Device for automatic distribution and placement of components and method of distribution
The described distribution system with multiple stations and sensors addresses the inefficiencies of existing robotic clipping systems by providing a cost-effective, flexible, and reliable method for clip placement in industrial plastic part production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SNEF SLOVENSKO SRO
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Current robotic clipping systems for industrial production of plastic parts are complex, time-consuming, costly, and prone to malfunctions due to gravity-based operation, requiring customization and being inflexible.
A distribution system with multiple identical stations, each equipped with sensors and cylinders, controlled by an external system, ensures precise and efficient placement of clips onto manufactured components, allowing for standalone or integrated operation with a feeding system.
The system reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes operational downtime, and enhances flexibility by ensuring reliable and efficient clip distribution and placement without manual handling, thus improving production efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure IB2026050579_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device for automatic distribution and placement of components and method of distribution
[0002] Field of invention
[0003] The device for automatic placement and distribution of components belongs to the field of clip applications for industrial production of plastic parts intended for further processing in various industrial sectors.
[0004] State of the art
[0005] In the field of clip applications for industrial production of plastic parts, robotic clipping systems are currently predominantly used. These are complex devices with intricate constructions, resulting in production processes that are both time-consuming and costly.
[0006] For example, the prior art includes the solution described in FR3004133A1. This invention relates to a device for placing clamp components onto a part intended for subsequent mounting onto a support. It also pertains to an installation for placing components onto such a part using the device, as well as an installation for loading components into this device. The objective of the invention is to reduce manufacturing costs of existing component placement devices and to avoid damage to the movement apparatus caused by manual placement by operators. According to the invention, the component placement device is mobile and includes means for manual handling, a component storage system, a component release zone, a pushing system, a percussion system, and control means for the percussion system.
[0007] The invention described in FR3138419A3 concerns a device for distributing components that enables transferring components, especially clamps or clips — arranged in bulk in a receiving container into temporary storage locations by orienting them in a predefined way. This transfer is performed by a disk rotatably mounted in the direction of rotation and containing holes that allow bulk withdrawal of components from the receiving container during disk rotation. The invention also relates to an installation equipped with one or more such devices.
[0008] Robotic clipping systems operate on the principle of gravity. These devices often cause operational problems and production downtime because the principle of gravity is a common source of malfunctions. Moreover, such systems need to be custom-made and tailored for specific applications, making the devices inflexible and financially demanding.
[0009] Essence of the technical solutionThe shortcomings of previously known solutions for mounting and distributing components in the field of clip application for industrial production are eliminated by the solution according to the present technical invention.
[0010] The distribution system includes a distribution system input through which clips are fed into the system, and one or more stations attached to the input that ensure the distribution of clips to the place of their application on industrially manufactured components. Each station includes its own distribution system output.
[0011] In the case of a single station, it is the lower station. From the perspective of production efficiency, it is usually suitable to use at least two or more stations. The stations are arranged one above the other at the input of the distribution system and are structurally identical, performing the same function of capturing the clip and mounting it onto the manufactured product.
[0012] The supply of clips to the system is ensured from a clip reservoir, which can be implemented, for example, by a feeding system connected to the input of the distribution system, as shown in Fig. 8.
[0013] The distribution system can operate as a standalone system or can be part of a larger system composed of two subsystems: a device for automatic feeding of clips and a device for automatic mounting and distribution of components.
[0014] If these devices are interconnected, they must fulfill several functions:
[0015] Bulk introduction of plastic clips into the feeder, which can be done either by an operator or by other means,
[0016] Sorting of clips, all of which come out of the feeding system in the same position, Distribution of clips by the distribution system to the desired application points. The device for automatic feeding of clips and the device for automatic mounting and distribution of components can operate as consecutive devices but can also be used separately as independent devices.
[0017] Version of the system with one station
[0018] In the simplest case, the distribution system contains only one station, in this case the lower station connected to the input of the distribution system, through which clips enter the system. At the input, the lower part is connected to the input distribution cylinder of the lower station, to which a station clip sensor is attached on the side, and behind it on the lower station is a carrier presence sensor. Further, the device is connected via a cable to a pulley with an electric motor.On the opposite side of the input, a clip presence sensor is attached on the side, behind which is a sensor for slowing the carrier, followed by an input hose connected to a hose, which is connected via an output hose to the output cylinder of the lower station. On the output cylinder of the lower station, there is a sensor for slowing the carrier at the output, as well as a carrier presence sensor at the output of the lower station and the distribution system output.
[0019] Fig. 5a shows a detail of the hose through which a cable passes, as well as the carrier and the clip placed inside it.
[0020] Fig. 7 shows in detail the distribution system output into which the hose containing the carrier with the clips leads. The hose is connected to the output hose, which is connected to the distribution system output.
[0021] Fig. 7a shows details A and B of Fig. 7, displaying the complementary shape of the carrier and the inserted clip.
[0022] The entire distribution system, as well as the communication between stations, is controlled by an external control system.
[0023] Version of the system with two stations
[0024] The distribution system with two stations contains a lower station above which, at a suitable distance so that the stations do not touch each other, is placed the upper station. Both stations are jointly connected to the input of the distribution system through which clips enter the system.
[0025] The lower station has the same construction as the one-station system.
[0026] The upper station contains, according to Fig. 5, an input distribution cylinder connected at the input, to which a clip presence sensor of the upper station is attached on the side, and behind it is a carrier presence sensor on the upper station. Further, the device is connected via cable to a pulley with an electric motor.
[0027] On the opposite side of the input, according to Fig. 4, a clip sensor is attached on the side, followed by a sensor for slowing the carrier, and then an input hose connected to a hose, which is connected to the output cylinder of the upper station. At the output of the upper station, there is a sensor for slowing the carrier, a carrier presence sensor at the output, and the distribution system output.
[0028] The upper station is structurally identical to the lower station except for one difference that applies whenever there are two or more stations: each station, except the lowest one, must be equipped with an additional separation cylinder as shown in Fig. 3, which ensures the stopping of the clip in individual stations.Only one clip at a time enters the system through the input. It is first placed in the lower station and then in the upper station above it. Clips are thus placed into individual stations from the lowest to the highest station.
[0029] The entire distribution system and communication between stations are controlled by an external control system.
[0030] Similarly, systems with three or more stations can be constructed. The number of stations corresponds to the number of clips that need to be distributed and placed for the given clip application.
[0031] Version of the system with three stations
[0032] Fig. 6 shows a system with three stations: two upper stations and one lower station. The input is connected to the output distribution cylinders of the first and second upper stations and to the output distribution cylinder of the lower station, which lead to three identical outputs. Upper stations clip presence detection sensors, and a lower station clip presence detection sensor are connected to the back of the input. These are connected to sensors detecting carrier presence at the input of the upper stations and to a sensor detecting carrier presence at the input of the lower station, both connected to three identical pulleys leading to cables.
[0033] Between the input and the output distribution cylinders of the upper stations and the output distribution cylinder of the lower station, there is a hose input equipped with sensors for slowing down the carrier at the input of the upper stations and a sensor for slowing down the carrier at the input of the lower station. The hoses inputs are connected to hoses which are themselves connected to sensors for slowing carriers at the outputs of the upper stations and for slowing the carrier at the output of the lower station. These sensors are connected to the carrier containing clips and to sensors detecting carrier presence at the output of the upper stations and at the output of the lower station.
[0034] Two upper stations are equipped with a separation cylinder as shown in Fig. 3, which allows the clip to be gradually moved through the individual stations.
[0035] The entire distribution system and communication between stations are controlled by an external control system.
[0036] Operation of the distribution system with one station
[0037] In the first step, the distribution system receives the clips via its input. Clips are fed from a connected feeding system or another clip reservoir and are gradually introduced into one or more stations.The clip feeding is set so that clips are released one by one from the external device and are gravity-fed into the lower station.
[0038] If a feeding system is connected to the distribution system, clip feeding works as follows:
[0039] The separation cylinders of the feeding system release only one clip at a time, The separation cylinders of one or more upper stations are retracted to allow the clip to enter the lower station,
[0040] The clip sensor detects the clip in position,
[0041] The separation cylinders of one or more upper stations extend to position 1, ready to receive a clip,
[0042] The separation cylinders of the feeding system release the next clip.
[0043] In the second step, clips are loaded into carriers by first detecting the presence of a clip at the input of the lower station with the clip sensor. If no clip is present, the system pauses. If a clip is present, the carrier presence sensor detects the carrier at the input of the lower station. If the carrier is also present, the input distribution cylinder of the lower station inserts the clip into the carrier, and the clip presence sensor detects the clip placed inside the carrier.
[0044] If the sensors of the lower station detect the presence of both the clip and carrier in the station, the control system issues a command to insert the clip into the carrier and move it to the application position, moving the clip to the output cylinder of the lower station.
[0045] Then the pulley with the motor is activated, moving toward the distribution system output, carrying the carrier with the clip to the application location.
[0046] Next, the clip is applied from the carrier onto the part.
[0047] The output cylinder of the lower station then retracts to allow the carrier to return to the station. Another clip is fed, inserted into the carrier, and the cycle repeats until stopped by the control system.
[0048] Stations are controlled by the control system and are loaded from the bottom up.
[0049] Operation of the cylinders:
[0050] All station cylinders are equipped with sensors detecting piston position in the cylinder, with the cylinder performing two movements: retraction and extension (0,1).
[0051] When extended, the cylinder carries the clip with the carrier to the application point, where the clip is released from the carrier and placed at the application location. The cylinder and carrier retract after releasing the clip. The cylinder sensor signals cycle completion to the control system.Operation of the distribution system with multiple stations:
[0052] If there are multiple stations, they are arranged one above the other, and the clip is first moved into the lowest station. The separation cylinder of the first upper station then extends to catch the next clip being fed into the first upper station.
[0053] For 2 stations:
[0054] The clip sensor of the lower station expects a clip while the separation cylinder of the first upper station is retracted to allow the clip to move to the lower station. Clips are released one by one from the external feeding device to the distribution system input. The lower station sensor detects the clip, then the separation cylinder of the upper station extends, and the clip sensor of the upper station waits for a clip. Simultaneously, if a carrier is present in the lower station (detected by the carrier presence sensor), the lower station inserts the clip into the carrier with the input distribution cylinder, then retracts the cylinder. Clips are further released one by one to the first upper station, where the sensor detects the clip. The carrier presence sensor of the upper station detects the carrier, then the input distribution cylinder inserts the clip into the carrier, and both the input distribution cylinder of the upper station and the separation cylinder of the first upper station retract so that the lower station can be reloaded.
[0055] For 3 stations:
[0056] The process is the same as with two stations, except that repeated loading begins only after the third station has been loaded.
[0057] Overview of the drawings
[0058] Fig. 1 - Distribution system with one station, perspective view
[0059] Fig. 2 - Distribution system with one station, side view
[0060] Fig. 3 - Distribution system with two stations, perspective view
[0061] Fig. 4 - Distribution system with two stations, side view
[0062] Fig. 5 - Distribution system with two stations, rear view
[0063] Fig. 5a - Detail of the carrier slowdown sensor, input and output
[0064] Fig. 6 - Distribution system with three stations, rear view
[0065] Fig. 7 - Complementarity of the carrier at the output or input station
[0066] Fig. 7a - Detail A of the surface on the carrier and Detail B of the V-shaped output Fig. 8 - Overall view of the connected feeding and distribution system
[0067] Fig. 9 - Feeding system, front viewExamples
[0068] Example 1
[0069] System version with one station - description according to Figures 1 and 2:
[0070] In this case, distribution system 28 operates as a standalone device, and clips 2 enter it from a connected feeder.
[0071] The distribution system 28, in its simplest form, contains only one station, here the lower station 31b connected to the input of the distribution system 8a, through which the clips 2 enter the system. At input 8a, the lower part is connected to the input distribution cylinder 19b of the lower station, to which a lower station clip sensor 24b is connected laterally, and behind it, on the lower station 31b, a carrier presence sensor 23b is placed. Furthermore, the device is connected via the cable 6 to a pulley 7 with an electric motor.
[0072] On the opposite side of input 8a, a clip presence sensor 21b is attached laterally, followed by a carrier deceleration sensor 26b, and behind it, a hose input 9a is connected to hose 3, the latter is connected via the hose output 9b to the lower station output cylinder 20b. A bottom station carrier decelerating sensor 27b is connected to the side of the lower station output cylinder 20b, and additionally, a bottom station output carrier presence detection sensor 25b and the output of the distribution system 8b are connected to the cylinder 20b.
[0073] The lower station hose 3 contains carrier 4 in which the clips 2 are guided, and underneath hose 3 is mounted a lower station clip sensor 24b.
[0074] Figure 5a shows a detail of the hose 3, through which the cable 6 circulates, amongst with the carrier 4 and the clip 2 placed in it.
[0075] As soon as the carrier 4 moving inside the hose 3 reaches the carrier deceleration sensors 26b or 27b, the control system 29 reduces the speed of the pulley 7 with the electric motor, ensuring smooth reaching of the end position detected by the carrier presence sensors 23b and 25b.
[0076] Figure 7 shows in detail the output of the distribution system 8b, into which the hose 3 opens, containing carrier 4 with clips 2. The hose 3 is connected to the hose output 9b, which is linked to the output of the distribution system 8b.
[0077] Figure 7a illustrates details A and B of Figure 7, showing the complementary shape of carrier 4 and the clip 2 inserted inside of it.
[0078] The complementarity of the carrier 4 at the output 9b and the input 9a in the station is ensured by V-shaped surfaces, so the orientation of the carrier 4 at the input or output is either 0° or 180°
[0079] The details of the V-shaped surfaces on carrier 4 and the output 8b ensure the correct orientation of the carrier 4.
[0080] The entire distribution system 28 as well as the communication between stations is controlled by an external control system 29.
[0081] Operation method of the distribution system with one station:
[0082] The distribution system first receives clips 2 through the input of the distribution system 8a. Clips 2 are guided from the connected feeder system 1 or another clip feeder and are gradually introduced into one or more stations.The feeding of clips 2 is arranged so that the clips 2 are released one by one from an external device and directed to the input of the distribution system 8a, where they move by gravity into the lower station 31b.
[0083] In the second step, clips 2 are loaded into carriers 4 by first detecting the presence of the clip 2 using the clip sensor 24b at the input of the lower station 31b. If no clip 2 is present, the system pauses. If clip 2 is present, the presence of the carrier 4 at the lower station input is detected by the sensor 23 b. If the carrier 4 is also present, the lower station input distribution cylinder 19b inserts the clip 2 into the carrier 4, and then the lower station sensor 21b detects the clip 2 placed in the carrier 4.
[0084] If the sensors of the lower station 31b detect both the clip 2 and the carrier 4 presence in the station, the control system 29 commands the insertion of the clip 2 into the carrier 4 and its transfer to the application position, moving the clip 2 toward the lower station output cylinder 20b.
[0085] Then, the pulley 7 with motor is activated, moving toward the output of the distribution system 8b, transporting the carrier 4 with the clip 2 to the application site.
[0086] Subsequently, clip 2 is inserted from carrier 4 onto the part.
[0087] The lower station output cylinder 20b then retracts, allowing carrier 4 to move back into the lower station 31b. Then the next clip 2 is released, loaded again into carrier 4 in the lower station 31b, and the cycle repeats until stopped by the control system 29.
[0088] Stations are managed by control system 29. Stations are loaded from bottom to top.
[0089] Operation of cylinders:
[0090] All the cylinders of the lower station 31b are equipped with sensors detecting the piston position inside the cylinder, with two movements: insertion and retraction (positions 0,1).
[0091] The lower station output cylinder 20b carries the clip 2 to the application site when extended, releasing the clip 2 from the carrier 4 and placing it on the application site. After releasing the clip 2, the output cylinder 20b retracts, and its sensor signals cycle completion to the control system 29.
[0092] Example 2
[0093] System version with two stations - described in Figures 3, 4, and 5:
[0094] In this case, the distribution system 28 operates in combination with the feeding system 1, with clips 2 entering it from the connected feeding system. The connection between the systems is shown in Figure 8.
[0095] The distribution system 28 with two stations contains a lower station 31b, above which is positioned an upper station 31a at a suitable distance so that the stations do not touch each other. Both stations are jointly connected to the input of the distribution system 8a through which clips 2 enter the system.
[0096] The lower station 31b has the same construction as in the single-station system.
[0097] The hose 3 of the upper station 31a contains inside a separating cylinder 22.
[0098] The upper station 31a includes, according to Figure 5, an input distribution cylinder 19a connected to the input of the upper station 8a. A clip presence sensor 24a is connected onthe side to this cylinder for detecting clips at the upper station, and behind it is a carrier presence sensor 23a located on the upper station 31a. Furthermore, the device is connected via cable 6 to a pulley 7 with an electric motor.
[0099] On the other side of the input 8a (see Figure 4), a clip sensor 21a is connected on the side, followed by a carrier decelerating sensor 26a, and then the hose input 9a is connected to the hose 3. The hose is connected to the hose output 9b to the upper station output cylinder 20a. On the upper station output cylinder 20a, there is a carrier decelerating sensor 27a at the upper station’s output, and an upper station output carrier presence sensor 25a, as well as the distribution system output 8b.
[0100] The upper station 31 a is structurally identical to the lower station 31b positioned below it, with one difference that applies for cases of two or more stations: every station except the lowest must have an additional separating cylinder 22, as shown in Figure 3, which ensures the sequential advancement of clip 2 through the individual stations.
[0101] Only one clip 2 at a time enters the system through the input 8a; it is first placed into the lower station 31b and then into the upper station 31a above it. Thus, clips 2 are placed into the stations starting from the lower station 31b up to the highest station positioned.
[0102] In this case, the distribution system 28 is connected to the feeding system 1 as shown in Figure 8. The device consists of two interconnected systems: feeding system 1 and distribution system 28. The feeding system 1 is mounted on a stand and connected at a certain angle to the distribution system 28, which is positioned lower underneath it.
[0103] The feeding system 1 operates based on gravity force. Therefore, this system must be installed on a sloped surface. The slope of the feeding system 1 relative to the surface normal to the ground ranges from 25° to 45°, changing depending on the type of clips 2, which vary in shape, size, weight, and possibly other properties.
[0104] Clips 2 are guided into the distribution system 28 through rails 1 lb, as shown in Figure 9.
[0105] The entire distribution system 28, as well as the communication between the stations, is controlled by external control system 29.
[0106] Operation method of the distribution system 28 with two stations:
[0107] Stations 31b and 31a are placed one above the other, and the clip 2 is first moved into the lower station 31b. Then, the separating cylinder 22 of the upper station 31a extends to capture the next clip 2 supplied to the upper station 31a.
[0108] The lower station clip sensor 24b waits for clip 2, while the separating cylinder 22 at the first upper station 31 a is retracted to allow the clip 2 to move to the lower station 31b. Clips 2 are released one by one from an external device and guided to the input of the distribution system 8a. The sensor 24b of the lower station detects clip 2, then the separating cylinder 22 at the first upper station 31a extends, and the clip sensor 24a at the first upper station awaits the clip 2.
[0109] Simultaneously, if a carrier 4 is present (detected by carrier presence sensor 25a), the lower station 31b inserts the clip 2 to the carrier 4 using the input distributing cylinder 19b, which then retracts. The feeding device continues releasing clips 2 one by one to the first upper station 31a. The sensor 24a detects the position of the clip 2.The lower station carrier presence sensor 25b detects the carrier 4. The upper station input distribution cylinder 19a pushes the clip 2 into carrier 4. Then, both the upper station input distribution cylinder 19a and the separating cylinder 22 at the first upper station 31a retract to allow the lower station 3 lb to be reloaded again.
[0110] Example 3
[0111] System version with three stations - Figure 6 shows a system with three stations: two upper stations 31a, 31c and one lower station 31b.
[0112] In this case, the distribution system 28 operates as a standalone device and clips 2 enter it from an attached magazine.
[0113] The input 8a is connected to the output distribution cylinders 20a and 20c of the first and second upper stations and to the output distribution cylinder 20b of the lower station, which lead to three identical outputs 8b. The upper stations clip presence sensors 24a and 24c are connected to the back of the inputs 8a, as well as the lower station clip presence sensor 24b. These sensors are connected to the upper station input carrier presence sensors 23a, 23c and the lower station input carrier presence sensor 23 b. All are connected to three identical pulleys 7 leading to cables 6.
[0114] Between the input 8a and the upper stations output distribution cylinders 20a and 20c and the lower station output distribution cylinder 20b is the hose input 9a, equipped with the upper stations input carriers decelerating sensors 26a and 26c, and the lower station input carrier decelerating sensor 26b. These are connected via hoses 3 and hoses outputs 9b to sensors 27a and 27c for slowing the carriers at the outputs of the upper stations, and 27b for slowing the carrier at the output of the lower station. These are linked to the carrier 4 containing clips 2, which is connected to the upper station’s carrier presence sensors 25a and 25c and the lower station output sensor 25a.
[0115] The separating cylinders 22 are located at the two upper stations 31a and 31c, as seen in Figure 3, which ensures the stopping of the clip 2 in the clip stations.
[0116] The entire distribution system 28 and the communication between stations are controlled by external control system 29.
[0117] Operation method of the distribution system 28 with multiple stations - for 3 stations:
[0118] The procedure is the same as for two stations, except that repeated reloading begins only after the third station is loaded.
[0119] Industrial Applicability
[0120] The device for automatic clip feeding and the feeding method according to the present solution are applied in the field of clip application for industrial production of plastic parts, which serve as inputs for other industrial sectors like, for example, the automotive industry.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Device for automatic distribution and placement of components, characterized in that it comprises a distribution system input (8a) connected to one or more stations, and a lower station (31b) equipped with a lower station input distribution cylinder (19b) connected to the lower part of the input (8a), to which a lower station clip sensor (24b) is connected on the side, and behind it is a carrier presence sensor (23b), further the lower station (31b) has a cable (6) connected to a pulley (7) with an electric motor, and on the other side of the input (8a) there is a clip presence sensor (21b) connected on the side, followed by a carrier decelerating sensor (26b), and behind it a hose input (9a) connected to a hose (3), which is connected via the hose output (9b) to a lower station output cylinder (20b), which has on its side a lower station output carrier decelerating sensor (27b), and further the cylinder (20b) is connected to a sensor (25b) detecting the presence of the carrier at the output of the lower station (31b) and an distribution system output (8b); wherein the hose (3) of the lower station contains a carrier (4) in which clips (2) are guided, and a lower station clip sensor (24b) is located underneath the hose (3), and the hose (3) is connected to the hose output (9b), which is connected to the distribution system output (8b); and the distribution system (28) as well as communication between stations are controlled by an external control system (29).
2. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (4) and the clip (2) have complementary shapes, with their complementarity at the output (9b) and the input (9a) ensured by V-shaped surfaces so that the orientation of the carrier (4) at the input or the output is 0° or 180°.
3. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claims 1-2, characterized in that the distribution system (28) is connected to a feeding system (1), the clips (2) entering through the distribution system input (8a) from the connected feeding system (1).
4. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claim 3, characterized in that the feeding system (1) is installed on a base and connected at a certain angle of inclination to the distribution system (28) positioned lower beneath it.
5. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claims 3-4, characterized in that the inclination angle of the feeding system to the base ranges from 25° to 45°, depending on the type of clips (2).
6. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claims 1-2, characterized in that the distribution system (28) is a standalone device, and clips (2) enter it from a connected magazine.
7. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claims 1-2, characterized in that the number of stations is two or more, whereby the number of stations corresponds to the number of clips (2) required to be distributed and placed in a given clip application, and the second and all further stations are positioned on the input (8a) above the lower station (31b) at a suitable distance so that the stations do not touch each other, and each station placed above the lower station (31b) is equipped with a separating cylinder (22).
8. The device for automatic distribution and placement of components according to claim 7, characterized in that the number of stations is two, whereby the first upper station (31a) is located on the input (8a) above the lower station (31b).
9. Method of distributing clips using the device according to claims 1-8, characterized in that in the first step clips (2) enter the distribution system through the input (8a) and are gradually fed into one or more stations, whereby the clips (2) are released one by one from an external device and guided to the distribution system input (8a), where they move by gravity to the lower station (31b), and the separating cylinders (22) of one or more upper stations are retracted to allow the clip (2) to enter the lower station (31b), then a clip sensor (24) detects the clip (2) in position, and the separating cylinders (22) of one or more upper stations extend into a first position where they wait for the clip (2), and from the external environment, another clip (2) is fed through distribution system input (8a); in the second step, clips (2) are loaded into carriers (4) so that the presence of the clip (2) is first detected by the clip sensor (24b) at the input of the lower station (31b), if no clip (2) is present, the system pauses; if the clip (2) is present, then the presence of the carrier (4) is detected by the carrier sensor (23b) at the input of the lower station, if the carrier (4) is also present, then the input distribution cylinder (19b) of the lower station inserts the clip (2) into the carrier (4), and subsequently a clip presence sensor (21b) of the lower station detects the clip (2) positioned in the carrier (4), and if the sensors of the lower station (31b) detect the presence of both the clip (2) and the carrier (4) in the station, the control system (29) issues a command to insert the clip (2) into the carrier (4) and move it to the application position, and the clip (2) moves to the output cylinder (20b) of the lower station, then the pulley (7) with an electric motor is activated, moving toward the distribution system output (8b), moving the carrier (4) with the clip (2) to the application location such thatthe output cylinder (20b) of the lower station, when extended, carries the clip (2) together with the carrier (4) to the application location, where the clip (2) is released from the carrier (4) and placed at the application spot, and the output cylinder (20b) of the lower station then retracts so the carrier (4) can return to the lower station (31b); the output cylinder (20b) of the lower station along with the carrier (4) retracts after releasing the clip (2), and the cylinder sensor registers the cycle completion and sends a signal to the control system (29), then the next clip (2) is loaded again into the carrier (4) at the lower station (31b); and the cycle repeats until stopped by the control system (29); in the case of two or more stations, the stations are loaded from the lower to the upper.
10. The method of clip distribution according to claim 9, characterized in that all cylinders of each station are equipped with sensors detecting the piston position in the cylinder, and the cylinder performs two movements: retraction and extension to positions 0 and 1.
11. The method of clip distribution according to claim 9, characterized in that clips (2) at input (8a) are fed from the connected feeding system (1) which is connected at an inclined angle to the distribution system (28) located below it.