Supply arrangement and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeding arrangement and a system, a feeding arrangement for feeding a tape head part (P) comprising a first receiving track (10a) for receiving part (s) and a feeding device (20) configured to feed individual parts from the receiving track (10), where the feeding arrangement (1) further comprises a second receiving track (10b), and where the feeding device (20) is configured to feed individual parts from the receiving track (10). A feeding device (20) is movably arranged to feed a single part from either of the first and second receiving rails. The invention also relates to a system comprising a tool for handling parts (P) and a supply arrangement (1) according to any one of the claims.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a feeding arrangement, more specifically to a feeding arrangement for feeding head parts. BACKGROUND

[0002] Power tools for tightening threaded fasteners are known for use in various industries. For example, such power tools can be electrically or pneumatically powered. In order to increase productivity, it is known to use a feeding arrangement for feeding head parts, such as screws, to the power tool. For example, such a feeding arrangement can be arranged to feed the parts individually to the tool.

[0003] Furthermore, there are various types of automatic or semi-automatic tightening applications, including applications comprising a robot carrying the tool and a feeding arrangement for feeding and / or orienting the parts or screws before installation by the robot.

[0004] For example, known feeding arrangements can comprise a vibrating matrix plate, such that screws fall into respective openings in the matrix plate to be correctly oriented, from which the screws can be picked up by the tool and / or robot. However, such feeding arrangements are known to be relatively complex, for example because the tool and / or robot must be provided with information about which openings of the matrix plate contain screws that are correctly oriented.

[0005] Other feeding arrangements comprise a track for feeding head parts, wherein the parts can be received and transported in the track in an aligned manner. Similar to the above-described matrix plate sorter, screws that are not correctly received in the track can be manually removed from the matrix plate, or can fall out by gravity. Such an arrangement can provide a less complex design, but for applications where the production pace is high, the feeding speed of such an arrangement can sometimes be too low.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved feeding arrangement that can solve or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a feeding arrangement that increases productivity. In particular, it is desirable to provide such a feeding arrangement that is simple and robust in design. In order to better address one or more of these issues, a feeding arrangement and system are provided as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feeding arrangement for feeding head parts, the feeding arrangement comprising a first receiving track for receiving the part(s) and a feeding device configured to feed a single part from the receiving track, wherein the feeding arrangement further comprises a second receiving track, and wherein the feeding device is movably arranged to feed a single part from either of the first receiving track and the second receiving track.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the feeding arrangement provides an inventive solution to the above-mentioned problems by means of a design comprising first and second receiving tracks from which the feeding device can feed components.

[0010] More specifically, since the feeding arrangement can feed components from two tracks, the speed at which screws can be supplied to the feeding track can be increased. Since more components can be fed simultaneously, the overall throughput is increased, and since the feeding capacity of the feeding arrangement is enhanced, the overall production rate can be increased.

[0011] The components can for example be head components, i.e. components comprising a shaft and a head connected to the shaft, such as screws.

[0012] In one embodiment, the feeding device comprises a feeding space or seat for receiving components from at least one of the first and second tracks. In some embodiments, the feeding device comprises a first feeding space or seat for receiving components from the first receiving track and a second feeding space or seat for receiving components from the second receiving track.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the feeding arrangement is configured to move the feeding device between a first input feeding position for feeding components from the first receiving track and an output feeding position, and between a second input feeding position for feeding components from the second receiving track and an output feeding position. Thus, screws can conveniently be fed to the feeding position from either of the first and second receiving tracks. The first feeding position can be a position from which the feeding device can receive components from the first receiving track, the second feeding position can be a position from which the feeding device can receive components from the second receiving track, and the output position can be any position from which the feeding device can further feed components, i.e. advance the components. In some embodiments, the feeding arrangement can comprise a single feeding device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the feeding arrangement is configured to rotate the feeding device between the first input feeding position and the output feeding position, and between the second input feeding position and the output feeding position. Other embodiments can comprise feeding devices configured to translate between the input positions.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the feeding arrangement is configured to rotate the feeding device back and forth between the first input feeding position and the second input feeding position. In some embodiments, the feeding device is configured to rotate the feeding device back and forth between the output feeding position and the first input feeding position, and between the output feeding position and the second input feeding position, respectively. This can also involve alternating between the first input feeding position and the second input feeding position. In some embodiments, the motion can also be described as a back and forth motion between the first input feeding position and the second input feeding position, with a pass through and / or stop at the output position (for feeding components forward).

[0016] According to an embodiment, the feeding device comprises a rotatable circular plate, wherein a first feeding space for receiving parts from the first track and a second feeding space for receiving parts from the second track are formed in the plate. The first and / or second feeding space can for example be a recess formed in the plate. According to an embodiment, the first feeding space is aligned with the first feeding track in a first feeding position and the second feeding space is aligned with the second feeding track in a second feeding position.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the first feeding space and the second feeding space are arranged at the outer circumference of the plate such that the first feeding position and / or the second feeding position coincide with the output feeding position. In other words, the first and second feeding spaces can be arranged at the outer circumference of the plate such that the first feeding space is aligned with the first track when the second feeding space is aligned with the position where the feeding device can further feed parts, and vice versa. Thus, when the plate is turned back and forth between the first feeding position and the second feeding position, the feeding spaces never have to pass the tracks without stopping to pick up a screw. That is, the first feeding space does not need to pass the second track, and vice versa, thereby avoiding jamming of parts and the like and ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Furthermore, it can be seen that in such an embodiment, the first feeding position as well as the second feeding position coincide with the output position, so that when the plate is stopped, the plate can simultaneously receive a screw at one receiving space from a receiving track and further feed a screw (previously received at the other track) at the other receiving space.

[0018] In some embodiments, the feeding arrangement comprises no more or less than two tracks and no more or less than two feeding spaces. Thus, a design can advantageously be realized in which the feeding spaces never have to pass the receiving tracks thereby providing the above-mentioned advantages.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first and second feeding spaces are arranged at the outer circumference C of the plate such that the angular distance between the first feeding space and the second feeding space ≠ 180°. According to an embodiment, the first and second feeding spaces are arranged at the outer circumference of the plate and wherein the angular distance between the first feeding space and the second feeding space is equal to 180° ± a, a being half of the center to center angular distance between the first track and the second track.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the first and second tracks extend parallel to each other. According to an embodiment, each of the first and second tracks comprises a respective end portion, each respective end portion having a curvature matching the curvature of the circular plate, such that the respective end portions together form a shape adapted to at least partially accommodate the circular plate. The curvature may, for example, correspond to the curvature of the circular plate, i.e. together form / have a combined curvature coinciding with a portion of the circumference of the circular plate. Thereby, a smooth transition of the components is facilitated.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the supply arrangement further comprises a motor for rotating the supply device. The motor may, for example, be a pneumatic motor or a stepper motor. The supply arrangement can further comprise a control device for controlling the operation of such motor.

[0022] The supply device may, for example, be configured to supply the individual components at a certain speed or the like. The supply device can further be configured to supply the individual components from the first and second receiving tracks to a downstream track in a predetermined manner / order or in a random manner / order.

[0023] In some embodiments, the components can be received and transported in the first and second receiving tracks in an aligned manner. Components that are not properly received in the tracks can be manually removed or can fall by gravity. According to an embodiment, each of the first and / or second receiving tracks comprises a receiving profile that allows the components to be transported while having a single alignment, such as only a single alignment. The single alignment can be a head-up direction. The first and second receiving tracks can further be arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the supply arrangement further comprises an input portion for supplying the components to the receiving tracks, said input portion allowing to accommodate the components in a plurality of different orientations. In some embodiments, the input portion can be an input track having an input profile that allows the components to be transported in a plurality of different orientations. In some embodiments, the input portion is an input tray that allows the components to be stored in a plurality of different orientations. A diverting portion can be arranged between the input portion and the first and second receiving tracks, such a diverting portion can be arranged to divert components transported from the input portion having an orientation that is not suitable for the receiving track profile.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the supply arrangement further comprises a downstream track, and wherein the supply device is configured to supply the individual components from the receiving tracks to the downstream track. In other embodiments, the supply arrangement can be configured to supply the individual components from the receiving tracks to a power tool.

[0026] The supply arrangement can further be composed as a single unit.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a system comprising a power tool for handling components and a feeding arrangement according to any of the preceding embodiments. The power tool can for example be an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic power tool. Alternatively, or in addition, the tool can be a fastening tool, for example for fastening nuts on threaded members. The feeding arrangement can be positioned in close proximity to the tool. The system can further comprise a robot.

[0028] According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a feeding arrangement according to the first aspect or a system according to the second aspect and a plurality of headed components, such as screws.

[0029] The objects, advantages and features of the present application within the scope of the second and third aspects of the present application can be readily understood by reference to the above discussion of the first and second aspects of the present application.

[0030] Further objects, features and advantages of the present application will also become apparent from the following detailed description of the application, from the drawings and from the appended claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that different features of the present application can be combined in order to create embodiments other than those described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] The present application will be described in the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary feeding arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a top view of an exemplary feeding arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0034] All drawings are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show the parts which are necessary in order to illustrate the present application, wherein other parts can have been omitted or only suggested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In Figure 1 is a perspective view of a feeding arrangement 1 for feeding headed components P, such as screws P.

[0036] The feeding arrangement 1 comprises a first receiving track 10a and a second receiving track 10b for receiving a plurality of components P, for example in an aligned manner. The components P can be provided to the tracks 10a, 10b from an input portion (not shown), such as a magazine or an input track or the like.

[0037] The supply arrangement further comprises a supply device 20 configured to supply the individual components P from any of the receiving tracks 10a, 10b. The supply device 20 is movably arranged to supply the individual components P from the first and / or second receiving tracks 10a, 10b.

[0038] The supply device 20 can comprise one or more supply spaces or seats 22, 23 for receiving components P from the first and second tracks 10a, 10b. The supply arrangement 1 can be configured to move the supply device 20 between a first input supply position for supplying components from the first receiving track 10a and an output supply position, and between a second input supply position for supplying components from the second receiving track 10b and an output supply position. The first supply position is a position in which the supply spaces or seats 22, 23 can receive components P from the first receiving track 10a, the second supply position is a position in which the supply spaces or seats 22, 23 can receive components P from the second receiving track 10b, and the output position is any position in which the supply device 20 can further supply components P from any of the supply spaces or seats 22, 23.

[0039] In the output position, the components can be further transported. For example, the components can be picked up by a power tool (not shown), or alternatively, supplied to a downstream track (not shown) arranged to further transport the components.

[0040] For example, the supply device 20 can be configured to rotate between the first input supply position and the second input supply position. For example, the supply device 20 can comprise a rotatable circular plate 20, in which a first supply space 22 for receiving components from the first track 10a and a second supply space 23 for receiving components from the second track 10b are formed.

[0041] For example, the spaces 22, 23 can be recesses formed or arranged at the outer circumference C of the plate 20. The spaces 22, 23 can further be arranged such that the first supply space 22 is aligned with the first supply track in the first supply position, and the second supply space 23 is aligned with the second supply track in the second supply position. This can be achieved by rotating the plate 20. In such an embodiment, the output position can be a position in which one of the first and second supply spaces 22, 23 is located at a position in which the components P can be further supplied and / or picked up by a tool.

[0042] Figure 2The arrangement of the spaces 22, 23 of the exemplary embodiment is shown in detail. More specifically, it can be seen that the spaces 22, 23 are arranged at the outer circumference C of the plate 20 such that the angular distance between the first supply space and the second supply space ≠ 180°. The angular distance is further chosen such that when the second supply space 23 is aligned with the position at which the component P can be further supplied and / or picked up by the tool, the first supply space 22 is aligned with the first track 10a, and vice versa. In Figure 2 In the shown embodiment, the plate 20 thus shows in the second supply position (second supply space 23 aligned with the second track 10b), which coincides with the output position for the shown embodiment, the first receiving space 22 is located at the position at which the component can be further supplied and / or picked up by the tool (not shown).

[0043] The supply device 20 can also be configured to rotate the supply plate 20 back and forth between the first input supply position and the second input supply position. That is, the supply plate 20 can alternate between the supply positions and thereby between supplying from the first track 10a and the second track 10b. For example, with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 In the shown embodiment, starting from the case in which the shown second receiving space 23 is located at the opening or end of the second track 10b (i.e. the second supply position), the plate 20 is rotated clockwise until the second space 23 reaches the output supply position, whereby the first supply space 22 simultaneously reaches the first track 10a (i.e. the first supply position), and then counterclockwise until the first supply space 22 reaches the position at which the screw can be further supplied (coinciding with the second supply position). Thereby, it is ensured that the first supply space 22 does not need to pass the second supply track 10b, and vice versa, avoiding jamming of the components and similar situations, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. To this end, the supply arrangement can comprise a motor (such as a pneumatic motor or a stepper motor) for rotating the plate and, optionally, a control unit for controlling the motor to implement the above-mentioned rotational movement.

[0044] The receiving tracks can also have a receiving profile that allows the components P to be transported while having only a single orientation (e.g. with the head of a head component P facing upwards, etc.).

[0045] For example, the first and second receiving tracks 10a, 10b can be arranged to extend parallel to each other. Each of the tracks 10a, 10b can also comprise a respective end portion 100a, 100b having a curvature matching the curvature of the circular plate 20. For example, from Figure 2As can be seen, these end portions 100a, 100b can together form a shape suitable for at least partially housing the circular plate 20, in the case shown a combined shape of the end portions is a circular arc shape having a radius matching that of the plate 20. This design can also contribute to efficient operation by avoiding parts getting stuck or the like.

[0046] While the application has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described techniques.

Claims

1. A feeding arrangement (1) for feeding strip head parts (P), the feeding arrangement comprising: a first receiving track (10a) for receiving parts, and a feeding device (20) configured to feed a single part from the receiving track (10), wherein the feeding arrangement (1) further comprises a second receiving track (10b), and wherein the feeding device (20) is movably arranged to feed a single part from the first receiving track and the second receiving track.

2. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 1, wherein, the feeding arrangement is configured to move the feeding device (20) between a first input feeding position for feeding parts from the first receiving track (10a) and an output feeding position, and between a second input feeding position for feeding parts from the second receiving track (10b) and the output feeding position.

3. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 2, wherein, the feeding arrangement is configured to rotate the feeding device (20) between the first input feeding position and the output feeding position, and between the second input feeding position and the output feeding position.

4. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 3, wherein, the feeding arrangement is configured to rotate the feeding device (20) back and forth between the first input feeding position and the second input feeding position.

5. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the feeding device comprises a rotatable circular plate (20), wherein a first feeding space (22) for receiving parts from the first track (10a) and a second feeding space (23) for receiving parts from the second track (10b) are formed in the plate.

6. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 5, wherein the first feeding space (22) is aligned with the first feeding track in the first feeding position, and wherein the second feeding space (23) is aligned with the second feeding track in the second feeding position.

7. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first feeding space and the second feeding space are arranged at an outer circumference C of the plate (20) such that an angular distance between the first feeding space and the second feeding space is not equal to 180°.

8. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first feeding space and the second feeding space are arranged at an outer circumference of the plate (20) such that the first feeding position and / or the second feeding position coincide with the output feeding position.

9. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, the first feeding space and the second feeding space are arranged at an outer circumference of the plate (20), and wherein an angular distance between the first feeding space and the second feeding space is equal to 180° ± a, a being half of a center-to-center angular distance between the first track and the second track.

10. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first track and the second track (10a, 10b) extend parallel to each other.

11. A feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to claim 10, wherein, each of the first track and the second track (10a, 10b) comprises a respective end portion (100a, 100b) having a curvature matching a curvature of the circular plate (20) such that the end portions (100a, 100b) together form a shape adapted to at least partially accommodate the circular plate.

12. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding strip head parts (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a motor for rotating the feeding device.

13. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, each of the first receiving track and / or the second receiving track comprises a receiving profile allowing parts to be transported while having a single orientation.

14. A feeding arrangement (1) for feeding strip head parts (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an input section for supplying parts to the receiving track (10a, 10b), the input section allowing for accommodating parts (P) in a plurality of different orientations.

15. The feeding arrangement (1) for feeding tape head components (P) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The feeding arrangement further comprises a downstream track, and wherein the feeding device (20) is configured to feed a single part (P) from the receiving track (10a, 10b) to the downstream track.

16. A system comprising a tool for handling parts (P) and a feeding arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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