Exchange lock

Abstract

Exchange gate (1), in particular for use as an APG (= Automated Pallet Gate), for the provision of material required for work in the form of tools and / or components for the assembly or maintenance of equipment by one or more employees, wherein • the exchange lock (1) comprises at least one cubic container with an interior space (2) for receiving and providing the material, which has a size of at least two cubic meters and on two opposite sides each has an opening which can be opened and closed by a roller door (3), through which the interior space (2) can be filled with the material or through which the material can be removed from the interior space (2), • the interchangeable lock (1) has elongated drive means (5) next to and above the openings and the roller door (3) has sections (4) running transversely to the opening direction, which are at least partially connected to the drive means (5) indirectly or directly via holding means (6) and • the drive means (5) for opening and closing the roller door (3) are movable and driven in such a way that the holding means (6) can be transferred from a vertically extending section (7) to a horizontally extending section (8) or from the horizontally extending section (8) to the vertically extending section (7), characterized in that the changeover gate (1) has guide means in the form of guide rails (9) in the transition area from the vertically extending section (7) to the horizontally extending section (8), in which the drive means (5) are guided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transfer gate according to the preamble of claim 1. Transfer gates of this type serve to provide materials, tools, or other items that are needed, for example, for employees to assemble or maintain equipment. These transfer gates are located, for example, near the workplace and facilitate access to the contents. Furthermore, the loading and provision of the required items can be simplified via the transfer gate.

[0002] One potential application for the swap body is the provision of materials and tools in aircraft manufacturing. The swap body is positioned at a suitable height to eliminate the need for mechanics to climb up and down. Besides the centralized positioning of all materials, this method offers the advantage that the swap body can be permanently installed at the workstation and loaded via forklift or other transport systems. Alternatively, in the case of smaller, portable swap bodies, they can be loaded remotely and then moved to the workstation. However, swap bodies of this type are typically installed in a fixed location and loaded via forklift or other logistics equipment.

[0003] For the aforementioned purposes, the interchangeable loading bays comprise at least one cubic container with an interior space for receiving and providing the material. This container has a volume of at least two cubic meters and two openings on opposite sides, each opened and closed by a roller door. One of these openings allows the loading bay to be filled or supplied, while the other provides access to the contents.

[0004] The roller doors have individual, slat-like sections extending transversely to the opening direction, with elongated, lateral drive elements, particularly in the form of chains or belts, being directly or indirectly connected to parts of the roller door. The drive elements are moved back and forth to open and close the roller door and are preferably motor-driven. In a preferred embodiment, retaining elements are provided by which at least one section of the roller door is coupled to the drive element for transmitting the opening and closing force. The drive elements, in turn, have a vertically extending section and a horizontally extending section, with the retaining elements being transferable from one of these sections to the other.

[0005] Automated pallet gates of this type are well-known and have proven their worth in practice. In the aircraft manufacturing industry, these gates are often referred to as APGs or "Automated Pallet Gates." While they offer numerous advantages and significantly facilitate manufacturing and assembly work, especially at heights, there is room for improvement. In particular, the opening and closing of the roller doors requires refinement, as the gates are not always installed in a torsion-free manner. Further functionalities related to safety and operation are also desirable.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to create a changeover lock that allows for a more reliable and quieter opening of the roller doors and ideally provides further functions and improvements.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the fact that the interchangeable lock has guide means in the form of guide rails in the transition area from the vertically extending section to the horizontally extending section, in which the drive means are guided.

[0008] In its simplest form, the interchangeable container unit has a cubic shape with a skeletal structure. However, interchangeable container units with solid side walls or those consisting of several individual containers stacked side-by-side and / or on top of each other can also be used. Ultimately, the essential feature of the present invention is the fact that there is an interior space to be loaded, which has at least one, preferably two, openings closed by roller doors. The drive mechanism runs along the sides of the roller doors. In the usual configuration, the drive mechanism consists of chain drives, with these chains arranged circumferentially on at least one side, but usually on both sides, of the roller doors. The chains are guided and driven by pinions and pulleys.

[0009] Exemplary designs of a changeover lock feature a basic cube with two openings, each equipped with a roller door that can be opened or closed by its own dedicated motor and drive mechanism. These motors can, for example, be synchronous motors. The side walls can be permanently closed or open. Alternative designs also include openings on one or two side walls that can be closed via roller doors. Hinged doors or other closure options can also be used.

[0010] The other sides, which also have openings, can be closed via roller doors, and these can also be operated with their own motor. In many applications, the opening for personnel access and / or the opening for loading the interchangeable hatch should be quick to open and close to prevent waiting times, even if the openings are closed during work and only need to be opened briefly for access, for example, to protect the interior from contamination.

[0011] To open and close the roller doors simultaneously, each door can be operated by its own dedicated synchronous motor. An alternative configuration uses only one central motor, with power transmission and gearboxes allowing the motor's force to be transferred to two or more roller doors. For example, a shaft can be rotatably mounted in the upper ceiling of the interlocking doorway, driving a second drive for a second roller door. This second drive is located opposite a central motor (located on one side) and a first drive for a first door.

[0012] The new design of the interchangeable door system ensures, firstly, a significantly more reliable opening and closing function for the roller doors. While in conventional interchangeable door systems the chain drives run freely over deflection pulleys on the sides of the container, and are deflected from a vertical to a horizontal direction below the ceiling of the interchangeable door system, the drive mechanism is now guided, at least in sections, within a guide rail during the deflection.

[0013] Preferably, a running surface is provided in the guide rail at the deflection point, on which the drive elements rest and slide. This running surface can be formed by the guide rail itself or by an insert within the guide rail. Preferably, it is made of an abrasion-resistant plastic material, for example, a polyamide. The guide rail can enclose the drive element, and a larger gap may be provided, particularly when the aforementioned running surface is used. In particular, the guide rails can also have the form of a C-profile or be box-shaped with a curved, narrow housing as the base body and a groove arranged within it for the movement of the retaining elements.

[0014] Outside the direction reversal area, the drive elements can run freely, as in known interlocking systems, preferably using a circulating drive element in the form of a chain drive or a toothed or V-belt drive with end sprockets. Naturally, this area can also be covered by means of covers.

[0015] In a preferred application of the interlocking system, the interlock has an interior volume of at least two cubic meters. The front and rear are essentially completely open, with the exception of the side profile. The guides for the roller doors are integrated into this side profile. The roller doors can be automatically controlled when people or objects approach. Manual operation via a switch or a radio remote control is also possible.

[0016] In any case, it can be useful to have a control inside the container that allows at least one of the roller doors to be opened manually. Since the container's size allows a person to be inside the airlock when the roller doors close, this provides an emergency exit should the roller door close automatically.

[0017] The safety of the person can be further enhanced by an emergency exit, for example, a hatch in a side wall or ceiling of the container that can be opened from the inside. Multiple such openings can also be provided. Safety devices can monitor the opening of these emergency exits and trigger desired actions, such as an alarm or the activation of lighting.

[0018] Finally, the airlock can also be equipped with cameras or similar detectors for monitoring the interior. Additional cameras can also be used to monitor the area in front of the roller doors. These cameras can detect the presence of a person and take appropriate action. For example, if a person is inside the airlock, the control system, which detects presence via the cameras, can block the roller door from closing. If a person is detected within the roller door's operating range, a safety circuit can also be activated to prevent the roller door from closing further and, if necessary, to fully reopen it.

[0019] The camera system can also be used to monitor the contents of the tool changer. For example, a detection system can be implemented to identify tools left inside the tool changer or to detect that tools have not yet been replaced. In the latter case, this prevents the loss of expensive equipment, such as tools left on an aircraft when it is moved out of the assembly hall. The activation of a new loading cycle for the tool changer can also be automated in this way if the camera system detects that a certain material supply is running low.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention improves the smooth operation and reliability of the roller door's function through the use of special retaining devices. Particularly when twisting of the interchangeable door container during installation cannot be completely ruled out, the roller door, which is guided on both sides in the guides by retaining devices, may become jammed and thus either stop or at least close abruptly. Both can be classified as malfunctions and diminish the perceived quality.

[0021] The new retaining elements are now guided in the guides using a tongue-and-groove connection, but the front heads can be extended transversely to the opening direction of the roller door. This allows minor irregularities, such as deviations from the ideal horizontal line of the individual slats, to be compensated for.

[0022] Further measures to improve smooth running can include equipping the retaining elements with mushroom-shaped plastic sections at their ends, which provides greater sliding properties. Alternatively or additionally, the heads of the retaining elements can be designed as rollers that roll within the guides, thus preventing momentary jamming. Naturally, all these measures can also be combined.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The drawings show: Fig. 1 Three-dimensional view of a changeover lock according to the invention, Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1. A three-dimensional view of a changeover lock from a different perspective, Fig. 3 the ones in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown interchange locks in a front view, Fig. 4 the interlocking lock shown in the preceding figures in a side view, Fig. 5 the in Fig. 4. Interchange lock shown in a view from the opposite side, Fig. 6 the lock shown in the preceding figures in a top view, Fig. 7. The area of ​​the attachment of the roller door to the drive mechanism in a three-dimensional detail view, Fig. 8 den in Fig. 7 area shown in a sectional view from above Fig. 9 the detail “X” from Fig. 8, Fig. 10 the area of ​​the holding device in an enlarged, three-dimensional sectional view and Fig. 11 den in Fig. 10. Area of ​​the holding device shown in a side view in section.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a changeover lock 1 according to the invention. The changeover lock 1 consists of a single container having a skeletal basic shape. In the front right area, the container has a first roller door 3 and in the front left area a second roller door 3, which is formed by a plurality of superimposed, lamellar horizontal sections 4.

[0026] Both roller doors 3 are opened and closed electrically. The right roller door is rolled up at the top, similar to a roller shutter. The left roller door 3 is driven by a drive mechanism 5, which in this case consists of a chain with a vertical section 7 and a horizontal section 8. This drive mechanism 5 is powered by a central drive shaft located at the top of the container. A belt drive can also be used as an alternative to the chain.

[0027] The transition area of ​​the drive element 5 from the vertically extending section 7 to the horizontally extending section 8 is formed by a guide rail 9, which has a 90° rounded contact surface for the drive element 5. This guide rail 9 replaces the gears previously used as deflection rollers and ensures a significantly smoother and more harmonious running of the drive element 5.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the changeover lock 1 from Fig. 1 from a different perspective. Cameras 10 are provided in the upper area of ​​the rear side wall, allowing the interior 2 of the container to be monitored by a control system. These cameras 10 serve, for example, to detect the presence of a person, either inside the interior 2 of the container or in the area of ​​the roller doors 3. Furthermore, the cameras 10 can also be used to control the filling and loading of the container, whereby optical detection of the occupancy of certain areas or of the items placed inside can be carried out. Detection using RFID technology, where, for example, tools have a passive chip, is also possible.

[0029] The container itself essentially consists of a skeleton made of profiles, preferably metal, and can be the size of a standard shipping container. Ultimately, the size will depend on the application and the required material. The two side walls not closed by roller doors 3 can be open or, as shown here, closed. Additional hatches in the closed side walls can provide external access to controls or other areas behind them.

[0030] Which of the side walls have openings that can be closed and opened via roller doors depends primarily on the local loading conditions. These openings can be opposite each other or adjacent at a corner. Finally, it would also be possible to use the floor or ceiling for loading, so these areas are also suitable for roller door openings.

[0031] The drive elements 5 formed by the chain are deflected by 180° and circumferentially in the area of ​​the upper drive shaft and in the lower area of ​​the roller door at the front. A chain tensioner is preferably provided in the area of ​​the guide rails 9, which keeps the drive elements 5 under tension. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller door 3 can be raised to the middle of the upper ceiling. Alternatively, the drive shaft for the drive elements 5 can also be arranged at the rear end of the ceiling, so that the roller door 3 can be completely retracted under the ceiling.

[0032] In the Fig. 3 to 6 is the design according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each represented in a two-dimensional representation. Fig. 3 shows this in Fig. 1. Rolling gate shown on the right. Fig. Figure 5 shows the roller door 3 shown on the left with the new opening mechanism via the guide rails 9 which are not visible here.

[0033] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 6 shows another side view and a top view, in the latter view of which the drive shaft running across the top can be seen.

[0034] In the Fig. Figures 7-11 show the holding means 6 and their installation in the guide rails 9. Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of the right edge of the guide rail for the roller door 3. The roller door 3 is connected to the retaining elements 6 by its sections 4 running perpendicular to the opening direction. The retaining elements 6 are best positioned in the Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The retaining elements have a right end region in the form of a thickened head, which is guided in the C-profiles of the guide rails 9 in the manner of a tongue and groove connection. The thickened head can have a rubber-elastic or polyamide outer surface to enable smooth guidance.

[0035] According to the invention, the thickened head of the retaining means 6 can be pulled out longitudinally, i.e., at right angles to the guide rails 9. This preferably occurs against the force of a return spring. This allows for compensation if the section 4 of the roller door 3, which runs transversely to the opening direction, becomes slightly tilted, so that any tilting of the section 4 has no consequences.

[0036] In Fig. 9 is detail X from Fig. Figure 8 shows an enlarged view. Visible is the guidance of the drive element 5 in the guide rail 9, whereby the drive element 5 rests in a form-fitting manner on a plastic support in the transverse direction, so that the drive element 5 cannot slip laterally. Furthermore, the guidance of the head of the retaining element 6 in the C-profile rail is visible.

[0037] Through the improvements according to the invention of the interchangeable lock 1 by providing the guide rails 9 on the one hand and the special holding means 6 according to the Fig.On the other hand, in models 7 to 11, the roller door drive is now significantly less susceptible to jamming, and the drive mechanisms operate much more smoothly and quietly, which considerably improves the perceived quality. The new camera system, as well as the escape hatches in the container (either in the side wall or the ceiling), enhance the safety of operating personnel, particularly preventing unintentional entrapment. Reference symbol list: 1 changeover lock 2 Interior 3 roller doors 4. Section of the roller door running perpendicular to the opening direction 5 Propulsion devices 6 Holding devices 7 Vertical section of the rail 8 Horizontal section of the rail 9 Guide rail 10 camera tools

Claims

[1] Automated Pallet Gate (1), in particular for use as an APG, for the provision of material required for work in the form of tools and / or components for the assembly or maintenance of equipment by one or more employees, wherein • the exchange lock (1) comprises at least one cubic container with an interior space (2) for receiving and providing the material, which has a size of at least two cubic meters and on two opposite sides each has an opening which can be opened and closed by a roller door (3), through which the interior space (2) can be filled with the material or through which the material can be removed from the interior space (2), • the interchangeable lock (1) has elongated drive means (5) next to and above the openings and the roller door (3) has sections (4) running transversely to the opening direction, which are at least partially connected to the drive means (5) indirectly or directly via holding means (6) and • the drive means (5) for opening and closing the roller door (3) are movable and driven in such a way that the holding means (6) can be transferred from a vertically extending section (7) to a horizontally extending section (8) or from the horizontally extending section (8) to the vertically extending section (7), characterized by , that the changeover lock (1) has guide means in the form of guide rails (9) in the transition area from the vertically extending section (7) to the horizontally extending section (8) in which the drive means (5) are guided. [2] Changeover lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the drive means (5) are drive chains, are driven via at least one driven drive pinion and have chain links which are connected to the holding means (6). [3] Changeover lock (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized by , that the driving means (5) are rotating driving means which are deflected at deflection points via wheels or pinions. [4] Changeover lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the area of ​​the direction change from the vertical to the horizontal direction or vice versa, the drive means rest at least partially sliding on a running surface formed by sections of the guide rails or by inserts in the guide rails, wherein the running surface is in particular provided with a plastic surface or is made of plastic. [5] Interchangeable lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the guide rails (9) are made of plastic and / or have a damping insert or coating made of a sliding plastic, in particular polyamide. [6] Changeover lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container is formed from a steel frame with cladding of the side walls and the top and bottom, wherein the openings closed by the roller doors (3) are arranged on the front and rear and extend over the entire surface of the front and rear except for a rim of maximum 0.4m thickness, preferably a rim of maximum 0.2m thickness. [7] Interchangeable lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the holding means (6) comprise a drive-side end region facing the drive means and connected to the drive means in particular by a hinge, and a gate-side end section facing the transverse section (4), wherein the holding means (6) are designed to be variable in length against an elastic restoring force, so that the drive-side end region and the gate-side end section can move away from each other when forces occur. [8] Interchangeable lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining means (6) are held on an elastic receptacle in the transverse section (4). [9] Interchangeable lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transverse sections (4) are formed of elongated lamellae which are connected to each other by hinges at their longitudinal sides. [10] Interchangeable lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that camera means (10) are provided in the interior by means of which the interior can be monitored and controlled by a person and / or software. [11] Interchangeable lock (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the camera equipment works together with the software and a control system that is capable of identifying the material, people or other objects. [12] Changeover lock (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the software and the control system, upon detecting the presence of a person in the interior and / or near the roller door (3), deactivate the motor drive of at least one roller door (3) or automatically open a closed roller door (3). [13] Interchangeable lock (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized bythat the software works with a database and is able to detect, via image recognition, when the material or parts of the material are used up and / or when there is a tool in the container. [14] Changeover lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a coupling is provided in the container, via which the motor drive of at least one roller door (3) can be disengaged in such a way that the roller door (3) can be opened manually from the inside. [15] Interchangeable lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the interchange lock (1) has at least one escape hatch, in particular located in the area of ​​the top of the container.

Images