Detector with integrated hold function

Abstract

Detector with integrated hold function The present invention relates to a presence or proximity detector (1) comprising at least one detection member (2), at least one circuit (3) for processing the signals delivered by the latter, also ensuring the power supply or excitation of said member (2), and a protective housing (4) housing said member (2) and said circuit (3) and having a wall (5) defining a sensitive face (6) in relation to the detection member (2), as well as means (7) of electrical connection for said circuit (3). This detector (1) is characterized in that it also comprises at least one magnet (8), of the permanent or electromagnet type, mounted in the protective housing (4), in the region of the sensitive face (6), the aforementioned member (2) and circuit (3) being selected and / or configured in such a way that the presence or proximity detection function is not disturbed by this magnet (8).Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1A.

Description

Title of the invention: Detector with integrated holding function

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of industrial devices for detecting and handling metal parts, and relates to an improved presence or proximity detector, with integrated holding function, and an industrial workstation comprising at least one such detector.

[0002] Many varieties of detectors of the aforementioned type are already known, in particular inductive detectors and mechanical contact pressure detectors.

[0003] In particular, inductive detectors have been marketed by the applicant for many years and are, for example, described in documents FR 2 827 677, EP 1 580 889, EP 1 580 536, EP 1 965 177 and EP 2 546 614. A specific detector of this type, called “factor 1”, is disclosed by document EP 3 430 443.

[0004] Existing pressure detectors can include transducer cells of different types such as ceramic cells, metal cells or even silicone membrane cells.

[0005] These presence or proximity detectors are often used in association with or integrated into members for gripping parts (particularly small parts) which must be positioned and held precisely in relation to at least one other part, with which it must be secured, for example by welding, or cooperate, for example by engagement.

[0006] Currently, these parts are taken, moved, manipulated, held, engaged and / or blocked in a position by gripping members and specific blocking means, magnetic, mechanical (pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically actuated clamps), suction or similar, which either integrate the aforementioned detectors or cooperate with them to verify the actual presence and / or the appropriate position of the expected part.

[0007] This results in complex, expensive and bulky workstation constructions, especially when the parts concerned are relatively small and have to be placed in a high-risk environment. This is the case for small ferromagnetic metal parts (typically a few hundred grams) that have to be brought, placed and held in position temporarily, before being assembled by welding with larger ferromagnetic metal parts.

[0008] The main aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks, in particular but not limited to the aforementioned context, by proposing a simple, economical and compact solution.

[0009] For this purpose, it relates to a presence or proximity detector comprising, at least, a detection member, at least one circuit for processing the signals delivered by the latter, also ensuring the power supply or excitation of said member, and a protective casing housing said member and said circuit and having a wall defining a sensitive face in relation to the detection member, as well as electrical connection means for said circuit,

[0010] detector characterized in that it also comprises at least one magnet, of the permanent or electromagnet type, mounted in the protective housing, in the region of the sensitive face, the aforementioned member and circuit being selected and / or configured in such a way that the presence or proximity detection function is not disturbed by this magnet.

[0011] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0012] [Fig.1A] is a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to its sensitive face of a detector according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0013] [Fig.lB] is an exploded perspective view of the detector shown [Fig.lA];

[0014] [Fig. IC] is a perspective view of the functional elements of the detector of the [Fig.lA], the casing being removed;

[0015] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1A], the detector being installed and cooperating with a reference part;

[0016] [Fig.3A] is a perspective and partially sectional view of a detector according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [Fig.3B] is a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to its sensitive face of the detector of [Fig.3A];

[0018] [Fig.4A] is a perspective view of a detector according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0019] [Fig.4B] is a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to its sensitive face of the detector of [Fig.4A];

[0020] [Fig.5A] is a perspective view of a detector according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0021] [Fig.5B] is a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to its sensitive face of the detector of [Fig.5A].

[0022] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate different constructive variants of a presence or proximity detector (1) comprising, at least, a detection member (2), at least one circuit (3) for processing the signals delivered by the latter, also ensuring the power supply or excitation of said member (2), and a protective casing (4) housing said member (2) and said circuit (3) and having a wall (5) defining a face sensitive (6) in relation to the detection member (2), as well as means (7) of electrical connection for said circuit (3). This latter circuit may or may not also ensure the excitation of the detection member (2), depending on the case and the nature of said member. This circuit (3) can be mounted on a single support (figures 1, 2 and 4) or be distributed over at least two supports (figures 3 and 5), or include an additional part (3'). The wall (5) can for example be part of a cap and be extended by a side skirt, said cap closing the front end of the main body of the housing (4) in the form of a tube.

[0023] According to the invention, this detector (1) also comprises at least one magnet (8), of the permanent or electromagnet type, mounted in the protective housing (4), in the region of the sensitive face (6), the aforementioned member (2) and circuit (3) being selected and / or configured in such a way that the presence or proximity detection function is not disturbed by this magnet (8).

[0024] Thanks to these provisions, the invention provides a detector having an additional functionality of holding and maintaining in position one or more metal parts, having a mass compatible with the attractive force generated by the magnet (8). It is thus possible to do without, depending on the contexts and applications of use of the detector (1), specific holding devices or grippers.

[0025] Furthermore, by integrating this additional functionality entirely into the housing of the detector (1), the size, fixing and connection of said detector (1) are not modified compared to the existing one. For this purpose, the shape of the magnet (8) at least present is adapted to the interior volume available in the housing (4), in particular in the region located immediately behind the sensitive face (6). Although several magnets can be integrated to achieve the functionality (combination of several similar or different magnets for reasons of standardization or obtaining sufficient magnetic force, optimal use of the space available in the housing, etc.), the implementation of a single magnet (8) is favored.

[0026] Where appropriate, it may also be envisaged to modify the configuration or arrangement of the detection member (2) and / or the circuit (3) to accommodate the magnet (8). The attached figures illustrate different forms of detectors (with cylindrical housings with or without external thread, with cylindrical housings with or without constant diameter, with cubic or parallelepiped housing with a through fixing screw (9)) according to the invention, housing a magnet (8) for the purpose of holding part(s).

[0027] The latter, in one piece or composed of several parts forming a block, can consist of a permanent magnet (8) making the additional functionality totally autonomous (neodymium or AlniCo magnet, or even ferrite). However, the magnet (8) can also be a powered electromagnet and possibly controlled via the connection means (7) of the detector (1), and thus allowing, if necessary, the additional functionality provided to be activated and deactivated at will, or even the intensity of its action to be controlled.

[0028] The attractive force of the magnet is of course sufficient to keep the part(s) concerned in the detection field of the member (2), in particular against the face (5) or another support surface, when the detector (1) is mounted in a recess for example.

[0029] The electrical connection means (7) can either be integrated into a rear part (7') of the housing (4), or be offset relative to the latter (presence of a connection cord - figures 4).

[0030] According to a first variant of the invention, illustrated in the form of several constructive embodiments, the detector consists of an inductive detector (1) with a detection member (2) of the LC circuit type and a circuit (3) adapted for excitation and processing of the signals, preferably an inductive detector of the “factor 1” type. The permanent magnetic field generated by the magnet or magnets (8) does not disturb the alternating field used for detection. In a detector of this type, for example known from the aforementioned document EP 3430443 of the applicant, the magnet can be arranged around or at the rear of the PCB coil L.

[0031] According to a second variant of the invention, not shown, the detector consists of a mechanical contact pressure detector (1) with a detection member in the form of a transducer cell and a suitable signal processing circuit.

[0032] Finally, according to a third variant of the invention, not shown, the detector (1) comprises a hybrid detection member combining the functions of inductive detection, by means of a detection member (2) of the LC circuit type, and mechanical detection by pressure, by means of a detection member in the form of a transducer cell, as well as suitable circuits for excitation and signal processing.

[0033] In all these variants, the shape of the magnet or magnets (8) present will be advantageously adapted to the space available in the housing (4), the nature, the positioning and the dimensions determining the force of attraction produced.

[0034] Preferably, said at least one magnet (8) is arranged in the protective housing (4), preferably in the immediate vicinity of the sensitive detection face (6), so as to generate a magnetic attraction force (FAM) in a direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane of said sensitive face (6). The strength of the magnetic field of the magnet (8) is sized to ensure that the part(s) to be held (typically a few hundred grams) is held at a distance less than the range or detection distance of the detector (1).

[0035] As shown in Figures 1A, 2, 3B and 4B, at least a portion of the detection member (2) is arranged on the internal side of the wall (5) defining the sensitive face (6) and the detector (1) comprises a magnet (8) mounted around or immediately behind said part of the detection member (2), said magnet (8) having a shape adapted to the latter and to the shape of the housing (4) in the region of said sensitive face (6).

[0036] In the context of the design and development of the detector (1), it may advantageously be provided that the magnet (8) is configured and has a sufficient magnetic field strength to ensure that at least one reference ferromagnetic part (PR) is held in position in a region of a determined plane (PD) perpendicular to the direction (D) of said magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by said magnet (8) and located outside the housing (4), beyond the sensitive face (6).

[0037] In relation to embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, it may be provided that the protective housing (4) has a cylindrical tubular shape, preferably with an external thread and where appropriate with definition of a detection head (4') of larger diameter housing the detection member (2) and the magnet (8), said magnet (8) having a discoidal or annular shape and the longitudinal axis of the housing (4) being coincident with the direction (D) of said magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8).

[0038] In relation to the embodiment of figures 3, the protective housing (4) may have a parallelepiped shape, for example substantially cubic, with a sensitive face (6) of square or rectangular shape, a fixing screw (9) advantageously passing through said housing (4) to ensure its attachment and its orientation.

[0039] The invention also relates, in relation to an advantageous application of the detector (1), to an industrial workstation (not shown), in particular an automated or semi-automated welding station, comprising at least one robotic device for picking up, moving and holding, at least temporarily, for example in an indexed position, a ferromagnetic part.

[0040] This workstation is characterized in that the robotic device is provided with at least one detector (1) as described above as a combined member for gripping and detecting the presence of the ferromagnetic part.

[0041] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Combined member for gripping and detecting the presence of a ferromagnetic part, in the form of a presence or proximity detector (1) comprising at least one detection member (2), at least one circuit (3) for processing the signals delivered by the latter, also ensuring the power supply or excitation of said member (2), and a protective housing (4) housing said member (2) and said circuit (3) and having a wall (5) defining a sensitive face (6) in relation to the detection member (2), as well as means (7) for electrical connection for said circuit (3), combined member characterized in that said detector (1) consists of an inductive detector (1) with a detection member (2) of the LC circuit type and a circuit (3) adapted for excitation and processing of the signals, and in that said detector (1) also comprises at least one magnet (8), of the permanent or electromagnet type, mounted in the protective housing (4),in the region of the sensitive face (6), the aforementioned detection member (2) and circuit (3) being configured in such a way that the presence or proximity detection function is not disturbed by this magnet (8).,

2. Combined member according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one magnet (8) is arranged in the protective housing (4) so ​​as to generate a magnetic attraction force (FAM) in a direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane of said sensitive face (6).

3. Combined member according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least a part of the detection member (2) is arranged on the internal side of the wall (5) defining the sensitive face (6) and in that said detector (1) comprises a magnet (8) mounted around or at the rear of said part of the detection member (2), said magnet (8) having a shape adapted to the latter and to the shape of the housing (4) in the region of said sensitive face (6).

4. Combined member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnet (8) is configured and has a magnetic field strength sufficient to ensure the holding in position of at least one ferromagnetic reference part (PR) in a region of a determined plane (PD) perpendicular to the direction (D) of said magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by said magnet (8) and located outside the housing (4), beyond the sensitive face (6).

5. Combined member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protective housing (4) has a cylindrical tubular shape, preferably with an external thread and where appropriate with definition of a detection head (4') of larger diameter housing the detection member (2) and the magnet (8), said magnet (8) having a discoidal or annular shape and the longitudinal axis of the housing (4) being coincident with the direction (D) of said magnetic attraction force (FAM) generated by the magnet (8).

6. Combined member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protective housing (4) has a parallelepiped shape, for example substantially cubic, with a sensitive face (6) of square or rectangular shape, a fixing screw (9) advantageously passing through said housing (4) to ensure its attachment and its orientation.

7. Industrial workstation, in particular welding station, automated or semi-automated, comprising at least one robotic device for picking up, moving and holding, at least temporarily, for example in an indexed position, a ferromagnetic part, workstation characterized in that the robotic device is provided with a combined member for gripping and detecting the presence of the ferromagnetic part according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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