SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING A LARGE NUMBER OF ADHESIVE PELLETS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for dispensing a plurality of adhesive pads and to an installation for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads which comprises at least one such system for dispensing a plurality of adhesive pads.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing systems which are configured to automatically deliver a plurality of adhesive pads to a depositing device which is configured, on the one hand, to grasp at least one such adhesive pad from such a system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads, on the other hand, to move at least one such grasped adhesive pad towards an appropriate location on a substrate and, on the other hand, to deposit such an adhesive pad at this location on this substrate.

[0003] Without being limited thereto in any way, the invention will find a particularly suitable application when it is a question of delivering at least one adhesive pad to a device for depositing at least one such adhesive pad on a substrate which adopts the form of a motor vehicle element, more particularly a motor vehicle bodywork element, more specifically when it is a question of closing an opening which such a motor vehicle element comprises with such an adhesive pad.

[0004] We already know, and from the documents EP3808497A1 and JP2018176312A, an installation for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads which comprises, on the one hand, a system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads and, on the other hand, a device for depositing these adhesive pads, to which the system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads delivers a plurality of adhesive pads, and which is configured to deposit these adhesive pads on a motor vehicle element. In this installation, the adhesive pads are stuck on a strip to form an assembly which is wound in the form of a roll which feeds delivery means which are configured to deliver adhesive pads to the device for depositing these adhesive pads.Such an installation has the disadvantage of delivering (and therefore being able to deposit) adhesive pads which correspond to a single type of adhesive pad, namely adhesive pads which have the same shape and the same composition.

[0005] Also known are installations for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads which comprise, on the one hand, a plurality of devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad which can each deliver adhesive pads of a different type and, on the other hand, a depositing device which comprises a single gripping means which is configured, on the one hand, to grasp a single adhesive pad from one of the devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad, on the other hand, to move said single adhesive pad towards an appropriate location on a motor vehicle element and, on the other hand, to deposit this single adhesive pad at this location on the motor vehicle element.Such an installation requires said depositing device to make a return trip between the devices for dispensing at least one adhesive pad and the locations for depositing such an adhesive pad, this for each adhesive pad to be deposited. Such an installation then makes it possible to deposit only a limited number of adhesive pads per minute so that the rate of depositing the adhesive pads is particularly limited.

[0006] We also know, from document EP3878607A1, a device for depositing at least one adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element.This depositing device comprises a plurality of fingers, which are movable relative to a plate, and which are configured, each and successively, on the one hand, to adopt a gripping position in which such a finger grasps an adhesive pad at a device for delivering at least one adhesive pad, on the other hand and after having grasped such an adhesive pad, to adopt a waiting position in which such a finger waits to deposit said adhesive pad on a motor vehicle element while another finger adopts a gripping position in which this other finger grasps another adhesive pad and, on the other hand again and after at least a portion of the fingers of the depositing device has grasped an adhesive pad, to be brought by the depositing device to a motor vehicle element in order to successively deposit said adhesive pads there.This depositing device is configured to successively grip a plurality of adhesive pads from a plurality of devices for dispensing at least one adhesive pad. Given the large number of fingers included in the depositing device, it is necessary to frequently replace the rollers, which include a strip as well as adhesive pads stuck to this strip, included in the dispensing devices, and from which the adhesive pads are dispensed. Such replacement, on the one hand, slows down the rate of gripping and, therefore, of depositing the adhesive pads and, on the other hand, is carried out by an operator who operates in an area in which the depositing device (usually associated with a mobile arm included in a robot) moves, which represents a danger for this operator.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the systems for delivering at least one adhesive pad and of the devices for depositing at least one such adhesive pad of the prior art.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads, this delivery system comprises, on the one hand, a chassis, on the other hand, at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad which are each configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad and, on the other hand, displacement mounting means which are configured to mount at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad among said at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad, this in displacement, on the one hand, relative to the chassis and, on the other hand, between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the chassis.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the displacement mounting means comprise means for translationally mounting said at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad relative to the chassis.

[0010] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the translational mounting means comprise, on the one hand, at least one slide which is associated with said at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad, respectively with said chassis and, on the other hand, at least one slider which is associated with said chassis, respectively with said at least one delivery device, and which cooperates with said slide.

[0011] Another characteristic consists in that the system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads comprises, on the one hand, at least one drawer which is mounted in displacement relative to the chassis and by means of the displacement mounting means and, on the other hand, fixing means which are configured to reversibly fix said at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad on said at least one drawer.

[0012] According to another characteristic, said at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad each have, on the one hand, an upstream part which comprises delivery means which are configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad and, on the other hand, a downstream part which comprises storage means which are configured to store adhesive pads as well as to supply the delivery means with these adhesive pads. In this delivery system, said at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad are positioned so that, on the one hand, the downstream parts of said at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad are juxtaposed and, on the other hand, the upstream parts of said at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad are, as the case may be, juxtaposed or positioned on either side of the downstream parts.

[0013] Yet another characteristic relates to the fact that at least one of said devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad comprises, on the one hand, a plate, on the other hand, an assembly, which comprises a strip as well as at least one adhesive pad stuck on this strip, and which comprises a part which is wound in the form of a roller which is mounted in rotation around an axis on the plate, on the other hand also, detachment means which are configured to detach at least a part of said at least one adhesive pad relative to said strip, on the other hand again, means for driving in displacement of said assembly at least relative to the detachment means and, on the other hand also, means for winding the strip after detachment of said at least one adhesive pad.

[0014] Thus, the invention relates to a system for delivering at least a plurality of adhesive pads which comprises means for mounting in movement at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad (among said at least two devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad), this relative to the chassis as well as between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the chassis.

[0015] These moving mounting means advantageously make it possible to move said at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad from a retracted position (in which said at least one delivery device delivers at least one adhesive pad to a device for depositing at least one such adhesive pad) to a deployed position (in which it is possible to remove, from the delivery system according to the invention, said at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad, when the latter has delivered all its adhesive pads and with a view to replacing it with a new device for delivering at least one adhesive pad).These moving mounting means then advantageously make it possible to replace a device for delivering at least one adhesive pad that the delivery system according to the invention comprises with another device for delivering at least one adhesive pad, while the depositing device continues to pick up adhesive pads from other devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad that the delivery system according to the invention comprises. The system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads according to the invention therefore allows adhesive pads to be delivered uninterruptedly and continuously.In addition, the moving mounting means make it possible to bring said at least one device for delivering at least one adhesive pad into a deployed position which is located outside a movement zone of the depositing device, therefore in a secure zone in which an operator can, without risk and without danger, interchange the devices for delivering at least one adhesive pad.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig 1 ] is a schematic and perspective view of an installation for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads in accordance with the present invention and which comprises a system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads in accordance with the invention. [ Fig 2 ] is a schematic and side view of the installation for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads illustrated figure 1 . [ Fig 3 ] is a schematic and top view of the system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads illustrated figures 1 And 2 . [ Fig 4 ] is a schematic view, in perspective, and corresponding to a detail of the system for dispensing a plurality of adhesive pads illustrated in figures 1 to 3. [ Fig 5 ] is a schematic view, in perspective, and corresponding to a device for delivering at least one adhesive pad that comprises the system for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads illustrated in the figures 1 has 4 .

[0018] With particular reference to the above-mentioned figures, the present invention relates to the field of manufacturing systems which are configured to automatically deliver a plurality of adhesive pads to a device for depositing at least one such adhesive pad at an appropriate location on a substrate.

[0019] The invention then relates to a delivery system 1 for at least one adhesive pad 2.

[0020] For reasons of simplification, in the remainder of the description, the delivery system 1 of at least one adhesive pad 2 will be referred to as “delivery system 1”.

[0021] Such a delivery system 1 comprises a chassis 3 which comprises, on the one hand, a plate 30 which extends along a plane and, on the other hand, at least one wall 31 which extends from the plate 30 as well as in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane along which this plate 30 extends.

[0022] Such a delivery system 1 also comprises at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2. Said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 are each configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad 2.

[0023] In this regard, it will be observed that, on the one hand, at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 among said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 (which the delivery system 1 comprises) is configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad 2 which has, as the case may be, a determined size and / or a determined shape and / or a determined composition and / or a determined structure and, on the other hand, at least one other delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 among said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 is configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad 2 which has, as the case may be, another size and / or another shape and / or another composition and / or another structure.

[0024] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2, among said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 that said delivery system 1 comprises, are similar, or even identical.

[0025] According to the invention, the delivery system 1 further comprises moving mounting means 5 which are configured to mount at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 among said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, this being moved, on the one hand, relative to the chassis 3 and, on the other hand, between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the chassis 3.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, these moving mounting means 5 are configured to mount said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 (or even all of the delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2) that the delivery system 1 comprises, this in movement, on the one hand, relative to the chassis 3 and, on the other hand, between a retracted position and a deployed position (figures 1 to 4) relative to the chassis 3.

[0027] In the attached figures, a delivery system 1 has been illustrated, which comprises at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2, and in which one of said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 adopts a deployed position while the others of said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 adopt a retracted position.

[0028] As can be seen in the attached figures, the displacement mounting means 5 comprise translation mounting means 6 of said at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 among said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, this relative to the chassis 3.

[0029] In fact, such translational mounting means 6 are, more particularly, configured to mount said at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 in translation relative to the chassis 3, this in a direction parallel to the plane along which the plate 30 of this chassis 3 extends.

[0030] In this regard, it will be observed that, according to a preferred embodiment, the translational mounting means 6 comprise, on the one hand, at least one slide 60 which is associated with said at least one device 4 for delivering at least one adhesive pad 2 and, on the other hand, at least one slider 61 which is associated with said chassis 3. Such a slider 61 is, then, fixed relative to the chassis 3 and it is relative to such a slider 61 that the slider 60 slides.

[0031] Alternatively, the translation mounting means 6 may comprise, on the one hand, at least one slide 60 which is associated with said chassis 3 and, on the other hand, at least one slider 61, which is associated with said at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, and which slides relative to the slide 60.

[0032] As mentioned above, the chassis 3 comprises at least one wall 31 which extends from the plate 30.

[0033] It is, more particularly, said at least one wall 31 which then receives said at least one slider 61 (preferred embodiment described above), respectively said slide 60 (alternative embodiment described above).

[0034] Yet another feature is that the delivery system 1 comprises at least one drawer 7 which is mounted in displacement relative to the frame 3 and by means of the displacement mounting means 5.

[0035] Additionally, this delivery system 1 then comprises fixing means 8 which are configured to reversibly fix said at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 on said at least one drawer 7.

[0036] Such fixing means 8 comprise, on the one hand, at least one buttonhole 80 that said at least one drawer 7 comprises and, on the other hand, at least one button 81, that said at least one delivery device 4 comprises or that equips at least one adhesive pad 2, and which cooperates with said at least one buttonhole 80. In this regard, it will be observed that such a button 81 can equip a plate that said at least one delivery device 4 comprises with at least one adhesive pad 2 as will be described in more detail below.

[0037] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2, on the one hand, each extend along a plane P (which may be a median plane of such a delivery device 4) and, on the other hand, are positioned so that the planes P, along which said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 extend, are at least parallel.

[0038] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 each have, on the one hand, a downstream part 40 which comprises delivery means 41 which are configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad 2 and, on the other hand, an upstream part 42 which comprises storage means 43 which are configured to store adhesive pads 2 as well as to supply the delivery means 41 with these adhesive pads 2.

[0039] In this regard, it will be observed that said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 are then positioned so that, on the one hand, the downstream parts 40 of said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 are juxtaposed, this being in the retracted position of said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2.

[0040] On the other hand and with regard to the upstream parts 42 of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, these 42 can be juxtaposed, this in the retracted position of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2. In such a case, said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 (or even the planes P, in particular the median planes, along which said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 extend) are parallel and said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 are juxtaposed and oriented in the same direction.

[0041] Alternatively, the upstream parts 42 of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 are positioned on either side of the downstream parts 40 of these at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, this being in the retracted position of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2. In such a case, said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 are oriented in an opposite direction, or even positioned face to face, more particularly so that their downstream parts 40 are face to face. In addition, the planes P (in particular the median planes), along which said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 extend, are at least parallel, or even coincident.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment and as visible in the attached figures, the upstream parts 42 of a part of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 are juxtaposed (this as described above) while the upstream parts 42 of another part of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 are positioned on either side of the downstream parts 40 (this as described above), this in the retracted position of said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2.

[0043] According to another characteristic, in said delivery system 1, at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 among said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 comprises, on the one hand, a plate 44, more particularly which extends along a plane.

[0044] On the other hand, said at least one delivery device 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 comprises said storage means 43 which comprise an assembly 430, on the one hand, which comprises a strip 431 as well as at least one adhesive pad 2 stuck on this strip 431, and, on the other hand, which also comprises a part 432 which is wound in the form of a roll 433 which is mounted in rotation around an axis (which is preferably perpendicular to the plane along which the plate 44 extends) on the plate 44 (this by means of rotational mounting means which said at least one delivery device 4 comprises) as well as another part 434 which extends from this roll 433.

[0045] Furthermore, said at least one device 4 for delivering at least one adhesive pad 2 comprises said means 41 for delivering at least one adhesive pad 2. These delivery means 41 comprise detaching means 410, which are configured to detach at least a portion of said at least one adhesive pad 2 relative to said strip 431, and which are mounted on the plate 44.

[0046] Furthermore, said at least one device 4 for delivering at least one adhesive pad 2 comprises means 45 for driving said assembly 430 in movement at least relative to the detachment means 410.

[0047] Furthermore, said at least one device 4 for delivering at least one adhesive pad 2 comprises means 46 for winding the strip 431 after said at least one adhesive pad 2 has been detached from the strip 431.

[0048] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said at least one delivery device 4 comprises, opposite the detachment means 410, receiving means 47 which are configured to receive at least a portion of said at least one detached part of said at least one adhesive pad 2 relative to said strip 431. These receiving means 47 then comprise adhesion limiting means which are configured to at least limit (or even prevent) the adhesion of said at least one detached part of said at least one adhesive pad 2 to these receiving means 47.

[0049] In this regard, it will be observed that such means for limiting adhesion may comprise a coating, which is made of a material which limits (or even prevents) adhesion, and which then comprises the receiving means 47. In particular, such means for limiting adhesion may then be constituted by such a coating.

[0050] Alternatively, at least a portion of the receiving means 47 is made of a material that limits (or even prevents) adhesion. Said at least a portion of these receiving means 47 then constitutes the adhesion limiting means. According to a particular embodiment, the receiving means 47 are, at least in part (or even entirely), constituted by such adhesion limiting means.

[0051] It will be observed that the material which limits adhesion may be a non-stick material, more particularly polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0052] As mentioned above, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises receiving means 47 which are configured to receive said at least one portion of said at least one detached part of said at least one adhesive pad 2 relative to the strip 431.In this regard, it will be observed that these receiving means 47 are, in fact, configured to receive said at least one portion of said at least one detached part of said at least one adhesive pad 2, this pending the gripping (more particularly by gripping means 111 which will be described below) of such an adhesive pad 2 and the removal (more particularly by a removal device 11 described below), of such an adhesive pad 2 on an element of a motor vehicle, more particularly on a bodywork element of such a motor vehicle, in particular with a view to closing an orifice (more particularly a through orifice) that such a motor vehicle element comprises.

[0053] As mentioned above, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises detachment means 410. According to another characteristic, these detachment means 410 are configured so that, upstream and at least close to (or even at) these detachment means 410, said assembly 430 (more particularly the other part 434 of the assembly 430 which extends from the roller 433) extends along a determined plane. The receiving means 47 then comprise a receiving surface which is configured to receive said at least one portion of said at least one detached part of said at least one adhesive pad 2 which extends along this determined plane. It is, more particularly, this receiving surface which then comprises said adhesion limiting means.

[0054] Another feature is that the peeling means 410 comprise return means which are configured to return the strip 431 from the roller 433 and towards the displacement drive means 45.

[0055] Such return means may comprise a return cylinder, which is of small diameter (more particularly which has a diameter of between 8 and 15 mm), and which is mounted in rotation, on the plate 44, around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller 433 and perpendicular to the plane of the plate 44.

[0056] However, and according to a preferred embodiment, these return means comprise an element, which adopts a wedge shape, and which has two faces which adopt an acute angle between them.

[0057] As mentioned above, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises means 45 for driving the movement of said assembly 430.

[0058] These displacement drive means 45 comprise traction means 450 which are configured to exert traction at least on the strip 431.

[0059] As can be seen in the attached figures, these traction means 450 comprise, on the one hand, a traction cylinder 451, which is mounted to rotate around an axis on the plate 44, and on at least one part of which the strip 431 is wound and, on the other hand, means (preferably motorized) for driving said traction cylinder 451 in rotation 452.

[0060] Such a traction cylinder 451 may have a surface, which cooperates with the strip 431, and which comprises friction means, more particularly in the form of raised elements, in particular grooves. These friction means advantageously make it possible to improve the attachment of the strip 431 to the traction cylinder 451 and, thus, to improve the movement of this strip 431 and, therefore, of the assembly 430.

[0061] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, this traction cylinder 451 has a diameter between 70 and 90mm.

[0062] Additionally, the traction means 450 may also comprise repulsion means 453 which are configured to at least repel the strip 431 (without adhesive pad 2) towards the traction cylinder 451, with a determined repulsion force.

[0063] In fact, these repulsion means 453 are, more particularly, configured to press this strip 431 against the traction cylinder 451, this with a determined repulsion force.

[0064] The presence of these repulsion means 453 advantageously makes it possible to prevent said strip 431 from slipping relative to the traction cylinder 451 and, thus, to improve the traction exerted on said strip 431 by the traction means 450.

[0065] These repulsion means 453 comprise, on the one hand, at least one repulsion cylinder, on the other hand, means for mounting this repulsion cylinder in displacement on the plate 44 as well as relative to the traction cylinder 451 and, on the other hand, means (in particular motorized) for driving this repulsion cylinder in displacement, in particular in the direction of the traction cylinder 451.

[0066] In this regard, it will be observed that these means for mounting the repulsion cylinder in displacement comprise a lever which has, on the one hand, a first part which is mounted in rotation on the plate 44 (more particularly around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the traction cylinder 451), on the other hand, a second part, which extends from the first part, and on which (more particularly at the free end of which) the repulsion cylinder is mounted (more particularly in rotation, in particular in free rotation, around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the traction cylinder 451). This lever cooperates with the means for driving the repulsion cylinder in displacement, more particularly by means of a third part, which this lever comprises, which extends from the first part of this lever, and which can form an angle of between 90° and 180° with the second part.

[0067] Finally, it will be observed that these repulsion means 453 are interposed between the traction cylinder 451 and the winding means 46 of the strip 431.

[0068] In this regard, it will be observed that these winding means 46 of the strip 431 may comprise, on the one hand, a reel 460, which is integral with the strip 431 (without adhesive pad 2), and which is mounted in rotation around an axis on the plate 44 and, on the other hand, means (preferably motorized) for driving in rotation 461 the reel 460.

[0069] In this regard, it will be observed that the axis around which the roller 433 is mounted in rotation and / or the axis around which the return cylinder is mounted in rotation and / or the axis around which the traction cylinder 451 is mounted in rotation and / or the axis around which the repulsion cylinder is mounted in rotation and / or the axis around which the reel 460 is mounted in rotation extend(s) perpendicularly to the plane along which said plate 44 extends.

[0070] As mentioned above, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises a roller 433 which is rotatably mounted on the plate 44. Said at least one delivery device 4 may then also comprise means (preferably motorized) for driving this roller 433 in rotation around said axis.

[0071] According to another characteristic, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises means for managing these means for driving the roller 433 in rotation 48. Such management means are, more particularly, configured to manage the rotation speed of the roller 433.

[0072] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises means for managing the displacement drive means 45 of said assembly 430. Such management means are, more particularly, configured to manage the displacement drive speed of said assembly 430. In fact, these management means are configured to manage the rotation drive means 452 (in particular the rotation speed of the traction cylinder 451) and / or the repulsion means 453 (in particular the displacement drive means of the repulsion cylinder, more particularly the repulsion force).

[0073] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises means for managing the winding means 46 of the strip 431, more particularly the rotational drive means 461 of the reel 460. Such management means are, more particularly, configured to manage the drive means 461 that these winding means 46 comprise. These management means are, then, more particularly configured to manage the rotation speed of the reel 460.

[0074] According to another characteristic, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises means for detecting the presence of at least one adhesive pad 2 on the strip 431, this upstream of the detachment means 410.

[0075] According to yet another characteristic, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises means for detecting the presence of at least one adhesive pad 2 on the receiving means 47.

[0076] As mentioned above, these receiving means 47 comprise a receiving surface which is configured to receive said at least one portion of said at least one detached part of said at least one adhesive pad 2. Additionally, these receiving means 47 comprise an orifice, which opens at the level of said receiving surface, and inside which or in line with which the detection means are positioned.

[0077] With regard to the detection means, these may comprise at least one sensor, more particularly a plurality of sensors, in particular in parallel, or even (and preferably) in series.

[0078] Additionally, these detection means may also comprise at least one optical fiber (more particularly a plurality of optical fibers, in particular in parallel, or even - and preferably - in series) associated with such a sensor.

[0079] As mentioned above, the detachment means 410 are configured so that, upstream and at least close to (or even at) these detachment means 410, said assembly 430 extends along a determined plane.

[0080] Said at least one delivery device 4 then comprises holding means which are configured to hold said assembly 430 so that it extends along this determined plane. Such holding means may adopt the form of at least one finger, which is mounted on said plate 44, and which extends perpendicularly relative to the plane along which this plate 44 extends.

[0081] As mentioned above, said at least one delivery device 4 comprises rotational mounting means which are configured to mount said roller 433 in rotation about said axis of rotation on the plate 44, in a reversible manner.

[0082] Such rotational mounting means comprise, on the one hand, a base, which is mounted in rotation about said axis on the plate 44, and which is configured to be driven in rotation by the drive means 48, on the other hand, a block, which is fixed on the base, which is integral in rotation about the axis of the base, which adopts a cylindrical shape, which comprises a collar (on the side opposite the base), and which extends along the axis, on the other hand again, a rigid annular crown, which is positioned around the block, and which slides in translation along the axis relative to said block, on the other hand also, a threaded rod, which passes through the block, which extends along the axis, which is integral in displacement with the rigid annular crown, on the other hand also, a nut, which bears (directly or indirectly) against the block and / or against the collar,which cooperates with the threaded rod and which is positioned opposite the base relative to the block which is then interposed between this base and this nut, and, on the other hand, at least one elastic deformable annular ring (more particularly compressible and expandable, in particular made of a synthetic and / or polymer material, more particularly polyurethane), which is positioned around the block, and which is interposed between the rigid annular crown and the collar of the block. The roller 433 then comprises a mandrel, around which the part 432 of the assembly 430 is wound, and which is positioned around said at least one elastic deformable annular ring. Under the effect of an actuation (more particularly of tightening) of the nut, the rigid annular crown approaches the nut which axially compresses said at least one elastic deformable annular ring which expands radially and bears against the mandrel of the roller 433 thus producing,the immobilization of this roller 433 relative to the block. Under the effect of a reverse actuation (more particularly loosening) of the nut, the rigid annular crown moves away from the nut which axially relaxes said at least one elastic deformable annular ring which retracts radially and no longer bears against the mandrel of the roller 433 thus allowing the removal of the roller 433 relative to the block. These rotational mounting means advantageously allow rapid and easy mounting and dismounting of the roller 433 on the plate 44.,

[0083] In this regard, it will be observed that such rotational mounting means are in no way limited to the delivery device 4 according to the invention but can also be envisaged for the rotational mounting around an axis of any roller (in particular comprising an assembly comprising a strip as well as adhesive pads stuck on this strip or other) on any plate.

[0084] It will be observed that the particular characteristics of said at least one delivery device 4 according to the invention advantageously allow the reception of a roll 433 which comprises a large number of adhesive pads 2, in particular more than 300 adhesive pads 2.

[0085] In addition, these particular characteristics, more particularly the management means (of the rotational drive means 48 of the roller 433 and / or of the displacement drive means 45 of the assembly 430 and / or of the winding means 46 of the strip 431), advantageously allow delivery of a plurality of adhesive pads 2 to said at least one device 11 for depositing these adhesive pads 2 with a high delivery speed capable of reaching at least one adhesive pad 2 every 3 seconds (or even every 2 seconds), this with great control, with great precision, with great reliability and with a particularly reduced risk of breakage of the assembly 430.

[0086] As mentioned above, the delivery system 1 comprises at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2. In fact, in this delivery system 1, said at least two delivery devices 4 for at least one adhesive pad 2 each have at least some of the characteristics described above.

[0087] Another characteristic of the delivery system 1 concerns the fact that it comprises presence detection means 9 which are configured to detect the presence of at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2 among said at least two delivery devices 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, this in the retracted position of said at least one delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2. Such detection means 9 advantageously make it possible to detect the appropriate positioning, relative to the chassis 3, of a delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, this after its placement within the delivery system 1 and with a view to replacing another delivery device 4 of at least one adhesive pad 2, in particular having delivered all its adhesive pads 2.

[0088] The invention also relates to an installation 10 for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads 2.

[0089] This removal installation 10 comprises, on the one hand, a delivery system 1 for a plurality of adhesive pads 2 and, on the other hand, a device 11 for removing a plurality of adhesive pads 2.

[0090] In this depositing installation 10, on the one hand, the system 1 for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads 2 has at least some of the characteristics described above and, on the other hand, the device 11 for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads 2 comprises a plurality of gripping means (111; 111') which are each configured to grip at least one adhesive pad 2 from at least one of said at least two delivery devices 4 that said system 1 for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads 2 comprises.

[0091] In fact, said device 11 for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads 2 is, more particularly, in accordance with that described in document EP3878607A1.

[0092] In fact and with regard to the device 11 for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads 2, the latter comprises, on the one hand, at least one gripping means 111 among the plurality of gripping means (111; 111') which is configured to grip at least one adhesive pad 2 which has, depending on the case, a determined size and / or a determined shape and / or a determined composition and / or a determined structure and, on the other hand, at least one other gripping means 111' among the plurality of gripping means (111; 111') which is configured to grip at least one adhesive pad 2 which has, depending on the case, another size and / or another shape and / or another composition and / or another structure.

Claims

1. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2), this delivery system (1) comprises on the one hand a frame (3) and on the other hand at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), which are each configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad (2), characterised in that it further includes moving mounting means (5) that are configured to mount at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) among said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), and this while moving on the one hand relative to the frame (3) and on the other hand between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the frame (3).

2. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that, on the one hand, at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) among said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) is configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad (2) which has, as the case may be, a determined size and / or a determined shape and / or a determined composition and / or a determined structure and, on the other hand, at least one other device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) among said at least two devices (4) for delivery at least one adhesive pad (2) is configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad (2) that has, as the case may be, another size and / or another shape and / or another composition and / or another structure.

3. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the moving mounting means (5) include means for translational mounting (6) of said at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) among said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), this with respect to the frame (3).

4. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to claim 3, characterised in that the translational mounting means (6) include, on the one hand, at least one slider (60) which is associated with said at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), and respectively with said frame (3) and, on the other hand, at least one runner (61) which is associated with said frame (3), and respectively with said at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), and which cooperates with said slider (60).

5. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to claim 4, characterised in that the frame (3) includes, on the one hand, a plate (30) that extends along a plane and, on the other hand, at least one wall (31), which extends from the plate (30) as well as in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane along which this plate (30) extends, and which receives said at least one runner (61) and respectively said slider (60).

6. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, on the one hand, at least one drawer (7) which is mounted so as to move relative to the frame (3) and via the moving mounting means (5) and, on the other hand, fastening means (8) which are configured to reversibly fasten said at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) on said at least one drawer (7).

7. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to claim 6, characterised in that the fastening means (8) comprise, on the one hand, at least one buttonhole (80) that said at least one drawer (7) has and, on the other hand, at least one button (81), which said at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) has or is equipped with, and which cooperates with said at least one buttonhole (80).

8. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) on the one hand each extend along a plane (P) and, on the other hand, are positioned so that the planes, wherein said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) extend, are at least parallel.

9. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) each have, on the one hand, a downstream part (40) that comprises delivery means (41) that are configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad (2) and, on the other hand, an upstream part (42) that comprises storage means (43) which are configured to store adhesive pads (2) as well as to supply the delivery means (41) with these adhesive pads (2).

10. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to claim 9, characterised in that, in the retracted position of said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) are positioned such that, on the one hand, the downstream parts (40) of said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) are adjacent and, on the other hand, the upstream parts (42) of said at least two devices (4) the delivery at least one adhesive pad (2) are, as the case may be, juxtaposed or positioned on either side of the downstream parts (40).

11. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises presence detection means (9) that are configured to detect the presence of at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) among said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2), this in the retracted position of said at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2).

12. System (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least one device (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) among said at least two devices (4) for delivering at least one adhesive pad (2) comprises, on the one hand, a plate (44), on the other hand, storage means (43), which are configured to store adhesive pads (2), which comprise an assembly (430) which comprises a strip (431) as well as at least one adhesive pad (2) bonded to this strip (431), and which also comprises a part (432) which is wound in the form of a roller (433) which is mounted for rotation about an axis on the plate (44), on the other hand also delivery means (41), which are configured to deliver at least one adhesive pad (2), which are supplied by said storage means (43) with adhesive pads (2), and which comprise detachment means (410) which are configured to detach at least a part of said at least one adhesive pad (2) with respect to said strip (431) and which are mounted on said plate (44), on the other hand, means (45) for moving said assembly (430) at least with respect to the detachment means (410) and, on the other hand, also means (46) for winding the strip (431) after detachment of said at least one adhesive pad (2).

13. Installation (10) for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads (2), said depositing installation comprises, on the one hand, a system (1) for delivering a plurality of adhesive pads (2) and, on the other hand, a device for depositing (11) a plurality of adhesive pads (2), characterised in that, on the one hand,, the system (1) for delivery a plurality of adhesive pads (2) is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims and, on the other hand, the device (11) for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads (2) comprises a plurality of gripping means (111; 111') which are each configured to grip at least one adhesive pad (2) from one of said at least two delivery devices (4) that said system (1) for delivery a plurality of adhesive pads (2) has.

14. Installation (10) for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads (2) according to claim 13, characterised in that the device (11) for depositing a plurality of adhesive pads (2) comprises, on the one hand, at least one gripping means (111) among the plurality of gripping means (111; 111') which is configured to grip at least one adhesive pad (2) which has, as the case may be, a determined size and / or a determined shape and / or a determined composition and / or a determined structure and, on the other hand, at least one other gripping means (111') among the plurality of gripping means (111; 111') which is configured to grip at least one adhesive pad (2) which has, as the case may be, another size and / or another shape and / or another composition and / or another structure.