Fluid handling – Systems – With flow control means for branched passages
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-06
2001-02-06
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
With flow control means for branched passages
C417S187000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182702
ABSTRACT:
This invention concerns a device for generating an underpressure (partial vacuum).
The device also concerns a manifold arrangement including such a device.
It is common today to use manifold mounted pneumatic valves for supplying cylinders and rotary actuators and other actuating motors for different kinds of apparatus. An important reason for this is that such arrangements permit the use of standard components to a high extent. Another reason is the logical and compact assembly of the valve units.
It is further previously known to use air pressure operated ejector units for different functions, such as, for example, manipulating units using an underpressure for suction cups, suction grippers or the like. Such ejector units are arranged separately and have separate conduit arrangements for air pressure, possible air return as well as for the different valve connections which result in a relatively complicated and space demanding arrangements.
GB-A-22 54 909 concerns a valve block wherein plate like units including valve functions or suction functions are stacked side by side in such a way that the units are at some extent integrated with each other. This solution however, preclude the use of the above discussed manifold arrangement of the valves and therefore does not present the advantages associated therewith.
It is an aim of this invention to avoid the problems of the prior art and to provide a less complicated, more easily used and more cost effective solution.
This way it is achieved that the ejector unit can be mounted on a conventional valve manifold. This results in equipment for different kinds of machines such as e.g. manipulators, using pressurised air for the operation of working cylinders, rotary actuators etc., as well as an underpressure for grippers etc., are supplied from one and the same valve manifold by on the one hand pressurised air regulating valves and on the other hand ejector units. This result in great advantages with respect to mounting of the ejector unit, since no separate channelling is necessary, only the connection of an underpressure conduit to the suction gripper or any other unit being operated by an underpressure. The assembly is essentially easier to understand and logical since it is easy for a user to connect the ejector unit, in principle in the same way as a valve unit is connected to the manifold. The ejector unit according to the invention thus uses the same hole pattern as the valve unit for the manifold in question which is a considerable advantage since a standard type adaptation surface may be used.
Thanks to the invention, problems of the prior art, such as separate (other) pressurising for valve operation and operation of the underpressure generator, complete channelling, often larger details and separate mounting are avoided. The ejector unit according to the invention are thus constructed to be operated by the prevailing pressure in the valve manifold. That is, a single source of pressurized air can be connected to the valve manifold resulting in the availability of both pressurized air and underpressure (partial vacuum) from the valve manifold.
By also leading the underpressure channel through the valve manifold, the construction of the ejector unit is simplified and the channelling further simplified.
By the return air channel being lead through the manifold the corresponding advantage is obtained.
By arranging a second pilot valve for generating an air pressure pulse through the underpressure channel, it is achieved in a per see known manner that the grip function or the like is safely broken at a chosen time.
The invention also concerns a manifold arrangement including a valve manifold and at least one manifold valve and one ejector unit. Such a manifold arrangement result in the above mentioned advantages in applications where pressurised air controlling valves as well as underpressure generators are necessary.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5277468 (1994-01-01), Blatt et al.
patent: 5617898 (1997-04-01), Nagai et al.
patent: 0 610 501 (1993-03-01), None
patent: 2 254 909 (1992-10-01), None
patent: 93/05296 (1993-02-01), None
Botold Tomas
Edlund Stefan
Sochon Serge
Svensson Jan
AB Rexroth Mecman
Fox John
Townsend & Townsend and Crew LLP
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