Feeding module for a production chain

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeding module (1) comprising: - a feeding frame (8); - a carriage (9) translatably movable along a first axis (X) on the feeding frame (8), the movable carriage (9) comprising a carrier plate (10), the carrier plate (10) being capable of carrying and moving a workpiece support, the first axis (X) being in particular horizontal, the movable carriage (9) comprising a raising mechanism (28) making it possible to adjust a height of the carrier plate (10) along a third axis (Z) perpendicular to the first axis (X), the third axis (Z) being in particular vertical.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Feed module for production line [1] The invention relates to a feed module for a production line. [2] A feed module is known comprising: - a feed frame, - a mobile carriage in translation along a first axis on the feed frame, the mobile carriage comprising a carrying plate, the carrying plate being capable of carrying and moving a part support, the first axis being in particular horizontal. [3] Such a feed module makes it possible to bring a part in front of a manual manufacturing station or a functional base capable of carrying an automated manufacturing machine, in particular a screwing machine, a fluid depositing machine, a marking machine, a crimping machine, a part picking and depositing machine, a cleaning machine, a heat treatment machine, a surface preparation machine or a welding machine. [4] Such a feed module has the disadvantage that depending on the size of the part to be transported by the part support, the part may be located too low or too high for the operator of the manual manufacturing station or too low or too high for the automated manufacturing machine of the functional base. It is therefore necessary to provide a specific feed module depending on the size of the part to be transported to allow satisfactory ergonomics of the manual manufacturing station or correct operation of the automated manufacturing machine. [5] The present invention aims to eliminate all or part of these drawbacks. [6] The invention relates to a feed module comprising: - a feed frame, - a carriage movable in translation along a first axis on the feed frame, the movable carriage comprising a carrying plate, the carrying plate being capable of carrying and moving a part support, the first axis being in particular horizontal, the movable carriage comprising a lifting mechanism allowing the adjustment of a height of the carrying plate along a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, the third axis being in particular vertical, in which the feed frame comprises a first lateral fixing zone, and a first attachment device fixed to the first lateral fixing zone, the first attachment device being capable of being secured to a second attachment device of a functional base for an automated manufacturing machine, in particular a screwing machine, a fluid dispensing machine, a marking machine, a crimping machine, a part picking and placing machine, a cleaning machine, a heat treatment machine, a surface preparation machine or a welding machine. [7] Such a feed module makes it possible to adapt the height of the carrying plate according to the size of the part to be transported. The part can be positioned at a height compatible with an automated manufacturing machine of a functional base while maintaining the same fixing height of the feed module on the functional base. Such a feed module makes it possible to improve the flexibility of a manufacturing assembly by adapting to the size of the parts. It is thus possible to use the same feed module for different sizes of parts. [8] The invention relates to a feed module comprising: - a feed frame, - a mobile carriage in translation along a first axis on the feed frame, the mobile carriage comprising a carrying plate, the carrying plate being capable of carrying and moving a part support, the first axis being in particular horizontal, the mobile carriage comprising a lifting mechanism allowing the adjustment of a height of the carrying plate along a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, the third axis being in particular vertical. [9] Such a feed module allows the height of the carrying plate to be adapted according to the size of the part to be transported. The part can be positioned at a height suitable for an operator of a manual manufacturing station. It is thus possible to reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders for the operator. The part can also be positioned at a height compatible with an automated manufacturing machine of a functional base. Such a feed module makes it possible to improve the flexibility of a manufacturing assembly by adapting to the size of the parts. It is thus possible to use the same feed module for different sizes of parts.

[0010] According to an additional feature of the invention, the feed module comprises a feed mechanism comprising a first subsystem linked in the direction of the first axis to the feed frame and a second subsystem linked in the direction of the first axis to the mobile carriage.

[0011] According to an additional feature of the invention, the first subsystem or the second subsystem comprises a first nut and the other of the first sub- system and the second subsystem comprises a first screw engaging the first nut, the rotation of the first screw causing the translation of the movable carriage.

[0012] According to an additional feature of the invention, the mobile trolley comprises a mobile base and wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a third subsystem linked in the direction of the third axis to the mobile base and a fourth subsystem linked in the direction of the third axis to the carrying plate.

[0013] According to an additional feature of the invention, the third subsystem or the fourth subsystem comprises a second nut and the other of the third subsystem and the fourth subsystem comprises a second screw engaging in the second nut, the rotation of the second screw causing the modification of the height of the carrying plate.

[0014] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the feed frame comprises a first lateral fixing zone, and a first attachment device fixed to the first lateral fixing zone, the first attachment device being capable of being secured to a second attachment device of a functional base for an automated manufacturing machine, in particular a screwing machine, a fluid depositing machine, a marking machine, a crimping machine, a part picking and depositing machine, a cleaning machine, a heat treatment machine, a surface preparation machine or a welding machine.

[0015] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the feed module comprises a second movement assembly, in particular a set of at least three casters of which at least one of the three casters is a swivel caster.

[0016] Such a moving assembly makes it possible to improve the adaptability of a manufacturing assembly to the manufacturing of different types of parts and / or to increase or reduce the capacity of the manufacturing assembly according to demand. Indeed, thanks to the moving assembly, it is possible to easily move the feed module and associate it with different functional bases according to the need.

[0017] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the second movement assembly is adjustable in height.

[0018] Such a height adjustment allows the height of the first attachment device to be adjusted relative to the second attachment device of the functional base when the feed module is secured to the functional base. The height adjustment also allows the movement assembly to be lifted so that it does not touch the ground when the feed module is secured to the functional base.

[0019] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the feed module comprises a stand capable of resting on a floor.

[0020] Such a stand limits the deflection of the feed module when the feed module is secured to the functional base and the movement assembly does not touch the ground. Such a stand is particularly useful when the part transported by the feed module is heavy.

[0021] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a partial exploded schematic view of a production assembly comprising a feed module according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a protection panel of the production assembly of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 3 is a partial schematic view of the production assembly of Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 4 is a partial schematic sectional view of the production assembly of Figure 1

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic detail view of Figure 4;

[0027] Figure 6 is a detailed schematic view of a functional base of the production assembly of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a fixing assembly for a functional base of the production assembly of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic detail view of the fixing assembly of Figure 7;

[0030] Figure 9 is a partial schematic view of a second embodiment of a fixing assembly for a functional base of the production assembly of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 10 is a partial schematic sectional view of a functional base of the production assembly of Figure 1;

[0032] Figure 11 is a partial schematic view of a feed module according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 12 is a partial schematic detail view of the feed module of Figure 11;

[0034] Figure 13 is another partial schematic view of the feed module of Figure 11;

[0035] Figure 14 is another partial schematic view of the feed module of Figure 11;

[0036] Figure 15 is another partial schematic view of the feed module of Figure 11;

[0037] Figure 16 is a partial schematic view of an opening of the production assembly of Figure 1.

[0038] In all figures, identical elements or elements providing the same function have the same reference numbers. The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0039] Ordinal numeral adjectives are used to differentiate between characteristics. They do not define the position of a characteristic. Therefore, for example, a third characteristic of a product does not mean that the product has a first and / or second characteristic.

[0040] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0041] Figure 1 represents a partial exploded view of a production assembly 1 comprising a functional base 2, a feed module 3 and a protection panel 14.

[0042] The functional base 2 comprises a machine support frame 4 capable of carrying an automated manufacturing machine, in particular a screwing machine, a fluid depositing machine, a marking machine, a crimping machine, a part picking and depositing machine, a cleaning machine, a heat treatment machine, a surface preparation machine or a machine welding. The automated manufacturing machine is not shown in the various figures.

[0043] The functional base 2 may further comprise a first protective assembly 5 capable of protecting an operator during operation of the automated manufacturing machine. The first protective assembly 5 may comprise a first set of walls 6 and a first opening 7. The first set of walls 6 forms, for example, a first housing 62 capable of receiving the automated manufacturing machine.

[0044] The walls of the first set of walls 6 are for example glass walls or mesh walls. The first set of walls 6 may also comprise a first roof 63 at an upper end of the set of walls 6.

[0045] The feed module 3 can be secured to the functional base 2 as shown in Figure 3.

[0046] As shown in Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15, the feed module 3 comprises a feed frame 8 and a mobile carriage 9 in translation along a first axis X on the frame. The X axis is for example horizontal. The mobile carriage 9 comprises a carrying zone 10. The carrying zone 10 is capable of carrying and moving a part support. The part support is not shown in the figures. The carrying zone 10 comprises for example positioning pads 64 so as to position the part support on the carrying zone 10.

[0047] The mobile carriage 9 is for example guided on the feed frame 8 by a first set of rails 65. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first set of rails 65 comprises two rails. In another embodiment not shown, the first set of rails comprises a single rail.

[0048] The feed module 3 may comprise a feed mechanism 29 comprising a first subsystem 30 linked in the direction of the first X axis to the feed frame 8 and a second subsystem 31 linked in the direction of the first X axis to the mobile carriage 10.

[0049] The first subsystem 30 or the second subsystem 31 may comprise a first nut 32 and the other of the first subsystem 30 and the second subsystem 31 may comprise a first screw 33 engaging in the first nut 32, the rotation of the first screw 33 causing the translation of the mobile carriage 9.

[0050] In another embodiment not shown, the first screw is fixed in rotation and the first nut is movable in rotation.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15, the first subsystem 30 may comprise a first electric motor 72 driving a first transmission member 73, in particular a belt or a chain, the first transmission member 73 driving the first screw 33 in rotation, for example by means of a first pulley 74 linked in rotation to the first screw 33.

[0052] The feed module 3 may comprise a second protective assembly 11 capable of protecting the operator during operation of the feed module 3. The second protective assembly 11 may comprise a second set of walls 12 and a second opening 13. The second set of walls 12 forms, for example, a second housing 66 in which the mobile carriage 9 can move.

[0053] The walls of the second set of walls 12 are, for example, glass walls or mesh walls. The second set of walls 12 may also comprise a second roof 67 at an upper end of the second set of walls 12.

[0054] The protective panel 14 is for example capable of closing the first opening 7 while leaving the second opening 13 open. The protective panel 14 is for example capable of closing the second opening 13 while leaving the first opening 7 open as shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the protective panel 14 may comprise a door 15, in particular a hinged door. The door 15 is for example connected to the rest of the protective panel by a set of hinges 68. The door 15 comprises for example a first handle 69. The protective panel 14 comprises for example a glazed area and / or a mesh area.

[0056] The protective panel 14 is fixed in the first opening 7 or is fixed in the second opening 13 by means of a fixing means 16, in particular a fixing means comprising a screw 17. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing means 16 comprises four screws 17. In another embodiment not shown, the fixing means comprises a bolt.

[0057] The first opening 7 and the second opening 13 comprise, for example, a base 18 having a release shape 19 so that the protective panel 14 remains in the first opening 7 or the second opening 13 only if it is fixed by means of the fixing means 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the release shape 19 is, for example, an inclined shape. In another embodiment not shown, the release shape is a curved shape, for example a circular cylindrical shape.

[0058] The protective panel 14 comprises a second carrying handle 70. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective panel 14 comprises three carrying handles 70.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the first protection assembly 5 may comprise a third opening 71 and the production assembly may comprise another protection panel 14 capable of closing the third opening 71. The third opening 71 is for example opposite the first opening 7 in the first protection assembly. The third opening 71 has for example characteristics similar to the first opening 7 and the second opening 13, in particular the third opening 71 may comprise a base 18 having a clear shape.

[0060] The feed frame 8 may comprise a first lateral fixing zone 20. A first attachment device 21 may be fixed to the first lateral fixing zone 20. The functional base 2 may comprise a second attachment device 22. The first attachment device 21 and the second attachment device 22 may be secured together so as to secure the feed module 3 and the functional base 2 together. All six degrees of freedom between the feed frame 8 and the functional base 2 are for example blocked when the first attachment device 21 and the second attachment device 22 are secured together.

[0061] One of the first fastening device 21 and the second fastening device 22 comprises at least one first male fastening element 23 and the other of the first fastening device 21 and the second fastening device 22 comprises at least one first female fastening element 24. The at least one first male fastening element 23 is for example inserted into the at least one first female fastening element 24. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first fastening device 21 comprises four first male fastening elements 23 and the second fastening device 22 comprises four first female fastening elements 24.

[0062] In another embodiment not shown, the first attachment device comprises four first female attachment elements and the second attachment device comprises four first male attachment elements.

[0063] In another embodiment not shown, the first attachment device comprises at least one first male attachment element and at least one first female attachment element and the second attachment device comprises at least one first female attachment element and at least one first male attachment element.

[0064] In another embodiment not shown, the first attachment device comprises a single first male attachment element or a single first female attachment element and the second attachment device respectively comprises a single first female attachment element or a single first female attachment element.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6, that of the first fastening device 21 and the second fastening device 23 which comprises the at least one first female fastening element 24 further comprises at least one first locking element 25. The at least one first locking element 25 locking the first male fastening element 23 in the first female fastening element 24.

[0066] The at least first male fastening element 23 is inserted into the at least one first female fastening element 24 in a first insertion direction 26. The at least one first locking element 25 is inserted into the at least one first female fastening element in a second insertion direction 27 different from the first insertion direction 26. For example, the first insertion direction 26 is perpendicular to the second insertion direction 27. For example, the first insertion direction 26 is vertical and the second insertion direction 27 is horizontal. The second insertion direction 27 is for example parallel to the first lateral fastening zone 20.

[0067] The mobile carriage 9 comprises a lifting mechanism 28 allowing the adjustment of a height of the carrying plate 10 along a third axis Z. The third axis Z is for example perpendicular to the first axis X. The third axis Z is for example vertical.

[0068] Figure 14 shows the feed module 3 with the carrying plate 10 at a height corresponding to a low position. Figure 15 shows the feed module 3 with the carrying plate 10 at a height corresponding to a high position.

[0069] The mobile carriage 9 may comprise a mobile base 34. The elevation mechanism 28 may comprise a third subsystem 35 linked in the direction of the third Z axis to the mobile base 34 and a fourth subsystem 36 linked in the direction of the third Z axis to the carrying plate 10.

[0070] For example, the third subsystem 35 or the fourth subsystem 36 comprises a second nut 37 and the other of the third subsystem 25 and the fourth subsystem 36 comprises a second screw 38 engaging the second nut 37, the rotation of the second screw 38 causing the modification of the height of the carrying plate 10.

[0071] In another embodiment not shown, the second screw is fixed in rotation and the second nut is movable in rotation.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the third subsystem 35 may comprise a second electric motor 74 driving a second transmission member 75, in particular a belt or a chain, the second transmission member 75 driving the second screw 38 in rotation, for example by means of a second pulley 76 linked in rotation to the second screw 38.

[0073] The carrying plate 10 is for example guided on the mobile base 34 by a second set of slides 77. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second set of slides 77 comprises two slides. In another embodiment not shown, the second set of slides comprises a single slide.

[0074] The feed module 3 may comprise a second movement assembly 39. The second movement assembly 39 comprises, for example, a set of at least three casters, at least one of the three casters being a swivel caster. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second movement assembly 39 comprises four swivel casters.

[0075] The second displacement assembly 39 may be height adjustable. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the second displacement assembly 39 comprises four height adjustable castors.

[0076] The feed module 3 may also include a stand 61 capable of resting on the ground 56.

[0077] In another embodiment of the invention not shown, the feed module 3 comprises a plurality of crutches.

[0078] The functional base 2 may comprise a fixing assembly 40 and the machine support frame 4. The fixing assembly 40 has not been shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 represent a first embodiment of the fixing assembly 40. FIG. 9 represents a second embodiment of the fixing assembly 40.

[0079] The fixing assembly 40 may be fixed to the ground 56. The fixing assembly 40 may comprise a fixing bracket 41 comprising an upper fixing area 42. A third fastening device 43 may be fixed to the upper fixing area 42.

[0080] The machine support frame 4 comprises for example a frame 51, in particular a metal frame. The frame 51 is for example a mechanically welded metal frame. The frame can include a lower attachment area 52. A fourth attachment device 44 may be attached to the lower attachment area 52.

[0081] The fourth attachment device 44 can be secured to the third attachment device 43 of the fixing assembly 40 fixed to the ground 56. All six degrees of freedom between the machine support frame 4 and the fixing assembly 40 are for example blocked when the third attachment device 43 and the fourth attachment device 44 are secured.

[0082] The fixing assembly 40 is separate from the machine support frame 4.

[0083] The attachment assembly 40 may include a leveling assembly 46.

[0084] The leveling assembly 46 may comprise at least three feet 47, at least two of which are height-adjustable. In the first embodiment of the fixing assembly shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the leveling assembly 46 comprises four height-adjustable feet 47. In the first embodiment of the entire fixing assembly 40, the fixing support 41 is a fixing frame 50. The fixing frame 50 is, for example, a metal fixing frame, in particular a mechanically welded metal fixing frame. The fixing frame 50 is, for example, fixed to the ground by screws or anchor studs 80.

[0085] In the second embodiment of the fixing assembly 40 shown in FIG. 9, the fixing support 41 is a fixing plate 78. The fixing plate 78 is for example fixed to the ground by screws 79 or anchor studs.

[0086] The upper attachment area 42 has a first height, the first height being measured between a lower surface 48 of the leveling assembly 46 and an upper surface 49 of the third attachment device 43, the first height being between 5 cm and 25 cm. The lower surface 48 of the leveling assembly 46 is adapted to be placed on the ground 56.

[0087] The machine support frame 4 may comprise at least one lifting cavity 60 capable of receiving a fork of a pallet truck or a fork of a forklift.

[0088] The machine support frame 4 may also comprise a first movement assembly 53, in particular a set of at least three casters of which at least one of the three casters is a swivel caster, the first movement assembly 53 being fixed to the lower fixing zone 52. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first movement assembly 53 comprises four casters.

[0089] For example, one of the third fastening device 43 and the fourth fastening device 44 comprises at least one second male fastening element 54 and the other of the third fastening device 43 and the fourth fastening device 44 comprises a second female fixing element 55. The at least one second male fixing element 54 is inserted into the at least one second female fixing element 55.

[0090] In the first embodiment of the fastening assembly 40 shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the third fastening device 43 comprises four second male fastening elements 54. The four second male fastening elements 54 are fixed to the fastening frame 50.

[0091] In the second embodiment of the fastening assembly 40 shown in Figure 9, the fastening assembly 40 comprises several fastening plates 78 each carrying a second male fastening element 54 or a second female fastening element 55 of the third fastening device 43. In Figure 9, a single fastening plate 78 of the fastening assembly 40 is shown. The fastening assembly 40 comprises for example four fastening plates 78. In the second embodiment shown, the fastening plates 78 carry a second female fastening element 55.

[0092] In another embodiment not shown, the fixing plates 78 carry a second male fixing element.

[0093] In another embodiment not shown, a portion of the fixing plates carries a second male fixing element and another portion of the fixing plates carries a second female fixing element.

[0094] Each mounting plate 78 can also be upgraded by a leveling assembly 46.

[0095] As shown in Figure 10, whichever of the third fastening device 43 and the fourth fastening device 44 comprises the at least one second female fastening element 55 may further comprise at least one second locking element 57, the at least one second locking element 57 locking the second male fastening element 54 in the second female fastening element 55. For example, the second locking element 57 enters a groove formed in the second male fastening element 54.

[0096] The at least one second male fixing element 54 is for example inserted into the at least second female fixing element 55 in a third insertion direction 58. The at least one second locking element 57 is inserted into the at least one second female fixing element 55 in a fourth insertion direction 59 different from the third insertion direction 58. For example, the fourth insertion direction 59 is perpendicular to the third insertion direction 58.

[0097] The first movement assembly 53 may be at a distance from the ground 56. For example, the rollers of the first movement assembly 53 shown in the figures do not touch the ground when the machine support frame 4 is fixed to the fixing assembly 40 using the third attachment device and the fourth attachment device.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Feed module (3) comprising: a feed frame (8), a mobile carriage (9) in translation along a first axis (X) on the feed frame (8), the mobile carriage (9) comprising a carrying plate (10), the carrying plate (10) being capable of carrying and moving a workpiece support, the first axis (X) being in particular horizontal, the mobile carriage (9) comprising a lifting mechanism (28) allowing the adjustment of a height of the carrying plate (10) along a third axis (Z) perpendicular to the first axis (X), the third axis (Z) being in particular vertical, in which the feed frame (8) comprises a first lateral fixing zone (20), and a first attachment device (21) fixed to the first lateral fixing zone (20), the first attachment device (21) being capable of being secured to a second attachment device (22) of a functional base (2) for a machine of automated manufacturing including a screwing machine,a fluid dispensing machine, a marking machine, a crimping machine, a part pick-and-place machine, a cleaning machine, a heat treatment machine, a surface preparation machine or a welding machine.,

2. Feed module (3) according to claim 1 comprising a feed mechanism (29) comprising a first subsystem (30) linked in the direction of the first axis (X) to the feed frame (8) and a second subsystem (31) linked in the direction of the first axis (X) to the movable carriage (10).

3. Feed module (3) according to the preceding claim in which the first subsystem (30) or the second subsystem (31) comprises a first nut (32) and the other of the first subsystem (30) and the second subsystem (31) comprises a first screw (33) engaging in the first nut (32), rotation of the first screw (33) driving the translation of the mobile carriage (9).

4. Feed module (3) according to one of the preceding claims in which the mobile carriage (9) comprises a mobile base (34) and in which the lifting mechanism (28) comprises a third subsystem (35) linked in the direction of the third axis (Z) to the mobile base (34) and a fourth subsystem (36) linked in the direction of the third axis (Z) to the carrying plate (10).

5. Feed module (3) according to the preceding claim in which the third subsystem (35) or the fourth subsystem (36) comprises a second nut (37) and the other of the third subsystem (35) and the fourth subsystem (36) comprises a second screw (38) engaging in the second nut (37), the rotation of the second screw (38) causing the modification of the height of the carrying plate (10).

6. Feed module (3) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a second movement assembly (39), in particular a set of at least three rollers of which at least one of the three rollers is a swivel roller.

7. Feed module (3) according to the preceding claim in which the second movement assembly (39) is adjustable in height.

8. Feed module (3) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a stand (61) capable of resting on a floor (56).

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