Balanced vibrating plate transfer device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibrating plate transfer device (1) for transferring parts, comprising a platform assembly (2) including a plate (6) for receiving the parts to be transferred, vibrating means (4) for vibrating said plate (6), and a stabilizer assembly (3) including a frame (10) for supporting the vibrating means (4). According to the invention, the platform assembly (2) has a center of gravity (Gp) substantially aligned vertically along the Z-axis with the center of gravity (Gs) of the stabilizer assembly (3). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Balanced vibrating sole transfer device

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vibrating bed transfer devices for transferring parts, in particular transferring parts with precarious stability.

[0002] In many fields, and more particularly in glassmaking, parts are manufactured in installations operating 24 hours a day for several years. This is the case, for example, of glass parts such as bottles, flasks, glasses. These parts are shaped and then pass through annealing arches to remove the residual stresses induced during shaping. The parts are manufactured in large numbers and placed at the outlet on very wide belts.

[0003] It is then appropriate to transfer them to other conveyors and vibrating bed transfer devices can be used. Existing transfer devices include in particular a plate, namely a bed capable of vibrating and the vibrations allow the parts to be conveyed from one workstation to another.

[0004] Known vibrating devices comprise a sole vibrated by suitable means, generally electromagnetic, and onto which the parts are pushed by the belt. The means for vibrating the sole rest on a frame.

[0005] In use, vibrations can damage the sole, particularly at the anchor points of the sole on the frame.

[0006] Such production sites require adapting production and the architecture of the site and workstations according to demand.

[0007] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks and proposes an improved transfer device, easily modular, transportable and adjustable.

[0008] The invention then relates to a transfer device with a vibrating bed for transferring parts comprising a plate assembly comprising a bed intended to receive the parts to be transferred, vibrating means capable of vibrating said bed, and a stabilizing assembly comprising a frame intended to support the vibrating means and the mass.

[0009] According to the invention, the tray assembly comprises a tray center of gravity substantially aligned vertically along the Z axis with the stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizing assembly.

[0010] The implementation of two compatible assemblies makes it possible to propose modularity of the vibrating bed transfer device. The principle of the invention is thus based on a vertical alignment of two modular assemblies linked vertically by elements springs.

[0011] The transfer device according to the invention is thus a mobile system, comprising two assemblies linked by spring elements, and vibrated by a magnetic base.

[0012] Such a device is advantageously suitable for conveying glass containers such as bottles, jars or even flasks of all sizes and dimensions.

[0013] This device is advantageously less expensive and more economical with reduced assembly and adjustment time and a reduced number of parts.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the invention, the frame comprises two arms carrying a support for the vibrating means and a mass. Forming the frame in three parts makes it possible to distinguish its tasks. The support is intended to carry the vibrating means. The arms make it possible to carry the support providing stability to support the assembly. And, the mass can be defined so as to make the stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizing assembly vertically coincide with the Z axis through which the center of gravity of the plate of the plate assembly passes.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the arms comprise a part recessed towards the mass. Creating a recess in the arms makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the size of the frame of the stabilizing assembly, and on the other hand, to facilitate access to the sole, an operator being able to approach more closely. Protrusions, located at the lowest point, serve as feet allowing the assembly to be supported.

[0016] According to another characteristic of the invention, the arms comprise feet capable of keeping the frame balanced vertically. The possibility of storing the frame vertically is very useful, particularly during certain operations such as transport and assembly, for example.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer assembly is a single-piece part. Providing the stabilizer assembly as a single-piece part makes it easier to produce. The stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizer assembly is thus defined and only a plate assembly comprising a plate center of gravity that can align will be compatible with the part. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when several substantially identical transfer devices are implemented. The handling of such transfer devices is thus facilitated.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the invention, the stabilizing center of gravity is located in a circle with a diameter of between 0 and 60 mm around the Z axis passing through the plate center of gravity. The implementation of such a tolerance makes it possible to minimize the impact of potential manufacturing defects in the parts that make up the transfer device while maintaining the principle ensuring the stability of the two assemblies.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole comprises an element of junction made of several ejectable sheets, each of the ejectable sheets being made of ferromagnetic material and the transfer device comprising a magnetic connection. This junction element is integral with the base and extends in the immediate vicinity of the belt intended to be opposite the junction element, exactly in the same plane so as to ensure continuity. The connection between the junction element and the base is special in that it is of the magnetic type. Thus, each ejectable sheet is made of ferromagnetic material, for example steel and is subject to the action of magnets linked to said base. In fact, under the action of a foreign body integral with the belt for example, a foreign body which would strike one of the ejectable sheets, the latter can lift up so as not to be damaged. The magnetic attraction ensures that the ejectable sheet is put back in place as soon as the obstacle is passed.The joining element allows for the recovery of potential broken glass and prevents pieces from getting stuck or hindering the movement of other pieces.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the transfer device further comprises at least two dampers located on the stabilizer assembly. The use of dampers makes it possible to increase the isolation of the stabilizer assembly. According to one embodiment, a damper is an elastomer pad. Such dampers have no major influence on the definition of the plate and stabilizer centers of gravity.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, the vibrating means comprise electromagnetic means with a base secured to the frame including a coil, the axis of this coil being inclined and driving an armature mounted on elastic blades, said armature receiving the sole, the armature being included for the definition of the plate center of gravity of the plate assembly and the base and the coil being included for the definition of the stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizing assembly. According to this embodiment of the vibrating means, each armature is included for the calculation of the plate center of gravity and each base and coil are taken into account to define the stabilizing center of gravity. Indeed, to keep the principle of two assemblies linked by a spring, it is essential to keep only two assemblies.Numerous tests have shown the importance of taking into account each element comprising a significant mass to define the two centers of gravity, plate and stabilizer.

[0022] According to another characteristic of the invention, the sole comprises an anti-wear and soundproof coating. This coating prevents wear of the sole and especially the marking of the products by the aluminum during the transfer by vibration of the parts. This coating is also soundproof, thus reducing the induced noise.

[0023] The invention also relates to a transfer installation comprising at least two transfer devices according to the invention, said transfer devices being juxtaposed. Depending on the use and size of the installation, different transfer devices according to the invention are placed next to each other in order to create a transfer path.

[0024] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0025] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

[0026] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an example of a transfer device according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.3] is a side view of the transfer device of [Fig.l],

[0029] [Fig.4] is a top view of the transfer device of [Fig.l],

[0030] [Fig.5] is a bottom view of the transfer device of [Fig.l],

[0031] [Fig.6] is a front view of the transfer device of [Fig.l] showing a section plane AA, and

[0032] [Fig.7] is a semi-sectional view along AA of [Fig.6], and

[0033] [Fig.8] is a semi-sectional exploded view along AA of [Fig.6].

[0034] It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references. An orthogonal base (X,Y,Z) appearing in certain figures is valid for all the figures.

[0035] The invention aims to propose an improved vibrating bed transfer device, easily modular, adjustable and transportable.

[0036] For these purposes, a transfer device designated by the reference 1 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a plate assembly 2 and a stabilizer assembly 3, linked together by vibrating means 4 capable of setting the plate assembly 2 into vibration.

[0037] The transfer device 1 according to the invention is therefore governed by the principle of two assemblies linked by a spring element. A first assembly, the plate assembly 2 is intended to receive parts (not shown), in particular with precarious stability, to be transferred to the vibration means produced by the vibrating means 4 and a second assembly, the stabilizing assembly 3 is intended to carry the vibrating means 4.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 show two exemplary embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments, particularly shapes and dimensions not shown, are compatible with the invention.

[0039] Furthermore, in [Fig.l], four dampers 5 are placed on the stabilizer assembly 3 near the vibrating means 4. Depending on the embodiment of the vibrating means 4 and the stabilizing assembly 3, the number of dampers varies.

[0040] According to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the transfer device 1 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the plane (Y,Z). It is therefore on this plane that the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2 and the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizing assembly 3 are located. For simplicity, the Z axis is placed at the level of the respective plate Gp and stabilizer Gs centers of gravity. According to the invention, the plate Gp and stabilizer centers of gravity GS are aligned vertically.

[0041] Thus, according to this embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the two or four dampers 5 are located two by two symmetrically with respect to the plane (Y,Z) so as to maintain the predefined balance.

[0042] The tray assembly 2 visible from above in [Fig.4] comprises a sole 6 comprising a junction element 7, made of several ejectable sheets 8, and the movable frames 17.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the tray assembly 2 also comprises a magnetic connection and each ejectable sheet 8 being made of ferromagnetic material.

[0044] According to the illustrated embodiment, the sole 6 comprises an anti-wear and soundproof coating 9.

[0045] The stabilizer assembly 3, visible in particular with the view from below in [Fig. 5], comprises a frame 10 comprising two arms 11 carrying a support 12 for the vibrator means 4 and a mass 13. According to the embodiment of the vibrator means 4, certain elements of the vibrator means are included in the definition of the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2 and of the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizer assembly 3.

[0046] The side view of [Fig.3] and the semi-sectional view of [Fig.7] show the architecture chosen for this embodiment.

[0047] To define the necessary weight shape of the stabilizer assembly 3, the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2 is calculated. It is then a question of the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizer assembly 3 being aligned with this point along the Z axis. The mass 13 is thus chosen to have this balance. According to the illustrated embodiment, the arms 11 comprise a recessed portion which allows, among other things, an easier manual approach towards the sole 6. The support 12 for the vibrating means 4 comprises its own center of gravity. The addition of the mass 13 and the arms 11 makes it possible to move this center of gravity in order to make it coincide with the Z axis passing through the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2. According to the illustrated embodiment, the mass 13 has the shape of a cobblestone block slightly set back from the arms 11.

[0048] Other embodiments and locations of the mass 13 are possible and compatible with the invention with the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizing assembly 3 aligned along the Z axis passing through the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2.

[0049] There is a tolerance for the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizing assembly 3 of the transfer device 1. According to the invention, the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizing assembly 3 is located in a circle with a diameter of between 0 and 60 mm around the axis Z passing through the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer assembly 3 is a single-piece part. The frame 10 can thus be provided upstream of the design of the transfer device 1. When the plate center of gravity Gp of the plate assembly 2 is defined, the frame 10 is designed so as to align the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizer assembly 3 with the plate center of gravity Gp along the Z axis of the plate assembly 2. According to this embodiment, several embodiments of the plate assembly 2 are compatible with such a frame 10.

[0051] Generally, the tray assembly 2 and the stabilizer assembly 3 are compatible with different versions respectively.

[0052] According to the illustrated embodiment, particularly visible in Figures 7 and 8, the vibrating means 4 comprise electromagnetic systems comprising a base 15 secured to the frame 10 including an electromagnetic coil 16, the axis of this coil being inclined. The coil 16 drives an armature 17 mounted on elastic blades 18. According to the illustrated embodiment, the transfer device 1 comprises three electromagnetic systems. Thus, three armatures 17 receive the sole 6.

[0053] According to this illustrated embodiment, such vibrator means 4 comprise a base 15 secured to the support 11, for example by means of bolts and a coil 16 comprising a non-negligible mass. The base 15 and the coil 16 are therefore included for the definition of the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizing assembly 3. Other embodiments of the vibrator means 4 are compatible with the invention.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one transfer device 1 makes it possible to form a transfer installation. Depending on the needs of the transfer installation, several transfer devices 1 according to the invention can be juxtaposed to form a larger transfer installation.

[0055] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Transfer device (1) with balanced vibrating bed for transferring parts comprising a plate assembly (2) comprising a bed (6) intended to receive the parts to be transferred, vibrating means (4) capable of vibrating said bed (6), and a stabilizing assembly (3) comprising a frame (10) intended to support the vibrating means (4), characterized in that the plate assembly (2) has a plate center of gravity (Gp) substantially aligned vertically along the Z axis with the stabilizing center of gravity (Gs) of the stabilizing assembly (3).

2. Transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the frame (10) comprises two arms (11) carrying a support (12) for the vibrating means (4) and a mass (13).

3. Transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the arms (11) comprise a recessed portion towards the mass (13).

4. Transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the arms comprise feet capable of keeping the frame balanced vertically.

5. Transfer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the stabilizer assembly (3) is a single-piece part.

6. Transfer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the stabilizing center of gravity (Gs) is located in a circle with a diameter of between 0 and 60 mm around the Z axis passing through the plate center of gravity (Gp).

7. Transfer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the sole (6) comprises a joining element (7) made of several ejectable sheets (8), made of a ferromagnetic material, and the transfer device (1) comprising a magnetic connection.

8. Transfer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims further comprising at least two dampers (5) located on the stabilizer assembly (3).

9. Transfer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the vibrating means (4) comprise electromagnetic means with a base (15) secured to the frame (10) including a coil (16), the axis of this coil (16) being inclined and driving an armature (17) mounted on elastic blades (18), said armature (17) receiving the sole, the frame (17) being included for the definition of the center of gravity of the plate (Gp) of the plate assembly (2) and the base (15) and the coil (16) being included for the definition of the stabilizing center of gravity (Gs) of the stabilizing assembly (3).

10. Transfer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the sole (6) comprises an anti-wear and soundproof coating (9).

11. Transfer installation comprising at least two transfer devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said transfer devices (1) being juxtaposed.

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