EP3924286B1 - Device for controlling the function of a vacuum lifting device, and vacuum lifting device having such a control device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally, in particular to gripping systems based on vacuum technology, for the dynamic handling of objects. In detail, the invention relates in particular to vacuum lifting devices and corresponding devices for controlling the function of vacuum lifting devices.

Vacuum lifting devices are required to lift and hold objects (workpieces) with the help of vacuum. The lifting process is made possible by a variable-length suction hose, for example a spiral hose, which is also sometimes referred to as a "lifting hose". A load handling device is attached to the end of the variable-length suction hose, which mainly works with vacuum, but can also be mechanical.

If you place a vacuum lifting device on the workpiece to be moved, the air contained in the vacuum suction cup and lifting hose is evacuated, the lifting hose contracts like an accordion so that the workpiece adheres to the vacuum suction cup and can finally be lifted. If the vacuum drops, the load is lowered again.

Depending on the application, the vacuum is generated either by a side channel compressor, a vacuum pump or a multi-chamber ejector (Venturi nozzle). The tube lifter is controlled manually using a control panel that is attached to the lower end of the tube lifter. With this, the suction, lifting, lowering and subsequent release of the load can be controlled with one hand.

Such controls for vacuum lifting devices are generally known in principle from the prior art. For example, from the pamphlet DE 20 2005 016 147 U1 a valve for a vacuum lifting device is known, with which the lifting tube can be ventilated, so that the sucked-in object can be set down and released. EP 3 539 916 A1 constitutes prior art according to Article 54(3) EPC and discloses the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a solution with which a vacuum lifting device can be operated in a particularly ergonomic manner, with a compact construction of the vacuum lifting device being desired in particular.

This object is achieved by a device for controlling the function of a vacuum lifting device according to independent patent claim 1 and by a method according to patent claim 14, advantageous developments of which are specified in the respective dependent claims.

Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a device for controlling the function of a vacuum lifting device, the device having a distributor block, in particular in the form of a socket, with a first connection and a second connection, with a first flow channel being formed in the distributor block, via which with the aid of a first valve device if necessary, the first connection can be fluidly connected to the second connection. Provision is also made for a second flow channel to be formed in the distributor block, via which the first connection can be flow-connected to the outside atmosphere with the aid of a second valve device, if required. In addition, it is provided according to the invention that a further, third flow channel is formed in the distributor block, via which the second connection can be flow-connected to the outside atmosphere with the aid of a third valve device, if required.

In other words, the present invention relates in particular to a compact and modular design of the controller for a vacuum lifting device, with all the necessary functions of the vacuum lifting device being able to be controlled, initiated or initiated with this controller. The invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the distributor block has a socket-shaped body, which allows for a modular design and which in turn also enables short control channels, so that the response behavior and in particular the response time of the corresponding valve devices of the distributor block are optimized.

The particularly socket-shaped and modular design of the distributor block also guarantees an even weight distribution, which proves to be an advantage when handling the vacuum lifting device manually. In addition, the modular design of the distributor block allows it to be used for different vacuum lifting devices.

According to preferred implementations of the solution according to the invention, it is provided that the distributor block has, at least in regions, an essentially tubular or socket-shaped body and is designed at least essentially rotationally symmetrically. The first connection is formed on a first end face and the second connection is formed on an opposite, second end face of the body, which is essentially tubular or socket-shaped, at least in some areas. The essentially tubular or socket-shaped body preferably has an outside diameter which corresponds at least essentially to the inside diameter of the variable-length suction hose of the vacuum lifting device. In this way, it is possible for the entire distributor block to be integrated within the variable-length suction hose. This leads to a particularly compact, low-maintenance and operationally reliable vacuum lifting device, since all valve devices are effectively protected against external influences (dirt, moisture, etc.).

The distributor block has a first connection area pointing or protruding radially from the distributor block for preferably detachably connecting the first valve device, a second connection area pointing or protruding radially from the distributor block for preferably detachably connecting the second valve device, and a third connection area pointing or protruding radially from the distributor block preferably detachable connections the third valve device. The corresponding connection areas are preferably distributed evenly on the lateral surface of the distributor block in order to enable an even distribution of weight.

The first, second and third valve devices each have at least one valve, in particular a throttle valve, this at least one valve preferably being an electromotive valve with a valve drive or an electromagnetically actuated valve. In this way, the valve devices can be actuated particularly precisely and without mechanical effort, which enables ergonomic and smooth lifting and moving of loads such as cardboard boxes, sacks, wooden and plastic panels, sheet metal or panes of glass in a wide variety of industries. Lifting and sucking is done in the simplest way in one go, resulting in a pleasant working rhythm.

According to a preferred implementation of the control device according to the invention, the first flow channel, which if necessary connects the first connection to the second connection in terms of flow, runs at least in regions along the longitudinal axis of the distributor block, the first flow channel being able to be interrupted in terms of flow if necessary, specifically with the aid of a preferably perpendicular or at least essentially perpendicular partition wall running to the longitudinal axis of the distributor block and with the aid of the first valve device cooperating with this partition wall. It can be provided that in a state in which a flow connection between the first and the second connection is separated by the first valve device with the cooperating partition wall, the first flow channel is divided into a first area and a second area separated therefrom.

According to developments of the last-mentioned embodiment, it is provided that the second valve device is designed to create a flow connection between the first region and the outside atmosphere, if necessary, with the third valve device being designed to create a flow connection between the second region and the outside atmosphere, if necessary.

The invention not only relates to a control device of the type mentioned above, but also to a vacuum lifting device with a distributor block, in particular in the form of a socket, of the type mentioned above.

According to implementations of the solution according to the invention, the vacuum lifting device has a suction line which extends between a vacuum connection and an orifice. Although it is fundamentally conceivable that the vacuum lifting device can have a mechanical load-carrying device, it is preferred if a suction device, in particular in the form of a suction cup, is used as the load-carrying device, with this suction device being used for sealing contact with the surfaces of the goods being transported. In addition, the vacuum lifting device has a variable-length suction hose, which delimits the suction line at least in regions between the suction means and the vacuum connection.

The load-carrying means, which is preferably used as a suction means, is preferably detachably attached to the suction line in a remote area of the variable-length suction hose and delimits the mouth opening.

The distributor block of the vacuum lifting device, in particular in the form of a socket, is used in particular to set a negative pressure in the suction hose, to influence a free flow cross section of the suction line in a line section between the suction hose and the orifice opening and/or to set a negative pressure in a line section between the remote area of the suction hose and the orifice.

Advantageously, it is provided that the distributor block is completely accommodated in the suction hose at the remote area of the suction hose. It makes sense here if the suction line is formed in some areas by the first flow channel of the distributor block.

According to preferred realizations of the vacuum lifting device according to the invention, an operating device, in particular in the form of a pistol grip, is also provided between the suction means and the remote area of the suction hose. In this case, it makes sense if the suction means is pivotably attached to the operating device via a coupling, preferably detachably or interchangeably.

The operating device preferably has corresponding electrical switches or buttons, such as membrane switches or membrane buttons to be able to control the first, second and third valve device accordingly. Preferably, the electrical switches or buttons are each connected to the corresponding valve devices via an electrical line, with the electrical lines preferably being integrated or accommodated at least in regions in the wall of the suction line.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the electrical switches or buttons of the operating device can be operated remotely, in particular via a wireless remote control.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the operating device has at least one display or display for showing information relevant to the operation of the vacuum lifting device, such as the weight of an object held by the vacuum lifting device, the height between the suction means and the floor , or the position and/or movement data of the vacuum lifting device.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system with a first vacuum lifting device of the aforementioned type and optionally with a crane system, via which the vacuum lifting device can be positioned at different positions. It is also provided that the system has at least one additional, second vacuum lifting device, in particular an additional, second vacuum lifting device of the aforementioned type, the first and at least one second vacuum lifting device being connected to one another via a data transmission channel for data transmission.

In particular, the system according to the invention provides that the first and at least one second vacuum lifting device are designed to communicate and/or exchange data according to the master/slave principle, with the first vacuum lifting device being designed, for example, to operate the second Synchronize the vacuum lifter with the operation of the first vacuum lifter.

In order to operate the aforementioned system according to the invention, the operator of the system can thus preferably manually control the first vacuum lifting device via the operating device of the first vacuum lifting device by controlling the first, second and/or third valve device of the first vacuum lifting device. The at least one further, second vacuum lifting device is controlled preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, in particular synchronously with the first vacuum lifting device.

The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Ansicht eine exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Steuerungsvorrichtung;

FIG. 2

schematisch und in einer Seitenansicht die Steuerungsvorrichtung gemäß FIG. 1;

FIG. 3

schematisch und in einer Draufsicht die Steuerungsvorrichtung gemäß FIG. 1;

FIG. 4

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Ansicht der Verteilerblock der Steuerungsvorrichtung gemäß FIG. 1;

FIG. 5

schematisch eine geschnittene Draufsicht des Verteilerblockes gemäß FIG. 4;

FIG. 6a

schematisch eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6b

schematisch eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6c

schematisch eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie C-C in FIG. 5; und

FIG. 7

schematisch ein Pneumatik Diagramm der erfindungsgemäßen Steuerungsvorrichtung.

Show it:

FIG. 1

schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the control device according to the invention;

FIG. 2

schematically and in a side view the control device according to FIG FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

schematically and in a plan view the control device according to FIG FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4

schematically and in an isometric view the distribution block of the control device according to FIG FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5

schematically shows a sectional plan view of the distributor block according to FIG FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6a

schematically a sectional view along the line AA in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 6b

schematically a sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 6c

schematically a sectional view along the line CC in FIG. 5 ; and

FIG. 7

schematically a pneumatic diagram of the control device according to the invention.

The exemplary embodiment of the control device 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings serves to control the function of a vacuum lifting device.

Such a vacuum lifter includes a suction line 102 extending between a vacuum port and an orifice. Furthermore, the vacuum lifting device has a load-carrying means, which works mainly with a vacuum and can be designed as a suction means, in particular in the form of a suction cup, although mechanical load-carrying means are also fundamentally conceivable. The load-carrying means, designed in particular as a suction means 101, is used for sealing contact with the surfaces of the goods being transported.

Furthermore, the vacuum lifting device has a variable-length suction hose 100, which delimits the suction line 102 at least in regions between the load-receiving means 101, designed in particular as suction means 101, and the vacuum connection.

The load handling device 101, designed in particular as a suction device, is preferably detachably attached to the suction line 102 in an end region of the variable-length suction hose 100 and delimits the mouth opening, particularly when the load handling device 101 is designed as a suction device.

The control device according to the invention is used to set a negative pressure in suction hose 100, to influence a free flow cross section of suction line 102 in a line section between suction hose 100 and the orifice and/or to set a negative pressure in a line section between the end region of suction hose 100 and the orifice 1 with the nozzle-shaped distributor block 2 in particular.

As the representations in the FIGS. 1 to 3 In particular, as can be seen, the distributor block 2 is designed in particular in the form of a socket and has a first connection 3 and a second connection 4 . A first flow channel 6 is formed in the distributor block 2, via which the first connection 3 flows with the aid of a first valve device 12, if necessary the second connection 4 can be connected. Furthermore, a second flow channel 7 is formed in the distributor block 2, via which the first connection 3 can be flow-connected to the outside atmosphere 50 with the aid of a second valve device 13, if required. In addition, a third flow channel 8 is formed in the distributor block 2, via which the second connection 4 can be flow-connected to the outside atmosphere 50 with the aid of a third valve device 14, if required.

As per the isometric view in particular FIG. 1 can be removed, the distributor block 2 has at least in some areas a substantially tubular or socket-shaped body and is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical. The first connection 3 is formed on a first end face and the second connection 4 is formed on an opposite, second end face of the essentially tubular or socket-shaped body.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS FIG. 4 the distributor block 2 has a first connection area 9 pointing or protruding radially from the distributor block 2 for the preferably detachable connection of the first valve device 12, a second connection area 10 pointing or protruding radially from the distributor block 2 for the preferably detachable connection of the second valve device 13 and a radially from the Distribution block 2 pointing or protruding third connection area 11 for preferably detachable connection of the third valve device 14.

The first, second and third valve devices 12, 13, 14 each have at least one valve, in particular a throttle valve, the at least one valve preferably being an electromotive valve with a valve drive or an electromagnetic valve.

In the exemplary embodiment of the control device 1, the first flow channel 6, which if necessary connects the first connection 3 to the second connection 4 in terms of flow, runs at least in regions along the longitudinal axis of the distributor block 2. This first flow channel 6 can be interrupted in terms of flow, if necessary, with the aid of a preferably vertical or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the distributor block 2 extending partition 15 and with the help of the partition 15 interacting with the first valve device 12. In a state when through the first valve device 12 with the cooperating partition wall 15 a flow connection between the first and second connection 3, 4 is separated, the first flow channel 6 is divided into a first area 16 and a second area 17 separated therefrom.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that the second valve device 13 is designed to create a flow connection between the first region 16 and the outside atmosphere 50, if necessary, with the third valve device 14 being designed to create a flow connection between the second region 17 and the atmosphere, if necessary To produce external atmosphere 50.

Advantageously, the distributor block 2 is designed as a monolithic component, in particular made of metal or preferably made of plastic.

The distributor block 2 is preferably completely accommodated in the suction hose 100 at the end region of a suction hose 100 of the vacuum lifting device, the suction line 102 of the vacuum lifting device being formed at least in regions by the first flow channel of the distributor block 2 . The distributor block 2 with the valve devices 12, 13, 14 serves to set a negative pressure in the suction hose 100, to set a free flow cross section of the suction line 102 in a line section between the suction hose 100 and the orifice of the suction means and/or to set a negative pressure in a line section between the end area of the suction hose 100 and the mouth opening.

The vacuum lifting device, which is not shown as such in the drawings, preferably has an operating device, in particular in the form of a type of pistol grip, between the suction means 101 and the end region of the suction hose 100, with the suction means 101 preferably being pivotable in the operating device via a coupling is attached in particular detachably or interchangeably.

The operating device has corresponding electrical switches or buttons, in particular membrane switches or membrane buttons, in order to be able to control the first, second and third valve device. The electrical switches or buttons are each connected via an electrical line to the corresponding valve devices, with the electrical lines preferably being integrated or accommodated at least in regions of the wall of the suction line 102 .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the electrical switches or buttons of the operating device can be operated remotely, in particular partially remotely operated, for example via a wireless remote control.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating device has at least one display or display in order to show the operator information relevant to the operation of the vacuum lifting device.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, but rather results from the following claims.

Claims (14)

1. A device (1) for controlling the function of a vacuum lifting device, wherein the device (1) has a, particularly nozzle-shaped, manifold (2) comprising a first port (3) and a second port (4), wherein a first flow channel (6) is formed in the manifold (2) via which the first port (3) can be fluidly connected as needed to the second port (4) by means of a first valve device (12), wherein a second flow channel (7) is formed in the manifold (2) via which the first port (3) can be fluidly connected as needed to the external atmosphere (50) by means of a second valve device (13), and wherein a third flow channel (8) is formed in the manifold (2) via which the second port (4) can be fluidly connected as needed to the external atmosphere (50) by means of a third valve device (14),
   characterized in that
   the manifold (2) comprises a first connecting region (9) radially pointing or protruding from the manifold (2) for the preferably detachable connecting of the first valve device (12), a second connecting region (10) radially pointing or protruding from the manifold (2) for the preferably detachable connecting of the second valve device (13), and a third connecting region (11) radially pointing or protruding from the manifold (2) for the preferably detachable connecting of the third valve device (14).
2. The device (1) according to claim 1,
   wherein at least part of the manifold (2) has a substantially tubular or nozzle-shaped body and is of at least substantially rotationally symmetric design, wherein the first port (3) is formed on a first end face and the second port (4) is formed on an oppositely disposed second end face of the at least in part substantially tubular or nozzle-shaped body.
3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the first, second and third valve device (12, 13, 14) in each case comprises at least one valve, in particular a throttle valve, wherein the at least one valve is preferably an electromotive valve with a valve actuator or an electromagnetically actuated valve.
4. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,

   wherein at least part of the first flow channel (6) fluidly connecting the first port (3) to the second port (4) as needed runs along the longitudinal axis of the manifold (2) and the flow through which can be cut off as needed by a dividing wall (15) preferably running vertical or at least substantially vertical to the longitudinal axis of the manifold (2) and by the first valve device (12) interacting with the dividing wall (15), wherein in a state in which a fluid connection between the first and second port (4) is cut off by the first valve device (12) together with the interacting dividing wall (15), the first flow channel (6) is divided into a first region (16) and a separate second region (17),

   wherein the second valve device (13) is preferably designed to establish a fluid connection as needed between the first region (16) and the external atmosphere (50), and wherein the third valve device (14) is preferably designed to establish a fluid connection as needed between the second region (17) and the external atmosphere (50).
5. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   wherein the manifold (2) is implemented as a monolithic component, particularly of metal or plastic.
6. A vacuum lifting device comprising:

   - a suction line (102) extending between a vacuum connection and an outlet opening;

   - a suction means (101) particularly in the form of a suction cup, wherein the suction means (101) serves in the sealing attachment to the surfaces of conveyed goods; and

   - a variable-length suction hose (100) which at least partially delimits the suction line (102) between the suction means (101) and the vacuum connection,

   wherein the suction means (101) is preferably detachably fixed to the suction line (102) at an end region of the variable-length suction hose (100) and delimits the outlet opening; and

   wherein the vacuum lifting device further comprises a device (1) having a, particularly nozzle-shaped, manifold (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for setting a negative pressure in the suction hose (100), for affecting a free flow cross-section of the suction line (102) in a line section between the suction hose (100) and the outlet opening, and/or for setting a negative pressure in a line section between the end region of the suction hose (100) and the outlet opening.
7. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 6,
   wherein the manifold (2) is fully accommodated in the suction hose (100) at the end region of said suction hose (100), and wherein the suction line (102) is partially formed by the first flow channel (6) of the manifold (2).
8. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 6 or 7,
   wherein a control unit particularly in the form of a pistol grip is further provided between the suction means (101) and the end region of the suction hose (100), wherein the suction means (101) is pivotably mounted to the control unit in preferably detachable or exchangeable manner by means of a coupling.
9. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 8,
   wherein the control unit has appropriate electrical switches or buttons, in particular membrane switches or membrane keys, for controlling the first, second and third valve device (14), wherein the electrical switches or buttons are in each case connected to the corresponding valve device via an electrical line, and wherein the electrical lines are preferably at least partially integrated or accommodated in the wall of the suction line (102).
10. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 9,
    wherein the electrical switches or buttons can further be remotely controlled, in particular via a wireless remote control.
11. The vacuum lifting device according to one of claims 8 to 10,
    wherein the control unit comprises at least one display or indicator for displaying information relevant to the operation of the vacuum lifting device.
12. A system having a first vacuum lifting device according to one of claims 6 to 11 and an optional crane system by means of which the vacuum lifting device can be positioned at different positions, wherein the system further comprises at least one further second vacuum lifting device, particularly a further second vacuum lifting device according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the first and at least one second vacuum lifting device are connected to each other via a data transmission channel for transmitting data.
13. The system according to claim 12,
    wherein the first and at least one second vacuum lifting device are in particular designed to communicate or exchange data according to the master/slave principle, wherein the first vacuum lifting device is designed to synchronize operation of the second vacuum lifting device to the operation of the first vacuum lifting device.
14. A method for operating a system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first vacuum lifting device is preferably manually controlled by the operator of the system via the control unit of the first vacuum lifting device, and that by controlling the first, second and/or third valve device (14) of the first vacuum lifting device, and wherein the at least one further second vacuum lifting device is preferably controlled automatically, and even more preferentially selectively automatically, synchronously with the first vacuum lifting device.

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