Feeding device and arrangement

Abstract

The present specification relates to a feeding device (10) for feeding parts (P) comprising an input section (11), an output track (12) having an output track profile (12a), and a diverting section (20) arranged to divert parts having an orientation not fitting and admitting parts having an orientation fitting the output track profile, the feeding device further comprising a delivering device (60) having a delivering seat (70) arranged to receive a part (P) from the output track (12), wherein the feeding device utilizes a motor for enabling the diverting of parts by the diverting section and wherein the feeding device further utilizes vibrations generated by the motor for aiding a conveying of parts along the output track. The present specification also relates to a feeding arrangement comprising a tool for handling the parts (P) and a feeding device (10).

Description

[0001] FEEDING DEVICE AND ARRANGEMENT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present specification generally relates to feeding devices, more particularly to feeding devices for feeding parts such as e.g. threaded fasteners.

[0004] Background

[0005] Power tools for tightening of threaded fasteners are known to be used in various industries. Such power tools may for example be electrically or pneumatically powered. To improve productivity, feeding devices or arrangements for feeding headed parts such as screws to the power tool are known to be used for feeding parts automatically to the tool.

[0006] Known feeding arrangements may for example comprise a vibrating matrix plate arranged such that the screws fall into respective openings in the matrix plate to become correctly oriented, where a tool and / or a robot may pick up the screws. Other known feeding arrangements include rails for feeding the headed parts where the parts may be received and conveyed in the rail in an aligned manner and feeding arrangements relying on rotating discs or drums.

[0007] Regardless of the feeding principle used, challenges persist in properly conveying the parts, ensuring that no undesired ques, stalls or jamming of parts occurs.

[0008] Further, in some assembly applications, particularly small and short screws are used. Examples of such applications comprise assembly in production of mobile phones and other small devices. Many prior art sorters rely on the screw comprising a relatively long shaft that prevents the screw from being positioned (oriented) incorrectly. However, this operational principle is not applicable for small and short screws, especially screws having a small ratio between a length of a shaft and a diameter of a head, which cannot be reliably conveyed with prior art sorters.

[0009] Hence, there is a need for an improved feeding device that can solve or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Summary

[0010] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a feeding device capable of handling small and short screws more efficiently. In particular, it would be desirable to provide such a feeding device which can reliably convey parts of small dimensions, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. To better address one or more of these concerns, a feeding device and a feeding arrangement as defined in the independent claims are provided. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, a feeding device for feeding parts is provided, the feeding device comprising an input section, an output track having an output track profile and a diverting section arranged between the input section and the output track, wherein the diverting section is arranged to divert parts having an orientation not fitting the output track profile and admitting parts having an orientation fitting the output track profile, the feeding device further comprising a delivering device downstream of the output track, the delivering device having a delivering seat arranged to receive a part directly or indirectly from the output track, wherein the feeding device utilizes a motor for enabling the diverting of parts by the diverting section and wherein the feeding device further utilizes vibrations generated by the motor for aiding a conveying of parts along the output track.

[0012] According to the first aspect, the feeding arrangement provides an inventive solution to the concerns described above by means of a design utilizing one motor both for enabling the diverting of parts and for aiding in conveying them further after the diverting, at least the latter by utilizing vibrations generated by the motor. Theses vibration may for example aid in overcoming friction and minor obstructions affecting the parts being conveyed, allowing parts to settle into favorable positions (orientations) and continue along their intended path without interruption, preventing or reducing the risk of situation where parts might otherwise hesitate or stall.

[0013] More specifically, utilizing the same motor for both functions ensures that incorrectly oriented parts are efficiently diverted while also reducing the risk of parts getting stuck or jamming instead of being conveyed along the output track. As a result, production disturbances may be minimized, leading to increased overall throughput and improved productivity. Additionally, using a single motor allows for a more compact design.

[0014] By conveyed may be understood a part being transported or carried in any manner, for example a part travelling along the output track or a part traveling along any means of the diverting section when not positioned in the track.

[0015] The enabling of diverting of parts may involve pushing or transporting parts, such as using a rail, conveyor belt, rotating wheel or drum which may form part of a diverting operation. This may be performed by the motor directly driving the involved means, or in some cases by inducing vibrations which in turn push or transport parts again aiding or forming part of the diverting operation. The parts may be mounting parts, such as fasteners. Examples of fasteners comprise screws, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, anchors and rivets. The parts may be of uniform size and shape. The parts may for example be headed parts, i.e. parts comprising a shaft and a head connected to the shaft such as a screw. The feeding device may be particularly advantageous for feeding small screws, e.g. with a small ratio between shaft length and head diameter. The length of the shaft may for example be shorter than a diameter of the head.

[0016] The input section (of the feeding device) may be an input section allowing parts to be accommodated in a plurality of different orientations.

[0017] Parts having a correct orientation may be received and conveyed further in the output track in an aligned manner, such as forming a queue. According to one embodiment, the output track comprises a profile allowing parts to be conveyed while having a single orientation, such as a single orientation only. The single orientation may be a head-up orientation. The output profile may for example be a T-shaped profile where the parts may be conveyed in a head-up manner. The output track may further be arranged inclined relative to a direction of gravity.

[0018] The feeding device may in some embodiments comprise a delivering device downstream of the output track, the delivering device having a delivering seat arranged to receive a (single) part directly or indirectly from the output track, wherein the delivering device is configured to move the delivering seat from an input delivering position (location) for receiving the single part to an output delivering position (location) for delivering the single part to a tool. The delivering device may further comprise a vacuum holding arrangement arranged to hold the single part in place in the delivering seat by means of sub-atmospheric pressure.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the motor is adapted to be driven in a continuous drive mode. In some embodiments, the motor is adapted to be driven in a non-continuous drive mode and / or an intermittent and / or a vibrational and / or a reciprocating drive mode. Such drive modes may allow for more nuanced control over the vibrations generated and thus the conveying of parts. In some embodiments, the motor may be adapted to be driven in different drive modes having different frequencies and / or amplitudes of movement.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the motor is an electrical motor, e.g. a step motor. In other embodiments, the motor is an air motor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the feeding device further comprises at least one sensor for monitoring the feeding of parts. The sensor may for example be a sensor configured to monitor the diverting of parts at the diverting section and / or a sensor configured to monitor the conveying of parts for example along the output track.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the feeding device is further configured to (or alternatively comprises a control device configured to oris connectable / ed to an external control device configured to) control the operation of the motor. Such control of the operation may for example include controlling the motor to achieve the drive modes described above.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to control the operation of the motor based on data received from the at least one sensor. The operation may for example be controlled to increase or decrease the feeding rate based on the number of screws present in the diverting section and / or the output track. In some embodiments, the amplitude and / or frequency of vibrations may be increased in case no screws are detected as being diverted and / or present in the output track. Such an increase may be performed in a step wise or a continuous manner. In some embodiments, the operation of the motor may be controlled based on data from several sensors. According to one embodiment, the feeding device further comprises a base member, wherein the output track extends along a rail attached to or supported by the base member. In some embodiments, the diverting section and / or the motor may be arranged in or within the base.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the rail is attached to, and / or supported by, the base member in a manner that allows for limited relative movement between the rail and the base. The limited relative movement may be referred to as a play. The limited relative movement may be a moment in any direction, e.g. in one or more of the x-, y and / or z- direction.

[0025] This allows for controlling the vibration of the output rail by appropriately defining the play. This is particularly important when handling small parts, such as tiny screws, which are particularly challenging to convey for example due to their small gravitational influence.

[0026] For example, by loosely suspending the rail, it can be made to move more favorably, facilitating the conveyance of parts. For example, the more loosely suspended rail may allow for a more uniform movement of the rail, i.e. movement at the outer end of the output track but also at the end facing the wheel, thereby preventing jamming or stalling of parts at both ends. Additionally, this setup transmits less vibration to the base member or frame, reducing the force needed to induce vibration.

[0027] However, the limited relative movement may need to be controlled not only to manage the resulting vibration but also to maintain tolerances, especially where parts transfer between different components of the feeding device, such as between the diverting section and the output track, during conveyance.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the allowed relative movement lies in the range 0,05-0,15 mm, such as 0,075-0,125 mm. In one embodiment, the limited relative movement allowed is 0.1 mm.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the rail is attached to the base by means of shoulder screws, such screws typically have an unthreaded section at the middle of the shaft allowing for relative movement.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the rail is arranged to extend in an inclined manner with respect to a direction of gravity. According to one embodiment, the motor is flexibly mounted to the base member, for example in a manner that allows for limited relative movement between the motor and the base member. Examples include rubber blocks or other flexible elements arranged between the motor and the base. Such a flexible mounting may be beneficial for generating the vibrations mentioned above. In some cases, the flexible mounting may allow the motor to move slightly in multiple directions relative to the base, which may enhance the vibrational effects. The degree of flexibility in the mounting may be tuned to optimize the vibration characteristics for different types or sizes of parts being fed through the device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the feeding device is configured for feeding screws, the size of the screws being smaller than M5, such as smaller than M3.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the diverting section comprises a wheel arranged to be driven in rotation by the motor for conveying parts, the wheel comprising at least one feeding track arranged to receive and convey the parts, a stationary lid arranged to partially cover the feeding track, wherein the lid is arranged to block parts having an orientation not fitting the output track profile and admitting parts having an orientation fitting the output track profile.

[0033] The lid may for example be arranged adjacent to the wheel and / or arranged to at least partially cover the at least one track and comprising and / or constituting a blocking structure for diverting parts having an orientation not fitting the output track profile. For example, such that a gap (or space) is formed between the wheel and the lid, wherein the gap is so narrow that parts having an orientation not fitting the output track profile are diverted by the lid from entering the gap.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the diverting section comprises a diverting gap arranged to divert parts conveyed from the input section having an orientation not fitting the output track profile. The diverting gap may for example be an air gap. The feeding arrangement may for example be arranged such that correctly oriented parts fly one by one over the diverting gap, and into the output track such that only parts that are correctly oriented in the air will enter the output track. The diverting section may further comprise a blocking structure arranged to block parts from having an orientation not fitting the output track profile.

[0035] The motor may in such an embodiment for example be a motor arranged to transfer parts from the input section to the diverting section, such as a motor arranged to power a conveyor belt transferring parts to the input track.

[0036] According to a second aspect, a feeding arrangement (or feeding system) comprising a tool for handling the parts and a feeding device according to any one of the embodiments described in the foregoing is provided. The tool may for example be an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic power tool. Alternatively, or in addition, the tool may be a tightening tool, e.g. for tightening a nut on a threaded member. The feeding device may be positioned (located) immediately adjacent to the tool.

[0037] The feeding arrangement may further comprise a supply device arranged to supply parts from the storage to the input section.

[0038] The feeding arrangement may be composed as a single unit. The feeding arrangement may further comprise a robot. The robot may carry the feeding arrangement and the tool. Thus, the entire feeding arrangement may be carried by and moved by (move together with) the tool.

[0039] Objectives, advantages and features conceivable within the scope of the second aspect of the invention are readily understood by the foregoing discussion referring to the first and second aspect of the invention.

[0040] Further objectives of, features of and advantages of the present invention will also become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0041] Brief description of the drawing

[0042] The invention will be described in the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawing, on which Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary feeding device according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary feeding device according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary feeding device according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary feeding device according to one embodiment.

[0046] All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0047] Detailed description

[0048] In fig. 1 a feeding device 10 for feeding parts P, e.g. parts having a head and shaft such as screws P, for example M2 screws, is shown in a perspective view. The feeding device 10 may comprise an input section 11, an output track 12 having an output track profile 12a, and a diverting section 20 arranged between the input section 11 and the output track 12. The diverting section 20 is arranged to divert parts P having an orientation not fitting the output track profile 12a and admitting parts P having an orientation fitting the output track profile 12a.

[0049] The feeding device 10 may utilize a motor (not shown), such as an electric step motor, for enabling the diverting of parts P by the diverting section 20. The diverting section 20 may for example comprise a wheel 100 arranged to be driven in rotation by the motor for conveying the parts P, for example a vibrational drive mode. The feeding device 10 may further utilize vibrations generated by the same step motor for aiding the conveying of parts along the output track 12a as will be described in more detail below.

[0050] As illustrated in figure 2, the wheel 100 may comprise one or more feeding tracks 101 arranged to receive and convey the parts P and a lid 102 arranged to partially cover the feeding track 101. The lid 102 may be arranged to block parts P having an orientation not fitting the output track profile 12a and admitting parts P having an orientation fitting the output track profile 12a. The lid 102 may to this end be arranged such that a gap 50, or space 50, is formed between the wheel 100 and the lid 102. This gap 50 may for example be designed being so narrow that parts P having an orientation not fitting the output track profile 12a are diverted by the lid 102 from entering the gap 50. For example, only parts P travelling head up such that the body or shaft portion of the part P is accommodated in the track 101, are oriented such that part head fits the narrow gap 50. Other parts P, such as for example parts P oriented shaft up and head down or parts travelling in a tilted manner are diverted at the gap 50.

[0051] The headed parts having a correct orientation may be received and conveyed further in the output track 12 in an aligned manner as the feeding track 101 aligns with the output track 12. Parts P may for example form a que in the portion of the feeing track 101 extending though the gap 50 before leaving to the output track 12.

[0052] In this embodiment, based for example on data from multiple sensors (not shown), the motor can for example be controlled to reduce the feed rate through the diverting section 20 while simultaneously increasing the conveying rate in the output track 12. For example, the motor can be stopped in a position where no diverting occurs, such as when the feeding track 101 of the wheel 100 and the output track 12 are not aligned. In this position, the motor can be controlled to alternate back and forth over a short distance to create vibrations in the output track 12, temporarily halting the diverting process. This approach can be advantageous when sensor data indicates that screws P are stuck in the upper, wheel-side portion of the output track 12 and are not being conveyed further.

[0053] The lid 102 may for example be a stationary lid 102 arranged to at least partially cover the feeding tracks 101 (and hence the wheel 100) and may for example comprise an axially extending central cylindrical portion 103 at least partly defining an input section 11 formed between the cylindrical section 103 and the wheel 100 allowing parts P to be accommodated in a plurality of different orientations.

[0054] At the end of the output track 12, parts P may be conveyed further. The feeding device 10 may for example further comprise a delivering device 60 arranged downstream of the output track 12, one example is shown in more detail in fig. 3. The delivering device 60, which may also be referred to as a presenter 60, may comprise a delivering seat 70 arranged to receive a single part P directly or indirectly from the output track 12, wherein the delivering device 60 is configured to move the delivering seat from an input delivering position for receiving the single part P to an output delivering position for example aligned with a tool axis of a tool. The presenter 60 is shown in the input delivering position Pl in fig. 1.

[0055] The feeding device 10 1 may further comprise a base member 40 arranged to support the wheel 100, for example in an inclined manner with respect to a direction of gravity (such as a vertical direction), and to which the lid 102 may be attached, as illustrated in fig, 1. The base member 40 may also house the motor, which may be flexibly mounted to the base member 40.

[0056] The output track 12 may be arranged to extend in a rail 80 attached to the base member 40, for example in an inclined manner with respect to a direction of gravity.

[0057] The rail 80 may for example be attached to, or supported by, the base 40 in a manner that allows for a limited relative movement between the rail 80 and the base 40. In other words, a play may be present between the rail 80 and the base 40, such as a play of approximately 0.1 mm in all direction. The rail 80 may for example be attached to the base member 40 by means of shoulder screws 81.

[0058] As mentioned above, the feeding device 10 may further utilize vibrations generated by the step motor for aiding a conveying of parts P along the output track 12. The attachment of the rail 80 allowing some movement, makes it possible to control the resulting vibration of the output rail 80, for example by enabling more vibration, allowing the rail 80 to move more favorably, facilitating the conveyance of parts P.

[0059] For example, the more loosely suspended rail 80 provides for a uniform movement of the rail 80, i.e. not only movement at the outer end of the output track 12 facing the delivery device 60 but also at the end facing the wheel 100, thereby preventing jamming of parts P at the wheel 100 end as well.

[0060] Another example of a feeding device 10 for feeding parts is shown in fig. 4. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0061] The feeding device 10 comprises an input section 11 in the form of an input track 38 for conveying screws P, an output track 12 for conveying parts P further positioned downstream of the input track 38, and a diverting section 20 positioned between the input track 38 and the output track 12. The feeding device 10 may utilize a motor, such as an electric motor, for enabling the diverting of parts P by the diverting section 20. For example, a motor arranged to transfer parts from the input section 11 to the diverting section 20, such as an electric motor arranged to power a conveyor device for transferring parts P to the input track 38. The feeding arrangement 10 of this embodiment for example comprises a conveyor belt 300 driven by the motor around two pulleys for supplying parts P to the input track 38, for example in a vibrational drive mode.

[0062] The input track 38, the output track 12 and the diverting section 20 may be attached to or supported by a base 40 member, the input track 38 and the output track 12 may further be inclined with respect to a direction of gravity.

[0063] The diverting section 20 of the illustrated example comprises a blocking structure and a diverting gap 26, here exemplified as an air gap, between the input track 38 and the output track 12. As the parts / screws P move downwards along the input track 38 by gravity due to the inclination of the input track 38, the length and inclination of the input track 38 generate a predetermined speed of the screws P at a downstream end of the input track 38. At the downstream end of the input track 38, the screws P fly out from the input track 38 and to the diverting gap 26. In the diverting gap 26, screws P that are not in an orientation fitting the output track profile 12a will bump into the blocking structure. The screws P that are oriented correctly to fit the output track profile 12a will fly one by one through the diverting gap 26 and into the output track 12 where they may be lined up correctly oriented in a queue.

[0064] The feeding device 10 of this example further comprises a delivering device 60 positioned downstream of the output track 12 and configured to deliver screws P, one at a time, to a tool (not shown).

[0065] The output track 12 may further be arranged to extend along a rail 80 attached to the base member 40, for example in an inclined manner with respect to a direction of gravity.

[0066] The rail 80 may for example be attached to, or supported by, the base 40 in a manner that allows for a limited relative movement between the rail 80 and the base 40. In other words, a play may be present between the rail 80 and the base 40, such as a play of approximately 0.1 mm in all direction. To aid the conveying of parts P along the output track 12, the feeding device 10 may utilize vibrations generated by the motor, in this example the motor driving the conveyor belt 300. The attachment of the rail 80 allowing some movement, allows for controlling the resulting vibration of the output track 12, i.e. to control the rail 80 to move more favorably, facilitating the conveyance of parts P.

[0067] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. The skilled person understands that many modifications, variations and alterations are conceivable within the scope as defined in the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A feeding device (10) for feeding parts (P) (having a head and a shaft portion), the feeding device (10) comprising:- an input section (11);-an output track (12) having an output track profile (12a), and- a diverting section (20) arranged between the input section (11) and the output track (12), wherein the diverting section is arranged to divert parts having an orientation not fitting the output track profile and admitting parts having an orientation fitting the output track profile, the feeding device further comprising a delivering device (60) downstream of the output track (12), the delivering device (60) having a delivering seat (70) arranged to receive a part (P) directly or indirectly from the output track (12), wherein the feeding device utilizes a motor for enabling the diverting of parts by the diverting section, and wherein the feeding device further utilizes vibrations generated by the motor for aiding a conveying of parts along the output track.

2. Feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the motor is adapted to be driven in a continuous and / or an intermittent and / or a vibrational and / or a reciprocating drive mode.

3. Feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motor is an electrical motor or an air motor.

4. Feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sensor for monitoring the feeding of parts.

5. Feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control device configured to control the operation of the motor.

6. Feeding arrangement according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the control device is configured to control the operation of the motor based on data received from the at least one sensor.

7. Feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base member (40), wherein the output track extends along a rail (50) attached to the base member.

8. Feeding device according to claim 7, wherein the rail is attached to the base in a manner that allows for limited relative movement between the rail and the base.

9. Feeding device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rail is attached to the base by means of shoulder screws (51).

10. Feeding device according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the allowed relative movement lies in the range 0,05-0,15 mm, such as 0,075-0,125 mm.

11. Feeding device according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein the rail is arranged to extend in an inclined manner with respect to a direction of gravity.

12. Feeding device according to anyone of claims 7-11, wherein the motor is flexibly mounted to the base member in a manner that allows for limited relative movement between the motor and the base member.1513. Feeding device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding device is configured for feeding screws, the size of the screws being smaller than M5, such as smaller than M3.

14. Feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diverting section comprises• a wheel arranged to be driven in rotation by the motor for conveying parts, the wheel comprising at least one feeding track arranged to receive and convey the parts;• a stationary lid arranged to partially cover the feeding track; wherein the lid is arranged to block parts having an orientation not fitting the output track profile and admitting parts having an orientation fitting the output track profile.

15. Feeding arrangement comprising a feeding device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 10-12 and a tool for handling the parts (P).

16. Feeding arrangement according to any claim 15, further comprising a robot for carrying the feeding device and the tool.

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