TURNING DEVICE WITH A STOP ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for turning plate-shaped components, in particular sheet metal panels, comprising: a rotation unit; wherein the rotation unit is configured to turn a component with respect to an axis of rotation in a turning operation; and a conveying unit, wherein the conveying unit is received in the rotation unit and is rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation by means of the rotation unit.The conveying unit comprises at least a first conveying means and a second conveying means arranged opposite the axis of rotation, wherein the first conveying means defines a first conveying level and the second conveying means defines a second conveying level arranged parallel to the first conveying level, wherein the conveying unit is designed to receive the component between the first and second conveying levels with respect to a conveying direction arranged parallel to the axis of rotation, such that the component is received between the first and second conveying means for the turning process.

[0002] A rotary unit is disclosed, for example, in JP2000079526 A, wherein individual, rotatably mounted conveyor rollers are arranged in the rotary unit, over which a workpiece can be guided into the rotary unit. Two opposing arrangements of conveyor rollers are provided, with the workpiece being held between the two arrangements for rotation. After rotation or turning of the workpiece, it comes to rest on the opposite arrangement, from which it can be fed back to the first arrangement after turning. Furthermore, a stopper can be provided in the device against which the workpiece strikes during the turning process or slides in its direction due to gravity.

[0003] In JPS 54128271 U and CN 110342222 A, turning devices are disclosed which have opposing conveying units for workpieces, as well as limiting elements for limiting the workpieces in the turning device, which are arranged in the edge areas of the conveying units.

[0004] CN 110857179 A discloses a turning device with opposing roller conveyor elements, wherein individual limiting elements are provided which are arranged in recesses between the roller conveyor elements and are adjustable along the recesses between the roller conveyors.

[0005] DE 3009615 A1 and CN 107352259 A disclose turning devices for workpieces in which the workpiece is taken up between roller conveyor units for the turning process, wherein adjustable limiting units for the workpiece are arranged in the edge areas of the conveyor units, which can be adjusted between the conveyor units in the direction of the workpiece.

[0006] In CN 208775765 U and CN111805494 A, turning devices are disclosed that comprise opposing conveying units with roller conveyors, wherein the roller conveyors can be rotated about an axis perpendicular to a conveying direction of the roller conveyors by means of the turning device. Furthermore, limiting elements for the workpiece are disclosed, which can be mounted at different positions between the individual roller conveyors along the conveying direction and extend between the roller conveyors into a receiving area for the workpiece in order to secure it for the turning process. The limiting elements of CN 208775765 U can also be adjusted in a height position in the direction of the receiving area.

[0007] A disadvantage of such turning units from the prior art is that, due to different dimensions and their friction or sliding behavior, the components do not fully engage the stoppers or stop elements during the turning process, and the workpieces slide in a twisted direction towards the stops, resulting in damage to the workpieces and suboptimal alignment when exiting the turning unit.

[0008] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device for turning components by means of which a user is able to carry out an improved turning process.

[0009] This task is solved by a device according to the claims.

[0010] The device according to the invention is characterized in that the conveying unit comprises at least one stop arrangement for positioning the component during the turning process, wherein a first stop plane or stop surface can be formed between the first and second conveying means by means of the stop arrangement, and wherein the stop arrangement is adjustable parallel to the first conveying plane and transversely or perpendicularly to the axis of rotation.

[0011] The inventive measure makes it possible to bring the stop arrangement close to the component, thus preventing lateral displacement of the component in the rotation unit during the turning process. Furthermore, the inventive measure has the advantage of allowing the component to be aligned in the conveyor unit both before and after the turning process.

[0012] A stop plane refers to the area of ​​the stop arrangement which serves as an effective contact surface between the two conveying planes of the conveying means for positioning the component.

[0013] Regarding the adjustment transverse to the axis of rotation, it can be provided that the stop arrangement is adjustable over the entire width of the conveying unit.

[0014] The stop arrangement is also adjustable relative to the first conveyor level in a perpendicular direction. This allows the stop arrangement to be adjusted vertically between the two conveyor levels, as well as to be adjusted outside the conveyor levels, so that it can be moved out of the component holding area between the two conveyor levels.

[0015] Furthermore, the conveying unit is designed to include a cam mechanism, with the stop mechanism being coupled to the cam mechanism in such a way that when the stop mechanism is adjusted relative to the axis of rotation, the stop mechanism can be adjusted with respect to the vertical direction by means of the cam mechanism. This design offers the advantage that no separate drive is required for the stop mechanism with respect to adjustment along the vertical direction, as this is achieved by means of adjustment perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one of the conveying means, comprising at least one of the two conveying means, includes individual rod-shaped conveying elements; wherein the rod-shaped conveying elements are arranged transversely to the axis of rotation.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that the stop arrangement comprises individual stop elements, wherein the stop elements are arranged perpendicular to the first conveying plane and are spaced apart from each other with respect to a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, so that the first stop plane can be formed by means of the stop elements.

[0018] Preferably, the distance between the individual stop elements can correspond to the distance between the individual rod-shaped conveying elements. Furthermore, the stop elements are preferably uniformly spaced with respect to the conveying plane (or arranged parallel to the conveying plane).

[0019] An advantageous embodiment provides that the individual stop elements can be guided between the rod-shaped conveying elements. For this purpose, an adjustment device for the stop elements or a previously mentioned cam arrangement can be provided. For example, the stop elements can be adjustable parallel to the conveying plane and transversely to the axis of rotation, and guided between the rod-shaped conveying elements in this direction, but also perpendicular to the conveying planes. In this respect, the rod-shaped conveying elements have uniform gaps between them (with respect to their respective spacing in the conveying direction), through which the respective stop elements can be guided. Preferably, one stop element can be provided per gap.

[0020] In a further training system, it may be stipulated that at least one of the two conveying elements, comprising the first and second conveying elements, is designed to be movable relative to its conveying plane along a conveying direction within the conveying unit, so that the component can be moved together with the movable conveying element. A movable conveying element enables gentle handling of the component and improved conveying of it by the turning device.

[0021] Furthermore, the conveying unit may be provided with at least one deflection arrangement, whereby the deflection arrangement allows the at least one movable conveying element to be deflected in such a way that it can be distanced from the other, opposing conveying element. In this way, at least a section of the movable conveying element can be designed to be displaceable outside the respective conveying plane. This design enables improved feeding / pulling of components into the conveying unit.

[0022] Preferably, at least one movable conveying element may be designed to be movable by means of a traction drive. A circulating conveying element may also be provided.

[0023] It is particularly preferred that the movable conveying element has brush-like elements, wherein the brush-like elements are designed to receive the component and extend perpendicularly from the movable conveying element in the direction of the component to be received. The brush-like elements enable simplified handling of components of varying thicknesses. Furthermore, the components can be pushed much more gently by means of the stop arrangement on the brush-like elements within the conveying unit. Likewise, the component's resistance to alignment by the stop arrangement with respect to the conveying direction or axis of rotation is significantly reduced.

[0024] One possible configuration involves arranging the stop assembly parallel to the axis of rotation along the entire length of the conveying unit. This allows a component to be reliably aligned within the conveying unit, regardless of its precise position, or to strike the stop during the turning process. The total length of the conveying unit essentially refers to the length over which the component can be in contact with the conveying elements between the two conveying levels. Thus, the effective contact area of ​​the stop assembly extends over the entire conveying length of the conveying element.

[0025] Another embodiment provides that the stop arrangement extends over at least two rod-shaped conveying elements in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. Particularly when using single stop elements, at least two stop elements can thus be provided.

[0026] In an advantageous further development, the conveying unit may include a second stop arrangement, wherein a second stop plane can be formed between the first and second conveying elements by means of the second stop arrangement, and wherein the second stop arrangement is arranged opposite the first stop arrangement with respect to its axis of rotation. Thus, a second stop plane, which is opposite the first stop plane with respect to its axis of rotation, can be formed. With this design, a component can be aligned from both sides in the rotating unit or held during a turning operation, particularly if the rotating unit has a rotation range greater than 180°.

[0027] Preferably, the second stop arrangement can be designed to be adjustable parallel to the first conveying plane and transversely to the axis of rotation. For example, this measure can also be used to center a component within the conveying unit or rotation unit.

[0028] Another possible embodiment provides that the conveying unit has a lateral access opening between the first and second conveying elements, whereby the access opening allows the component to be fed between the first and second conveying levels transversely to the axis of rotation. The access opening can preferably be configured opposite the axis of rotation of the first stop arrangement. Components can, for example, be manually fed into the device via the access opening, independently of adjacent systems that feed components in the conveying direction. Furthermore, it can be provided that components can be dispensed via the access opening by means of the stop arrangement by moving them in the direction of the access opening.

[0029] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0030] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a turning device with a stop arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a possible embodiment of a rotary unit in top view; Fig. 3 a possible embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 4 an embodiment of a conveying unit according to Fig. 3 in side view; Fig. 5 an embodiment of a conveying unit; Fig. 6 an embodiment of a stop arrangement with a cam; Fig. 7 the stop arrangement according to Fig. 6 in another position.

[0031] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0032] In Fig. 1A device 1 for turning components 2 is shown. The device 1 comprises a rotation unit 3 configured to turn a component 2 about an axis of rotation R in a turning operation. It further comprises a conveying unit 4, wherein the conveying unit 4 is received in the rotation unit 3 and is rotatable about the axis of rotation R by means of the rotation unit 3.

[0033] The conveying unit 4 comprises at least a first conveying element 5 and a second conveying element 6 arranged opposite the axis of rotation, wherein the first conveying element 5 defines a first conveying level 7 and the second conveying element 6 defines a second conveying level 8 arranged parallel to the first conveying level 7. The conveying unit 4 is designed to receive the component 2 between the first and second conveying levels 7, 8 with respect to a conveying direction F arranged parallel to the axis of rotation R, such that the component 2 is received between the first and second conveying elements 5, 6 for the turning process.

[0034] For the sake of clarity, it should be mentioned that the conveying levels 7,8 refer to the support levels formed by the conveying means 5,6, to which the component 2 is guided when conveyed into the device 1, or which, during the turning process itself, are directly opposite the component 2 on its two flat sides.

[0035] According to the invention, at least one first stop arrangement 9 is provided, wherein a first stop plane 10 or a stop surface between the first and second conveying means 5, 6 can be formed by means of the stop arrangement 9. The stop plane 10 can preferably be oriented perpendicular to the first conveying plane 7 and / or arranged parallel to the axis of rotation R. The stop arrangement 9 is designed to engage the component 2 during the turning process and is also adjustable parallel to the first conveying plane 7 and transversely or perpendicularly to the axis of rotation R. In this respect, a direction of movement 20 arranged transversely to the axis of rotation R and parallel to the first conveying plane 7 is indicated.

[0036] The stop arrangement 9 thus forms a stop for the component 2, so that it cannot slip out or be displaced between the two conveying levels during the turning process due to gravity.

[0037] To align component 2 using the stop arrangement 9, a stop or a rigid reference 19 can be provided opposite component 2. For example, it can be provided that component 2 is movable by means of the adjustable stop arrangement 9, so that it comes into contact with the rigid reference 19 for the turning process and is thus immovably held between the reference 19 and the stop arrangement 9 or the stop plane 10.

[0038] The stop arrangement 9 is designed such that it does not obstruct the component 2 during transport along the conveying direction F into or out of the conveying unit 4. Preferably, it extends over a total length 18 of the conveying unit 4 and can be moved from a receiving area of ​​the conveying unit 4.

[0039] The adjustment of the stop arrangement 9 can be effected by means of a drive element (not shown), which is preferably incorporated in the rotary unit 3. As shown, the stop arrangement 9 can be mounted and guided by means of a rail guide or the like, which is arranged outside the two conveying planes and facing away from them with respect to the component.

[0040] A drive device (not shown) can also be provided for rotating the rotary unit 3 with respect to the axis of rotation R; this device may be coupled, for example, to a belt or gear drive. The ring-shaped elements of the rotary unit shown can preferably be rotatably mounted and rotatable with the conveyor unit about the axis R, or they can simply consist of individual segments that are rotatably mounted and coupled to the conveyor unit.

[0041] Furthermore, a control device 30 may preferably be provided which is connected to the rotation unit 3 and the conveying unit 4 and the stop arrangement 9, so that their movements, preferably dependent on each other, are initiated by the control unit.

[0042] Furthermore, the device for detecting a picked-up or ejected component can have light barriers in the end regions 21, 22, as indicated, which are preferably connected to the control device 30. The light barriers can be provided for releasing the stop arrangement 9 or, for example, for supporting movable conveying devices, so that their operation is supported by the light barriers with regard to component positions, etc.

[0043] As in Fig, 1As also shown, the conveying equipment can have individual conveying elements, which are designed, for example, as rotatably mounted rollers. Likewise, conveyor belts, sliding surfaces, or planar surfaces with mounted rolling elements, such as balls, can also be provided. It should be noted that the stop arrangement is not limited to the conveying equipment design shown.

[0044] Furthermore, the conveying unit 4, regardless of the design of the conveying means, can have a lateral access opening 28, which is provided for loading the device with a component 2 transversely to the conveying direction F. For example, the access opening 28 allows for the manual insertion of components without having to enter adjacent parts of the device 1. The access opening 28 is preferably arranged opposite the stop arrangement with respect to the axis of rotation R. It can also be provided that components can be dispensed via the access opening 28 by means of the adjustable stop arrangement 9.

[0045] In Fig. 2 A top view of a rotating unit 3 is shown, with the first conveying element of the conveying unit 4 hidden.

[0046] Component 2 is held in the conveying unit 4 and is located between the two conveying means or the two conveying levels. The stop arrangement 9 is in the waiting position 26 and can be adjusted relative to component 2 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation R, and with the stop plane 10 resting against a longitudinal edge of component 2, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0047] To determine the stop arrangement 9 in its waiting position 26, a detector 31 can be provided, which is preferably connected to the control device.

[0048] Regardless of the design, the stop arrangement 9 can also include a pressure sensor or the like, by means of which a stop of the component located in the conveyor unit 4 can be determined when the stop arrangement is adjusted, or also when this component is in contact with the conveyor during the turning process. Preferably, two spaced-apart sensors can be provided so that a linear contact of the component can be detected.

[0049] With respect to the component opposite, a rigid system or reference 19 can be provided, e.g. for aligning the component by bringing it close to the reference using the stop arrangement.

[0050] Furthermore, a second stop arrangement 23 with a second stop plane 24 can be arranged opposite the stop arrangement 9 with respect to the axis of rotation R, so that a component is held between the two stop arrangements. The second stop arrangement can also be adjustable perpendicular to the axis of rotation R and would thus be essentially symmetrical to the first stop arrangement. In a further embodiment, the two stop arrangements can be adjusted synchronously with each other. In such an arrangement, the component can be centered in the conveyor unit 4 by means of the two stop arrangements.

[0051] At least one of the conveying means can be designed to be movable with respect to the conveying direction F and can have a drive means 25. For example, the conveying means can also include a conveyor belt.

[0052] Furthermore, in Fig. 2Brush-like elements 41 for receiving the component are indicated, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0053] In Fig. 3 A preferred embodiment of the conveying unit 4 is shown, in which at least one of the conveying means, comprising the first conveying means 5 and the second conveying means 6, includes individual conveying elements 13; the conveying elements 13 being rod-shaped and arranged transversely to the conveying direction F. Furthermore, at least one of the two conveying means 5, 6 is designed to be movable relative to the conveying direction F. The conveying direction F is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation R.

[0054] The conveying means preferably has a traction drive 17, e.g. an endlessly circulating belt, by means of which traction means the rod-shaped conveying means are coupled to each other so that they can be moved along the conveying direction F.

[0055] Furthermore, at least one deflection arrangement 15 can be provided, wherein the deflection arrangement 15 allows the at least one movable conveying element to be deflected such that it can be distanced from the other, opposing conveying element, so that at least a section 16 of the movable conveying element can be displaced outside the respective conveying plane. When using a traction drive 17, the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 can be moved along the conveying direction F until they reach the deflection arrangement 15 and are distanced from opposing conveying elements by means of the deflection arrangement 15. By means of the deflection arrangement 15, they can, for example, be returned against the original conveying direction.

[0056] It is particularly preferred that the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 have a polygonal, in particular rectangular, cross-section. An advantage of this cross-sectional shape is the transverse edge formed by the cross-section, which particularly facilitates the intake and ejection of the component from the device.

[0057] As shown, component 2 can be fed to the conveying unit 4 at the front end section 21 with respect to the conveying direction F, or it can be drawn in by the movable conveying device and discharged again at the rear end section 22 to a downstream system. Furthermore, component 2 can also be drawn in and discharged again at the same end section using the movable conveying device.

[0058] Regarding the conveying mechanism, the conveying unit 4 preferably includes a drive element 25, which can also be rotated with the conveying unit 4. Supply lines 29 can be routed to the drive element 25, as shown, and these lines are flexible so that they are not damaged during rotation. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that preferably all system components that are rotatable with the rotating unit 3 and require an external power supply, data transmission, or the like are connected via such a supply line 29. The supply lines 29 are preferably connected to a control device 30, which is provided for controlling the entire device 1.

[0059] As also shown, the rotating unit 3 can comprise at least two annular elements 36 arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation R, with the conveying unit 4 being located between the two annular elements 36. The annular elements 36 can preferably be rigidly connected to the conveying unit 4 and rotatably mounted in a bearing arrangement 33. A drive unit, preferably attached to a rigid part of the device 1, is provided for rotating the rotating unit. Furthermore, a toothed connection, or a belt, chain, or the like, can be provided on the annular elements in conjunction with the drive unit.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the invention, the device 1 or the conveying unit 4 has an adjustable stop arrangement 9 for positioning the component 2 during the turning process, wherein the stop arrangement 9 is adjustable parallel to the first conveying plane 7 and transversely to the axis of rotation R. The stop arrangement 9 forms a stop plane 10 between the first and second conveying means or between their conveying planes, which stop plane is preferably perpendicular to these and / or parallel to the axis of rotation R. The stop arrangement 9 can preferably be arranged over a total length 18 of the conveying unit 4 or the conveying means.

[0061] The stop arrangement can, in one embodiment, be mounted at least in its end regions 21, 22, so that it can be adjusted independently of the movement of the at least one movable conveying element. In the illustration, the stop arrangement 9 is in a waiting position 26. A drive arrangement 27 can preferably be provided for adjusting the stop arrangement 9, by means of which the stop arrangement 9 is preferably linearly displaceable, as in the illustrated example transversely to the axis of rotation R. As further shown, the drive arrangement 27 can also include a type of traction element, as well as other devices known from the prior art that are suitable for adjusting the stop arrangement.

[0062] With regard to rotation, limiting elements 34 can preferably be provided, which, for example, serve as a stop for a complete rotation. Complementarily, stoppers 35 serving to limit rotation can be provided on rotatable areas, in particular the ring-shaped elements 32.

[0063] As mentioned at the beginning, the device can also be rotated over a larger angle, e.g. 360°.

[0064] Furthermore, it can be provided that both conveying means are designed to be movable, in particular synchronous with each other, so that the component is picked up by both conveying means and can be moved along the conveying direction F.

[0065] In a further development, the conveying unit 4 can include an arrangement for adjusting the height of at least one of the conveying means, so that a distance between the two conveying means can be adjusted. Preferably, the drive means 25 are designed for this purpose, as well as for driving the traction element by means of the wheels shown.

[0066] The device 1 can also include positioning means 37 for determining the position or rotation of the rotation unit 3. These means can, for example, include an inclination sensor.

[0067] In Fig. 4 is a design of a mobile conveying device 5 according to Fig. 3The figure is shown in a side view. Preferably, the conveying means has a traction drive 17, in particular a circulating belt or chain, by means of which the conveying means 5 can be adjusted along the conveying direction F. In addition, the traction drive can be designed to be continuous or interrupted and movable between two end positions.

[0068] The rod-shaped conveying elements 13 are arranged transversely to the axis of rotation R (preferably transversely to the conveying direction F). Furthermore, the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 can preferably be rigidly attached to the traction drive 17 and form a continuous loop with it. In this embodiment, a traction element can be arranged in each of the lateral edge regions of the conveying unit, and the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 can be attached between two traction elements, so that they extend across the width transversely to the conveying direction F of the conveying unit. Alternatively, a push chain or other circulating conveying devices can also be provided.

[0069] The conveying elements 13 of the conveying device 5 can be designed such that they rotate endlessly by means of the traction element. Alternatively, they can have end stops or the like for conveying a component along the conveying direction F with respect to the direction of rotation of the conveying elements, so that they only move within a specific range (with respect to their direction of rotation). Determining means 38 can be provided to determine the position or an end position. These determining means can include detectors, magnetic sensors, mechanical switches, etc. Furthermore, these can in turn be connected to the control device. For example, it can be provided that the conveying elements are in a waiting position for a component to be picked up, and thus a majority or all of the conveying elements are removed from the conveying plane and are only moved into the conveying plane when a component is picked up.

[0070] The second funding program, number 6, is in Fig. 4 The design is indicated by dashed lines and, in one embodiment, can also be non-movable and, for example, have rotatably mounted rollers or the like for supporting the component. It should be noted that when using a movable or a non-movable conveying device, the arrangement of the conveying devices shown can also be reversed, so that the movable conveying device is at the bottom, etc. Preferably, the second conveying device can be designed symmetrically to the first.

[0071] Particularly preferably, the movable conveying means, or the rod-shaped conveying elements 13, regardless of the embodiment shown, has brush-like elements 41, wherein the brush-like elements are provided for receiving the component 2. The brush-like elements 41 are arranged on the surface of the conveying means 5 facing the component 2.

[0072] The brush-like elements 41 are preferably elastically deformable and can be made of an elastic material such as elastomers or thermoplastics, or alternatively of other plastics and materials. Preferably, they exhibit higher static friction with respect to the component, enabling them to grip and carry the component 2 along the conveying element in the conveying direction F. Alternatively, instead of the brush-like elements, a coating or the like with an increased coefficient of friction can be provided on the surface of the conveying element.

[0073] For example, the component can be drawn into the formed gap in the deflection area of ​​the deflection arrangement 15 by means of the brush-like elements 41, or it can be discharged again in this area to an adjacent system. In a previously mentioned configuration of two conveying means that move synchronously with each other, the second conveying means 6 can be designed symmetrically to the first conveying means 5.

[0074] Regarding the aforementioned height adjustment of the conveying device, it may also be provided that, for example, the drive wheels of the traction drive are adjustable, so that the distance of the conveying device to the opposite conveying device can be changed.

[0075] Furthermore, in Fig. 4The initial position of the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 is indicated by dashed lines, showing the position the conveying elements were in before picking up the component 2, or in the position they can be in after a component is dispensed, such that at least a section 16 of the movable conveying element can be displaced outside the respective conveying plane. In this regard, it can be provided that the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 are arranged only within a section 39 of the traction element 17 with respect to a length 40, wherein the traction element section 39 comprises 30% to 60% of the length 40. In the case of a circulating traction element drive or belt, the length 40 is its total length.

[0076] The stop arrangement can comprise individual stop elements 14, wherein the stop elements 14 are preferably arranged perpendicular to the first conveying plane 7 and spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (R), or in the conveying direction F. The stop elements 14 together form the stop plane 10 or stop surface.

[0077] Furthermore, it is provided that the stop elements 14 can each be passed between the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 of the first conveying means 5, preferably at least up to the conveying level 8 of the opposite second conveying means 6.

[0078] In general, regarding the "passing through", it should be mentioned that the rod-shaped conveying elements (whether rollers or movable rods) have corresponding gaps which correspond to a spacing of the (parallel) rod-shaped conveying elements to each other, through which the stop elements can be passed, which gaps are generally visible from the figures.

[0079] Especially in the case of conveying elements that can be moved (in the conveying direction), it should be mentioned for the sake of completeness that the stop elements 14, with respect to passing through them, should preferably also be completely removable from the area of ​​the conveying elements, so that they do not block the conveying elements in the conveying direction, as can be seen from the Figures 4 to 7 emerges.

[0080] The stop elements 14 of the stop arrangement 9 can also be slidably mounted with respect to a certain amount of play in the conveying direction F, so that the movable conveying element with the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 does not have to be brought into an exact position relative to the stop elements 14, but can be guided between the conveying elements 13 by means of the play. For this purpose, chamfers, rounded edges, etc. can be provided on the stop elements.

[0081] When using a rotating traction drive 17, the length of the stop arrangement 9 can be shorter than the overall length of the conveying unit due to the deflection arrangement 15. The stop arrangement 9 can, for example, extend between two deflection arrangements 15 of a rotating traction drive 17, but at least with respect to the conveying direction F over a width of two adjacent rod-shaped conveying elements 13, or over at least two openings between the rod-shaped conveying elements.

[0082] The rod-shaped conveying elements 13 preferably have a polygonal, in particular a rectangular, cross-section, as also shown in In Fig. 5Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a stop arrangement, wherein the stop arrangement 9 is adjustable relative to a perpendicular direction 11 to the first conveying level 7. Furthermore, the adjustment of the stop arrangement 9 relative to the perpendicular direction 11 can be effected by means of a cam arrangement, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0083] Furthermore, the stop arrangement can consist of 9 individual stop elements 14 as shown in Fig. 4 The stop elements 14 are arranged (and passable) between the rod-shaped conveying elements 13 of the conveying means with respect to the conveying direction F. Thus, the stop arrangement 9 can preferably be adjusted along the vertical direction 11 outside the conveying plane, so that it can be displaced outside the area between the two conveying planes.

[0084] As in Fig. 5As shown on the right, the adjustment of the stop arrangement 9 with respect to the vertical direction 11 can also be achieved via a telescopic arrangement. For example, the individual stop elements can be designed to be telescopic and adjustable, e.g., via a common drive.

[0085] In Figs. 6 and 7 An embodiment of a conveying unit 4 is shown, wherein the conveying unit 4 comprises a cam arrangement 12, wherein the stop arrangement 9 is coupled to the cam arrangement 12 such that when the stop arrangement 9 is adjusted relative to the axis of rotation (R), the stop arrangement is adjustable with respect to the vertical direction 11 by means of the cam arrangement 12. Fig. 6The stop assembly with the stop elements is located in a position outside the receiving area between the two conveyor levels. As shown, the adjustment with respect to the vertical direction 11 can preferably be made via the cam immediately at the beginning of the adjustment of the stop assembly to the axis of rotation, when it is moved from the waiting position and is furthest away from the axis of rotation. Afterwards, the stop assembly is moved into the receiving area, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0086] The cam arrangement 12 is preferably arranged on a strut 42 or the like, which is located in the conveying unit 4. As shown, the cam is preferably arranged or configured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The drive means for adjusting the stop arrangement 9 or a guide element 36 of the stop arrangement can be configured as shown in the preceding figures; furthermore, the drive means 25 can also preferably be attached to or in the struts 42.

[0087] Furthermore, it is provided that the stop elements 14 can each be passed between the rod-shaped conveying elements 13, as shown, by means of the cam arrangement 12.

[0088] The stop assembly 9 can have a lever with a driver, the driver being received in a cam track and guided by means of which. By means of the adjustment with respect to the vertical direction 11, the stop assembly 9 can be moved in and out of a receiving area for the component 2 between the first and second conveyor levels by moving the driver with respect to the cam track 12 into an end position and thus initiating the adjustment with respect to the vertical direction 11.

[0089] Preferably, in all embodiments, the control device is configured to control the adjustment of the stop arrangement depending on the method of the conveying means, so that, for example, in the embodiment according to Figs. 6 and 7The rod-shaped conveying elements 13 are brought into position to allow the stop elements 14 to pass through. As mentioned previously, the stop arrangement can also have some play parallel to the axis of rotation, so that the stop elements 14 can be guided through the conveying elements more easily.

[0090] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that although only one lever with a cam track is shown, with regard to the adjustment and bearing of the stop arrangement, or in particular the stop elements 14, such a cam guide can preferably be formed on each of the struts 42 and facing the stop elements 14, wherein the respective levers of the cam arrangement move synchronously with each other with regard to the adjustment of the stop arrangement.

[0091] The illustrated driver can preferably be guided along its cam track in such a way that, by adjusting the stop arrangement transversely to the axis of rotation, it follows a single possible path movement in the cam track. This measure assigns a unique position perpendicular to the conveying plane to each position of the stop arrangement transversely to the axis of rotation, thereby also enabling the determination of the component's position.

[0092] The stop elements 14 can preferably be dimensioned with respect to the vertical direction 11 such that, with respect to their length, they are located between the two conveying means after adjustment in the direction of the conveying plane 7, and extend at most to this conveying plane of the opposite conveying means, so that they do not touch the conveying elements of the opposite conveying means.

[0093] As shown, the stop arrangement 9 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R over at least two rod-shaped conveying elements 13, preferably between 25% and 80% of the total length of the conveying unit or of one of the conveying means.

[0094] In the Figures 4 to 7 Further and possibly independent embodiments of the device are shown, whereby the same reference numerals or component designations are used for identical parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figures 1 to 3 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding figures.

[0095] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list 1 device 31 detector 2 component 32 ring-shaped elements 3 Rotary unit 33 Storage arrangement 4 Conveyor unit 34 Boundary elements 5 first funding 35 stopper 6 second funding 36 Guide element 7 first funding level 37 Positioning device 8 second funding level 38 Determination tools 9 Stop arrangement 39 Traction section 10 first stop level 40 length 11 perpendicular direction 41 brush-like elements 12 Scenery arrangement 42 bracing 13 Conveyor elements R axis of rotation 14 Stop elements F Direction of flow 15 Deflection arrangement 16 subsection 17 Traction drive 18 Total length 19 reference 20 Direction of movement 21 front end area 22 rear end area 23 second stop arrangement 24 second stop level 25 propulsion system 26 Waiting position 27 Drive arrangement 28 Access opening 29 Supply lines 30 Control device

Claims

1. A device (1) for turning plate-shaped components (2), in particular metal sheets, comprising - a rotation unit (3); wherein the rotation unit (3) is configured to turn the component (2) with respect to a rotational axis (R) in a turning process; - a conveyor unit (4), wherein the conveyor unit (4) is accommodated in the rotation unit (3) and is rotatable with respect to the rotational axis (R) by means of the rotation unit (3), and wherein the conveyor unit (4) comprises at least one first conveying means (5) and at least one oppositely arranged second conveying means (6), and wherein a first conveying plane (7) is defined by means of the first conveying means (5) and a second conveying plane (8) arranged parallel to the first conveying plane (7) is defined by means of the second conveying means (6), and; wherein the conveyor unit (4) is configured to receive the component (2) between the first and second conveying plane (7, 8), so that the component (2) is received between the first and second conveying means (5, 6) for the turning process; wherein the conveyor unit (4) comprises at least one first stop arrangement (9) for supporting the component (2) in the turning process and a first stop plane (10) is formable between the first and second conveying means (5, 6) by means of the stop arrangement (9), wherein the stop arrangement (9) is adjustable in parallel to the first conveying plane (7) and transversely to the rotational axis (R), and is adjustable with respect to a direction (11) perpendicular to the first conveying plane (7), characterized in that the conveyor unit (4) comprises a guide arrangement (12), wherein the stop arrangement (9) is coupled to the guide arrangement (12) in such a way that when the stop arrangement (9) is adjusted - in parallel with respect to the first conveying plane (7) and transversely - in the direction of the rotational axis (R), the stop arrangement is adjustable with respect to the perpendicular direction (11) by means of the guide arrangement (12).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the conveying means (5, 6) comprises individual rod-shaped conveying elements (13); wherein the rod-shaped conveying elements (13) are arranged transversely to the rotational axis (R).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stop arrangement (9) comprises individual stop elements (14), wherein the stop elements (14) are arranged perpendicular to the first conveying plane (7) and are arranged at a distance from one another with respect to a direction parallel to the rotational axis (R).

4. The device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the individual stop elements (14) can each be guided between the rod-shaped conveying elements (13).

5. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the two conveying means, comprising the first and second conveying means (5, 6), is configured to be transferable relative to its conveying plane along a conveying direction (F) in the conveyor unit, so that the component (2) can be moved together with the transferable conveying means.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the conveyor unit (4) has at least one deflection arrangement (15), wherein the at least one transferable conveying means is deflectable by means of the deflection arrangement (15) in such a way that it can be distanced from the respective other, opposite conveying means.

7. The device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one transferable conveying means is configured to be transferable by means of a traction drive (17).

8. The device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the transferable conveying means has brush-like elements (41), wherein the brush-like elements are provided for receiving the component (2).

9. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stop arrangement (9) is arranged over a total length (18) of the conveyor unit (4) with respect to a direction parallel to the rotational axis (R).

10. The device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the stop arrangement (9) extends over at least two rod-shaped conveying elements (13) with respect to a direction parallel to the rotational axis (R).

11. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the conveyor unit (4) comprises a second stop arrangement (23), wherein a second stop plane (24) can be formed between the first and second conveying means (5, 6) by means of the second stop arrangement (23), and wherein the second stop arrangement (23) is arranged opposite the first stop arrangement (9) with respect to the rotational axis (R).

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the second stop arrangement (23) is configured to be adjustable in parallel with respect to the first conveying plane (7) and transversely to the rotational axis (R).

13. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the conveyor unit (4) has a lateral access opening (28) between the first and second conveying means (5, 6), wherein the access opening (28) allows for the component (2) to be fed between the first and second conveying planes (7, 8) transversely to the rotational axis (R).