Article dispensing – With discharge assistant – Fluid pressure
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-13
2001-07-17
Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3652)
Article dispensing
With discharge assistant
Fluid pressure
C221S298000, C221S299000, C221S301000, C406S108000, C406S196000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260734
ABSTRACT:
The present invention concerns a device for distributing parts singly and a device for storing these parts.
More particularly, the parts in question are rivets intended to feed a riveting machine in a continuous and uniform manner.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that in order to ensure uniform rivetting, which is imperative (particularly in the field of aeronautics) it is necessary to feed a riveting machine in the most uniform manner possible. Each rivet must arrive at the riveting station in the right direction and one by one. Now, a riveting machine may be fed by several types of rivets with different lengths, diameters and shapes of the head. It is thus necessary to establish separate storage devices each containing a particular type of rivet. It is then necessary to use a selection device for a particular type of rivet and means for distributing this rivet singly to a riveting machine.
At the present time, however, no device exists for distributing rivets singly capable of delivering rivets of different sizes and shapes, always in the same position, while guiding them correctly along their path.
The aim of the present invention is to overcome all these disadvantages and more particularly to create a device for distributing parts singly enabling parts of different sizes and shapes to be delivered, always in the same position. Such a device must be simple, low in cost, and easy to use and manufacture.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For this purpose, the present invention concerns a device for distributing parts singly, more particularly rivets, wherein it comprises:
a deformable elastic means having a substantially tubular shape in the passive state comprising a central bore with a narrow section and inlet and outlet openings, said elastic means being capable, in the active state, of expanding radially so as to receive and guide a part in its central bore, and
a source of pressure capable of subjecting the internal bore of the elastic means to an excess pressure and to bring about a radial expansion of this so as to move, one by one, each part placed at the inlet orifice towards the outlet orifice of the elastic means.
Thus, the invention consists of using, as a distribution device, a deformable elastic means, for example a sheath made of extensible material (of the thin balloon type) for distributing one by one parts conveyed to the inlet of this distribution device, and leading them to the outlet (namely to a riveting machine) by the action of a source of pressure (for example compressed air).
Advantageously, in order to prevent the elastic means bursting or deforming in an irreversible manner, this elastic means is placed inside a tube having a certain radial rigidity so as to limit the radial expansion of the elastic means. This tube may on the other hand have a certain flexibility in the longitudinal direction.
Advantageously, the device for distributing parts singly according to the present invention comprises a means for storing parts. This means of storage is capable of containing a plurality of parts and of delivering them one by one, to order, to the elastic means.
The means of storage according to the invention consists of an assembly of tubular elements, in which the parts to be stored are stacked one behind the other. A retaining means enables the first of these parts to be freed, to order, while holding all of the other parts.
When several storage means are associated, each containing different parts, the distribution device according to the invention comprises, in addition, a means of selection capable of receiving a part derived from any means of storage whatsoever with a view to leading it to the inlet orifice of the elastic means.
The present invention concerns a storage device capable of being used in a distribution device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the said device comprises:
a tubular element, a connector and a retaining element, each having an internal bore capable of housing and guiding a plurality of parts placed one behind the other,
a source of pressure, capable of exerting a pressure inside the central bore, on a first part of the said plurality and,
retaining means provided in the retaining element, capable of retaining the first part and the following part, to liberate the first part to order and to put the following part in readiness by causing it to pass to the first position and thus to deliver each part of the plurality singly.
Such a storage device is more particularly provided with retaining means capable of delivering the first part stored and of retaining all the others. As soon as the first part is delivered, the second takes its place, in order to be ready for the next delivery.
Advantageously, the retaining means consists of two rams operating in opposition and acting to retain the first and second parts stored, respectively. Thus, when the first part stored is retained, the second is not and vice-versa.
Advantageously, these two rams are arranged orthogonally in relation to each other.
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Auriol Jean-Marc
Bornes Philippe
Guerin Sylvain
Lillis Eileen D.
Ste Ateliers de la Haute-Garonne-Ets Auriolo Et Cie
Tran Thuy V.
Young & Thompson
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