Retaining device

Abstract

The invention relates to a retaining device for fixing an object (17), comprising a strip (1), which has a processing opening (2) as well as a clamping element (4) which can be selectively moved along a movement axis (5), wherein the clamping element (4) is designed to fix the object between the clamping element (4) and the strip (1) in the region of the processing opening (2) in a closed position, wherein the strip (1) and the clamping element (4) are designed in such a way that the distance between the processing opening (2) and the movement axis (5) can be selectively changed.

Description

[0001] Holding device

[0002] The invention relates to a holding device for fixing an object, comprising a strip having a processing opening and a clamping element that is selectively movable along an axis of movement, wherein the clamping element is designed to fix the object between the clamping element and the strip in the area of ​​the processing opening in a closed position.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for fixing an object, e.g. a grain.

[0004] Various methods for processing grains, especially seeds, are known in the prior art. This usually requires opening the seeds, for example, by cutting them open. Since manual processing is too time-consuming, devices and methods are known for fixing individual grains and then processing them, particularly by cutting them open. The biggest challenge here is that very large quantities of relatively small grains typically need to be processed in a short time.

[0005] To provide suitable fixation for processing grains, EP 3459333 A proposes a rotating wheel. This wheel has several pistons that press individual grains against an element with a processing opening, thus fixing them in place. An inlet opening is provided to introduce a grain into the area between the piston and the processing opening, allowing the grain to be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the piston's axis of movement. The wheel can then guide the grains to and from a processing station.

[0006] A disadvantage of these known solutions is their complex and space-consuming design, which prevents simple, quick and efficient processing of the individual grains.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device that makes it possible to fix individual objects, in particular grains, simply, quickly and efficiently in a desired processing position in order to process the objects accordingly, in particular to cut them.

[0008] According to the invention, a holding device for fixing an object of the type mentioned above is provided, wherein the strip and the clamping element are designed such that the distance between the processing opening and the axis of movement can be selectively changed. This can be achieved, for example, by selectively arranging the strip and / or the clamping element to be movable relative to each other. Preferably, the movement of the strip and / or the clamping element is essentially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the clamping element. The movable arrangement makes it possible, in an open position in which the processing opening has a first distance from the axis of movement, to introduce a grain into a space that is preferably (partially) delimited by the clamping element.The distance between the processing opening and the axis of movement can then be adjusted until a closed position is reached, in which the processing opening is at a second distance from the axis of movement. In the closed position, the grain can then be clamped and fixed in a holding position between the clamping element and the bar by moving the clamping element, preferably towards the bar. In the closed position, the processing opening is arranged such that the fixed grain can be processed through the processing opening, for example, by opening the grain, e.g., using a knife, in particular a circular knife, or a drill, by injecting a liquid into the grain, or by closing an opening in the grain, e.g., using a liquid. Several process steps can also be carried out in succession, e.g.,The grain is first opened, then a liquid is injected, and finally the grain is closed again.

[0009] The axis of movement is the path along which the clamping element can be moved. Preferably, the axis of movement is a straight line, allowing the clamping element to be moved translationally along this axis. The clamping element can be moved (at least) between a holding position and a rest position. The holding position is preferably located closer to the bar than the rest position. In the holding position, the object is pressed against the processing opening or the bar and thus secured.

[0010] The relative movement between the clamping element and the strip preferably occurs along a relative axis. This relative axis preferably lies essentially in a straight line. Furthermore, the relative axis is preferably essentially perpendicular to the axis of movement. The relative axis is also preferably arranged essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the strip.

[0011] Preferably, the machining opening is positioned essentially along the axis of movement when closed. The distance between the machining opening and the axis of movement is essentially zero, so that the axis of movement runs essentially through the machining opening. The clamping element can therefore be guided directly towards the machining opening. This arrangement allows for a simple device design.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the processing opening is essentially groove-shaped. The groove preferably has a substantially constant width. A groove allows, for example, a knife, e.g., a rotating knife, to be (partially) inserted into the groove to cut a fixed grain without impairing the stability of the strip. Alternatively or additionally, the fixed grain can also be detected by means of an observation device, e.g., a camera, or a liquid can be injected into the fixed grain. Preferably, the groove runs substantially in a plane that is substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the clamping element and substantially perpendicular to the relative axis. The observation device, in particular a camera, is preferably aligned with the processing opening so that a grain fixed in the holding device can be detected.Alternatively or additionally, the observation device is directed towards the transport opening so that an object arranged in the transport opening can be detected.

[0013] To introduce a grain into the device, it is preferably provided that the bar further comprises a transport opening. The transport opening is preferably arranged at a distance from the processing opening in the direction of the relative axis. It is preferably provided that the processing opening is arranged in the open position such that a grain can be introduced into a processing space that is at least bounded by the clamping element. It is particularly preferred that the transport opening, in the open position, lies essentially in the axis of movement. A grain can be introduced through the transport opening in the open position, where it is fixed in the closed position by the clamping element and the bar.

[0014] Preferably, the strip has a first ramp-shaped depression. The first ramp-shaped depression is located on the upper surface of the strip and between an edge of the strip and the transport opening. Preferably, the height of the first depression decreases from the edge of the strip to the transport opening, particularly preferably continuously. The depth of the first depression thus increases (continuously) in the direction of the transport opening. The first depression acts as an inlet channel for an object, in particular a grain, thereby facilitating the feeding of the object or grain to or into the transport opening.

[0015] Preferably, the strip has a second ramp-shaped depression. The second depression is located on the side of the transport opening opposite the first depression. The height of the second depression decreases away from the transport opening and serves to better guide grains to the transport opening of an adjacent strip. The second depression preferably interacts with the first depression of an adjacent strip. In particular, it is preferably provided that the minimum height of the second depression and the maximum height of the first depression are essentially the same. The height of both depressions in the region of their respective edges is therefore essentially the same. This allows for the smoothest possible transition from the second depression of one strip to the first depression of an adjacent strip.

[0016] Preferably, a support element is arranged next to the clamping element, which is designed to receive an object, in particular a grain. The support element has, for example, a trough-shaped recess in which a grain can be placed. In the closed position of the holding device, the support element is preferably located below the transport opening. This arrangement allows an object, in particular a grain, to be introduced or placed onto the support element through the transport opening when the bar is in the closed position. The bar, in particular the transport opening, and the support element are preferably arranged such that only a single grain can enter the transport opening. Subsequently, the grain can be guided onto the clamping element by a relative movement between the bar and the clamping element or the support device.This facilitates the insertion of only one grain into the holding device. The clamping element can, for example, be guided within the support element, with the clamping element being surrounded by the support element. The support element has a guide channel in which the clamping element can be moved along the axis of movement. Preferably, a support element is provided which has several guide channels, each containing a clamping element. This design allows for a simple construction when multiple clamping elements are provided. The guide channel(s) are preferably cylindrical.

[0017] The transport opening preferably has a drive element to hold a grain placed in the transport opening during its movement between the guide bar and the clamping element in the processing opening. Particularly preferably, the transport opening has a subsequent transport channel, which preferably has substantially the same cross-section as the transport opening. The transport channel extends from the transport opening, preferably towards the support element, with the distance between the transport channel and the support element being smaller than the objects to be fixed, in order to allow the object to be carried along within the transport channel. This ensures that the grain is conveyed to the clamping element.

[0018] The clamping element preferably has a receiving element, which is preferably funnel-shaped. Alternatively, the receiving element can also be, for example, flat or hollow cylindrical. The receiving element is located on the side of the clamping element facing the processing opening and serves to receive an object, in particular a grain. This allows the object to be held stably and centered in a simple manner. For example, it prevents the object from being positioned on one side of the clamping element. This ensures the desired position of the object in the closed position when the clamping element is in the holding position. In particular, it is possible to position grains that are not perfectly round by means of a suitable funnel inclination.For example, this allows grains to be positioned in such a way that the germ of a grain is not fixed in the processing area. The germ of the grains should not be damaged, so as not to render the grain unusable.

[0019] Preferably, the clamping element is arranged essentially flush with the support element in the holding position. For example, the edges of a receiving element, preferably funnel-shaped, are essentially in the same plane as a surface of the support element that is designed or configured to receive an object such as a grain.

[0020] The clamping element preferably has (at least) one stop designed to interact in the holding position, optionally with a counter-stop, preferably formed by the support element. This allows for easy adjustment or limitation of the movement of the clamping element along the axis of movement.

[0021] To enable a simple and efficient design, it is preferably provided that the bar has several processing openings. Furthermore, several clamping elements are preferably provided, with each processing opening being assigned (exactly) one clamping element. This allows the described process of fixing a grain using a single bar to be carried out multiple times in a single step, e.g., 10 times. Preferably, the relative movement between the processing openings and the axes of movement of the clamping elements is carried out simultaneously, e.g., by moving the bar and / or by connecting the clamping elements to each other so that they can be moved together relative to the bar.

[0022] To move several clamping elements simultaneously, a connecting element is preferably provided which is connected to a plurality of clamping elements. The clamping elements are preferably rigidly connected to the connecting element, for example, by means of a spring washer (Seeger ring), an insert, a lock nut (glued or secured by friction), an elastic spring hook (e.g., arranged in a crown shape), and / or a plug connection. To move the clamping elements into the holding position or the rest position, the connecting element is moved towards the rail or away from the rail, so that the clamping elements move along the corresponding axes of movement. The connecting element is preferably connected to the support element and can further preferably be moved relative to the support element in the direction of the axes of movement.

[0023] Furthermore, a spring is preferably provided, which is designed to act on the clamping element in the direction of the axis of movement. The spring can act either towards the strip or away from the strip and serves to move the clamping element in the respective direction when required. Preferably, the spring acts in conjunction with both the connecting element and the clamping element. For example, the clamping element has a stop against which the spring presses towards the strip or away from the connecting element. This arrangement simplifies the construction of the clamping element.

[0024] Furthermore, a lifting spring is preferably provided, which is arranged between the connecting element and the support element. The connecting element is preferably (fixedly) connected to a pin that is guided in the support element. The lifting spring acts on one side on a shoulder of the pin (and thus on the connecting element) in the direction towards the strip and on the other side on the support element in the direction away from the strip.

[0025] Both the spring and the lifting spring serve to move the clamping element towards the strip. During operation, the lifting spring provides the "coarse adjustment," while the spring provides the "fine adjustment," which is particularly necessary because the size of the grains varies. Specifically, the lifting spring acts on all clamping elements of a strip via the connecting element, while the spring acts only on one clamping element at a time.

[0026] It is particularly preferred that the strip has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. In this embodiment, the strip is preferably arranged such that the grain is surrounded by the strip on three sides in the closed, fixed position. The processing opening is preferably designed as a groove, with only the two ends of the U-shape present in the cross-section within the groove area. A transport opening is preferably formed in the base area of ​​the U-shape. In this embodiment, the legs of the U-shape are fully formed in the area of ​​the transport opening. The U-shape is further preferably substantially symmetrical. A support element is preferably arranged between the legs of the U-shape. It is also preferred that the clamping element is at least partially arranged between the legs of the U-shape in the holding position.This design makes it easy to prevent objects from unintentionally leaving the holding device.

[0027] The strip, the clamping element, the support element, and the other parts of the holding device can be made of different materials, selected according to requirements, in particular a metal and / or an impact-resistant plastic, e.g., polycarbonate.

[0028] The movement of the clamping element in the path of motion, as well as the movement between the bar and the clamping element, which changes the distance between the axis of motion and the machining opening, can be achieved, for example, by means of actuators, magnets, springs, inclined planes (scrolls) or other drives.

[0029] For fastening, the strip preferably has an elongated hole. Within the elongated hole (in the assembled state), a locking element is arranged, which is, for example, connected to the support element. During operation, the strip can be moved between the positions defined by the locking element, for example, relative to the support element. The locking element is preferably detachably connected to the support element and is, for example, designed as a screw, so that the locking element can be screwed into a corresponding opening in the support element. Furthermore, the elongated hole is preferably arranged in one leg of a U-shaped strip. For replacement or maintenance work, the locking element can be removed, for example, by unscrewing it, so that the strip can be slid relative to the support element and thus separated from it.The elongated hole also features a connection area, allowing the locking element, when connected to the support element, to be inserted into the actual elongated hole through this connection area. This creates a bayonet closure.

[0030] According to the invention, a transport device, in particular a conveyor belt, is provided, comprising a plurality of holding devices according to the invention. The holding devices can be moved. For example, the holding devices are connected by a common chain, which is driven via gears. The movement of the chain moves the holding devices. In particular, it is possible for the holding devices to be arranged in a filling position such that the transport openings can be filled with objects from above. The holding devices form a sorting surface, with the distance between the individual holding devices being smaller than the grain diameter to prevent grains from unintentionally falling through between the holding devices. To move the grains into the holding devices, in particular into the transport openings, a push device is preferably provided, comprising, for example, a...Brushes, a scraper, and / or a blower move the grains along the sorting surface. During this movement, the grains fall into the conveying openings. After the grains have been fixed and processed, the holding devices can be rotated 180° by moving the chain, causing the grains to fall out of the conveying openings and be further processed. Instead of a chain, a circulating belt, a toothed belt, or similar mechanism can be used to move the holding devices.

[0031] According to the invention, a further method for fixing an object, e.g., a grain, is provided, in which, in a first step, an object touches a clamping element, in a second step, the distance between the processing opening of a bar and the axis of movement of the clamping element is changed, and in a third step, the distance between the clamping element and the bar is reduced along the axis of movement of the clamping element, so that the object is fixed between the clamping element and the bar. The method is preferably carried out using a device according to the invention.

[0032] Preferably, it is provided that before the first step the object is placed onto a support element through a transport opening and subsequently the object is guided onto or into the clamping element by a relative movement between the clamping element and the bar.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the objects are detected after being placed in the transport opening by means of a (visual) observation device, e.g. a camera. If, for example, an undesired position of the grain or a defective product such as a stone is detected by means of the observation device, appropriate action can be taken by removing the object from the holding device, e.g. using air pressure or suction.

[0034] After fixing and processing the object, particularly the grain, the process can be reversed so that the grain is removed from the holding device. Preferably, the holding device is rotated 180° so that the grain falls out of the transport opening by gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the grain can be removed from the holding device using auxiliary means, such as compressed air or suction.

[0035] The holding device can move or remain stationary during the execution of the process. For example, a transport device with multiple holding devices can run continuously, or it can stop at certain intervals and then continue running (stop & go operation).

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawing. In this drawing, Fig. 1 shows a holding device according to the invention in a perspective view from the front, Fig. 2 shows the holding device according to Fig. 1 in a side view, Fig. 3 shows a top view of the holding device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows a front view of the holding device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 shows the holding device according to Fig. 1 in a first position, Fig. 6 shows the holding device according to Fig. 1 in a second position, Fig. 7 shows the holding device according to Fig. 1 in a third position, Fig. 8 shows the holding device according to Fig. 1 in a fourth position, Fig. 9 shows the holding device according to Fig. 1 in a fifth position, Fig. 10 shows a transport device according to the invention in a side view, and Fig. 11 shows the transport device according to Fig. 10 in a top view.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a holding device according to the invention, comprising a strip 1 having several machining openings 2 and several transport openings 3, and several clamping elements 4, each of which is movably arranged along an axis of movement 5. For clarity, only some of the elements of the holding device are provided with reference numerals. The strip 1 is essentially U-shaped. Furthermore, the strip 1 and / or the clamping elements 4 are arranged such that they are movable relative to each other in the direction of a relative axis 6, thereby changing the distance between the machining openings 2 and the respective axes of movement 5. The clamping elements 4 each have a spring 7 designed to push or move the respective clamping element 4 towards the strip 1. Furthermore, the clamping elements 4 are connected to a common connecting element 8.Guide channels are provided in a common support element 9, in which the clamping elements 4 are guided. The connecting element 8 and the support element 9 are connected to each other and can be displaced relative to each other in the direction of the axes of movement 6. Between the clamping elements 4, the support element 9 is designed as a support for objects such as grains and can, for example, have recesses into which the grains can be placed. Furthermore, each clamping element 4 has a stop which, in the holding position, presses against a corresponding stop of the support element 9. The transport openings 3 are each arranged in the base of the U-shape of the strip 1 and are essentially round. The processing openings 2 are each groove-shaped, so that in the cross-section in the area of ​​the processing openings 2 only the ends of the legs of the U-shape of the strip 1 are formed.The groove-shaped machining openings 2 essentially run in a plane that is arranged parallel to the axes of movement 5 and perpendicular to the relative axis 6.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a side view detail of the holding device according to Figure 1. It shows that the clamping elements 4 each comprise a funnel-shaped receiving element 10 in their upper region, which has an enlarged cross-section and is designed to receive an object, in particular a grain. The (cylindrical) guide channels 11, in which the clamping elements 4 are arranged, are also shown. A transport channel 12 extends from the transport opening 3 towards the support element 9. The transport channel 12 allows an object placed in the transport opening 3 to fall onto the support element 9 and, during relative movement between the bar 1 and the clamping elements 4, remains below the transport opening 3 and is guided to the associated clamping element 4. The connecting element 8 is connected to a pin 21, which is guided in the support element 9.A lifting spring 22 acts on a shoulder of the pin 21 in the direction of the strip 1. To detachably connect the support element 9 and the strip 1, the strip 1 has an elongated hole 13, which extends essentially in the direction of the relative axis 6. A screw designed as a locking element 14 is arranged in the elongated hole 13. During operation, the movement of the strip 1 relative to the support element 9 is limited by the locking element 14. The elongated hole 13 also has a connection area so that the strip 1 can be connected to the support element 9 in the form of a bayonet fitting. If the strip 1 is to be separated from the support element 9, e.g., for maintenance work or to replace the strip 1, the locking element 14 can be detached from the support element 9, e.g., by removing the screw. by unscrewing, and the strip 1 can be slid down from the support element 9.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a top view of the detail of the holding device according to Figure 2. In particular, it is shown that the processing openings 2j are each groove-shaped with a substantially constant groove width, and the transport openings 3j are each substantially circular in shape. Furthermore, the strip 1 has a first ramp-shaped recess 15 and a second ramp-shaped recess 16. The first ramp-shaped recess 15 is arranged on one side of the strip 1, with the height of the first recess 15 decreasing (continuously) from the edge of the strip 1 to the transport opening 3. This allows for better guidance of grains to the transport opening 3. The second recess 16 is arranged on the side of the transport opening 3 opposite the first recess 15.The height of the second recess 16 decreases away from the transport opening 3 and serves to better guide grains to the transport opening of an adjacent strip 1. The second recess 16 interacts with the first recess 15 of an adjacent strip 1. In particular, it is preferably provided that the minimum height of the second recess 16 and the maximum height of the first recess 15 are essentially the same. This enables the smoothest possible transition from the second recess of one strip 1 to the first recess of an adjacent strip 1.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a front view of a holding device according to Figures 1 to 3. In particular, the ramp-shaped recesses 15, 16 are shown.

[0041] Figures 5 to 9 illustrate a method according to the invention for fixing an object, using a detail of a holding device as shown in Figures 1 to 4. During operation, the positions shown in Figures 5 to 9 (first 5, then 6, 7, 8, and finally 9) are assumed successively to fix and process an object. The positions can then be traversed in reverse order to release the object.

[0042] In Fig. 5, the holding device is in a first, closed position. The processing opening 2 is located essentially in the axis of movement 5, and the transport opening 3 is located above the support element 9 between the axes of movement 5 of two clamping elements 4, so that an object, e.g., a grain 17, can be guided through the transport opening 3 and, as shown, placed onto the support element 9. The clamping element 4 is furthermore in a holding position, with the spring 7 and the lifting spring 22 pressing the clamping element 4 towards the bar 1 and against the support element 9, respectively.

[0043] In Fig. 6, the holding device is in a second, open position. The bar 1 and / or the clamping element 4 have been moved, increasing the distance between the axis of movement 5 and the processing opening 2. The transport opening 3 is now essentially located in the processing axis 5. The clamping element 4 remains in the holding position. Due to the relative movement between the clamping element 4 and the bar 1, the grain 17 is pushed from the support element 9 into the hopper 10 of the clamping element 4 by means of the transport channel 12.

[0044] In Fig. 7, the clamping element 4 is in its rest position, with the transport opening 3 still located in the axis of movement 5 of the clamping element 4. By pushing the clamping element 4 back against the force of the lifting spring 22 into a rest position of the clamping element 4, the grain 17 is also moved away from the bar 1.

[0045] In Fig. 8 the clamping element 4 is still in the rest position, while now, through a relative movement between the clamping element 4 and the bar 1, the machining opening 2 is arranged in the axis of movement 5 of the clamping element 4.

[0046] In Fig. 9, the clamping element 4 has now been moved into a holding position by means of the spring 7 and the lifting spring 22, whereby the grain 17 is clamped and fixed between the funnel 10 of the clamping element 4 and the bar 1 in the area of ​​the machining opening 2. Due to the grain 17, the stop of the clamping element 4 does not rest against the stop of the support element 9, but is slightly spaced from it, with the spring 7 being compressed.

[0047] Figure 10 shows a conveyor belt designed as a transport device, which is formed from a multitude of holding devices as shown in Figures 1 to 9. Each holding device is connected to a chain link 18 of a chain. The chain links 18, and thus the holding devices, can be moved by means of two gears 19. In the straight sections of the conveyor belt, the holding devices are arranged close together, so that the bars 1 of the individual holding devices are separated from each other only by a small gap, which is smaller than the grains to be processed, or they touch each other. This creates a single sorting surface 20 in the upper section, which can be used, for example, to apply grains 17 to the sorting surface 20 and then, for example, with the help of brushes (not shown), introduce them into the transport openings 3 of the individual bars 1.The grains 17 can then be fixed in the holding devices and processed.

[0048] In Fig. 11 the conveyor belt according to Fig. 9 is shown in a top view, in particular the continuous sorting surface 20 is shown.

[0049] The individual process steps, in particular according to Figures 5 to 9, are carried out along the conveyor belt, and can be performed in both the upper and lower sections. Furthermore, the process steps can be performed with the belt running or with the belt stationary.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Holding device for fixing an object (17) comprising a strip (1) having a processing opening (2) and a clamping element (4) that is selectively movable along an axis of movement (5), wherein the clamping element (4) is designed to fix the object in a closed position between the clamping element (4) and the strip (1) in the area of ​​the processing opening (2), characterized in that the strip (1) and the clamping element (4) are designed such that the distance between the processing opening (2) and the axis of movement (5) can be selectively changed.

2. Holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing opening (2) lies substantially in the axis of movement (5) in the closed position.

3. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing opening (2) is essentially groove-shaped.

4. Holding device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the strip (1) further has a transport opening (3).

5. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the strip (1) has several processing openings (2).

6. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a spring (7) is provided, which is designed to act on the clamping element (4) in the direction of the axis of movement (5).

7. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the strip (1) has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

8. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the strip (1) has an elongated hole (13) wherein a blocking element (14) is arranged within the elongated hole (13).

9. Transport device comprising a plurality of holding devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method for fixing an object (17), e.g. a grain, in which in a first step an object (17) touches a clamping element (4), in a second step the distance between the processing opening (2) of a strip and the axis of movement (5) of the clamping element (4) is changed and in a third step the distance between the clamping element (4) and the strip (1) along the axis of movement (5) of the clamping element (4) is reduced so that the object (13) is fixed between the clamping element (4) and the strip (1).

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