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 plate transfer device

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

[0002] In many fields, and particularly in glassmaking, parts are manufactured in facilities operating 24 hours a day for several years. This is the case, for example, with glass parts such as bottles, flasks, and glasses. These parts are shaped and then pass through annealing arches to eliminate residual stresses induced during shaping. The parts are manufactured in large quantities and deposited onto wide conveyor belts.

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

[0004] Known vibratory devices comprise a sole set in vibration by suitable means, generally electromagnetic, and onto which the parts are pushed by the conveyor belt. The means for vibrating the sole are based on a frame.

[0005] In use, vibrations can damage the sole, particularly at the points where the sole is anchored to 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 that is easily modular, transportable and adjustable.

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

[0009] According to the invention, the platform assembly has a platform 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 allows for modularity of the vibrating plate transfer device. The principle of the invention is thus based on a vertical alignment of two modular assemblies linked vertically by spring elements.

[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 suited for conveying glass containers such as bottles, jars or vials 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 one feature of the invention, the frame comprises two arms supporting a support for the vibrating means and a mass. Forming the frame into three parts allows for the differentiation of their functions. The support is intended to carry the vibrating means. The arms support the support, providing stability for the assembly. And, the mass can be defined so as to vertically align the stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizer assembly with the Z-axis through which the center of gravity of the platform of the platform assembly passes.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the arms include a recessed portion. Creating a recess in the arms allows, on the one hand, for a reduction in the overall size of the stabilizer assembly's frame, and on the other hand, for easier access to the sole, enabling an operator to approach more closely. Protrusions, located at the lowest point, serve as feet to support the assembly.

[0016] According to another feature of the invention, the arms include feet adapted to hold the frame in a vertical position. The ability to store the frame vertically is very useful, particularly during certain operations such as transport and assembly.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer assembly is a single piece. Providing the stabilizer assembly as a single piece facilitates its production. The stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizer assembly is thus defined, and only a platform assembly with a platform center of gravity that can be aligned will be compatible with the part. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when several substantially identical transfer devices are used. The handling of such transfer devices is thus facilitated.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the stabilizing center of gravity is located within a circle with a diameter between 0 and 60 mm around the Z-axis passing through the center of gravity of the platform. Implementing such a tolerance minimizes the impact of potential manufacturing defects in the parts that make up the transfer device while maintaining the principle ensuring the stability of both assemblies.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole comprises a connecting element made of several ejectable plates, each of the ejectable plates being made of a ferromagnetic material, and the transfer device comprising a magnetic link. This connecting element is integral with the sole and extends in the immediate vicinity of the conveyor belt intended to be opposite the connecting element, exactly in the same plane so as to ensure continuity. The connection between the connecting element and the sole is particular in that it is magnetic. Thus, each ejectable plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, for example steel, and is subjected to the action of magnets attached to said sole. In fact, under the action of a foreign body integral with the conveyor belt, for example, which might strike one of the ejectable plates, the latter can lift up to avoid being damaged.Magnetic attraction ensures that the ejectable sheet metal is repositioned once the obstacle is passed. The connecting element allows for the retrieval of any glass shards and prevents parts from jamming or hindering the movement of other parts.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the transfer device further comprises at least two shock absorbers located on the stabilizer assembly. The use of shock absorbers increases the isolation of the stabilizer assembly. In one embodiment, a shock absorber is an elastomer pad. Such shock absorbers do not significantly affect the definition of the center of gravity of the platform and the stabilizer.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the vibrating means comprise electromagnetic means with a base fixed to the frame, including a coil. The axis of this coil is inclined and drives an armature mounted on elastic blades. This armature receives the base. The armature is included in the definition of the center of gravity of the platform assembly, and the base and the coil are included in the definition of the stabilizing center of gravity of the stabilizing assembly. In this embodiment of the vibrating means, each armature is included in the calculation of the center of gravity of the platform, and each base and coil are taken into account in defining the stabilizing center of gravity. Indeed, to maintain the principle of two assemblies linked by a spring, it is essential to retain only two assemblies.Numerous tests have shown the importance of taking into account each element with a non-negligible mass when defining the two centers of gravity: platform and stabilizer.

[0022] According to another feature of the invention, the sole comprises a wear-resistant and sound-insulating coating. This coating prevents wear of the sole and, in particular, prevents the aluminum from marking the products during the vibration of the parts. This coating is also sound-insulating, thus reducing 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 side by side to create a transfer path.

[0024] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0025] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments 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 embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.3] is a side view of the transfer device of the [Fig.1],

[0029] [Fig.4] is a top view of the transfer device of the [Fig.1],

[0030] [Fig.5] is a view from below of the transfer device of the [Fig.1],

[0031] [Fig.6] is a front view of the transfer device of the [Fig.1] showing a section plane AA, and

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

[0033] [Fig.8] is an exploded view in semi-section 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 reference numerals. An orthogonal basis (X,Y,Z) appearing in some figures is valid for all figures.

[0035] The invention aims to provide an improved vibrating sole transfer device that is easily modular, adjustable and transportable.

[0036] For these purposes, a transfer device designated by 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 suitable for vibrating the plate assembly 2.

[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 platform assembly 2, is intended to receive parts (not shown), particularly those with precarious stability, to be transferred to the means of vibrations produced by the vibrating means 4, and a second assembly, the stabilizer assembly 3, is intended to support the vibrating means 4.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 show two examples of embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments, and in particular forms and dimensions not shown, are compatible with the invention.

[0039] In addition, in [Fig.1], four shock absorbers 5 are placed on the stabilizer assembly 3 near the vibrating means 4. Depending on the embodiment of the vibrating means 4 and the stabilizer assembly 3, the number of shock absorbers varies.

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

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

[0042] The platform assembly 2 visible from above in [Fig.4] includes a base 6 comprising a connecting element 7, made of several ejectable sheets 8, and the movable armatures 17.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the tray assembly 2 also includes a magnetic link and each ejectable plate 8 is made of ferromagnetic material.

[0044] According to the illustrated embodiment, the sole 6 comprises a wear-resistant and sound-insulating coating 9.

[0045] The stabilizer assembly 3, visible in particular with the view from below in [Fig.5], comprises a frame 10 having two arms 11 carrying a support 12 for the vibrating means 4 and a mass 13. Depending on the embodiment of the vibrating means 4, certain elements of the vibrating means are included in the definition of the center of gravity of the platform Gp of the platform assembly 2 and of the center of gravity of the stabilizer 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 distribution of the stabilizer assembly 3, the center of gravity Gp of the platform assembly 2 is calculated. The stabilizer center of gravity Gs of the stabilizer assembly 3 must then be aligned with this point along the Z-axis. Mass 13 is thus chosen to achieve this balance. According to the illustrated embodiment, the arms 11 include a recessed portion which, among other things, allows for easier manual access to the sole 6. The support 12 for the vibrating means 4 has its own center of gravity. The addition of mass 13 and Arms 11 allow this center of gravity to be moved so that it coincides with the Z axis passing through the center of gravity of the Gp platform of the platform 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 center of gravity platform Gp of the platform assembly 2.

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

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

[0051] In general, the plate assembly 2 and the stabilizer assembly 3 are compatible with different versions respectively.

[0052] According to the embodiment illustrated, particularly visible in Figures 7 and 8, the vibrating means 4 comprise electromagnetic systems having a base 15 integral with the frame 10, which includes 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 vibrating means 4 comprise a base 15 attached 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 in the definition of the stabilizing center of gravity Gs of the stabilizing assembly 3. Other embodiments of the vibrating 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 can be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Balanced vibrating plate transfer device (1) for transferring parts comprising a plate assembly (2) including a plate (6) intended to receive the parts to be transferred, vibrating means (4) suitable for vibrating said plate (6), and a stabilizer assembly (3) including a frame (10) intended for supporting 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 stabilizer center of gravity (Gs) of the stabilizer assembly (3), the stabilizer center of gravity (Gs) being located in a circle of diameter between 0 and 60 mm around the Z axis passing through the plate center of gravity (Gp).

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) include a portion recessed towards the mass (13).

4. Transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the arms comprise feet suitable for holding the frame in balance vertically.

5. Transfer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the stabilizer assembly (3) is a single piece.

6. Transfer device (1) according to any 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 link.

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

8. Transfer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the vibrating means (4) comprise electromagnetic means with a base (15) integral with 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 armature (17) being included for the definition of the center of gravity of the platform (Gp) of the platform 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).

9. Transfer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sole (6) comprises a wear-resistant and sound-absorbing coating (9).

10. 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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