EP3485989B1 - Suction device for a viscous product - Google Patents

Suction device for a viscous product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3485989B1
EP3485989B1 EP18204944.5A EP18204944A EP3485989B1 EP 3485989 B1 EP3485989 B1 EP 3485989B1 EP 18204944 A EP18204944 A EP 18204944A EP 3485989 B1 EP3485989 B1 EP 3485989B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
opening
suction
nozzle
tubular part
ring
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP18204944.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3485989A1 (en
Inventor
Christophe Guesdon
Julien Henin
Fabrice Hermetz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PSA Automobiles SA
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PSA Automobiles SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PSA Automobiles SA filed Critical PSA Automobiles SA
Publication of EP3485989A1 publication Critical patent/EP3485989A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3485989B1 publication Critical patent/EP3485989B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B5/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow
    • B08B5/04—Cleaning by suction, with or without auxiliary action
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
    • B05C11/02—Apparatus for spreading or distributing liquids or other fluent materials already applied to a surface ; Controlling means therefor; Control of the thickness of a coating by spreading or distributing liquids or other fluent materials already applied to the coated surface
    • B05C11/04—Apparatus for spreading or distributing liquids or other fluent materials already applied to a surface ; Controlling means therefor; Control of the thickness of a coating by spreading or distributing liquids or other fluent materials already applied to the coated surface with blades
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
    • B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
    • B05C11/1039—Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material; Controlling means therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • B08B9/0551—Control mechanisms therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • B08B9/0552—Spherically shaped pigs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a suction device for a viscous and/or pasty product such as a motor vehicle body sealing material,
  • a sealing material is used for the purpose of guaranteeing the sealing of a junction of parts, in particular for the bodywork of a motor vehicle.
  • a sealing bead smoothing device capable of integrally smoothing sealing beads by suction, capable of adapting to a robotic arm, with the aim of automating its manipulation and which comprises a suction nozzle connected to a suction system, the nozzle comprising a smoothing wedge extending therein.
  • a device comprises a container for recovering the excess material from the vacuumed sealing bead, the recovery container being connected to the nozzle by means of a primary pipe while the recovery container is connected to the suction system by means of of a secondary pipe.
  • Such a device makes it possible to flatten by the wedge projecting from the end piece a sealing bead which has been deposited on a bodywork part, while sucking up the excess material from the bead, formed during smoothing.
  • a process has been described for removing excess adhesive when assembling two elements, in which an adhesive is applied to the assembly zone of one of the two elements.
  • the excess adhesive is removed by means of a suction device comprising a nozzle, connected to a suction system.
  • the nozzle comprises a cylindrical tip capable of sucking up the excess adhesive created.
  • the sucked material being a viscous material and / or pasty and sticky, it is necessary to provide cleaning of the suction system.
  • the device makes it possible to recover viscous material, adhesive or mastic but clogs up very quickly, requiring the implementation of cleaning.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a viscous material suction device whose maintenance and cleaning is simple and quick to implement.
  • the subject of the invention is a suction installation for a viscous product comprising a suction device for a viscous product, such as a sealing material, comprising a nozzle having a first suction opening for the product, a suction pipe and a container recovery, said nozzle having a second opening for its connection to said pipe, a third opening and removable closing means of said opening, noteworthy in that the installation further comprises an automatic cleaning device dispenser provided with a dispensing opening to the suction device, removable closing means of said dispensing opening actuated by the nozzle of the suction device.
  • a suction device for a viscous product such as a sealing material
  • the suction device has a third opening, the section of which is chosen substantially equal to that of the pipe so that a member for cleaning said pipe can be introduced into the device.
  • closure means when they are in the open position then release access to the opening and allow the insertion into the suction device of a cleaning member such as a cleaning foam ball by said third opening and this, without it being necessary to disassemble the nozzle while in the closed position, said closure means keep said opening closed during the suction process.
  • the device according to the invention avoids having to dismantle the suction device in order to insert therein cleaning members manually at irregular intervals in order to clean the suction system.
  • a cleaning method would be incompatible with robotic suction of viscous material where it becomes necessary to be able to regularly clean the pipe containing the viscous material before it becomes too clogged in order to keep the suction quality constant while maintaining a satisfactory cycle time.
  • a smoothing member such as a smoothing wedge is carried by the suction nozzle, the wedge making it possible to smooth a sealant bead of mastic for example, the nozzle sucking up the excess material.
  • the smoothing wedge is mounted in the nozzle head part so as to extend across the suction opening, at least its end projecting from the suction opening of the nozzle.
  • the suction device is then attached to a multi-axis robotic arm, making it possible to follow a sealing bead along a perfect trajectory, quickly and without stopping and in places that are difficult to access while guaranteeing smoothing of the bead for him. impart a smooth, smudge-free appearance.
  • the nozzle comprises a tubular part with a section substantially equal to the section of the suction pipe and one end of which constitutes the connection opening of the pipe and a so-called nozzle head part comprising the suction opening of the product.
  • the nozzle head part has a section which generally decreases from the part close to the tubular part towards the part close to the suction opening.
  • the nozzle can be made in one piece or in two parts (tubular part and nozzle head part) that can be connected to one another.
  • the nozzle comprises an opening made in the wall of its tubular part, this third opening constituting the opening for introducing a member for cleaning the pipe into the device.
  • This opening being made in the tubular part of the nozzle, the cleaning member is therefore introduced into the suction device before connection to the pipe so that it can be driven into the pipe to clean it.
  • the closure means consist of a ring mounted to slide around the tubular part between a closed position where the ring conceals the opening of the tubular part and an open position where, after sliding of the ring on the part tubular, the ring releases the opening.
  • the ring is held in the closed position by abutment means and an elastic return means opposing the sliding of the ring towards the open position.
  • the nozzle consists of a tubular part connected in an articulated manner to the nozzle head part.
  • the opening for introducing a cleaning member is formed by the end of the tubular part connected to the nozzle head part.
  • the nozzle head part is preferably pivotally mounted on the tubular part and advantageously constitutes the means for closing said third opening.
  • the nozzle head part is drivable in pivoting relative to the tubular part, between a position of closure of said opening in which the nozzle head part extends in the extension of the tubular part and is active for the suction and an open position of said opening in which the nozzle head part is moved away from the end of said tubular part by pivoting, thus releasing the third opening for the insertion of a cleaning member.
  • the nozzle head part is pivotally mounted about an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular part.
  • the nozzle head part is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular part.
  • the invention also relates to a suction system for a viscous material comprising a suction device as defined above, further comprising a vacuum generating apparatus, a pressure sensor, a vacuum sensor, a power and emergency stop means as well as a pre-separator for the recovery tank.
  • the pressure sensor makes it possible to check that the suction system is in good working order and has reached sufficient power to allow the suction of the viscous product.
  • the depression sensor is used to control and detect the clogging of the hose occurring during the suction phases as well as wear.
  • the power variator makes it possible to modulate the power according to the type of suction desired, particularly in the case of a more delicate smoothing of sealing beads.
  • the pre-separator is installed on the recovery tank and makes it possible to create a vacuum there to store the excess.
  • the invention also proposes a suction installation for a viscous, pasty product comprising the suction device according to the invention as well as a dispensing device suitable for inserting cleaning members such as cleaning foam balls automatically via a ball dispenser, in a simple manner.
  • the suction device is used with a cleaning ball dispensing device which has dispensing means cooperating with the closing means of the suction device.
  • the invention therefore relates to an installation for the suction of a viscous product comprising the suction device according to the first embodiment described above, and a device for dispensing cleaning members provided with an inlet opening connectable to a reservoir of cleaning members and to a dispensing opening towards the suction device, removable closing means of said dispensing opening being provided, preferably operable by the nozzle of the suction device.
  • a vision system making it possible to determine the existing offsets between two treated objects, for example, two vehicle bodies, and to readjust the trajectory of the robot to perform suction and more precisely appropriate smoothing.
  • a vision system comprises for example four fixed cameras and means for processing the image given from three of these cameras.
  • the suction device comprises a nozzle 1 connected to a suction system, generally comprising a pipe 3 connected to a tank 7a for recovering the excess material.
  • the nozzle 1 also comprises a smoothing wedge 1a inserted into the suction opening of the suction nozzle 1 and which allows the smoothing of a bodywork sealing bead.
  • the nozzle 1 comprises a tubular part 2 of constant circular section and a nozzle head part 10.
  • the tubular part 2 of section substantially equal to the section of the suction pipe 3 has an end opening connected to the pipe of the suction system. suction.
  • This tubular part 2 has a third opening 22 which makes it possible to introduce into the suction device a member for cleaning the pipe of the suction system, such as a cleaning foam ball B, commonly used in cleaning pipes.
  • a member for cleaning the pipe of the suction system such as a cleaning foam ball B, commonly used in cleaning pipes.
  • the nozzle head part 10 has a support part 10a and a wedge part 10b comprising a body positioned by removable interlocking on the support 10a and which defines the suction opening of the nozzle head part, in which is mounted a wedge of smoothing 1a.
  • the shim 1a can thus be easily and easily replaced by the operator, the shim part 10b being removably nestable on the support part 10a, which allows its connection to the tubular part 2 and also facilitates cleaning.
  • the suction device comprises removable closure means of the insertion opening 22.
  • the insertion opening 22 is formed in the wall of the tubular part 2 (cf. fig. 2 ) and the closure means consist of a ring 23 mounted to slide on the outer periphery of the tubular part 2 (cf. fig. 1 ) between a position where the ring 23 seals off the insertion opening 22 and a position where the opening 22 is accessible.
  • the tubular part 2 has an annular stop 24 against which the pipe 3 of the suction system comes into abutment.
  • the closing ring 23 is held in the closing position of the insertion opening 22 under the effect of an elastic return means 25 interposed between said closing ring 23 and the annular stop 24.
  • Such a means elastic return 25 preferably consists of a helical spring surrounding the tubular part 2.
  • a second annular abutment 26 is also provided on the tubular part 2 on the side of the nozzle head part 10, the closure ring 23 being held there in abutment under the effect of the elastic return means 25 in the closed position.
  • the ring 23 is held in the closed position under the effect of the elastic return means 25 which pushes it against the stop ring 26 on the side of the nozzle head part 1 while the opening 22 is accessible by driving the ring 23 to slide against the effect of the elastic return means 25 by driving the sealing ring 23 towards the annular stop 24 on the pipe side.
  • opening of opening 22 can be operated manually. The operator thus slides the ring 23 to free the opening 22 and introduce a cleaning ball B therein, the ring 23 then returning to its closed position, on its own, under the effect of the elastic return means 25.
  • the suction nozzle 1 consists of a tubular part 21 distinct from the nozzle head part 11, the insertion opening 220 for a cleaning ball B being formed by the end of the tubular part 21 to which the nozzle head part 11 is connected.
  • the nozzle head part 11 which has a suction opening with a section smaller than the section of the tubular part 21, is pivotally mounted at the end of the tubular part 21 between a first so-called active position of suction thus forming means for closing off said opening 220 and a second open position of said orifice 220 where the nozzle head part 11 is separated from the tubular part 21, freeing access to the insertion opening 220.
  • connection ring 210 is mounted at the end of the tubular part 21 and a complementary ring 110 is provided on the nozzle head part 11. In the closed position the tubular part 21 and the head part nozzle 11 are in alignment and the connection between the tubular part 21 and the nozzle head part 11 is sealed.
  • the ring 110 of the nozzle head part 11 is pivotally mounted relative to the ring 210 of the tubular part 21 .
  • the pivot axis 7 extends perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis X of the tubular part 21, the nozzle head part 11 diverging from the tubular part 21 as can be seen in the figures 3a and 3b .
  • the pivot axis 8 is parallel to the main longitudinal axis x of the tubular part 21 and the pivoting of the nozzle head part 11 relative to the axis 8 takes place by sliding of the ring 210 of the nozzle head part 11 against the ring 210 of the tubular part 21 as can be seen in the figure 4b .
  • the suction device according to the first embodiment of the invention is part of an installation further comprising an automatic dispenser for cleaning agents such as cleaning foam balls B.
  • the automatic distributor 30 is connected to a reservoir of balls provided with an orifice for dispensing a ball B towards the distributor 30.
  • the distributor 30 is arranged to receive a ball B both from the tank and that it then distributes to the suction and smoothing device.
  • the distributor 30 consists of a parallelepipedic body 31, one face 32 of which is provided with an inlet opening 33 which can be connected to the bullet reservoir and allowing the entry of a bullet B into the distributor 30.
  • This body 31 is open on the face opposite the inlet face 32 and is closed by an attached wall 34 comprising a dispensing opening 35 towards the smoothing device.
  • In the body 31 are also provided means for closing/opening said dispensing opening 35.
  • the dispensing face 34 consists of a wall comprising the dispensing opening 35 and which comprises a wall 34a bordering this opening 35.
  • the wall 34a extends perpendicular to the said face 34 and transversely inside the dispenser 30.
  • the inlet opening formed in the face 32 is aligned with the dispensing opening 35.
  • Removable closure means of the dispensing opening 35 are provided. These removable closure means are constituted by a housing 40 mounted to slide in the parallelepipedic body 31.
  • This housing 40 comprises two opposite faces 41, 42 which extend respectively parallel to the face 32 and the face 34 of the body 31. Transverse walls 43 and 44 have also been provided for the housing 40 and side walls 45 connecting the opposite faces 41, 42.
  • the housing 40 has a length less than the length of the body 31, so that the housing 40 can be slidably driven in the body 31.
  • the two faces 41, 42 are respectively provided with an opening 41a, 42a, but these openings are not axially aligned.
  • face 42 of casing 40 closes dispensing opening 35, said casing 40 of length less than the length of body 31 being held in abutment against an end wall of body 31 corresponding to the closed position, by a elastic return means 9 such as a spring extending between the transverse wall 44 and the transverse end wall of the body 31.
  • the opening 41a of the face 41 of the housing is in turn aligned with the opening d entrance 33 which is thus open and can allow a cleaning ball B to enter compartment 36 where only a ball B is housed.
  • Means for controlling the removable closure means are provided to cooperate with the suction device of the first embodiment.
  • face 42 of housing 40 has a rim 42b on opening 42a projecting through the dispensing opening 35 outwardly of the dispenser 30 while the wall 34 also has at least one lug 34b projecting outwardly from the body 31, preferably two.
  • the rim 42b of the casing 40 forms an abutment member against which a projection of the annular abutment 26 of the tubular part 2 can be housed on the side of the nozzle head part 10, while the lugs 34b of the body 31 of the dispenser are housed in abutment against the blanking ring 23 nozzle head part side 10.
  • the distributor 30 is in the closed position.
  • the suction device is brought against the distribution face 34 of the distributor 30, the annular stop 26 coming into abutment against the rim 42b of the sliding housing and the closing ring 23 being in abutment against the rim 34b of the body 31 (cf . figure 7 ).
  • the annular stop 26 pushes the casing 40 against the effect of the spring 9, the casing 40 therefore moves in the body 31.
  • the flange 34b being fixed, during this translation, the closure ring 23 is retained and slides along the tubular element 21 releasing the insertion opening 22 which is aligned with the dispensing opening 35 and the opening 42a of the housing 40 (cf. figure 8 and 9 ).
  • a ball B engaged in the compartment 36 is free to engage under the effect of gravity in the nozzle 1 through the opening 22.
  • the compartment 36 finds itself closed, entry side 33, by the opposite face 41 of the housing 40 so that only one ball B has been distributed.
  • the suction system is activated and the ball B introduced into the connecting piece 2 is driven through the suction pipe 3 which it thus cleans.
  • the suction device is used with a smoothing wedge 1a mounted in the nozzle head part 10 so as to extend across the suction opening, at least its end projecting from the opening, constituting a sealing bead suction and smoothing device.
  • the suction and smoothing device is attached to a robotic arm (cf. figure 12 ).
  • the suction pipe 3 is mounted upstream of the robot head.
  • a rotating coupling 50 is provided allowing rotation on axis No. 6 without any constraint upstream of the head of the robot and the constraints with wiring or pipes.
  • This swivel joint 50 consists of three parts 51, 52, 53 shown in figure 10 .
  • a first tubular endpiece 51 is connected to a second tubular endpiece 52 by means of a ring 53 fixed to the endpiece 51.
  • the endpieces 51 and 52 are not fixed to each other, the aim being to obtain a rotary connection between the end pieces 51 and 52.
  • the rotating coupling 50 is fixed on the suction nozzle on the one hand and on the other hand on the head of the robot.
  • This suction and smoothing device is used within an automated installation for the suction of viscous material, in particular in the context of the smoothing of sealing bead.
  • a suction system comprising a suction device as defined above, further comprising, to generate the depression from which the excess material is collected in the tank 7a, a generating device depression 7b, such as a vacuum pump.
  • a pressure sensor e.g., a pressure sensor, a depression sensor, a power variator and emergency stop means as well as a pre-separator for the recovery tank.
  • the installation may further comprise means for cleaning the installation such as a scraper bar making it possible to remove the excess viscous material at the end of the nozzle, air blowing means such as a blowing nozzle, blowing air mixed with plasticizer to clean the inside of the suction nozzle and a cleaning ball dispensing device, a such a device having distribution means cooperating with the closing means of the suction device.
  • means for cleaning the installation such as a scraper bar making it possible to remove the excess viscous material at the end of the nozzle, air blowing means such as a blowing nozzle, blowing air mixed with plasticizer to clean the inside of the suction nozzle and a cleaning ball dispensing device, a such a device having distribution means cooperating with the closing means of the suction device.
  • a vision system making it possible to determine existing offsets between two treated objects, for example, two vehicle bodies and readjust the trajectory of the robot to perform suction and more precisely an appropriate smoothing.
  • a vision system comprises for example four fixed cameras and means for processing the image given from three of these cameras.
  • the viscous material such as mastic is smoothed by the wedge located at the end of the suction nozzle, thereafter the mastic is sucked by the nozzle and passes through the pipe before landing in the recovery drum.
  • the ball dispenser allows a ball to pass through the device to clean the flexible pipe regularly and automatically to avoid putting constraints on production.
  • the suction system comprising shut-off means such as a shunt valve and the power regulator, makes it possible to manage the suction power according to the constraints and the location of the cords to be treated.
  • the invention advantageously makes it possible to automate operations requiring great dexterity, while avoiding the exposure of operators to the inhalation of toxic products and eliminating "manual" operations that can cause musculoskeletal disorders when the sites treated were difficult to access.
  • the invention allows the implementation of a method for smoothing a bodywork sealing bead, according to the steps consisting in: approaching the nozzle towards the sealing bead, smoothing the bead with the wedge, sucking up the surplus of material removed from the bead, recover the excess material from the bead, release the nozzle.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif de d'aspiration pour produit visqueux et/ou pâteux tel qu'une matière d'étanchéité de carrosserie automobile,The invention relates to a suction device for a viscous and/or pasty product such as a motor vehicle body sealing material,

Une matière d'étanchéité est utilisée dans le but de garantir l'étanchéité d'une jonction de pièces, en particulier pour la carrosserie d'un véhicule automobile.A sealing material is used for the purpose of guaranteeing the sealing of a junction of parts, in particular for the bodywork of a motor vehicle.

L'étanchéité des différentes pièces qui composent la carrosserie d'un véhicule automobile est donc assurée par la dépose de cordons d'étanchéité, réalisés à partir d'une matière conférant l'étanchéité tel qu'un mastic, mélange pâteux et adhésif qui peut être appliqué directement à la jonction de pièces de carrosserie.The tightness of the various parts which make up the bodywork of a motor vehicle is therefore ensured by the removal of sealing beads, made from a material conferring tightness such as a mastic, pasty mixture and adhesive which can be applied directly to the junction of body parts.

La bonne étanchéité d'une jonction entre des pièces est obtenue par plusieurs opérations :

  • le dépôt d'un cordon d'étanchéité, consistant à appliquer le mastic de sorte à couvrir intégralement la jonction entre les pièces ;
  • le lissage du cordon d'étanchéité déposé, consistant à retirer l'excédent de mastic, en aplanissant ou sculptant le cordon d'étanchéité et en récupérant le surplus de matière du cordon de sorte à conférer à l'ensemble de pièces un aspect visuel correct et une géométrie toujours fonctionnelle, permettant le montage de pièces.
Proper sealing of a junction between parts is obtained by several operations:
  • depositing a sealing bead, consisting in applying the mastic so as to fully cover the junction between the parts;
  • smoothing the deposited sealing bead, consisting in removing the excess mastic, by flattening or sculpting the sealing bead and recovering the excess material from the bead so as to give the set of parts a correct visual appearance and a still functional geometry, allowing the assembly of parts.

Il est connu, pour réaliser le lissage d'un cordon d'étanchéité, d'utiliser un outil de lissage manuel appelé, cale flexible, manipulée par un opérateur qui suit le cheminement d'un cordon d'étanchéité avec la cale flexible pour retirer l'excès de matière d'étanchéité et lisser le cordon d'étanchéité.It is known, to smooth a sealing bead, to use a manual smoothing tool called a flexible wedge, manipulated by an operator who follows the path of a sealing bead with the flexible wedge to remove excess sealant and smooth the sealant bead.

Cependant, ce système présente quelques inconvénients. La manipulation d'un tel outil demande une grande dextérité de la part de l'opérateur, et l'accès à des zones complexes engendre l'apparition de troubles musculo-squelettiques.However, this system has some drawbacks. The handling of such a tool requires great dexterity on the part of the operator, and access to complex areas leads to the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders.

Afin de remédier à ces problèmes, on a proposé dans FR 3045422 un dispositif de lissage d'un cordon d'étanchéité, capable de lisser par aspiration intégralement des cordons d'étanchéité, capable de s'adapter à un bras robotisé, dans le but d'automatiser sa manipulation et qui comprend une buse d'aspiration reliée à un système d'aspiration, la buse comprenant une cale de lissage s'étendant dedans. Un tel dispositif comprend un bac de récupération du surplus de matière du cordon d'étanchéité aspiré, le bac de récupération étant relié à la buse au moyen d'un tuyau primaire tandis que le bac de récupération est relié au système d'aspiration au moyen d'un tuyau secondaire.In order to overcome these problems, it has been proposed in EN 3045422 a sealing bead smoothing device capable of integrally smoothing sealing beads by suction, capable of adapting to a robotic arm, with the aim of automating its manipulation and which comprises a suction nozzle connected to a suction system, the nozzle comprising a smoothing wedge extending therein. Such a device comprises a container for recovering the excess material from the vacuumed sealing bead, the recovery container being connected to the nozzle by means of a primary pipe while the recovery container is connected to the suction system by means of of a secondary pipe.

Un tel dispositif permet d'aplanir par la cale en saillie de l'embout un cordon d'étanchéité qui a été déposé sur une pièce de carrosserie, tout en aspirant l'excédent de matériau du cordon, formé lors du lissage.Such a device makes it possible to flatten by the wedge projecting from the end piece a sealing bead which has been deposited on a bodywork part, while sucking up the excess material from the bead, formed during smoothing.

Dans le document WO 2011083012 on a décrit un procédé d'enlèvement du surplus d'un adhésif lors de l'assemblage de deux éléments, dans lequel un adhésif est appliqué sur la zone d'assemblage d'un des deux éléments. Le surplus de l'adhésif est enlevé au moyen d'un dispositif d'aspiration comprenant une buse, reliée à un système d'aspiration. La buse comprend un embout de forme cylindrique apte à aspirer le surplus d'adhésif créé.In the document WO 2011083012 a process has been described for removing excess adhesive when assembling two elements, in which an adhesive is applied to the assembly zone of one of the two elements. The excess adhesive is removed by means of a suction device comprising a nozzle, connected to a suction system. The nozzle comprises a cylindrical tip capable of sucking up the excess adhesive created.

Les documents JP2017039090 , EP1175862 , US9702101 et US2096595 décrivent des dispositifs d'aspiration comportant des buses avec une troisième ouverture.The documents JP2017039090 , EP1175862 , US9702101 and US2096595 describe suction devices comprising nozzles with a third opening.

Toutefois, la matière aspirée étant une matière visqueuse et/ou pâteuse et collante, il est nécessaire de prévoir un nettoyage du système d'aspiration. En effet, le dispositif permet de récupérer de la matière visqueuse, adhésif ou mastic mais s'encrasse très rapidement, nécessitant la mise en oeuvre d'un nettoyage.However, the sucked material being a viscous material and / or pasty and sticky, it is necessary to provide cleaning of the suction system. Indeed, the device makes it possible to recover viscous material, adhesive or mastic but clogs up very quickly, requiring the implementation of cleaning.

L'objet de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif d'aspiration de matière visqueuse dont l'entretien et le nettoyage s'effectue de manière simple et rapide à mettre en œuvre.The object of the invention is to provide a viscous material suction device whose maintenance and cleaning is simple and quick to implement.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une installation d'aspiration d'un produit visqueux comprenant
un dispositif d'aspiration pour produit visqueux, tel qu'une matière d'étanchéité, comprenant une buse présentant une première ouverture d'aspiration du produit, un tuyau d'aspiration et un bac de récupération, ladite buse présentant une deuxième ouverture pour son raccordement audit tuyau, une troisième ouverture et des moyens d'obturation amovibles de ladite ouverture, remarquable en ce que l'installation comprend en outre un distributeur automatique d'organe de nettoyage muni d'une ouverture de distribution vers le dispositif d'aspiration, des moyens de fermeture amovibles de ladite ouverture de distribution actionnables par la buse du dispositif d'aspiration.To this end, the subject of the invention is a suction installation for a viscous product comprising
a suction device for a viscous product, such as a sealing material, comprising a nozzle having a first suction opening for the product, a suction pipe and a container recovery, said nozzle having a second opening for its connection to said pipe, a third opening and removable closing means of said opening, noteworthy in that the installation further comprises an automatic cleaning device dispenser provided with a dispensing opening to the suction device, removable closing means of said dispensing opening actuated by the nozzle of the suction device.

Ainsi, de manière avantageuse, le dispositif d'aspiration présente une troisième ouverture dont la section est choisie sensiblement égale à celle du tuyau de sorte qu'un organe de nettoyage dudit tuyau peut être introduit dans le dispositif.Thus, advantageously, the suction device has a third opening, the section of which is chosen substantially equal to that of the pipe so that a member for cleaning said pipe can be introduced into the device.

Les moyens d'obturation lorsqu'ils sont en position d'ouverture libèrent alors l'accès à l'ouverture et permettent l'insertion dans le dispositif d'aspiration d'un organe de nettoyage tel qu'une balle en mousse nettoyante par ladite troisième ouverture et ce, sans qu'il soit nécessaire de démonter la buse tandis qu'à la position fermeture, lesdits moyens d'obturation maintiennent fermée ladite ouverture pendant le processus de d'aspiration.The closure means when they are in the open position then release access to the opening and allow the insertion into the suction device of a cleaning member such as a cleaning foam ball by said third opening and this, without it being necessary to disassemble the nozzle while in the closed position, said closure means keep said opening closed during the suction process.

De cette manière, le dispositif selon l'invention évite d'avoir à démonter le dispositif d'aspiration pour y insérer des organes de nettoyage manuellement à cadence irrégulière pour procéder au nettoyage du système d'aspiration. En effet, un tel mode de nettoyage serait incompatible avec une aspiration de matière visqueuse robotisée où il devient nécessaire de pouvoir nettoyer régulièrement le tuyau contenant la matière visqueuse avant qu'il ne s'encrasse trop pour garder la qualité d'aspiration constante tout en conservant un temps de cycle satisfaisant.In this way, the device according to the invention avoids having to dismantle the suction device in order to insert therein cleaning members manually at irregular intervals in order to clean the suction system. Indeed, such a cleaning method would be incompatible with robotic suction of viscous material where it becomes necessary to be able to regularly clean the pipe containing the viscous material before it becomes too clogged in order to keep the suction quality constant while maintaining a satisfactory cycle time.

De manière avantageuse, un organe de lissage tel qu'une cale de lissage est portée par la buse d'aspiration, la cale permettant de lisser un cordon d'étanchéité en mastic par exemple, la buse aspirant le surplus de matière. De préférence, la cale de lissage est montée dans la partie tête de buse de manière à s'étendre en travers de l'ouverture d'aspiration, au moins son extrémité étant en saillie de l'ouverture d'aspiration de la buse.Advantageously, a smoothing member such as a smoothing wedge is carried by the suction nozzle, the wedge making it possible to smooth a sealant bead of mastic for example, the nozzle sucking up the excess material. Preferably, the smoothing wedge is mounted in the nozzle head part so as to extend across the suction opening, at least its end projecting from the suction opening of the nozzle.

Il est ainsi possible de procéder à un lissage par aspiration de manière robotisé. Le dispositif d'aspiration est alors solidaire d'un bras robotisé multiaxe, permettant de suivre un cordon d'étanchéité selon une trajectoire parfaite, avec rapidité et sans arrêt et dans des endroits difficiles d'accès tout en garantissant un lissage du cordon pour lui conférer un aspect lisse et sans bavure.It is thus possible to carry out smoothing by suction in a robotic manner. The suction device is then attached to a multi-axis robotic arm, making it possible to follow a sealing bead along a perfect trajectory, quickly and without stopping and in places that are difficult to access while guaranteeing smoothing of the bead for him. impart a smooth, smudge-free appearance.

De préférence, la buse comporte une partie tubulaire de section sensiblement égale à la section du tuyau d'aspiration et dont une extrémité constitue l'ouverture de raccordement du tuyau et une partie dite tête de buse comprenant l'ouverture d'aspiration du produit. La partie tête de buse présente une section qui généralement se réduit de la partie proche de la partie tubulaire vers la partie proche de l'ouverture d'aspiration. La buse peut être réalisée d'une pièce ou en deux parties (partie tubulaire et partie tête de buse) raccordables l'une à l'autre.Preferably, the nozzle comprises a tubular part with a section substantially equal to the section of the suction pipe and one end of which constitutes the connection opening of the pipe and a so-called nozzle head part comprising the suction opening of the product. The nozzle head part has a section which generally decreases from the part close to the tubular part towards the part close to the suction opening. The nozzle can be made in one piece or in two parts (tubular part and nozzle head part) that can be connected to one another.

Selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention, la buse comporte une ouverture ménagée dans la paroi de sa partie tubulaire, cette troisième ouverture constituant l'ouverture d'introduction d'un organe de nettoyage du tuyau dans le dispositif. Cette ouverture étant ménagée dans la partie tubulaire de la buse, l'organe de nettoyage est donc introduit dans le dispositif d'aspiration avant le raccordement au tuyau de sorte qu'il peut être entraîné dans le tuyau pour le nettoyer.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the nozzle comprises an opening made in the wall of its tubular part, this third opening constituting the opening for introducing a member for cleaning the pipe into the device. This opening being made in the tubular part of the nozzle, the cleaning member is therefore introduced into the suction device before connection to the pipe so that it can be driven into the pipe to clean it.

Les moyens d'obturation sont constitués d'une bague montée coulissante autour de la partie tubulaire entre une position de fermeture où la bague masque l'ouverture de la partie tubulaire et une position d'ouverture où, après coulissement de la bague sur la partie tubulaire, la bague libère l'ouverture.The closure means consist of a ring mounted to slide around the tubular part between a closed position where the ring conceals the opening of the tubular part and an open position where, after sliding of the ring on the part tubular, the ring releases the opening.

De préférence, la bague est maintenue en position de fermeture par des moyens de butée et un moyen de rappel élastique s'opposant au coulissement de la bague vers la position d'ouverture.Preferably, the ring is held in the closed position by abutment means and an elastic return means opposing the sliding of the ring towards the open position.

Dans une seconde forme de réalisation de l'invention, la buse est constituée d'une partie tubulaire raccordée de manière articulée à la partie tête de buse. Ainsi de manière très avantageuse, l'ouverture d'introduction d'un organe de nettoyage est constituée par l'extrémité de la partie tubulaire raccordée à la partie tête de buse. La partie tête de buse est montée de préférence pivotante sur la partie tubulaire et constitue avantageusement les moyens d'obturation de ladite troisième ouverture.In a second embodiment of the invention, the nozzle consists of a tubular part connected in an articulated manner to the nozzle head part. Thus, very advantageously, the opening for introducing a cleaning member is formed by the end of the tubular part connected to the nozzle head part. The nozzle head part is preferably pivotally mounted on the tubular part and advantageously constitutes the means for closing said third opening.

Ainsi, la partie tête de buse est entraînable en pivotement par rapport à la partie tubulaire, entre une position d'obturation de ladite ouverture dans laquelle la partie tête de buse s'étend dans le prolongement de la partie tubulaire et est active pour l'aspiration et une position d'ouverture de ladite ouverture dans laquelle la partie tête de buse est écartée de l'extrémité de ladite partie tubulaire par pivotement, libérant ainsi la troisième ouverture pour l'insertion d'un organe de nettoyage.Thus, the nozzle head part is drivable in pivoting relative to the tubular part, between a position of closure of said opening in which the nozzle head part extends in the extension of the tubular part and is active for the suction and an open position of said opening in which the nozzle head part is moved away from the end of said tubular part by pivoting, thus releasing the third opening for the insertion of a cleaning member.

Selon une première variante, la partie tête de buse est montée pivotante autour d'un axe s'étendant perpendiculairement à l'axe longitudinal de la partie tubulaire.According to a first variant, the nozzle head part is pivotally mounted about an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular part.

Selon une deuxième variante, la partie tête de buse est montée pivotante autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de la partie tubulaire.According to a second variant, the nozzle head part is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular part.

L'invention concerne également un système d'aspiration d'une matière visqueuse comprenant un dispositif d'aspiration tel que défini ci-dessus, comprenant en outre un appareil générateur de dépression, un capteur de pression, un capteur de dépression, un variateur de puissance et des moyens d'arrêt d'urgence ainsi qu'un pré-séparateur pour le bac de récupération.The invention also relates to a suction system for a viscous material comprising a suction device as defined above, further comprising a vacuum generating apparatus, a pressure sensor, a vacuum sensor, a power and emergency stop means as well as a pre-separator for the recovery tank.

Le capteur de pression permet de vérifier que le système d'aspiration est bien en marche et atteint la puissance suffisante pour permettre l'aspiration du produit visqueux. Le capteur de dépression permet de contrôler et déceler les colmatages du tuyau intervenant pendant les phases d'aspiration ainsi que l'usure. Le variateur de puissance permet de moduler la puissance en fonction du type d'aspiration souhaitée notamment dans le cas d'un lissage de cordons d'étanchéité plus délicat.The pressure sensor makes it possible to check that the suction system is in good working order and has reached sufficient power to allow the suction of the viscous product. The depression sensor is used to control and detect the clogging of the hose occurring during the suction phases as well as wear. The power variator makes it possible to modulate the power according to the type of suction desired, particularly in the case of a more delicate smoothing of sealing beads.

Le pré-séparateur est installé sur le bac de récupération et permet d'y faire le vide pour y stocker l'excédent.The pre-separator is installed on the recovery tank and makes it possible to create a vacuum there to store the excess.

Avantageusement, l'invention propose également une installation d'aspiration d'un produit visqueux, pâteux comprenant le dispositif d'aspiration selon l'invention ainsi qu'un dispositif de distribution adapté afin d'insérer des organes de nettoyage tels que des balles en mousse nettoyante en automatique via un distributeur de balles, de manière simple.Advantageously, the invention also proposes a suction installation for a viscous, pasty product comprising the suction device according to the invention as well as a dispensing device suitable for inserting cleaning members such as cleaning foam balls automatically via a ball dispenser, in a simple manner.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulièrement avantageuse, le dispositif d'aspiration est utilisé avec un dispositif de distribution de balle nettoyante qui présente des moyens de distribution coopérant avec les moyens d'obturation du dispositif d'aspiration.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the suction device is used with a cleaning ball dispensing device which has dispensing means cooperating with the closing means of the suction device.

L'invention concerne donc une installation d'aspiration d'un produit visqueux comprenant le dispositif d'aspiration selon la première forme de réalisation décrite ci-dessus, et un dispositif de distribution d'organes de nettoyage muni d'une ouverture d'entrée reliable à un réservoir d'organes de nettoyage et d'une ouverture de distribution vers le dispositif d'aspiration, des moyens de fermeture amovibles de ladite ouverture de distribution étant prévus, actionnables de préférence par la buse du dispositif d'aspiration.The invention therefore relates to an installation for the suction of a viscous product comprising the suction device according to the first embodiment described above, and a device for dispensing cleaning members provided with an inlet opening connectable to a reservoir of cleaning members and to a dispensing opening towards the suction device, removable closing means of said dispensing opening being provided, preferably operable by the nozzle of the suction device.

Dans cette installation d'aspiration dans laquelle la buse d'aspiration est portée par un bras de robot, on peut associer un système de vision permettant de déterminer des décalages existants entre deux objets traités par exemple, deux caisses de véhicule et de recaler la trajectoire du robot pour réaliser une aspiration et plus précisément un lissage approprié. Un tel système de vision comprend par exemple quatre caméras fixes et des moyens de traitement de l'image donnée à partir de trois de ces caméras.In this suction installation in which the suction nozzle is carried by a robot arm, it is possible to associate a vision system making it possible to determine the existing offsets between two treated objects, for example, two vehicle bodies, and to readjust the trajectory of the robot to perform suction and more precisely appropriate smoothing. Such a vision system comprises for example four fixed cameras and means for processing the image given from three of these cameras.

On décrira maintenant l'invention plus en détails en référence au dessin dans lequel :

  • La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective latérale de la buse d'un dispositif d'aspiration selon un premier mode de réalisation l'invention ;
  • La figure 2 représente le dispositif de la figure 1 sans moyens d'obturation ;
  • Les figures 3a et 3b représentent respectivement une vue en perspective avant et latérale d'une variante d'un second mode de réalisation de l'invention
  • Les figures 4a et 4b représentent une vue en perspective latérale d'une autre variante du second mode de réalisation de l'invention respectivement en position ouverte et fermée de l'ouverture d'entrée ;
  • Le figures 5a et 5b représentent respectivement une vue en coupe d'un distributeur d'organes de nettoyage en position de distribution fermée et ouverte ;
  • Les figures 6a, 6b et 6c représentent des vues en perspective des éléments constitutifs du distributeur d'organes de nettoyage ;
  • La figure 7 représente une vue en perspective latérale de la coopération entre une buse d'aspiration et le dispositif de distribution fermé selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 8 représente une vue en coupe de la buse d'aspiration et du dispositif de distribution en cours d'ouverture ;
  • La figure 9 représente une vue en coupe de la buse d'aspiration et du dispositif de distribution en position ouverte dudit dispositif ;
  • La figure 10 représente une vue en perspective des éléments constituant un raccord tournant selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 11 représente une vue en perspective du raccord tournant selon l'invention ; et
  • La figure 12 est une représentation d'un poste d'aspiration et de lissage d'un cordon d'étanchéité sur des éléments de carrosserie d'un véhicule accolés, illustrant pour exemple un contexte d'application de l'invention.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing in which:
  • The figure 1 shows a side perspective view of the nozzle of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • The picture 2 represents the device of the figure 1 without means of obturation;
  • The figures 3a and 3b show respectively a front and side perspective view of a variant of a second embodiment of the invention
  • The figures 4a and 4b represent a side perspective view of another variant of the second embodiment of the invention respectively in the open and closed position of the inlet opening;
  • the figures 5a and 5b respectively show a cross-sectional view of a dispenser for cleaning members in the closed and open dispensing position;
  • The figures 6a, 6b and 6c show perspective views of the constituent elements of the cleaning member dispenser;
  • The figure 7 shows a side perspective view of the cooperation between a suction nozzle and the closed dispensing device according to the invention;
  • The figure 8 shows a sectional view of the suction nozzle and the dispensing device being opened;
  • The figure 9 shows a sectional view of the suction nozzle and of the dispensing device in the open position of said device;
  • The figure 10 shows a perspective view of the elements constituting a swivel joint according to the invention;
  • The figure 11 shows a perspective view of the rotary coupling according to the invention; and
  • The figure 12 is a representation of a station for vacuuming and smoothing a sealing bead on the bodywork elements of a contiguous vehicle, illustrating for example a context of application of the invention.

Comme on peut le voir à la figure 12, le dispositif d'aspiration comporte une buse 1 reliée à un système d'aspiration, généralement comprenant un tuyau 3 relié à un bac 7a de récupération de la matière en excès. La buse 1 comprend également une cale de lissage 1a insérée dans l'ouverture d'aspiration de la buse d'aspiration 1 et qui permet le lissage d'un cordon d'étanchéité de carrosserie.As can be seen at the figure 12 , the suction device comprises a nozzle 1 connected to a suction system, generally comprising a pipe 3 connected to a tank 7a for recovering the excess material. The nozzle 1 also comprises a smoothing wedge 1a inserted into the suction opening of the suction nozzle 1 and which allows the smoothing of a bodywork sealing bead.

La buse 1 comprend une partie tubulaire de section circulaire constante 2 et une partie tête de buse 10. La partie tubulaire 2 de section sensiblement égale à la section du tuyau d'aspiration 3 présente une ouverture d'extrémité raccordée au tuyau du système d'aspiration.The nozzle 1 comprises a tubular part 2 of constant circular section and a nozzle head part 10. The tubular part 2 of section substantially equal to the section of the suction pipe 3 has an end opening connected to the pipe of the suction system. suction.

Cette partie tubulaire 2 comporte une troisième ouverture 22 qui permet d'introduire dans le dispositif d'aspiration un organe de nettoyage du tuyau du système d'aspiration tel qu'une balle en mousse nettoyante B, couramment utilisée dans le nettoyage de tuyaux.This tubular part 2 has a third opening 22 which makes it possible to introduce into the suction device a member for cleaning the pipe of the suction system, such as a cleaning foam ball B, commonly used in cleaning pipes.

Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 1et 2, la partie tête de buse 10 présente une partie support 10a et une partie cale 10b comprenant un corps positionné par emboîtement amovible sur le support 10a et qui définit l'ouverture d'aspiration de la partie tête de buse, dans laquelle est montée une cale de lissage 1a. La cale 1a peut ainsi être remplacée aisément et facilement par l'opérateur, la partie cale 10b étant emboitable de manière amovible sur la partie support 10a, ce qui permet son raccordement à la partie tubulaire 2 et facilite aussi le nettoyage.In the example shown in figure 1 and 2 , the nozzle head part 10 has a support part 10a and a wedge part 10b comprising a body positioned by removable interlocking on the support 10a and which defines the suction opening of the nozzle head part, in which is mounted a wedge of smoothing 1a. The shim 1a can thus be easily and easily replaced by the operator, the shim part 10b being removably nestable on the support part 10a, which allows its connection to the tubular part 2 and also facilitates cleaning.

Le dispositif d'aspiration comporte des moyens d'obturation amovibles de l'ouverture d'insertion 22.The suction device comprises removable closure means of the insertion opening 22.

Selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention, l'ouverture d'insertion 22 est ménagée dans la paroi de la partie tubulaire 2 (cf. fig. 2) et les moyens d'obturation sont constitués d'une bague 23 montée coulissante sur la périphérie extérieure de la partie tubulaire 2 (cf. fig. 1) entre une position où la bague 23 obture de manière étanche l'ouverture d'insertion 22 et une position où l'ouverture 22 est accessible.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the insertion opening 22 is formed in the wall of the tubular part 2 (cf. fig. 2 ) and the closure means consist of a ring 23 mounted to slide on the outer periphery of the tubular part 2 (cf. fig. 1 ) between a position where the ring 23 seals off the insertion opening 22 and a position where the opening 22 is accessible.

De préférence, à l'extrémité de la partie tubulaire 2 raccordée au tuyau d'aspiration, la partie tubulaire 2 présente une butée annulaire 24 contre laquelle le tuyau 3 du système d'aspiration vient en butée.Preferably, at the end of the tubular part 2 connected to the suction pipe, the tubular part 2 has an annular stop 24 against which the pipe 3 of the suction system comes into abutment.

La bague d'obturation 23 est maintenue en position d'obturation de l'ouverture d'insertion 22 sous l'effet d'un moyen de rappel élastique 25 interposé entre ladite bague d'obturation 23 et la butée annulaire 24. Un tel moyen de rappel élastique 25 est constitué de préférence d'un ressort hélicoïdal entourant la partie tubulaire 2.The closing ring 23 is held in the closing position of the insertion opening 22 under the effect of an elastic return means 25 interposed between said closing ring 23 and the annular stop 24. Such a means elastic return 25 preferably consists of a helical spring surrounding the tubular part 2.

De préférence, une seconde butée annulaire 26 est également ménagée sur la partie tubulaire 2 côté partie tête de buse 10, la bague d'obturation 23 y étant maintenue en butée sous l'effet du moyen de rappel élastique 25 en position d'obturation.Preferably, a second annular abutment 26 is also provided on the tubular part 2 on the side of the nozzle head part 10, the closure ring 23 being held there in abutment under the effect of the elastic return means 25 in the closed position.

Ainsi, la bague 23 est maintenue en position d'obturation sous l'effet du moyen de rappel élastique 25 qui la repousse contre la butée annulaire 26 côté partie tête de buse 1 tandis que l'ouverture 22 est accessible en entraînant la bague 23 en coulissement contre l'effet du moyen de rappel élastique 25 en entraînant la bague d'obturation 23 vers la butée annulaire 24 côté tuyau.Thus, the ring 23 is held in the closed position under the effect of the elastic return means 25 which pushes it against the stop ring 26 on the side of the nozzle head part 1 while the opening 22 is accessible by driving the ring 23 to slide against the effect of the elastic return means 25 by driving the sealing ring 23 towards the annular stop 24 on the pipe side.

Une telle ouverture de l'ouverture 22 peut être actionnée manuellement. L'opérateur fait ainsi coulisser la bague 23 pour libérer l'ouverture 22 et y introduire une balle nettoyante B, la bague 23 revenant ensuite à sa position fermée, d'elle-même, sous l'effet des moyens de rappel élastique 25.Such opening of opening 22 can be operated manually. The operator thus slides the ring 23 to free the opening 22 and introduce a cleaning ball B therein, the ring 23 then returning to its closed position, on its own, under the effect of the elastic return means 25.

Selon une deuxième forme de réalisation, la buse d'aspiration 1 est constituée d'une partie tubulaire 21 distincte de la partie tête de buse 11, l'ouverture d'insertion 220 pour une balle nettoyante B étant constituée par l'extrémité de la partie tubulaire 21 sur laquelle est raccordée la partie tête de buse 11.According to a second embodiment, the suction nozzle 1 consists of a tubular part 21 distinct from the nozzle head part 11, the insertion opening 220 for a cleaning ball B being formed by the end of the tubular part 21 to which the nozzle head part 11 is connected.

A cet effet, la partie tête de buse 11, qui présente une ouverture d'aspiration de section inférieure à la section de la partie tubulaire 21, est montée pivotante à l'extrémité de la partie tubulaire 21 entre une première position dite active d'aspiration formant ainsi des moyens d'obturation de ladite ouverture 220 et une seconde position d'ouverture dudit orifice 220 où la partie tête de buse 11 est écartée de la partie tubulaire 21, libérant l'accès à l'ouverture d'insertion 220.To this end, the nozzle head part 11, which has a suction opening with a section smaller than the section of the tubular part 21, is pivotally mounted at the end of the tubular part 21 between a first so-called active position of suction thus forming means for closing off said opening 220 and a second open position of said orifice 220 where the nozzle head part 11 is separated from the tubular part 21, freeing access to the insertion opening 220.

Dans cette forme de réalisation, une bague de raccordement 210 est montée à l'extrémité de la partie tubulaire 21 et une bague complémentaire 110 est ménagée sur la partie tête de buse 11. En position d'obturation la partie tubulaire 21 et la partie tête de buse 11 sont en alignement et le raccordement entre partie tubulaire 21 et partie tête de buse 11 est étanche.In this embodiment, a connection ring 210 is mounted at the end of the tubular part 21 and a complementary ring 110 is provided on the nozzle head part 11. In the closed position the tubular part 21 and the head part nozzle 11 are in alignment and the connection between the tubular part 21 and the nozzle head part 11 is sealed.

Pour permettre l'accès à l'ouverture d'insertion 220 pour introduire un organe de nettoyage B dans le système, la bague 110 de la partie tête de buse 11 est montée articulée en pivotement par rapport à la bague 210 de la partie tubulaire 21.To allow access to the insertion opening 220 to introduce a cleaning member B into the system, the ring 110 of the nozzle head part 11 is pivotally mounted relative to the ring 210 of the tubular part 21 .

Selon une première variante, l'axe de pivotement 7 s'étend perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal principal X de la partie tubulaire 21, la partie tête de buse 11 s'écartant de la partie tubulaire 21 comme on peut le voir sur les figures 3a et 3b.According to a first variant, the pivot axis 7 extends perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis X of the tubular part 21, the nozzle head part 11 diverging from the tubular part 21 as can be seen in the figures 3a and 3b .

Selon une deuxième variante, l'axe de pivotement 8 est parallèle à l'axe longitudinal principal x de la partie tubulaire 21 et le pivotement de la partie tête de buse 11 par rapport à l'axe 8 s'opère par glissement de la bague 210 de la partie tête de buse 11 contre la bague 210 de la partie tubulaire 21 comme on peut le voir sur la figure 4b.According to a second variant, the pivot axis 8 is parallel to the main longitudinal axis x of the tubular part 21 and the pivoting of the nozzle head part 11 relative to the axis 8 takes place by sliding of the ring 210 of the nozzle head part 11 against the ring 210 of the tubular part 21 as can be seen in the figure 4b .

Le dispositif d'aspiration selon la première forme de réalisation de l'invention fait partie d'une installation comportant en outre un distributeur automatique d'organe de nettoyage tel que des balles en mousse nettoyante B.The suction device according to the first embodiment of the invention is part of an installation further comprising an automatic dispenser for cleaning agents such as cleaning foam balls B.

De préférence, le distributeur automatique 30 est relié à un réservoir de balles pourvu d'un orifice de distribution d'une balle B vers le distributeur 30. Le distributeur 30 est agencé pour recevoir une balle B à la fois depuis le réservoir et qu'il distribue ensuite vers le dispositif d'aspiration et de lissage.Preferably, the automatic distributor 30 is connected to a reservoir of balls provided with an orifice for dispensing a ball B towards the distributor 30. The distributor 30 is arranged to receive a ball B both from the tank and that it then distributes to the suction and smoothing device.

De préférence, le distributeur 30 est constitué d'un corps parallélépipédique 31 dont une face 32 est munie d'une ouverture d'entrée 33 reliable au réservoir de balles et permettant l'entrée d'une balle B dans le distributeur 30. Ce corps 31 est ouvert sur la face opposée à la face d'entrée 32 et est fermé par une paroi rapportée 34 comportant une ouverture de distribution 35 vers le dispositif de lissage. Dans le corps 31 sont également prévus des moyens de fermeture/ouverture de ladite ouverture de distribution 35.Preferably, the distributor 30 consists of a parallelepipedic body 31, one face 32 of which is provided with an inlet opening 33 which can be connected to the bullet reservoir and allowing the entry of a bullet B into the distributor 30. This body 31 is open on the face opposite the inlet face 32 and is closed by an attached wall 34 comprising a dispensing opening 35 towards the smoothing device. In the body 31 are also provided means for closing/opening said dispensing opening 35.

La face de distribution 34 est constituée d'une paroi comprenant l'ouverture de distribution 35 et qui comprend une paroi 34a bordant cette ouverture 35. La paroi 34a s'étend perpendiculairement à ladite face 34 et transversalement à l'intérieur du distributeur 30.The dispensing face 34 consists of a wall comprising the dispensing opening 35 and which comprises a wall 34a bordering this opening 35. The wall 34a extends perpendicular to the said face 34 and transversely inside the dispenser 30.

L'ouverture d'entrée ménagée dans la face 32 est alignée avec l'ouverture de distribution 35. On prévoit en outre une paroi 32a bordant l'ouverture d'entrée 35, perpendiculairement à la face 32 et transversalement dans le distributeur 30 mais sur le bord opposé à la paroi 34a de l'ouverture de distribution, ces deux parois 34a, 32a délimitant entre elle un compartiment 36 pour un organe de nettoyage B, aligné avec les deux ouvertures 33, 35.The inlet opening formed in the face 32 is aligned with the dispensing opening 35. There is also provided a wall 32a bordering the inlet opening 35, perpendicular to the face 32 and transversely in the dispenser 30 but on the edge opposite the wall 34a of the dispensing opening, these two walls 34a, 32a delimiting between them a compartment 36 for a cleaning member B, aligned with the two openings 33, 35.

Des moyens de fermeture amovibles de l'ouverture de distribution 35 sont prévus. Ces moyens de fermeture amovibles sont constitués par un boîtier 40 monté coulissant dans le corps parallélépipédique 31. Ce boitier 40 comporte deux faces 41, 42 opposées qui s'étendent respectivement parallèles à la face 32 et la face 34 du corps 31. Des parois transversales 43 et 44 ont également prévues pour le boîtier 40 et des parois latérales 45 reliant les faces opposées 41, 42. Le boîtier 40 présente une longueur inférieure à la longueur du corps 31, de sorte que le boîtier 40 peut être entraîné en coulissement dans le corps 31.Removable closure means of the dispensing opening 35 are provided. These removable closure means are constituted by a housing 40 mounted to slide in the parallelepipedic body 31. This housing 40 comprises two opposite faces 41, 42 which extend respectively parallel to the face 32 and the face 34 of the body 31. Transverse walls 43 and 44 have also been provided for the housing 40 and side walls 45 connecting the opposite faces 41, 42. The housing 40 has a length less than the length of the body 31, so that the housing 40 can be slidably driven in the body 31.

Les deux faces 41, 42 sont pourvues respectivement d'une ouverture 41a, 42a, mais ces ouvertures sont non alignées axialement.The two faces 41, 42 are respectively provided with an opening 41a, 42a, but these openings are not axially aligned.

Le coulissement dudit boîtier 40 dans le corps 31 du distributeur 30 permet ainsi d'ouvrir et fermer l'ouverture d'entrée 33 et l'ouverture de distribution 35 alternativement.The sliding of said casing 40 in the body 31 of the dispenser 30 thus makes it possible to open and close the inlet opening 33 and the dispensing opening 35 alternately.

Ainsi, à la position fermée du distributeur (cf. figure 5a), la face 42 du boîtier 40 obture l'ouverture de distribution 35, ledit boîtier 40 de longueur inférieure à la longueur du corps 31 étant maintenu en butée contre une paroi d'extrémité du corps 31 correspondant à la position de fermeture, par un moyen de rappel élastique 9 tel qu'un ressort s'étendant entre la paroi transversale 44 et la paroi transversale d'extrémité du corps 31. L'ouverture 41a de la face 41 du boîtier se trouve quant à elle alignée avec l'ouverture d'entrée 33 qui se trouve ainsi ouverte et peut laisser s'engager une balle nettoyante B dans le compartiment 36 où ne se loge qu'une balle B.Thus, in the closed position of the distributor (cf. figure 5a ), face 42 of casing 40 closes dispensing opening 35, said casing 40 of length less than the length of body 31 being held in abutment against an end wall of body 31 corresponding to the closed position, by a elastic return means 9 such as a spring extending between the transverse wall 44 and the transverse end wall of the body 31. The opening 41a of the face 41 of the housing is in turn aligned with the opening d entrance 33 which is thus open and can allow a cleaning ball B to enter compartment 36 where only a ball B is housed.

Puis par coulissement du boîtier 40 dans le corps 31 contre la force de rappel du ressort 9, on peut passer à la position d'ouverture du distributeur 30, la face 41 du boîtier 40 fermant l'ouverture d'entrée 33 et l'ouverture 42a de la face 42 du boîtier venant en alignement avec l'ouverture de distribution 35 de sorte que le compartiment 36 communique avec l'ouverture de distribution 35, distribuant une balle nettoyante qui s'y trouverait.Then by sliding the housing 40 in the body 31 against the return force of the spring 9, it is possible to pass to the open position of the distributor 30, the face 41 of the housing 40 closing the inlet opening 33 and the opening 42a of housing face 42 coming into alignment with dispensing opening 35 so that compartment 36 communicates with dispensing opening 35, dispensing a cleaning ball therein.

De moyens de commande des moyens de fermeture amovibles sont prévus pour coopérer avec le dispositif d'aspiration de la première forme de réalisation.Means for controlling the removable closure means are provided to cooperate with the suction device of the first embodiment.

Ainsi, la face 42 du boîtier 40 présente un rebord 42b sur l'ouverture 42a ménagé en saillie au travers de l'ouverture de distribution 35 vers l'extérieur du distributeur 30 tandis que la paroi 34 présente également au moins une patte 34b en saillie vers l'extérieur du corps 31, de préférence deux.Thus, face 42 of housing 40 has a rim 42b on opening 42a projecting through the dispensing opening 35 outwardly of the dispenser 30 while the wall 34 also has at least one lug 34b projecting outwardly from the body 31, preferably two.

Le rebord 42b du boîtier 40 forme un organe de butée contre lequel peut se loger une saillie de la butée annulaire 26 de la partie tubulaire 2 côté partie tête de buse 10 tandis que les pattes 34b du corps 31 du distributeur se logent en butée contre la bague d'obturation 23 côté partie tête de buse 10.The rim 42b of the casing 40 forms an abutment member against which a projection of the annular abutment 26 of the tubular part 2 can be housed on the side of the nozzle head part 10, while the lugs 34b of the body 31 of the dispenser are housed in abutment against the blanking ring 23 nozzle head part side 10.

Ainsi, le distributeur 30 est en position de fermeture. Le dispositif d'aspiration est amené contre la face de distribution 34 du distributeur 30, la butée annulaire 26 venant en butée contre le rebord 42b du boîtier coulissant et la bague d'obturation 23 étant en butée contre le rebord 34b du corps 31 (cf. figure 7). En entraînant en translation le dispositif de d'aspiration, la butée annulaire 26 repousse le boîtier 40 contre l'effet du ressort 9, le boîtier 40 se déplace donc dans le corps 31. Le rebord 34b étant fixe, lors de cette translation, la bague d'obturation 23 est retenue et coulisse le long de l'élément tubulaire 21 libérant l'ouverture d'insertion 22 qui se retrouve alignée avec l'ouverture de distribution 35 et l'ouverture 42a du boîtier 40 (cf. figures 8 et 9).Thus, the distributor 30 is in the closed position. The suction device is brought against the distribution face 34 of the distributor 30, the annular stop 26 coming into abutment against the rim 42b of the sliding housing and the closing ring 23 being in abutment against the rim 34b of the body 31 (cf . figure 7 ). By driving the suction device in translation, the annular stop 26 pushes the casing 40 against the effect of the spring 9, the casing 40 therefore moves in the body 31. The flange 34b being fixed, during this translation, the closure ring 23 is retained and slides along the tubular element 21 releasing the insertion opening 22 which is aligned with the dispensing opening 35 and the opening 42a of the housing 40 (cf. figure 8 and 9 ).

Une balle B engagée dans le compartiment 36 est libre de s'engager sous l'effet de la gravité dans la buse 1 au travers de l'ouverture 22. Lors du déplacement du boîtier 40, le compartiment 36 s'est retrouvé lui fermé, côté entrée 33, par la face opposée 41 du boîtier 40 de sorte qu'une seule balle B a été distribuée.A ball B engaged in the compartment 36 is free to engage under the effect of gravity in the nozzle 1 through the opening 22. When the housing 40 is moved, the compartment 36 finds itself closed, entry side 33, by the opposite face 41 of the housing 40 so that only one ball B has been distributed.

Quand on retire le dispositif d'aspiration 1 du distributeur 30, en l'entraînant en déplacement en sens inverse, le ressort 9 ramène automatiquement le boîtier 40 en position de fermeture de l'ouverture de distribution 35 et on libère la bague d'obturation 23 du rebord de butée 34b du distributeur, la bague 23 revenant automatiquement en position de fermeture sous l'effet du moyen de rappel élastique. L'entrée 33 est de nouveau ouverte.When the suction device 1 is removed from the distributor 30, by causing it to move in the opposite direction, the spring 9 automatically returns the housing 40 to the position of closing the dispensing opening 35 and the closing ring is released. 23 of the abutment rim 34b of the distributor, the ring 23 automatically returning to the closed position under the effect of the elastic return means. Entrance 33 is open again.

Une fois la bague 23 remise en place, on actionne le système d'aspiration et la balle B introduite dans l'embout de raccordement 2 est entraînée au travers du tuyau d'aspiration 3 qu'elle nettoie ainsi.Once the ring 23 has been put back in place, the suction system is activated and the ball B introduced into the connecting piece 2 is driven through the suction pipe 3 which it thus cleans.

De préférence, le dispositif d'aspiration est utilisé avec une cale de lissage 1a montée dans la partie tête de buse 10 de manière à s'étendre en travers de l'ouverture d'aspiration, au moins son extrémité étant en saillie de l'ouverture, constituant un dispositif d'aspiration et de lissage de cordon d'étanchéité.Preferably, the suction device is used with a smoothing wedge 1a mounted in the nozzle head part 10 so as to extend across the suction opening, at least its end projecting from the opening, constituting a sealing bead suction and smoothing device.

Le dispositif d'aspiration et de lissage est solidaire d'un bras robotisé (cf. figure 12). A cet effet, le tuyau d'aspiration 3 est monté en amont de la tête de robot. Aussi pour éviter les efforts émis par la rotation de l'axe n°6 du robot, on prévoit un raccord tournant 50 permettant une rotation sur l'axe n°6 sans aucune contrainte en amont de la tête du robot et on élimine ainsi les contraintes avec les câblages ou les tuyaux. Ce raccord tournant 50 est constitué des trois pièces 51, 52, 53 représentées à la figure 10. Un premier embout tubulaire 51 est relié à un second embout tubulaire 52 à l'aide d'une bague 53 fixée sur l'embout 51. Les embouts 51 et 52 ne sont pas fixés l'un à l'autre, le but étant d'obtenir une liaison rotative entre les embouts 51 et 52.The suction and smoothing device is attached to a robotic arm (cf. figure 12 ). For this purpose, the suction pipe 3 is mounted upstream of the robot head. Also to avoid the forces emitted by the rotation of axis No. 6 of the robot, a rotating coupling 50 is provided allowing rotation on axis No. 6 without any constraint upstream of the head of the robot and the constraints with wiring or pipes. This swivel joint 50 consists of three parts 51, 52, 53 shown in figure 10 . A first tubular endpiece 51 is connected to a second tubular endpiece 52 by means of a ring 53 fixed to the endpiece 51. The endpieces 51 and 52 are not fixed to each other, the aim being to obtain a rotary connection between the end pieces 51 and 52.

Le raccord tournant 50 est fixé sur la buse d'aspiration d'une part et d'autre part sur la tête du robot.The rotating coupling 50 is fixed on the suction nozzle on the one hand and on the other hand on the head of the robot.

Ce dispositif d'aspiration et de lissage selon l'invention est utilisé au sein d'une installation automatisée d'aspiration de matière visqueuse, en particulier dans le cadre du lissage de cordon d'étanchéité. Une telle installation comprend donc un système d'aspiration comprenant un dispositif d'aspiration tel que défini ci-dessus, comprenant en outre, pour générer la dépression à partir de laquelle l'excès de matière est collecté dans le bac 7a, un appareil générateur de dépression 7b, tel qu'une pompe à vide. De préférence, on prévoit également un capteur de pression, un capteur de dépression, un variateur de puissance et des moyens d'arrêt d'urgence ainsi qu'un pré-séparateur pour le bac de récupération.This suction and smoothing device according to the invention is used within an automated installation for the suction of viscous material, in particular in the context of the smoothing of sealing bead. Such an installation therefore comprises a suction system comprising a suction device as defined above, further comprising, to generate the depression from which the excess material is collected in the tank 7a, a generating device depression 7b, such as a vacuum pump. Preferably, there is also provided a pressure sensor, a depression sensor, a power variator and emergency stop means as well as a pre-separator for the recovery tank.

L'installation peut comporter en outre des moyens de nettoyage de l'installation tels qu'une barre de raclage permettant de retirer l'excédent de matière visqueuse à l'extrémité de la buse, des moyens de soufflage d'air tels qu'une buse de soufflage, soufflant de l'air mélangé à du plastifiant et permettant de nettoyer l'intérieur de la buse d'aspiration ainsi qu'un dispositif de distribution de balle nettoyante, un tel dispositif présentant des moyens de distribution coopérant avec les moyens d'obturation du dispositif d'aspiration.The installation may further comprise means for cleaning the installation such as a scraper bar making it possible to remove the excess viscous material at the end of the nozzle, air blowing means such as a blowing nozzle, blowing air mixed with plasticizer to clean the inside of the suction nozzle and a cleaning ball dispensing device, a such a device having distribution means cooperating with the closing means of the suction device.

De plus, à cette installation d'aspiration dans laquelle la buse d'aspiration est portée par un bras de robot, on peut associer un système de vision permettant de déterminer des décalages existants entre deux objets traités par exemple, deux caisses de véhicule et de recaler la trajectoire du robot pour réaliser une aspiration et plus précisément un lissage approprié. Un tel système de vision comprend par exemple quatre caméras fixes et des moyens de traitement de l'image donnée à partir de trois de ces caméras.In addition, to this suction installation in which the suction nozzle is carried by a robot arm, it is possible to associate a vision system making it possible to determine existing offsets between two treated objects, for example, two vehicle bodies and readjust the trajectory of the robot to perform suction and more precisely an appropriate smoothing. Such a vision system comprises for example four fixed cameras and means for processing the image given from three of these cameras.

Ainsi, de manière avantageuse, on peut mettre en oeuvre un lissage du cordon d'étanchéité d'une caisse de véhicule même dans des zones difficiles d'accès en automatique, tenant les temps de cycle, tout en restant propre et n'ayant pas de difficultés d'encrassement.Thus, advantageously, it is possible to implement a smoothing of the sealing bead of a vehicle body even in areas that are difficult to access automatically, taking the cycle times, while remaining clean and not having clogging difficulties.

Ainsi, la matière visqueuse tel que du mastic est lissée par la cale se trouvant au bout de la buse d'aspiration, par la suite le mastic est aspiré par la buse et passe par le tuyau avant d'atterrir dans le fût de récupération.Thus, the viscous material such as mastic is smoothed by the wedge located at the end of the suction nozzle, thereafter the mastic is sucked by the nozzle and passes through the pipe before landing in the recovery drum.

Une telle installation permet d'avoir un lissage constant, ne dépendant pas de l'encrassement, tout en ayant une cale qui ne se salit pas. Le système de nettoyage permet de garder la cale et le dispositif d'aspiration propre en passant par les différentes étapes entre chaque cycle.Such an installation makes it possible to have a constant smoothing, not depending on fouling, while having a wedge that does not get dirty. The cleaning system keeps the hold and the suction device clean by going through the different stages between each cycle.

Le distributeur de balles permet de faire passer une balle par le dispositif pour nettoyer le tuyau flexible régulièrement et en automatique pour éviter de donner des contraintes à la production.The ball dispenser allows a ball to pass through the device to clean the flexible pipe regularly and automatically to avoid putting constraints on production.

Le système d'aspiration, comprenant des moyens d'arrêt tels qu'une vanne de shunt et le régulateur de puissance permet de gérer la puissance d'aspiration en fonction des contraintes et de l'emplacement des cordons à traiter.The suction system, comprising shut-off means such as a shunt valve and the power regulator, makes it possible to manage the suction power according to the constraints and the location of the cords to be treated.

L'invention permet avantageusement d'automatiser des opérations de grande dextérité, tout en évitant l'exposition des opérateurs aux inhalations de produits toxiques et en supprimant des opérations « manuelles » pouvant provoquer des troubles musculo-squelettiques lorsque les emplacements traités étaient difficiles d'accès.The invention advantageously makes it possible to automate operations requiring great dexterity, while avoiding the exposure of operators to the inhalation of toxic products and eliminating "manual" operations that can cause musculoskeletal disorders when the sites treated were difficult to access.

Ainsi, l'invention permet la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé pour lisser un cordon d'étanchéité de carrosserie, selon les étapes consistant à : approcher la buse vers le cordon d'étanchéité, lisser le cordon avec la cale, aspirer le surplus de matière retiré du cordon, récupérer le surplus de matière du cordon, dégager la buse.Thus, the invention allows the implementation of a method for smoothing a bodywork sealing bead, according to the steps consisting in: approaching the nozzle towards the sealing bead, smoothing the bead with the wedge, sucking up the surplus of material removed from the bead, recover the excess material from the bead, release the nozzle.

On offre ainsi une bien meilleure répétabilité du processus de lissage et un meilleur rendement de traitement.This offers a much better repeatability of the smoothing process and a better treatment yield.

Claims (5)

  1. Device for sucking a viscous product comprising a suction device for viscous product, such as a sealing material, comprising a nozzle (1) having a first suction opening for the product, a pipe (3) and a recovery tank (7a), said nozzle (1) having a second opening for its connection to said pipe (3), a third opening (22, 220) and means for removably closing said opening (22, 220), characterized in that the installation further comprises an automatic distributor (30) of a cleaning member provided with a dispensing opening (35) to the suction device comprises means for releasably closing the dispensing opening (35), which can be actuated by the nozzle (1) of the suction device.
  2. Suction device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the third opening (22, 220) has a cross-section substantially equal to that of the pipe (3).
  3. Suction device according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the nozzle (1) comprises a tubular part (2, 21) of section substantially equal to the section of the suction pipe (3), one end of which constitutes the connection opening of the pipe, and a part called the nozzle head comprising the suction opening of the product.
  4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the nozzle (1) has an opening (22) formed in the wall of its tubular part (2), this third opening (22) constituting an opening for introducing a cleaning member into the device.
  5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the closure means consist of a ring (23) slidably mounted around the tubular part (2) between a closed position where the ring (23) masks the opening (22) of the tubular part (2) and an open position where, after sliding of the ring (23) on the tubular part (2), the ring (23) releases the opening (22).
EP18204944.5A 2017-11-20 2018-11-07 Suction device for a viscous product Active EP3485989B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1760909A FR3073757A1 (en) 2017-11-20 2017-11-20 SUCTION DEVICE FOR VISCOUS PRODUCT.

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EP3485989B1 true EP3485989B1 (en) 2022-08-24

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ES (1) ES2927017T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3073757A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1175862B1 (en) * 2000-07-28 2009-10-28 Shop Vac Corporation Nozzle and method providing increased liquid lift height for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2096595A (en) * 1936-08-10 1937-10-19 Jack C Sanford Automatic relief valve for suction pipes
DE102010024591A1 (en) 2009-12-15 2011-06-16 Daimler Ag Method for connecting two components
US9702101B1 (en) * 2011-07-20 2017-07-11 David Ficks Vacuum hose handling and safety vacuum release system
JP6577290B2 (en) * 2015-08-20 2019-09-18 トヨタ自動車九州株式会社 Viscous material recovery device
FR3045422B1 (en) * 2015-12-22 2019-07-19 Psa Automobiles Sa. DEVICE FOR LAUNDRYING A SEAL CORD

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1175862B1 (en) * 2000-07-28 2009-10-28 Shop Vac Corporation Nozzle and method providing increased liquid lift height for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner

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FR3073757A1 (en) 2019-05-24
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