WO2013034399A1

WO2013034399A1 - Dispensing device for balancing weights and method for dispensing balancing weights

Info

Publication number: WO2013034399A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/065799
Authority: WO
Inventors: Felix Bode
Original assignee: Wegmann Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2011-09-05
Filing date: 2012-08-13
Publication date: 2013-03-14
Also published as: WO2013034399A4

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for balancing weights for motor vehicles having at least one container for storing balancing weights (12) of one predetermined weight each, wherein the dispensing device (1) has at least one dispensing apparatus (13) for the automated dispensing of a balancing weight (12) out of the at least one container.

Description

Balancing weight dispenser and method for dispensing balancing weights

The invention relates to an output device for balance weights for motor vehicles with at least one container for storing balancing weights of a weight.

Motor vehicle wheels usually have an imbalance after assembly, which are known to be corrected with balancing or balancing weights after assembly. These balancing weights are usually offered in grammages, which are balancing weights of a mass. They can consist of equally heavy and interconnected individual weights, but they can also have a one-piece weight body. For example, it is known to offer balance weights in 5g increments or in 2.5g increments. Accordingly, there are balance weights with 5g, 10g, 15g, etc. or 2.5g, 5g, 7.5g, etc. A 10g weight may consist of two 5g individual weights or four 2.5g individual weights or a 10g weight body , The structure of individual weights simplifies the production, since only an endless chain of weights is produced and the different heavy balancing weights are produced by singling one, two, three, etc. individual weights from the endless chain. It is of course always assumed that the balance weights regardless of the design of the main mass element can have other elements such as an adhesive strip for attachment to the vehicle.

When motor vehicle manufacturers, it is common that the imbalance of the tires to be mounted is determined at a balancing station in the context of mass production. The balancing weights to be used for balancing are divided by weight into containers, each container being assigned a signal lamp. Depending on the result of the measurement of the imbalance, the balancing station, at which the unbalance is determined, outputs a signal, and depending on this signal, the corresponding signal lamp is activated in each case. The operator attaching the balance weight to the vehicle wheel should, takes the signal associated with the lamp container accordingly a balancing weight, removes the protective strip of the adhesive and presses the balancing weight to the unbalance point of the vehicle wheel. The designated cycle time is four seconds, so the entrusted with this activity operator must press a balance weight on a vehicle wheel every four seconds, the activities such as removal of the balancing weight or removal of the protective strip are also to be made in this period.

The problem may arise that the entrusted with the activity operator engages due to fatigue after some time, for example, in the wrong container and sticks the wrong balancing weight. This can be done apart from fatigue also because the operator is distracted.

There is therefore a need for an output device for balancing weights, in which the removal of incorrect balancing weights is avoided.

To solve this problem is provided in an output device according to the invention that it has at least one output device for the automated output of a balance weight from the at least one container.

Thus, according to the invention, the operator no longer selects the balancing weight from a container, rather the output is made by an automated output device.

It is exploited that the balancing station anyway provides a signal concerning the imbalance of the vehicle wheel and therefore this signal can be used further. Depending on which value is determined for the unbalance in the balancing station and transmitted to the output device, a corresponding one of the plurality of output devices is activated in order to control the Operator to provide the balancing weight with the correct weight value.

A container stores it usually balancing weights of a weight, wherein the weight is also referred to as grammage. If weights are available at 5g intervals for balancing purposes, a weight set with balancing weights up to 60g thus contains twelve grammages. The number of grammages thus indicates how many different weights are available for balancing. Since 2.5g intervals are used as described, which can be used as intermediate weights, for example, 7.5 g or 12.5 g weights, the number of containers or the number of grammages from the manufacturer ultimately almost arbitrary. Typically, there are at least twelve grammages to choose from, but this number may be halved, for example, by providing weights at 10g intervals. The number of containers can thus be practical

Aspects are also set to at least three, the exact number, however, depending on the application can be extended as desired.

Preferably, the container may be formed as a cassette in which the balance weights of a weight are stacked on top of each other. In contrast to the known containers, in which the balance weights of a weight or a grammage are more or less confused, a cassette is designed as a narrow box similar to a book or folder. In this cassette identical balance weights are then stacked on top of each other, allowing for automated output. Preferably, the output device as

Shifter be formed with spindle and carriage slide. With the slide slider each located at the bottom of the container balancing weight is pushed out of the container. When pushing out the balancing weight of either another transport device Alternatively, however, the balancing weight can also fall directly into a sorting tray similar to a ticket machine, from which it can then be removed by the operator. By means of the signal of the balancing station is thus thrown on the output device automatically the right balancing weight in a sampling bowl or a sampling basin, from which the operator removes the balancing weight, deduct the protective strip and attached the balancing weight on the vehicle.

Alternatively, the output device may be formed as a lifting device. Instead of pushing out the lowest balancing weight out of the container, the uppermost balancing weight can also be removed from the container. Due to the stacking of the balancing weights, the respective position of the balancing weights is predetermined, only the height of the balancing weight to be taken is still to be determined. In this case, the lifting device may also have a pressure sensor, via which the concerns or coincidence of the lifting device and the balance weight can be determined. In this case, the lifting device is moved down the relevant container until the signal from the pressure sensor signals the presence of the balancing weight.

Preferably, the output device may comprise at least one sensor device for detecting the level of the at least one container. This sensor device can also be designed as a pressure sensor, wherein when falling below a predetermined pressure depending on the weight of the balance weights, the number of balance weights still present in the container can be determined. In order to determine the remaining number of balance weights, in addition to the sensor signal of the sensor device, for example, the pressure sensor, so also the weight of the balance weights to be considered.

Advantageously, the container can be replaced manually or automatically. Preference is given to the automatic replacement, which depends on the signal of the sensor device for Detection of the level can be done. However, the signal of this level sensor can also be used to inform the operator or another employee by means of a signaling device, such as a warning light, about a critical filling condition of a container.

Advantageously, the dispensing device for adhesive balance weights may comprise a removal device for removing the protective strip on the adhesive. Preferably, the removal device may be formed as a hook. If the dispensing device is designed as a sliding device, then, for example, a hook can be located at the bottom of the container, whereby when the balance weight is pushed out, its protective strip is automatically pulled off. Alternatively, the removal device can be positioned at any location that the balance weight must pass in a predetermined position. By such a removal device, the workload of the operator can be significantly reduced again, since their task is therefore reduced to the gluing of the balance weight. Without changing the timing is thus easier for the operator to work.

Advantageously, the dispensing device may comprise an insertion device for inserting an additional weight into a balancing weight with a recess. As already described, balancing weights are usually produced as multiples of a basic weight, since in this way the manufacturing process is carried out most cost-effectively. In addition to balancing weights formed in this way, however, there are also balancing weight bands which either consist of a material such as the balancing weights, for example lead, zinc, steel and stainless steels, and corresponding alloys. Alternatively, the Auswuchtgewichtsbänder can also be made of plastic with embedded steel balls. These balancing weight bands have the advantage that they can be cut to any length, whereby the cutting is very easy to perform and accordingly the weight is almost arbitrary from an endless band in a simple manner is precisely adaptable to the imbalance. In contrast, with balancing weights, which are constructed from 5g individual weights, only an accuracy of +/- 2.5g achievable and with balancing weights, which are made of 2.5g individual weights, an accuracy of +/- 1, 25g. Basically, it would be possible to supplement these weight sets each with weights consisting of 1 g, 2g, 3g and 4g based on the 5g individual weights and thus achieve accuracies of +/- 0.5g. However, as already described above, it is counteracted by the fact that the operator has only four seconds to apply a weight, and in any case this period of time is too short to select and glue a second weight.

Therefore, the output device has an insertion device, which automatically attaches additional weights to the balancing weights for greater accuracy. The insertion device is adapted in each case to the additional weight to be attached. For example, the additional weights can consist of smaller individual weights with a weight of 1 g, 2 g, 3 g and 4 g. If the balancing weights consist of weights at 5g intervals, weights with a spacing of only 1 g can be put together in this way. This achieves an accuracy of +/- 0.5g. In this refinement of the additional weights, the insertion device can be moved from a basic position past at least two containers with additional weights of different weight to an insertion position, wherein the additional weight to be taken can be determined as a function of a sensor signal of a balancing station. For this purpose, the output device of course has a control device which receives on the one hand the sensor signals of the balancing station, and on the other hand derived therefrom control signals for the individual devices of the output device. For example, if the balancing station imposes an imbalance that requires a 18.4g balance weight per se, the next composable weight is a weight of a 15g balance weight and a 3g extra weight. The balancing weight is moved out of its container out in a predetermined position, while the inserter the additional weight with 3g from the corresponding container is removed or issued, and moves to the insertion position to secure the additional weight on the balancing weight. Preferably, an adhesive strip is already located at the bottom of the recess of the balance weight, so that the additional weight is only briefly inserted into the recess and pressed.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the additional weights are designed as small steel balls, for example, with a diameter smaller than or equal to 0.2mm. In this case, the insertion device consists of a container for the steel balls and a spray device. The balancing weight, to take the example given above, with 15g, is transported to a predetermined position. Above this position is the steel bead store, which is apparent for any periods of time. The distance between the opening located at the bottom of the steel bead store and the recess of the balance weight shall be minimized to prevent the steel balls from jumping around. The outlet of the steel bead store is opened a predetermined time to charge a desired amount of steel balls into the recess of the balance weight. Simultaneously with the filling or after filling, a resin or varnish is sprayed from the spray system into the recess to glue the steel balls. In this way, much finer weight gradations can be achieved than with additional weights of fixed grammages.

In a modification of the above example, the additional weight may also consist of a Auswuchtgewichtsband. In this case, the inserter has a separator which separates a predetermined portion from the balance weight band to obtain an additional weight of any weight. This is then detected by a gripping direction and inserted into the recess of the balance weight. In this way, any exactly adjusted balance weights can be produced, quite analogous to a balancing weight band. The ultimately higher overhead is justified by the fact that balance weight bands are visually unappealing despite their technical advantages and therefore not accepted by many customers. With the insertion device described, the same accuracies can be achieved with regard to balancing the imbalance, although it is still possible to use balance weights consisting of individual weights. To maintain the optical properties, the recesses of the balance weights can be provided with covers.

Such an effect would of course also be achieved if one would produce each individual weights with weights of 1 g - 60g to compensate. In this case, however, the effort at the manufacturer is multiplied, furthermore, the customer would have to be kept in each case 60 containers with the balancing weights of different grammages. This effort can be avoided by the output device according to the invention. In this case, grammages of the balancing weights are aimed at a distance of 7g - 9g, since at such intervals only 14 grammages including the grammages of the additional weights are necessary to achieve an accuracy of +/- 0.5g for balancing up to 60g. With particular advantage for the manufacturer, the weights of the weights have a weight difference of 7g. In this case, the additional weights with six grammages, namely 1 g, 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g to produce and the balance weights have 7g weight steps. Overall, the manufacturer so only seven different weights produce when balancing weights are used from individual weights, since then, for example, the 14g-grammage is indeed separated from an endless belt of 7g- individual weights. By contrast, if one chooses a distance of 9g for the grammages of the balance weights, the manufacturer would have to produce nine different grammages. On the customer side, this makes no difference, as always 14 weights are to stockpile. The grammages for the individual sets of balancing weights are shown again below: 1 -2-3-4-5-6--7-14-21 -28-35-42-49-56

1 -2-3-4-5-6-7--8-16-24-32-40-48-56

1 -2-3-4-5-6-7-8--9-18-27-36-45-54

The first row of numbers shows balancing weights of 7 - 56g with a distance of 7g, while the grammages of 1 - 6g stand for the additional weights. This applies analogously to the other lines, where the numbers behind the double dash indicate the grammages of the balancing weights and the numbers before the double dash indicate the grammages of the additional weights. Of course, it is also possible that the

Balancing weights have a plurality of recesses, especially if, for example, a 21g balancing weight is built up from three identical 7g individual weights. In this case, it is possible to divide the additional weight and provide, for example, only 1g additional weights. In this case, with the lower balance weights of 7g, 14g, 21g and 28g, the total weights of 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 33, 34 and 41g gram to reach. Since the imbalances statistically follow a normal distribution, occur only in the small gram areas, only small numbers of cases, the accuracy of +/- 0.5g is not achieved is rare. But you can save six grammages of additional weights.

Preferably, the dispensing device may comprise a fastening device for automatically attaching the balance weight to a motor vehicle tire. With particular advantage, the fastening device can wheel a centering device for aligning the balance weight on the motor vehicle, a positioning device for positioning the balance weight at the unbalance point and a contact pressure device for pressing the balance weight on the Automotive vehicle have. With the aid of the fastening device, the balancing process can also be fully automated, with several sensor devices for detecting the position and the position of the motor vehicle wheel being required to carry out the fastening, of course. In particular, the vehicle wheel must leave the balancing station in a defined position in order to mark the unbalance position via this positioning. For example, the vehicle wheel leaves the balancing station in such a way that the unbalance position is always at right angles to the right-hand side to the transport direction. In addition, the invention relates to a method for outputting

Balance weights for motor vehicles, wherein the weight of the balance weight is determined in response to a signal of a balancing station. The inventive method is characterized in that the balancing weight is automatically output by an output device, in particular by an output device described above.

While in known methods, the balancing weight is to be selected in response to the lighting of a signal light by an operator, in contrast, the balancing weight is automatically output. As a result, the mal-selection due to fatigue or distraction of the operator can be excluded.

With particular advantage, the output balancing weight automatically by means of a fastening device, in particular with a fastening device described above, be attached to a motor vehicle wheel. The fastening device makes it possible to carry out the method for correcting an imbalance fully automatically.

Preferably, the balancing weight from a container for storing balancing weights of a weight by means of a Issued output device and transported to a Abnahmevornchtung. In this case, the balancing weight is not merely dropped into a kind of removal tray, but the balancing weight is moved forward defined for further processing. The last transport point in the dispenser is the removal device, from which the balancing weight is either removed by hand or transferred to the fastening device. The output of the weight is thus understood in the present application to mean that the balancing weight is output from the container or storage container, while the removal of the output device is defined under removal. Further steps can be taken between dispensing and dispensing, even after removal, the steps for automatically attaching the balancing weight to a motor vehicle wheel are vornehmbar.

With particular advantage, an additional weight can be secured in a recess of the balance weight after the issue and before removal. With particular advantage, the weight of the additional weight depending on the signal of the balancing station and the weight of the balancing weight can be determined. The balance weights are usually in grammages with a defined distance. The balance weights accordingly have a weight corresponding to multiples of a single weight. The total weight required for unbalance is produced, as described above, by providing a balance weight with additional weights to produce at least an accuracy of +/- 0.5g. When using steel balls or balancing weight bands but also almost any accuracy can be achieved.

Preferably, the balancing weight can be moved past the output to at least one insertion device, wherein the movement of the balancing weight is slowed down or stopped at the insertion and the additional weight is fixed by means of the insertion on the balancing weight. The insertion devices and additional weights which can be used in the process have already been mentioned above described. They are of course usable in all the described embodiments for carrying out the method step of inserting an additional weight.

Advantageously, before removing the balance weight, the protective device of the adhesive can be removed with a removal device. If the dispenser has an insertion device for inserting an additional weight, the removal of the protective strip is preferably carried out after the insertion of the additional weight. Thereby, the construction of the insertion device as well as the transport device for transporting the balance weight can be simplified, since the balance weight can rest arbitrarily without the adhesive sticks unintentionally.

Advantageously, the level of the balancing weights stocking container can be detected by means of a sensor device. In the calculation of the level, as described above, in addition to the signal of the sensor device and the respective weight of the balance weights to be considered. Using a pressure sensor, three 10g balance weights and six 5g balance weights produce the same or at least a very similar pressure and thus an almost identical sensor signal. In order to determine the number or level, therefore, the weight of the balancing weights is taken into account.

Preferably, a container of the dispensing device can be exchanged when the predetermined value of the sensor signal of the sensor device is undershot or exceeded. Preferably, the replacement is done automatically, alternatively, a warning light can flash, indicating a critical level of a container. In particular, as a result of the automatic determination of the filling level, ordering processes can also be automated, since it is possible to determine exactly how many balancing weights of which grammage are still present on the basis of the number of balancing weights processed. This not only allows the process of Determination of unbalance and the subsequent balancing by means of a balancing weight, but even fully automate the parallel processes of ordering and replacement of storage containers.

After an expedient, optional invention training, the output device is provided with an electronic and / or computer-aided control, which is designed to actuate the output device in response to signals or data of the balancing station and / or other imbalance measuring means. For this, the controller is provided with a further or second interface in order to accomplish the communication with the balancing station and / or with the unbalance measuring means. Alternatively, within the scope of the invention is an arrangement with the dispensing device according to the invention, which is characterized by the aforementioned or a similar control as an additional, separate component. It is expedient to provide the respective output device with an interface, via which the relevant output device can be actuated by the controller in response to the signals or data of the balancing station and / or the imbalance measuring means.

In a further development of the above idea, the controller is provided with a further interface, which is designed for communication with an electronically and / or computer-controlled handling system. This can be realized, for example, as a robot system with orthogonal, linear xyz handling directions and / or rotational and / or pivotable handling movements of gripping members. In any case, it is important that the handling system can provide, for example, through a slot or other recess in the cassette or other container for the balancing weights through the selected balancing weights for further processing.

The dispenser according to the invention can also be designed to motor vehicle balance weight sets with at least one balancing weight of a certain grammage or a predetermined mass to use, which consists of a multiple of the mass according to an (imaginary) limit weight. The balance weight set is characterized by the fact that an additional weight with a mass or a grammage is used, which are below the limit weight. In a further development of this idea, the weight set may contain a plurality of balance weights with several and / or different grammages, wherein balancing weights with masses consisting of multiples of the mass of the limit weight are used above the (imaginary) limit weight. The set of weights is then further enriched in the context of the invention with at least one additional weight of at least one grammage below the limit weight.

In order to implement the concept of balancing weight sets in the inventive output device device technology, the above control with a software routine (if the control is realized on the basis of a PC or other computer) or other means for simultaneous or otherwise coordinated operation depending on the data or signals of the balancing station and / or the imbalance measuring means realized via a detected imbalance.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are described in the following figures and embodiments. Showing:

FIG. 1 shows an output device in a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 shows a cassette in cross-sectional view,

2a shows a schematic representation of a sliding device

FIG. 3 shows an output device in a second embodiment, FIG. 4 shows an output device in a third embodiment,

FIG. 5 shows an insertion device in a first embodiment, [0049] FIG. 6 shows the insertion device according to FIG. 5 in one

sideview

FIG. 7 shows an insertion device in a second embodiment,

FIG. 8 shows an insertion device in a third embodiment,

FIG. 9 shows the insertion device according to FIG. 8 in a side view,

FIG. 10 shows a fastening device,

FIG. 11 shows the sequence of movements of the fastening device according to FIG. 10, [0055] FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of the dispensing method,

FIG. 13 shows a further flow chart of the output method.

FIG. 1 shows an output device 1 with cassettes 2-1 1. The cassettes 2-1 1 contain balance weights 12 of different grammages. The balance weights 12 may be arranged ascending or descending by weight. In cassette 2 are balance weights with a weight of 6g, in cassette 3 balancing weights 12 with a weight of 12g, etc. to cassette 1 1, are stored in the balancing weights 12 with a weight of 60g. For each of the cassettes 2-1 1 is a separate output device 13 for outputting the balance weights 12 from the cassettes and a removal device 14 for removing the protective strip, which covers the adhesive strip or adhesive for fastening the balance weight 12 to a motor vehicle wheel. The balancing weights 12 are each stacked with the protective strip upwards. The dispensing device 13 is designed as a slide, which pushes out in each case the lowest balancing weight 12 from the respective cassette 2-1 1. The removal device 14 is a hook which projects into the opening 15 of the respectively associated cassette 2-1 1. When pushing out the balance weight 12, the protective strip located on the top is detached by the hook and so removed. After removing the protective strip, the balancing weight 12 falls with the adhesive strip upwards into a kind of funnel-shaped basin 16, which opens into the removal point 17. The balancing weight 12 slides with the metal or plastic side down on the pelvic floor of the basin 16 along the removal point 17, which may be padded with a foam or other soft material. At the removal point 17, the balancing weight can be removed by the operator.

Further, according to Figure 1, a controller is provided, which can be realized either as an integral part of the output device according to the invention or as a building or functional unit separately from the output device and by means of a PC or other computer means. The controller has an (input) interface for receiving data on a detected imbalance of a vehicle wheel, which was determined by a balancing station (known per se). Further (output) interfaces are on the one hand for actuating the respective one of the plurality of cartridges 2-1 1 associated output devices 13 (the respective control connection is indicated by dashed lines) and on the other hand for operating a robot system R with linearly adjustable and rotatably movable gripping elements G in the controller trained or implemented. The embodiment according to FIG. 1 is the simplest configuration in which the selection of the balance weight 12 is made the respective cassette 2-1 1 is independent of the operator or this is automatically specified. In addition, the dispensing device 1 according to FIG. 1 is already designed to automatically remove the protective strip of the balancing weight 12, so that this working step no longer has to be performed by the operating person.

Figure 2 shows cassette 5 in a cross-sectional view from the side. Of course, the cassette 5 was selected purely by way of example, the other cassettes 2-4 and 6-1 1 are of course constructed analogously. The cassette 5 has a housing 18, which has an opening 15 in the lower area. At the bottom of the housing 18 there is an opening 19 for the passage of a mounted in the dispenser 1 slider 20 with spindle 21 and carriage slide 22. With the spring latch 23 of the slide slide 22 is moved. The devices for electronic control of the sliding device 20 are not shown for clarity. Also at the top of each cassette is an opening to allow the balance weights to be refilled.

Although the balance weights in the cassettes 2-1 have 1 different lengths, the cassettes 2-1 1 may themselves have the same length. For example, a 60g weight may be ten times as long as a 6g weight. If the length of the cassettes 2-1 1 designed for the longest weight, so for example, in the cassette with balancing weights 12 of the lowest weight a multiple of balancing weights 12 are stored. FIG. 3 shows an output device 1 in a second one

Embodiment. In this case, the balancing weight 12 does not fall into a basin 16 after passing through the opening 15 of the respective cassette 2-1 1, rather it is awarded to a preliminary bending device 24. The Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24 consists of the rollers 25-29. The Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24 is guided by a linear guide 30 and a frame 31 along the cassettes 2-1 1. After this Positioning the Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24 in front of the cassette with balancing weights 12 of the issued grammage a balancing weight 12 is removed from the cassette, for example 7 by means of the sliding device 20 and automatically pushed by the Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24. It therefore requires no further drive and no control to pre-bend the weight. Only the positioning of the Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24 is to control. As already described above, a removal device 14 can be located on the outlet side of the pre-bending device 24, so that the operator can already remove the balancing weight 12 of the pre-bending device 24 with the protective strip removed.

The rollers 25-29 are either individually or in total interchangeable to realize different bending radii can. That is, the degree of bending is adjustable by the diameter or radius of the rollers 25-29. As a result, the bending can be adapted to the radii of the motor vehicle tires in a simple manner. The roles of Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24 are in production only to change when the production of the vehicle types is changed. Such changes are only after a few hours or even days, which is why a manual replacement of the rollers of the Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24 is not a lot of work.

FIG. 4 shows a somewhat elaborate dispensing device 1 which, in addition to the cassettes 2-1 1 for the balance weights 12, also comprises cassettes 32-36 for the additional weights 37 with weights of 1 g to 5 g. The output device 1 comprises, in addition to the cassettes 2-1 1 and 32-36 with corresponding output devices 13, a transport device 38 which can be moved out of a basic position 39 in the direction of the arrow 40. From the home position 39, the transport device is moved in front of one of the cassettes 2-1 1 in order to receive the corresponding balancing weight 12. Then it becomes one Insertion 41 proceed, which is located in front of each one of the cassettes 32-36. There, the corresponding additional weight 37 is inserted in the balancing weight 12 by means of an insertion device 42. The corresponding method and corresponding devices will be described in more detail below. After inserting the additional weight 37 in the balancing weight 12, the transport device 38 is moved to the removal position 43. Of course, before the removal position 43 nor a Vorbiegeeinrichtung 24, as described above, are. The transport device 38 can be rotated after receiving the balance weight 12 in the horizontal plane to facilitate the further processing of the balance weight 12. If a balancing weight, which usually consists of many individual weights, is pushed out of a cassette, the long side is arranged so that it protrudes from the sheet in FIG. A 90 ° turn in the horizontal plane aligns the long side from left to right. In this position, the balancing weight 12 can be moved closer to the cassettes 32-36 with the additional weights 37, if necessary. Of course, the transport device 38 can be rotated at any position in the horizontal plane, if this is necessary in the context of further processing of the balance weight 12. Before the removal position 43 is again a

Removal device 14 provided in the form of a hook to remove the protective strip from the adhesive of the balance weight 12.

FIG. 5 shows an insertion device 42 in a first embodiment. The balancing weight 12 is located on the conveyor 38. The balancing weight 12 consists of three individual weights 44 and accordingly has, in order to stay in the above example, a weight of 21 g. Each individual weight 44 has a recess 45. The additional weight 37 is now pushed out by means of the slider device 20, for example, from the cassette 33, wherein the adhesive is located at the bottom. Accordingly, the removal device 14 is also positioned to secure the protective strip to the underside of the Can remove additional weight 37. The thrust of the sliding device 20 is adjusted such that the additional weight 37, which is preferably designed square, comes to rest in one of the recesses 45 of the balance weight 12. For pressing the additional weight 37, a pressure punch 46 is provided, which presses the additional weight 37 at the bottom of the recess 45.

FIG. 6 shows the insertion device 42 according to FIG. 5 in a side view. The arrows 47 each indicate the direction of movement of the sliding device 20 and the Anpressstempels 46.

One or more light barriers 48 can be provided in front of the insertion position in order to determine the exact positioning of the balance weight 12 on the transport device 38. Depending on the sensor information of the light barrier 48, the alignment of the balance weight 12 with respect to the cassette containing the additional weights 37 to be inserted may be corrected if necessary. The balance weights 12 with recesses may be in all

Embodiments after inserting one or more additional weights, or if such additional weights 37 are not necessary, are still provided at any position with covers. These cover the recesses 45, so that the balance weights 12 look like conventional balance weights. The covers can of course be made of the same material as the balance weights 12, but they can also be made of plastic or any other material.

Figures 5 and 6 show insertion devices 42 with which additional weights 37 of a certain grammage or a certain weight can be inserted. If the balance weights 12 have a weight separation of 6g, additional weights with grammages of 1 to 5g are required in order to achieve an accuracy of +/- 0.5g. Figure 7 shows an alternative inserter 42 having a reservoir for steel spheres 49 with outlet 50 and a spray device 51 for dispensing resin or varnish. In this case, the cassettes 32-36 are not needed, but the outlet 50 of the reservoir 49 is opened for a certain time to insert the amount of steel balls in a recess 45 of the balance weight 12. Of course, the steel balls can also be distributed to a plurality of recesses 45 of a balance weight 12. Whether one or more recesses 45 are present depends on the grammage of the balance weight 12. However, the grammage of the balancing weight 12 can already be determined on the basis of the signal of the balancing station, which is why the distribution of the steel spheres 49 can be controlled, for example, by means of so-called "look-up tables." The lacquer or the resin can be before, during and / or after the balancing weight Inserting the steel spheres into the recess 45. Figure 8 shows an inserter 42 in a third

Embodiment. The additional weights 37 are equipped with a pin 52, wherein the recesses 45 have corresponding recesses 53 on the bottom. Each recess 45 has at least one recess 53. The insertion device 42 is designed as a double telescopic arm 54, with which the additional weight 37 is received, transported via the recess 45 and inserted into the recess 53.

FIG. 9 shows the insertion device according to FIG. 8 in a side view. It can be clearly seen that the double telescopic arm on the one hand allows movement away from the cassette 33 as well as the guiding of the additional weight 37 into the recess 53.

FIG. 10 shows a fastening device 55 with sensor devices 56 and a receiving arm 57. The balancing weight 12 is received by the fastening device 55 at the removal position 43 with the receiving arm 57, moved to the wheel 58, centered, positioned and fastened. For centering and positioning of the balancing weight 12 serve the Sensor devices 56 which may be configured as light barriers or the like. The movement for fastening in FIG. 11 is shown. The fastening device 55 receives the balancing weight 12 at the removal position 43, in which the receiving arm 57 fixes the balancing weight 12, for example by means of magnetic force. Instead of a magnet, the receiving arm 57 may also have retaining clips or a vacuum generating device. Thereafter, the fastening device 55 is rotated twice by 90 °, as the arrows 58 and 59 represent. As a result, the horizontal balancing weight 12 can be inserted into the flat-lying wheel. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for outputting a

Balancing weight in the simplest embodiment. As step 1, the signal of a balancing station is received. In the next step, the mass or grammage of the balance weight 12 is calculated from the signal. Then, the balancing weight 12 is output to the corresponding cassette 2-1 1 in step S3. In the last step S4, the automatic or manual removal of the balance weight follows at the removal position 43 or the removal point 17.

In contrast, FIG. 13 shows a more complex flowchart, in which a few more steps are added to the basic scheme according to FIG. In addition to the calculation of the grammage of the balance weight 12 in step S2, the determination of the mass of the additional weight 37 follows as step S5. Then, the balancing weight 12 is transported to the insertion position 39 (step 6). This is followed by the insertion of the additional weight 37 (step S7) before the balancing weight 12 is transported to the pre-bending device 24 (step 8). As step S9, the pre-bending of the balance weight 12 follows, after which the balance weight 12 is transported to the removal position 43 (step S10). As step S1 1 follows the transfer of the balancing weight 12 to the fastening device 55, which centers the balancing weight in steps S12-S14, positioned and pressed against the wheel 58. This is followed by the determination of the filling level of the cassette (step S15), from which the balancing weight or the additional weight has been taken, in order, if necessary, to determine the automatic level Replacement of the corresponding cassette or cassette trigger. In addition, a signal can also be sent completely automatically to a goods control system in order, if necessary, to trigger automatic ordering of balance weights or additional weights.

With the method described and the described output device so that the fully automatic elimination of imbalance on a motor vehicle wheel is possible. Due to the separation of the weight body in balance weights 12 and additional weights 37 an accuracy of +/- 0.5g is achieved without unnecessarily increasing the number of grammages required.

[0079] List of Reference Numerals

1 output device

2 cassette

3 cassette

4 cassette

5 cassette

6 cassette

7 cassette

8 cassette

9 cassette

10 cassette

1 1 cassette 12 Balance weight 13 Output device 14 Distance opening 15 Opening

16 pools

17 sampling point 18case

19Öffnung

20Schiebeeinrichtung

21 spindle

22Schlittenschieber

23Federklinke

24Vorbiegeeinrichtung

25Rolle

26Rolle

27Rolle

28Rolle

29Rolle 30ünearführung

31 frames

32 cassette

33 cassette

34 cassette

35 cassette

36 cassette

37Additional weight 38Transport device 39Basic position

40 arrow

41 insertion position

42 Insertion device 43Detaching position 44 Single weight 45Excess 46Pressing punch 47 Arrow 8 light barrier

9Speicher

0Auslass

1 sprayer 2 pen

3Vertiefung

4 Double telescopic arm 5Fastening device 6Sensor device 7Reception arm

58 wheel

R robot system

G gripper

Claims

claims

1 . Output device (1) for balance weights for motor vehicles with at least one container for storing balancing weights (12) each having a predetermined weight, characterized in that the output device (1) at least one output device (13) for automatically outputting a balancing weight (12) from the at least has a container.

Second output device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container as a cassette (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1) is formed, in which the balance weights (12). of a weight stacked on top of each other.

3. dispensing device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the container is manually or automatically replaceable.

4. Output device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (13) as a sliding device (20) with spindle (21) and slide slide (22) is formed.

5. dispensing device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the output device (13) has a spring latch (23).

6. dispensing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the output device (13) is designed as a lifting device.

7. Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor device for detecting the level of the at least one container.

8. dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has for removal of adhesive balance weights (12) a removal device (14) for removing the protective strip on the adhesive.

9. dispensing device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the removal device (14) is designed as a hook.

10. Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an insertion device (42) for inserting a

Additional weight (37) in a balancing weight (12) having a recess.

1 1 .Egabgabevorrichtung (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the insertion device (42) from a basic position on at least two containers with additional weights (37) of different weight over to an insertion position (41) is movable, wherein the additional weight to be removed can be determined as a function of a sensor signal of a balancing station.

12. Dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the insertion device (42) is designed as a linearly movable arm.

13. Dispensing device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the arm for fixing the additional weight (37) has at least one U- or V-shaped holding device, at least one magnetic device or at least one vacuum-based holding device.

14. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fastening device (55) for automatic

Attachment of the balance weight (12) on a motor vehicle tire (58).

15. Dispensing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fastening device (55) has a centering device for aligning the balance weight on the motor vehicle wheel, a positioning device for positioning the balance weight at the unbalance point and a contact pressure device for pressing the balance weight on a motor vehicle wheel.

16. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims or arrangement with such an output device (1), characterized by an electronic and / or computer-aided control or an interface of the output device (13) to an electronic and / or computer-aided control, which optionally via the latter interface to Actuation of the output device (13) in response to signals or data of a balancing station and / or imbalance measuring means is formed via a detected unbalance, for which the controller has a further or second interface for communication with the balancing station and / or with the imbalance measuring means.

17. Dispensing device or arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the controller has a further or third interface to

Communication with an electronically and / or computer-aided controlled handling system (R), preferably with orthogonal, linear xyz handling directions and / or rotary and / or pivotable handling movements of gripping members (G), for access to an opening (15) or other balancing weight Output.

18. An output device or arrangement according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the control with a software routine or other means for simultaneous or otherwise coordinated operation of two or more output devices in response to the data or signals of the balancing station and / or imbalance -Messmitteln is provided.

19. A method for outputting balance weights (12) for motor vehicles, wherein the weight of the balance weight (12) is determined as a function of a date or signal of a balancing station, characterized in that the balancing weight (12) automatically by an output device (1), in particular by an output device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the output balancing weight (12) automatically by means of a fastening device (55), in particular a fastening device (55) according to claims 14 and 15, on a motor vehicle wheel (58) is attached.

21. Method according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that the balancing weight (12) from a container for storing balancing weights (12) of a weight output by means of an output device (13) and transported to a removal device.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the issue and before removal in a recess of the balance weight (12) an additional weight (37) is attached.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the weight of the additional weight (37) in dependence of the signal of the balancing station and the weight of the balancing weight (12) is determined.

24. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balancing weight (12) after the output at least one insertion device (42) is moved past, wherein the movement of the balancing weight (12) is braked or stopped at the insertion device (42) and the additional weight (37) is fastened to the balance weight (12) by means of the insertion device (42).

25. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional weight (37) from a container by means of a Inserting device (42) taken, moved to one in an insertion position (41) balancing weight (12) and secured in a recess of the balance weight (12).

26. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that prior to removal of the balancing weight, the protective device of the adhesive with a removal device (14) is removed.

27. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the level of the balance weights (12) and additional weights (37) stockpiling container is detected by means of a sensor device.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that a container of the output device (1) is replaced when falling below or exceeding a predetermined desired value of the sensor signal of the sensor device.

29. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor signal is used to perform automated order processes.

30. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (1) is controlled in response to an unbalance date or signal predetermined by a balancing station such that two or more output devices of two different cassettes (2-1 1) be operated with different Auswuchtgewicht- grammages simultaneously or in concert with each other to realize a predetermined balance weight value with a set of several, correspondingly issued balancing weights.

31. A method according to claim 31, characterized by the use of a provided for motor vehicles balance weight set, with at least one Balancing weight with a grammage or a mass which consists of a multiple of the mass corresponding to a limit weight, wherein at least one additional weight is used with a mass or grammage below the limit weight.

32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that a plurality of balance weights having a plurality and / or different grammages are used, wherein above a limit weight balancing weights are used with masses which consist of multiples of the mass of the limit weight, and the weighted set further with at least one additional weight at least one grammage below the limit weight.