EP2032482A2

EP2032482A2 - Stop device

Info

Publication number: EP2032482A2
Application number: EP07730084A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthias Krups; Peter Krups
Original assignee: Krups Fordersysteme GmbH
Current assignee: Krups Fordersysteme GmbH
Priority date: 2006-06-21
Filing date: 2007-06-12
Publication date: 2009-03-11
Also published as: WO2007147752A3; DE102006028493A1; US20100230236A1; WO2007147752A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a stop device for a workpiece carrier (10) arranged on a conveyor system, said stop device comprising a stopping element (26) that can be moved into and out of a path of displacement of the workpiece carrier (10). The stop device also comprises a damping element (26) for damping the stopping process of the workpiece carrier (10). A displacing device (34, 36) connected to the damping element (26) is used to stop the workpiece carrier (10) in a pre-determined end position.

Description

Anhaltevorrichtunq

The invention relates to a stopping device for arranged on a conveyor Werkstύckträger.

On conveyors, which are in particular roller conveyors, workpieces are moved on workpiece carriers, for example between processing or assembly stations. With roller conveyors, there is the possibility that the workpiece carrier is stopped on the rollers without having to be removed from the conveyor line. This is possible, for example, in that individual rollers are not driven.

For stopping a workpiece carrier stopping devices are known. Such stopping devices have a stop element, such as a pin or pin, which projects into the path of movement of the workpiece carrier. The workpiece carrier pushes against the stop element and is stopped by this. The stop element releases the workpiece carrier again, for example, by the stop element being moved out of the path of movement linearly downward. Furthermore, such stopping devices have a damping element in order to damp the stopping process. As a damping element is the stop element with a damping cylinder connected, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the movement path through the usually pneumatically operated damping cylinder, the stopping process of the workpiece carrier is damped.

From DE 40 35 286 a stopping device for arranged on a conveyor workpieces is known. A pin pointing up in the conveyor track is connected to a damping piston disposed on a damper cylinder. Here, the longitudinal direction of the damper piston corresponds to the direction of movement. To move the pin connected to the damper piston downward out of the movement path of the workpiece is the entire damper element connected to another piston-Zylinderetnrichtung. With the help of this piston-cylinder device is a movement of the entire damping element together with the fixedly connected to the damping piston pin down and up to the movement path possible. In particular, due to the relative movement between the two piston-cylinder systems may cause interference. For example, pneumatic lines can be damaged by the movement.

In such stopping devices, such as described for example in DE 40 35 286, there is also the problem that the position of the workpiece carrier after stopping is not exactly defined This is due to the fact that the strength of the damping, for example, on the weight of the present on the workpiece carrier However, an exact positioning is required for machining or, for example, for the assembly of components with the aid of a robot. Even for reading arranged on the workpiece carrier or the workpiece data, such as bar codes, an accurate positioning is required. The object of the invention is to enable a precise positioning of the workpiece carrier in a structurally simple manner, in particular by a suitable embodiment of the Anhaitevorrichtung itself.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

The stopping device according to the invention, which can be used in particular in connection with roller conveyors, has a stop element which can be moved to stop a workpiece carrier in and out of a tool path. In this case, the movement of the stop element can be effected by a linear movement and / or by pivoting. Furthermore, the stopping device has a damping element for damping the stopping process of the workpiece carrier. Here, the damping element is preferably connected to the stop element, in particular via a common housing or a connecting element, that a displacement of the stop element in the direction of movement of the workpiece carrier is possible and this displacement is damped by the damping element. As a result, a cushioned or damped stopping of the workpiece carrier and the workpiece located on the workpiece carrier is possible. In order to stop the work piece carrier in a defined end position regardless of the weight of the workpiece, the speed of the workpiece carrier etc., a movement device for moving the workpiece carrier is provided according to the invention. With the aid of the movement device, in particular during the damped stopping process, the workpiece carrier is moved into the predetermined end position. By providing the movement device, which is preferably integrated in the stopping device, the workpiece carrier and thus the workpiece can be positioned in a predetermined, defined end position in a simple manner. It is thus possible without additional adjustment to edit the workpiece, for example with the help of a robot or make installation steps. It is thus before Beginning of processing or assembly is not required, for example, to determine the position of the robot relative to the workpiece.

Preferably, the Bewegungsesnrichtung with the damping element, which is in a preferred embodiment is a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated damping element connected. It is particularly preferred in this case that the movement means for moving the workpiece carrier in the end position acts on the damping element. This is done in particular by changing the damping characteristic. This is possible, for example, by virtue of the fact that, provided that damping takes place by compression of a fluid, in particular by compression of air, a valve is provided which is connected to the compression space. By a corresponding control of the valve, the pressure in the Kompressionsraurn can be changed. By a corresponding change in the pressure in this chamber or in this damping chamber, the damping characteristic changes, so that the movement of the workpiece support is braked stronger or weaker. This makes it possible to specify a Anhaitestrecke, so that the workpiece carrier always stops in the same predetermined Endsteliung.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is possible to supply or remove medium to the damping chamber. This makes it possible to move the damping element. This has the advantage that precise positioning is simplified. The exact positioning can thus on the one hand by changing the damping characteristic, but also by an active movement of the workpiece carrier, in particular by an active movement of the damping element can be achieved. Here, the Därnpfungselement preferably has a damping piston, which is arranged in the damping chamber. With the aid of the movement device, which preferably has a pneumatic or hydraulic pump and a preferably controllable valve, medium can be added or removed to the damping chamber. "C _

In a further preferred embodiment, the movement device is fiuidisch connected to a pressure chamber. Here, the pressure chamber is preferably arranged opposite the damping chamber, so that preferably the pressure chamber is arranged on one side of the damping piston of the damping chamber and on the other side of the damping piston. By feeding or discharging medium, in particular air, into or out of the pressure chamber, it is thus again possible to change the damping characteristic of the damping element. Also, by this supply or removal of medium, an active movement of the damping element, in particular of the damping piston, possible. Of course, the two embodiments can also be combined, so that the movement device is connected to both the pressure chamber and with the damping chamber.

The movement device preferably has a switching element. The switching element is preferably a pneumatic valve. The switching element, which is arranged in particular in a connected to the damping chamber and / or the pressure chamber line is preferably controllable or regulated, so that via the switching element the fluid pressure chamber and / or the damping chamber fluid can be added or removed. In this case, the switching element may also comprise a plurality of pneumatic valves, wherein, for example, a pneumatic valve is arranged in a line leading to the pressure chamber and a pneumatic valve in a line leading to the damping chamber.

The switching element is preferably connected to a sensor element for switching the switching element and thus for actuating the movement device. In this case, the sensor element is preferably connected to the stop element or the damping element, in particular a housing or a shoulder of the stop device. In particular, it is possible that by the movement of the workpiece carrier during the stopping process and the associated movement of the stop element - ö

or the housing, the sensor element is activated. This preferably takes place mechanically, in particular with the aid of a switching rod, a linearly displaceable pin or dgi.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the position of the sensor element relative to the stop element or a housing of the stopping device can be changed. As a result, the time of activating the sensor element can be changed in a simple manner. It is thus, for example, depending on the Werkstuckgewichts, in a simple manner possible to adjust the damping characteristic by the activation time of the moving means in a simple manner by moving or adjusting the sensor element. Likewise, a triggering element connected to the stopping device, such as a lug which serves to trigger the sensor element, can also be connected to the stopping device in different positions. In particular, the triggering element is slidably connected to the stopping device. In this way, in turn, the time or the moment of activation of the movement device can be easily adapted to the weight, speed, etc. of the workpiece.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the damping element has a damping piston arranged in a cylinder element. As described above, the damping chamber and / or the pressure chamber are preferably formed by the cylinder element. Furthermore, this embodiment preferably also has a piston arranged in a cylinder element as a stop element. In this case, a space, in particular a cylindrical space, is preferably formed by the cylinder element, in which the piston can be moved back and forth, wherein moving the pin of the stop element is effected by moving the piston. It is particularly preferred that the cylinder element of the stop element and the Cylinder element of the damping element are firmly connected to each other. It thus achieves, for example, when steaming Joint movement of the two cylinder elements. Since this preferred embodiment also preferably has a movement device, as described above, this also always involves a common movement of the two Zyltnderelemente. Preferably, the two cylinder elements are formed within a common housing. Here, the cylinder elements can be formed einstuckig and thus simultaneously act as a housing.

The above-described preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the two cylinder elements are firmly connected to each other, represents an independent invention, which is independent of the moving means, but combined in a preferred embodiment with the moving means, The independent invention is thus a stopping device for workpieces arranged on a conveyor, which has a stop element which is movable in and out of a movement path of the workpiece. Furthermore, this holding device according to the invention has a damping element for damping the stopping process of the workpiece. A Zyünderelement the Stoppelements in which a piston of the stubble is movable, and a cylinder element of the damping element in which a damping piston is movable, according to the invention firmly connected to each other, in particular arranged in a common housing and / or formed as a common housing This invention may, as described above in particular with regard to the provision of a movement device, be further developed.

A significant advantage of the solid joining together of the two cylindrical elements according to the invention, ie of forming as a common movable component, is that an anti-rotation of the stop element is realized. Furthermore, there is no need for elaborate provision of movable fluid connection elements, such as hoses, so that even damage such as pinching of the hoses by moving components is avoided. Preferably, therefore, in the stopping device according to the invention, regardless of the provision of a movement device, the damping piston is stationary or stationary, while the two, in particular, a common housing forming cylinder elements move together. Preferably, this particular common housing or the two permanently interconnected cylinder elements is guided via linear bearings and guide lines. This ensures that no transverse forces act on the damping element, in particular the damping piston, upon impact of the workpiece to be stopped on the pin. As a result, a compact and low-interference device is realized.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic, sectional side view of an embodiment of the stopping device according to the invention, and

Fig. 2a - 2g the stopping device and the workpiece support to be stopped in different positions of the stopping process.

A workpiece carrier 10 is conveyed in the direction of an arrow 14 on a conveyor, which is indicated by the rollers 12. The workpiece carrier 10 has in the illustrated embodiment, two longitudinal slots 16,18, which are separated by a wall 20 arranged in the direction of movement 14 in succession.

A stop member 22 has a pin 24 which projects into the slot 16. When moving the workpiece carrier 10 in the transport direction 14, the pin slides or Pin 24 in the slot 16. The wall 20 of the workpiece carrier abuts the pin 24, whereby a stop of the workpiece carrier takes place.

The stop element 22 has in the illustrated preferred embodiment, a cylinder member 21. Through the Zyfinderelement 21, a space 72 is formed, in which a piston 66 which is connected to a pin 24, is displaceable. The cylinder element 21 is part of a housing 32.

Furthermore, the Aπhaltevorrichtung on a damping element 26. The damping element 26 has a damping piston 28, which is arranged in a damping chamber 30. The damping element 26 is connected to the stop element 22 via a common housing 32. The damping element 26 thus comprises a cylinder element 27, which forms the Koibenraum 30, in which the damping piston 28 is arranged. The Zyünderelement 27 is in the illustrated preferred embodiment, as well as the cylinder member 21 part of the housing 32 and thus preferably einstuckig formed. When abutting the wall 20 of the workpiece carrier 10 on the pin 24, a displacement of the stop element 22 takes place together with the housing 32 in the direction of movement 14. This results in a compression of the medium, usually air, in the damping chamber 30 and thus a damped deceleration of the movement of the workpiece carrier 10th

For positioning the workpiece carrier 10 in a predetermined end position, the stopping device according to the invention comprises a movement device. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the movement device includes, inter alia, a switching element in the form of a pneumatic valve 34 and a conveyor or a pump 36. The conveyor 36 is connected via lines 38,40,42 with a pressure chamber 44 (Fig. 2b). The pressure chamber 44 is arranged with respect to the damping chamber 30 on the opposite side of the piston 28 and the piston head. The PπeumatikveπtÜ is connected in the illustrated embodiment with a Sensoreiement 46 which is mechanically connected via a shift rod 48 to the Pneumatikventii 34. The switching of the pneumatic valve 34 is effected by a displacement of the shift rod 48 in Fig. 1 down. This is effected by an activation element or, respectively, a projection 50 which is provided in a housing 32. When moving the StoppeSements 22 and thus also of the housing 32 in the direction of the arrow 14 of the projection 50 pushes the shift rod 48 down. As a result, the PneumatikventiS 34 is opened and conveyed by means of the conveyor 36 air in the pressure chamber 44. As a result, the damping characteristic of the damping element 26 can be changed. In particular, it is possible to stop the workpiece carrier 10 in a predetermined Endsteliung. For this purpose, a stationary positioning element 52, such as an indexing pin or the like, is preferably provided. The positioning element 52 interacts with a position sensor 54, such as an indexing bush. The positioning thus detects whether the end position of the workpiece carrier is reached. This can be done, for example mechanically by a spring-loaded pin 52 which engages in a recess. Likewise, an electronic or optical detection is possible.

Further, a second pneumatic valve 56 is provided, which is connected to a mechanical switching device in the form of the linkage 58 and electrically connected to a control device 60. The pneumatic valve 56 is also connected to the conveyor 36 and via a line 62 to a piston chamber 64 of the stopper 22. In the piston chamber 64, a Kotben 66 is slidably disposed, which is connected to the pin 24. By conveying medium, in particular air, into the piston space 64, the pin 24 in FIG. 1 is displaced downward until it is arranged below the workpiece carrier 10 and releases it for further movement in the direction of the arrow 14. Once the wall 20 of the workpiece carrier has passed the pin 24, this can return to the position shown in Fig. 1, since the workpiece carrier in the conveying direction behind the wall 20 has the slot 18. To push back the piston 66 and the pin 24 in the direction shown in Fig. 1, a spring 68 is provided.

Further, the piston chamber 64 is connected via a connecting line 70 to the damping chamber 30 for pressure equalization.

The functioning of the stopping device according to the invention will be explained in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 2a-2g.

In Fig. 2a, which corresponds substantially to the Fig. 1, a workpiece carrier 10 reaches the stop member 22, so that the wall 20 abuts the pin 24.

The movement of the workpiece carrier 10 is damped by the damping element 26 together with the workpiece arranged on the workpiece carrier. During this movement, the medium is compressed in the damping chamber 30 (FIG. 2b). At the same time during this movement, a displacement of the shift rod 48 due to the Aktävierungselements 50. As a result, the pneumatic valve 34 is opened, so that air is conveyed into the pressure chamber 44 of the damping element 26. In particular, by setting the activation time and / or the amount of air supplied regardless of the weight and the speed of the workpiece or regardless of the kinematic energy of the workpiece moving the workpiece carrier 10 and the workpiece in an end position (FIg, 2c). Preferably, the end position is reached when the piston is pressed against a stop as a stop, in particular the right in the figure Endsteliung the piston serve. Here, the medium located in the damping chamber 30 is conveyed via the connecting line 70 into a space 72 which is located below the piston 66 of the stop element 22. The positioning element 52 corresponds in this position with the Positioπsgeber 54 and determines that the predetermined end position is reached. In this position, the processing or a Assembly of the workpiece done. After completion of the step, the controller 60 sends a signal to the second pneumatic valve 56 to open the pneumatic valve 56. This results in a conveyance of medium through the line 62 into the piston chamber 64. This results in that the pin 24 is printed back and the workpiece carrier 10 is free again (Fig. 2e). Moving the piston 66 of the stop element 22 downwards in FIG. 1, the medium located in the space 72 is conveyed through the line 70 into the damping space 30 of the damping element 26. By opening the valve 34, the medium can escape from the pressure chamber 44. As a result, the stopping device is pushed back into the initial position, d, h, in Fig. 2 to the left, (Fig. 2f). The delivery of medium into the piston chamber 64 is now interrupted, so that the medium located in the piston chamber 64 is pressed out of the piston chamber due to the spring force 68 and the pin 24 is returned to its original position.

Claims

claims

1. Anhaitevorrichtuπg for on a conveyor (12) arranged workpiece carrier (10), with

a stop member (22) movable in and out of a path of movement of the workpiece carrier (10), and

a steaming element (26) for damping the stopping operation of the workpiece carrier (10),

marked by

a movement device (34,36) for moving the workpiece carrier (10) in the stopping process in a predetermined EndSTSlung.

2. stopping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement device (34,36) is connected to the damping element (26).

3. stopping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement means (34,36) for moving the workpiece carrier (10) in the end position on the damping element (26), in particular by changing the damping characteristic,

4. stopping device according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the damping element (26) has a in a Zyiinderelement (27) arranged damping piston (28) which is in particular pneumatically actuated.

5, Aπhaltevorrichtung according to claim 4, characterized in that the damping piston (28) acts on a damping medium filled with damping chamber (30), in particular the damping medium for damping the workpiece carrier (10) compressed.

6. AnhaStevorrichtung according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the movement means is fluidly connected to a pressure chamber (44), wherein the pressure chamber (44) and the damping chamber (30) are provided on the damper plates (28) opposite sides,

I, stopping device according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the movement device (34,36) comprises a SchaStelement (34), in particular a Pneumatikventii.

8, Anhaitevorrichtung according to claim 7, characterized in that the Schalteiement (34) in a Verbindungsleituπg (38,40,42) between a conveyor (36), in particular a pneumatic pump and the pressure chamber (44) is arranged.

9, stopping device according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the movement device (34,36) with a Sensσrelement (46) for switching the Bewegungsseiπrichtung (34,36), in particular for switching the switching element (34) is connected

10, stopping device according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor element (46) has a switching element (34) connected to the switching rod (48), which is in particular linearly displaceable for switching.

II. Stopping device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by a with the stop element (22) and / or the damping element (26) connected activation element (50) for activating the sensor element (46).

12. adhesion device according to claim 11, characterized in that the position of the activation element (50) relative to the sensor element (46) and / or the Schaiteiement (34) is adjustable.

13. stopping device according to one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the stop element (22) has a piston in a cylinder (21) arranged piston (66) which is in particular pneumatically actuated.

14. Stopping device according to one of claims 4 - 13, characterized in that the cylinder element (27) of the damping element (26) and the cylinder element (21) of the stop element (22) are firmly connected to each other.

15. Stopping device according to claim 14, characterized in that the cylinder elements (21, 27) are integrally formed and / or arranged in a common housing (32).

16. AnhaStevorrichtung according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that a damping chamber (30) of the damping element (26) fluidly, in particular via a in the common housing (32) arranged connecting line (70) having a space (72) of the stop element (22) is connected.