DEVICE FOR APPLYING AT LEAST ONE ADHESIVE PAD TO A MOTOR VEHICLE ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for depositing at least one adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element, and more particularly a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A device suitable for depositing an adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element and having all the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1 is known from document DE 20 2015 102826 U1.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices configured to take an object, move this object, position this object in an appropriate location of a motor vehicle element and to apply it to this element, this with a view to equipping such an element with such an object.

[0004] Without being limited thereto in any way, this invention will find a particularly suitable application when it is a question of equipping a motor vehicle element constituted by a motor vehicle structure with an adhesive pad, more particularly when it is a question of closing an opening that such a structure has with such an adhesive pad.

[0005] Devices are already known for placing at least one adhesive pad on a motor vehicle component.

[0006] In particular, a device is known, which is intended to equip the articulated arm of a robot, and which comprises a finger provided with a suction cup intended to receive an adhesive pad. By means of the articulated arm, the finger is positioned close to the opening to be closed in the motor vehicle element and the adhesive pad is deposited on this motor vehicle element, this in order to close said opening.

[0007] This device, however, has disadvantages. A first disadvantage is that the device moves at the same time as the motor vehicle element on an assembly line so that the positioning of the finger and the adhesive pad relative to the opening to be sealed is approximate, which can result in poor sealing of the opening to be sealed. Another disadvantage is that the device has a single finger while the motor vehicle element may have several openings to be sealed, a fortiori of different sizes.To ensure the sealing of these different openings, the articulated arm and the device must deposit one adhesive pad at a time, which implies, for the articulated arm and the device, to carry out, for each opening to be sealed, a cycle which consists of taking an adhesive pad from a reel or the like, bringing this adhesive pad close to the opening to be sealed which is offset from said reel, depositing this adhesive pad on the vehicle element, and taking a new adhesive pad from a reel which may be different from the previous reel, in particular when the adhesive pad is of a different size from the previous one.It will be observed that, when the motor vehicle element comprises a plurality of openings to be closed, the completion of all the cycles necessary for closing all these openings is particularly long and impacts the operations of assembling the parts on the motor vehicle element.

[0008] A device is also known which comprises a plurality of fingers, which are arranged like the blades of a propeller, which extend radially, and which each comprise, at its free end, a member for receiving a clip. These receiving members are then arranged in a circle. This device has a first drawback which consists in that the positioning of the finger comprising the clip to be removed lacks precision so that such a finger risks either being too far from the place where the clip should be removed, which does not allow such a clip to be removed appropriately, or striking the motor vehicle element and causing damage to it.A second disadvantage is that, due to the radial arrangement of the fingers of the device, this device has a bulk which hinders its movement, which can cause the device to strike the motor vehicle element, and / or which can prevent the finger from reaching the place where the clip should be deposited.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the devices of the state of the art.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device according to claim 1.

[0011] According to a particular characteristic, the support comprises at least one plate on which are mounted the means for mounting the fingers of the plurality of fingers in movement and / or the means for driving the mounting means in movement.

[0012] According to a particular characteristic, said at least one mounting member is of the flexible type or of the articulated type.

[0013] Another feature relates to the fact that said at least one mounting member comprises a portion, which is positioned close to the proximal end of the support, which extends over the two return members and / or which cooperates with these two return members, and with which said at least one active finger is made integral.

[0014] Yet another feature relates to the fact that the mounting means comprise a plurality of bases which are each fixed to said at least one mounting member while each finger of said plurality of fingers is secured to one of these bases.

[0015] Another feature consists in that said at least one mounting member is configured to move in a determined direction, that the mounting means comprise fixing means for fixing each base of the plurality of bases on said at least one mounting member, and that the fixing means of such a base are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said at least one mounting member.

[0016] With regard to the fingers of the plurality of fingers, these each comprise, on the one hand, a first portion which is integral with the moving mounting means and, on the other hand, a second portion, which comprises the receiving means, and which is movable relative to the first portion of such a finger, this between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the first portion.

[0017] In fact, the second portion of such a finger extends along one axis while the receiving means extends along another axis which forms a non-zero angle (preferably between 05° and 45°) with the axis along which the second portion of the finger extends.

[0018] Another characteristic relates to the fact that the support comprises an actuator which comprises an actuating member which is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which this actuating member, on the one hand, passes through one of the through-orifices presented by said at least one mounting member and / or the through-orifice presented by one of the bases of the mounting means and, on the other hand, cooperates with the second portion of one of the fingers of the plurality of fingers, more particularly of the active finger.

[0019] Yet another feature is that the drive means comprise, on the one hand, a drive motor which is mounted on the support and, on the other hand, a drive member, which is rotatably mounted on the support, which is rotated by the motor, which cooperates with the mounting means, and which drives these mounting means.

[0020] In addition, the device comprises means for positioning and / or adjusting the position of the drive means relative to the mounting means.

[0021] Thus, in the device according to the invention, the support has an elongated shape as well as a proximal end relative to which said at least one active finger projects. Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to overcome the problem of bulkiness of the devices of the prior art which hinders the movement of these devices of the prior art and, thus, to enable said at least one active finger to be positioned appropriately relative to the opening which should be closed by means of the adhesive pad received by such an active finger, regardless of the conformation of the motor vehicle element comprising said opening to be closed.

[0022] In addition, such an elongated shape advantageously makes it possible to increase the number of fingers (and, consequently, the number of adhesive pads to be deposited), compared to a device of a different shape, in particular a round shape.

[0023] In this device, said at least one mounting member comprises a portion, which extends over the two return members and / or which cooperates with these two return members, and with which said at least one active finger is made integral. This advantageously allows the active finger to adopt a stable position relative to the support and, thus, to be able to position the adhesive pad appropriately relative to the opening that this adhesive pad must seal.

[0024] In this device, the mounting means comprise a plurality of bases which are each fixed to said at least one mounting member while each finger of said plurality of fingers is secured to one of these bases. This advantageously makes it possible, in the event of failure or damage to such a finger, to facilitate the disassembly and replacement of this finger.

[0025] In this device, the bases of the plurality of bases are configured to extend over the two return members, this when such a base is positioned at the proximal end of the support. This characteristic advantageously allows such a base to bear on the two return members and, thus, to increase the stability of the active finger associated with this base, this relative to the support and, thus, to optimize the position of the adhesive pad relative to the opening that this adhesive pad must close.

[0026] In this device, the fingers of the plurality of fingers each comprise a second portion, which comprises the means for receiving an adhesive pad, and which is movable relative to the first portion of such a finger, between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the first portion. This characteristic advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand and initially, to position the device so that the active finger is close to the opening to be closed of the motor vehicle element and, on the other hand and in a second stage, to bring the second portion of this active finger into its deployed position, so that the adhesive pad is deposited on the motor vehicle element.

[0027] In this device, the second portion of such a finger extends along one axis while the receiving means extends along another axis which forms a non-zero angle with the axis along which the second portion of the finger extends. This characteristic advantageously makes it possible to deposit the adhesive pad on the motor vehicle element, with a smoothing effect and like a deposit carried out by hand.

[0028] This device also comprises means for positioning and / or adjusting the position of the drive means relative to the mounting means. This characteristic advantageously makes it possible to adapt the drive means to the mounting means, for appropriate driving of these mounting means. In particular, this characteristic makes it possible to adapt these drive means to wear or loosening of these mounting means, or even to replacement of these mounting means by mounting means configured to receive a different number of fingers.

[0029] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0030] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig.1 ] represents a schematic and perspective view of a device according to the invention. [ Fig.2 ] represents a schematic and perspective view of the illustrated device figure 1 , this according to another viewing angle. [ Fig.3 ] represents a schematic view corresponding to a detail of a part of the illustrated device figure 2 , more particularly at a proximal end of the support of this device. [ Fig.4 ] represents a schematic view corresponding to a detail of a part of the illustrated device figure 2 , more particularly at a distal end of the support of this device, opposite the proximal end of this support. Fig.5 ] represents a schematic view of a mounting member comprising the mounting means of the device according to the invention. [ Fig.6 ] represents a schematic view, in section and in detail, of a finger that comprises the device according to the invention, this in the retracted position of a second portion of this finger relative to a first portion of this finger. [ Fig.7 ] represents a schematic view, in section and in detail, of a finger that comprises the device according to the invention, this in the deployed position of a second portion of this finger relative to a first portion of this finger.

[0031] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices configured to take an object, move this object, position this object in an appropriate location of a motor vehicle element and to apply it to this element, this with a view to equipping such an element with such an object.

[0032] The invention then relates, more particularly, to a device 1 for depositing at least one adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element (more particularly on a motor vehicle structure), with a view to closing an opening in this motor vehicle element.

[0033] This device 1 comprises a support 2 which is configured to be made integral with an articulated arm 3 which a robot comprises.

[0034] This device 1 comprises a plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), which are each movable relative to the support 2, and which each comprise a receiving means 5 configured to receive an adhesive pad awaiting deposit, more particularly on a motor vehicle element and with a view to closing an opening that this motor vehicle element has.

[0035] The fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of this plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) comprise at least one active finger 4 which adopts, relative to the support 2, at least one active position for depositing such an adhesive pad. In this regard, it will be observed that this active deposit position corresponds to the position adopted by such an active finger 4, at least at the time of depositing the adhesive pad on the motor vehicle element.

[0036] This device 1 also comprises mounting means 6 which are configured to mount the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), this in displacement relative to the support 2.

[0037] This device 1 also comprises drive means 7 which are configured to drive the mounting means 6 (and, consequently, the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k)), this in displacement relative to the support 2.

[0038] These drive means 7 then make it possible to position one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) in the active position for depositing an adhesive pad. These drive means 7 then also make it possible to position, successively, each finger of a set of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of this plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), this in the active deposit position.

[0039] In this regard, it will be observed that the positioning of the fingers of such a set of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) in the active deposition position can be done in the order in which these fingers follow one another within the device 1, more particularly within the mounting means 6. However, the positioning of these fingers of such a set of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) in the active deposition position can also be done independently of the order in which these fingers follow one another within the device 1, which advantageously makes it possible to optimize the deposition of adhesive pads on the motor vehicle element.

[0040] According to the invention, the support 2 has an elongated shape. According to a preferred embodiment, such a support 2 has such an elongated shape and extends along an axis.

[0041] In addition, this support 2 has, on the one hand, at least one proximal end 20 which corresponds to the end of the support 2 which is positioned close to the motor vehicle element on which an adhesive pad is to be deposited and, on the other hand, a distal end 21 which corresponds to the end of the support 2 which is opposite the proximal end 20.

[0042] Also according to the invention, said at least one active finger 4 projects relative to said at least one proximal end 20 of the support 2. In particular, said at least one active finger 4 extends in the direction of the axis along which the support 2 extends.

[0043] According to another characteristic and as visible in the attached figures, this support 2 comprises at least one plate 22 on which are mounted the mounting means 6 (more particularly in displacement) of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) and / or the drive means 7 (more particularly in displacement) of these mounting means 6 (more particularly in displacement).

[0044] With regard to these mounting means 6, these 6 comprise, on the one hand, at least one return member (60; 60'), which is mounted in rotation on the support 2, more particularly on the plate 22 which this support 2 comprises.

[0045] Such a return member (60; 60') is preferably positioned close to the proximal end 20 of the support 2.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, these mounting means 6 comprise two return members (60; 60') which are positioned close to the proximal end 20 of the support 2 as well as on either side of the axis along which the support 2 extends, in particular symmetrically with respect to this axis.

[0047] Such a return member (60; 60') may each be constituted by a pinion, a toothed wheel or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, these mounting means 6 comprise at least one mounting member 61, to which the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) are made integral, and which cooperates with said at least one return member (60; 60').

[0049] In this regard, it will be observed that said at least one mounting member 61 may be of the articulated type and then be constituted by a chain or the like.

[0050] However, and according to a preferred embodiment, said at least one mounting member 61 may be of the flexible type. In this case, such a mounting member 61 may consist of a belt, a belt or the like, preferably notched.

[0051] Another characteristic relates to the fact that said at least one mounting member 61 comprises a portion 610, which is positioned close to the proximal end 20 of the support 2, to which said at least one active finger 4 is made integral (directly or indirectly as will be described below), and which extends over the two return members (60; 60') and / or which cooperates with these two return members (60; 60').

[0052] In this regard, it will be observed that said portion 610 of said at least one mounting member 61 is, preferably, tangent to the two return members (60; 60').

[0053] Another characteristic concerns the fact that the mounting means 6 also comprise a plurality of bases 62 which are each fixed to said at least one mounting member 61, this by means of fixing means (63; 63') which these mounting means 6 comprise.

[0054] The device according to the invention then comprises an assembly which comprises, on the one hand, said at least one mounting member 61, on the other hand, said bases 62 of the plurality of bases 62 and, on the other hand, the means (63; 63') for fixing these bases 62 to said at least one mounting member 61.

[0055] In this regard, it will be observed that the bases 62 of the plurality of bases 62 are configured to extend over the two return members (60; 60'), this when such a base 62 is positioned at the proximal end 20 of the support 2.

[0056] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said at least one mounting member 61 has a plurality of through-holes 611 while the bases 62 of the plurality of bases 62 each have a through-hole 620 which is each located opposite one of the through-holes 611 of said at least one mounting member 61.

[0057] As mentioned above, the mounting means 6 comprise fixing means (63; 63') for fixing each base 62 of the plurality of bases 62 on said at least one mounting member 6, more particularly on said at least one mounting member 61 that these mounting means 6 comprise. In this regard, it will be observed that these fixing means (63; 63') are then positioned on either side of the through-orifice 620 that such a base 62 comprises.

[0058] Another characteristic relates to the fact that said at least one mounting member 61 is configured to move in a determined direction. The fixing means (63; 63') of such a base 62 are then aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said at least one mounting member 61. Such a characteristic advantageously makes it easier to pass such a base 62 over said at least one return member (60; 60').

[0059] As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises a plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0060] Also and according to an additional characteristic, each finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of said plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) is secured to one of said bases 62, this by means of securing means 40. Such a characteristic makes it possible, advantageously and in the event of failure or degradation of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) to facilitate the disassembly and replacement of this finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4d, 4k).

[0061] In this regard, it will be observed that these securing means 40 are positioned on either side of the through orifice 620 that such a base 62 comprises and / or are positioned on either side of at least one of said fixing means (63; 63') and / or are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said at least one mounting member 61.

[0062] Another characteristic concerns the fact that the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) each comprise, on the one hand, a first portion 41 which is secured to the mounting means 6, more particularly to one of the bases 62 of these mounting means 6 and / or by means of the aforementioned securing means 40.

[0063] In fact, the first portion 41 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) comprises a tube 410, which has a through channel 411, and which is made integral with such a base 62.

[0064] This first portion 41 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) may also comprise a collar 412, which externally equips one end of the tube 410, which is made integral with one of the bases 62 of the mounting means 6 (more particularly by means of said aforementioned securing means 40), and which has a through-orifice which is located opposite and / or in the extension of the through-channel 411 of the tube 410 of the first portion 41 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0065] Another characteristic relates to the fact that at least one of the through-orifices 611 of the mounting member 61 and / or the through-orifice 620 of at least one of the bases 62 of the mounting means 6 is located in the extension of the through-channel 411 of the tube 410 of the first portion 41 of at least one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0066] In fact, the through-orifices 611 of the mounting member 61 and the through-orifice 620 of the bases 62 of the mounting means 6 are each located in the extension of the through-channel 411 of the tube 410 of the first portion 41 of one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0067] On the other hand, the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) each comprise a second portion 42, which comprises the receiving means 5, and which is movable (more particularly telescopically) relative to the first portion 41 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), this between a retracted position ( figure 6 ) and a deployed position ( figure 7 ) relative to the first portion 41 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0068] This second portion 42 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) comprises a slider which slides at least inside the through channel 411 of the tube 410 of the first portion 41 of this finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0069] In this regard, it will be observed that the second portion 42 of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) extends along one axis while the receiving means 5 extends along another axis which forms a non-zero angle (more particularly between 05° and 45°, in particular between 15° and 30°, preferably of the order of 15°) with the axis along which the second portion 42 of the finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) extends.

[0070] This characteristic allows, advantageously and by positioning the device 1 perpendicular to the motor vehicle element to deposit an adhesive pad, to position the receiving means 5 so that the axis along which this receiving means 5 extends forms a non-right angle with the motor vehicle element, more particularly with the surface on which said adhesive pad is to be deposited. This then advantageously allows such an adhesive pad to be deposited on said motor vehicle element by starting with an edge of this adhesive pad and then ensuring a smoothing effect, this like a deposit of an adhesive pad carried out manually. This results in an improvement in the adhesion of the adhesive pad to the motor vehicle element.

[0071] Another feature relates to the fact that the receiving means 5 that comprises at least one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) has a size and / or a shape that is different from that(s) that has at least one other finger of this plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k). Such a feature advantageously makes it possible to deposit adhesive pads of different size and / or shape and / or consistency.

[0072] In fact, such receiving means 5 preferably adopts the form of a suction cup, preferably conical, or the like.

[0073] Such a conical suction cup then extends along an axis which is an axis of revolution around which the surface of this conical suction cup rotates.

[0074] This axis then corresponds to the axis along which said receiving means 5 extends.

[0075] In this regard, it will be observed that, when it is desired to deposit an adhesive pad on the motor vehicle element, this adhesive pad is positioned within the receiving means 5 (more particularly within the suction cup) and this adhesive pad is retained within this receiving means 5 (more particularly by creating a depression or a vacuum within this suction cup, in particular by suction). This receiving means 5 and / or the adhesive pad is then brought into contact with this motor vehicle element, more particularly at the level of an edge of this receiving means 5 and / or of this adhesive pad (this as described above). When a determined bearing force (in particular recorded by a pressure sensor and / or by a pressure switch) is reached of said receiving means 5 and / or of the adhesive pad on the motor vehicle element, the depression is interrupted or the vacuum is broken (in particular by interrupting the suction).The receiving means 5 (more particularly the suction cup) returns to its initial shape, which has the effect of pressing the adhesive pad onto the motor vehicle element, with a smoothing effect which improves the adhesion of the adhesive pad to the motor vehicle element.

[0076] Another feature is that the support 2 comprises an actuator 8 which comprises an actuating member 80 which is movable between a retracted position ( figures 2 And 3) relative to said at least one mounting member 61 and a deployed position in which this actuating member 80, on the one hand, passes through one of the through-orifices 611 that said at least one mounting member 61 has and / or the through-orifice 620 that one of the bases 62 of the mounting means 6 has and, on the other hand, cooperates with the second portion 42 of one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), more particularly of the active finger 4.

[0077] According to another characteristic, the actuating member 80 extends at least parallel to the axis along which the support 2 extends.

[0078] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the actuating member 80 extends between the two return members (60; 60') that the mounting means 6 comprise.

[0079] As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises drive means 7. These drive means 7 comprise, on the one hand, a drive motor 70 which is mounted (more particularly by being attached) on the support 2 and, on the other hand, a drive member 71, which is rotatably mounted on the support 2 (more particularly near the distal end 21 of this support 2 and / or on the opposite side of this support 2 relative to the drive motor 70), which is rotated by the drive motor 70, which cooperates with the mounting means 6 (more particularly with said at least one mounting member 61), and which drives these mounting means 6.

[0080] Said drive member 71 may consist of a pinion, a toothed wheel or the like.

[0081] Another feature concerns the fact that the device 1 comprises means for positioning and / or adjusting the position of the drive means 7 relative to the mounting means 6.

[0082] In fact, these positioning and / or adjustment means are, more particularly, configured to ensure the positioning and / or adjustment of the position of the drive member 71 relative to said at least one return member (60; 60') and / or relative to said at least one mounting member 61.

[0083] These positioning and / or adjustment means advantageously make it possible to use mounting members 61 of different dimensions, more particularly of different lengths and / or comprising a different number of bases 62 (and therefore a different number of fingers 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0084] The device described above makes it possible to implement a method for depositing at least one adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element.

[0085] This method consists of moving the device 1 by means of the articulated arm 3 which the robot comprises, so that the receiving means 5, which comprises at least one of the fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), is each positioned at least close to a system (more particularly constituted by a dispenser or the like) which contains at least one adhesive pad to be deposited.

[0086] According to a particular embodiment, this method may consist of moving the device 1 so that the receiving means 5, which the fingers of a set of fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) comprise, is each positioned at least close to a system (more particularly constituted by a dispenser or the like) which contains at least one adhesive pad to be deposited.

[0087] The method then consists of positioning and retaining such an adhesive pad within the receiving means 5 (more particularly within the suction cup of such a receiving means 5) which comprises at least one of the fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), or even which comprises the fingers of the set of fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

[0088] In fact, such an adhesive pad is retained by creating a depression or a vacuum within such a receiving means 5 (more particularly within a suction cup which constitutes such a receiving means 5).

[0089] It will be observed that, when an adhesive pad has been positioned and when an adhesive pad is retained within the receiving means 5 of a single finger of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), respectively within the receiving means 5 of the fingers of a single set of fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), the method may also consist of actuating the drive means 7 and / or the articulated arm 3, so that the receiving means 5 of at least one other finger of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), respectively that the means 5 for receiving the fingers of another set of fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), is positioned, each, at least in the vicinity of a system (more particularly constituted by a dispenser or the like) which contains at least one adhesive pad to be deposited.Here again, such an adhesive pad is positioned and retained within at least one such receiving means 5 (of this other finger or fingers of this other set of fingers), in the manner described above.

[0090] The method then consists of moving the device 1 by means of the articulated arm 3 that the robot comprises and bringing the receiving means 5 that a finger (more particularly constituted by the active finger 4 mentioned above) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) and / or the adhesive pad (which is retained by such a receiving means 5) into contact with this motor vehicle element, more particularly at the level of an edge of this receiving means 5 and / or of this adhesive pad (this as described above).

[0091] In this regard, it will be observed that, before bringing such a receiving means 5 and / or such an adhesive pad into contact with the motor vehicle element, the method may also consist of actuating the drive means 7 so that one of the fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) adopts the active position for depositing such an adhesive pad and thus constitutes the active finger 4 mentioned above.

[0092] This method then consists in that, when the receiving means 5 and / or the adhesive pad is in contact with the motor vehicle element, the adhesive pad is released and is then deposited on the motor vehicle element.

[0093] In this regard, it will be observed that, before releasing such a pad, it is possible to detect (in particular by means of a pressure sensor and / or a pressure switch) a bearing force of this receiving means 5 and / or of this adhesive pad on this motor vehicle element and that, when this bearing force reaches or exceeds a determined bearing force, the adhesive pad is released and is then deposited on the motor vehicle element.

[0094] Another characteristic consists in that, to release the adhesive pad, the depression is interrupted or the vacuum is broken (in particular by interrupting the suction) so that the receiving means 5 (more particularly the suction cup) returns to its initial shape, which has the effect of pressing the adhesive pad onto the motor vehicle element, this with a smoothing effect which improves the adhesion of the adhesive pad to the motor vehicle element.

[0095] The method then consists of moving the device 1 away from the motor vehicle element and actuating the drive means 7 so that another of the fingers of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) adopts the active position for depositing an adhesive pad and then constitutes the (new) active finger 4 mentioned above.

[0096] In this regard, it will be observed that this other finger is either constituted by the finger which succeeds (within the mounting means 6, more particularly along said mounting member 61) the finger which has just deposited the adhesive pad, or is constituted by a finger which does not succeed (within the mounting means 6, more particularly along said mounting member 61) the finger which has just deposited the adhesive pad.

[0097] The method then consists of repeating the steps described above, in particular moving the device 1 (by means of the articulated arm 3 that the robot comprises) and bringing the receiving means 5 that a finger (more particularly constituted by the active finger 4 mentioned above) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) and / or the adhesive pad (which is retained by such a receiving means 5) into contact with this motor vehicle element, more particularly at an edge of this receiving means 5 and / or this adhesive pad (this as described above). And so on.

Claims

1. Device (1) for depositing at least one adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element, this device (1) includes, on the one hand, a support (2), which is configured to be secured to the articulated arm (3) of a robot, and which has an elongate shape as well as at least one proximal end (20), on the other hand, a plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), which are each movable relative to the support (2), which each include a receiving means (5) configured to receive an adhesive pad waiting to be deposited, and which include at least one active finger (4), which adopts an active position for depositing such an adhesive pad relative to the support (2), and which protrudes relative to said at least one proximal end (20) of the support (2), on the other hand again, mounting means (6) which are configured to mount the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) moving relative to the support (2) and, on the other hand also, drive means (7) which are configured to drive the mounting means (6) moving relative to the support (2), characterised in that the mounting means (6) include, on the one hand, at least one return member (60; 60') which is rotatably mounted on the support (2) and, on the other hand, at least one mounting member (61), to which the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) are secured, and which cooperates with said at least one return member (60; 60').

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the support (2) extends along an axis while the mounting means (6) include two deflection members (60; 60') which are positioned near the proximal end (20) of the support (2) as well as on either side of the axis along which the support (2) extends.

3. Device (1) according to either one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that said at least one mounting member (61) is of the flexible type and consists of a band, belt or similar, preferably notched.

4. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said at least one mounting member (61) includes a portion (610) which is positioned in the vicinity of the proximal end (20) of the support (2), to which said at least one active finger (4) is secured, and which extends over the two return members (60; 60') and / or which cooperates with these two return members (60; 60').

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting means (6) include a plurality of bases (62) which are each fixed to said at least one mounting member (61) while each finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of said plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) is secured to one of these bases (62).

6. Device (1) according to claims 2 and 5, characterised in that the bases (62) of the plurality of bases (62) are configured to extend over the two return members (60; 60'), this when such a base (62) is positioned at the proximal end (20) of the support (2).

7. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said at least one mounting member (61) has a plurality of through holes (611) while the bases (62) of the plurality of bases (62) each have a through hole (620) which is each located opposite one of the through holes (611) of said at least one mounting member (61).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) each include, on the one hand, a first portion (41) which is secured to the mounting means (6) and, on the other hand, a second portion (42) which includes the receiving means (5), and which is movable relative to the first portion (41) of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), this between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the first portion (41).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the first portion (41) of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) includes a tube (410) that has a through channel (411) while the second portion (42) of such a finger includes a slider that slides at least inside the through channel (411) of the tube (410) of the first portion (41) of this finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

10. Device (1) according to claims 7 and 9, characterised in that at least one of the through holes (611) of the mounting member (61) and / or the through hole (620) of at least one of the bases (62) of the mounting means (6) is located in line with the through channel (411) of the tube (410) of the first portion (41) of at least one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b), 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k).

11. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the second portion (42) of such a finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) extends along an axis while the receiving means (5) extends along another axis that forms a non-zero angle with the axis along which the second portion (42) of the finger (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) extends.

12. Device (1) according to claims 7 and 8, characterised in that the support (2) includes an actuator (8) which includes an actuating member (80) which is movable between a retracted position with respect to said at least one mounting member (61) and a deployed position in which this actuating member (80), on the one hand, passes through one of the through holes (611) that said at least one mounting member (61) has and / or the through hole (620) that one of the bases (62) of the mounting means (6) has and, on the other hand, cooperates with the second portion (42) of one of the fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k) of the plurality of fingers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k), more particularly the active finger (4).

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive means (7) include, on the one hand, a drive motor (70) which is mounted on the support (2) and, on the other hand, a drive member (71) which is rotatably mounted on the support (2), which is rotatably driven by the drive motor (70), which cooperates with the mounting means (6) and which drives these mounting means (6).

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means for positioning and / or adjusting the position of the drive means (7) with respect to the mounting means (6).

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one return member (60; 60') and / or said drive member (71) each consist of a pinion, a toothed wheel or similar.