Device for distributing assembly components provided with at least one component extractor comprising a plurality of mutually movable parts

Abstract

The extractor is movable along a vertical axis within the reservoir between a position for picking up a plurality of components in the reservoir and a position for removing the plurality of components from the reservoir. According to the invention, the movable extractor comprises at least a first and a second movable part, the first and second parts being moved simultaneously between the first and second positions, the first part comprising a first housing that is able to receive multiple components of the plurality of components, and the second part comprising a second housing that is able to receive one component from the plurality of components. The two parts are movable in translation relative to one another along the vertical axis. At least one of the parts is configured to assume a unitary distribution position.

Description

[0001] TITLE: DEVICE FOR DISPENSING ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT EXTRACTOR COMPRISING SEVERAL PARTS MOVING RELATIVELY.

[0002] 1. Technical field

[0003] The field of the invention is that of the design and production of devices for distributing assembly components used in industry, particularly aeronautics, to transfer fixing elements between a supply zone and a distribution zone.

[0004] 2. Prior art

[0005] Assembly components (such as screws, rivets, or other) are commonly used in industry for assemblies. The aeronautics industry uses countersunk head rivets in particular, which have the advantage of having a head surface that is flush with the riveted structure after assembly, which offers less resistance to aerodynamic flows. These rivets therefore have a cylindrical or slightly tapered body, and a head whose diameter is greater than the average diameter of the body.

[0006] For this purpose, it is necessary to move these assembly components from a supply area where they are stored, to a distribution area where they are brought in order to be subsequently put in place using an assembly tool.

[0007] Among the known solutions, there are the storage and distribution devices for assembly components which respectively include:

[0008] - a tank, provided with a bottom, capable of containing such assembly components, and

[0009] - an extractor for assembly components contained in the tank.

[0010] Such an extractor is commonly movable along a vertical axis inside the tank between:

[0011] - a first position for picking up a plurality of assembly components from the bottom of the tank, and

[0012] - a second position for extracting the plurality of assembly components from said reservoir.

[0013] According to an alternative, known from document JPS62180824 A in particular, the extractor can also be movable along an oblique axis, inclined relative to a vertical axis, between the two positions in question.

[0014] However, such assembly component extractors are rather inefficient, inaccurate and / or complex and can therefore be improved.

[0015] It is therefore still possible to improve devices of this type, which constitutes an objective pursued by the invention. 3. Objectives of the invention

[0016] The invention aims in particular to provide an effective solution to at least some of these different problems.

[0017] An objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to improve the operation of extracting assembly components from an associated tank.

[0018] In particular, an objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to propose a device for dispensing assembly components provided with a unitary extractor making it possible to improve the precision and / or the efficiency of the extraction of an assembly component with a view to subsequent transfer to an assembly station.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such an extractor making it possible to improve the rate of extraction and distribution of the assembly components.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such an extractor making it possible to guarantee the integrity and / or the adequacy of the extracted assembly components.

[0021] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such an extractor suitable for assembly components of different geometries and / or types.

[0022] Another objective of the invention is to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a device for dispensing assembly components which is simple to implement and / or economical.

[0023] 4. Presentation of the invention

[0024] The proposed technique relates to a device for dispensing assembly components comprising:

[0025] - a tank, provided with a base, capable of containing assembly components,

[0026] - an extractor for assembly components contained in the tank, the extractor being movable along a vertical axis inside the tank between:

[0027] -- a first position for picking up a plurality of assembly components from the bottom of the tank, and

[0028] -- a second position for extracting the plurality of assembly components from the tank.

[0029] According to the invention, the movable extractor comprises at least a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being moved simultaneously between the first and second positions.

[0030] Additionally, the first portion includes a first housing adapted to receive a plurality of assembly components of the plurality of assembly components, and the second portion includes a second housing adapted to receive an assembly component of the plurality of assembly components.

[0031] Furthermore, the two parts are movable in translation relative to each other along the vertical axis and at least one of the movable parts is configured to take a third unitary distribution position in which the assembly component contained in the second housing of the second part is longitudinally offset, along the vertical axis, from the assembly components contained in the first housing of the first part.

[0032] In other words, the extractor, which is vertically movable, makes it possible, in a first step, to extract a plurality of assembly components from the associated reservoir and, in a second step, to isolate a single assembly component belonging to this plurality of assembly components. This makes it possible in particular to improve the precision and efficiency of the extraction of an assembly component. Indeed, by doing so, the isolated assembly component is easier to preempt by a dedicated gripping means. By isolating the assembly component, the probabilities of this gripping means hitting another assembly component are low, or even zero.

[0033] This translates in particular into an improvement in the operation of extracting assembly components from the tank, with a view to subsequent transfer to an assembly station.

[0034] Furthermore, the vertical movement of the extractor allows its second part, when it is in the unitary distribution position (third position), to present the assembly component vertically. Thus, a gripping means, located above and coaxially with the assembly component, can easily apply a gripping force, by suction effect for example, uniform and continuous on the head of the assembly component. This results in particular in effective gripping and secure movement of the assembly component, unlike previous solutions in which the extractor is movable along an oblique axis. Indeed, in such solutions, the assembly component is also arranged obliquely. However, under the effect of gravity, the assembly component tends to take a vertical orientation.As a result, there is a risk of the assembly component tipping over and therefore a break in the seal between the head of the component and the gripping means. This results in the assembly becoming detached and the assembly component falling.

[0035] What is more, the vertical movement of the extractor, combined or not with a gripping means also mobile along a vertical axis, makes it possible to minimize the radial size (footprint) of the distribution device, unlike previous solutions implementing an extractor mobile along an oblique axis.

[0036] Furthermore, the fact that the first and second parts of the extractor are movable together (i.e. moved simultaneously) between the first picking position and the second extraction position, and vice versa, has many advantages. Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to best preserve the integrity of the assembly components, particularly those located in the vicinity of the junction of the two parts of the extractor. Indeed, for such assembly components (rivets or screws for example), there is no potential friction or shock between the head of the assembly component contained in the first part against the second part, during a supposed isolated movement of the first part alone between the second position and the first position. By preservation of the integrity of the component, we mean the preservation of its surface treatment, its surface condition and / or its geometry.

[0037] Such an arrangement also makes it possible to improve the cycle time since an assembly component is brought to load into the second part of the extractor during the immersion of the first and second parts into the reservoir (transition from the second position to the first position).

[0038] According to a particular characteristic of the device, the first and second housings define a slot for receiving the plurality of assembly components, the second housing forming a longitudinal end of the slot.

[0039] Such an arrangement allows in particular the mobile extractor to have substantially the shape of an extraction blade. This therefore results in a reduction in the size of the extractor, and therefore by extension, that of the device in which it is implemented. In addition, the implementation of such a slot allows in particular to align the assembly components so as to simplify their extraction and distribution. Such a slot also allows for a progressive movement of assembly components present in it. In other words, such an arrangement of the housings makes it possible to improve the precision and / or the efficiency of the extraction of the assembly components.

[0040] According to another particular characteristic of the device, the first part has an upper surface from which the first housing is arranged, the upper surface being inclined relative to the vertical axis and oriented towards the second housing.

[0041] Such an arrangement allows in particular the several assembly components of said plurality of assembly components to slide, under the effect of gravity, towards the second housing in order to successively supply it with assembly components. More precisely, the inclined upper surface, combined with the effect of gravity, automatically causes the assembly components contained in the first housing to slide towards and inside the second housing. This first part forms an intermediate cartridge of assembly components. This results in particular in an improvement in the rate of distribution of the assembly components.According to another particular characteristic of the device, and knowing that each assembly component comprises a body having a predetermined diameter and length and a head having a predetermined diameter, the slot has a depth greater than the predetermined length of the assembly component and a width less than the predetermined head diameter and greater than the body diameter of the assembly component so as to allow positioning thereof along the vertical axis.

[0042] Thus, each assembly component is supported, at its maximum diameter (typically a screw head or a rivet collar), by the upper surface of the first part of the extractor, or even by the edge of the first housing thereof, while the body of this same assembly component is, in whole or in part, located in this housing. Then, under the effect of gravity, and if no element (typically other assembly components present in the reservoir) blocks them, the assembly components located in the first housing, and which are inserted therein, are oriented in a substantially vertical manner. This makes it possible, in particular, in the long term, to simplify the gripping of the assembly component contained in the second housing.

[0043] In other words, the slot has a predetermined depth that can allow assembly components of different lengths to be extracted and transferred.

[0044] According to another particular characteristic of the device, the second part has a conformation capable of preventing movement of the assembly component out of the second housing in a horizontal direction, relative to the vertical axis, when moving the second part from the second position to the third position.

[0045] Such a conformation makes it possible in particular to ensure that the assembly component contained in the second housing is held in position during translations of the second part of the extractor, from the extraction position to the unit distribution position in particular. This avoids any untimely extraction of this assembly component, in particular due to vibrations and / or jolts of the device. This results in particular in an improvement in the performance of the device.

[0046] To do this, the conformation is preferably complementary in shape to that of the head of the assembly component.

[0047] According to another particular characteristic of the device, the second part comprises, in an extension of the second housing along the vertical axis, a projection oriented substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis, the projection being configured to extend partially inside the first housing of the first part below the assembly components contained in the first housing.

[0048] The projection is located below the assembly components contained in said first housing when the extractor is in the first and second positions. Such a projection allows in particular the assembly component adjacent to that contained in the second housing not to rub on the edges of the second housing of the second part. More precisely, during the movement of the second part from its second position to its third position, the adjacent assembly component is lifted by this projection and falls back into the reservoir. Such a projection therefore makes it possible to prevent the head of this adjacent assembly component from being damaged during friction. This contributes in particular to guaranteeing the integrity of the assembly components and of the device itself.

[0049] According to another particular characteristic of the device, the second part comprises a sensor for the presence of the assembly component contained in the second housing of said second part.

[0050] The implementation of such a sensor makes it possible in particular to ensure the presence of an assembly component in the second housing of the second part before initiating the translation of one of the parts of the extractor in order to reach the unit distribution position.

[0051] According to another particular characteristic of the device, the latter comprises means for visual control of the assembly component contained in the second housing of the second part.

[0052] Such visual inspection means make it possible, in particular, to verify the integrity of the assembly component in order to avoid transporting a detector assembly component to the remote workstation, or even for the latter to use it. Such visual inspection means also make it possible to verify that the assembly component contained in the second housing corresponds to the type of assembly component required. For example, such inspection means make it possible to verify that a screw is not inadvertently present in a reservoir of rivets. Such inspection therefore makes it possible to ensure the safety of end users, such as passengers on an aircraft, for example.

[0053] 5. List of figures

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a particular embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0055] - [Fig.l]: Figure 1 illustrates, in an elevated perspective view, an example of an installation for storing and distributing assembly components comprising a plurality of assembly component distribution devices in accordance with the invention;

[0056] - [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B]: Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, in two perspective views, a device for dispensing isolated assembly components of Figure 1;

[0057] - [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3 B]: Figures 3A and 3B illustrate, in sectional views, the assembly component distribution device of Figures 2A and 2B; - [Fig.4]: Figure 4 illustrates, in a top view, the assembly component distribution device of Figures 2A and 2B;

[0058] - [Fig.5]: Figure 5 is a flowchart of the main operating steps of a device for dispensing assembly components in accordance with the invention; and

[0059] - [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B] and [Fig.6C]: Figures 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate, in sectional views, the main steps of the flowchart of Figure 5 applied to the assembly component distribution device of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0060] 6. Detailed description of the invention

[0061] 6.1 Description of an Illustrative Embodiment

[0062] An assembly component dispensing device is provided which is a component of a more comprehensive assembly component storage and dispensing facility.

[0063] For reasons of clarity and understanding of the invention, such an installation is briefly described in relation to Figure 1. The assembly component distribution device is then detailed in relation to Figures 2 to 4, for the structural aspects, and 5 to 6C, for the functional aspects.

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates, in an elevated perspective view, an example of an installation for storing and dispensing assembly components comprising a plurality of assembly component dispensing devices according to the invention.

[0065] The installation 100 for storing and distributing assembly components comprises a plurality of devices 1 for distributing assembly components, each comprising:

[0066] - a tank 10, provided with a bottom 11, capable of containing assembly components, and

[0067] - an extractor 20 of assembly components contained in the reservoir 10.

[0068] Such an extractor 20 is movable, along a vertical axis, inside the tank between a first position for removing a plurality of assembly components from the bottom 11 of the tank 10, and a second position for extracting this plurality of assembly components.

[0069] The installation 100 for storing and distributing assembly components further comprises means 101 for conveying assembly components extracted from the reservoirs 10, by the extractors 20, to at least one remote workstation (not shown), such as a robotic arm equipped with at least one assembly component assembly member.

[0070] The installation 100 for storing and distributing assembly components also comprises transfer means 102, 103, to the conveying means 30, of assembly components extracted from the tanks 10 by the extractors 20. An installation for storing and distributing assembly components therefore makes it possible to selectively extract assembly components from the associated tanks and then to transport these extracted assembly components to a workstation where they are used.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the assembly component distribution devices 1 and the conveying means 101 are arranged radially around a central axis AC of a central shaft 104.

[0072] The transfer means comprise a plurality of gripping means 102, of at least one assembly component extracted by the associated extractor 20, carried respectively by an arm 103 movable in rotation around the central axis AC.

[0073] Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 4 illustrate, in different views, an example of a device for storing and dispensing assembly components according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0074] The assembly component dispensing device 1 comprises the reservoir 10, capable of containing assembly components (not shown), and the extractor 20 of assembly components contained in this reservoir 10.

[0075] The extractor 20 is movable along a vertical axis X inside the tank between the first position PI, shown in FIG. 6A, for removing a plurality of assembly components from the bottom 11 of the tank 10, and a second position P2, shown in FIG. 6B, for extracting this plurality of assembly components from the tank 10.

[0076] The device 1 further comprises means 30 for moving the extractor 20 from the first sampling position PI to the second extraction position P2, and vice versa.

[0077] According to the invention, the mobile extractor 20 comprises a first part 21, comprising a first housing 210 capable of receiving several assembly components of the plurality of assembly components, and a second part 22, comprising a second housing 220 capable of receiving a single assembly component of the plurality of assembly components.

[0078] Furthermore, the first and second parts 21, 22 are movable in translation relative to each other along the vertical axis X. The second part 22 is also configured to take a third position P3, represented in FIGS. 2A and 6C in particular, for unitary distribution of the assembly component.

[0079] Thus, in the third position P3 of unitary distribution, the assembly component contained in the second housing 220 of the second part 22 is longitudinally offset, along the vertical axis, from the assembly components contained in the first housing 210 of the first part 21. In other words, the assembly component contained in the second housing 220 of the second part 22 is isolated from the other assembly components. This makes it possible in particular to simplify the movement of this isolated assembly component by the transfer means 102, 103 of the installation 100.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first and second housings 210, 220 are provided from upper surfaces 211, 221 of the first and second parts 21, 22 respectively.

[0081] The first and second housings 210, 220 are further aligned and open onto each other so as to define a slot for receiving assembly components present in the reservoir 10. The second housing 220 forms one of the longitudinal ends of the slot.

[0082] Thus, the extractor has the shape of a moving blade.

[0083] The first housing 210 housing has, along the vertical axis, a predetermined depth P210, greater than the length of the assembly component and, perpendicular to the vertical axis, a predetermined width 1210, less than the maximum diameter of this same assembly component. Obviously, the depth P210 and the width 1210 of the first housing 210 are determined according to the dimensions of the assembly components to be extracted.

[0084] A first housing 210 dimensioned in this way allows the assembly components arranged inside it to be oriented along the vertical axis when the extractor 20 is in the second extraction position P2. Indeed, each assembly component is supported, at its maximum diameter (typically a screw head or a rivet collar), by the upper surface 211, or even by the edge of the first housing 210, while the body of this same assembly component is, wholly or partly, located in this housing.

[0085] Thus, when the extractor 20 is moved from the first sampling position PI to the second extraction position P2, the assembly components present in the reservoir 10 will gradually be inserted into the receiving slot (formed by the first and second housings 210, 220) and oriented vertically.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the upper surface 211 of the first part 21 of the extractor 20 is inclined, relative to the vertical axis X, and oriented towards the second housing 220.

[0087] Such an arrangement allows in particular the several assembly components of said plurality of assembly components to slide, under the effect of gravity, towards the second housing in order to successively supply it with assembly components.

[0088] Preferably, this edge is beveled / chamfered so as to adapt to assembly components of different geometries and / or types, and / or to simplify their sliding towards the second housing.

[0089] Furthermore, the second housing 220 is shaped to retain said assembly component contained therein, in particular in a horizontal direction. Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to ensure that the assembly component is held in position during the translation of one of the parts of the extractor in order to reach the unitary distribution position.

[0090] To do this, in the example illustrated, the second housing 220 comprises a conformation 222, visible in FIG. 4 in particular, having substantially the shape of a truncated arc of a circle, the most flared part of which forms the upper part of the second housing 220. Such a configuration makes it possible to receive and hold the head of all types of assembly components during the movement of the second part 22.

[0091] Such a conformation 222 is, in the illustrated example, obtained by a (conical) countersink applied to the second housing 220 after formation thereof.

[0092] As a result, a portion of the countersink is cut by the slot, and is therefore partially missing. However, a portion of the countersink remains which, by an undercut effect, is able to oppose the movement of the assembly component in a horizontal direction.

[0093] Obviously, and as will be detailed later, in order for the assembly component to be able to pass from the first housing 210 to the second housing 220, by gravity, it is necessary for the upper surface 221 of the second part 22 to be located below the upper surface 211 of the first part 21 when the second part 22 is in the second extraction position so that the conformation 222 does not block the head of the assembly component.

[0094] Furthermore, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 comprises a stop 223 for retaining said assembly components contained in said first housing of said first part.

[0095] In the example illustrated, the stop 223 is formed by a projection located in the extension of the second housing 220 along the vertical axis X and oriented perpendicular to this vertical axis X.

[0096] The projection 223 is further configured to extend partially inside the first housing 210 of the first part 21 so as to form a retaining stop for the assembly components contained in the first housing 210 of the first part 21 when the second part 22 is in the third unitary distribution position P3, as illustrated in FIG. 3B in particular.

[0097] To do this, the projection 223 has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped whose thickness corresponds to the width 1210 of the first housing 210. Obviously, other projection shapes can be envisaged, in particular depending on the nature of the assembly components to be retained.

[0098] Such a projection 223 also makes it possible to ensure translational guidance of the second part 22 of the extractor 20 relative to the first part 21 of this same extractor.

[0099] Furthermore, the displacement means 30 comprise, in this embodiment, two jacks 31, 32 associated with the first and second parts 21, 22 respectively to allow their relative translation along the vertical axis X. The first jack 31 comprises a hollow body 310, secured to the reservoir 10, inside which slides a rod 311 whose free end 312 is secured to a lower portion 213 of the first part 21 of the extractor 20.

[0100] The second jack 32 comprises a hollow body 320, secured to the lower portion 213 of the first part 21 of the extractor 20, inside which slides a rod 321 whose free end 322 is secured to a lower portion 223 of the second part 22 of the extractor 20.

[0101] Thus, the first cylinder 31 makes it possible to simultaneously move the first and second parts 21, 22, during the translation from the first sampling position to the second extraction position, and vice versa. The second cylinder 32, for its part, makes it possible to move only the second part 22, during the translation from the second extraction position to the third unitary distribution position.

[0102] Furthermore, the assembly component distribution device 1 comprises a plurality of sensors making it possible in particular to ensure correct operation of the device.

[0103] A first sensor 41 is configured to detect the presence of assembly components in the reservoir 10 so as to ensure that the extractor 20 has assembly components to be sampled when it reaches the first sampling position PI.

[0104] In the example illustrated, the first sensor 41 is located substantially at the level of the bottom 11 of the tank 10 and positioned so as to define a low threshold for filling the tank 10 with assembly components.

[0105] A second sensor 42 is configured to detect the presence of the assembly component contained in the second housing 220 of the second part 22 of the extractor 2.

[0106] Such a sensor makes it possible in particular to ensure the presence of an assembly component in the second housing of the second part before initiating the translation of the second part towards the third unit distribution position.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the second sensor 42 is housed in the second part 22 at the level of the second housing 220 and opposite it.

[0108] A third sensor 43 is configured to provide visual control of the assembly component contained in the second housing 220 of the second part 22 of the extractor 20.

[0109] Such visual control means make it possible in particular to check the integrity of the assembly component and / or its correspondence (a screw inadvertently present in a reservoir of rivets, for example).

[0110] In the illustrated example, the third sensor 43 is a camera carried by the reservoir 10 substantially at the level of the third unitary distribution position P3 and oriented perpendicular to the vertical axis X. The device 1 further comprises a processing unit (not shown) configured to control the actuation of the movement means 30, and therefore the movement of the extractor 20, in particular as a function of the data signals from the sensors 41, 42, 43 and of instructions provided by a user and / or another device of the installation 100.

[0111] Figures 5 to 6C illustrate, in sectional views, the main operating steps of the assembly component dispensing device described above.

[0112] In the initial position of the device 1, illustrated in FIG. 6A, the extractor 20 is in the first position PI for removing a plurality of assembly components from the bottom 11 of the reservoir 10. In such a first removal position PI, the extractor 20 is located under the bottom 11 of the reservoir 10. In the example illustrated, the second housing 220 is located substantially below the level of the end adjacent to the first housing 210 so as to prevent the conformation 222 of the second housing 220 from preventing the insertion of an assembly component therein. To allow such positioning of the extractor 20, the jacks 31, 32 coupled to the first and second parts 21, 22 are retracted, that is to say that the rods 311, 321 are essentially stored in their body 310,

[0113] 320 respective. Thus, if assembly components are present in the tank (information obtained via the first sensor 41), a plurality of assembly components thereof are introduced into the first and second housings 210, 220 of the first and second parts 21, 22 of the extractor 20.

[0114] Such a device 1 for distributing assembly components comprises in particular the following main steps:

[0115] - in a first step S1, illustrated in Figure 6B, the extractor 20 is moved from the first sampling position P1 to the second extraction position P2, from the reservoir 10, of the plurality of assembly components contained in the first and second housings 210, 220 of the first and second parts 21, 22 of the extractor 20. To do this, the rod 311 of the jack 31 coupled to the first part 21 progressively extends. The jack 32 coupled to the second part 22 remains retracted. During the movement of the extractor 20, the assembly components C arranged inside it are oriented substantially vertically. The second sensor 42 detects, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the presence of a single assembly component located in the second housing 220 of the second part 22 and held by the conformation 222.

[0116] - in a second step S2, illustrated in figure 6C, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 is moved from the second extraction position P2 to the third position P3 of unit distribution of the assembly component C contained in the second housing 220. To do this, the rod

[0117] 321 of the cylinder 32 coupled to the second part 22 gradually comes out. The rod 321 of the cylinder 31 coupled to the first part 21 remains extended. During the movement of the second part 22, the third sensor 43 ensures a visual check of the assembly component C. If the check is positive, when the second part 22 reaches the third position P3 of unit distribution, the assembly component C is preempted by a dedicated gripping means 102 belonging to the installation 100.

[0118] - in a third step S3, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 is moved from the third unitary distribution position P3 to return to the second extraction position P2. To do this, the rod 321 of the cylinder 32 coupled to the second part 22 is progressively retracted. The rod 321 of the cylinder 31 coupled to the first part 21 remains extended.

[0119] - in a fourth step S4, when the second part 22 has returned to the second extraction position P2 and the second sensor 42 detects the presence of another assembly component in the second housing 220 of the second part 22, then the second step S2 is repeated. The inclined upper surface 211 of the first part 21, combined with the effect of gravity, automatically causes the assembly components contained in the first housing 210 to slide towards and inside the second housing 220. The first part 21 of the extractor forms a cartridge of assembly components.

[0120] - in a fifth step S5, when the second part 22 has returned to the second extraction position P2 and, for a predetermined period of time (two seconds for example), the second sensor 42 does not detect the presence of any assembly component in the second housing 220 (empty cartridge), then the extractor 20 is moved from the second extraction position P2 to the first sampling position PI, and therefore returns to the initial step. To do this, the rod 311 of the cylinder 31 coupled to the first part 21 gradually retracts. The cylinder 32 coupled to the second part 22 remains retracted.

[0121] 6.3 Other embodiments and variants

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor comprises two parts movable in translation relative to each other along the vertical axis. However, in another embodiment, not illustrated, the extractor comprises three or more parts movable in translation relative to each other along the vertical axis. Such an arrangement allows in particular precise control of the supply of the second housing with assembly components present in the first housing distributed over several movable parts.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 is configured to take the third position P3 for unitary distribution of the assembly component. However, in another embodiment, not illustrated, the first part of the extractor is configured to take the third position for unitary distribution of the assembly component. In other words, unlike the illustrated embodiment in which the second part is moved upwards, in this other embodiment, it is the first part which is moved downwards. In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement means 30 comprise two jacks 31, 32 associated with the first and second parts 21, 22 respectively to allow their relative translation along the vertical axis X.However, in another embodiment, not illustrated, the movement means comprise a single cylinder, connected to an intermediate structure to the first and second parts, and a translation stop for the first part of the extractor in the extraction position. Thus, when the cylinder is activated from the first sampling position to the third dispensing position, the cylinder initially ensures simultaneous movement of the two parts of the extractor. Then, when the first part comes into contact against the stop in the extraction position, the second part continues its translation alone to the dispensing position. The use of a single cylinder makes it possible in particular to simplify the structure of the assembly component dispensing device. This results in particular in a simplification of the maintenance of the device.

[0124] In another embodiment, not illustrated, the assembly component dispensing device is devoid of the presence sensor of the assembly component contained in the second housing and / or of the means for visual control of the assembly component contained in the second housing. Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to simplify the structure of the device and therefore to limit the manufacturing costs thereof.

[0125] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

[0126] More generally, the invention covers all implementations of the principle according to which a vertically movable extractor makes it possible, in a first step, to extract a plurality of assembly components from the associated reservoir and, in a second step, to isolate a single assembly component belonging to this plurality of assembly components.

[0127] According to different aspects, the invention therefore presents all or part of the following advantages, depending on the embodiments chosen:

[0128] - enable the precision and / or efficiency of the extraction of an assembly component to be improved;

[0129] - enable the improvement of the distribution rate of assembly components;

[0130] - adapt to assembly components of different geometries and / or types;

[0131] - guarantee significant longevity;

[0132] - require limited maintenance;

[0133] - limit manufacturing costs;

[0134] - ensure the security of end users; - etc.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components comprising: - a tank (10), provided with a bottom (11), capable of containing assembly components (C), - an extractor (20) of assembly components contained in said reservoir (10), said extractor (20) being movable along a vertical axis (X) inside said reservoir (10) between: -- a first position (PI) for removing a plurality of assembly components from said bottom (11) of said reservoir (10), and -- a second position (P2) for extracting said plurality of assembly components from said reservoir (10), characterized in that said movable extractor (20) comprises at least a first part (21) and a second part (22), said first and second parts (21, 22) being moved simultaneously between said first and second positions (P1, P2), and in that said first part (21) comprises a first housing (210) capable of receiving several assembly components of said plurality of assembly components, and said second part (22) comprises a second housing (220) capable of receiving an assembly component of said plurality of assembly components, said two parts (21, 22) being movable in translation relative to each other along said vertical axis (X), at least one of said parts (21,22) mobile being configured to take a third position (P3) of unitary distribution in which said assembly component contained in said second housing (220) of said second part (22) is longitudinally offset, along said vertical axis (X), from the assembly components contained in said first housing (210) of said first part (21).,

2. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second housings (210, 220) define a slot for receiving said plurality of assembly components, said second housing (220) forming a longitudinal end of said slot.

3. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to claim 2, characterized in that said first part (21) has an upper surface (211) from which said first housing (210) is arranged, said surface (211) being inclined relative to the vertical axis (X) and oriented towards said second housing (220).

4. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to any one of claims 2 and 3, said components comprising a body having a predetermined diameter and length and a head having a predetermined diameter, characterized in that said slot has a depth greater than the predetermined length of said assembly component and a width less than the predetermined head diameter and greater than the body diameter of said assembly component so as to allow positioning thereof along the vertical axis (X).

5. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to any one of claims 2 and 4, characterized in that said second part (22) has a conformation (222) capable of preventing movement of said assembly component out of said second housing (220) in a horizontal direction, relative to said vertical axis (X), during movement of said second part (22) from said second position (P3) to said third position (P3).

6. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to claim 5, characterized in that said conformation (222) is of a shape complementary to that of said head of said assembly component.

7. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to claim 1, characterized in that said second part (22) comprises, in an extension of said second housing (220) along said vertical axis (X), a projection (223) oriented substantially perpendicular to said vertical axis (X), said projection (223) being configured to extend partially inside said first housing (210) of said first part (21) below the assembly components contained in said first housing (210).

8. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second part (22) comprises a sensor (42) for the presence of said assembly component contained in said second housing (220) of said second part (22).

9. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (43) for visual inspection of said assembly component contained in said second housing (220) of said second part (22).

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