Supporting Devices and Conveyors

Abstract

To provide a support device for a conveyor for an automatically mounting machine and a conveyor equipped with the support device.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a support device (30) for a conveyor (10) for an automatically mounting machine (100). The support device (30) has a fixing device (32) for fixing to the conveyor (10) and a support unit (34) for supporting a member belt (92). The support device (30) has at least one elastic connection device (36). The support unit (34) is connected to the fixing device (32) through at least one elastic connection device (36). The invention further relates to the conveyor (10) for the automatically mounting machine (100), the conveyor (10) includes a propulsion device (20) for propelling the member belt (92) and the support device (30) for supporting the member belt (92), and the support device (30) is configured to be at least partially elastic.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a support device for a conveyor for an automatic assembly machine, which has a fastening device for fastening to the conveyor and a support unit for supporting a component belt. The invention further relates to a conveyor for an automatic assembly machine, which conveyor includes a propulsion device for propelling the component belt and a support device for supporting the component belt. [Background technology]

[0002] In known automatic mounting machines, the components are fed by means of a component belt on a component reel. Such a component belt is typically driven by a conveyor pusher and unwound from the component reel. Known conveyor pushers typically generate shocks when interacting with the component belt. In particular, when a part of the pusher bites into and / or leaves the component belt, shocks can occur in the component belt, resulting in adverse component movement. For example, in known prior art, frictional forces between the component belt and the pins of the conveyor pusher that leave the component belt cause undesirable coupling of the pinching forces and the resulting component movement. In simple terms, vibrations and shocks occur in the component belt and to the components arranged thereon. In known prior art, this undesirable component movement is reduced by supporting the component belt on both sides, for example on the right and left side of the components. These support elements are typically highly rigid and are rigidly connected to the conveyor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, in particular to provide a support device for a conveyor for an automatic assembly machine and a conveyor with a support device, by means of which the supply of components to the automatic assembly machine is easily possible in an advantageous and / or inexpensive manner, in particular with little impact, with a small installation space requirement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The problem is solved by a support device having the features of independent claim 1 and a conveyor having the features of independent claim 7. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings, whereby features and details described in relation to the support device according to the invention are obviously also valid in relation to the conveyor according to the invention and vice versa, so that reference is always made or can be made to one another in the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a support device for a conveyor for an automatic assembly machine is provided. The support device comprises a fastening device for fastening to the conveyor and a support unit for supporting the component belt. The support device comprises at least one elastic connecting device, and the support unit is connected to the fastening device via the at least one elastic connecting device. Preferably, the support unit is exclusively connected to the fastening device via the at least one elastic connecting device. Preferably, the at least one elastic connecting device is configured to be elastically deformable. Preferably, the support device comprises two or more connecting devices. Preferably, the support device is at least partially perforated. Preferably, the support device comprises a honeycomb structure and / or a foam. The support device is preferably formed of a material with high internal damping and / or has a structural design with high internal damping. Furthermore, preferably, the support device is trapezoidal and / or has a trapezoidal cross section. Particularly preferably, the at least one connecting device has an inclination relative to the fastening device, in particular in the conveying direction of the component belt, whereby the support unit is advantageously configured to track the component belt. The at least one elastic connecting device is configured to be elastic in material and / or structure, as will be described in more detail below. Preferably, the support and / or damping force of the at least one elastic connecting device is adjustable. The at least one elastic connecting device allows the support unit to be at least partially elastically connected to the fastening device and thus allows the member belt to be at least partially elastically supported. The at least one elastic connecting device preferably allows the member belt to be supported and / or pressed, in particular against the support device and / or against the guiding device of the conveyor. The at least one elastic connecting device advantageously allows vibration movements of the member belt to be avoided and / or damped.

[0006] Advantageously, the support device according to the invention makes it possible to support the component belt and / or to apply a certain pretension to make the component belt elastic, the force of the teeth disengaging being preferably smaller than the pretension by the support device, and thus advantageously prevents or at least reduces movement of the component belt. The support device according to the invention preferably pushes the component belt upwards and / or against the pick-up window of the conveyor.

[0007] In simple terms, the support device according to the invention, preferably when mounted on a conveyor, makes it possible to at least partially resist forces resulting from interaction between the member belt and the propulsion device of the conveyor, for example preventing and / or reducing forces introduced by the teeth of the pinwheel of the propulsion device engaging and / or disengaging, such that undesired member movements are not produced or are reduced and / or damping of undesired member movements is possible.

[0008] Within the scope of the present invention, a fastening device is understood as a device of a support device for fastening the support device on and / or at least partially in a conveyor. The fastening device is preferably configured as a single piece or as an assembly. Preferably, the fastening device is configured as a form-locking and / or friction-locking fastening device. Preferably, the fastening device is configured for fastening to and / or with a counter-fastening device of the conveyor. Exemplarily, the fastening device is configured as a hole in the support device for fastening to the conveyor by fastening means such as, for example, a screw. Also exemplarily, the fastening device is configured as a plug connector, a clip, a bayonet lock and / or a screw. Preferably, the fastening device is at least partially adjustable. Exemplarily, the fastening device has at least one oblong hole for making the fastening position of the support device adjustable.

[0009] By connecting the support unit to the fixing device via at least one elastic connecting device, when the support device according to the invention is used in conjunction with a conveyor, the support function of the support device and the supply of the parts are possible using particularly low-vibration, advantageous and inexpensive means.

[0010] Within the scope of the present invention, it may be advantageous for the support unit to be configured at least partially as a plane for guiding the component belt and / or to have an at least partially curved side shape. The support unit according to the invention is configured to support the component belt. Preferably, the support unit has at least one support surface for supporting the component belt. Preferably, the support unit is configured to support and / or guide the rear side of the component belt, i.e. the side of the component belt facing away from the components. The at least partially curved side shape of the support unit, in a simpler way, allows for an advantageous release of the component belt from the conveyor's propulsion device when the support device is mounted on and / or in the conveyor. Preferably, the support unit has at least partially a circular section in cross section. A support device configured in this way is particularly advantageous, since when the support device according to the invention is used with a conveyor, a support of the component belt and / or an advantageous propulsion of the component belt is possible with simple means, and vibrations of the component belt are advantageously reduced and / or avoided.

[0011] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it may be provided with respect to the support device that the support device is constructed integrally and / or monolithically. Preferably, the support device is constructed from plastic, in particular from plastic with elastic and / or damping properties. Additionally or alternatively, the support device is manufactured from a metal material. This has the advantage of durability when the splice proceeds. Additionally or alternatively, the support device has a structure in which the contact surfaces between the member belt and the support device and / or the ejector are metal, and the remaining parts of the support device are constructed from plastic. The support device thus constructed comprises the fastening device, the support unit and at least one elastic connecting device as an integral and / or monolithic device. Preferably, the support device is additively manufactured and / or particularly preferably manufactured using injection molding techniques. An integral and / or monolithic support device advantageously allows for an easy and inexpensive manufacture of the support device and allows for advantageous elasticity for the support function of the support device. An integral and / or monolithic support device advantageously allows elastic deformation of the support device and / or movement of the support units, so that when the support device according to the invention is used in conjunction with a conveyor, support of the member belt and / or advantageous propulsion of the member belt is possible by simple means and in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0012] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it may be provided for the support device that the support unit is at least partially, in particular completely, made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a conductive plastic. A configuration of the support unit at least partially made of electrically conductive plastic is preferably understood as a coating of the support unit made of electrically conductive plastic. Preferably, the surface facing the member belt in the mounted state, i.e. preferably the upper surface of the support unit, is configured to be electrically conductive. The support unit can preferably be conductively connected to earth and / or equipotential bonding. A support device configured in this way, by the material selection and / or coating of the support unit, advantageously allows for the reduction and / or avoidance of electrostatic fields that may arise due to friction between the member belt and the support device.

[0013] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it may be provided that, for the support device, the at least one elastic connection device is mechanically configured as a web and / or a strut. The configuration of the at least one elastic connection device as a mechanical connection device is understood within the scope of the invention as, for example, a spring. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one elastic connection device is configured as a web and / or a strut, in particular the web and / or the strut are elastically deformable. If the elastic connection device is configured as a web and / or a strut, it is particularly advantageous if the support device comprises one or more elastic connection devices in order to enable an advantageous stability of the support device. A support device configured in this way is particularly advantageous with at least one elastic connection device mechanically configured as a web and / or a strut, since the provision of the components is easily possible with particularly low impacts, with low installation space requirements, and by advantageous and / or inexpensive means.

[0014] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it may be provided for the support device that the support unit has a first thickness and the fastening device has a second thickness, the first thickness corresponding to or approximately corresponding to the second thickness. The expression "X or approximately X" is to be understood within the scope of the invention as small deviations that may exist, for example due to manufacturing tolerances, material and / or process characteristics, without changing the fundamental intended function of the feature. A support device configured in this way allows a particularly thin construction of the support device. The first thickness and the second thickness are to be understood within the scope of the invention as extensions of the fastening device and the support unit along and / or parallel to the support surface of the support unit. The support surface here preferably corresponds, in the mounted state, to the thrust surface of the component belt in and / or on the conveyor and / or the back surface of the component belt. The first thickness of the support unit and the second thickness of the fastening device are preferably set in such a way that a free movement of the pinwheel and the component belt is possible. A support device configured in this way is particularly advantageous. This is because support of the member belt and / or advantageous thrust of the member belt is possible by simple means and in particular with a reduced installation space.

[0015] According to a second aspect, the object is further achieved by a conveyor for an automatic assembly machine according to the invention. The conveyor comprises a drive device for driving the component belt and a support device for supporting the component belt. The support device is configured to be at least partially elastic. Within the scope of the present invention, the conveyor is understood as a separate conveyor unit, the component belt being arranged, for example, on a reel in a belt container. In this case, the component belt can preferably be guided from the reel to the conveyor. The support device is preferably connected to and / or fixed at the pick-up window and / or pick-up position of the conveyor for the components. Exemplarily, the drive device is configured as a pinwheel and / or a gear wheel and / or at least partially engages and / or grips the component belt to drive the component belt. In a simpler way, the support device is preferably arranged laterally of the drive device, in particular to the left of the drive device in the conveying direction of the drive device for the component belt. This advantageously reduces the reaction force of the drive device and / or the pinwheel moving away from the component belt on the components, in particular on the components at the pick-up position. By configuring it at least partially elastically, variations in the thickness of the component belt are advantageously compensated. Preferably, the support and / or damping force of the elastic support device is adjustable. The conveyor according to the invention is particularly advantageous, since the support device preferably enables both the support function for the component belt and the components and the removal function of the component belt from the propulsion device. The support device preferably enables the component belt to be supported, especially in the region of the propulsion device, in such a way that it resists the pinching forces of the propulsion device and / or the breakaway pins of the propulsion device and thus the component belt is better supported. A conveyor configured in this way advantageously enables a reduction in vibrations of the components and therefore a more reliable supply of the components to the automatic installation machine.

[0016] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it may be provided for the conveyor that the support device is configured according to the first aspect. The described conveyor has all the advantages already explained for the support device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0017] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it may be provided for the conveyor that a support unit and / or a support device is arranged below the component belt path for supporting the component belt. A component belt path is preferably understood as a belt guide element and / or a path structure along which the component belt advances, moves and / or is guided. Supporting the component belt from below advantageously allows a reduction of vibrations due to interaction of the component belt with the propulsion device. Preferably, the supporting and / or damping forces of the support unit and / or the support device act on the component belt and / or the component belt path from below. Preferably, the component belt path includes lateral guides for guiding the component belt.

[0018] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, it may be specified that the propulsion device comprises at least one pinwheel, which is configured to at least partially engage in a recess of the component belt for propulsion of the component belt, and that the support device for supporting the component belt is arranged on the back side of the at least one pinwheel. The pinwheel is understood as a wheel that preferably comprises radial pins and / or teeth. The pins and / or teeth are configured to at least partially engage in a recess of the component belt and thereby propel the component belt. The recess is most often arranged on at least one side of the component and / or on at least one peripheral region of the component belt. According to the present invention, the back side of the pinwheel is preferably understood to be facing away from the center of the component and / or the component belt. The front side of the pinwheel is therefore preferably facing the center of the component and / or the component belt. Arranging the support device on the back side of the at least one pinwheel is particularly advantageous, since the demand for installation space is reduced and the support function of the support device for the component belt is particularly advantageously possible near the at least one pinwheel. In the conveyor according to the invention, the component belt preferably runs along the radial end faces of the pinwheels, along the pins thereof and / or generally along the radial end faces of the pinwheels. A conveyor configured in this way is particularly advantageous, since by arranging the support device on the rear face of at least one pinwheel, the provision of the components is easily possible with particularly low impact, low installation space requirements, advantageous and / or inexpensive means.

[0019] It is conceivable in the context of the invention that the conveyor comprises a body and that the support device is fixed to the body. The body is preferably configured as a housing of the conveyor. Alternatively or additionally, the body is configured as a structural member of the conveyor. By fixing the support device to the body, advantageously it is possible to stably arrange the support device, in particular the fastening device of the support device, on the body of the conveyor and with respect to the member belt. Thus, an advantageous support function by the support unit and the at least one connecting device is made possible by the stable fastening of the fastening device to the body of the conveyor. A conveyor configured in this way is particularly advantageous, since by fixing the support device to the body of the conveyor, the provision of the member is easily made possible with particularly low impacts, with a small installation space requirement, advantageously and / or by inexpensive means.

[0020] Within the scope of the present invention, it may be advantageous for the conveyor to have a pick-up position for picking up the components from the component belt by the automatic attachment machine and for the support device to be arranged at the pick-up position. A pick-up position of a conveyor is understood to be a position where the components can be picked up by the automatic attachment machine from the component belt at the pick-up position. In a simpler description, the pick-up position is a part in and / or on the conveyor that is advantageously configured to be accessible to the automatic attachment machine and allows the components to be picked up from the component belt and / or the conveyor. For example, the pick-up position is configured in particular as a pick-up window in the body of the conveyor. Advantageously, the support device is arranged at the pick-up position and / or in the area of ​​the pick-up position. Preferably, the support device is arranged below the component belt at the pick-up position. In order to remove all the components from the component belt and to be able to process the shortest possible component belt pieces, it is advantageous to pick up the components close to the center of the exemplary pinwheel. Due to the proximity of the pick-up position and the engagement position of the pinwheel, the components may be subject to undesired movements due to pinwheel digging and / or disengagement without the support device according to the present invention. The support device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce and / or prevent undesired movements of the member belt and / or the members.

[0021] The support device according to the invention and the conveyor according to the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of the drawings, in which the following figures are respectively shown diagrammatically: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of a conveyor including a propulsion device, a member belt, and a support device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a conveyor including a propulsion device, a main body, a member belt, and a support device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support device including a fixing device, a support unit and two elastic connecting devices; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Elements having the same function and mechanism of action are given the same reference numerals in Figures 1 to 3, respectively.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a conveyor 10 with a driving device 20, a member belt 92 and a support device 30. The conveyor 10 is configured for use with an automatic installation machine 100. The conveyor 10 includes a driving device 20 for driving the member belt 92 and a support device 30 for supporting the member belt 92. The support device 30 is configured to be partially elastic. The support device 30 has a fixing device 32 for fixing to the conveyor 10 and a support unit 34 for supporting the member belt 92 on and / or within the conveyor 10. The support device 30 further has two elastic connecting devices 36, and the support unit 34 is connected to the fixing device 32 through the two elastic connecting devices 36. The support unit 34 is configured as partially planar and has a partially curved side shape for guiding the member belt 92. The propulsion device 20 includes a pinwheel 22, which is configured to partially engage a recess 94 in the material belt 92 for propelling the material belt 92. The support device 30 is arranged to support the material belt 92 at the rear surface 24 of the pinwheel 22, i.e., to the left of the pinwheel in the propulsion direction. Thus, with respect to the image plane of FIG. 1, the support device 30 is arranged in front of the pinwheel 22. The support unit 34 and the support device 30 are arranged below the material belt path 96 to support the material belt 92. The conveyor 10 has a pick-up position 40 for picking up the material from the material belt 92 by the automatic attachment machine 100, and the support device 30 is arranged at the pick-up position 40. Due to the proximity of the pick-up position 40 and the position of the support device 30, undesired movements of the material and the material belt 92 due to the pinwheel 22 digging in and / or out are advantageously reduced and / or avoided.

[0025] 2 is a schematic front view of the conveyor 10 with the propulsion device 20, the body 12, the member belt 92 and the support device 30. The support device 30 is arranged on the back surface 24 of the pinwheel 22 for supporting the member belt 92. The conveyor 10 includes a body 12, to which the support device 30 is fixed. The support unit 34 has a first thickness D1 and the fixing device 32 has a second thickness D2, the first thickness D1 being coincident with the second thickness D2. The back surface 24 of the pinwheel 22 faces away from the center of the member and member belt 92. The front surface of the pinwheel 22 therefore faces the center of the member and member belt 92. Arranging the support device 30 on the back surface 24 of the pinwheel 22 is particularly advantageous, since it reduces the demand for installation space and allows the support function of the support device 30 for the member belt 92 in a particularly advantageous manner in the vicinity of at least one pinwheel 22. In the conveyor 10 according to Fig. 2, the member belt 92 runs out of the image plane and thus along the radial end faces of the pinwheel 22 and its pins. The conveyor 10 configured in this way is particularly advantageous, since by arranging the support device 30 on the rear surface 24 of the pinwheel 22, the provision of the members is easily possible with particularly low impact, low installation space requirements and in an advantageous and / or inexpensive manner.

[0026] 3 is a schematic perspective view of the support device 30 with the fastening device 32, the support unit 34 and two elastic connecting devices 36. The elastic connecting devices 36 are mechanically configured as struts. The support device 30 is configured integrally and monolithically. The support device 30 is trapezoidal in shape and has a trapezoidal cross section. The two elastic connecting devices 36 have an inclination relative to the fastening device 32 in the conveying direction of the member belt 92 (not shown), so that the support device 34 is advantageously configured to track the member belt 92 (not shown). [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 10 Conveyor 12 Main unit 20 Propulsion device 22 Pinwheel 24 Back 30 Support device 32 Fixation device 34 Support Unit 36 Connection Device 40 Pick-up location 92 Component Belt 94 Recess 96 Component belt passage 100 Automatic installation machine D1 First thickness D2 Second thickness

Claims

1. A support device (30) for a conveyor (10) for an automatic installation machine (100), comprising a fastening device (32) for fastening to said conveyor (10) and a support unit (34) for supporting a member belt (92), The support device (30) has two elastic connection devices (36), and the support unit (34) is connected to the fixing device (32) through the two elastic connection devices (36); At least the elastic connection device (36) arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the member belt (92) is inclined in the conveying direction of the member belt (92) with respect to the fixing device (32), The support device (30) is characterized in that the support device (30) is integrally and / or monolithically constructed.

2. 2. The support device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support unit (34) is configured at least partially as a plane and / or has an at least partially curved side shape for guiding the member belt (92).

3. 2. The support device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support unit (34) is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of an electrically conductive plastic.

4. 2. The support device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two elastic connecting devices (36) are mechanically configured as webs and / or struts.

5. 2. The support device (30) of claim 1, wherein the support unit (34) has a first thickness (D1) and the fastening device (32) has a second thickness (D2), the first thickness (D1) coinciding with the second thickness (D2).

6. A conveyor (10) for an automatic installation machine (100), comprising: a propelling device (20) for propelling a member belt (92); and a support device (30) for supporting said member belt (92), A conveyor (10), characterized in that the support device (30) is at least partially configured to be elastic and that the support device (30) is configured according to claim 1.

7. 7. The conveyor (10) of claim 6, wherein the support unit (34) is disposed below a member belt path (96) for supporting the member belt (92).

8. 7. The conveyor (10) of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device (20) includes at least one pin wheel (22), the at least one pin wheel (22) configured to at least partially engage a recess (94) of the member belt (92) for propelling the member belt (92), and the support device (30) is disposed on a back surface (24) of the at least one pin wheel (22) for supporting the member belt (92).

9. 7. The conveyor (10) of claim 6, comprising a body (12), said support device (30) being fixed to said body (12).

10. 7. The conveyor (10) of claim 6, further comprising a pick-up position (40) for picking up components from the component belt (92) by the automatic attachment machine (100), the support device (30) being disposed at the pick-up position (40).

Images