Suction unit and suction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suction unit 10 suitable for sucking an object P according to Bernoulli's principle, which suction unit 10 has a suction body with a suction plate 11 adjacent to the suction body and with a front surface facing away from the suction body, and at least one inlet channel 13, through which a gaseous medium can be introduced, through the suction body, towards the front surface of the suction plate 11 and into a deflection channel, which is delimited by the front surface of the suction plate 11 and by a deflection head of a deflection unit 12, or by the front surface of the suction plate 11 and by the object P when it is being sucked, through which the gaseous medium can be led to the outside. The suction body is integrally or releasably connected to a strainer 161, the inner surface 1619 of which is adjacent to the suction plate 111 or the inner surface 1619 of the strainer 161 is arranged away from the suction plate 11. The strainer 161 surrounds a receiving channel 1600 having a channel opening 1610 dimensioned so that individual objects P can be introduced into the receiving channel 1600 or into at least one cavity in the underside of the strainer 161 .

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction unit operating according to the Bernoulli principle and to a suction device comprising at least one such suction unit, by means of which objects, in particular single objects, can be picked up from a work process and released again. [Background technology]

[0002] In many industrial applications, especially in the food industry, products or objects of a certain dimension need to be fed for packaging. Food products such as bread, sausages or cheese are often divided into thin slices and packaged. In other technical fields, plate-shaped workpieces, e.g. wafers, substrates, foils, paper, wood veneers, etc., are produced and fed for further processing.

[0003] The disk-shaped objects should be gently picked up at the pick-up point and returned to the delivery point intact, i.e. without deformation, damage or contamination. Therefore, instead of mechanical gripping tools, suction devices, which preferably work according to the Bernoulli principle, are often used. On the other hand, mechanical gripping tools are used to handle objects that do not have a flat surface.

[0004] According to German Utility Model No. 202006016833U1, the Bernoulli suction unit is usually composed of an axisymmetric base body through which a gaseous medium (compressed air, inert gas, etc.) flows from at least one nozzle in the direction of the object to be lifted. The gaseous medium between the object unit and the base body of the suction unit is deflected radially with a high flow velocity when it hits the object. According to Bernoulli's equation, the kinetic energy and the specific pressure energy are always constant. In areas of high flow velocity, therefore, a corresponding pressure drop occurs, which causes the object to be sucked up.

[0005] In order to reduce the pressure against the suction force that arises when the medium flow hits the object, in known suction units the medium flow is radially deflected before hitting the object. A plate-shaped deflection unit is held in front of the incoming gas so that the gas is radially deflected through an annular gap and directed away laterally. German Utility Model No. 202006016833U1 shows a suction unit in which a plate-shaped deflection unit is integrally connected to the base body. The production of a suction unit or a base body with an integrally integrated deflection unit is therefore very costly.

[0006] It should also be noted that depending on the geometry and surface quality of the object unit, disturbances or turbulences in the air flow may occur, which may lead to an increase in pressure between the suction unit and the object unit at certain points. The object may not be held tightly and may partially come off the suction unit. This causes problems especially when the objects are to be transported and placed one by one at high cycle speeds, and it is not possible to intervene and correct improperly placed objects.

[0007] It was also found that the use of commercially available Bernoulli suction units poses few problems for relatively hard and light panel-like objects. On the other hand, unstable objects are exposed to the risk of being damaged or the process not being processed in a stable manner. If the object is subjected to forces that result in its dimensions being unstable and possibly being made vibrating, then for example the object's contour changes continuously and thus the flows and the forces acting on the object change. Depending on the damping properties of the entire system, particularly thin and flexible objects will exhibit dynamic behaviors that prevent a stable processing process. According to German Utility Model 202006016833U1, it is practically impossible to separate thin and flexible objects in a functionally reliable manner using conventional Bernoulli suction units. To solve this problem, German Utility Model 202006016833U1 is equipped with an aperture plate that separates the medium flow from the object unit and directs the medium flow between the aperture plate and the body of the suction unit. The use of such apertures also has drawbacks. Suction units equipped with aperture plates, on the one hand, can reduce the suction power, but on the other hand, tend to accumulate dirt particles, which can be removed again by appropriate effort.

[0008] According to German Utility Model No. 202006016833U1, even the handling of flat objects can cause problems, which is why other gripping or holding devices have been used up until now for handling non-flat objects.

[0009] It should also be noted that known suction units do not release held objects precisely. To dispense the object unit, the flow of the medium is interrupted, which reduces the suction force relatively slowly and releases the objects somewhat quickly. In addition, the objects are placed at the delivery point by gravity. This means that the delivery is not precise in terms of time and, if necessary, location. Due to the delay in the delivery of the transported objects, the cycle frequency at which the objects are transported is accordingly limited.

[0010] It should also be noted that when the object is discharged by removing the suction force, gravity usually causes the periphery of the held object unit to be released first and to fall off the suction unit. For soft objects, this can cause the object unit to bend or even roll. To allow a controlled delivery, the suction unit must be aligned accordingly at the delivery point before the suction is released. To avoid this problem, the suction unit is aligned horizontally and close to the delivery point, but this severely limits the handling of the object. Therefore, machines and robots capable of performing complex movements are required to achieve an orderly delivery of the object. The object handling process needs to be adapted accordingly or limited to this type of handling.

[0011] As mentioned above, conventional Bernoulli suction units are only used for plate-like objects that can be flatly contacted. For other objects, mechanical gripping tools are usually used, but the gripping tools often damage the object.

[0012] In particular, picking up very precise and sometimes thin objects is nearly impossible, and conventional suction units are therefore hardly suitable for manipulating objects in the surgical field, where impacts on the tissue being treated must be avoided.

[0013] It should also be noted that the gaseous medium emitted from the suction unit can cause turbulence in the surrounding area, which may adversely affect valuable or sensitive materials, particularly powdered materials, which may cause them to swirl around.

[0014] In addition, dust particles can be sucked in, which contaminates the suction unit and requires maintenance work.

[0015] Another drawback of known suction units is that they require high air pressure to operate, which means that a powerful pump needs to be provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] German Utility Model No. 202006016833U1 Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an improved suction unit, which functions according to the Bernoulli principle. Furthermore, an improved suction device can be created, which comprises at least one such suction unit.

[0018] The suction unit of the present invention must be capable of picking up objects of any size and any composition, in particular individual product units, and discharging them in any controlled manner. Damage or disturbing deformation of the objects being manipulated must be avoided. For example, it must be capable of taking in spherical or disc-shaped objects. It must also be capable of taking in flat objects and flat objects in combination with each other. It must preferably be capable of taking in at least one first object and then further a second object, which objects may have the same or different dimensions.

[0019] It should be possible to realise a suction unit with a simpler basic body, for example it should be possible to dispense with a plate-like deflection unit.

[0020] It must be possible to properly pick up the separated objects at a pick-up point and deliver the objects to a delivery point at high cycle rates.

[0021] The adverse effects on the object being manipulated and on the surroundings of the object caused by the gas medium used must be avoided. Contamination of the suction unit must also be avoided. The suction unit must therefore be advantageously applicable in difficult environments, especially in medicine, and especially in surgery, where high demands are made on the instruments.

[0022] It should also be possible to clean and maintain the suction unit easily and thoroughly.

[0023] The suction unit must be able to operate with high efficiency, so that the air pressure required for its operation is minimal and simply designed compressed air equipment can be used.

[0024] This problem is solved by a suction unit and a suction device having the features mentioned in claim 1 or 13. Advantageous designs of the invention are defined in the further claims.

[0025] A suction unit serving to suck an object according to Bernoulli's principle has a suction body with an adjacent suction plate, the adjacent suction plate having a front side facing away from the suction body, and the suction unit has at least one entry channel, through which a gaseous medium can be introduced, through the entry channel, through the suction body towards the front side of the suction plate, into a deflection channel, the deflection channel being bounded (delimited) on one side by the front side of the suction plate and on the other side by a deflection head of the deflection unit, or the deflection channel being bounded on one side by the front side of the suction plate and on the other side by the object when the object is being sucked, and through which the gaseous medium can be guided to the outside.

[0026] According to the present invention, the suction body is integrally or detachably connected to a suction basket whose inner side is adjacent to the suction plate or whose inner side is spaced from the suction plate, and the suction basket surrounds a receiving channel having a channel opening dimensioned so that individual objects can be introduced into the receiving channel or into at least one recess below the suction basket.

[0027] As mentioned above, prior art suction units operating according to the Bernoulli principle are only used to hold flat objects. In the food industry, in particular the manipulation and gentle holding of objects with uneven surfaces, such as sweets, fruits and nuts, or parts thereof, is particularly important. Such objects were previously grasped and manipulated using mechanical graspers. For example, in surgery, it is often necessary to grasp small objects such as needles and debris without interference with the surrounding tissue. The tissue in particular must not be contaminated. Furthermore, the ingress of impurities such as tissue residues, dust, etc. into the suction unit must be avoided.

[0028] The suction basket provided according to the present invention is arranged adjacent to the suction plate, spaced apart from the suction plate, or separated from the suction plate by a separate opening, in which case any regular or irregular shaped object can be sucked into the channel opening or such object can be sucked into the suction channel.

[0029] The suction basket allows the gaseous medium to flow around the sucked-in object. Even if an irregularly shaped object such as a hazelnut is sucked in, the gaseous medium flows through the suction basket at a high flow rate, creating a vacuum that can be used to hold the object securely.

[0030] When a suction basket is used, possibly in combination with a suction bell as described below, the distance over which the gaseous medium flows at high speed is very long, which is why vacuum is achieved with high efficiency over a large area. Even when using a suction basket, possibly in combination with a suction bell, a conventional fan can be used as a means for transporting the gaseous medium instead of a compressed air unit.

[0031] The suction basket is optionally provided with basket openings that ensure the flow of the medium even if the channel openings are fully or partially closed after the objects have been sucked in. The basket openings can be arranged in a row or spaced apart in several rows, regularly or irregularly.

[0032] The receiving channel has a channel opening designed to allow individual objects to be inserted into the receiving channel through the channel opening or secured to the edge of the channel opening.

[0033] The dimensions of the preferably transparent suction basket, in particular the length and diameter, or the dimensions of the channel opening or the channel entrance of the suction channel are preferably adapted to the object to be conveyed. The suction basket can therefore have, for example, a cylindrical, conical, rectangular or polygonal cross-sectional shape. The suction basket can also have a combination of such shapes, for example only the outlet side can be in the shape of a cone. The suction channel can be regular, irregular, symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape, so that the object can be gripped at any position or only at a specific position. In the food industry, it may not matter in which direction the object is oriented. On the other hand, even in surgery or semiconductor technology, the orientation of the object may be mandatory. The length and width of the suction basket are selected so that the object can at least partially enter the channel opening or the channel entrance. The length of the suction basket can therefore be only a few millimeters or centimeters. For example, the dimensions of the suction basket are adapted to the food object, such as nuts, fruits or parts thereof. If the suction basket is removably attached, a suitable suction basket can be attached in each case. The surgeon will select a suction basket that is adapted to the corresponding work process, tissue or tool to be picked up. The channel opening or channel entrance is preferably adapted to the dimensions of the object to be picked up and may be, for example, stepped.

[0034] The deflection unit with the deflection head is used as an option only if it is necessary to ensure negative pressure always close to the suction plate. The deflection unit can be integrally connected to the suction body or inserted into the suction body. For example, a mounting channel is provided into which the mounting element of the deflection head can be anchored, for example, pushed or screwed. In this case, the user can optionally retrofit the suction unit with the deflection unit. Preferably, a mounting channel is provided which connects to an inlet channel for the gas medium, which is closed by the mounting element of the deflection unit.

[0035] The deflection head, which is preferably axisymmetric, has on its side facing the suction plate a preferably flat surface or a circumferential groove-like recess, which preferably extends rounded towards the edge of the deflection head. In this embodiment, the axisymmetric deflection unit has at least approximately an anchor-shaped cross section in a longitudinal section through the rotation axis. The medium flow is thus introduced in a controlled manner through the deflection head into the deflection channel.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of, preferably six, entry channels are provided, preferably arranged equidistant from one another. The entry channels preferably extend outwards, for example like the edges of a pyramid, incline towards the suction plate and gradually move away from the central axis until the entry channels reach the front face of the suction plate. In this way, the flow of the medium is already deflected. In addition, the entry channels can be relatively easily cleaned in case of contamination. The entry channels may also in principle extend outwards along a curved line. For example, straight or curved tubes can be embedded in the suction body to create entry channels of any shape.

[0037] The incoming medium is preferably evenly distributed against the inner wall of the suction basket by the entry channels arranged at an angle to the central axis, which is why it automatically and reliably flows faster along the inner wall of the suction basket with a corresponding drop in pressure.

[0038] The inclined arrangement of the entry channels, the partial deflection of the gaseous medium already in the suction basket and the transport of the gaseous medium towards the inner wall of the suction basket allow the suction unit to operate under reduced pressure, which is why a conventional fan can also be used as a means of transporting the gaseous medium instead of a compressed air unit. The pressure requirements can be further lowered by more and preferably evenly distributed entry channels.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, a number of outlet channels extend through the suction body to the outlet openings at the front of the suction plate. When the object is dispensed, the flow of medium through the entry channels is interrupted, which removes the suction and releases the object from the suction unit. To accelerate this process, a flow of medium is sent through the outlet port, which pushes the object away from the suction plate. The dispensing process can thus be shortened to extremely short times in the range of milliseconds. In this way, dispensing can be performed in a controlled manner and at any position of the object unit without deforming the object, for example folding or twisting the object. If the outlet openings are uniformly distributed, this can be achieved such that even very soft objects can be removed aligned in one plane. The controlled and rapid discharge of the objects, which can be controlled by switching the flow of medium on or off by actuating a valve with the control unit, also makes it possible to significantly increase the cycle speed at which objects are picked up at the pick-up location and discharged again at the discharge location.

[0040] The suction plate may be integrally connected to the suction body or, possibly, screwed to the suction body. The suction plate is preferably integrally connected to the suction body and separated therefrom by a circumferential groove. The circumferential groove (see FIG. 4) may also serve to hold the suction unit in the receiving chamber by means of a locking piece (see FIG. 3).

[0041] The suction body may be designed in a modular manner, either integrally or with multiple suction body modules.

[0042] The efficiency of the suction unit can be further increased since the suction body is connected or connectable to a preferably transparent suction bell that surrounds the suction body, separated by a return channel that opens on one side into a suction basket provided in the suction bell and on the other side into at least one outlet opening, optionally provided in the wall of the suction bell.

[0043] The medium is returned through the return channel and, if necessary, fed back to the compressed air device, resulting in an at least partially closed circuit. Since the gaseous medium in the circuit is constantly moving, only a small amount of energy is required to transport the gaseous medium, and the gaseous medium can transport the circulated gaseous medium and maintain a constant flow of the medium.

[0044] The circulation of the gaseous medium also improves the flow behavior of the gaseous medium. The flow rate and pressure can increase because turbulence and stalls are reduced or avoided. In addition, the gaseous medium is guided over a longer distance along a closed circuit with a high flow rate, which is why the suction pressure is reduced over a wider area. The suction unit according to the invention can therefore operate at lower pressures, which can be generated, for example, by a simple blower or fan. Expensive compressed air pumps may therefore not be necessary.

[0045] The use of a suction bell not only further improves the efficiency of the suction unit, but also provides further advantages: the controlled recirculation of the medium prevents destructive effects on the environment, such as turbulence of particles of objects or tissue particles during a surgical procedure, or undesirable flows entraining the treated tissue, and furthermore, it significantly prevents particles or contaminants from the production process from entering the suction unit.

[0046] Preferably, a filter is provided within the suction unit to prevent impurities from circulating with the medium flow.

[0047] The suction basket is preferably integrally connected or optionally connectable to the suction plate or suction body and / or suction bell. The suction basket may be screwed to the suction body, press-fitted or otherwise connected. The suction basket has an annular flange with an internal thread that may be placed, for example, on the external thread of the suction body or suction bell.

[0048] The suction bell can be connected to the suction body or to the mounting plate, which is optionally connected to it, either integrally or by screws or by integrally formed connecting elements, such as threaded elements or bayonet locking elements. In this way, quick disconnection is achieved, which allows the suction bell to be removed in order to clean the suction unit or to install another suction bell adapted to the object to be operated on or to the dimensions of the air duct or the flow of air to be circulated.

[0049] It is easier to suck up an object if it is held centrally and sucked along the central axis of the suction unit. The suction unit is therefore preferably provided with a centering device, which allows the object unit to be sucked to be guided and held centrally relative to the central axis of the suction unit. The centering unit may be connected to the suction body, the deflection unit if provided, the suction basket if provided, and / or the suction bell if provided. The centering device may be made of the same material as the base body, the suction basket, the deflection unit, or the suction bell. Furthermore, the centering device may be made of any material, such as metal and plastic.

[0050] The inventive suction device comprises one or more inventive suction units and preferably also a drive, possibly a robot, by means of which the suction units can be moved between at least one pick-up location and at least one delivery location. The electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically driven drive is preferably controllable by a control unit so that the work process involving the suction units can be carried out automatically. The control unit can be coupled to sensors, by means of which the work process can be monitored and the steps of the process can be timed accordingly. Preferably, the process or object is held by the preferably fully or partially transparent suction unit and monitored by a camera.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the suction device has at least one distribution device, preferably designed in the form of a cuboid, a cylinder or a segment of a cylinder and preferably arranged in a uniformly distributed manner, holding a plurality of suction units to which compressed air can be supplied jointly through at least one distribution channel or individually through at least one pressure line.

[0052] Preferably, the dispensing device has a plurality of receiving chambers, each of which opens towards the dispensing channel via at least one chamber opening, and in each of the receiving chambers a suction unit is arranged, which is tightly sealed against the border of the chamber opening by a sealing element, for example a sealing ring. The suction unit can thus be mounted in the receiving chamber and connected to the dispensing channel as required. Preferably, a locking element, for example in the form of a clamp, is provided, which can be inserted into the receiving chamber and securely connected to the suction body of the suction unit so that the suction unit is pressed against the sealing element. By removing or withdrawing the locking element, each of the suction units can be easily removed, cleaned and reinserted.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, a gaseous medium is optionally provided in the entry channel of the suction unit, which may be introduced through the first distribution channel or the first pressure line, respectively.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the gaseous medium can further optionally be introduced into the outlet channel of the suction unit through a second distribution channel or a second pressure line, respectively.

[0055] The valves can be controlled by a control unit such that the gaseous medium is selectively introduced into the entry channel and / or into the outlet channel at desired time intervals. Preferably, the control program is arranged in the control unit, which can control the flow of the medium by the drive for moving the suction unit and by coupling or decoupling the object to the suction unit.

[0056] The suction body, the suction plate, if present, the suction basket, which is preferably integrally connected to one another, and / or the deflection unit are preferably made of elastic or transparent material, or elastic and transparent material such as acrylic. By using transparent material, the objects sucked by the suction unit remain visible and can be monitored by a camera for their condition, size and orientation. Image data from the camera can be evaluated, for example, in a control unit and, if necessary, compared with a pattern, whereby defective objects can be sorted out. The defective objects can, for example, be transported further, dropped to a collection point by removing the suction pressure, and / or removed using compressed air.

[0057] The suction body, the deflection unit if present, the suction basket if present and / or the suction bell if present may be made of the same or different materials, such as metal or plastic. The suction body may for example be made of plastic and may be connected or connectable to a suction basket or a suction bell made of plastic or metal.

[0058] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 shows a suction device 1 with two suction wheels 1A, 1B, which are circumferentially equipped with suction units 10, e.g. according to FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, by means of which objects P are picked up at a pick-up location and discharged onto a conveyor device 6 at a discharge location. [Figure 1b] 1a with a second suction wheel 1B, from which objects P are delivered to a transport unit 961 of the conveyor device 900. FIG. [Figure 2a]FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a suction unit 10 of the present invention, comprising a suction plate 11 with a suction basket 161 connected thereto surrounding a downwardly opening receiving channel 1600, with twelve entry channels 13 joined to the inlet channel 130 and oriented in a straight line towards the edge region of the receiving channel 1600, and no deflection unit. [Figure 2b] A cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 according to FIG. 2a, comprising a suction plate 11 provided with a deflection unit 12 and optionally with one or more basket openings 160 and to which a suction basket 161 is connected, surrounding a downwardly open receiving channel 1600. [Figure 2c] FIG. 1 shows a deflection unit 12 with a deflection head 121, the underside of which is concave in order to be able to partially receive the sucked-in object. [Figure 2d] FIG. 1 shows a deflection unit 12 with a deflection head 121 having a straight upper surface and provided with a radially extending recess 120. [Figure 2e] FIG. 1 shows a deflection unit 12 with a straight-top deflection head 121. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows an inventive suction device 1 having a number of suction units 10 arranged within a dispensing device 2 and capable of being supplied with compressed air, one of the suction units 10 being removed from a receiving chamber 21 connected to a dispensing channel 20 via a chamber opening 210. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 shows a suction unit 10 connected to a deflection unit 12 and provided with a centering device 4 that allows the sucked object unit P to be guided and held in a centered position relative to the central axis x of the suction unit 10 or the deflection unit 12. [Figure 4b] 2a with a suction basket 161 without basket openings surrounding a receiving channel 1600 and optionally provided with a centering device 4, which is provided according to FIG. 4a. [Figure 4c]FIG. 4b shows the suction unit 10 with a more simply designed centering device 4 having three equally spaced rod-like centering elements 41 aligned along a conical surface and held by a deflection unit 12. [Figure 4d] 4b shows the suction unit 10 with a centering device 4 having three equally spaced wire-like or rope-like centering elements 41 aligned along a conical surface and held on the one hand by the deflection unit 12 and on the other hand by the outlet-side boundary of the suction basket 161. [Figure 4e] 4d, with the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12 provided with a mounting element 1211 to which the centering element 41 is attached. [Figure 4f] FIG. 4b is a diagram of the suction unit 10 of FIG. 4b with a grid-like centering device 4. [Figure 4g] FIG. 4b shows the suction unit 10 with a centering device 4 having three centering elements 41 evenly spaced apart, aligned along a conical surface and held by the outlet-side boundary of the suction basket 161. [Figure 4h] 4b, equipped with a retaining flange 1615 for retaining a flange ring 44, with a centering device 4 having a blade-like retaining element 4100. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of a preferably modular suction unit 10 comprising a plurality of suction units 10 according to one of FIGS. 4B to 4H. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 according to FIG. 4b, comprising a suction plate 11, into which the deflection unit 12 or simply the sealing pin 122 has not yet been inserted, and to which a suction basket 161 is connected, optionally having one or more basket openings 160 and surrounding a receiving channel 1600 open downwards and having recesses 1611, 1612 corresponding to the objects to be received. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the suction unit 10, including the mounting plate 168, the suction body 16, and the suction bell 6 to which the suction basket 161 is connected. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b shows the assembled suction unit 10 of FIG. 7a with the suction body 16 inserted into the mounting plate 168 and the suction bell 6 surrounding the suction body 16 separated by the return channel 60 and connected to the mounting plate 168. [Figure 8a] FIG. 7b shows the suction unit 10 of FIG. 7a with a suction body 16 integrally connected to a suction bell 6 by a suction basket 161 provided with a basket opening 160. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b is a diagram of the suction unit 10 of FIG. 8a assembled. [Figure 9a] FIG. 7b is a diagram of the suction unit 10 of FIG. 7a with the suction body 16 integrally connected to a mounting plate 168. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is a diagram of the suction unit 10 of FIG. 9a assembled. [Figure 10a] FIG. 9b is a diagram of the suction unit of FIG. 9a with a suction bell 6 having a cone-shaped suction basket 161 with a small channel opening 1610 for gripping small objects. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10b shows a suction device 1 with a suction unit according to FIG. 10a, with a slit-like channel opening 1610 adapted to a rod-shaped object or rod-shaped object unit P. [Figure 10c] FIG. 10b is a close-up view of the channel opening 1610 of the suction unit 10 of FIG. [Figure 11a] 10a with a suction bell 6 therein, which couples with the suction body 16 and delimits the basket opening 160 after assembly of the suction bell 6. FIG. [Figure 11b] FIG. 11b is a diagram of the suction unit 10 of FIG. 11a assembled. [Figure 12] FIG. 9b shows the suction unit 10 of FIG. 9a with a suction bell 6, which can be connected to a mounting plate 168 by means of a bayonet lock with locking elements 69, 169. [Figure 13]FIG. 9b shows the suction unit 10 of FIG. 9a with a suction bell 6 which can be connected to a mounting plate 168 by means of a threaded lock with locking elements 69, 169. [Figure 14] 2a, but optionally with a deflection unit 12, with a suction basket 161 surrounding a downwardly open receiving channel 1600 and connected at the top to the suction plate 11 and at the bottom to a ring plate 15 with a lower suction channel 115. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view of a suction unit 10 according to Figure 2b, but optionally with a deflection unit 12, comprising a suction basket 161 surrounding a downwardly open receiving channel 1600 and connected at the top to the suction plate 11 and at the bottom to a ring plate 15 having a lower suction channel 115, the suction basket 161 having a number of basket openings 160 that can be covered by an adjustment sleeve 3. [Figure 16a] FIG. 1 shows a suction unit 10 in a preferred embodiment, which preferably has a suction body 16 which is connected or connectable to a suction basket 161 and holds or is integrally connected to a suction plate 11, in which three radially aligned suction channels 111 are provided, displaced by 120° from one another, in which the outlet openings 140 of the outlet channels 14 are arranged. [Figure 16b] FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 of FIG. 16a. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 shows a suction unit 10 comprising a suction body 16, preferably connected or connectable to a suction basket 161, with an entry channel 13, an outlet channel 14, an outlet opening 140 between the suction channels 111 and a central hole divided by a partition 130C into an inlet channel 130A and an attachment channel 130B serving for the optional attachment of the deflection unit 12 shown, the deflection unit 12 being designed as a rotating body and having a deflection head 121 to which an attachment element 122 is connected for this purpose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] FIG. 1a shows a suction device 1 with two suction wheels 1A, 1B, which are circumferentially equipped with suction units 10 according to one of the following figures, by means of which objects P are picked up at a pick-up location and delivered to a conveying device 900 at a delivery location. The first suction wheel 1A picks up objects P, e.g. nuts, from a container B and conveys them to a transfer location where they are transferred to the second suction wheel 1B, which conveys the picked-up object units P to a delivery location and delivers them to the conveying device 900 at the delivery location. The supply of compressed air to each suction unit 10 is preferably individually controllable by a number of suction channels 200A, 200B of the distribution device 2, so that an object unit P can be picked up by one suction unit 10 and simultaneously delivered by another suction unit 10. As will be explained with reference to figure 17, each suction unit 10 can also be supplied with two pressure lines, the first pressure line being connected to the entry channel 13 and the second pressure line being connected to the outlet channel 14. At the transfer point HO, the suction unit 10 of the first suction wheel 1A, from which the object unit P is discharged, and the suction unit 10 of the second suction wheel 1B, which sucks in the object P, face each other.

[0061] The control of the drives 5A, 5B of the suction wheels 1A, 1B and the valves 72 of the suction channels 200A, 200B is carried out by the control unit 8 by means of control signals 81A, 81B, 87A, 87B. The transport device 900 is controlled synchronously with the suction wheels 1A, 1B by a control signal 86.

[0062] As shown exemplarily in FIG. 7b, a conveying device 95 for a gaseous medium, e.g. a blower or an air pump, can inventively be used in all suction units 10 and suction devices 1 and can be controlled, e.g. by the control device 8 using a control signal 89.

[0063] The control unit 8 preferably processes a sensor signal S emitted from a sensor SM, typically an optical sensor or a camera, for synchronously controlling the equipment units 1A, 1B or for checking the position and quality of the object P held by the preferably transparent suction unit 10.

[0064] FIG. 1b shows a part of the suction device 1 of FIG. 1a with a second suction wheel 1B from which objects P are delivered in a delivery position to a transport unit 961 of the conveyor device 900. The transport unit 961 is attached to a mounting plate 962, which is carried by a chain 963. At the front, the mounting plate 962 has been removed. The transport unit 961 is made in two parts and can be opened and closed. On the right side of FIG. 1b, the channel into which the transport unit 961 is pulled and closed is shown. In order to ensure that the transported objects P are discharged in a timely manner and do not remain temporarily in the suction unit 10 or in the suction basket 161 of the suction unit 10, an air pulse is preferably introduced at the discharge point into the optionally provided outlet channel 14 (see FIG. 17).

[0065] FIG. 2a shows in cross section a suction unit 10 according to the invention with a suction plate 11 to which a suction basket 161 is connected, which surrounds a receiving channel 1600 that opens downwards. The suction unit 10 has a suction body 16, which can be mounted in the device according to FIG. 1a or FIG. 3, which has twelve entry channels 13 connected to the inlet channel 130 and directed outwards, towards the edge region of the receiving channel 1600, relative to the inside of the suction basket 161. Thus, the gas medium flowing through the entry channels 13, which are adjacent to each other and preferably equally angularly spaced, is blown against the inner wall of the suction basket 161, forming a thin hollow cylindrical film that flows downwards with a high flow velocity. Thus, a negative pressure is created in the flow zone through which objects can be sucked in. It should be noted that the objects themselves further shift the flow outwards and further reduce the cross section of the flow, which is why the flow velocity and negative pressure in the suction basket 161 further increase. In this preferred embodiment, a centering device 4 is also provided, which keeps the sucked object centered.

[0066] The deflection unit 12 is optionally not required in the embodiment of Fig. 2a, since a thin, fast-flowing film of medium inevitably forms inside the suction basket 161. The suction plate 11 is therefore tightly sealed in the middle and only has an opening for the entry channel 13.

[0067] Fig. 2b shows the suction unit 10 according to Fig. 2a, preferably with a suction plate 11 to which is connected a suction basket 161 surrounding an outwardly open receiving channel 1600, which in this embodiment is laterally provided with a basket opening 160. The suction basket 161 is integrally connected to the suction body 16, which has the suction plate 11 and the deflection unit 12 at the front. The dimensions of the suction basket 161 are preferably adapted to the object P. The suction basket 161 is, for example, hollow cylindrical and, if necessary, conical around the periphery, so that the object P can be gripped more easily. On the other hand, the suction basket 161 may also have an elliptical, rectangular or polygonal cross section.

[0068] The basket opening 160 is preferably closable by a closure element 3, as shown in the suction unit 10 according to FIG.

[0069] The suction unit 10 of figures 2a and 2b is provided with a suction basket 161 and can be used to grip and firmly hold objects P that do not have a flat surface. For example nuts, e.g. hazelnuts, can be gripped and held. The height of the suction basket 161 is dimensioned depending on the size of the object P or a part of the object P. Preferably, several rows of superimposed basket openings 160 are provided, through which the flow of medium can flow out laterally.

[0070] The suction basket 161 may also have multiple sections and may be, for example, telescopically expandable. The suction unit 10 of the present invention may also be of modular design so that it may be used for each application with or without the suction basket 161.

[0071] It should be noted that the suction basket 161 of the suction unit 10 of Fig. 2a does not have a basket opening. Therefore, in this embodiment, it must be ensured that when the object is picked up, it is kept free of stalls that would negate the suction effect. This is ensured in particular by the type of object to be sucked in, as well as by the centering unit 4.

[0072] In contrast, the suction basket 161 of the suction unit 10 of Fig. 2b has basket openings 160 at different heights. The basket openings 160 ensure that no stall occurs when the object is sucked into the suction basket 161. The basket openings 160 at different heights are successively closed when the object P enters until only the top basket opening 160 is uncovered. In this way, it is ensured that the film of medium extends as far down as possible and an optimal suction effect is also reached as far down as possible. It is also possible to leave only the top three basket openings 160 or wall slots 160 open, but this would change the course of the film of medium.

[0073] The suction body 16 of the suction unit 10 can be fitted with various deflection units 12. The deflection units 12 to be inserted are shown in a spatial representation in FIG.

[0074] The deflection unit 12 in Fig. 17 is designed as a mushroom-shaped rotating body and has a deflection head 121 and a pin-like mounting element 122 adjacent to the deflection head 121. The deflection head 121 has, on its side facing the suction plate 11, a circumferential groove-like recess 120, which preferably runs rounded towards the edge of the deflection head 121. The deflection unit 12 therefore has, in a section through the axis of rotation, at least approximately an anchor-shaped cross section. This forms an annular nozzle through which the incoming air is guided back against the suction plate 11 and flows at high speed along the suction plate 11.

[0075] FIG. 2c shows a deflection unit 12 with a deflection head 121, the underside of which is concave so as to partially receive and center a sucked object P, for example a nut as shown in FIG. 4a.

[0076] FIG. 2d shows a deflection unit 12 with a deflection head 121, the upper surface of which is straight and provided with a radially extending recess 120.

[0077] Figure 2e shows the deflection unit 12 with a straight-top deflection head 121. The circular outwardly extending deflection channel 110 can be adapted to the respective requirements by designing the deflection unit 12 and the deflection chamber 115 accordingly.

[0078] Therefore, the suction unit 10 of the present invention can be equipped with a suitable deflection unit 12 .

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a suction device 1 according to the invention with a number of suction units 10 arranged in a distribution device 2, to which compressed air can be supplied through at least one valve, preferably electronically controllable. The compressed air supplied through a supply line is distributed to all suction units 10 through the distribution device 2 with a distribution channel 20. The at least approximately rectangular distribution device 2 with the distribution channel 20 and a number of receiving chambers 21 is cut open. The distribution channel 20 is separated from the receiving chambers 21 by a separation plate 22, which has a chamber opening 210 for each receiving chamber 21. Thus, compressed air can be supplied to the suction units 10 in the receiving chambers 21 through the distribution channel 20 and the chamber opening 210. The suction units 10 can be inserted in a simple manner into the adjacent receiving chambers 21 in the vicinity of the chamber opening 210. A sealing ring 24 is provided at the top of the suction unit and closely adjoins the border of the chamber opening 210, ensuring that the compressed air can only flow out through the suction unit 10. The suction unit 10 has a suction body 16 surrounded by an annular groove 166. The inserted suction unit 10 can be fixed in a simple manner by a fork-shaped clamp 25, which is inserted into the receiving chamber 21 through an adapted opening so as to engage in the annular groove 166 of the inserted suction unit 10 and thereby hold the suction unit 10. The suction unit 10 can thus be removed in just one operation and reinserted, for example after maintenance work. A strip 29 is attached to the underside of the dispensing device 2 and has a through opening 290 for the suction unit 10 and a shaping element 113 which can engage the surface of the sucked object P and fix the object P in place.

[0080] The suction device 1 of the invention can therefore be manufactured, assembled and also maintained in a simple manner.

[0081] FIG. 5a shows the suction unit 10 of FIG. 3a with a thin elastic suction plate 11. The diameter of the suction body 16 is reduced and is only slightly larger than the diameter of the receiving chamber 115. To this end, the suction plate 11 consists of a thin annular plate, which can deform circumferentially under the action of the suction force and adapt to the object unit P to be held. For this purpose, the suction plate 11, which is preferably integrally connected to the suction body 16, is made of an elastic material. The suction plate 11 can also be a thin metal plate in which the suction channels 111 are formed or embossed. A suction plate of this kind can be connected, for example glued, screwed or pressed, to a centrally arranged sleeve, which is connected to the suction body 16.

[0082] Figure 5b shows the suction unit 10 of figure 5a in cross-section.

[0083] FIG. 5c shows a cross-sectional view of a suitably designed suction unit 10 comprising a laminar suction plate 11, which has suction channels 111 with a constant channel cross-section.

[0084] Thus, the channel cross-section of the suction channel 111 of the suction unit 10 of the invention may be constant or may vary as described above. The cross-sections at the outlet and inlet of the suction channel 111 with constant or varying channel cross-sections may be specially selected. The channel cross-section facing the deflection chamber 115 may be very small. The channel cross-section at the outer end of the suction channel 111 may remain constant or may decrease. In this case, the gas medium may be displaced from the suction channel near the border of the suction plate and have to flow out between the suction plate and the held object unit in the form of a thin film of medium. In this way, flapping or dislodging of the peripheral edge of the object unit from the suction plate can be avoided. Such an embodiment with a circumferentially closed suction channel 111 is preferably provided for objects that have a very low intrinsic stability and are to be circumferentially fixed.

[0085] 5c further shows that the underside of the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12 and the front surface of the suction plate 11 are aligned at least approximately in one plane. In this way, the sucked object unit P is supported in a plane such that it cannot be deformed. The deflection unit 12 can also be displaced inwards, if desired, such that the deflection unit 12 deviates, for example, by a fraction of a millimeter from the plane defined by the front surface of the suction plate 11.

[0086] Schematically, the mounting element 122 of the deflection unit 12 is further shown to have a formation which serves to lock the mounting element 122 within the central bore 130. Preferably, the formation is annular and surrounds the mounting element 122 with a thickness in the range of, for example, 1 / 10 mm to 1 / 100 mm. A plurality of such sealing rings may also be provided such that the mounting element 122 is locked within the inlet channel 130.

[0087] FIG. 4a shows a suction unit 10, which can preferably be connected to a suction basket 161, and which is provided with a centering device 4 which is connected to a deflection unit 12 and which guides the sucked-in irregular, e.g. rounded, object unit P relative to the central axis x of the suction unit 10 or of the deflection unit 12, making it possible to keep the object unit P in the center.

[0088] The suction unit 10 further comprises a deflection unit 12, by means of which the centering device 4 is held. The centering device 4 is preferably funnel-shaped, so that the objects to be picked up are automatically guided upwards along the axis x of the funnel. To ensure that the air circulation is not interrupted, an open or ventilated centering device 4 is used.

[0089] The centering device 4 shown has three centering elements 41 aligned along a cone, which form the tip of the cone held by the deflection unit 12 at one end and are connected to each other by a receiving ring 42 at the other end. An object unit P, for example a nut, can be pre-centered by the receiving ring 42, so that the object unit P can then be more easily sucked along the centering elements 41 and centered relative to the deflection unit 12. The effect of the centering device 4 is that the object P is held in the center and the gas medium can flow over the object P like an umbrella. The suction force can thus be generated uniformly, which allows the object to be held firmly.

[0090] Fig. 4b shows a suction unit 11 without side basket openings, with a suction basket 161 surrounding a receiving channel 1600, optionally provided with a centering device 4 as shown in Fig. 4a. The suction basket 161 ensures that the gas medium can flow downwards or outwards in a laminar manner along the cylindrical inner wall of the suction basket 161, which forces a uniform cylindrical medium flow, resulting in a negative pressure in the centre of the receiving channel 1600, ensuring consistent suction of even objects P with awkward shapes.

[0091] Again, the centering device 4 ensures that the object P is centered and does not have any disturbing contact with the film of the medium. Advantageously, suction of the object P is still successful without the centering device 4, although this may mean that reliable capture of the object P takes somewhat longer.

[0092] Fig. 4c shows the suction unit 10 of Fig. 4b with a more simply designed centering device 4 with three equally spaced rod-like centering elements 41 aligned along a conical surface and held by a deflection element 12. No retaining ring 42 is required. The centering elements 41 are in line and aligned. However, in a preferred embodiment, the centering elements are slightly bent outwards in order to be able to grip the object P tightly in a wider context.

[0093] Figure 4d shows the suction unit 10 of figure 4b with a centering device 4 having three equally spaced wire-like or rope-like centering elements 41 aligned along a conical surface and held on one side by the deflection unit 12 and on the other side by the boundary of the outlet side of the suction basket 161. The centering elements 41 are anchored at one end to the deflection element 12 or deflection head 121 and at the other side are provided with a mounting ball 46 which is anchored in a mounting opening 1618 in the boundary of the suction basket 161 on the outlet side.

[0094] FIG. 4e shows the suction unit 10 of FIG. 4d, with the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12 provided with a mounting element 1211 to which the centering element 41 is attached.

[0095] Fig. 4f shows the suction unit 10 of Fig. 4b with a lattice-like centering device 4 having lattice bars or lattice cables as centering elements 41 and anchored to a suction basket 161 by means of mounting balls 46. In this embodiment, the hollow cylindrical medium flow is shown extending downwards along the wall of the cylindrical basket in a receiving channel 1600, generating a negative pressure in the region of the basket's central axis, such that an object unit P, e.g. a nut, is guided along its central axis against the centering device 4.

[0096] Fig. 4g shows the suction unit 10 of Fig. 4b with a centering device 4 having three equally spaced centering elements 41 aligned along a conical surface, held by the outlet-side border of the suction basket 161 and inclined at their ends towards the central axis x. The centering elements 41 form an open funnel which ensures that the object P is not guided against the inner wall of the suction basket 161.

[0097] Fig. 4h shows the suction unit 10 of Fig. 4b equipped with a holding flange 1615 holding a flange ring 44 with a centering device 4 having a blade-like holding element 4100. This centering device 4 can advantageously be used to hold lighter and less dimensionally stable objects. It is also possible to use a shorter suction basket 161. The flange connection can also be used in the embodiment of Fig. 6i.

[0098] The centering device 4 can be made entirely or partly of metal or plastic. The parts can be of rigid or elastic design, but care must be taken, for example, in the design, that the object P does not get stuck in the centering device 4 and can be released again without problems.

[0099] 5 shows in cross section a preferably modular suction unit 10 comprising a number of suction units 10, each provided with a deflection unit 12, 12A, 12B, 12C and a suction basket 161, 161A, 161B, 161C according to one of the figures 2a, 2b, 4b to 4h. In each suction basket 161, 161A, 161B, 161C, a centering device 4 is preferably provided with centering elements 41, 42, which can be designed as desired, for optimally gripping and centering the object P.

[0100] The suction unit 10 allows multiple objects P to be picked up and delivered simultaneously. The objects P often need to be picked up in a certain pattern and / or delivered again, if necessary, towards the intermediate product or packaging. Since the intermediate products and packaging are often variable, the suction unit 10 of the invention is preferably provided modularly and assembled as required. For example, suction body modules 100 are realised which are connected to one another tightly, loosely or otherwise optionally screwed together. The suction body modules 100 are provided, if applicable, with one or more deflection units 12 and suction plates 11 which can be assembled in the manner of LEGO® modules. In this way, the suction head of the robot can be optionally adapted to the intermediate products and packaging, for example. The suction head is assembled to a suction unit which allows, for example, to grab in a pattern and to insert into the prepared chocolate. The suction unit 10 is designed to be able to feed multiple nuts to the chocolate in a single operation, for example during the production process.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows in cross section the suction unit 10 according to FIG. 2b with a suction plate 11 into which the deflection unit 12 or simply the sealing pin 122 should be inserted and to which the suction basket 161 is connected. The suction basket 161 optionally has one or more basket openings 160 and surrounds a downwardly open receiving channel 1600 with corresponding recesses 1611, 1612 for receiving objects. Exemplarily, it is shown that rectangular objects of various sizes can be received in the recesses 1611, 1612. For example, first an object is received in the upper recess 1612, followed by an object in the lower recess 1611. As long as the pick-up channel 1600 is closed by one of the objects, the flow of the medium can flow outwards through the basket opening 160, thus maintaining the suction pressure. The number and configuration of the recesses 1611, 1612 can be optional. The basket openings 160 can be designed accordingly and can be connected to one another by channels, if desired.

[0102] 7a shows the suction unit 10 in an exploded view, comprising the suction body 16, the mounting plate 168 and the suction bell 6 to which the suction basket 161 is connected. In this embodiment, the suction body 16 can be connected to the mounting plate 168 by means of screws or bolts 167. The mounting plate 168 has a transfer channel 1683, into which the nozzle 165 formed on the suction body 16 and connected to the mounting channel 130 can be inserted. Furthermore, the mounting plate 168 has an outlet opening 1680.

[0103] The suction bell 6, which may also be connected to a mounting plate 168 by means of screws or bolts 167, has a bell chamber 600 into which the suction body 16 can be inserted. Adjacent to the underside of the suction bell 6 is a suction basket 161 which surrounds a suction channel 1600. The suction basket 161 may therefore be integrally connected or connectable to the suction body 16 or to the suction bell 6.

[0104] Fig. 7b shows the suction device 1 with the assembled suction unit 10 of Fig. 7a with the suction body 16 inserted in the mounting plate 168 and the suction bell 6 surrounding the suction body 16 separated by the return channel 60 and connected to the mounting plate 168. The suction body 16 is connected only to the mounting plate 168, the suction plate 11 is separated from the suction basket 161 only by the annular slot 1616 and extends into the bell chamber 600 such that only the return channel 60, dimensioned as required and annularly surrounding the suction body 16, is kept free between the inner wall of the suction bell 6 and the suction body 16.

[0105] Thus, the medium L can circulate from the air or medium pressure device 95 through the suction unit 10, which creates a negative pressure in the suction basket 161. The medium L discharged by the medium pressure device 95 runs through the inlet channel 130 and the entry channel 13 of the suction body 16 to the deflection head 12, where it is guided through the deflection channel 110, over the suction plate 11, through the annular slot 1616, the return channel 60 and at least one outlet opening 1680 back to the medium pressure device 95. Dirt particles can be removed from the medium flow in an optionally provided filter F provided in the circulation circuit, preferably in the blower 95.

[0106] Thanks to the circulation of the medium, only little energy needs to be supplied to the medium pressure device 95 and hardly any external medium Lx needs to be supplied. The suction device 1 and the suction unit 10 work with maximum efficiency. At the same time, the medium L is not fed to the outside, thus avoiding undesirable influences on the working process and the process materials. The suction bell 6 also surrounds the suction unit 10, which is why foreign bodies can hardly penetrate into the suction unit 10. This is especially true when the channel opening 1610 is adapted to the object P to be sucked in.

[0107] The suction device 1 is shown diagrammatically and can be designed as a tool that is moved manually, by a robot or by another drive device.

[0108] Figure 8a shows the suction unit 10 of figure 7a with a suction body 16, which in this embodiment is integrally connected to the suction bell 6 by a suction basket 161. The suction basket 161 is provided with a slit-like wall opening 160 between the suction body 16 and the wall of the suction bell 6, through which the gaseous medium is guided through the basket opening 160 and through the return channel 60 back to the outlet opening 1680.

[0109] Figure 8b shows the assembled suction unit 10 of figure 8a. Due to the integral production of the suction body 16 and the suction bell 6, the suction unit 10 can be manufactured more economically and more accurately.

[0110] Figure 9a shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 7a with the suction body 16 integrally connected to a mounting plate 168. Figure 9b shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 9a assembled. The integral production of the suction body 16 and the mounting plate 168 allows the suction unit 10 to be manufactured cost-effectively and accurately.

[0111] Fig. 10a shows the suction unit of Fig. 9a with a suction bell 6 having a conical suction basket 161 with a small channel opening 1610 for gripping small objects. The suction basket 161 can therefore be of any shape and can be advantageously adapted to the working environment. The suction basket 161 can also be tapered downwards, biased or concave. The suction basket 161 can for example be rotationally symmetrical or approximately elliptical in cross section.

[0112] Fig. 10b shows the suction device 1 with the suction unit of Fig. 10a with a slit-like channel opening 1610 adapted to the rod-like object P. Due to this adaptation, the object P can be smoothly gripped at high suction pressure without further particles being sucked from the working area. The sucked object closes the adapted channel opening 1610. The high efficiency of the suction unit allows the use of a cost-effective and energy-efficient blower 95 to drive the medium through the suction unit 10. The suction device 1 designed as a hand-held tool can be used for surgical purposes, for example to manipulate tissue or surgical tools.

[0113] FIG. 10c shows a close-up of the channel opening 1610.

[0114] Fig. 11a shows the suction unit of Fig. 9a with a suction bell 6 having therein a number of separator elements 1601 which, after assembly of the suction bell 6, connect with the suction body 16 and delimit the basket opening 160. Fig. 11b shows the assembled suction unit 10 of Fig. 11a. In this embodiment, the suction bell 6 can be easily manufactured with basket openings 160 sized as desired. The separator elements 1601 can be made wide to narrowly define the basket opening 160 or narrow to widen the basket opening 160.

[0115] Figure 12 shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 9a with a suction bell 6, which can be connected to a mounting plate 168 by means of a bayonet lock with corresponding locking elements 69, 169. Figure 13 shows the suction unit 10 of Figure 9a with a suction bell 6, which can be connected to a mounting plate 168 by means of a screw closure with corresponding closure elements or threaded (threaded) elements 69, 169. These suction units 10 can be easily assembled and reopened to perform maintenance.

[0116] FIG. 14 shows in cross section a suction unit 10 according to FIG. 2a, but optionally with a deflection unit 12, which comprises a suction basket 161 surrounding a downwardly open receiving channel 1600 and connecting at the top with the suction plate 11 and at the bottom with a ring plate 15 having a lower suction channel 151.

[0117] FIG. 15 shows in cross section the suction unit 10 according to FIG. 2b, but optionally with a deflection unit 12, with a suction basket 161 surrounding a downwardly open receiving channel 1600 and connected at the top to the suction plate 11 and at the bottom to a ring plate 15 with a lower suction channel 151. The suction basket 161 has a basket opening 160, which can be completely or partially covered by a closing element 3, preferably an adjusting sleeve 3. The adjusting sleeve 3 surrounding the suction basket 16 preferably has an internal thread that corresponds to the external external thread of the suction basket 16. The threaded sleeve can thus be easily rotated as required to close the basket opening 160. The suction unit 10 can thus be adapted to the object to be picked up as required.

[0118] The ring plate 15 of the suction unit 10 of Figs. 14 and 15 abuts the channel opening 1610 of the suction basket 161, so that objects can be picked up in a controlled manner into the suction basket 161 or at the border or channel opening 1610 of the suction basket 161. When the suction unit 10 is lowered onto an object, the object is held centered by the radial flow of medium along the ring plate 15 or the lower surface of the ring plate 15 and can be lifted vertically in a controlled manner. The lower suction channel 151 again ensures a constant flow of medium when the object is contacted and sucked up. The suction channel 115 again has a cross-sectional area or cross-sectional shape adapted to the object to be picked up. The centering device 4 is optionally provided in the pick-up channel 1600, for example with four threads or wires, so that the object can be held centered.

[0119] Fig. 16a shows a suction unit 10 of the invention in a preferred embodiment, comprising a suction body 16 holding a suction plate 11 provided with three radially aligned suction channels 111 offset by 120° from one another. The suction unit 10 is shown by dashed and dotted lines to be connected or connectable to a suction basket 161. The suction unit 10 can thus be used to suck in various objects, optionally with or without the suction basket 161. In the absence of the suction basket 161, for example according to Fig. 16a, flat objects are sucked in. In the presence of the suction basket 161, for example as shown in Fig. 16b, larger objects can be sucked in.

[0120] Figure 16b shows a cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 of figure 16a, designed as a body of revolution. The suction plate 11 is integrally connected to the suction body 16 and is slightly offset from the latter by a circumferential annular groove 166, e.g. made of plastic, which is preferably used for mounting the suction unit 10.

[0121] The suction body 16 has an inlet channel 130 coaxial with the axis of rotation, from which a number of entry channels 13 branch off. The deflection unit 12 shown in Fig. 17 is inserted with the mounting element 122 into the inlet channel 130 from below, so that the inlet channel 130 is closed at the front and the gaseous medium or compressed air can only reach the front of the suction plate 11 through the outwardly extending entry channels 13.

[0122] The suction plate 11 has a preferably cylindrical recess which serves as a deflection chamber 115. The outlet opening of the entry channel 13 is arranged in the deflection chamber 115 behind the deflection head 121 of the deflection unit 12, so that the incoming medium can be introduced behind the deflection head 121 and from there into the deflection channel 110. The deflection channel 110 is bounded on the one hand by the front face of the suction plate 11, if the deflection unit 12 is inserted, and on the other hand by the rear face of the deflection head 121. If the deflection unit 12 is not inserted, the deflection channel 110 is bounded by the sucked object. The gas medium is guided radially outwards through the deflection channels so that it can flow through the three suction channels 111 on the one hand and between the suction plate 11 and the sucked object unit (not shown) on the other hand, generating a corresponding negative pressure.

[0123] The suction channels 111 are radially extending recesses in the suction plate 11 and extend from the deflection chambers 115 preferably to the outer edge of the suction plate 11. Thus, after suction of the object unit P, the medium can always reliably flow out through the suction channels 111, which are preferably open on the outlet side, and the desired suction effect is always ensured along the suction channels 111, regardless of the nature of the object unit P to be sucked.

[0124] Preferably, there is provided a plurality of evenly distributed suction channels 111. A particularly advantageous arrangement has, for example, three evenly distributed suction channels 111 extending radially outwards and offset by 120° from one another.

[0125] Preferably, there is provided a plurality of evenly distributed entry channels 13. Particularly advantageous are six or more evenly distributed entry channels 13 inclined outwards and offset from one another by 60°. In this embodiment, the entry channels 13 define a pyramid with a corresponding number of edges.

[0126] FIG. 16 b further illustrates that the optional outlet channel 14 provided in this embodiment includes an outlet opening 140 that passes through the suction body 16 and is disposed within the suction channel 111 .

[0127] It is shown that the compressed air can be introduced exemplarily through the pressure line 70A and the first valve 72A into the inlet channel 130, further into the entry channel 13 and through the pressure line 70B and the second valve 72B into the outlet channel 14. The distributed valves 72A, 72B can be controlled by the control unit 8 (see FIG. 1a) with the aid of control signals 87A, 87B. Optionally, the compressed air can thus be passed at desired time intervals through the entry channel 13 to suck in the object unit P or through the outlet channel 14 to push out the held object unit P. The illustrated elements 72A, 72B can also be simple connecting elements through which the compressed air is supplied to the suction unit 10. In this case, a valve is provided in the middle, which allows for simpler electrical wiring of the control lines 87A, 87B.

[0128] By introducing compressed air directly into the suction channel 111 through the outlet channel 14, pressure can be rapidly built up in the suction channel 111 over a relatively large area, which causes the held object unit P to be repelled.

[0129] FIG. 17 shows a suitably designed suction unit 10, which may optionally be equipped with one of the deflection units 12 described above, fixedly or detachably connected to a suction basket 161 (symbolically shown by a dashed line).

[0130] The suction body 16 is provided with an outlet channel 14 and an outlet opening 140 located between the suction channels 111. It is also possible for the outlet opening 140 to be located inside and outside the suction channel 111. The suction channel 111 and the deflection chamber 115 are optional and are preferably provided when the suction unit 10 is also used without the suction basket 161. The suction basket 161 is detachably connected to the suction body 16, for example by a screw thread or a press fit.

[0131] The flow paths of the media, controlled by valves 72A, 72B, are symbolically shown.

[0132] In this figure, the cross section of the suction channel 111 can be clearly seen. The cross section of the channel at the channel inlet adjacent to the deflection chamber 115 is of minimum size and increases by a factor of 5 to 10 to the channel outlet. Such a course makes it possible to increase the diameter of the suction plate 11 and still hold larger and possibly heavier objects P securely without a suction basket during operation. The dimensioning of the depth and width of the suction channel 111 as well as the course can be adapted to the properties of the object P as required. The cross-sectional course can be constant or can increase or decrease radially outward. The dashed and dotted lines show that the bottom 1110, 1110* of the suction channel 111 can be lowered to the level of the bottom of the deflection chamber 115 so that the height of the deflection chamber 115 approximately corresponds to the depth of the suction channel 111. In this case, there is no step in the transition from the deflection chamber 115 to the suction channel 111 and the gas medium can flow away unhindered.

[0133] In this preferred embodiment, the suction body 16 has a central bore divided into two parts 130A, 130B completely separated from each other by an intermediate wall 130C. Compressed air can be introduced through a valve 72A, which is shown diagrammatically, into the upper part 130A of the central bore, which is branched into preferably six entry channels 13. The lower part 130B of the central bore forms a mounting opening 130B into which the mounting element 122 of the deflection unit 12 can be inserted.

[0134] The lower portion 130B may also be completely blocked so that the deflection unit 12 cannot be used. Alternatively, a pin may be removably inserted into the mounting opening 130B. If the deflection unit 12 is not used, it is preferable that the depth of the suction channel 111 is increased.

[0135] The function of the outlet channel 14 and the suction channel 111, which are only optionally provided, is explained with reference to FIG. 16a.

[0136] The suction unit 10 is supplied with compressed air through at least one line from a medium pressure device 95, a blower or a pump, as explained above with reference to the drawings. All inventive suction devices 1 and suction units 10 can be advantageously operated with a blower 95, for example with a propeller. It has been shown that reducing the diameter of the inlet channel 130 and / or the entry channel 13 connected to the inlet channel 130 can paradoxically increase the suction power or suction force of the suction unit 10. By using a blower instead of a pump, the cost of the suction device 1 is significantly reduced. If necessary, two or more blowers can be connected in series to increase the pressure.

[0137] The suction unit of the invention with adapted inlet channels can already operate at moderate pressures in the range of 1 bar, thus avoiding the use of expensive piston pumps.

[0138] To select the optimum suction power of one of the above described suction units 10 together with the associated blower 95 or blower unit, the diameter of the inlet channel 130 adjacent to the blower 95 and / or the entry channel 13 is varied until the maximum weight of the object P can be taken in. In a preferred embodiment, a transition is provided between the suction plate and the inner wall of the suction basket, which extends along a curved, optionally circular line.

Claims

1. A suction unit (10) suitable for sucking an object (P) by means of Bernoulli's principle, said suction unit (10) having a suction body (16) designed in one piece with an adjacent suction plate (11) having a front surface facing away from said suction body (16), said suction unit (10) having at least one entry channel (13) through which a gaseous medium can be introduced through said suction body (16) to said front surface of said suction plate (11) into a deflection channel (110), said deflection channel (110) being bounded on one side by said front surface of said suction plate (11) and on the other side by a deflection head (121) of a deflection unit (12). a suction unit (10) having a suction basket (161) surrounding a receiving channel (1600) having a channel opening (1610), the channel opening (1610) being dimensioned such that individual objects (P) can be introduced into the receiving channel (1600) or into at least one recess (1611, 1612) on the underside of the suction basket (161), the suction body (16) being integrally or detachably connected to a suction basket (161), the inner side (1619) of the suction basket (161) being adjacent to the suction plate (11) or the inner side (1619) of the suction basket (161) being spaced apart from the suction plate (11), the suction basket (161) surrounding a receiving channel (1600) having a channel opening (1610), the channel opening (1610) being dimensioned such that individual objects (P) can be introduced into the receiving channel (1600) or into at least one recess (1611, 1612) on the underside of the suction basket (161), said suction body (16) having a longitudinal axis (x) and provided with a plurality of entry channels (13), said entry channels (13) being arranged at regular or irregular distances from one another and extending inside said suction body (16) outwardly towards said suction plate (11) at an incline or along a curve with respect to said longitudinal axis (x); said entry channel (13) branches off from a central inlet channel (130) passing partially or completely through said suction body (16); the suction plate (11) comprises the deflection unit (12), the deflection unit (12) having the deflection head (121), the gas medium entering through the entry channel (13) is directed at the deflection head (121) into the deflection channel (110) radially uniformly or non-uniformly, and the deflection unit (12) is detachably connected to the suction body (16); The suction unit (10), characterized in that the deflection head (121) is adjacent to a pin-shaped mounting element (122), the pin-shaped mounting element (122) is removably inserted into a mounting channel (130B) provided in the suction body (16), and the mounting channel (130B) is adjacent to the suction plate (11).

2. 2. The suction unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction basket (161) has one or more basket openings (160) spaced apart from one another in one or more rows, regularly or irregularly arranged.

3. 3. A suction unit (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that an adjustable closure element (3), such as a threaded sleeve, is connected to the suction basket (161), by means of which at least one of the basket openings (160) can be completely or partially closed.

4. 4. A suction unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction body (16) is connected to a suction bell (6) which surrounds the suction body (16) separated by a return channel (60) which opens on one side into the suction basket (161) provided in the suction bell (6) and on the other side into at least one outlet opening (1680) provided in a wall of the suction bell (6) or in a mounting plate (168) which connects the suction bell (6) and the suction body (16) integrally or detachably to one another.

5. 5. The suction unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel opening (1610) of the suction basket (161) is surrounded by an annular plate (15) which is aligned vertically or inclined with respect to the suction basket (161) and has a suction channel (151) on its underside facing opposite the suction basket (161), the suction channel (115) being recessed into the annular plate (15) and having a constant or varying cross-sectional contour.

6. A suction unit (10) described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a centering device (4) is provided within the suction basket (161) and is connected to the deflection unit (12), the suction body (16), or the suction basket (161).

7. The suction unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the parts of the suction unit (10), such as the suction body (16), the suction plate (11), the suction basket (161) or the deflection unit (12), is made of a transparent material, such as acrylic.

8. A suction device (1) comprising at least one suction unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the suction device (1) having a medium pressure device (95) for generating a flow of a gaseous medium, such as a pressure pump or a blower with a propeller, the gaseous medium being guideable through the suction unit (10) or being guideable through the suction unit (10) and being able to return to the pressure device (95) via a return channel.

9. 9. The suction device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the distribution device (2) designed in the manner of a block, cylinder or cylinder segment is provided with a distribution device (2) holding a plurality of suction units (10), which can be supplied with compressed air either jointly through at least one distribution channel (20) or individually through at least one pressure line (70A, 70B).

10. 10. The suction device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the distribution device (2) has a plurality of receiving chambers (21), each of which opens towards the distribution channel (20) through at least one chamber opening (210), and in that a suction unit (10) is arranged in each of the receiving chambers (21), the suction unit (10) being placed in a tight sealing manner against the border of the chamber opening (210) by a sealing ring (24) and being held in releasable abutment against the sealing ring (24) by a locking element (25).

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