Modular microscope slide

Abstract

Receiving device for one or more components, wherein the receiving device has an adapted component carrier, characterized in that the receiving device is modular and has a base body and a support device with a detachable connection device, wherein the support device has one or more component-specific support elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular holding device as an object carrier or component carrier for components having the features in the preamble of the main claim.

[0002] Such a receiving device is partially known from DE 10 2007 014 850 A1. The applicant discloses a modular carrier pallet adapted to different vehicle parts, consisting of a frame with positively fitted grid strips, in the openings of which adapters can be precisely inserted and fastened.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to demonstrate a carrier that is improved in terms of flexibility and efficiency, particularly for use as a paint holder for plastic components.

[0004] The invention solves this problem with the features in the main claim. The modular design of the mounting device, comprising a base body and a support device preferably detachably connected to it, has the advantage that the component carrier is highly flexible and can be quickly and easily adapted to a wide variety of components. This enables the cost-effective production of painting fixtures for various variants, e.g., different switch elements with different geometries.

[0005] When changing variants, it is sufficient to modify the component support device and adapt it to the new component configuration.

[0006] Modifying only the component support structure can be implemented quickly. Manufacturing the component supports using additive manufacturing allows for the creation of prototypes and testing of their use. This can shorten time-consuming optimization cycles.

[0007] The object carrier can be used for a wide variety of purposes. It can be permanently or detachably attached to a suitable substructure. Such a substructure could be, for example, a frame commonly used in paint shops.

[0008] The claimed microscope slide has the advantage that the supporting structure itself can also be modular and consist of one or more component-specific support elements. The supporting structure can be designed, in particular, as a supporting skeleton, e.g., in the form of a truss. The claimed mounting device has the advantage of a slim and lightweight design. The low weight is particularly advantageous for transport and handling. Further advantages of the lower weight result from reduced material usage. This makes the cost of a microscope slide lower than that of conventional component holders that are not modular. A further advantage arises in the recycling of the plastics due to the reduced component weight. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the base body and / or the support elements are made of thin-walled plastic parts. These can be produced cost-effectively for smaller quantities using additive manufacturing, such as...Can be manufactured using 3D printing or, for larger quantities, plastic injection molding and adapted to specific requirements.

[0009] The component carrier can accommodate one or more components. These can be identical or different components. Due to the flexible design of the support device, the component carrier can also accommodate a set of different and possibly related components. The component carrier according to the invention can therefore be used not only for transport and painting purposes, but also for picking related components.

[0010] The skeletal structure of the support system minimizes construction effort and costs. The support elements can incorporate any suitable and designed support elements, adapted to the respective components. These elements can, for example, provide support and guidance, act as stops, or perform other auxiliary functions for one or more components. However, not all support elements need to be attached to a single component. They can also serve other purposes, such as stabilizing the support system and / or the base structure, providing access control, or similar functions. Through targeted adaptation, it is possible to manage with fewer support elements, thereby saving weight and construction effort, while still ensuring maximum flexibility and optimal support and guidance for the components.

[0011] The connecting device for interconnecting the base body and the support elements with positively interlocking and preferably pluggable connecting elements, in particular strip-like projections and slot-like receiving openings, offers advantages in terms of weight savings and stability. Such connecting elements can be realized with thin-walled plastic parts. In addition to the preferred positive connection, a supporting non-positive connection, in particular a clamping connection, can be provided. This ensures the positive connection and prevents unwanted movement or play at the connection points. Furthermore, instability, rattling noises, or the like are avoided.

[0012] The base body can be designed in any suitable way. A rail- or cassette-like design offers the advantage of a slim and weight-saving construction. The support elements can be anchored to the opposing side panels, to the rails in the central section, or to other support elements. The anchoring can be achieved through clamping or locking mechanisms.

[0013] The base body can be equipped with a Poka-Yoke system. This prevents incorrect positioning. For geometrically complex parts, this offers advantages in handling, such as during assembly processes or when loading a paint system.

[0014] Furthermore, the slim design offers advantages when painting, as spray and paint mist can be guided through the component carrier.

[0015] The component support elements can be designed as differently shaped and arranged built-in components. One type of built-in component can be directly connected to the base body. Other types of built-in components can, in turn, be attached to the aforementioned built-in components. By aligning and connecting the built-in components transversely, a stable truss or supporting skeleton can be formed.

[0016] A suitable holding device for permanent or detachable connection can be provided for attaching the component carrier to the base. Plug-in connections are also advantageous here. One or more component carriers can be arranged on the base. Furthermore, a coupling device can be arranged on the base body, allowing multiple base bodies to be connected. This allows, for example, the creation of stacks of several component carriers arranged one above the other, including the components they hold. Several component carriers, which can also be of different designs, can be connected to form a larger carrier unit that can hold a large number of components, and in particular, a comprehensive component set. Such a component set can then be handled, transported, and stored as a single unit. This enables larger picking volumes, which is advantageous for a wide variety of applications.Especially when using flatbed or spindle painting systems, it proves advantageous to be able to load larger quantities in a short time. Logistics within a production plant can be simplified and reduced in cost.

[0017] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0018] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawings. Specifically, the drawings show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a substrate with several components Fig. 2: Another perspective exploded view of the slide from Fig. 1, Fig. 3: A side view of the object carrier with base support (1) and component support (2) as a multiple component support with lateral anchoring (4) Fig. 4: Anchoring a component carrier (2) by locking (4) Fig. 5: Fault protection (5), Poka-Yoke on the base body (1) Fig. 6: Coupling device (6) on a base body (1) Fig. 7: A perspective view of the object support with base support (1) and component support (2) as a simple component support with anchorage to the central part of the base support (4) Fig. 8: a side view of the object carrier with base support (1) and component support as a simple component support (7) with anchoring to the central part of the base support (4) Fig. 9: a perspective view of a substrate with several components on a component support as a simple component support (7)

[0019] The invention relates to a microscope slide ( Fig. 1) for one or more components.

[0020] The slide ( Fig. 1) has an adapted component support element (2, 7) that is adapted to the component(s) (3). The support element (2, 7) can be present singly or in multiples.

[0021] The slide ( Fig. 1) is modular in design. It consists of a base body (1) and a component support device (2, 7). It also features a detachable connection device for the base body (4) and the support device (4). The support device (2, 7) has one or more support elements, which are, for example, component-specific and engage with the one or more components, supporting, guiding, centering, or otherwise influencing them at suitable points. Other support elements may have a different function, in particular a stabilizing function for the support device.

[0022] The slide ( Fig. 1) It can serve different purposes with regard to the components. On the one hand, it can serve to supply components or make them available for further production steps. It enables the provision of components or component sets. The slide ( Fig. 1) Can be loaded and / or unloaded manually or automatically. In conjunction with a suitable positioning device, fully automatic loading and / or unloading is possible using multi-axis manipulators, especially industrial robots, and their gripping tools.

[0023] The base body (1) can have any suitable shape. In the embodiment ( Fig. 1) Is it designed as a cassette or grid?

[0024] Variations of the illustrated and described embodiment are possible in various ways. This concerns the structural design of the base body (1) and the component support structure, as well as their support elements as multiple component supports (2) or single component supports (7). The connecting device (4) and the coupling device (6) can also be designed differently, e.g., as a clip or snap connection, with hooks, as a bolt or screw connection, or the like. The number and arrangement of the connecting elements can vary. QUOTES INCLUDED 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] DE 10 2007 014 850 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Holding device for one or more components, wherein the holding device has an adapted component carrier, characterized by that the receiving device is of modular design and has a base body and a support device with a detachable connecting device, wherein the support device has one or more component-specific support elements. [2] Recording device according to claim 1, characterized by that the receiving device has a substructure for a component carrier. [3] Recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the support device is designed to accommodate one or more components or a set of components. [4] Recording device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the support device is designed as a modular support skeleton consisting of several interchangeable support elements. [5] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the load-bearing elements have component-specific support elements. [6] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a coupling device for connecting several base bodies is arranged permanently or detachably on the base body. [7] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting device has positively interlocking connecting elements on the base body and on the supporting elements. [8] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting device has a grid. [9] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting device has a clamp. [10] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting elements are designed as projections and matching openings. [11] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body and / or the support device are designed as thin-walled plastic parts. [12] Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plastic parts are manufactured using additive manufacturing or plastic injection molding.

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