Transportation equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device for transporting a workpiece, in particular a housing flange, comprising a first jaw and a second jaw for clamping the workpiece, and a holding element on which the transport device can be suspended. The retaining element is connected to the claw by means of a linkage. The link mechanism has a first rocker arm, a second rocker arm, a first link and a second link. The first claw is arranged on the first rocker arm, and the second claw is arranged on the second rocker arm. The first link is pivotable relative to the retaining element about an upper pivot axis and the second link is pivotable relative to the retaining element about the upper pivot axis. The upper wobble axis extends in a longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting workpieces, particularly housing flanges, the transport device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw for clamping the workpiece. Background Technology

[0002] The machine's drive unit comprises a motor and a mechanical transmission mechanism. The motor drives the machine through the transmission mechanism. During the assembly of the drive unit, the housing components of the transmission mechanism and the motor are interconnected. Each of the housing components has a housing flange that is fixed to the other.

[0003] The housing components of the transmission mechanism and the motor are connected to each other at a workstation provided for this purpose via housing flanges, and therefore must first be transported to the aforementioned workstation. Transport equipment for transporting housing components with housing flanges is known. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to further improve the transport equipment used for transporting workpieces.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a transport device having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous designs and improvements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The transport device according to the invention for transporting workpieces, particularly housing flanges, includes a first jaw and a second jaw for clamping the workpiece, and a retaining element via which the transport device can be suspended. The retaining element is connected to the jaw by means of a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism has a first rocker arm, a second rocker arm, a first link, and a second link. The first jaw is arranged on the first rocker arm, and the second jaw is arranged on the second rocker arm. The first link is oscillating relative to the retaining element about an upper swing axis, and the second link is oscillating relative to the retaining element about the upper swing axis. The upper swing axis extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] The transport device according to the invention can transport workpieces quickly and safely, especially workpieces with a circular cross-section, such as housing flanges of motor housings or transmission mechanism housings. This avoids manual transport of housing flanges and improves work efficiency during the assembly of motors and transmission mechanisms.

[0008] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the linkage mechanism is designed as a four-bar linkage. The first link is oscillating relative to the first rocker arm about a first swing axis, the second link is oscillating relative to the second rocker arm about a second swing axis, and the first link is oscillating relative to the second link about an upper swing axis, and the first rocker arm is oscillating relative to the second rocker arm about a lower swing axis.

[0009] The four-bar linkage has a specified number of mechanical degrees of freedom, so it is both flexible and robust in resisting interference when receiving workpieces.

[0010] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first swing axis, the second swing axis, and the lower swing axis extend longitudinally in a manner that is relatively parallel to each other and parallel to the upper swing axis.

[0011] Therefore, the connecting rod and rocker arm can move in a plane perpendicular to the swing axis.

[0012] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the transport device has an electric drive for driving the first rocker arm relative to the second rocker arm about a downward swing axis.

[0013] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first claw is rotatable relative to the first rocker arm about a first rotation axis. According to an advantageous design of the invention, the second claw is rotatable relative to the second rocker arm about a second rotation axis.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second rotation axes are aligned with each other. Therefore, the workpiece held between the jaws in the transport device can swing about the rotation axes.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the present invention, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis extend in the transverse direction, respectively.

[0016] The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, means for fixing the first claw in a defined rotational position relative to the first rocker arm are mounted on the first claw and the first rocker arm. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, means for fixing the second claw in a defined rotational position relative to the second rocker arm are mounted on the second claw and the second rocker arm.

[0018] Therefore, the workpiece held between the jaws in the transport equipment can be fixed in a defined position relative to the transport equipment, particularly in a horizontal position, during transport. To place the workpiece on the workstation, it can be rotated back to a vertical position.

[0019] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the device for fixing includes an outwardly convex protrusion and an inwardly concave recess, the protrusion and recess being arranged in a defined rotational position such that the protrusion engages in the recess in a form-locking manner.

[0020] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the transport device has at least one electrically driven device for driving the pawl around the axis of rotation.

[0021] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are connected to each other by means of at least one spring element.

[0022] Spring elements are, for example, helical springs or torsion springs.

[0023] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least one spring element loads the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm, causing the first claw to move away from the second claw.

[0024] Preferably, two spring elements are provided, which are designed as tension springs. These spring elements counteract the force of gravity that pulls the rocker arm and claws downwards. Therefore, when the transport device is suspended by the holding element, the claws maintain a certain distance from each other.

[0025] Further advantages are provided by the dependent claims. The invention is not limited to the combination of features of the claims. For those skilled in the art, particularly for purposes proposed and / or by comparison with the prior art, other reasonable combinations of features of the claims and / or individual claims and / or description features and / or drawings are possible. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the subject matter of the invention, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 Showing transportation equipment,

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view of the claw is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the lower end region of the rocker arm.

[0030] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0031] 6. Holding element

[0032] 8 workpieces

[0033] 11 First rocker arm

[0034] 12 Second rocker arm

[0035] 14 Assemble the base

[0036] 15 protrusions

[0037] 21 First Claw

[0038] 22 Second Claw

[0039] 24 substrate

[0040] 25 recess

[0041] 41 First Spring Element

[0042] 42 Second spring element

[0043] 51 First Link

[0044] 52 Second Link

[0045] 60 oscillating axis

[0046] 61 First swing axis

[0047] 62 Second swing axis

[0048] 63. Downward swing axis

[0049] 71 First axis of rotation

[0050] 72 Second axis of rotation

[0051] X Vertical direction

[0052] Y (horizontal direction)

[0053] Z (vertical direction) Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 A transport device for transporting workpiece 8 is shown, specifically for transporting workpiece 8 having a circular cross-section, such as a housing flange of an electric motor housing or a transmission mechanism housing. The transport device includes a retaining element 6. In the present case, the transport device is suspended by the retaining element 6, for example, suspended from a crane or a robotic arm.

[0055] The transport device includes a first jaw 21 and a second jaw 22 for clamping workpiece 8. The transport device also includes a linkage mechanism by which the holding element 6 is connected to the jaws 21 and 22. The linkage mechanism is designed as a four-bar linkage.

[0056] The linkage mechanism has a first rocker arm 11, a second rocker arm 12, a first link 51, and a second link 52. The first link 51 can swing about an upper swing axis 60 relative to the holding element 6, and the second link 52 can also swing about the upper swing axis 60 relative to the holding element 6. The first link 51 can also swing about the upper swing axis 60 relative to the second link 52.

[0057] At the end region of the first link 51 away from the retaining element 6, the first link 51 can swing relative to the first rocker arm 11 about the first swing axis 61. At the end region of the second link 52 away from the retaining element 6, the second link 52 can swing relative to the second rocker arm 12 about the second swing axis 62.

[0058] The first claw 21 is disposed on the lower end region of the first rocker arm 11 opposite to the first connecting rod 51. The second claw 22 is disposed on the lower end region of the second rocker arm 12 opposite to the second connecting rod 52. Here, the claws 21 and 22 are arranged opposite to each other and are designed to receive the workpiece 8. In the illustration shown here, the workpiece 8 is clamped between the claws 21 and 22.

[0059] The first rocker arm 11 and the second rocker arm 12 cross each other at the lower swing axis 63. The first rocker arm 11 can swing relative to the second rocker arm 12 about the lower swing axis 63. Here, the lower swing axis 63 is located between the first swing axis 61 and the first claw 21 and between the second swing axis 62 and the second claw 22.

[0060] The first swing axis 61, the second swing axis 62, the upper swing axis 60, and the lower swing axis 63 extend along the longitudinal direction X. Here, the first swing axis 61, the second swing axis 62, the upper swing axis 60, and the lower swing axis 63 are parallel to each other.

[0061] The lateral direction Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The vertical direction Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and also perpendicular to the lateral direction Y. The vertical direction Z is perpendicular to the ground and therefore extends along the direction of gravity, which acts on the components of the transport equipment and on workpiece 8.

[0062] The transport device includes a first spring element 41 and a second spring element 42. The first rocker arm 11 and the second rocker arm 12 are connected to each other by means of the spring elements 41 and 42. Here, the spring elements 41 and 42 are designed as tension springs.

[0063] The first spring element 41 engages with the first rocker arm 11 near the first claw 21 and with the second rocker arm 12 near the second swing axis 62. The second spring element 42 engages with the second rocker arm 12 near the second claw 22 and with the first rocker arm 11 near the first swing axis 61.

[0064] The first spring element 41 loads the first rocker arm 11, causing the first claw 21 to move away from the second claw 22. The second spring element 42 loads the second rocker arm 12, causing the second claw 22 to move away from the first claw 21.

[0065] Here, spring elements 41 and 42 compensate for the gravity acting downwards and toward the ground in the vertical direction Z on the first rocker arm 11, the second rocker arm 12, the first claw 21, and the second claw 22. If the workpiece 8 is not clamped between the claws 21 and 22, the claws 21 and 22 maintain a certain distance from each other.

[0066] The first claw 21 can rotate relative to the first rocker arm 11 about the first rotation axis 71. The second claw 22 can rotate relative to the second rocker arm 12 about the second rotation axis 72. The first rotation axis 71 and the second rotation axis 72 extend in the transverse direction Y and are aligned with each other.

[0067] Figure 2 A perspective view of the first claw 21 of the transport device is shown. The second claw 22 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical to the first claw 21.

[0068] The first claw 21 has an upper plate and a lower plate that are parallel to each other. The upper plate and the lower plate are spaced apart from each other so that the workpiece 8 to be transported can be received between the plates. A spacer is formed between the upper plate and the lower plate, which also serves as a stop for the workpiece 8 to be transported.

[0069] The upper plate and the lower plate are connected to each other via a substrate 24. The substrate 24 is perpendicular to the upper plate and the lower plate. The substrate 24 is also perpendicular to the transverse direction Y.

[0070] A hole is formed approximately centrally in the substrate 24, and this hole is arranged concentrically with the first axis of rotation 71. A shaft, not shown, passes through this hole. The first claw 21 is rotatable about said shaft and therefore about the first axis of rotation 71.

[0071] A recessed portion 25 is also formed in the substrate 24. The recessed portion 25 is arranged offset from the first rotation axis 71. The recessed portion 25 is designed, for example, as a through circular hole in the substrate 24.

[0072] Figure 3 A diagram showing the lower end region of the first rocker arm 11 of the transport device. The second rocker arm 12 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical to the first rocker arm 11.

[0073] The lower end region of the first rocker arm 11 includes a mounting base 14 with a stop surface. The stop surface is perpendicular to the lateral direction Y.

[0074] A hole is formed in the assembly base 14, which is arranged concentrically with the first rotation axis 71. A shaft, not shown, passes through this hole. The first claw 21 is rotatable about the shaft and therefore about the first rotation axis 71 relative to the assembly base 14 of the first rocker arm 11.

[0075] An outwardly protruding protrusion 15 is also formed on the assembly base 14. The outwardly protruding protrusion 15 is arranged offset from the first rotation axis 71. The distance from the outwardly protruding protrusion 15 to the first rotation axis 71 is equivalent to the distance from the concave portion 25 of the first claw 21 to the first rotation axis 71.

[0076] In the defined rotational position of the first claw 21 relative to the first rocker arm 11, the protrusion 15 engages with the recess 25 in a form-locking manner. Thus, the first claw 21 is fixed to the first rocker arm 11. Therefore, the outwardly protruding protrusion 15 and the inwardly recessed recess 25 constitute the means for fixing the first claw 21 to the first rocker arm 11 in the defined rotational position.

Claims

1. Transport device for transporting a workpiece (8), in particular a housing flange, comprising: a first jaw (21) and a second jaw (22) for clamping the workpiece (8), a holding element (6) via which the transport device can be suspended, the holding element (6) being connected to the jaws (21, 22) by means of a linkage, the linkage having a first rocker arm (11), a second rocker arm (12), a first link (51) and a second link (52), the first jaw (21) being arranged on the first rocker arm (11), the second jaw (22) being arranged on the second rocker arm (12), the first link (51) being able to oscillate relative to the holding element (6) about an upper oscillation axis (60), the second link (52) being able to oscillate relative to the holding element (6) about the upper oscillation axis (60), the upper oscillation axis (60) extending in a longitudinal direction (X).

2. Transport device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the linkage is designed as a four-bar linkage, the first link (51) is able to oscillate relative to the first rocker arm (11) about a first oscillation axis (61), the second link (52) is able to oscillate relative to the second rocker arm (12) about a second oscillation axis (62), the first link (51) is able to oscillate relative to the second link (52) about the upper oscillation axis (60), the first rocker arm (11) is able to oscillate relative to the second rocker arm (12) about a lower oscillation axis (63).

3. Transport device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first oscillation axis (61), the second oscillation axis (62) and the lower oscillation axis (63) each extend in the longitudinal direction in a manner offset parallel to one another and parallel to the upper oscillation axis (60).

4. Transport device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transport device has an electric drive for driving the first rocker arm (11) relative to the second rocker arm (12) about the lower oscillation axis (63).

5. Transport device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first jaw (21) is able to rotate relative to the first rocker arm (11) about a first rotation axis (71), and / or the second jaw (22) is able to rotate relative to the second rocker arm (12) about a second rotation axis (72).

6. Transport device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the first rotation axis (71) and the second rotation axis (72) each extend in a transverse direction (Y).

7. Transport device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that means for fixing the first jaw (21) in a defined rotational position relative to the first rocker arm (11) are formed on the first jaw (21) and on the first rocker arm (11), and / or means for fixing the second jaw (22) in a defined rotational position relative to the second rocker arm (12) are formed on the second jaw (22) and on the second rocker arm (12).

8. Transport device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the means for fixing each comprise an outwardly convex projection (15) and an inwardly concave recess (25). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The protrusion and the recess are arranged in such a way that in a defined rotational position the protrusion (15) engages in the recess (25) in a form-locking manner.

9. Transport device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that The transport device has at least one electric drive for driving the claws (21, 22) about a rotational axis (71, 72).

10. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first rocker arm (11) and the second rocker arm (12) are connected to one another by means of at least one spring element (41, 42).

11. Transport device according to claim 10, characterized in that The at least one spring element loads the first rocker arm (11) and the second rocker arm (12) in such a way that the first claw (21) moves away from the second claw (22).

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