STACK PART DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A system (SD) distributes parts (PE) of a stack and comprises: - a support wall (PS1) to which guides (GP) are fixed, between which the stack is placed, and comprising an opening (OP) located under the stack and which can be passed through by each part (PE), - a first translation device (DT1) translating under the opening (OP) a platform (PT) comprising support parts (PS2) adapted to support a first part (PE) separated from the stack, and indexing pins adapted to be coupled to the first and second parts (PE) of the stack, and - second translation devices (DT2) fixed to the support wall (PS1) and each translating a separating part (PS3) to a space located between the first and second parts (PE) so that it participates in supporting the stack without the first part (PE) when the platform (PT) is translated downwards. Figure 1

Description

Description Title of the invention: COIN DISPENSING SYSTEM OF A STACK Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to distribution systems which are intended to distribute one after the other pieces of a stack. State of the art

[0002] … In certain areas, such as vehicles, possibly au- In automobiles, loaded robots are used on assembly lines. to enter a part previously placed in a first predefined location for the move to a second predefined location for the purpose of joining it to a system being assembled.

[0003] Sometimes these pieces are part of a stack that is placed between at least three guides fixedly attached to a supporting wall, and a person is loaded to extract the pieces from this stack one after the other to place them successively- sively in the first predefined location and thus power the robot. This mode of dis- The distribution (or feeding) of parts turns out to be very tedious and not very ergonomic for the person who feeds the robot by "unstacking" the stack of parts. In addition, it requires the permanent presence of at least one person who must be replaced periodically to avoid too much accumulation of fatigue which could cause accidents at work.

[0004] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0005] — It proposes in particular for this purpose a distribution system intended to distribute one after the other of the pieces of a stack and comprising a support wall on which are fixedly secured at least three guides between which the stack is suitable for placement.

[0006] This distribution system is characterized by the fact:

[0007] — - that its support wall comprises an opening placed under the stack and clean to be crossed by each room, and

[0008] — - that it also comprises, on the one hand, a first translation device specific to translate under this opening a tray comprising at least three support pieces suitable for supporting a first piece separated from the stack, and at least two indexing pads suitable for being coupled to the first and second parts of the stacking, and, on the other hand, at least two second translation devices so- fixedly lidarized on the support wall and each capable of translating a piece of se- preparation towards a space located between the first and second pieces so that it participates in supporting the stack without the first piece when this tray is translated downwards by supporting the first piece separated from the stack. Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to distribute (or deliver) the pieces of a stack one after the other to a predefined location, in an automated manner and therefore without any human intervention. The distribution system according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: - its support wall can include a number N of guides which is a function of a shape of the parts of the stack, with N > 3; - its support wall may comprise a number M of second translation devices which is a function of a shape of the parts of the stack, with M = 2; - it may include a frame to which its supporting wall is fixedly attached; - in a first embodiment, its first translation device may be capable of translating the tray under the opening in a vertical direction and downwards, to a predefined level with a view to removing the first part which is supported by the support parts; - in the presence of the last option, its first translation device can be fixedly secured to the frame: - in a second embodiment, its first translation device may be capable of translating the tray under the opening in a vertical direction and downwards, to a predefined level, and it may comprise a third translation device to which the first translation device is secured and capable of translating the latter in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction in order to place the tray in a predefined position with a view to removing the first part which is supported by the support parts; - in the presence of the last option, it can include a support to which the third translation device is secured; - in a third embodiment, its first translation device may be capable of translating the tray under the opening in a direction forming an acute angle relative to a vertical direction and downwards, to a predefined level with a view to removing the first part which is supported by the support parts; - in the presence of the last option, its first translation device can be fixedly secured to the frame. Brief description of the figures Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), on which: [Fig.1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of a first exemplary embodiment of a distribution system according to the invention during a downward translation of a first part separated from its stack, [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a top view, the distribution system of [Fig.1], [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, the distribution system of [Fig.1], before the start of the separation phase of the first piece from the stack, [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a side view, the distribution system of [Fig.1], during the separation phase of the first piece from the stack, [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a second exemplary embodiment of a distribution system according to the invention, and [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a third example of an embodiment of a distribution system according to the invention, before and after a forward translation of a first part separated from its stack then translated downwards. Detailed description of the invention The invention aims in particular to propose an SD distribution system intended to distribute PE parts from an EP stack one after the other, in an automated manner. In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the PE parts are intended to be part of a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type. But the invention is not limited to this type of part. It relates in fact to any part that can be part of a stack and intended to be distributed (or delivered) in a first predefined location in order to be grasped by a robot of an assembly line (or assembly) to be moved to a second predefined location, for example with a view to its attachment to a system being assembled. This system can therefore be a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), or a device (possibly for the general public), for example. Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate at least partially a part of a first example embodiment of an SD distribution system according to the invention. As illustrated at least partially in figures | and 2, a distribution system SD, according to the invention, notably comprises a support wall PS1, at at least three GP guides, a first translation device DT1, at least three PS2 support pieces, at least two PI indexing pads, and at least two second DT2 translation devices. As illustrated in figures | and 2, the GP guides are fixedly secured to the support wall PS1 at locations which are chosen so as to receive and guide between them a stack EP of identical PE parts. These GP guides can, for example, be rectilinear bars installed vertically while being perpendicular to the upper face of the support wall PS1. For example, the support wall PS1 may comprise a number N of guides GP which is a function of the specific shape of the PE parts of the stack EP, with N > 3. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the number N is equal to five. But this number N can take any value greater than or equal to three. Also as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the support wall PS1 also includes an opening OP which is placed under the stack EP and suitable for being crossed by each piece PE. As illustrated in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the first translation device DT1 is arranged so as to translate under the opening OP a plate PT which comprises the support parts PS2. The latter (PS2) are suitable for supporting together a first part PE which has been separated from its stack EP. In the following and the above, "first coin" means the PE coin which is the lowest in an EP stack and which is to be dealt next. For example, the tray PT may comprise a number P of support pieces PS2 which is a function of the specific shape of the pieces PE of the stack EP, with P > 3. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 4, the number P is equal to four. But this number P can take any value greater than or equal to three. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the indexing pads (or pilots) PI are fixedly secured to the plate PT at locations which are chosen so as to be coupled simultaneously to the first and second parts PE of the stack EP, in order to allow their indexing. In the following and the above, "second coin" means the PE coin which is located at a given time just above the first PE coin in an EP stack and which will soon become a first coin to be distributed. For example, the plate PT can include a number K of indexing pads PI which is a function of the specific shape of the PE parts of the EP stack, with K > 2. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 4, the number K is equal to two. But this number K can take any higher value or equal to two. The second translation devices DT2 are fixedly secured to the support wall PS1, and are each capable of translating a separation piece PS3 to an associated space which is located between the first and second pieces PE of the stack EP, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Thus, each separation piece PS3 participates in supporting the stack EP without the first piece PE when the plate PT is translated downwards by the first translation device DT1 by supporting by its support pieces PS2 the first piece PE which has just been separated from the stack EP. It will be understood that once the separating parts PS3 have been introduced into the spaces associated with them, the entire EP stack rests on the support parts PS2 of the PT tray. But, as soon as the PT tray is translated downwards by the first translation device DT 1, it takes with it the first PE part which has just been separated from the EP stack by the separating parts PS3 (which then together support the entire remainder of the EP stack). The PT tray is translated downwards by the first translation device DT 1 until the first separated PE part which it supports reaches a first predefined distribution location in order to be picked up by a robot of an assembly line (or assembly) to be moved to a second predefined location, for example with a view to its attachment to a system being assembled (here a vehicle). It is now possible to distribute (or deliver) the PE parts of an EP stack one after the other to a first predefined distribution location, in an automated manner and therefore without any human intervention. Once the PE part has been removed from the PT plate (and more precisely from its support parts PS2 and indexing pins PI), the first translation device DT1 translates the PT plate in the opposite direction (and therefore upwards) until it returns to its initial position under the EP stack. Then, the second translation devices DT1 translate their separation parts PS3 in the opposite direction in order to release them from below the PE part which is now the first part of the EP stack, and therefore the latter (EP) is supported by the support parts PS2 while having its first and second PE parts indexed by the PI indexing pins of the PT plate. A process of separation of the new first PE part can then begin. For example, the support wall PS1 may comprise a number M of second translation devices DT2 which is a function of the specific shape of the parts PE of the stack EP, with M = 2. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the number M is equal to three. But this number M can take any value greater than or equal to two. Also for example, every second DT2 translation device can include a compact pneumatic cylinder, possibly provided by construction with a slide in which an associated PS3 separation piece can slide. Additionally, each PS3 divider piece can optionally be in the form of a corner. Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the distribution system SD may comprise a frame B1 to which the support wall PS1 is fixedly secured. For example, this frame B1 may comprise feet (or vertical bars) having upper ends fixedly secured to a lower face of the support wall PS1 and lower ends capable of being fixedly secured to the ground (or floor) of an assembly line, and horizontal connecting bars ensuring a rigid connection between the feet. At least three embodiments of the SD distribution system can be envisaged to enable the distribution of PE parts in the first predefined distribution location. In a first embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the first translation device DT1 can be arranged so as to translate the plate PT under the opening OP of the support wall PS1 in a vertical and downward direction. This vertical translation downwards is carried out up to a level which is predefined with a view to removing the first part PE which is supported by the support parts PS2. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the first translation device DT1 can be fixedly secured to the frame B1. But in an alternative embodiment, the first translation device DT1 could be fixedly secured to the lower face of the support wall PS1, for example. Also for example, the first translation device DT1 may comprise two vertical bars in which slides are defined in which two parts can slide to which the tray PT is secured, which transports each first part PE once separated from its stack EP. These two sliding parts may, for example, be driven in translation relative to their respective slides by at least one compact and pneumatic linear guide unit. In alternative embodiments, the translations could be provided by jacks or by an electric motor coupled to a rack or a worm screw. In a second embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 5], the first translation device DT1 can be arranged so as to translate the tray PT under the opening OP of the support wall PS1 in the vertical direction and downwards, to a predefined level, as in the first exemplary embodiment of [Fig. 1]. But, in this second embodiment, the distribution system SD also comprises a third translation device DT3 to which is so- lidarized the first translation device DT1 and which is capable of translating the latter (DTI) in a direction which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. This last translation (horizontal) is intended to place the plate PT in a predefined position which is spaced from the support wall PS1, with a view to removing the first part PE which is supported by the support parts PS2. It will be noted that in [Fig.5] the first PE part separated after its vertical translation downwards by the first translation device DT1 is illustrated, and this same first PE part separated after its horizontal translation (here forwards) by the third translation device DT3. It will be understood that this second embodiment makes it possible to move the first part PE away from the support wall PS1 not only vertically but also horizontally, in order to facilitate its gripping and then its manipulation in space by the robot. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 5], the distribution system SD may also comprise a support SP to which the third translation device DT3 is secured. This support SP may, for example, comprise bars fixedly secured to each other, defining a structure in the general shape of an isosceles triangle. It will be noted that this support SP is not necessarily fixedly secured to the frame B1. In the absence of such a securing, it is preferably fixedly secured to the floor (or ground) of the assembly line, in order to prevent the actions of the robot from causing it to move relative to the support wall PS1. Also for example, the first translation device DT1 may be similar to that used in the first embodiment of [Fig.1], except that it is secured to the third translation device DT3, and not to the lower face of the support wall PS1 and / or to the frame BI. Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.5], the third translation device DT3 may comprise two slides fixedly secured to the support SP and in which two parts can slide to which the plate PT is secured which transports each first part PE once separated from its stack EP. These two sliding parts may, for example, be driven in translation relative to their respective slides by at least one compact and pneumatic linear guide unit. In alternative embodiments, the translations could be provided by jacks or by at least one electric motor coupled to a rack or a worm screw. In a third embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.6], the first translation device DT1 can be arranged so as to translate the plate PT under the opening OP of the support wall PS1 in a direction which makes an acute angle with respect to the vertical direction and downwards. This translation (inclined with respect to the vertical direction) is intended to place the plate PT at a predefined level and in a predefined position which is spaced from the support wall PS1, for the purpose of removing the first PE part which is supported by the support parts PS2. It will be understood that this third embodiment also makes it possible to move the first PE part away from the support wall PS1 not only vertically but also horizontally, in order to facilitate its gripping and then its manipulation in space by the robot. Preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 6], in this third embodiment the first translation device DT1 can be fixedly secured to the frame B1. The first translation device DT1 can also be fixedly secured to the lower face of the support wall PS1. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 6], the first translation device DT may comprise at least two inclined bars in which slides are defined in which two parts can slide, to which the tray PT is secured, which transports each first part PE once separated from its stack EP. These two sliding parts may, for example, be driven in translation relative to their respective slides by at least one electric motor coupled to a rack or a worm screw. In an alternative embodiment, the translations could be provided by a compact and pneumatic linear guide unit, for example.

Claims

Claims

1. System (SD) suitable for distributing one after the other parts (PE) of a stack and comprising a support wall (PSI) on which are fixedly secured at least three guides (GP) between which said stack is suitable for being placed, said support wall (PSI) comprising an opening (OP) placed under said stack and suitable for being crossed by each part (PE), and in that it further comprises i) a first translation device (DTI) suitable for translating under said opening (OP) a plate (PT) comprising at least three support parts (PS2) suitable for supporting a first part (PE) separated from said stack, and at least two indexing pads (PI) suitable for being coupled to the first and second parts (PE) of said stack,and ii) at least two second translation devices (DT2) fixedly secured to said support wall (PSI) and each capable of translating a separation piece (PS3) towards a space situated between said first and second pieces (PE) so that it participates in the support of said stack without said first piece (PE) when said tray (PT) is translated downwards while supporting said first piece (PE) separated from said stack, characterized in that said first translation device (DTI) is capable of translating said tray (PT) under said opening (OP) in a direction forming an acute angle with respect to a vertical direction and downwards, to a predefined level with a view to removing said first piece (PE) supported by said support pieces (PS2).,

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said support wall (PSI) comprises a number N of guides (GP) depending on a shape of said parts (PE) of the stack, with N > 3.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said support wall (PSI) comprises a number M of second translation devices (DT2) depending on a shape of said parts (PE) of the stack, with M > 2.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a frame (B 1) to which said support wall (PSI) is fixedly secured.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that said first translation device (DTI) is fixedly secured to said frame (Bl).

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