ASSEMBLY COMPONENT DISTRIBUTION DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT EXTRACTOR COMPRISING SEVERAL PARTS THAT MOVE WITH EACH OTHER.

Abstract

A component dispensing device for assembly components equipped with at least one component extractor comprising several parts that move relative to each other. The invention relates to a component dispensing device comprising a reservoir with a base and a component extractor contained within the reservoir. This extractor is movable about a vertical axis inside the reservoir between a position for picking up a plurality of components from the base of the reservoir and a position for extracting the plurality of components from the reservoir. According to the invention, the movable extractor comprises at least a first part, comprising a first compartment adapted to receive several components from the plurality of components, and a second part, comprising a second compartment adapted to receive one component from the plurality of components. The two parts are movable in translation relative to each other about the vertical axis.At least one of the parts is configured to take a unit distribution position. Abstract figure: [Fig.2A].

Description

Title of the invention: ASSEMBLY COMPONENT DISTRIBUTION DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT EXTRACTOR COMPRISING SEVERAL PARTS THAT ARE MOVABLE WITH EACH OTHER.

[0001] 1. Technical field

[0002] The field of the invention is that of the design and production of assembly component distribution devices used in industry, particularly aeronautics, to transfer fastening elements between a supply zone and a distribution zone.

[0003] 2. Prior art

[0004] Fasteners (such as screws, rivets, or others) are commonly used in industry for assembly. The aerospace industry, in particular, uses countersunk head rivets, which have the advantage of a head surface that is flush with the riveted structure after assembly, thus offering less resistance to aerodynamic flow. These rivets therefore have a cylindrical or slightly tapered body and a head diameter larger than the average diameter of the body.

[0005] For this, 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 by means of an assembly tool.

[0006] Among the known solutions are assembly component storage and distribution devices, which include respectively:

[0007] - a tank, equipped with a bottom, suitable for containing such assembly components, and

[0008] - an extractor of assembly components contained in the reservoir.

[0009] Such an extractor is commonly movable about a vertical axis inside the reservoir between:

[0010] - a first picking position for a plurality of assembly components at the bottom of the tank, and

[0011] - a second extraction position for the plurality of assembly components outside of said reservoir.

[0012] However, such an assembly component extractor is rather inefficient, imprecise and / or complex and can therefore be improved.

[0013] It is therefore still possible to improve devices of this type, which is an objective pursued by the invention.

[0014] 3. Objectives of the invention

[0015] The invention aims in particular to provide an effective solution to at least some of these different problems.

[0016] An objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to improve the operation of extracting the assembly components from an associated tank.

[0017] In particular, an objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide a device for distributing assembly components equipped with a unit extractor enabling improvement of the precision and / or efficiency of the extraction of an assembly component for subsequent transfer to an assembly station.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such an extractor enabling the rate of extraction and distribution of assembly components to be improved.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such an extractor enabling the integrity and / or suitability of the extracted assembly components to be guaranteed.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such an extractor adapted to assembly components of different geometries and / or types.

[0021] Another objective of the invention is to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a device for distributing assembly components that is simple to implement and / or economical.

[0022] 4. Presentation of the invention

[0023] The proposed technique relates to a device for distributing assembly components comprising:

[0024] - a reservoir, equipped with a base, suitable for containing assembly components,

[0025] - an extractor for assembly components contained in the reservoir, the extractor being mobile along a vertical axis inside the tank between:

[0026] — a first picking position for a plurality of assembly components at the bottom of the tank, and

[0027] — a second extraction position for the plurality of assembly components out of the tank.

[0028] According to the invention, the mobile extractor comprises at least:

[0029] - a first part comprising a first dwelling suitable for receiving several assembly components of the plurality of assembly components, and

[0030] - a second part comprising a second housing suitable for receiving a 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 unit 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 vertically mobile extractor allows, firstly, the extraction of a plurality of assembly components from the associated reservoir and, secondly, the isolation of a single assembly component belonging to this plurality of assembly components. This notably improves the precision and efficiency of the extraction of an assembly component. Indeed, by doing so, the isolated assembly component is easier to grasp with a dedicated means. The probability of this grasping means colliding with another assembly component is low, or even zero. This results, in particular, in an improved extraction operation of the assembly components from the reservoir, for subsequent transfer to an assembly station.

[0033] According to a particular feature 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.

[0034] Such an arrangement allows the mobile extractor to have a shape essentially resembling an extraction blade. This results in a reduction in the extractor's overall size, and therefore, by extension, in the size of the device in which it is used. Furthermore, the use of such a slot allows the assembly components to be aligned, thus simplifying their extraction and distribution. This slot also ensures the gradual movement of the assembly components within it. In other words, this arrangement of the slots improves the precision and / or efficiency of the extraction of the assembly components.

[0035] According to another particular feature of the device, the first part has an upper surface from which the first housing is provided, the upper surface being inclined with respect to the vertical axis and oriented towards the second housing.

[0036] 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 improved distribution rate of the assembly components.

[0037] According to another particular feature 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 diameter of the head and greater than the diameter of the body of the assembly component so as to allow positioning of the latter along the vertical axis.

[0038] Thus, each assembly component is supported, at its maximum diameter (typically a screw head or rivet collar), by the upper surface of the first part of the extractor, or even by the edge of its first housing, while the body of this same assembly component is, wholly or partially, located in this housing. Then, under the effect of gravity, and if no element (typically other assembly components present in the reservoir) obstructs them, the assembly components located in the first housing, and which fit into it, orient themselves in a substantially vertical manner. This ultimately simplifies the handling of the assembly component contained in the second housing.

[0039] According to another particular feature of the device, the second part has a conformation suitable for preventing the assembly component from moving 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.

[0040] Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to ensure that the assembly component contained in the second housing remains in position during the translations of the second part of the extractor, specifically from the extraction position to the unit dispensing position. This eliminates any unintentional extraction of this assembly component, particularly due to vibrations and / or shocks of the device. This results, in particular, in improved performance of the device.

[0041] To achieve this, the conformation is preferably of a shape complementary to that of the head of the assembly component.

[0042] According to another particular feature of the device, the second part includes, 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.

[0043] The projection is located below the assembly components contained in said The first housing is located when the extractor is in its first and second positions. This projection prevents the assembly component adjacent to the one in the second housing from rubbing against the edges of the second housing in the second part. More specifically, when the second part moves from its second to its third position, the adjacent assembly component is lifted by this projection and falls back into the reservoir. This projection prevents the head of this adjacent assembly component from being damaged by friction. This helps ensure the integrity of the assembly components and the device itself.

[0044] According to another particular feature of the device, the second part includes a presence sensor for the assembly component contained in the second housing of said second part.

[0045] 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.

[0046] According to another particular feature of the device, it includes means for visually controlling the assembly component contained in the second housing of the second part.

[0047] Such visual inspection means make it possible, in particular, to verify the integrity of the assembly component in order to prevent a defective assembly component from being sent to the remote workstation, or even from being used by that workstation. Such visual inspection means also make it possible to verify that the assembly component contained in the second housing corresponds to the required type of assembly component. For example, such inspection means make it possible to verify that a screw is not inadvertently present in a rivet reservoir. Such control therefore helps ensure the safety of end users, such as aircraft passengers, for example.

[0048] 5. List of figures

[0049] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0050] - [Fig. 1]: [Fig. 1] illustrates, from an elevated perspective view, an example of installation for the storage and distribution of assembly components comprising a plurality of assembly component distribution devices conforming to the invention;

[0051] - [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B]: Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, according to two views in perspective, an assembly component distribution device isolated from the [Fig.l];

[0052] - [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 3B]: Figures 3A and 3B illustrate, in cross-sectional views, the component distribution device for assembly of figures 2A and 2B;

[0053] - [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] illustrates, from a top view, the distribution device of assembly components of figures 2A and 2B;

[0054] - [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] is a flowchart of the main operating steps of a device for distributing assembly components according to the invention; and

[0055] - [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B] and [Fig.6C]: Figures 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate, according to views In cross-section, the main steps of the flowchart of [Fig.5] applied to the assembly component distribution device of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0056] 6. Detailed description of the invention

[0057] 6.1 Description of an illustrative embodiment

[0058] The invention relates to a device for distributing assembly components, which is a component of a more comprehensive assembly component storage and distribution installation.

[0059] For reasons of clarity and understanding of the invention, such an installation is briefly described in relation to [Fig. 1]. The assembly component distribution device is then detailed in relation to Figures 2 to 4, for structural aspects, and 5 to 6C, for functional aspects.

[0060] Fig. 1 illustrates, from an elevated perspective view, an example of an assembly component storage and distribution installation comprising a plurality of assembly component distribution devices according to the invention.

[0061] The assembly component storage and distribution installation 100 comprises a plurality of assembly component distribution devices 1, each comprising:

[0062] - a reservoir 10, equipped with a base 11, suitable for containing assembly components, And

[0063] - an extractor 20 of assembly components contained in the reservoir 10.

[0064] Such an extractor 20 is mobile, along a vertical axis, inside the reservoir between a first position for picking up a plurality of assembly components from the bottom 11 of the reservoir 10, and a second position for extracting this plurality of assembly components.

[0065] The assembly component storage and distribution installation 100 further includes means for conveying assembly components extracted from the tanks 10, by the extractors 20, to at least one remote workstation (not shown), such as a robotic arm equipped with at least one assembly element for the assembly components.

[0066] The assembly component storage and distribution installation 100 also includes means for transferring assembly components extracted from the tanks 10 by the extractors 20 to the conveying means 30.

[0067] An assembly component storage and distribution installation therefore makes it possible to selectively extract assembly components from the associated tanks and then transport these extracted assembly components to a workstation where they are used.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 4 illustrate, from different views, an example of a device for storing and distributing assembly components according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0071] The assembly component distribution device 1 includes the reservoir 10, suitable for containing assembly components (not shown), and the extractor 20 for assembly components contained in this reservoir 10.

[0072] The extractor 20 is mobile along a vertical axis X inside the reservoir between the first position PI, represented in [Fig.6A], for picking up a plurality of assembly components from the bottom 11 of the reservoir 10, and a second position P2, represented in [Fig.6B], for extracting this plurality of assembly components from the reservoir 10.

[0073] The device 1 further includes means for moving the extractor 20 from the first sampling position PI to the second extraction position P2, and vice versa.

[0074] According to the invention, the mobile extractor 20 comprises a first part 21, comprising a first housing 210 suitable for receiving several assembly components of the plurality of assembly components, and a second part 22, comprising a second housing 220 suitable for receiving a single assembly component of the plurality of assembly components.

[0075] 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 particular in figures 2A and 6C, of ​​unit distribution of the assembly component.

[0076] Thus, in the third position P3 of unitary distribution, the component 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 easier to move this isolated assembly component using the transfer means 102, 103 of the installation 100.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first and second dwellings 210, 220 are provided from upper surfaces 211, 221 of the first and second parts 21, 22 respectively.

[0078] 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 tank 10. The second housing 220 forms one of the longitudinal ends of the slot.

[0079] Thus, the extractor has substantially the shape of a movable blade.

[0080] The first dwelling 210 dwelling has, along the vertical axis, a depth 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 that same assembly component. Naturally, the depth P210 and the width 1210 of the first recess 210 are determined according to the dimensions of the assembly components to be extracted.

[0081] A first housing 210, thus dimensioned, allows the assembly components arranged within 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.

[0082] Thus, when the extractor 20 is moved from the first position PI of sampling to the second position P2 of extraction, the assembly components present in the reservoir 10 will gradually insert themselves into the receiving slot (formed by the first and second housings 210, 220) and orient themselves vertically.

[0083] In the illustrated example, the upper surface 211 of the first part 21 of the extractor 20 is inclined, with respect to the vertical axis X, and oriented towards the second housing 220.

[0084] 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 components assembly.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Furthermore, the second housing 220 is shaped to retain said assembly component contained therein, in particular in a horizontal direction.

[0087] 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 unit distribution position.

[0088] To this end, in the illustrated example, the second housing 220 comprises a conformation 222, visible in [Fig.4] in particular, having substantially the shape of a frustoconical 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.

[0089] Such a conformation 222 is, in the illustrated example, obtained by a (conical) countersink applied to the second housing 220 after its formation.

[0090] As a result, a portion of the countersink is notched by the slot, and is therefore partially missing. However, a portion of the countersink remains which, through an undercut effect, is able to resist the movement of the assembly component in a horizontal direction.

[0091] Obviously, and as will be detailed later, in order for the assembly component to be able to move from the first housing 210 to the second housing 220, by effect of gravity, it is necessary that the upper surface 221 of the second part 22 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.

[0092] In addition, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 includes, a stop 223 for retaining said assembly components contained in said first housing of said first part.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the stop 223 is formed by a projection located in the extension of the second housing 220 along the vertical axis X and oriented perpendicularly to this vertical axis X.

[0094] 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 position P3 of unit distribution, as illustrated in [Fig.3B] in particular.

[0095] To achieve 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 considered, particularly depending on the nature of the assembly components to be selected.

[0096] 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 the same extractor.

[0097] Furthermore, the means of movement 30 comprise, in this embodiment, two cylinders 31, 32 associated with the first and second parts 21, 22 respectively to allow their relative translation along the vertical axis X.

[0098] The first cylinder 31 comprises a hollow body 310, attached to the reservoir 10, inside which slides a rod 311 whose free end 312 is attached to a lower portion 213 of the first part 21 of the extractor 20.

[0099] The second cylinder 32 comprises a hollow body 320, attached 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 attached to a lower portion 223 of the second part 22 of the extractor 20.

[0100] Thus, the first cylinder 31 allows the first and second parts 21, 22 to be moved simultaneously during the translation from the first sampling position to the second extraction position, and vice versa. The second cylinder 32, on the other hand, allows only the second part 22 to be moved during the translation from the second extraction position to the third unit dispensing position.

[0101] Furthermore, the assembly component distribution device 1 includes a plurality of sensors enabling, in particular, the correct operation of the device.

[0102] 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 pick up when it arrives at the first picking position PI.

[0103] In the illustrated example, 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 filling threshold of the tank 10 in assembly components.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] Such means of visual control make it possible in particular to check the integrity of the assembly component and / or a correspondence thereof (a screw inadvertently present in a reservoir of rivets, for example).

[0109] In the illustrated example, the third sensor 43 is a camera carried by the tank 10 substantially at the level of the third unit distribution position P3 and oriented perpendicularly to the vertical axis X.

[0110] Device 1 further includes a processing unit (not shown) configured to control the actuation of the means of movement 30, and therefore the movement of the extractor 20, in particular according to the data signals from the sensors 41, 42, 43 and instructions provided by a user and / or another device of the installation 100.

[0111] Figures 5 to 6C illustrate, according to cross-sectional views, the main operating steps of the assembly component distribution device described above.

[0112] In the initial position of the device 1, illustrated in [Fig. 0A], the extractor 20 is in the first position PI for retrieving a plurality of assembly components from the bottom 11 of the reservoir 10. In this first retrieval position PI, the extractor 20 is located below the bottom 11 of the reservoir 10. In the illustrated example, the second housing 220 is located substantially below the level of the adjacent end of the first housing 210 so as to prevent the conformation 222 of the second housing 220 from hindering the insertion of an assembly component into it. To allow such positioning of the extractor 20, the cylinders 31, 32 coupled to the first and second parts 21, 22 are retracted, i.e., the rods 311, 321 are essentially stored within their respective bodies 310, 320.Thus, if assembly components are present in the tank (information obtained via the first sensor 41), a plurality of assembly components of these are introduced into the first and second housings 210, 220 of the first and second parts 21, 22 of the extractor 20.

[0113] Such a device 1 for distributing assembly components includes in particular the following main steps:

[0114] - in a first step SI, illustrated in [Fig. B], the extractor 20 is moved from the first sampling position PI up to the second extraction position P2, out of reservoir 10, of the plurality of assembly components contained in the The first and second housings 210, 220 of the first and second parts 21, 22 of the extractor 20 are located in the first housing 210 and 220. To achieve this, the rod 311 of the cylinder 31 coupled to the first part 21 gradually extends. The cylinder 32 coupled to the second part 22 remains retracted. During the movement of the extractor 20, the assembly components C located inside it are oriented substantially vertically. The second sensor 42 detects, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the presence of a single assembly component located in the second housing 220 of the second part 22 and held in place by the conformation 222.

[0115] - in a second step S2, illustrated in [Fig. 0115], the second part 22 of The extractor 20 is moved from the second extraction position P2 to the third unit distribution position P3 of the assembly component C contained in the second housing 220. To achieve this, the rod 321 of the cylinder 32 coupled to the second part 22 gradually extends. 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 visually monitors the assembly component C. If the monitoring is successful, when the second part 22 reaches the third unit distribution position P3, the assembly component C is preempted by a dedicated gripping means 102 belonging to the installation 100.

[0116] - in a third step S3, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 is moved from the third position P3 of unit distribution to return to the second position P2 of extraction. 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.

[0117] - in a fourth stage S4, when the second part 22 returned to In the second extraction position P2, and when the second sensor 42 detects the presence of another assembly component in the second slot 220 of the second part 22, 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 slot 210 to slide into the second slot 220. The first part 21 of the extractor forms a cartridge of assembly components.

[0118] - in a fifth step S5, when the second part 22 returned to If the second extraction position P2 is reached 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 picking position PI, thus returning to the initial step. To do this, the rod 311 of the cylinder 31 coupled to the first part 21 retracts gradually. cylinder 32 coupled to the second part 22 remains retracted.

[0119] 6.3 Other embodiments and variations

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor comprises two parts that move in translation relative to each other about the vertical axis. However, in another embodiment, not illustrated, the extractor comprises three or more parts that move in translation relative to each other about the vertical axis. Such an arrangement allows, in particular, precise control of the supply of assembly components from the first housing, distributed across several moving parts, to the second housing.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the second part 22 of the extractor 20 is configured to occupy the third position P3 of the unit distribution of the assembly component. However, in another, unillustrated embodiment, the first part of the extractor is configured to occupy the third unit distribution position 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 that is moved downwards.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the movement means 30 comprise two cylinders 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 between the first and second parts, and a stop for the translation of the first part of the extractor in the extraction position. Thus, when the cylinder is activated from the first picking position to the third dispensing position, the cylinder initially ensures a simultaneous movement of both parts of the extractor. Then, when the first part comes into contact with the stop in the extraction position, the second part continues its translation alone to the dispensing position.The use of a single cylinder simplifies the structure of the component distribution system. This, in turn, simplifies maintenance of the system.

[0123] In another embodiment, not illustrated, the assembly component distribution device lacks the sensor for detecting the presence of the assembly component contained in the second compartment and / or the means for visually inspecting the assembly component contained in the second compartment. Such an arrangement notably simplifies the device's structure and thus reduces its manufacturing costs.

[0124] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modi fications, alternative forms and other variants that a person skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

[0125] More generally, the invention covers all implementations of the principle according to which a vertically mobile extractor allows, in the first stage, the extraction of a plurality of assembly components from the associated reservoir and, in the second stage, the isolation of a single assembly component belonging to this plurality of assembly components.

[0126] Depending on various aspects, the invention therefore offers all or part of the following advantages, depending on the embodiments chosen:

[0127] - to improve the accuracy and / or efficiency of the extraction of a component assembly;

[0128] - to improve the distribution rate of assembly components;

[0129] - adapt to assembly components of different geometries and / or types;

[0130] - guarantee a long lifespan;

[0131] - require limited maintenance;

[0132] - limit manufacturing costs;

[0133] - ensure the safety of end users;

[0134] - etc.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for dispensing assembly components comprising: - a reservoir (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 (PI, 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 one 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 movable parts (21, 22) 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 part is arranged housing (210), 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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