EP1257742B1 - Plurality of vacuum generation units - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of vacuum producing units capable of being employed together or independently of each other, each have a housing. The housing is internally provided with at least one ejector receiving means fitted with an ejector insert. The housings have the same transverse dimensions of at least one ejector receiving means. Individual vacuum producing units are fitted with different types of ejector inserts in the ejector receiving means for setting different fluid flow paths.

Description

The invention relates to a plurality of commonly used or independently usable vacuum generator units, each having a housing which is internally provided with at least one Ejektoraufnahme which is equipped with an inlet opening, an outlet opening and an intake containing Ejektoreinsatz, wherein the housing at least in terms Transverse dimensions of at least one Ejektoraufnahme constructively match and the individual vacuum generator units are equipped in each case at least one of their matching in the transverse dimensions Ejektoraufnahmen with divergent fluid flow paths predetermining different types of Ejektoreinsätzen.

US-A-4 861 232 discloses a plurality of vacuum generator units which are lined up in a battery-like manner and each serve to create a negative pressure or vacuum, respectively, which is used in the handling of objects. Each vacuum generator unit is provided inside with cavities, under which there is an ejector, in which an ejector insert is housed. In operation, the ejector insert is traversed by compressed air, which causes a suction at a side suction, which can generate a negative pressure on a connected suction unit when it is attached to an object to be manipulated. The Ejektoreinsatz thus fulfills the function of a jet pump. The individual vacuum generator units are identical in this prior art and tailored to a very specific application, which precludes a more universal use.

Vacuum generator units of the type mentioned above can be realized with the arrangement known from US-A-1 484 345. The housing of the vacuum units includes a plurality of identically configured ejector receptacles for accommodating different types of multi-piece ejector inserts that define dissimilar fluid flow paths. The ejector inserts each consist of a nozzle and an independent outlet pipe.

It is the object of the present invention to take measures that enable the realization of different types of vacuum generator units in a flexible and cost-effective manner.

To solve this problem, it is provided that the different types of Ejektoreinsätzen each formed like a cartridge and are used as a unit in the associated Ejektoraufnahme.

On the basis of vacuum generator units whose housings have ejector mounts with uniform transverse dimensions and in particular with uniform diameters, it is therefore possible to realize different designs by using cross-sectionally adapted ejector inserts of differing design with respect to the defined fluid flow paths. In particular, it is possible to define the channels running in the housing of a respective vacuum generator unit-as a rule a feed channel, an outlet channel and an intake channel-an ejector insert to be inserted into the relevant Ejektoraufnahme, the specific fluid flow paths for the fluid flowing through, usually compressed air defined. In this way, vacuum generator units can be provided, which, due to the placement of different types of Ejektoreinsätzen, allow mutually different terminal shapes, so as to specify application-specific funkton the housing channels in terms of feeding, exit and suction of medium. Particular advantages in terms of manufacturing and assembly arise because the Ejektoreinsätze are formed like a cartridge and used as a unit in the associated Ejektoraufnahme. However, this may well be multi-part ejector inserts whose components can be assembled before assembly into an ejector cartridge or ejector cartridge.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The housings of the individual vacuum generator units can have the same external design, in order to enable uniform designs regardless of the mode of operation, in the manufacture of which at least for the most part identical tools can be used.

The vacuum generator units can be realized as independent products. However, it is also possible to design the vacuum generator units as components of independent fluid power devices by forming their housings from a component of a fluid power device having a main function other than a vacuum generating function. Here, for example, is thought of as a housing for one or more vacuum generator units a Component of a drive device, a valve or a suction unit of a vacuum handling device to use.

One or more vacuum generator units can have in their housing a plurality of cross-sectionally matching ejector receptacles which are equipped with the same or with different types of ejector inserts. It is also possible to fluidly interconnect a plurality of ejector receptacles formed in a housing in order to handle more complex control tasks.

In order to perform the housing of the vacuum generator units with largely matching characteristics, a realization of the Ejektoreinsätze with at least substantially the same length is recommended.

The assembly of the Ejektoreinsätze in the associated Ejektoraufnahme is preferably done by inserting from an axial end face of the relevant Ejektoraufnahme ago. To dispense with additional fasteners, the ejector inserts be pressed so that they are securely fixed solely by the thereby adjusting frictional connection.

In order to prevent unwanted fluid flows, it is advisable to provide the Ejektoreinsätze on the outer circumference with a composed of one or more seals seal assembly which cooperates sealingly in the inserted state with the inner surface of the associated Ejektoraufnahme.

The ejector inserts are regularly designed such that they have a total of three openings for the fluid flowing through, two of which are located on the two axially oppositely oriented end faces and another in the intermediate lateral area. This is a feed opening, an outlet opening and an intake opening, which can each communicate with a feed channel, exit channel and intake channel running in the associated housing.

In one possible type of ejector inserts, the face openings may form the feed opening and the exit opening while the side opening acts as the suction opening. Deviating flow paths in the ejector insert result in a type whose axial openings form the feed opening and the suction opening, while the lateral opening represents the outlet opening. A likewise particularly suitable type of ejector inserts provides on the axial side a suction opening and an outlet opening, while the lateral opening forms the feed opening. Thus, depending on the application, various connection forms can be realized by appropriate design of the ejector insert.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This shows with reference to the figures 1 to 3 several, as needed, both together and independently mutually operable vacuum generator units that are equipped with different types of Ejektoreinsätzen. Each is a longitudinal section.

The vacuum generator units 1 each have a housing 2, which is provided in the interior with an elongated cavity, which forms an ejector 3.

The housing 2 may be provided simultaneously with a plurality of ejector receptacles 3, which are placed side by side. In the exemplary embodiment would be in this case offer to accommodate a further Ejektoraufnahme 3 next to the existing in that area, which is below the plane of the drawing. If required, these ejector receptacles can be interconnected fluidically with suitable channels in order to achieve special functionalities.

The Ejektoraufnahmen 3 of the vacuum generator units 1 shown in the drawing are each cylindrical and thereby designed preferably circular cylindrical. Together, they have identical transverse dimensions with matching cross-sectional contour, the diameters are the same.

Each ejector receptacle 3 is followed by a first housing channel 4 on one axial side and a second housing channel 5 on the opposite end side. A third housing channel 6 opens laterally into the ejector receptacle 3. All three housing channels 4, 5, 6 are guided to the outer surface of the housing 2 and thus accessible from the outside.

Into a respective Ejektoraufnahme 3 an ejector device is used, which is referred to as Ejektoreinsatz 7. This Ejektoreinsatz 7 has an elongated shape with at least partially adapted to the inner contour of the Ejektoraufnahme 3 outer contour, so that it is fixed in the transverse direction as possible without play in the Ejektoraufnahme 3. Preferably, the length of the Ejektoreinsatzes 7 corresponds at least in approximately that of the Ejektoraufnahme 3. Also, the Ejektoreinsätze 7 used in the individual vacuum generator units 1 with each other preferably have the same length.

The Ejektoreinsätze 7 are equipped in the interior with channels or cavities, which lead to openings on the outer surface of the respective Ejektoreinsatzes 7. A first opening 11 and a second opening 12 are arranged on the two axially oppositely oriented end faces of the Ejektoreinsatzes 7 and communicate there with the first and second housing channel 4, 5. A third opening 13 is located in the axially between the first and second opening 11, 12 lying on the longitudinal side of the Ejektoreinsatzes 7 and communicates with the third housing channel 6 in connection.

Although the ejector inserts are preferably of identical design in terms of their transverse and longitudinal dimensions, they differ in the fluid flow paths defined by the internal channels or cavities communicating with the three openings 11, 12, 13 in the interior of the respective ejector insert 7. It is therefore divergent types or types of Ejektoreinsätzen 7, which are subsequently identified for better distinction in addition to the reference numerals 7a, 7b and 7c.

In the arrangement of FIG. 1, the first housing channel 4 forms a feed channel 14, via which a pressurized fluid, usually compressed air, is fed, which flows via the associated first opening 11 in the Ejektoreinsatz 7 a. The first opening 11 thus forms a feed opening 17.

To the feed port 17, an axially extending nozzle channel 21 connects, in which the incoming pressure medium is accelerated until it emerges at a nozzle opening 22 at high speed, to then in an axial spaced Fangdüsenkanal 23 enter, the other end has the second opening 12, which is thus an outlet opening 18. From there, the pressure medium enters the outlet channel 15 forming a second housing channel 5, via which it can be blown to the atmosphere.

At the transition from the nozzle channel 21 to the spaced catching nozzle channel 23, a negative pressure arises in the intermediate space 24 which continues up to the third opening 13 which is in communication with this intermediate space 24 and which can thus be referred to as the suction opening 19. It communicates with the third housing channel 6, which forms an intake channel 16, which can be connected via a continuing channel 25 with a portion 26 to be sucked off, which is to be exposed to a vacuum.

The continuing channel 25 may in particular be formed by a rigid or flexible fluid line. The area to be sucked off is, for example, the interior of a suction unit 27, for example a suction cup. If the suction unit 27 is attached to an object while covering its opening, and if it is sucked off the interior 26 which is to be aspirated, a vacuum is created which causes the object to adhere to the suction unit 27 and allows any handling of this object, for example transport.

The feeding of the pressure medium in the feed channel 14 is advantageously also via a suitable fluid line, which is not shown in detail in the drawing. Also, the emerging at the outlet channel 15 pressure medium can be removed via a connected fluid line. In order to be able to connect such lines conveniently, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, all three housing channels 4, 5, 6 are assigned suitable fastening means 28, which are here preferably designed as plug connection devices are, which allow a releasable attachment of the fluid line in question.

On the other hand, Fig. 3 shows an alternative design, in which the fastening means 28 are designed as a screw thread. The outlet channel 15 can be equipped in this way with a silencer, which allows a low-noise immediate blowing out of the compressed air to the immediate vicinity.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, after all of the Ejektoreinsatz 7a flows through the negative pressure generating pressure medium axially linear, and the suction takes place laterally. For better clarity, the feed region is additionally provided with the designation "P", the exit region with the designation "R" and the suction region with the designation "V". This also applies to the other figures.

In the ejector insert 7b of the vacuum generator unit 1 depicted in FIG. 2, the first opening 11 in turn represents the feed opening 17. On the other hand, compared to FIG. 1, the outlet opening 18 and the suction opening 19 are reversed. Thus, the second opening 12 forms the suction opening 19, and the second housing channel 5 represents the suction channel 16. Accordingly, the outlet opening 18 is formed by the third opening 13, and the third housing channel 6 is the outlet channel 15.

The operation of the Ejektoreinsatzes 7b in connection with the generation of the negative pressure corresponds in principle to the above-explained. By interchanging said openings, however, results in a different course of the collecting nozzle channel 23, which leads to a lateral deflection of the compressed air when flowing through the Ejektoreinsatz 7b. Instead, the intake flow is substantially in the axial direction in the interior of the Ejektoreinsatzes 7b on the catching nozzle channel 23 over. The corresponding connection channel is marked at 32.

Another preferred type of ejector insert 7c is shown in FIG. Here, the laterally arranged third opening 13 forms the feed opening 17, and accordingly the third housing channel 6 represents the feed channel 14. The outlet opening 18 is formed by the second opening 12, the suction opening 19 of the first opening 11. Consequently, here the outlet channel 15 and the intake channel 16 are axially oriented and formed by the second or first housing channel 5, 6.

In the vacuum generator unit 1 of FIG. 3, the laterally supplied compressed air in the ejector insert 7b undergoes a deflection in the axial direction. By contrast, the suction flow passes through the ejector insert 7b coaxially.

The first, second and third housing channels 4, 5, 6 are arranged in the different housings 2 so that they communicate in areas with the respective associated ejector name 3, which are placed within the different housings with respect to the respective ejector receptacle at least approximately identical. By an identical geometric arrangement of the first, second and third openings 11, 12, 13 takes place even with the individual ejector inserts 7a, 7b, 7c, it is possible to have one and the same housing 2 of choice with any of the ejector inserts 7a, 7b , 7c equip to realize different connection types and functions as needed. Regardless of the type of ejector insert 7a, 7b, 7c used, the housing channels 4, 5, 6, taking into account the fluid flow paths defined by the relevant ejector insert, communicate with the openings predetermined by the ejector insert.

The housing of the individual vacuum generator units 1 may have an at least approximately identical external design with each other. It is also possible, in particular, to carry out a plurality of vacuum generator units 1 with identical housings 2, whereby a functional differentiation results only from the mounting with different types of ejector receptacles 3.

1 and 2 show two vacuum generator units 1 as independent devices, wherein the housing differ in their outer dimensions. In contrast, in the case of FIG. 3, the housing 2 of the vacuum generator unit 1 is formed by a component of a fluid power device 32 whose main function is a function other than a vacuum-generating function. The main function of this fluid power device may be, for example, a drive function or a valve function, wherein the housing 2 may be represented by a component and preferably by the housing of a fluid-operated drive or a control valve. In the specific case of FIG. 3, the housing 2 is the housing of a suction unit 27, as is indicated by way of example in FIG. 1, which may specifically be the holder of this suction unit. The ejector insert 7 can thus be integrated directly into a suction unit 27.

Preferably, the Ejektoreinsätze 7 as in the embodiments shown in a cartridge-like design and can be referred to as Ejektorpatronen or Ejektorkartuschen, which are insertable by a plug-in mounting of an axial side in the respective Ejektoraufnahme 3. In the embodiment, they can be inserted through the first housing channel 4 into the Ejektoraufnahme 3, wherein the desired end position is determined by housing-side stop means which protrude into the insertion and at which the Ejektoreinsatz 7 reaches upon reaching the desired position to the plant. Depending on the configuration of the Ejektoreinsätze 7 can also be present positioning that allow the insertion of Ejektoreinsätze 7 only with a very specific angular position. Conveniently, the Ejektoreinsätze 7, however, are designed so that they fulfill their function regardless of the angular position.

In the exemplary embodiment, the ejector inserts 7 each include an elongated ejector body 31, which is composed of two first and second parts 34, 35 axially intermeshing and coaxial with one another. The arrangement is expediently made such that these two parts 34, 35 are assembled in the ejector receptacle 3 prior to assembly, that is to say form an assembly unit even before insertion into the ejector receptacle 3. The two parts 34, 35 may in particular be firmly plugged together. A screwed, glued or welded connection would also be possible.

In all ejector inserts 7, the first opening 11 is provided on the first part 34 and the second opening 12 is provided on the second part 35. The third opening 13 may, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, be defined by gaps between the two parts 34, 35, but may also be formed directly in only one of the two parts 34, 35. In the vacuum generator unit 1 of FIG. 2, it is located in the second part 35.

The first part 34.of the ejector body 31 is preferably a metal part, while the second part 35 is made of plastic material.

In the case of the particularly advantageous cartridge design of the ejector insert 7, 7a provided in the vacuum generator unit 1 of FIG. 1, the catching nozzle channel 23 is located in a body 36 which conically tapers externally from the outlet opening 18 to the nozzle opening 12 and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced outwardly at its tapered end region holding arms 37 are integrally attached, which extend to the first part 34 and in turn are integrally connected to an annular body 38 which is attached coaxially to the first part 34. The spaces between the circumferentially adjacent retaining arms 37 define the suction port 19.

It is understood that the cartridge-like Ejektoreinsätze can also be used in individual vacuum generator units 1, in particular, the design shown in Fig. 1 has special manufacturing and functional advantages.

To prevent erroneous flows of the pressure medium, a respective Ejektoreinsatz 7 is inserted under sealing in the associated Ejektoraufnahme 3. For this purpose, the ejector insert 7 can be provided, as shown on the outer circumference, with a sealing arrangement 42 composed of one or more seals, which abuts the inner surface of the ejector receptacle 3. The sealing arrangement 42 encloses the ejector body 31 concentrically and, because of its rubber-elastic properties, can preferably also be used to ensure a frictional fixation of the ejector inserts 7 in a press fit within the ejector receptacles 3, so that no further fastening measures are required.

In the embodiments, the seal assembly 42 has two axially spaced-apart annular seals, one of which is arranged on the first part 34 and the other on the second part 35 and in particular held in an annular groove provided on the relevant part.

Claims (15)

1. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units (1) which may be used together or independently of one another, each having a casing (2) which is provided internally with an ejector mounting (3) equipped with an ejector insert (7) containing a feed port (17), an outlet port (18) and a suction port (19), wherein the casings (2) are structurally identical at least in respect of the lateral dimensions of at least one ejector mounting (3), and the individual vacuum generator units (1) are equipped, in each case in at least one of their ejector mountings (3) with identical lateral dimensions, with different types of ejector insert (7) presetting different fluid flow paths, characterised in that the different types of ejector insert (7) are in each case cartridge-like and are inserted as units in the assigned ejector mounting (3).
2. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to claim 1, characterised in that the casings (2) of the individual vacuum generator units (1) are of the same design.
3. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one casing (2) of the vacuum generator units (1) is formed by a component of a fluidic device (32) having solely or additionally a main function other than that of vacuum creation.
4. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to claim 3, characterised in that at least one fluidic device (32) forming a casing (2) of the vacuum generator units (1) is formed by a fluid-actuated drive, a valve, or by the suction unit (27) of a vacuum handling unit.
5. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that one or more vacuum generator units (1) has in its casing (2) several ejector mountings (3) which may be fluidically inter-connected.
6. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the different types of ejector insert (7) have at least substantially the same overall length.
7. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that each of the different types of ejector insert (7) is inserted by plugging into the assigned ejector mounting (3) from one axial end face.
8. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to claim 7, characterised in that the ejector inserts (7) are pressed into the assigned ejector mounting (3), in which they are non-positively fixed.
9. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the ejector inserts (7) are provided on their outer periphery with a seal assembly (42) which works in conjunction with the inner face of the assigned ejector mounting (3).
10. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the ejector inserts (7) have an ejector body (31) comprised of two parts (34, 35) engaging in one another axially for a short distance, and arranged coaxially to one another.
11. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that, for the fluid flowing through, the ejector inserts (7) each have two first and second ports (11, 12) assigned to the two axially opposite end faces, together with a side third port (13) lying in between, which form a feed port (17), an outlet port (18) and a suction port (19).
12. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to claim 11 characterised in that, in one type (7a) of ejector insert (7) the flow paths are so defined that the first port (11) forms the feed port (17), the second port (12) forms the outlet port (18) and the third port (13) forms the suction port (19).
13. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to claim 11 or 12 characterised in that, in one type (7b) of ejector insert (7) the flow paths are so defined that the first port (11) forms the feed port (17), the second port (12) forms the suction port (19) and the third port (13) forms the outlet port (18).
14. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 11 to 13 characterised in that, in one type (7c) of ejector insert (7) the flow paths are so defined that the first port (11) forms the suction port (19), the second port (12) forms the outlet port (18) and the third port (13) forms the feed port (17).
15. Multiplicity of vacuum generator units according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that each vacuum generator unit (1) is provided in its casing (2) with casing passages (4, 5, 6) which, irrespective of the type (7a, 7b, 7c) of ejector insert (7) used and taking into account the fluid flow paths defined by this type (7a, 7b, 7c), connect with correct assignment with ports (11, 12, 13) preset by the ejector insert (7).

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