Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a large number of objects

Abstract

Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a large number of objects with a receiving device (1) which defines a receiving space for the objects to be treated, wherein the receiving space is accessible through an opening (6) of the receiving device (1), and an irradiation device (2) which is arranged and designed to introduce radiation into the receiving room and thus treat objects introduced into the receiving room, wherein the recording device (1) is movable with the recording space in order in particular to change the position and / or orientation of the recording space, characterized by the fact that the receiving device (1) and the irradiation device (2) are connected to each other, in particular detachably connected, in such a way that the irradiation device (2) is moved along with the receiving device (1) when it is moved, so that the relative orientation between the receiving room and the irradiation device (2) remains unchanged.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects, comprising a receiving device which defines a receiving space for the objects to be treated, wherein the receiving space is accessible through an opening in the receiving device, and an irradiation device which is arranged and designed to introduce radiation into the receiving space and thus to treat objects introduced into the receiving space, wherein the receiving device is movable with the receiving space, in particular to change the position and / or the orientation of the receiving space.

[0002] Such devices for the collective treatment of surfaces are known from EP 3 932 572 A1 and are primarily used to subject the surfaces of a large number of components to laser treatment, thus cleaning, roughening, etc. For this purpose, the known device comprises a receiving device which defines a receiving space into which the components to be treated are introduced in bulk. Furthermore, an irradiation device is provided for irradiating the components located in the receiving space with laser radiation. The components to be irradiated are mixed by moving the receiving device as a whole or a receiving drum, a receiving basket, or the like of the receiving device in which the components are located.

[0003] It has been shown that the known device can achieve very good cleaning results. However, efforts are being made to further improve the quality of treatment.

[0004] Against this background, the present application is based on the object of designing a device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a large number of objects of the type mentioned above in such a way that the treatment quality is improved.

[0005] This object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the receiving device and the irradiation device are connected to one another, in particular detachably connected, in such a way that the irradiation device is moved along with a movement of the receiving device, so that the relative alignment between the receiving space and the irradiation device remains unchanged.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the idea of ​​firmly connecting the irradiation device and the receiving device during operation in such a way that a predetermined alignment between the irradiation device and the receiving space is maintained even if the orientation of the receiving device is changed. It has been shown that this can improve the treatment quality of the bulk material.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the irradiation device is arranged opposite the opening of the receiving device in order to introduce radiation through the opening into the receiving space from the outside.

[0008] For example, the irradiation device can be provided on a support arm or a support frame that spans the opening of the receiving device on the outside, with the irradiation device then being fixed to the support arm / frame. The arrangement is such that the irradiation device is positioned in front of the opening of the receiving device or even protrudes through the opening into the receiving device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the holding arm / holding frame is pivotally mounted on the receiving device and can be pivoted between a working position, in which the holding arm / holding frame spans the opening of the receiving device, and a filling position, in which the holding arm / holding frame is pivoted away from a working position to expose the opening of the receiving device. To load / unload the receiving device, the holding arm is thus brought into its filling position, in which the opening of the receiving device is exposed. For operation, the holding arm / holding frame is pivoted into its working position and fixed in this position, in which the irradiation device can radiate into the receiving space.

[0010] In a known manner, the receiving device can have a receiving drum defining the receiving space, which is held on a frame or a housing of the receiving device and can be rotated relative thereto about a rotational axis, in particular in a rotating and / or wobbling manner. The rotational axis expediently extends centrally through the opening of the receiving device and is in particular oriented perpendicular to a plane of the opening. In this case, the irradiation device is connected to the frame or the housing of the receiving device. In particular, the holding device can be fastened to the frame or the housing of the receiving device.

[0011] Alternatively, the receiving device can simply be formed by a receiving container, for example, a receiving basket, which defines the receiving space. In this case, the radiation device is attached to the receiving container.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device is mounted so that it can pivot, in particular about a horizontal pivot axis. By performing a corresponding pivoting movement, the inclination of the receiving device can be adjusted. The pivot axis and the rotation axis are expediently perpendicular to each other.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, fastening means are provided for attaching the assembly comprising the receiving device and the irradiation device to a robot arm. In this embodiment, as an alternative to the pivoting mounting of the receiving device, the entire assembly consisting of the receiving device and the irradiation device is suspended from a robot arm so that it can be moved by the robot arm.

[0014] Alternatively, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the irradiation device is fastened to a holding device designed as a gripping device, which is provided or can be attached to a robot arm and which is designed to grip the receiving device in order to detachably fasten the irradiation device to the receiving device.

[0015] In this case, the device can be characterized by a robot with a robot arm to which the gripping device is attached. In this embodiment, the robot has a gripping device that forms part of the holding device and by means of which the receiving device can be gripped for movement by the robot. The irradiation device is mounted on the gripping device, ensuring the desired fixed alignment between the irradiation device and the receiving space of the receiving device when the receiving device has been gripped by the gripping device of the robot.

[0016] As already described above, the receiving device can be formed by a simple receiving container, for example, a basket, which defines the receiving space filled with the components to be treated. In this case, the gripping device is directly connected to the receiving container. In a configuration in which the receiving device has a rotating drum mounted in a frame housing of the receiving device, the gripping device is connected to the frame or housing.

[0017] According to the invention, the irradiation device is moved or guided along with a movement of the recording device. However, the position and / or orientation of the irradiation device relative to the recording device can be freely adjusted. In particular, it is possible to automatically change the position and / or orientation of the irradiation device in a desired manner when the orientation and / or position of the recording space of the recording device changes. Appropriate controls or regulation systems are provided for this purpose.

[0018] The irradiation device can comprise at least one irradiation source, which is particularly designed as a laser beam source. Preferably, each radiation source is individually adjustable relative to the recording device in order to adjust its position and / or orientation. In particular, multiple irradiation sources can be provided. This also makes it possible to adjust them in different ways when the position / orientation of the recording space changes. Finally, each radiation source can be provided with an associated optical system.

[0019] Finally, the device according to the invention can comprise a suction device arranged and configured to extract process vapors from the receiving space of the receiving device. The suction device can be attached to the holding device, in particular to the holding arm or holding frame or the gripping device, which also supports the irradiation device.

[0020] With regard to further embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The drawing shows Fig. 1 shows a device for the collective treatment of surfaces according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a schematic front view, Fig. 2 the device from Fig. 1, wherein the receiving device is opposite the Fig. 1 is pivoted clockwise around a horizontal axis, Fig. 3 the device from Fig. 1, wherein a holding arm carrying the irradiation device is pivoted clockwise relative to the receiving device into its filling position, Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a device for the collective treatment of surfaces according to the present invention, and Fig. 5 the device from Fig. 2, wherein the receiving device and the irradiation device are separated from each other for filling or changing the receiving space.

[0022] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects. The device comprises a receiving device 1 and an irradiation device 2, which is fixed to the receiving device 1 via a holding device 3.

[0023] The recording device 1 comprises a housing 4, which is designed as a laser protection housing and is mounted on a frame 5 about a horizontal pivot axis S, which is perpendicular to the image plane of the Fig. 1 to 3, can be swiveled, as a comparison of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The receiving device 1 further comprises a drum 7, which defines a receiving space for the objects to be treated and is Fig. 1 top opening 6 is accessible. The drum 7 is in the housing 4 by a Fig. 1 vertical rotation axis X, which runs in the image plane and is thus perpendicular to the swivel axis S, mounted in a rotating manner.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the irradiation device 2 comprises a laser beam device in the form of a laser head, which is arranged opposite the opening 6 of the receiving device 1 in order to introduce radiation through the opening 6 into the receiving space from the outside.

[0025] The irradiation device 2 may additionally comprise an optics associated with the laser head.

[0026] The holding device 3 is designed as a holding arm which, as shown in the Fig. 1, in its working position spans the opening 6 of the receiving device 1, so that by means of the irradiation device 2 attached to the holding arm, radiation can be introduced into the receiving space of the receiving device 1. One end of the holding arm is connected to the housing 4 of the receiving device 1 via a joint G and can pivot between the Fig. 1, in which the holding arm spans the opening 4 of the receiving device, and a filling position in which the holding arm is pivoted away from its working position in order to release the opening 6 of the receiving device 1 (see Fig. 3).

[0027] The device according to the invention further comprises an extraction device, which serves to extract process vapors from the receiving space of the receiving device 1. Only an extraction nozzle 10 is visible from the receiving device, which is fixed to the holding arm of the holding device 3.

[0028] In the device, the receiving device 1 and the irradiation device 2 are thus firmly connected to each other in the working position of the holding arm, so that the irradiation device 2 is also pivoted accordingly when the receiving device 1 pivots about the pivot axis S, with the result that the relative alignment between the receiving space and the irradiation device 2 remains unchanged, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The position and angular orientation of the irradiation device 2 relative to the support arm can be adjusted, so that in each pivoting position of the receiving device 1, it is possible to adjust which area of ​​the recording space is directly irradiated by the irradiation device 2. A control device can also be provided which automatically adjusts the position and / or angular orientation of the irradiation device 2 depending on the pivoting position of the receiving device 1.

[0029] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an apparatus for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the receiving device 1 is designed in the same way as in the first embodiment, so reference is made to the corresponding explanations. However, the receiving device 1 is not supported on a frame and pivotally mounted as in the first embodiment, but is freely movable.

[0030] In contrast to the first embodiment, the holding device 3 is not attached to the housing 4 of the receiving device 1, but is designed in the form of a gripper 9, which carries the irradiation device 2 and is attached to a robot 8. To connect the holding device 3 to the receiving device 1, the robot 8 is positioned accordingly so that the gripper 9 engages the upper edge of the housing 4 of the receiving device 1, and the gripper 9 is actuated to establish the connection, as shown in Fig. 5. By operating the robot 8, the arrangement or unit consisting of the receiving device 1, the holding device 3 and the irradiation device 2 can be brought into different pivoting positions, as can be seen from a comparison of the Fig. 4 and Fig.5 shows, and in any pivoting position, the drum 5 of the receiving device 1 can be rotated and, thanks to the robot's movement capabilities, can also be rotated in a wobbling manner. It is also possible, as described above, to adjust the position and / or angular orientation of the irradiation device 2. List of reference symbols 1 recording device 2 Irradiation facility 3 Holding device 4 housings 5 frame 6 Opening 7 drum 8 robots 9 grippers 10 suction nozzle 11 Fasteners G joint S swivel axis X rotation axis QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 932 572 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a large number of objects with a receiving device (1) which defines a receiving space for the objects to be treated, the receiving space being accessible through an opening (6) of the receiving device (1), and an irradiation device (2) which is arranged and designed to introduce radiation into the receiving space and thus to treat objects introduced into the receiving space, wherein the receiving device (1) is movable with the receiving space, in particular to change the position and / or orientation of the receiving space, characterized by , that the receiving device (1) and the irradiation device (2) are connected to one another, in particular detachably connected, in such a way that the irradiation device (2) is moved along with a movement of the receiving device (1), so that the relative alignment between the receiving space and the irradiation device (2) remains unchanged. [2] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 1, characterized by that the irradiation device (2) is arranged opposite the opening (6) of the receiving device in order to introduce radiation through the opening (6) into the receiving space from the outside. [3] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the irradiation device (2) is provided on a holding device, in particular on a holding arm or a holding frame of the holding device (3), which spans the opening (6) of the receiving device (1) on the outside, and the irradiation device (2) is fixed to the holding device (3). [4] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 3, characterized by that the holding device is pivotally held on the receiving device (1) and can be pivoted between a working position in which the holding device (3) spans the opening (6) of the receiving device (1), and a filling position in which the holding device (3) is pivoted away from its working position in order to release the opening (6) of the receiving device (1). [5] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the receiving device (1) has a drum (7) defining the receiving space, which drum can be held on a frame or a housing (4) of the receiving device (1) and can be rotated relative thereto about a rotation axis (X), in particular rotating or wobbling. [6] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 5, characterized by that the axis of rotation (X) runs centrally through the opening (6) of the receiving device (1) and is in particular aligned perpendicular to a plane of the opening (6). [7] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving device (1) is mounted, in particular so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (S). [8] Apparatus for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 5 or 6 and claim 7, characterized bythat the swivel axis (S) and the rotation axis (X) are perpendicular to each other. [9] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that fastening means (11) are provided for fastening the arrangement comprising the receiving device (1) and the irradiation device (2) to a robot arm. [10] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 9, characterized by a robot (8) with a robot arm on which the arrangement consisting of receiving device (1) and irradiation device (2) is held and can be moved by a movement of the robot arm. [11] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the irradiation device (2) is fastened to a gripper (9) which is provided on or can be attached to a robot arm and which is designed to grip the receiving device (1) in order to detachably fasten the irradiation device (2) to the receiving device (1). [12] Apparatus for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 11, characterized by a robot (8) with a robot arm to which the gripper (9) is attached. [13] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the position and / or orientation of the irradiation device (2) relative to the receiving device (1) is adjustable and can in particular also be changed during operation of the device. [14] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the irradiation device (2) has at least one radiation source, which is designed in particular as a laser beam source, wherein, preferably, each radiation source is individually adjustable relative to the receiving device (1). [15] Apparatus for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to claim 14, characterized by that each radiation source includes an associated optic. [16] Device for the collective treatment of surfaces of a plurality of objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device has an extraction device to extract process vapors from the receiving space.

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