Combined means for clamping and detecting the presence of ferromagnetic parts

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined member for clamping ferromagnetic parts and detecting the presence of ferromagnetic parts, which member takes the form of a presence or proximity detector (1) comprising at least: a detection member (2); an electric circuit (3) for at least processing the signals output by the detection member and also ensuring the supply or energization of the member (2); and a protective housing (4) which houses the member (2) and the electric circuit (3) and has a wall (5) which defines, with respect to the detection member (2), a sensing face (6) and, for the electric circuit (3), an electric connection device (7). The member is characterized in that the detector (1) is an LC inductive circuit type detector and the member also comprises at least one magnet (8) of the permanent magnet or electromagnet type, which is mounted in the protective housing (4) and in the region of the sensing face (6), the above-mentioned member (2) and electric circuit (3) being selected and / or constructed so that the presence or proximity detection function is not disturbed by the magnet (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial apparatus for detecting and handling metal parts, and to a combined component or apparatus for clamping a ferromagnetic part and detecting the presence of the ferromagnetic part in the form of an improved presence or proximity detector with integrated holding function, and an industrial workstation including at least one such combined apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Many of the aforementioned types of detectors are known, especially inductive detectors.

[0003] Specifically, inductive detectors have been commercially available for many years by the applicant of this application and have been described, for example, in documents FR2827677, EP1580889, EP1580536, EP1965177 and EP2546614. A specific detector of this type (referred to as "factor 1") is disclosed in document EP3430443.

[0004] These presence or proximity detectors are typically used in conjunction with or integrated into devices for holding components (especially small parts) that must be precisely positioned and held with respect to at least one other component, which must be joined to the component, for example by welding, or must be mated together, for example by joining.

[0005] Currently, these components are picked up, moved, handled, held, engaged, and / or locked in place by specific clamping and locking devices, such as magnetic, mechanical (pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric clamps), adsorption, or similar devices, which are combined with or cooperate with the aforementioned detectors to verify the actual presence and / or correct location of the expected components.

[0006] This results in workstation designs that are complex, expensive, and bulky, especially when the components in question are relatively small and must be placed in high-risk environments. This is particularly true for small ferromagnetic metal components (typically weighing a few hundred grams) that must be temporarily introduced, placed, and held in place before being soldered to larger ferromagnetic metal components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to overcome at least the aforementioned major disadvantages, and in particular, but not exclusively, those mentioned in the background section, by providing a simple, economical, and compact solution.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention includes a combined component or device for clamping and detecting ferromagnetic components, the device taking the form of a presence or proximity detector, the detector comprising: at least one detection component; circuitry for processing signals output by the detection component and also ensuring power supply or energization of the detection component; and a protective housing for housing the detection component and the circuitry, and having a wall defining a sensing surface with respect to the detection component, and an electrical connection means for the circuitry.

[0009] The combined device is characterized in that the detector includes an inductive detector having an LC circuit type detection element and circuitry suitable for excitation and signal processing, and the detector also includes at least one magnet of the permanent magnet or electromagnet type, which is mounted in a protective housing and in the area of ​​the sensing surface, wherein the detection element and circuitry are configured such that the presence or proximity detection function is not interfered with by the magnet. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The invention can be better understood through the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of the combined device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane perpendicular to its sensing surface;

[0012] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of the combined device shown;

[0013] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the functional elements of the combined device, with the housing removed;

[0014] Figure 2 and Figure 1A A similar view shows the assembly already installed and mating with the reference components;

[0015] Figure 3A These are perspective and partial cross-sectional views of the assembly device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3B Is along with Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the combined device taken from a plane perpendicular to the sensing surface;

[0017] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the combined device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4B Is along with Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the combined device taken from a plane perpendicular to the sensing surface;

[0019] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the combined device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5B Is along with Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the sensing surface of the combined device taken from a plane perpendicular to the sensing surface. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figures 1 to 5 show different construction variations of a combined component or device for clamping and detecting ferromagnetic parts, which takes the form of a presence or proximity detector (1) comprising: at least one detection component (2); a circuit (3) for at least processing the signal output by the detection component and also ensuring the power supply or energization of the detection component (2); and a protective housing (4) for housing the detection component (2) and the circuit (3), and having a wall (5) defining a sensitive face (6) with respect to the detection component (2), and an electrical connection device (7) for the circuit (3). Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the component, the circuit may or may not provide excitation to the detection component (2). The circuit (3) may be mounted on a single support (Figure 1, Figure 5). Figure 2 (and Figure 4) or distributed on at least two supports (Figures 3 and 5), or may include auxiliary components (3'). The wall (5) may, for example, form part of a cover and extend into the side skirt, the cover closing the front end of the body of the housing (4) in the form of a tube.

[0022] According to the present invention, the detector (1) includes an inductive detector (1) having an LC circuit type detection component (2) and a circuit (3) suitable for excitation and signal processing, and also includes at least one magnet (8) of the permanent magnet or electromagnet type, which is mounted in a protective housing (4) in the region of the sensing surface (6), and the detection component (2) and circuit (3) are configured such that the presence or proximity detection function is not interfered with by the magnet (8).

[0023] Due to these arrangements, the present invention provides an improved combination device in the form of an proximity or presence detector, namely a combination device having the additional function of holding and maintaining one or more metal parts in place, the metal parts having a mass compatible with the magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8). Therefore, depending on the environment and application of use of this improved detector (1), specific holding devices or clamps can be omitted.

[0024] Furthermore, by integrating this additional function into the detector housing (1) to form the combined device of the present invention, the size, installation, and connection of the detector (1) do not require modification compared to the same detector without this additional function. For this purpose, the shape of the at least present magnet (8) is adapted to the available internal volume in the housing (4), particularly in the volume region behind the sensing surface (6). Although several magnets can be integrated to achieve the function (combining several similar or dissimilar magnets for standardization reasons or to obtain sufficient magnetic attraction (FAM), to achieve optimal use of the available space in the housing, etc.), it is preferred to use a single magnet (8). It should be noted that, considering the independence of the two functions, especially the fact that the detection function is not affected by the presence and action of the magnet (8), the magnet can be selected solely based on the characteristics required for the second function (magnetic attraction / holding) of the combined device, i.e., the required FAM.

[0025] If necessary, the construction or arrangement of the detection component (2) and / or circuit (3) can be modified to accommodate the magnet (8). The accompanying drawings show detectors of different shapes according to the invention (with cylindrical housings with or without external threads, cylindrical housings with constant or variable diameters, cubic or parallelepiped housings with through fixing screws (9)) accommodating magnets (8) for the purpose of holding (one or more) components.

[0026] The magnet can be a single piece or composed of several parts forming a block, and can include a permanent magnet (8) (neodymium or AlNiCo magnet, or even ferrite) that enables the additional functions to be completely autonomous. However, the magnet (8) can also be an electromagnet that is powered and possibly controlled by means of the connection device (7) of the detector (1), so that the activation and deactivation of the additional functions can be provided as desired, or even the intensity of its action can be controlled, if needed.

[0027] Of course, when the detector (1) is installed, for example, in the recess, the attraction of the magnet is advantageously sufficient to hold one or more of the components involved within the detection field of the member (2), in particular on the surface (5) or other supporting surface.

[0028] The electrical connection device (7) can be integrated into the rear (7') of the housing (4) or offset from the rear (7') of the housing (4) (with wiring present – ​​Figure 4).

[0029] The improved inductive detector (1) forming the combined device includes a coil L forming part of an oscillating circuit LC (detection component 2), through which a variable current flows to generate / utilize electromagnetic induction for detecting nearby ferromagnetic components. The coil L can be obtained via windings (windings of conductive wires) or via printed circuitry (windings implemented through conductive traces on a PCB). In practice, the coil L is not associated with ferrite and therefore will not be saturated and / or affected by the magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet or electromagnet (8), which in turn performs the function of attracting / holding ferromagnetic components.

[0030] Furthermore, the proximity of a magnet or electromagnet (8) located directly behind or around the coil L (without ferrite) is not a problem, because the effects of the range adjustment phase (detection threshold) of the detector (1) during the manufacture of the detector (such as the effects of any metal housing 4) have been eliminated or compensated.

[0031] Therefore, the detection function of the ferromagnetic component on one hand and the attraction / retention function of the ferromagnetic component on the other hand are independent of each other, and in particular, the permanent magnetic field generated by one or more magnets (8) does not interfere with the alternating magnetic field used for detection, regardless of its power.

[0032] Optionally, the detector (1) may be a "coefficient 1" inductive detector. In this type of detector, for example as described in the applicant's aforementioned document EP3430443, the magnet may be arranged around the PCB coil L or behind the PCB coil L.

[0033] In all variations of the invention, the shape of one or more magnets (8) will be advantageously adapted to the available space within the housing (4), and will determine the nature, location, and size of the resulting magnetic attraction force (FAM).

[0034] Preferably, at least one magnet (8) is arranged in the protective housing (4), preferably adjacent to or near the sensing surface (6), to generate a magnetic attraction field (FAM) in a direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sensing surface (6). The magnitude of the magnetic attraction field generated by the magnet (8) is typically designed to ensure that one or more components to be held (typically several hundred grams) are held at a distance less than that of the detector (1) or the detection distance. Under the influence of the attraction field, these components can be held in place by pressing one or more components against the surface of the wall (5) of the housing (4) that forms the sensing surface (6). Of course, the detection range and the attraction range are adjustable in an absolute sense (adjustment of the size of the two functions), but they can also be adjusted relative to each other. In particular, the absence of influence on the detection function allows for the selection of one or more magnets (8) with high FAM.

[0035] Alternatively, the attraction function can depend on the detection function (e.g., selectively powering the electromagnet 8 only in the case of positive detection).

[0036] like Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 3B and Figure 4B As shown, at least a portion of the detection member (2) (particularly the coil L of the circuit LC) is arranged inside the wall (5) defining the sensing surface (6), and the detector (1) includes a magnet (8) mounted around or behind this portion of the detection member (2), the magnet (8) having a shape adapted to the shape of the housing (4) in the area where this portion of the detection member (2) and the sensing surface (6) are located. The magnet (8) may be mounted directly behind the relevant portion of the detection member (2), or, when a temperature compensation circuit for the coil L is present, at a distance from the relevant portion of the detection member (to allow the detection member to operate accurately and reliably throughout the desired temperature range).

[0037] In the design and development of the combined device according to the invention, it may be advantageous for the magnet (8) to be configured to have a magnetic field strength sufficient to hold at least one ferromagnetic reference member (PR) in a suitable position in a region of a specific plane (PD) perpendicular to the direction (D) of the magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8) and located outside the housing (4), beyond the sensing surface (6).

[0038] Regarding Figure 1, Figure 2 In the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 4 and 5, the protective housing (4) may have a cylindrical or tubular shape, preferably with external threads, and is provided with a detection head (4') where appropriate. The detection head has a large diameter for accommodating the detection component (2) and the magnet (8). The magnet (8) is disc-shaped or annular, and the longitudinal axis of the housing (4) coincides with the direction (D) of the magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8).

[0039] In another embodiment illustrated by way of example in conjunction with FIG3, the protective housing (4) may have a parallelepiped shape, such as essentially a cube, with a square or rectangular sensing face (6), and a fixing screw (9) advantageously passes through the housing (4) to ensure a secure attachment and orientation.

[0040] The invention also relates to automated or semi-automated industrial workstations (not shown), particularly welding stations, in combination with the advantageous application of a combined device in the form of an improved detector (1), the workstation including at least one robotic device for picking up, moving and holding ferromagnetic parts at least temporarily (e.g., at an indexed position).

[0041] The workstation is characterized in that the robotic device is equipped with at least one combined component or device as described above for gripping and detecting the presence of ferromagnetic parts.

[0042] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications can still be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly regarding the composition of various elements or by substitution with equivalent techniques.

Claims

1. A combined component or apparatus for clamping a ferromagnetic component and detecting the presence of the ferromagnetic component, the apparatus taking the form of a presence or proximity detector (1), the detector comprising: At least one detection component (2); Circuit (3), which is at least used to process the signal output by the detection component, and also ensures the power supply or energization of the detection component (2); The device includes a protective housing (4) that houses the detection member (2) and the circuit (3) and has a wall (5) that defines a sensing surface (6) for the detection member (2) and an electrical connection device (7) for the circuit (3). The combined device is characterized in that the detector (1) includes an inductive detector (1) having an LC circuit type detection component (2) and a circuit (3) suitable for excitation and signal processing, and the detector (1) further includes at least one magnet (8) of the permanent magnet or electromagnet type, the magnet being mounted in the protective housing (4) and in the region of the sensing surface (6), the detection component (2) and the circuit (3) being configured such that the presence or proximity detection function is not interfered with by the magnet (8).

2. The combined device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one magnet (8) is arranged in the protective housing (4) to generate a magnetic attraction (FAM) in a direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sensing surface (6).

3. The combined device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the detection member (2) is disposed inside the wall (5) defining the sensing surface (6), and the detector (1) includes a magnet (8) mounted around or behind the portion of the detection member (2), the magnet (8) having a shape adapted to the shape of the housing (4) in the region where the portion of the detection member (2) and the sensing surface (6) are located.

4. The combined device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The magnet (8) is configured to have a magnetic force sufficient to hold at least one ferromagnetic reference member (PR) in a proper position in a region of a specific plane (PD), the specific plane being perpendicular to the direction (D) of the magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8) and located outside the housing (4), beyond the sensing surface (6).

5. The combined device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The protective housing (4) has a cylindrical tube shape, preferably with external threads, and is provided with a detection head (4') where appropriate. The detection head has a large diameter for accommodating the detection member (2) and the magnet (8). The magnet (8) is disc-shaped or annular, and the longitudinal axis of the housing (4) coincides with the direction (D) of the magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8).

6. The combined device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The protective housing (4) has a parallelepiped shape, for example, essentially a cube, with a square or rectangular sensing face (6), and a fixing screw (9) advantageously passes through the housing (4) to ensure a secure attachment and orientation.

7. An industrial workstation, particularly an automated or semi-automated welding station, comprising at least one robotic device for at least temporarily, for example, picking up, moving, and holding ferromagnetic components at an indexing position. The workstation is characterized in that the robotic device is equipped with a combination device for gripping and detecting the ferromagnetic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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