FR3127148A1 - Device for transporting sheet metal parts for a forming press installation. - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (10) for transporting sheet metal parts for a forming press installation, the transport device comprising moving means (12) and gripping means (18, 24) for sheet metal parts; the moving means (12) comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand (16), to which the gripping means (18, 24) are fixed; the gripping means (18, 24) comprise at least two lateral gripping modules (18), each configured to hold a piece of sheet metal and move it in translation along an axis (X). The gripping means (18, 24) further comprise at least one central gripping module (24) arranged between the side gripping modules (18) and configured to hold at least one other piece of sheet metal. Figure to be published with abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Device for transporting sheet metal parts for a forming press installation.

The present invention relates to the field of installations for manufacturing sheet metal parts. The present invention relates more particularly to a device for transporting parts for a forming press installation and such an installation.

Press installations allow the manufacture of metal parts with complex shapes, for example for body parts used in the automotive field. The parts are obtained from metal sheets which are stamped and/or cut.

To obtain the final product, the parts are handled so as to be positioned correctly in the machine which will carry out the shaping. This manipulation is generally automated and carried out by a transport device.

A transport device for a press installation generally comprises means for moving and means for gripping one or more metal parts. The transport device is then able to grasp, hold and move one or more parts together, or even to separate parts from each other.

Transport devices are industrial robots that generate high manufacturing and installation costs. It is therefore advantageous for a transport device to be adaptable to all the series of parts that are produced in an installation.

For the manufacture of certain series of parts, it is necessary to separate two parts, while for other series the transport devices must handle three parts independently. For example, one may also want two pieces to be moved apart while a third is held fixed in position.

Transport devices are known, for example in document FR 2949693 B1 which describes a device for translating parts in a direction transverse to the direction in which the parts travel in a stamping installation. In this document, the translation device comprises two pairs of parallel arms. A pair of fixed arms is mounted directly on an existing support of the stamping installation, and a pair of movable arms is mounted on the pair of fixed arms.

This transport device remains limited to a movement in translation and does not allow the separation of two parts while a third is kept fixed.

The aim of the invention is to improve the known solutions of the state of the art. The aim of the invention is in particular to propose a device for transporting parts for a press installation which is adaptable to several manufacturing scenarios.

To this end and according to a first aspect, the subject of the invention is a device for transporting sheet metal parts for a forming press installation, the transport device comprising moving means and gripping means for sheet metal parts ; the moving means comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand, to which the gripping means are fixed; the gripping means comprise at least two side gripping modules, each configured to hold a piece of sheet metal and move it in translation along an axis.

The transport device is remarkable in that the gripping means further comprise at least one central gripping module arranged between the lateral gripping modules and configured to hold at least one other piece of sheet metal.

The sheet metal parts transport device can hold at least two parts thanks to its lateral gripping modules, and an additional part with the central gripping module. The transport device makes it possible to transport at least three pieces of sheet metal, and to separate two pieces while keeping a third piece fixed. The transport device can therefore be adapted to many manufacturing scenarios.

Advantageously, the hand has fixing means for the central gripping module configured to removably fix the central gripping module; preferably by tightening.

The removable fastening means allow the central gripping module to be installed only when necessary. In other cases, the central gripping module is removed, which lightens the transport device.

In some embodiments, the fixing means comprise at least one positioning interface, and the central gripping module comprises at least one fixing foot with one end engaged in the positioning interface of the fixing means.

Preferably, the fixing means of the fixing head comprise two positioning plates and the central gripping module comprises two fixing feet inserted into the hand positioning interface.

The positioning interface makes it easier to position the central gripping module.

Advantageously, the end of the binding foot comprises an anchoring plate forming an angle with the longitudinal direction of the binding foot, the anchoring plate being engaged in the hand positioning interface. The angle is preferably at least 80°.

In embodiments, the hand comprising a support beam on which the lateral gripping modules are fixed, the axis of translation of the lateral gripping modules, the transport device is remarkable in that the central gripping module is fixed to the support beam by the fastening means.

The fixing of all the gripping modules on the support beam makes it possible to make them integral with the moving hand, and in particular during a rotation of the hand.

In some embodiments, the hand attachment means comprise at least two clamping elements; a base plate fixed to the clamping elements; and the positioning interface is fixed to the base plate.

This design is very simple and can be adapted to an existing transport device including a support beam.

In embodiments, the transport device comprises a general pneumatic system, and in that the central gripping module is powered by the general pneumatic system; preferably removable. The central gripping module can be integrated into the part transport device without adding an additional pneumatic system.

According to a second aspect, the subject of the invention is an assembly comprising at least one central gripping module for a device for transporting sheet metal parts and at least fastening means intended to be mounted on a hand of a transport device of sheet metal parts for a press installation according to the first aspect, the central gripping module comprising a support frame for gripping elements, and at least one fixing foot

According to a third aspect, the subject of the invention is a forming press installation comprising a device for transporting sheet metal parts according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, the subject of the invention is a method for mounting a central gripping module in a device for transporting sheet metal parts according to the first aspect, in which the transport device comprises means for moving and means gripper for sheet metal parts;

the moving means comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand, to which the gripping means are fixed

the gripping means comprise at least two lateral gripping modules, each allowing the holding of a piece of sheet metal and its translational movement along the same axis;

the hand has fixing means for the central gripping module configured to removably fix the central gripping module;

the fixing means comprise at least one positioning interface, and the central gripping module comprises at least one fixing foot;

the process comprises the following steps:

during a downtime of the part transport device,

engage the fixing foot(s) of the central gripping module in the hand fixing means, in contact with the positioning interface;

fixing the central gripping module by tightening the fixing foot(s) in the fixing means of the hand.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given by way of example with reference to the attached drawing plates on which:

there is a perspective view of a transport device according to one embodiment of the invention;

there is a perspective view of a detail of the showing a central gripping module;

there is an exploded perspective view of an assembly comprising a central gripping module and a fixing means according to one embodiment of the invention.

In the rest of the description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it authorizes the presence of other elements in the transport device, or the assembly to which it refers. . It is understood that the term “include” includes the terms “consist of”.

Similarly, the terms "lower", "upper", "high" and "low" will be understood according to their usual definition, in which the terms "lower" and "low" indicate a greater proximity to the ground according to the direction vertical than the terms "upper" and "high" respectively.

A device 10 for transporting sheet metal parts, shown in , comprises moving means 12 and gripping means for sheet metal parts. The sheet transport device 10 is an industrial robot which can be controlled and/or programmed from a control station, not shown, so as to perform a series of movements coordinated with other elements of an installation, not shown, such as a stamping press installation.

The means of movement 12 comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand 16. The means of movement 12 can confer on the transport device possibilities of movement along at least one axis, and combine movements in translation and in spin. In the example of the , the transport device is an industrial robot with 3 axes of rotational movement.

It will be understood that the device described can be part of a conventional press installation. This transport device makes it possible, for example, to move a piece of sheet metal between two stations side by side or from a trolley to a fixed station such as a press, for example.

The gripping means are attached to the hand 16. The gripping means are generally suction cup gripping means so as not to damage the parts which are handled. The gripping means can also comprise clamps, trays, support bars or any other appropriate means.

The gripping means comprise at least two side modules 18 for gripping which can be arranged on either side of the hand 16. The side modules 18 for gripping comprise suction heads 20 fitted with suction cups which are powered by a circuit general pneumatics, not shown, so as to hold or release a piece of sheet metal.

The side modules 18 for gripping are configured to also allow the displacement of a sheet metal part in translation along an axis X. The axis X can be the same for the two side modules 18 for gripping. In the example of the , the orientation of the X axis can be preset according to the operations of the transport device.

The lateral gripping modules 18 can comprise a mechanism with rails or slides which allows the translation of the suction heads 20 along the X axis. This translation movement makes it possible, for example, to separate or bring together two pieces of sheet metal.

In order to carry the gripping means, the hand can comprise a support beam 22 shown in . The side gripping modules 18 can then be fixed to the support beam 22. The translation axis X of the side gripping modules advantageously extends along the length of the support beam 22.

The lateral gripping modules 18 are preferably secured to the support beam 22 of the hand 24 in translation but also during a rotation of the hand.

The gripping means further comprise at least one central gripping module 24 allowing the fixed retention of at least one other piece of sheet metal and which can be arranged between the side gripping modules 18 .

The central gripping module 24 may comprise a support frame 25 for gripping elements, such as for example suction heads fitted with suction cups, clamps, trays, support bars or any other suitable element. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, the central gripping module comprises gripping elements formed by suction heads 26 provided with suction cups. The suction heads 26 can be powered by the general pneumatic circuit. This connection can be made removable.

The hand 16 may also have fixing means 28 for the central module 24 for gripping. The fixing of the central gripping module can be removable. The side gripping modules 18 can then be fixed to the support beam 22 by the fixing means 28. The fixing means 28 can then be removable fixing means by clip, latch or preferably by tightening.

The central gripping module 24 can advantageously be fixed to the support beam 22 to be integral with the hand 16 during its movements in translation and in rotation.

In order to fix the central gripping module 24, the hand has fixing means presented by the hand 16 can comprise several clamping pieces adapted in size and shape to the profile of the support beam or of the element of the hand on which they are mounted.

The fixing of the central gripping module 24 can be carried out manually by a technician. The assembly and/or disassembly of the central gripping module can be done in hidden time, such as for example while the transport device is waiting for a part to be formed in a press.

In the example shown in , the hand has fixing means 28 which comprise at least one positioning interface 30, to ensure correct positioning of the central module 24 for gripping.

For example, the central gripping module 24 may comprise at least one fixing foot 32 with one end engaged in the positioning interface of the fixing means. The positioning interface 30 may include a guide element, such as a slide, for the end of the fixing foot 32.

The fixing foot 32 can be a cylindrical foot, and the positioning interface can comprise a housing in which the fixing foot is engaged. The fixing foot 32 can then be locked on the positioning interface by a locking means such as for example a screw 33, or other.

For simplification, a single positioning foot and its attachment to the hand is shown in Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the attachment means 28 comprise two positioning plates 30 and the central gripping module 24 comprises two feet of fixing 32 inserted in the hand positioning plates. The positioning feet are arranged, preferably, symmetrically with respect to the central gripping module to stabilize the latter.

The end of the fixing foot can thus have a profile which makes it possible to create a recess between the fixing foot and the fixing means 28 of the hand 16, such as for example a T-shaped profile, conical, or formed by a plate of anchor 34. The surface of the anchor plate 34 then forms an angle with the longitudinal direction of the fixing foot 32, which is inserted into the hand positioning interface. The angle is preferably an angle of at least 80°, preferably the anchor plate 34 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fixing foot 32.

The fastening means 28 can be integrated into the hand 16 during the design of the transport device 10, but they can also be attached to the hand 16 of an existing sheet metal part transport device. Such an existing transport device may for example be a transport device of the RobospeedTM type manufactured by the company Güdel Group AG.

The fixing means 28 can be elements made from the material of the support beam 22 or preferably elements attached thereto. For example, as shown in , the fixing means 28 of the hand can comprise at least two clamping elements 36 which can enclose the support beam.

For example, clamps 36 may be L-shaped, C-shaped or otherwise. Fixing means 28 may also comprise a base plate 38 fixed to the clamping elements. The clamping elements 36 can be fixed by screws to the base plate 38 so as to ensure the clamping of the support beam 22. The positioning interface 30 can be fixed to the base plate.

According to variants, the device for transporting sheet metal parts can comprise more than two lateral gripping modules and/or several central gripping modules.

A method for mounting a central gripping module in a device for transporting sheet metal parts will also be described, in which the transport device comprises moving means and gripping means for sheet metal parts;

the moving means comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand, to which the gripping means are fixed

the gripping means comprise at least two lateral gripping modules, each allowing the holding of a piece of sheet metal and its translational movement along the same axis;

the hand has fixing means for the central gripping module configured to removably fix the central gripping module;

and the fixing means comprise at least one positioning interface, and the central gripping module comprises at least one fixing foot.

The process includes the following steps:

during a stoppage time of the transport device,

engage the fixing foot(s) of the central gripping module in the hand fixing means, in contact with the positioning interface;

fixing the central gripping module by tightening the fixing foot(s) in the fixing means of the hand.

Claims (10)

Device (10) for transporting sheet metal parts for a forming press installation, the transport device comprising moving means (12) and gripping means (18, 24) for sheet metal parts; the moving means (12) comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand (16), to which the gripping means (18, 24) are fixed; the gripping means (18, 24) comprise at least two lateral gripping modules (18), each configured to hold a piece of sheet metal and move it in translation along an axis (X); the transport device is characterized in that the gripping means (18, 24) further comprise at least one central gripping module (24) arranged between the side gripping modules (18) and configured to hold at least one other part sheet metal. Transport device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the hand (16) has fastening means (28) for the central gripping module (24) configured to removably fasten the central module (24) of gripping; preferably by tightening. Transport device (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the fixing means (28) comprise at least one positioning interface (30), and the central gripping module (24) comprises at least one fixing foot ( 32) with one end engaged in the positioning interface (30) of the fastening means. Transport device (10) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the end of the fixing foot (32) comprises an anchoring plate (34) forming an angle with the longitudinal direction of the fixing foot (32), the anchor plate (34) being engaged in the positioning interface (30) of the hand (16). Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the hand (16) comprising a support beam (22) on which the side modules (18) for gripping are fixed, the transport device (10) is characterized in that the central gripping module (24) is fixed to the support beam (22) by the fixing means (28). Transport device (10) according to any one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the means (28) for fixing the hand (16) comprise at least two clamping elements (36); a base plate (38) attached to the clamps (36); and the positioning interface (30) is fixed to the base plate (38). Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a general pneumatic system, and in that the central gripping module (24) is powered by the general pneumatic system; preferably removable. Assembly comprising at least one central gripping module (24) for a device for transporting sheet metal parts and fastening means (28) intended to be mounted on a hand of a device (10) for transporting sheet metal parts for a press installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the central gripping module (24) comprising a support frame (25) for gripping elements (26), and at least one fixing foot Forming press installation comprising a device (10) for transporting sheet metal parts according to any one of Claims 1 to 7. Method of mounting a central gripping module in a device (10) for transporting sheet metal parts according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the transport device comprises displacement means (12) and means gripper (18, 24) for sheet metal parts; the moving means (12) comprise at least one articulated arm, at the end of which is arranged a hand (16), to which the gripping means (18, 24) are fixed; the gripping means (18, 24) comprise at least two lateral gripping modules (18), each allowing the holding of a piece of sheet metal and its translational movement along the same axis (X); the hand (16) has fixing means (28) for a central gripping module (24) configured to removably fix the central gripping module; the fixing means comprise at least one positioning interface (30), and the central gripping module comprises at least one fixing foot (32); the method comprises the following steps: during a stoppage time of the transport device (10), engaging the fixing foot(s) (32) of the central gripping module (24) in the fixing means (28) of the hand (16), in contact with the positioning interface (30); fixing the central gripping module (24) by tightening the fixing foot(s) (32) in the fixing means (28) of the hand.