Feeding system for automatic component placement equipment and feeding method

Abstract

Feeding system for automatic component placement machine comprises an feeding system input (5a) located on a baseplate, equipped with a level sensor (14). On the rear side of the feeding system (1) input (5a), a main plate (30) is mounted, on which a blade cylinder (10), two shock absorbers (16), a blade shaft (17) with bearings, and a clip magazine sensor (18) are installed. Inside the input (5a), a movable blade (12) is located, the edge of which has a shape complementary to the geometry of the clips (2). The blade (12) is mounted on the blade shaft (17) with bearings, and the blade arm (12) is driven by the blade cylinder (10). The main plate (30) also holds the shock absorbers (16). The feeding system input (5a) is connected to the output (5b), which is equipped with a clip (2) output opening. A separation cylinder (13) is located behind the output (5b), shaped to fit into the output opening. The feeding system output (5b) is further connected to the upper rails (Ila) of the feeding system, which guide the clips (2) towards two distribution cylinders (15) located on both sides of the upper rails (Ila). Behind the distribution cylinders (15), lower rails (1 lb) are placed, leading out of the feeding system (1). The inclination of the feeding system (1) relatively to the baseplate ranges from 25° to 45°, depending on the type of clips (2). The feeding system (1) is connected to an external power source and controlled by an external control system (29). The method of operation of the feeding system (1) is also described.

Description

[0001] Feeding system for automatic component placement equipment and feeding method

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The technical solution relates to a feeding system for an automatic component placement device and a method of feeding components.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] In the field of feeding systems for the application of components in the industrial production of plastic parts, vibratory feeding systems are currently the most commonly used. The components used are most often clips. These are complex devices with a complex design, making their production time-consuming and financially demanding.

[0006] Moreover, clip vibratory feeders frequently cause operational issues and production downtimes, as they are complicated to adjust during regular use.

[0007] In addition to vibratory feeders, other methods for dosing and feeding components are also known in industrial production, often utilizing automated means or robotic systems.

[0008] From the prior art, a known solution is disclosed, for example, in FR3029901A1. This invention relates to a device for dispensing and assembling clip-type or similar components, comprising a reservoir that holds a small number of components. It includes a piston system that extracts a component from the buffer reservoir and brings it into a preferred position within the piston system, and a first detection means for identifying this preferred position. A manipulation system grips the component in its preferred position, and a second detection means for detecting whether the component has been grasped by the manipulation system. The machine is configured to stop the bidirectional system in a preferred position upon activation of the first detection means, and to start the bidirectional system upon activation of the second detection means. The invention also relates to an installation comprising at least one distribution and assembly device and at least one component feeding device.

[0009] Patent EP 0 699 604 Al “Vibratory parts-feeders” by applicant Shinko Electric Co. Ltd. describes a solution in which a bowl is mounted on a base block by means of multiple sets of leaf springs in a vibratory parts feeder. A controller E is connected to the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit. The bowl is driven into a torsional vibration at approximately its resonant frequency and with a desired amplitude, which can be adjusted either automatically or manually via the controller.

[0010] Patent EP 3 246 275 Al, titled “Vibratory bowl for continuously supplying small pieces”, by applicant Intec Industrias Tecnicas S.L., relates to a vibratory bowl designed for the continuous supply of small components. The bowl has a conical wall and a bottom forming a concave area for storing components. A conical spiral track is formed within the conical wall, along which the components are transported due to vibrations to a discriminator. In the track wall that contacts the components as they move forward, at least one anti-slip element isintegrated. This anti-slip element is different from the bowl body and extends along at least one segment of the track. The anti-slip element has a static friction coefficient higher than that of the track wall.

[0011] Essence of the technical solution

[0012] The shortcomings of existing solutions in the field of component feeding devices and methods of feeding components for industrial production applications are overcome by the presented solution of a feeding system for a device for automatic placement and distribution of components.

[0013] The task of the feeding system is to introduce components into the device and sort them so that they all exit the system in the same orientation, ready for placement.

[0014] The feeding system can operate independently or be connected to a distribution system, in which case both systems are part of the automatic component placement device.

[0015] For the purposes of this application, the components will be referred to as "clips". The automatic component placement device typically consists of two subsystems: the feeding system and the distribution system. These are interconnected and must fulfill the following functions:

[0016] Bulk introduction of clips (plastic fasteners) into the feeder, either manually or via another method (e.g., vibrating hopper),

[0017] Sorting of clips to ensure they exit the feeder in the same orientation, Distribution of the clips to the required positions, where they are mounted.

[0018] An overall view of the automatic component placement device with interconnected feeding and distribution systems is shown in Fig. 6. The device includes two connected systems: the feeding system and the distribution system. The feeding system is mounted on a support and is angled relative to the distribution system, which is positioned below the feeder.

[0019] The feeding system can operate either connected to the distribution system or as a standalone device, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0020] The feeding system includes an input section mounted on a base plate and equipped with a level sensor. On the back of the feeder input, there is a main plate that holds a blade cylinder, two shock absorbers, a blade shaft with bearings, and a clip reservoir sensor.

[0021] Inside the feeder input, there is a movable blade mounted on the blade shaft with bearings. The blade arm is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder located on the main plate. The blade’s edge has a shape complementary to the geometry of the clips, as different clip shapes require a unique blade for handling.

[0022] The blade performs an oscillating motion, with its end positions being limited by the shock absorbers located on the main plate.The feeder input is connected to the feeder output, which is equipped with an output opening for the clip. Behind the output, there is a separating cylinder shaped to fit into the feeder output opening.

[0023] The output is further connected to upper guide rails, which lead the clips toward the distribution cylinders positioned on both sides of the rails. Behind the distribution cylinders are lower guide rails, which lead out of the feeding system.

[0024] The feeding system is connected to an external power source and is controlled by an external control unit.

[0025] The system's inclination relative to the base is between 25° and 45°, and this angle varies depending on the type of clip, which may differ in shape, size, weight, or other properties.

[0026] The blade, upper rails, lower rails, and output are all interchangeable, allowing the system to be adapted for different types of clips and various connected distribution systems.

[0027] The lower rails, which exit the feeding system, can be connected to a distribution system.

[0028] Operating Principle of the Feeding System

[0029] The feeding system described here operates based on gravity.

[0030] It must be installed on a base with an inclination angle between 25° and 45°, depending on the clip type, which may differ in shape, size, weight, or other characteristics.

[0031] In the first step, the system is assembled for a specific type of clip, and optionally for a specific type of distribution system, according to the user’s requirements. The blade, upper and lower rails, and output suitable for that clip type are selected. The appropriate tilt angle is also selected within the 25°-45° range.

[0032] The ability to change only certain components depending on the clip type (while the rest of the system remains unchanged) is a major advantage of the proposed solution. This makes the system flexible and suitable for a variety of industrial applications, enabling fast and easy customization for specific client requirements.

[0033] After assembling the system and placing it on the base, the following steps occur:

[0034] Clips are placed into the feeder input, either manually or using a conveyor or vibrating hopper.

[0035] If the clip reservoir sensor does not detect clips, it sends a signal to the level sensor to request a refill. If the level sensor also does not detect clips, it signals the control system, which triggers an audio or visual alert.If the level sensor detects the presence of clips, the external control system activates the blade. The blade moves in an oscillating motion powered by a pneumatic cylinder.

[0036] The control system activates the cylinder valve for a preset time, moving the blade to the upper position, where it remains until gravity causes clips to move to the output. Then the control system switches the valve to move the blade to the lower position, again for a preset time interval. The blade shaft and bearings ensure proper mounting and oscillating movement.

[0037] The preset time intervals for the upper and lower positions vary based on the clip type and are defined in the external control system.

[0038] When the blade reaches its end positions, it hits the shock absorbers. The blade edge is shaped to match the clip’s geometry, allowing it to capture the clip in the correct position. As it moves from lower to upper position, it pushes one or more clips to the output. During the downward motion, the separating cylinder inserts into the output opening to eject any clip that may have been incorrectly positioned.

[0039] The clips are guided from the output one by one onto the upper rails, which lead them in sequence to the distribution cylinders. These cylinders act as separators, ensuring that only one clip at a time reaches the lower rails. The two cylinders are positioned opposite each other; the front one releases a clip while the rear one holds the others.

[0040] Finally, clips are guided via the lower rails out of the feeding system.

[0041] If the feeder is part of a larger device that includes a clip distribution system, the clips continue from the feeder’s lower rails into the distribution system.

[0042] Overview of the drawings:

[0043] Fig. 1 - Overall view of the feeding system

[0044] Fig. 2 - Feeding system, rear view

[0045] Fig. 3a - Feeding system, blade in the upper position

[0046] Fig. 3b - Feeding system, blade in the lower position

[0047] Fig. 4 - Feeding system, top view

[0048] Fig. 5 - Feeding system inclined at 35°

[0049] Fig. 6 - Overall view of a possible connection between the feeding system and the distribution system

[0050] Fig. 7 - Distribution system with two stations

[0051] Examples

[0052] Example 1The feeding system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes an feeding system input 5a equipped with a level sensor 14. On the rear side of the feeding system input 5a, there is a main plate 30 as shown in Fig. 2. The main plate 30 holds a blade cylinder 10 and also supports two shock absorbers 16, the blade shaft 17 with bearings, and a clip magazine sensor 18.

[0053] A movable blade 12 is mounted in the feeding system input 5a on the blade shaft 17 with bearings.

[0054] The blade arm 12 is driven by the cylinder 10, which is mounted on the main plate 30. The end positions of the blade 12’s swinging motion are limited by the shock absorbers 16, which are also mounted on the main plate 30. Fig. 3a shows the blade 12 in the upper position, and Fig. 3b shows the blade 12 in the lower position.

[0055] The blade 12 has an edge shaped complementary to the geometry of the clips 2. Due to varying clip shapes, a unique blade 12 is required for handling each type.

[0056] The feeding system input 5a is connected to the feeding system output 5b, which has an opening for clip 2 discharge. Behind the output 5b is a separating cylinder 13, which is insertable into the output 5b opening.

[0057] The output 5b is further connected to upper rails Ila of the feeding system, which guide the clips 2 to distribution cylinders 15 positioned on both sides of rails Ila. Below the pair of distribution cylinders 15 are the lower rails 1 lb of the feeding system.

[0058] The feeding system 1 is connected to an external power source and controlled by an external control system 29.

[0059] The blade 12, upper rails Ila, lower rails 11b, and output 5b are interchangeable, allowing the feeding system 1 to be adapted for different clip types 2.

[0060] The feeding system 1 operates independently in this example.

[0061] System Operation

[0062] Step 1: The system is assembled for the given clip 2 type according to the user’s requirements. The blade 12, upper rails Ila, lower rails 11b, and output 5b suitable for the clip type 2 are selected.

[0063] Step 2: The system is placed on a base. The feeding system 1 operates on the principle of gravity, so it must be installed with a slope. The feeding system 1 shown in Fig. 5 is inclined at 35° to the horizontal plane, which ensures proper placement of clips 2 at the interface between its base and the contact surface to facilitate grip by the blade 12.

[0064] Process FlowClips 2 are placed in the input 5a, typically positioned manually by the operator.

[0065] If the clip magazine sensor 18 does not detect clips 2, it signals the level sensor 14 to request refilling.

[0066] If the level sensor 14 does not detect clips 2, it signals the external control system 29, which then triggers an audible or visual alert to indicate the need for refilling.

[0067] If the level sensor 14 detects the presence of clips 2, the blade 12 is activated.

[0068] The blade 12 moves via pneumatic cylinder 10 in a swinging motion controlled by the external control system 29.

[0069] The external control system 29, in this case a PLC, activates the valve of cylinder 10 for a predetermined time interval, moving the blade 12 to the upper position as shown in Fig. 3a and holding it there until clips 2 move by gravity to the output 5b.

[0070] Then the control system 29 switches the cylinder valve to move the blade 12 to the lower position for a preset time interval as shown in Fig. 3b.

[0071] The blade shaft 17 with bearings supports the blade 12 on the main plate 30 and enables its swinging movement.

[0072] The time intervals for holding the blade 12 in the upper and lower positions are different and preset in the control system 29 for the specific clip type 2.

[0073] When the blade 12 moves to its end positions, it enters in contact with the shock absorbers 16. The blade’s edge’s shape complements the clip 2 geometry, allowing it to grip the clip 2 correctly.

[0074] During its movement from lower to upper position, the blade 12 catches one or more clips 2 and moves them to the output 5b.

[0075] While the blade 12 swings to the lower position, the separating cylinder 13 inserts into the corresponding output 5b opening. The cylinder 13 dislodges any clips 2 that might be stuck in an incorrect position at the output 5b.

[0076] Clips 2 exit the output 5b one by one onto the upper rails Ila, through which they are guided consecutively to the distribution cylinders 15, serving as separators to release the clips 2 onto the lower rails 11b one at a time.

[0077] Two distribution cylinders 15 are positioned opposite each other, alternating extension to release clips one by one, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0078] Finally, the clips 2 are guided out of the system via the lower rails 11b.Example 2

[0079] The feeding system 1 is as described in Example 1 , except that:

[0080] The device is inclined at 25° to the horizontal plane.

[0081] Clips 2 are placed into the input 5a, with the clip placement ensured in this case by a conveyor feeder.

[0082] The feeding system 1 operates as part of an automatic component placement device and is connected to the distribution system 28, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0083] The feeding system 1 is mounted on a base and connected at an angle to the distribution system 28, which is positioned lower, beneath the feeding system 1.

[0084] Behind the pair of distribution cylinders 15 are the lower rails 1 lb of the feeding system, which feed into the distribution system 28. Clips 2 are guided through the lower rails 1 lb of the feeding system into the distribution system 28.

[0085] The distribution system 28 in this case is equipped with a single input distribution cylinder station.

[0086] Example 3

[0087] The feeding system 1 is as described in Example 1, except that it is inclined at 45° to the horizontal plane.

[0088] The feeding system 1 operates as part of an automatic component placement device and is connected to the distribution system 28.

[0089] Clips 2 are placed into the input 5a. The placement of clips 2 is ensured in this case by a vibration feeder.

[0090] The distribution system 28 in this case is equipped with two stations: an upper station and a lower station of the input distribution cylinder, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0091] Industrial Applicability

[0092] The device for automatic clip feeding and the feeding method according to the present invention are applicable 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. Feeding system for a device for automatic component placement, characterized in that it comprises an feeding system input (5a) arranged on a base and equipped with a level sensor (14), and on the rear side of the feeding system input (5a) (1) is located a main plate (30), on which are mounted a blade cylinder (10), two shock absorbers (16), a blade shaft (17) with bearings, and a clip magazine sensor (18), wherein inside the input (5a) is arranged a movable blade (12) whose edge has a shape complementary to the geometry of clips (2), and the blade (12) is mounted on the blade shaft (17) with bearings, and the blade arm (12) is driven by the blade cylinder (10), and on the main plate (30) the impact shock absorbers (16) are arranged, and the feeding system input (5a) is connected to the feeding system output (5b), which is equipped with an opening for clip (2) exit, and behind the output (5b) is arranged a separating cylinder (13) shaped to fit into the output opening (5b), and the feeding system output (5b) is further connected to upper rails (Ila) of the feeding system, which guide the clips (2) to two distribution cylinders (15) arranged on both sides of the upper rails (Ila), and behind the distribution cylinders (15) are arranged lower rails (11b) of the feeding system, which lead out from the feeding system (1), wherein the inclination of the feeding system (1) relative to the base is in the range of 25° to 45° depending on the type of clips (2), and the feeding system (1) is connected to an external power source and controlled by an external control system (29).

2. Feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclination of the feeding system (1) relative to the base is 35°.

3. Feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade (12), upper rails (1 la), lower rails (1 lb), and output (5b) are adapted for a specific type of clip (2) and are interchangeable within the feeding system (1).

4. Feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is a PLC.

5. Feeding system according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the feeding system is connected to a distribution system (28).

6. Feeding system according to claim 5, characterized in that the external control system (29), the lower rails (11b), and the distribution system (28) have one or more stations (19b) of the input distribution cylinder.

7. Method of feeding components by the feeding system according to claims 1 to 6, characterized by the steps of: selecting suitable system components for the given clip type (2) according to user input: blade (12), upper rails (Ila), lower rails (11b), and output (5b), and assembling the entire feeding system (1); placing the feeding system (1) on a base with an installation angle between 25° and 45°; placing clips (2) into the input (5a); if the clip magazine sensor (18) does not detect clips (2), issuing a commandto the level sensor (14) to refill clips; if the level sensor (14) does not detect clips (2), signaling the need for refill to the control system (29), which signals this condition via audible or visual signals; if the level sensor (14) detects clips (2), activating the blade (12), which moves by the pneumatic blade cylinder (10) with a swinging motion controlled by the external control system (29), which energizes the valve of the blade cylinder (10) for a preset time interval in the control system (29), wherein the blade (12) moves to the upper position and remains there until clips (2) move by gravity to the output (5b); then the external control system (29) switches the valve of the blade cylinder (10) to move the blade (12) to the lower position for a preset time interval, the blade shaft (17) with bearings ensuring mounting of the blade (12) on the main plate (30) while allowing swinging motion; the blade (12) oscillates between end positions where it touches the shock cylinders (16), and its edge, shaped complementary to the clips (2), captures one or more clips (2) during the movement from the lower to the upper position, transferring them to the output (5b); during the blade’s movement to the lower position, the separating cylinder (13) inserts into the output opening (5b), removing any clips (2) stuck in incorrect positions; then clips (2) are individually guided from the output (5b) onto the upper rails (Ila) and fed sequentially into two distribution cylinders (15) arranged opposite each other, which alternately extend to release clips (2) one by one onto the lower rails (1 lb); clips (2) are then guided via the lower rails (1 lb) out of the feeding system (1).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the blade (12), upper rails (1 la), lower rails (1 lb), and output (5b) are replaced when using a new clip type (2), selected according to the clip type (2).

9. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that placing clips (2) into the input (5a) is ensured by an operator.

10. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that placing clips (2) into the input (5a) is ensured by a conveyor feeder or a vibration feeder.

11. Method according to claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the time intervals preset for the given clip type (2) in the control system (29) differ for the blade (12) dwell time in the upper and lower positions.

12. Method according to claims 7 to 11, characterized in that clips (2) are further guided through the lower rails (1 lb) of the feeding system into a connected distribution system

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