Feeding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeding device, said feeding device having a hollow component line, by means of which a component can be moved from a component transfer position of the component line, in which the component can be fed into the component line, into a connection position of the component line, in which the component line can be connected to a processing device, the component can be conveyed outwards from the component conduit at a connection point to which the component can be conveyed by means of a gas flow in the component conduit, and wherein a gas flow generating device can be connected to the component conduit in order to provide a gas flow in the component conduit, the invention relates to a device for supplying a gas to a component in a component transfer position, in such a way that the component can be moved from the component transfer position through a component conduit into a connection position on the basis of the gas flow, the component conduit being subdivided by means of a connection into at least one first conduit section and one second conduit section, and the supply device being designed to exhaust the component conduit at the connection.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Processing equipment for processing components is known. For example, one known processing equipment has a feeding device and tool for supplying components, wherein the feeding device has a hollow delivery conduit for conveying the components to the processing equipment.

[0002] The small components are, for example, joining elements such as functional components or connecting elements such as rivets. These components are conveyed to processing equipment or tools, where compressed gas can be used as a transport medium or energy carrier, for example, in an airflow to pick up individual components from a stock of components and to automate the conveying of components. Traditionally, compressed air is used for this purpose, and compressed air is usually centrally supplied. However, in the case of a centrally supplied compressed air, relatively high energy losses occur due to friction and leakage; therefore, known processing equipment uses fans instead of compressors. Compared to compressors, fans, while producing only lower pressures, can achieve relatively higher airflow velocities and / or larger airflow rates.

[0003] In known feeding devices, on the one hand, the feeding time of the components plays a relatively important role, thus a high cycle speed is desired; on the other hand, in processing equipment with fans, the conveying length of the components is subject to relatively large limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved feeding device, specifically, a feeding device capable of achieving a higher cycle speed and / or a relatively long feeding distance.

[0005] This task is solved by the following solution. Other preferred technical solutions illustrate reasonable and advantageous further improvements.

[0006] This invention relates to a feeding device having a hollow component conduit through which a component can be moved from a component transfer position to a connection position. At the component transfer position, the component can be fed into the component conduit. At the connection position, the component conduit can be connected to a processing device, and the component can be conveyed outward from the component conduit at the connection position, thereby transferring the component to the processing device. The component can be conveyed to the connection position by means of gas flow within the component conduit. An airflow generating device can be connected to the component conduit to provide gas flow within it, enabling the component to be moved from the component transfer position to the connection position via the component conduit based on the gas flow. The component conduit can be divided into at least one first conduit segment and a second conduit segment via an interface, and the feeding device is configured to vent the component conduit at the interface. For example, the interface and / or the component conduit are constructed in a way that allows venting of the component conduit at the interface. This extends the feeding distance of the component within the component conduit. For example, by using an interface that enables venting of the component conduit, the length of the component conduit can be variably set.

[0007] For example, the delivery distance refers to the maximum distance a component can be transported within a component conduit using a defined airflow. In a delivery device, the component is driven by the airflow at a component transfer position and moves along the delivery direction within and along the component conduit. The kinetic energy possessed by the component at the connection position allows it to continue moving, for example, to a processing device that can connect to the component conduit at the connection position.

[0008] For example, a connection position may be present or formed at the first end of the component conduit. For example, a component transfer position may be present or formed at the second end of the component conduit. It is conceivable that the first and second ends of the component conduit are opposite to and spaced apart from each other. For example, the connection position and the component transfer position may be spaced apart from each other along the length of the component conduit.

[0009] Components can be, for example, connecting or joining elements such as screws and rivets, stamped rivets, press-fit rivets, and / or functional elements such as stamped nuts, press-fit nuts, press-on nuts, and / or stamped bolts, press-fit bolts, press-on bolts, and press-fit bolts. Therefore, this feeding device can be diversely and flexibly applied to different assembly tasks. With this feeding device, corresponding components can be supplied to the appropriate processing equipment via component conduits.

[0010] The feeding device, such as a feeder or feeding assembly, is configured to receive components in an incoming form, such as in bulk, i.e., in a disordered or spatially unoriented manner, and to continue conveying them. For example, the feeding device is configured such that the components are at least substantially oriented or arranged in a defined orientation and are conveyed into a component conduit, thereby continuing to be conveyed to the processing equipment.

[0011] The delivery device, for example, has a housing surrounding an internal space. This internal space preferably has a side or location that communicates with the ambient atmosphere, i.e., the ambient air in the installation space where the delivery device is located. For example, the housing has a bottom, a rear wall, and vertical side walls.

[0012] For example, a storage container for the supply device is provided within its internal space to hold multiple components, such as hundreds of individual components. For example, the components placed in the storage container are in a disordered orientation, such as being placed in bulk. For example, the storage container or its component-accommodating space is connected to the sorting hopper of the supply device via a hollow, conduit-like intermediate connector. For example, this intermediate connector allows individual components from the component-accommodating space to pass through and be conveyed to the sorting hopper. For example, in the sorting hopper, the components are individually adjusted to the correct orientation and transferred to a buffer conduit connected to the sorting hopper. For example, in the buffer conduit, the components are automatically adjusted to the same orientation and arranged in a row. For example, the components continue to be conveyed from the buffer conduit to a component separation device. For example, the separation device conveys the first component in the component row to a component transfer position. Subsequently, the corresponding component enters the component conduit from the component transfer position. This transfer process is achieved, for example, by means of gas flow. The component transfer process or movement is accomplished, for example, with gravity assistance. The gas flow is oriented in such a way that it can carry the corresponding components into the component conduit and transport them inside the component conduit toward the connection position, or transport them to the connection position and then outward through the connection position.

[0013] For example, the hollow component conduit may be constructed as a flexible hollow hose. For example, the component conduit may be made of a hollow plastic hose. It is also possible that the hollow component conduit is constructed as a shaped hose. Alternatively, the hollow component conduit may have a specific profile inside the conduit. For example, the component conduit may have a conduit wall that surrounds the interior of the conduit. It is also possible that the profile matches the outer profile of the component. This prevents the component from rotating during transport within the component conduit, allowing the component to be pre-positioned at the connection point and transferred to the processing equipment.

[0014] For example, hollow component conduits have a resistance value R [kg / m]. 7 The resistance value is determined according to the following formula:

[0015]

[0016] Where λ is the pipe friction coefficient, l is the pipe length [m], and ρ is the medium density [kg / m³]. 3 ], d i The inner diameter of the pipe is [m].

[0017] The pressure loss Δp [pa] inside the hollow component conduit is determined according to the following formula:

[0018]

[0019] Where λ is the pipe friction coefficient, l is the pipe length [m], and ρ is the medium density [kg / m³]. 3 ], v is the flow velocity [m / s], d i The inner diameter of the pipe is [m].

[0020] This invention proposes dividing the component conduit into multiple conduit segments and providing venting ports at the transition points between these segments. This approach reduces hose resistance because, as shown in the previous formula, hose resistance depends on the length l of the component conduit, i.e., the conduit segment.

[0021] For example, the interface is constructed to allow venting of the component conduit. For instance, the interface has an opening that communicates with the interior of the component conduit. Alternatively, the interface may have a sealing element that closes the opening. For example, the component conduit can vent through this opening at the interface.

[0022] For example, the sections of the component conduit are independent components. It is conceivable that the first and second sections of the component conduit are constructed as independent components. For example, the first and second sections of the component conduit are interconnected via an interface. For example, the first end of the first section has a component transfer position or is connected to a component transfer position. It is also conceivable that the second end of the first section is connected to an interface. It is also conceivable that the first end of the second section is connected to an interface. For example, the second end of the second section has a connection position or is connected to a connection position.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the interface is integrated into the component conduit. It may be proposed that the component conduit be constructed as a single unit, or that the conduit segments be directly interconnected. For example, the component conduit has a notch in the area where the interface is located. It is conceivable that the interface is embedded in or fitted into the notch. It may also be proposed that the interface surrounds the component conduit in the area where the notch is located. It may be proposed that the opening of the interface communicates with the notch of the component conduit. For example, the notch is machined into the component conduit using a tool, such as a cutting tool or a stamping tool. For example, the notch on the component conduit is formed by stamping or cutting. For example, an opening is formed in the conduit wall through the notch, such that a pneumatic connection is formed between the interior of the component conduit and the surrounding environment, such as the air surrounding the component conduit, at the location of the notch.

[0024] It is also proposed to install an airflow supply duct that can be connected to an airflow generating device, wherein the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the component conduit is smaller than that of the airflow supply duct. This allows for the supply of airflow to the component conduit in a relatively energy-efficient manner.

[0025] It is conceivable that the airflow supply duct be constructed as a flexible hose, such as a hollow flexible hose or a pipe. It is also suggested that the airflow supply duct be made of plastic, for example, constructed as a particularly flexible plastic hose.

[0026] For example, the inner diameter of the air supply duct is larger than the inner diameter of the component conduit. Alternatively, the inner circumference of the air supply duct could be greater than the inner circumference of the component conduit. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the air supply duct could be 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 3, or 5 times the inner diameter of the component conduit.

[0027] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air supply duct cavity is larger than that of the component conduit cavity. It can be proposed that the cross-sectional area of ​​the air supply duct is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and especially 10 times that of the component conduit. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the component conduit is approximately 70 mm². 2 The cross-sectional area of ​​the air supply duct is approximately 700 mm². 2 .

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed to install a valve at the interface. For example, the interface is equipped with this valve. It is also possible to consider having two valves at the interface, or the interface being equipped with two valves. For example, the interface is equipped with exactly one valve, or the interface is equipped with exactly one valve. For example, the interface is equipped with exactly two valves, or the interface is equipped with exactly two valves. Thus, the opening of the interface can be switched or adjusted. It is also proposed that the interface itself be constituted by this valve.

[0029] For example, the air supply line is connected to a valve so that, in the first valve position, airflow from the airflow generating device can be delivered into the component conduit through the valve.

[0030] If two valves are provided, it can be proposed that the air supply line be connected to only one of the two valves. Alternatively, in the case of two valves, both valves can be connected to the opening of the interface and / or the notch of the component conduit, for example, through a Y-shaped connecting conduit.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface be positioned on the component conduit so that the component conduit can be divided into conduit segments of equal length through the interface. For example, the interface is positioned on the component conduit so that the component conduit can be divided into two conduit segments with a length ratio of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3. As a result, the resistance value of each conduit segment can be kept at a relatively low level relative to the total length of the component conduit.

[0032] For example, the length of a catheter segment may be between 1m and 15m. It is also possible that the length of a catheter segment may be between 5m and 10m. For example, the length of a catheter segment may be 5m, 7m, or 10m. It is possible to propose that the component catheter be divided into two or more catheter segments. For example, the component catheter may be divided into three or four catheter segments. It is possible to propose that the component catheter be divided into multiple catheter segments by means of one interface or by means of two or more interfaces.

[0033] For example, the supply device has two or more interfaces. It is conceivable that these interfaces have identical construction. Alternatively, it could be proposed that each interface connects to a gas supply line.

[0034] It is also proposed that the component conduit is correspondingly divided into more than two conduit sections by means of additional interfaces, wherein a valve is arranged at each of the interfaces, and the air supply line is connected to the corresponding valve, so that airflow from the air supply line can be delivered into the component conduit through the corresponding valve in the first valve position. Thus, the supply distance of the component conduit can be flexibly set.

[0035] For example, the air supply line constitutes a parallel or bypass conduit to the component conduit. It can be proposed that the air supply line connects to the component conduit at the component transfer location and at all interfaces, thereby supplying airflow to the component conduit or its various sections. This allows for airflow delivery at relatively low pressures. Simultaneously, because the inner diameter of the air supply line is relatively larger than that of the component conduit, airflow with relatively high velocities can be delivered at each connection point (component transfer location, interface).

[0036] For example, the air supply duct surrounds the component conduit. For example, the component conduit is housed within the air supply duct. For example, the component conduit is housed inside the conduit of the air supply duct. For example, the air supply duct and component conduit are constructed as a pipe-in-pipe structure or a hose-in-hose structure. This allows for a relatively compact structural design of the supply device. For example, it also simplifies the installation process of the supply device.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that the valve be constructed as a 3 / 2-way valve. As a result, the structure of the supply device can be relatively simple and compact.

[0038] For example, the first port of the 3 / 2-way valve is connected to a notch, allowing airflow to exit from the component conduit or conduit section via the notch and the 3 / 2-way valve through the second port of the valve. Alternatively, the second port of the 3 / 2-way valve may be connected to the ambient environment or ambient air, enabling venting of the component conduit or its conduit section via the 3 / 2-way valve. Or, the third port of the 3 / 2-way valve may be connected to an airflow supply line, allowing airflow to be delivered from the airflow supply line through the 3 / 2-way valve and the notch into the component conduit or its conduit section.

[0039] Alternatively, instead of using a 3 / 2-way valve, two 2 / 2-way valves can be installed. These two 2 / 2-way valves are connected to the opening of an interface or the notch of a component conduit via a Y-shaped connecting conduit. For example, the first of the two 2 / 2-way valves is connected to an air supply line. For example, the second of the two 2 / 2-way valves is connected to the ambient environment or ambient air via its second interface. For example, a control device can be provided such that the two 2 / 2-way valves can be controlled to either supply airflow into the component conduit through the first 2 / 2-way valve or exhaust air from the component conduit through the second 2 / 2-way valve.

[0040] For example, a 3 / 2-way valve or a 2 / 2-way valve may be constructed as a solenoid valve. Alternatively, a 3 / 2-way valve or a 2 / 2-way valve may be constructed as a pneumatic valve.

[0041] Furthermore, it is proposed that venting of the component conduit can be achieved at a certain position of the valve. This allows venting at the interface of the component conduit, thereby reducing its pipe resistance. For example, the pipe resistance can be distributed across individual sections of the component conduit. In this way, pressure loss along the entire length of the component conduit can be advantageously distributed across its individual sections, enabling component delivery even over long transport paths within the component conduit.

[0042] For example, in one position of the valve, the conduit or its port is open, allowing the conduit to communicate with the surrounding environment and vent air to the environment. For instance, a 3 / 2-way valve can be switched to either supply airflow through the third port or vent air from the conduit through the second port.

[0043] Furthermore, it is proposed that the feeding device has a sensing element arranged on the element conduit, and the sensing element is configured to detect the element being fed through the element conduit when the element is within its sensing area. This enables control of the feeding device, particularly the control of the valves within the feeding device.

[0044] For example, the sensing element may be configured as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, and / or a pressure sensor. For example, the sensing element may be equipped with a component conduit and / or interface. Alternatively, the sensing element may be integrated into the component conduit and / or interface. It is also conceivable that the sensing element surrounds the component conduit, or that the sensing element is arranged on the component conduit in a manner that wraps around the component conduit.

[0045] It can be suggested that the sensing element be placed at the interface or on the element conduit near the interface. Considering the conveying direction of the element or the flow direction of the airflow, the sensing element can be placed either in front of or behind the interface.

[0046] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensing element is configured to output a switching signal when it detects an element within the sensing area, which can cause the valve to switch from one position to another, for example, when the sensing element is connected to the valve.

[0047] For example, the feeding device has a control unit. It is conceivable that sensing elements and / or valves are connected to the control unit. It can also be proposed that the sensing elements output a switching signal to the control unit, which receives and processes the switching signal. For example, the control unit outputs a control signal, by which the valves can be controlled or switched.

[0048] It can also be proposed that the control unit is connected to other components of the supply device, and is able to receive signals from these components, process the signals, and / or control these components. For example, the control unit is coupled to or connected to the airflow generating device.

[0049] Similarly, it is proposed that the number of sensing elements in the supply device is the same as the number of existing conduit sections, or the number of sensing elements in the supply device is the same as the number of existing interfaces. This enables relatively precise control of the supply device, and especially allows for faster identification of supply device malfunctions.

[0050] Furthermore, it is proposed that the supply device has an airflow generating device, which is constructed as a fluid machinery. By distributing the airflow generating devices throughout the supply device, energy efficiency can be relatively improved.

[0051] For example, the airflow generating unit is configured to provide airflow, such as airflow in the form of an airflow. For example, the supply device is equipped with this airflow generating device. However, it is also conceivable that the airflow generating device is a unit independent of the supply device, for example, supplying airflow to other components in addition to supplying airflow to the supply device.

[0052] For example, the airflow generating device operates according to the principle of a dynamic compressor. According to the principle of a dynamic compressor, air is drawn into the space between the blades of a high-speed rotating compressor impeller and accelerated to a high speed. Typically, gas compression units operating on the principle of a dynamic compressor are dynamic compressors, such as turbo compressors with axial or radial flow patterns.

[0053] For example, an airflow generating device has a gas compression unit that operates according to the principle of a power compressor and includes an axial-flow turbine compressor. It is also conceivable that the airflow generating device has a radial-flow turbine compressor. For example, the airflow generating device may be constructed as a fan and / or a ventilator.

[0054] According to one variant, the airflow generating device is configured to provide an airflow at a specific pressure level, which is 0.3 bar below a reference pressure, or 0.2 bar below a reference pressure, or 0.1 bar below a reference pressure, and the airflow generating device operates on the principle of a positive displacement compressor. The reference pressure reflects the pressure level of the intake air, typically within the range of 1 bar or ambient pressure.

[0055] The following will use a simple feeding device as an example to illustrate its control flow: The feeding device's component conduit is divided into two conduit sections, and it has one interface and one 3 / 2-way valve:

[0056] - The airflow generation unit is connected to the component conduit at the component transfer location and interface via the airflow supply pipeline.

[0057] - In the first step, the component is fed into the component conduit at the component transfer position.

[0058] - In the next step, switch the 3 / 2-way valve at the interface to the state that connects the component conduit to the environment, thereby venting to the environment.

[0059] - In the next step, at the component transfer position, the component is accelerated towards the interface, i.e., towards the connection position, the airflow direction and / or the component delivery direction by means of the airflow generated by the airflow generating device.

[0060] - In the next step, the component is detected, for example, by a sensor. This indicates that the component has passed the interface along the transport direction. If the transport cycle of the component is fixed, the sensor in the interface area can be omitted.

[0061] - In the next step, switch the 3 / 2-way valve to allow the airflow generated by the airflow generator to be delivered into the component conduit at the interface. This, for example, can bring the pressure difference in the first conduit section close to zero. In this way, the component can be further accelerated by the airflow in the second conduit section.

[0062] - In the next step, the component is delivered from the component conduit at the connection point, and then the entire process restarts.

[0063] Another embodiment of the present invention is a tool or processing apparatus equipped with the feeding device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0064] For example, the tool is an assembly tool, or a pressing tool, stamping tool, and / or crimping tool. The processing equipment is, for example, equipment for crimping, riveting, stamping and riveting, and / or press-fitting components, such as functional components and other pressable components. Specifically, the processing equipment is configured to receive components, for example, from component conduits, such as conveyor channels or conveyor hoses, further process the components, and then install them onto a workpiece. For example, components can be press-fitted and / or stamped onto single-layer or multi-layer components using this processing equipment.

[0065] For example, a tool is mounted on a robotic arm. For example, a processing device is equipped with a robotic arm and / or the tool. It is conceivable that a component conduit for the feeding device is mounted along the robotic arm. It can be proposed that the component conduit be constructed as a flexible structure, thereby enabling it to follow, for example, the movement of the robotic arm, or to deform accordingly.

[0066] For example, tools or processing equipment are equipped with airflow generating devices. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Other features and advantages will be described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Specifically:

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a variant of the feeding device is shown.

[0069] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another variant of the feeding device is shown.

[0070] Figure 3 A side view of a component conduit with a notch is shown.

[0071] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the component conduit in the recessed region is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Figure 1A feeding device 1 is shown. The feeding device 1 has a component conduit 2, a first end 3 of which is connected to a component transfer position 4, and a second end 5 of which is connected to a connection position 6. The feeding device 1 can be coupled to a tool or processing equipment 7 at the connection position 6. For example, the component conduit 2 extends from the component transfer position 4 to the connection position 6 along the component conveying direction E.

[0073] In addition, the supply device 1 also has an air supply line 8. For example, the air supply line 8 is connected to an airflow generating device 9, which generates and provides gas flow G. For example, the air supply line 8 extends parallel to the component conduit 2 in the form of a parallel conduit or a bypass conduit, and is connected to the first end 3 and / or the component transfer position 4 at position 10, and to the interface 12 of the supply device 1 at another position 11.

[0074] In addition, the feeding device 1 may have a sensing element 13 arranged on the element conduit 2 to detect elements that can be transported inside the element conduit 2.

[0075] For example, the supply device 1 has a valve 14. Valve 14 is configured as a 3 / 2-way valve, for example. For example, valve 14 is connected to interface 12 via its first port 15. It is conceivable that interface 12 has an opening 16 that connects to the first port 15. For example, valve 14 has a second port 17 that connects to ambient air via an air filter 18. For example, valve 14 has a third port 19 that connects to the air supply line 8.

[0076] For example, the sensing element 13 is connected to the valve control unit 20 via line 21, thereby switching the valve 14 from the first position or moving it to the second position by means of the switching signal of the sensing element 13.

[0077] For example, the component conduit 2 is divided into a first conduit section A and a second conduit section B via interface 12. For example, the first conduit section A and the second conduit section B have approximately equal extension lengths along the component delivery direction E.

[0078] The component delivery process is now proceeding as follows:

[0079] - Transport the component to component transfer position 4;

[0080] - Switch valve 14 to the first position so that component conduit 2 can exhaust through interface 12 and air filter 18, that is, gas, such as air, can be discharged from component conduit 2 through air filter 18 to the surrounding environment;

[0081] -The airflow G accelerates the component along the component transport direction E or toward the interface 12;

[0082] - Allow the component to move through interface 12 into the second conduit section B;

[0083] -Sensing element 13 detects an element within the second catheter segment B;

[0084] -The sensing element 13 sends a switching signal to the valve 14 via line 21;

[0085] - Valve 14 switches from the first position to the second position according to the switching signal, allowing airflow in the air supply line 8 to be delivered into the component conduit 2 through valve 14. For example, in the second position, air cannot be vented from the component conduit 2 through the air filter 18;

[0086] - The airflow flows into the second duct section B through the interface 12, thereby accelerating the component again in the direction of the component delivery direction E toward the connection position 6;

[0087] - Send the component out from connection position 6.

[0088] For example, after valve 14 is switched to the second position, the pressure difference in the first conduit section A is about 0, because at this time the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 9 will act on the component transfer position 4 and the interface 12 simultaneously.

[0089] Figure 2 Another variant 31 of the supply device is shown. Unlike supply device 1, the component conduit 32 of this supply device 31 is divided into four conduit sections F, G, H, and I. For example, as a result, supply device 31 has three interfaces 33, three valves 34, and three sensing elements 35. It can be proposed that the interfaces 33, valves 34, and sensing elements 35 of supply device 31 correspond structurally to the interfaces 12, valves 14, and sensing elements 13 of supply device 1, respectively. It is conceivable that all interfaces 33 have the same construction; it is also conceivable that all valves 34 have the same construction. For example, all sensing elements 35 also have the same construction. It can also be proposed that other components of supply device 31 correspond structurally to those of supply device 1. For example, the components of supply device 1 and supply device 31 differ only in the number of conduit sections and the possible differences in the length of component conduits or airflow supply lines 8, 36. For example, compared to supply device 1, supply device 31 has a longer component supply distance from the component transfer position to the connection position.

[0090] Figure 2 The component conveying process in the conveying device 31 shown is based on the same principle as that in the conveying device 1, except that the components need to be conveyed through multiple conduit sections H, I, J, and K. The specific process is as follows:

[0091] - Transport the component to component transfer position 4;

[0092] - Switch valve 34 to the first position so that component conduit 32 can vent through interface 33, that is, gas, such as air, can be discharged from component conduit 32 to the surrounding environment;

[0093] - The component is accelerated along the component delivery direction E or toward the first interface 33 (within the first conduit section H) by means of airflow G;

[0094] -The component moves through the first interface 33 into the second conduit section I;

[0095] -The first sensing element 35 detects the element within the second catheter segment I;

[0096] - The first sensing element 35 sends a switching signal to the first valve 34;

[0097] - The first valve 34 switches from the first position to the second position, allowing the airflow in the airflow supply line 36 to be sent into the component conduit 32 through the first valve 34;

[0098] - The airflow flows into the second duct section I through the first interface 33, thereby accelerating the component again in the direction of the second interface 33 along the component delivery direction E;

[0099] - (Based on the number of catheter segments) Repeat the above procedure:

[0100] - This allows the component to move through the second interface 33 into the third conduit section J.

[0101] - The second sensing element 35 detected the element within the third catheter segment J.

[0102] - The second sensing element 35 sends a switching signal to the second valve 34.

[0103] - The second valve 34 switches from the first position to the second position, allowing the airflow in the airflow supply line 36 to be delivered into the component conduit 32 through the second valve 34.

[0104] - The airflow flows into the third conduit section J through the second interface 33, thereby accelerating the component again along the component delivery direction E toward the third interface 33 or the fourth conduit section K;

[0105] - After the component completes re-acceleration within the conduit section K, it is delivered from the connection position 6.

[0106] For example, from the perspective of component delivery direction E, when the valve at the interface is switched to the second position, a pressure difference of approximately 0 will be formed in the duct section in front of the interface. This is because the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 9 will act on both ends of the duct section in front at the same time.

[0107] To achieve a higher cycle speed, it can be proposed that while the second valve 34 switches to the second position, the first valve 34 is switched back from the second position to the first position. This reconnects the component conduit 32 at the first interface 33 to the atmosphere (exhaust), and the first conduit section H is ready to receive new components and deliver them into the first conduit section H for acceleration. For example, the other conduit sections can be switched or controlled in a similar manner. One prerequisite for this operation is that the airflow supply line 36 must be able to provide sufficient airflow (meeting volume and velocity requirements) at each connection point with the component conduit 32. Therefore, the airflow generating device 9 and the airflow supply line must be structurally designed and dimensionally matched accordingly.

[0108] Figure 3 A section of the component conduit 22 is shown from an external side view, and this section of the conduit has a notch 23. As can be seen in the figure, the notch 23 forms a cut area on the wall 24 of the component conduit, or in other words, the notch 23 is an area on the wall 24 of the component conduit formed by cutting or stamping.

[0109] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 Top view of component conduit 22 taken from mid-section Q. The actual outline of the outer side of the component conduit wall 24 is marked by dashed line 25, and the actual outline of the inner side 27 of the hollow interior 28 of component conduit 22 is marked by dashed line 26. Figure 4 As shown, the notch 23 cuts into the wall 24 of the component conduit in a way that allows the interior 28 to communicate with the surrounding environment 29, especially the ambient air, thereby enabling gases, such as air, to be discharged from the interior 28 into the environment 29, or to flow from the environment 29 into the interior 28 (as shown by the arrow in the figure).

[0110] Figure 4 Component 30 is also shown. From Figure 4 It can be seen that the inner contour of the inner side 27 matches the outer shape of the component 30. It can also be seen that the notch 23 exists on the component guide tube 22 so as not to hinder the transport of the component 30 along the component transport direction E.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 1. Feeding device

[0113] 2-element conduit

[0114] 3 ends

[0115] 4-element transfer location

[0116] 5 ends

[0117] 6 connection positions

[0118] 7 tools

[0119] 8. Airflow supply pipeline

[0120] 9. Airflow generating device

[0121] 10 positions

[0122] 11th position

[0123] 12 interfaces

[0124] 13 sensing elements

[0125] 14 valves

[0126] 15. Interface (valve interface)

[0127] 16 openings

[0128] 17. Interface (valve interface)

[0129] 18 air filters

[0130] 19. Interface (valve interface)

[0131] Route 21

[0132] 22-element catheter

[0133] 23 notches

[0134] 24-element conduit wall

[0135] 25. Outline (outer outline indicated by dashed line)

[0136] 26. Outline (inner outline indicated by dashed line)

[0137] 27. Inner side (inner side of the catheter)

[0138] 28. Interior (the hollow interior of the conduit)

[0139] 29 Environment

[0140] 30 components

[0141] 31 Feeding device

[0142] 32-element catheter

[0143] 33 interface

[0144] 34 valves

[0145] 35 sensing elements

[0146] 36 air supply lines

[0147] A catheter segment

[0148] B catheter segment

[0149] E-component delivery direction

[0150] G airflow

[0151] H catheter segment

[0152] I catheter segment

[0153] J catheter segment

[0154] K catheter segment

[0155] Q is the cross-section.

Claims

1. A feeding device (1), wherein, The supply device (1) has a hollow component guide (2) through which a component can be moved from a component transfer position (4) of the component guide (2) to a connection position (6) of the component guide (2), wherein a component can be fed into the component guide (2) at the component transfer position (4), wherein the component guide (2) can be connected to a processing device (7) at the connection position (6) and the component can be delivered out of the component guide (2) at the connection position (6) so that the component can be transferred to the processing device (7), wherein the component can be delivered to the connection position (6) by means of a gas flow in the component guide (2), a gas flow generating device (9) can be connected to the component guide (2) so that a gas flow is provided in the component guide (2) so that the component can be moved from the component transfer position (4) through the component guide (2) to the connection position (6) on the basis of the gas flow, wherein the component guide (2) can be divided into at least a first guide section and a second guide section (A, B) by means of an interface (12), the supply device (1) being configured so that the component guide (2) can be vented at the interface (12).

2. The feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A gas flow supply line (8) is present, which can be connected to the gas flow generating device (9), wherein the internal cross-sectional area of the component guide (2) is smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of the gas flow supply line (8).

3. The feeding device (1) according to the preceding claim 2, characterized in that, A valve (14) is arranged at the interface (12), wherein the gas flow supply line (8) is connected to the valve (14) so that a gas flow of the gas flow generating device (9) can be fed through the valve (14) into the component guide (2) in a first valve position of the valve (14).

4. A feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The interface (12) is positioned on the component guide (2) so that the component guide (2) can be divided by means of the interface (12) into guide sections of the same length or so that the component guide (2) can be divided by means of the interface into two guide sections having a length ratio of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3.

5. A feeding device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The component guide (2) can be divided into more than two guide sections (A, B) by means of further interfaces, wherein a valve (14) is arranged at each of the interfaces (12), wherein the gas flow supply line (8) is connected to the respective valve (14) so that a gas flow from the gas flow supply line (8) can be fed through the respective valve (14) into the component guide (2) in a first valve position of the respective valve (14).

6. A feeding device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The valve (14) is configured as a 3 / 2-way valve.

7. A feeding device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized in that Venting of the component guide (2) can be achieved in one position of the valve (14).

8. A feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supply device (1) has a sensor element (13), wherein the sensor element (13) is arranged on the element duct (2), wherein the sensor element (13) is configured to detect an element being conveyed through the element duct (2) when the element is in a sensor region of the sensor element (13).

9. A feeding device (1) according to the preceding claim 8, characterized in that, The sensor element (13) is configured to output a switching signal when the sensor element (13) detects an element in a sensor region of the sensor element (13), the sensor element (13) being connected to the valve (14), so that the switching signal can cause the valve (14) to switch from one position to another.

10. A feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supply device (1) has as many sensor elements (13) as there are duct sections, or the supply device (1) has as many sensor elements (13) as there are interfaces (12).

11. A feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supply device (1) has a gas flow generating device (9), which is configured as a fluid machine.

12. A tool or machining device (7) having a supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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