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022289500(A1) [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of creating an improved suction unit that operates according to Bernoulli's principle. Furthermore, an improved suction device having at least one suction unit that operates according to Bernoulli's principle is created.

[0010] The inventive suction unit enables the secure gripping and release of objects of any size and shape in a controlled manner.

[0011] The suction unit shall have a substrate that can be manufactured with minimal production effort. The suction unit shall be able to be produced cost-effectively and in a short cycle time using a simple process. Complex machining shall be avoided.

[0012] The inventive suction device should be cost-effective to manufacture and capable of adapting to user requirements in various technical fields with minimal manufacturing effort.

[0013] The suction unit shall be easy to assemble and disassemble so that the suction device can be immediately adapted to a given work process. The suction unit shall be tool-free to install using simple fasteners.

[0014] The suction device shall be suitable for use as a hand tool or for mechanical use by, for example, an automatic machine or robot.

[0015] This problem is solved by suction units and suction devices having the features defined in claims 1 and 11, respectively. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined in the other claims.

[0016] A suction unit suitable for attracting an object according to Bernoulli's principle comprises a deflection unit having a deflection head and a peg-shaped mounting element adjacent to the deflection head, and a suction body. The suction body has a suction plate with a front side facing away from the suction body, The suction body has an inlet channel that extends through the suction body to the front of the suction plate, and the peg-shaped mounting element is inserted into the inlet channel from the front of the suction plate. The suction body has multiple distribution channels branching off from the inlet channel. The gaseous medium can be introduced into the deflection channel from the inlet channel through the distribution channel to the front of the suction plate, and the deflection channel is defined on one side by the front of the suction plate and on the other side by the deflection head of the deflection unit.

[0017] According to the present invention, along the channel segment of the inlet channel, each distribution channel is connected to the inlet channel by a connecting channel, and the connecting channel is closed by an inserted peg-shaped mounting element or closing member along a part of the channel segment, starting from the front side of the suction plate, and is open to the inlet channel above the peg-shaped mounting element.

[0018] Therefore, the suction body has no distribution channel at all that must be inserted into the suction body by a machining process, for example by drilling a hole, and is completely enclosed between the channel inlet and the channel outlet. The suction body can be manufactured in a single operation by primary molding, or by a primary molding process, particularly an injection molding process.

[0019] Primary forming is the main group of manufacturing processes, and according to DIN 8580, it combines all manufacturing processes in which a geometrically defined solid is produced from amorphous material. Primary forming is used to produce the initial shape of the solid and to induce material aggregation (see https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Urformen). Die casting, injection molding, or compression molding processes can be advantageously used.

[0020] Therefore, the plastic can be advantageously changed from a liquid or plastic state to the final shape of the suction body, eliminating the need for subsequent machining. Thus, the suction unit of the present invention can be manufactured cost - effectively without machining.

[0021] The connecting flow path, and thus the distribution flow path, is preferably first closed by the peg - shaped mounting element of the deflection unit in the region between the inlet flow path and the front side of the suction plate. Thus, the gaseous medium can only be guided from the inlet flow path to the outlet opening of the distribution flow path provided at a defined point on the front side of the suction plate.

[0022] The connecting flow path is preferably closed by the deflection unit. However, it is also possible to use a closing member having the same effect, for example, a sealing sleeve that can be inserted into the inlet flow path and a ring flange connected to the sealing sleeve. Then, the mounting element of the deflection unit is inserted or screwed into the closing member.

[0023] Transparent plastic is preferably used to manufacture the suction body and the deflection unit, whereby the object held by the suction unit can be visually monitored and / or inspected.

[0024] The distribution flow paths are arranged at regular or irregular intervals and preferably extend concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis, along a conical surface or a curved surface, possibly asymmetrically up to the suction plate, and outward. The discharge direction of the medium can be influenced as desired by the appropriate shaping and inclination of the distribution flow paths.

[0025] The connecting flow path is preferably implemented as a longitudinal slot that can be easily closed. The connecting flow path has a first flow path opening adjacent to the flow path segment of the inlet flow path and a second flow path opening adjacent to the front side of the suction plate.

[0026] The biasing unit is provided with a sealing ring connected to the mounting element. The sealing ring preferably abuts against the second flow path opening and closes the connecting flow path at the front. A sleeve-shaped closing member provided with a ring flange has the same function.

[0027] In addition or alternatively, the mounting element or the sleeve-shaped closing member is provided with sealing bodies corresponding to the number of distribution flow paths. The sealing bodies are preferably inserted into the connecting flow path in order to preferably completely block and seal the connecting flow path. The sealing bodies are preferably designed to be complementary to the connecting flow path.

[0028] The suction body is preferably integrally or detachably connected to the suction basket. The inside of the suction basket is connected to or spaced from the suction plate. The suction basket surrounds a receiving flow path having a flow path opening sized such that individual objects can be inserted into the receiving flow path or into at least one molding below the suction basket.

[0029] The suction basket preferably has at least one basket opening, preferably a slit-shaped basket opening, disposed at approximately the height of the deflection head of the biasing unit or at a distance within a range, for example, from 1 mm to 20 mm, from the suction plate. Advantageously, a plurality of basket openings offset from each other, preferably disposed axially in one plane or in a plurality of planes with respect to the longitudinal axis of the suction unit, may be provided.

[0030] The flow path opening of the suction basket is preferably surrounded by a ring plate aligned perpendicular or inclined to the suction basket.

[0031] The suction plate and / or the ring plate are preferably provided with outwardly extending flow paths that ensure a passage for the medium when an object is connected to the suction unit.

[0032] The suction body may be provided with retaining elements, such as molded parts, holes, rings, or ring grooves, and the suction body can be attached to the device connection, particularly onto the suction device, using these retaining elements. The suction unit may be positioned, for example, at the outlet opening of the suction device with the suction body and secured using fastening elements such as mounting clips or mounting brackets. Preferably, at least one sealing ring is provided between the device portion having the outlet opening and the suction body, and the sealing ring ensures that only the medium leaking from the outlet opening passes through the connected suction unit.

[0033] An inventive suction unit, for example, the embodiment described above, or a conventional suction unit having at least one retaining element, or having at least one retaining element having the same function, can be advantageously incorporated into the inventive suction device. The inventive suction device comprises a distribution device having a hollow body with at least one inlet opening and a plurality of outlet openings, and fastening elements, the fastening elements being permanently or detachably connected to or connectable to the distribution device, each of which forms a device connection portion at an outlet opening, and a related suction unit can be held on the retaining element above the related outlet opening.

[0034] The hollow body can be a simple polygonal or circular tube that can be provided at minimal cost and may be equipped with at least one inlet and outlet opening on one or more sides.

[0035] The fastening elements are preferably designed as mounting clips or mounting brackets and are preferably made of elastic material, metal, or plastic. The fastening elements can be attached, for example, to mounting elements provided on a distribution device, particularly flange elements. However, it is preferable to provide fastening elements that can be attached without such mounting elements.

[0036] Such fastening elements are preferably designed as mounting clips and, in a preferred embodiment, comprise a substrate with two connected side walls and preferably a downwardly inclined cover plate, the cover plate being connected to one of the side walls on the opposite side of the substrate. The substrate has a mounting slot, which is joined by an access opening on at least one of the side walls, the access opening being wider than the mounting slot, and into which is an insertable or insertable retaining element of a suction unit, preferably designed as a mounting disc. The mounting clip is mounted such that the mounting slot is positioned above the outlet opening and the retaining element of the suction unit can be pushed beyond the associated outlet opening. The cover plate acts as a spring element pulling the mounting disc against the dispensing device. After mounting, the mounted mounting clip tightens around the dispensing device, securely holding the mounted suction unit in place.

[0037] The mounting chips can be advantageously manufactured by bending an elastic metal plate or made of plastic, and can be easily mounted on the distributor. Each part of the mounting clip is preferably adapted in whole or in part to the shape of the distributor. Thus, the base and side plates are flat, rounded, and / or edged, as necessary.

[0038] There is no need to install a suction unit at each outlet opening. Unused outlet openings are closed with sealing elements such as screws.

[0039] The dispensing device can be adapted to different processes and machines, particularly production machines or production lines. The dispensing device can have various shapes, such as tubular, rectangular, single-arm, multi-arm, or cross-shaped. It can also be made from any material, such as metal or plastic. The dispensing device can be configured as a single piece or in a modular manner, allowing the user to assemble the device as needed.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the dispensing device is circular, plate-shaped, or wheel-shaped, or has a rectangular or polygonal contour. For example, the dispensing device is connected around the periphery by a cylindrical circular frame and comprises two round side plates that define the boundary of the cavity. The outlet opening and fastening elements associated with the outlet opening can optionally be provided on the side plates and / or on the circular frame. The dispensing device is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetric, allowing an object to be picked up at a first position using a suction device and released again at a second position.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the distribution device has a polygonal cross-section with multiple sides, one or more of which are provided with an outlet opening and fastening elements, and the attached suction unit is held using the fastening elements.

[0042] The suction device can be designed so that it can be operated manually or mechanically, for example, by a machine or robot.

[0043] The outlet opening can preferably be completely or partially closed by a mechanical or controllable electromechanical closing mechanism so that the attached suction devices can be operated individually.

[0044] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This figure shows a composite suction device 1 having two wheel-shaped suction devices 1A and 1B, each equipped with a suction unit 10 around its periphery. An object P is picked up by the suction unit 10 at the pickup location and delivered to the conveyor device 900 at the delivery location. [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view of a known suction unit 10' having a deflection unit 12 including a deflection head 121 and a peg-shaped mounting element 122 adjacent to the deflection head 121, and a suction body 16. The suction body 16 comprises a suction plate 11 adjacent to the suction body 16, having a front side facing away from the suction body 16, a suction basket 161 adjacent to the suction plate 11, an inlet passage 130, and a plurality of distribution passages 13 branching from the inlet passage 130, with holes drilled into the suction body 16 starting from the front side of the suction plate 11 and extending to the inlet passage 130. [Figure 3a] This figure shows an inventive suction unit 10 without a deflection unit 12, comprising a suction body 16, a suction plate 11 adjacent to the suction body 16 having a front side facing away from the suction body 16, a suction basket 161 adjacent to the suction plate 11, an inlet channel 130, and a plurality of distribution channels 13 branching from the inlet channel 130, wherein each of the plurality of distribution channels 13 is connected to the inlet channel 130 by a connecting channel 133 along the channel segment 1300 of the inlet channel 130. [Figure 3b] Figure 3a shows the suction unit 10 in a state where the deflection unit 12 is inserted into the inlet channel 130, for example as shown in Figure 2. The distribution channel 13 is closed off from the inlet channel 130 by the deflection unit 12, and also closed off over a portion of the suction plate 11. [Figure 4a] This is a partial view of the suction unit 10 of Figure 3a, without the deflection unit 12, in which a distribution channel 13 is provided. [Figure 4b] This is a partial view of the suction unit 10 in Figure 4a with the deflection unit 12 inserted. [Figure 4c] Figure 4b shows a deflection unit 12 having a deflection head 121 and a peg-shaped mounting element 122 adjacent to the deflection head 121. [Figure 4d] This is a diagram of the deflection unit 12 shown in Figure 4c, which has a peg-shaped mounting element 122 provided with a sealing body 1221. [Figure 5] Figure 3b shows the suction unit 10 without the suction basket. [Figure 6a] Figure 3b shows the suction unit 10 with a flexible tube portion 1615 connected to the suction basket 161. [Figure 6b] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a suction device 1C having a distribution device 2 in the shape of a square tube, with a suction unit 10, shown in Figure 3b, mounted on one side of the distribution device 2 (shown in cross-sectional view). [Figure 8] This is a diagram of a suction device 1D having a distribution device 2 in the shape of a square tube, with a suction unit 10 as shown in Figures 3b and 6a mounted on the distribution device 2. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of a suction device 1E having a hexagonal tube-shaped distribution device 2, with suction units 10, as shown in Figures 3b and 6a, attached to all sides of the distribution device 2. [Figure 10] Figure 1 shows a part of the suction device 1A. [Figure 11a] This is a diagram of a suction device 1F having a distribution device 2 in the shape of a square tube, on which a suction unit 10, for example, as shown in Figures 3b and 6a, can be attached using fastening elements 25 in the shape of mounting clamps. [Figure 11b] Figure 11a shows the distribution device 2 rotated by 180°, and shows the outlet opening 20 and the two mounting brackets 25. [Figure 11c] This is a diagram of one of the mounting clips 25 in Figure 11a. [Figure 11d] This is a view of the mounting clamp 25 in Figure 11c from the opposite side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Figure 1 shows a composite suction device 1 having two suction devices 1A and 1B, which are preferably equipped with a suction unit 10 that operates according to Bernoulli's principle.

[0047] Each suction device 1A, 1B is equipped with a distribution device 2, which has a circular hollow body with inlet openings 200A, 200B and a surrounding outlet opening. The suction units 10 are distributed along the perimeter and, as shown in Figure 10, each is held above the outlet opening 20 using fastening elements 25.

[0048] Using suction devices 1A and 1B, an object P is picked up at a pickup location and delivered to a conveyor device 900 at a delivery location. The first suction device 1A picks up an object P, such as nuts, from a container B and carries the object P to the delivery location, where it is transferred to the second suction device 1B. The second suction device 1B then carries the transferred object P to the delivery location and delivers the object P to the conveyor device 900.

[0049] Compressed air is supplied to each suction unit 10 through multiple suction channels 200A, 200B in the distribution device 2 and can be controlled individually for each suction unit 10, so that an object P can be picked up by one suction unit 10 and released by another suction unit 10 at the same time. Each suction unit 10 may also be supplied with two pressure lines, as described with reference to Figure 17, the first pressure line is connected to the distribution channel 13 and the second pressure line is connected to the outlet channel 14. At moving point HO, the suction unit 10 of the first suction device 1A, from which the object P is released, and the suction unit 10 of the second suction device 1B, which sucks in the object P, are positioned facing each other.

[0050] The drive devices 5A and 5B of the suction devices 1A and 1B, and the valves 72 of the suction passages 200A and 200B are controlled by the control unit 8 via control signals 81A and 81B and 87A and 87B. The conveyor device 900 is controlled in synchronization with the suction devices 1A and 1B by control signal 86.

[0051] A supply device 95 for the gaseous medium, such as a blower or air pump, is shown as an example and can be used in all inventive suction units 10 and suction devices 1, and can be controlled by a control device 8, for example, using a control signal 89 to set the specific pressure for the medium supplied to the valve 72.

[0052] When synchronously controlling the suction devices 1A and 1B, or when checking the position and quality of an object P held by a transparent suction unit 10, the control unit 8 preferably processes a sensor signal S emitted by a sensor SM, typically an optical sensor or optical camera.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a known suction unit 10' having a deflection unit 12 including a deflection head 121 and a peg-shaped mounting element 122 connected to the deflection head 121, and a suction body 16. The suction body 16 comprises a suction plate 11 having a front side facing away from the suction body 16, an inlet passage 130, and a plurality of distribution passages 13 branching from the inlet passage 130. A gaseous medium can be introduced from the inlet passage 130 through the distribution passages 13 into the front side of the suction plate 11 into the deflection passage or annular gap 110. The deflection passage or annular gap 110 is bounded on one side by the front side of the suction plate 11 and on the other side by the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12. Since the distribution passages 13, which are at an angle to the inlet passage 130, are holes drilled in the suction body 16, the manufacture of this suction unit 10' involves considerable effort and high cost.

[0054] Figure 3a shows an inventive suction unit 10 having a suction body 16, the suction body 16 having a suction plate 11 with a front side facing away from the suction body 16, an inlet channel 130, and a plurality of distribution channels 13 branching from the inlet channel 130. Along the channel segments 1300 of the inlet channel 130, each distribution channel 13 is connected to the inlet channel 130 by a connecting channel 133 and is therefore open to the inlet channel 130.

[0055] Therefore, the suction body 16 shown in the cross-sectional view can be advantageously manufactured by a molding process such as injection molding. For example, a rod is provided which includes elements corresponding to the distribution channel 13, the connecting channel 133 connected to the distribution channel 13, and the inlet channel 130. The rod is inserted into a mold corresponding to the other parts of the suction body, overmolded or cast, and removed again after the completion of the molding process. After that, the distribution channel 13, the connecting channel 133 connected to the distribution channel 13, and the inlet channel 130 connected to the distribution channel 133 by the connecting channel 133 remain, and the suction body 16 exists in the configuration shown in Figure 3a.

[0056] The suction body 16 of this suction unit 10 is provided with a retaining element 166 in the shape of a ring groove, which is bounded at the top by a mounting disc 168 and at the bottom by a retaining plate 169. The ring groove 166 allows the suction unit 10 to be mounted in the suction devices 1A, 1B shown in Figure 1, suction device 1C shown in Figure 7, suction device 1D shown in Figure 8, or suction device 1E shown in Figure 9. The retaining element 166 is shown as an example and can be adapted to other suction devices as needed.

[0057] At the top of the suction unit 10, a sealing ring 24 is inserted into the mounting disc 168, and the sealing ring 24 protrudes upward beyond the edge of the mounting disc 168, and is preferably held in place by the edge of the mounting disc 168. Thus, the suction unit 10 can be easily placed on a plate having an outlet opening for the medium and tightened into place using the fastening element 25. The sealing ring 24 is deformed during this process and has a dual function. On the one hand, the sealing ring 24 seals the space between the plate and the mounting disc 168. On the other hand, the suction unit 10 is pushed back by the sealing ring 24 and thus held in place without play. Thus, the suction unit 10 is particularly easy to install.

[0058] In this embodiment, the suction body 16 is integrally connected to the suction basket 161, the inside 1619 of the suction basket 161 is connected to the suction plate 11, the suction basket 161 surrounds a receiving channel 1600, the receiving channel 1600 has a channel opening 1610 sized so that individual objects P can be inserted into the receiving channel 1600 or into at least one molded portion on the underside of the suction basket 161.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the suction basket 161 has at least one basket opening 160, which is preferably positioned at approximately the height of the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12, or at a distance of 1 mm to 20 mm from the suction plate 11. It is also possible to arrange other rows of basket openings 161, as shown in Figure 2.

[0060] The distribution channel 13 connected to the inlet channel 130 is preferably directed outward into the edge region of the receiving channel 1600 relative to the inside of the suction basket 161. Therefore, the gaseous medium flowing in through the distribution channel 13 is preferably blown onto the inner wall of the suction basket 161, spaced apart at equal angles from one another, where it flows downward at high velocity, forming a thin, hollow cylindrical film that optionally leaks out through the basket opening 160. A negative pressure is created within the flow zone, which can draw in the object P. It should be noted that the object itself further shifts the flow outward and further reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow, thus further increasing the flow velocity and negative pressure within the suction basket 161.

[0061] Figure 3b shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 3a with the deflection unit 12 inserted into the inlet channel 130. Using the deflection unit 12, the distribution channel 13 is closed by the inserted peg-shaped mounting element 122 along a portion of the channel segment 1300, starting from the front side of the suction plate 11, and is open to the inlet channel 130 above the peg-shaped mounting element 122.

[0062] Therefore, the gaseous medium can be introduced into the deflection channel 110 from the inlet channel 130 through the distribution channel 13 and the front of the suction plate 11, and the deflection channel 110 is defined on one side by the front of the suction plate 11 and on the other side by the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12.

[0063] The deflection unit 12 shown in Figure 4c is designed as a mushroom-shaped rotating body and comprises a deflection head 121 and a peg-shaped mounting element 122 adjacent to the deflection head 121. On the side facing the suction plate 11, the deflection head 121 has a circumferential groove-like recess 120, which preferably curves toward the edge of the deflection head 121. Thus, in the cross-section of the axis of rotation, the deflection unit has at least a substantially anchor-shaped cross-section. This forms a ring nozzle, within which incoming air is guided toward and returns toward the suction plate 11, flowing at high speed along the suction plate 11, preferably radially outward, resulting in negative pressure.

[0064] Figure 4a shows a portion of the suction unit 10 of Figure 3a, in which a distribution channel 13 is provided. A quarter cross-section of the suction body 16 shows that the inlet channel 130 extends to the front of the suction plate 11, and that the distribution channel 13 branches off from the inlet channel 130 within the channel segment 1300 of the inlet channel 130 and extends to the front of the suction plate 11, with each distribution channel 13 being connected to the inlet channel 130 via a connecting channel 133 throughout the entire channel segment 1300. The distribution channel 13 is exposed in the quarter cross-section and separated from the connecting channel 133 by a dotted line. The connecting channel 133 opens toward the inlet channel 130 through a first channel opening 131 and opens downward toward the front of the suction plate 11 through a second channel opening 132.

[0065] To close these two flow path openings 131 and 132, either the deflection unit 12 shown in Figure 4c or Figure 4d, or a closing member 1200 having a sealing sleeve 1201 and a ring flange 1202 is used. When the closing member 1200 is inserted into the inlet flow path 130 with its front side facing out, the deflection unit 12 has its mounting element 122 inserted into the sealing sleeve 1201 of the closing member 1200.

[0066] When the deflection unit 12 in Figure 4c or the closing component 1200 in Figure 3b is inserted, the connecting channel 133 between the first channel opening 131 and the second channel opening 132 of the distribution channel 13 is closed. On the front, the connecting channel 133 is closed by the sealing ring 123 connected to the mounting element 122 of the deflection unit 12, or by the ring flange 1202 of the closing component 1200.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4d, the mounting element 122 is provided with a seal body 1221 corresponding to the number of distribution channels 13, and the seal body 1221 can be inserted into the connecting channel 133 to close the connecting channel 133. The seal body 1221 closes both channel openings 131 and 132 simultaneously.

[0068] The sealing body 1221 is preferably complementary to the connecting channel 131 and is, for example, rib-shaped. The sealing body 1221 preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis x of the mounting element 122 or sealing sleeve 1201 so that the mounting element 122 or sealing sleeve 1201 can be inserted into the inlet channel 130 without obstruction on the front side of the suction plate 11.

[0069] After the deflection unit 12 or the closing component 1200 is inserted, the distribution channel 13 between the inlet opening 131 and the outlet opening 132 is closed, and the distribution channel 13 in the suction unit in Figure 2 is also closed.

[0070] Figure 5 shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 3b without the optional suction basket 161. The suction unit 10 without the suction basket 161 is typically used to pick up and deliver flat objects. On the other hand, the suction unit 10 with the suction basket 161 allows objects of any shape to be picked up.

[0071] The suction plate 11 may extend as a surface to its outer edge, or it may be curved. Preferably, a recess, indentation, or suction channel 111 is provided within the portion of the suction unit 10 that grips the object, thereby ensuring that the flow of the medium is reliably maintained when the object is connected.

[0072] Figure 6a shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 3b, with a flexible tube section 1615 connected to a suction basket 161. The tube section 1615 is preferably designed as an elastic bellows that can align itself with an object. The use of this suction unit 10 is particularly advantageous in the suction devices 1C, 1D, and 1E of Figures 7, 8, and 9, which have a straight or tubular dispensing device 2.

[0073] Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 in Figure 6a. Figure 6b shows that the suction basket 161 and the tubular section 1615 are connected to fit snugly together.

[0074] The inventive suction unit 10 can be used as a single unit and connected to a compressed air pipe. During surgical procedures, the single suction unit 10 is used to collect loose parts or loose tools, thereby advantageously avoiding the suction of liquids and contaminants from the suction unit 10. In production processes where many products are transported on a conveyor belt, it is desirable to use a suction device that holds multiple suction units 10.

[0075] The inventive suction device 1 has a plurality of outlet openings 210 and associated fastening elements or mounting means 25, and can be equipped with a corresponding number of inventive suction units 10 or conventional suction units 10, each having retaining elements 166, 168 corresponding to the mounting means 25. Typically, the same type of suction unit, for example, the suction units in Figures 3b, 5, or 6a, is always used in the suction device 1. However, it is also possible to combine different types of suction units 10 in the suction device 1. The suction device in Figure 7 is equipped with the suction unit 10 according to Figure 3b. Alternatively, only the suction unit 10 according to Figure 6a can be used. The suction device 1 having a plurality of suction units 10 allows a series of objects to be picked up and released in one step or in multiple steps in succession.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a simple suction device 1 having two device connection points, each of which has a suction unit 10 as shown in Figure 3b mounted on the suction device 1, and the suction unit 10 has a suction body 16 having a retaining element 168 with a ring groove 166 designed as a mounting disc for adjacent objects.

[0077] The suction device 1 includes a distribution device 2, which comprises a hollow body in the shape of a square tube having two inlet openings 200 and a plurality of outlet openings 20. Fastening elements in the shape of mounting brackets 25 are provided at each outlet opening, and the fastening elements are firmly connected to the distribution device 2, forming device connection parts at the outlet openings 20. The mounting brackets 25 are optionally firmly connected to the square tube by welding.

[0078] The square tube 2 optionally has a front inlet opening 200, a lower outlet opening 20, and an upper mounting opening 2000. As described with reference to Figure 3a, the suction unit 10 can be easily mounted using a mounting bracket 25 that engages with a ring groove 166. The suction unit 10 to be mounted is pressed against the corresponding side of the square tube 2, thereby deforming the sealing ring 24, allowing the suction body 16 having the ring groove 166 to be inserted into the mounting bracket 25. As a result, the suction body 16 is pressed against the mounting bracket 25 by the elastic sealing ring 24, for example, a rubber ring, and held in place without play. At the same time, the inlet opening 130 and the outlet opening 20 are tightly sealed by the sealing ring 24.

[0079] There is no need to use assembly tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, or wrenches. The suction unit 10 can be assembled in a single step.

[0080] A mechanical actuator 77' and a controllable electromechanical actuator 77 are also shown, which can be used to adjust the flow of the medium through the outlet opening 20.

[0081] The electromechanical actuator 77 has, for example, an actuator portion 771 which can be extended and retracted under the control of the control unit 8 to completely or partially close and reopen the outlet opening 20. Preferably, each suction unit 10 is assigned such actuator 77 so that the suction units 10 can be controlled individually or in groups to pick up and release objects P.

[0082] An operating device R, such as a robot, having an operating element RA, for example, a robotic arm, is also shown, which can hold the square tube 2 with the operating element RA and move it as desired. The operating device R is also shown to have a medium connection part AS, such as a compressed air connection part, connected to the inlet opening 200.

[0083] Figure 8 shows a suction device 1D having a square-shaped dispensing device 2, on which suction units 10 according to Figures 3b and 6a are mounted on all sides. The dispensing device 2 is not yet fully equipped, so the individual outlet openings 20 are exposed. For example, six rows with different types of suction units 10 can be mounted.

[0084] In practice, the same type of suction unit 10 is always used, usually on one side of the dispensing device 2. In this case as well, an operating device R is shown, which can be used to selectively operate the dispensing device 2, which has a square tube, and move it between the pickup position and the delivery position. Furthermore, the operating device R is designed to be able to rotate the dispensing device 2 a quarter turn, so that the suction units 10 on each side of the dispensing device 2 can sequentially pick up and release the objects P in a row.

[0085] Figure 9 shows a suction device 1E having a hexagonal tube-shaped dispensing device 2, with suction units 10 as shown in Figures 3b and 6a mounted on all sides of the dispensing device 2. The dispensing device 2 is not yet fully equipped. It is preferable that the same suction units 10 be used on each side of the dispensing device 2. For example, six rows with different types of suction units 10 can be mounted. In this case, the operating device R can rotate the dispensing device 2 in steps of 60° each so that the suction units 10 on each side of the dispensing device 2 can sequentially pick up and release the objects P in the row.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the suction devices 1D and 1E in Figures 8 and 9 are equipped with different suction units 10 on at least two sides of the distribution device 2. For example, the suction unit 10 shown in Figure 3b is provided on one side, the suction unit 10 shown in Figure 6a is mounted on another side, and the suction unit 10 shown in Figure 5 may be mounted on an adjacent side.

[0087] The suction device 1 is equipped with a suction unit 10 depending on the object P to be picked up. When a flat object P is to be picked up, it is preferable to use a suction unit 10 without a suction basket 161, for example, as shown in Figure 5. When objects P of the same or different shape but approximately the same size are to be picked up, it is preferable to use a suction unit 10 with a suction basket 161, for example, as shown in Figure 3b. When objects P of the same or different shape and different sizes are to be picked up, it is preferable to use a suction unit 10 with an elastic tube or bellows 1615, for example, as shown in Figure 6a. When a large object P and a small object P need to be picked up, the first suction unit 10 according to Figure 6a can lift the large object P, and the suction device 1 is lowered further until the second suction unit 10 according to Figure 6a or Figure 3b can pick up the smaller second object P. During this process, the elastic bellows 1615 of the first suction unit 10 according to Figure 6a is deformed or compressed accordingly. Therefore, if different objects P are to be picked up, it may be advantageous to use a series of different types of suction units 10.

[0088] It is also possible to combine the suction unit 10 shown in Figure 5 with an elastic tube or bellows 1615 and use this combination accordingly.

[0089] Figure 10 shows a part of the suction device 1A of Figure 1. The dispensing device 2 is round in shape and has two side plates 21, which define the boundary of a circular frame 22 having plates 221 around its perimeter, and the plates 221 are angled to each other along the perimeter, each having an outlet opening 20. Thus the suction unit 10 can be mounted in the same way as the suction devices of Figures 7, 8 and 9. Only the mounting means 25 is designed differently. The mounting bracket 25 is not permanently mounted and is inserted into the ring groove 166 of the suction body 16. For this purpose, the side plates 21 for each of the plates 221 are provided with retaining flanges 211, and each of the retaining flanges 211 is provided with a mounting opening 210 into which the mounting bracket 25 can be inserted. The mounting bracket 25 is preferably rod-shaped and has a U-shaped contour.

[0090] Each component of the suction device 1 is made of either metal or plastic. It is possible to combine plastic and metal components.

[0091] Figure 11a shows another suction device 1F having a distribution device 2 in the shape of a square tube 2, to which a suction unit 10, for example, as shown in Figures 3b and 6a, can be attached using fastening elements 25. The fastening elements 25 are designed as mounting clips and are not permanently connected to the distribution device 2, but can be attached and removed as needed. Therefore, since there is no need to provide mounting means on the distribution device 2, this suction device 1F can be manufactured with minimal effort. Accordingly, individual mounting clips 25 must be provided on the distribution device 2 in a number corresponding to the number of outlet openings 20.

[0092] A first mounting clip 25 is positioned on the square tube 2. A second mounting clip 25 is pressed against the square tube 2 from the side. Due to the elastic design of the mounting clip 25, it can be stretched and preferably positioned facing forward on the square tube 2.

[0093] One suction unit 10 is inserted into one of the mounting clips 25 and pressed against the distribution device 2 by the mounting clip 25. The other suction unit 10 is ready to be installed.

[0094] Figure 11b shows the distributor 2 from Figure 11a rotated 180° to show the outlet opening 20 and the two mounting clips 25. Figure 11c shows one of the mounting clips 25 from Figure 11a. Figure 11d shows the mounting clip 25 from Figure 11c from the other side.

[0095] The mounting clip 25 comprises a substrate 251 with two side walls 252 and 253 connected, and a downwardly inclined cover plate 254 connected to the opposite side of the substrate 251. The substrate 251 has mounting slots 2510 with access openings 2520 and 2530 adjacent to each other on the side walls 252 and 253, respectively, the access openings being wider than the mounting slots 2510, and the mounting disc 168 of the suction unit 10 being insertable into the access openings.

[0096] Figures 11c and 11d show that the substrate 251 has flange elements 2511 facing each other, and as shown in Figure 11a, the flange elements 2511 engage with the ring groove 166 of the suction unit 10 and define the tapered mounting slot 2510 on the opposite side of the receiving openings 2520 and 2530, and as shown in Figure 11a, they engage with the ring groove 166 of the suction unit 10 and can hold the mounting disc 168 positioned on the ring groove 166.

[0097] The mounting clip 25 is preferably made of an elastic material such as plastic or metal, and possibly spring steel. Thus, the downwardly inclined cover plate 254 can advantageously function as a spring element that pulls the mounting clip 25 and the mounting disc 168 held within the mounting clip upward relative to the square tube 2, and thus the mounting disc 168, and preferably the sealing ring 24 (see Figure 5) held within the mounting disc 168, tightly seal the associated outlet opening 20.

[0098] Figure 11a shows that the mounting disc 168 can be inserted into the access opening 2520 of the mounting clip 25 so that the ring groove 166 is held within the mounting slot 2510.

[0099] Therefore, the distribution device 2 can be equipped with a suction unit 10 using the inventive fastening means 25. For example, preferably, the outlet opening 20 which is closed with screws is removed, a mounting clip 25 is attached, and the suction unit 10 is inserted, or the suction unit 10 is mounted and secured by the mounting bracket 25.

[0100] In all designs of the suction device 1, the suction unit 10 can be easily mounted on the suction device without the use of tools.

Claims

1. A suction unit (10) suitable for sucking an object (P) according to Bernoulli's principle, comprising a deflection unit (12) having a deflection head (121) and a peg-shaped mounting element (122) adjacent to the deflection head (121), and a suction body (16), The suction body (16) has a suction plate (11) that faces away from the suction body (16), The suction body (16) has an inlet channel (130) that extends through the suction body (16) to the front side of the suction plate (11), and the peg-shaped mounting element (122) is inserted into the inlet channel (130) from the front side of the suction plate (11). The suction body (16) has a plurality of distribution channels (13) that branch off from the inlet channel (130), In a suction unit (10), a gaseous medium can be introduced from the inlet channel (130) through the distribution channel (13) into the deflection channel (110) on the front surface of the suction plate (11), and the deflection channel (110) is defined on one side by the front side of the suction plate (11) and on the other side by the deflection head (121) of the deflection unit (12), A suction unit (10) characterized in that, along the flow channel segment (1300) of the inlet flow channel (130), the distribution flow channels (13) are each connected to the inlet flow channel (130) by connecting flow channels (133), the connecting flow channels (133) are closed by the inserted peg-shaped mounting element (122) or closing member (1200) along a part of the flow channel segment (1300) starting from the front side of the suction plate (11), and are open to the inlet flow channel (130) above the peg-shaped mounting element (122).

2. The suction unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction body (16) has a vertical axis (x), and the distribution channels (13) are arranged at regular or irregular intervals from one another and extend outward to the suction plate (11) in a conical shape, concentrically with respect to the vertical axis (x), or along a curved surface.

3. The suction unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction body (16) is manufactured by a primary molding process, or the suction body (16) is manufactured by injection molding.

4. The suction unit (10) according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that each of the connecting channels (133) has a first channel opening (131) adjacent to the channel segment (1300) of the inlet channel (130) and a second channel opening (132) adjacent to the front side of the suction plate (11).

5. The suction unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the deflection unit (12) has a sealing ring (123) adjacent to the mounting element (122), or the closing member (1200) has a sealing sleeve (1201) and a ring flange (1202), and the mounting element (122) of the deflection unit (12) is held within the sealing sleeve (1201).

6. The mounting element (122) is provided with a sealing body (1221) corresponding to the number of distribution channels (13), and the sealing body (1221) can be inserted into the connecting channel (133) to close the connecting channel (133), wherein the sealing body (1221) is preferably rib-shaped and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (x) or in a radial plane, as described in one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A suction unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the suction body (16) is integrally or detachably connected to a suction basket (161), the inside (1619) of the suction basket (161) is connected to the suction plate (11), or the inside (1619) of the suction basket (161) is spaced apart from the suction plate (11), the suction basket (161) surrounds a receiving channel (1600), and the receiving channel (1600) has a channel opening (1610) sized so that individual objects (P) can be introduced into the receiving channel (1600) or into at least one molded portion on the lower side of the suction basket (161).

8. The suction unit (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the suction basket (161) has at least one basket opening (160) which is preferably positioned at approximately the height of the deflection head (121) of the deflection unit (12), or at a certain distance from the suction plate (11).

9. The suction unit (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the flow path opening (1610) of the suction basket (161) is surrounded by a ring plate (15) positioned perpendicularly or at an angle to the suction basket (161).

10. The suction unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the suction body (16) has at least one retaining element (166) such as a molded portion, an opening, or a ring groove, or a mounting disc (168), and the suction body (16) can be attached to a connection portion of the device using the retaining element or the mounting disc.

11. A suction device (1) having a number of device connection points, wherein a suction unit (10) having a suction body (16) having a holding element (166) is attached to the suction device (1) each time, wherein a distribution device (2) having a hollow body with at least one inlet opening (200) and a number of outlet openings (20), and fastening elements (211, 24, 25) are provided, the fastening elements are connected to the distribution device (2) in a manner that is fixed or detachable, each of the fastening elements forms a device connection point at the outlet opening (20), and each of the fastening elements holds the associated suction unit (10) on the holding element (166) above the associated outlet opening (20).

12. The suction device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the fastening element (25) is designed as a mounting clip, the mounting clip is made of an elastic material, and the mounting clip comprises a substrate (251) joined by two side walls (252, 253), and a cover plate (254), wherein the cover plate (254) is preferably inclined downward and connected to one of the side walls (252, 253) on the opposite side of the substrate (251), and the substrate (251) has a mounting slot (2510), the mounting slot (2510) is joined by an access opening (2520, 2530) wider than the mounting slot (2510) on at least one of the side walls (252, 253), and a mounting disc (168) of a suction unit (10) is insertable into or can be inserted into the access opening.

13. The suction device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the distribution device (2) is circular, plate-shaped or wheel-shaped, and has two side plates (21) and preferably a circular frame (22) around its circumference, and the outlet opening (20) and the fastening elements (211, 24, 25) are fastened to the side plates (21) or the circular frame (22).

14. The suction device (1) according to claim 11, 12, or 13, characterized in that the distribution device (2) has a polygonal cross-section having multiple sides, and one or more of the sides are provided with an outlet opening (20) and fastening elements (211, 24, 25), and the attached suction unit (10) is held using the fastening elements (211, 24, 25).

15. The suction device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the outlet opening (20) can be completely or partially selectively closed by a mechanical or controllable electromechanical closing means (77).

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