Goeke Patent

8/10/2019 Goeke Patent

1/5

ABSTRACT

The device (1) has a cylindrical magazine (5) for receiving a retaining ring i.e. snap ring (3), and a camera (13) for

detecting a position of the retaining ring in a monitoring field. A separation slider (9) places the retaining ring in a position,

and a gripper grips the retaining ring. Two jaws include pins or bolts at lower ends of the jaws, where the pins or bolts

receive ends of the retaining ring, which is received in the jaws. A drive motor i.e. electric motor, performs enlargement

and/or reduction of width of the retaining ring.

CLAIMS(10)

1. Means ( 1 ) For the automated assembly of retaining rings, snap rings in particular ( 3 ) Having a magazine

( 5 ) For receiving a plurality of retaining rings, snap rings, such as in particular ( 3 ), Or so-called Seeger rings

and with a locking ring in an observation field for identifying the location of the security ring, and a separating

device with separating slide ( 9 ) For the storage of, and a gripper ( 15 ) With two gripper jaws ( 16 , 17 ),

Especially with pins, spikes or thorns ( 18 , 19 ) For receiving the ends of the retaining rings, in particular of the

snap rings ( 3 ) Or Seeger rings, for expanding or reducing the width of the locking ring, in particular the snap

ring ( 3 ), The expansion or reduction of the width by means of a drive motor ( 22 ) Motor is driven.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the observation field is provided by an optical pickup

device by which the position or orientation of at least one securing ring is detected.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical pickup device, a camera ( 13 ) Comprises.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gripper ( 15 ) At least substantially

cylindrical in shape with two adjacent arranged gripper jaws ( 16 , 17 ) For receiving the ends of the retaining

rings, in particular of the snap rings ( 3 ).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least substantially coaxial with the gripper

( 15 ) And a stripper assembly ( 24 ) Is provided.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jaws ( 16 , 17 ) Are motor-driven

pivot.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jaws ( 16 , 17 ) Engine driven eachby a plane parallel to the retaining rings, snap rings in particular, are aligned pivot pins.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that retaining rings, snap rings, such as in

particular, with a width of about 20 mm to 60 mm can be mounted.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both internal retaining rings and inner

retaining rings and outer retaining rings and outer rings are snap fitted.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optical monitoring is effected for

example using a camera surveillance.

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

[0001]The invention relates to an apparatus for the automated assembly of retaining rings, snap rings in particular.

Art

[0002]Retaining rings, snap rings, for example, are frequently used to secure components or component groups also quite

complex plants or units, such as in transmissions or engines, etc.. Advantageously serve these retaining rings, for

example, the fixation on shafts or in bores, so that a distinction between two types of retaining rings. In this case, outer

and inner retaining rings are known which are either placed on the outside of a shaft in a groove provided therein and

which is introduced in a bore in a groove provided therein. In addition, the term locking ring and snap ring, the term is used


2/5

interchangeably and no further distinction will be made, even if the locking ring is the generic term which includes snap

rings. The invention particularly relates to the become known with the name of a manufacturer called Circlips retaining

rings as mentioned above. Known to DIN 471 and DIN 472 have become embodiment of such Seeger rings as a flat open

ring, for example, punched and possibly ground advantage and the open ring has two holes for disassembly and assembly

using a special snap ring pliers at both end portions of the open ring on.

[0003]For optimized mounting automated assembly devices are necessary which allow automatic snap mounting of the

rings. Such mounting means for mounting of slotted circlips or snap rings are well known in the art.

[0004]For example, byDE-OS 25 35 231Such a mounting apparatus has become known. This publication discloses that

the snap ring is expanded to a larger inner diameter, is pushed onto the workpiece, and then the spreading is

canceled. To a longitudinally movable mandrel is used with blades. However, such devices are designed technically very

complex and yet not allow high process speed.

[0005]For the assembly of shaft securing rings in the DD 270 672 A1 already a fixture with feeder has been proposed with

the flat, open elastic rings can be joined to shaft ends or on roller bearings. The aim of the apparatus designed for this

purpose is that of coating the device, and during the joining operation no defined position of the annular gap, the annular

gap is required and therefore does not need to be spatially identified and recorded. Such a device is therefore not suitable

for fitting circlips with two holes.

[0006]Also with theDE 297 22 088 U1proposed retaining ring installation tool is not suitable for mounting provided withholes or eyelets circlips.

Summary of the Invention: task solution, benefits

[0007]It is the object of the invention to provide a device for mounting a snap ring, which at least reduces the

disadvantages of the prior art and a fast and reliable assembly of circlips also allows different diameters.

[0008]This is achieved with the features of claim 1, wherein a device for the automated assembly of retaining rings, as in

particular a snap ring or Seeger rings, made of a magazine for receiving a plurality of retaining rings, such as in particular

a snap ring, or the so-called Seeger rings, and retaining rings in an observation field for identifying the location of the

security ring, and a separating device with separating shifter for storing in and with a gripper with two gripper jaws, in

particular with pins, points or spikes for receiving the ends of the retaining rings, in particular the snap ring or Seeger rings

to widen or is reducing the width of the securing ring, in particular the snap ring, the expansion or reduction of the width by

means of a drive motor driven motor. Due to the configuration of the invention can advantageously capable of retaining

rings are detected and clearly be adapted to the location of the locking ring for grasping by the gripper, the gripper

position. The fact that the position and possibly the nature of the eyes (through holes), or loops of the male ring may be

detected and analyzed is particularly advantageous.

[0009]It if the observation field is provided by an optical pickup device by which the position or orientation of at least one

detectable locking ring is particularly advantageous.

[0010]Furthermore, it is advantageous if the optical recording apparatus comprises a camera. Thus, the position of the

locking ring are detected and possibly also advantageous if the locking ring as such is wrong.

[0011]It is advantageous if the gripper is at least substantially cylindrical in shape with two adjacently arranged grippingjaw for receiving the ends of the retaining rings, in particular of the snap rings. In particular, pins, spikes, or mandrels are

provided, by which the eyelets of the locking ring can be penetrated for receiving.

[0012]It is also advantageous if at least substantially coaxial with the gripper assembly and a stripper is provided.

[0013]Furthermore, it is advantageous if the jaws are pivotably driven motor.

[0014]According to the invention it is advantageous if the jaws are each driven by a motor parallel to the plane of the

retaining rings, in particular of the snap rings, aligned bolts are pivotable.

[0015]The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous suited retaining rings, snap rings or as particular

Seeger rings of all sizes, to fit particularly with a width of about 20 mm to 60 mm.
http://www.google.com/patents/DE2535231http://www.google.com/patents/DE2535231http://www.google.com/patents/DE2535231http://www.google.com/patents/DE29722088U1http://www.google.com/patents/DE29722088U1http://www.google.com/patents/DE29722088U1http://www.google.com/patents/DE29722088U1http://www.google.com/patents/DE2535231


3/5

[0016]A further advantage is that both internal retaining rings, snap rings, such as in particular internal and external

retaining rings, in particular external snap rings are fitted.

[0017]Moreover, it is advantageous if, for example, by an optical monitoring camera monitoring, is also used for quality

assurance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]The invention on the basis of an exemplary embodiment is explained with reference to the drawings. In the

drawings:

[0019]1 a partial view of a device according to the invention,

[0020]2 a partial view of a device according to the invention,

[0021]3 a view of a camera for detecting the position of a securing ring, and

[0022]4 a view of a camera for detecting the position of a securing ring.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0023]The 1 shows a part of apparatus 2 a device 1 for the automated assembly of retaining rings, snap rings as

particularly 3 Wherein the supply apparatus 2 serves the snap rings 3 to separate and feed the assembly fixture.

[0024]In 1 It can be seen that on a base plate 4 a cylindrical magazine 5 for the reception and storage of snap rings 3 is

provided, the retaining rings 3 are removed at the bottom of the magazine and are fed to the assembly. In this case, the

magazine may advantageously be refilled from the top, or alternatively, the entire magazine with a magazine in themeantime a filled 5 be replaced. The snap rings can advantageously be refilled manually into the magazine or are they a

sorting head automatically filled. This is in 1 however, not be detected. The cylindrical magazine 5 by means of a

support 6 on the base 4 and can be mounted by screwing 7 , 8 are adjusted and set in position.

[0025]For removal and forwarding device used for mounting a slide separation 9 , Which by means of a drive 10 Such as

an electric motor, is designed to be displaceable axially, moves the retaining rings 3 from below the magazine 5 in the

lateral direction, so that it out of the magazine 5 are separated and the fixture can be supplied. In 1 the drive is an electric

motor with a threaded rod 11 As the slider 9 due to the rotation of the threaded rod 11 moves axially.

[0026]Advantageously, the isolation valve 9 be manually or automatically adjusted to different diameters of the retaining

rings. When manually setting the width of the slider can be changed manually. For automated setting this can be done

advantageously by a controlled operation, for example, a motor-driven actuator.

[0027]Advantageously, the isolation valve 9 be manually or automatically adjusted to different types and / or thicknesses

of the snap rings. When manually setting the height of the slider can be changed manually. For automated setting the

height can advantageously via a controlled operation, for example, a motor-driven actuator 12 occur.

[0028]In 1 is still a camera 13 provided to monitor the procedure and quality control, which is preferably used for detecting

the hook feature in location, position and size to automatically control the snap ring assembly can.Advantageously, above

and / or below the base plate 4 an illumination device provided to illuminate the retaining rings during the recognition

process can advantageously, better and clearly identify the location of the retaining rings.

[0029]The 2 shows a further part of apparatus 14 , Having a gripper 15 to grasp the circlips 3 has. The gripper 15 is

approximately cylindrical and advantageously consists of sub-cylinder parts or cylinder segment pieces which arerelatively movable to receive a snap ring and expand or compress, depending on whether the snap ring is an external

snap ring or an internal snap ring.

[0030]Here snap ring may alternatively between two jaws 16 , 17 are added to the two open ends of the snap

rings 3auseinanderzubiegen or zusammenzubiegen. Here, the jaws at their lower ends, pins, spikes or

thorns 18 , 19which engage in holes of the snap ring to expand or compress the circlip. The storage is preferably effected

by the jaws parallel to the plane of retaining rings aligned bolt 20 By means of which or to which the gripper

jaws 16 , 17can be pivoted, to urge the retaining ring and to bend.

[0031]Advantageously, the actuation of the gripper jaws 16 , 17 with a synchronization in power stroke 21 by the selective

control of the operation of the gripper jaws and the operation by a drive motor 22 Such as an electric motor. It is


4/5

particularly advantageous if the drive motor 22 a motor, which permits positioning of the gripper position at the same

time. This can be effected advantageously in that the motor 22 an electric motor with an integrated sensor for monitoring

the motor position or motor rotation, so that the current position of the gripper jaws can be determined based on the

engine position and / or rotation of the motor.

[0032]Furthermore, it is advantageous according to if the free passage of the gripper arms with a monitoring of the

relaxation process of the snap ring is advantageously carried out in the installation groove. This can preferably be done by

a measurement of force and / or displacement measurement of the jaws in the relaxation process.However, it is also

advantageous if such a force sensor 23 is provided, which detects the force exerted on the gripper jaws.

[0033]Another advantage is an assembly or stripper 24 provided that at least approximately coaxially to the at least

substantially cylindrical gripper 15 is disposed and which is axially displaceable in controlled driven to the retaining

rings 3 strip in the appropriate position provided.

[0034]Further, to realize a locking 25 a mounting sleeve for locking and for unlocking of the mounting sleeve to the

exchange, the exchange can be done manually or automatically. Preferably, a further sensor element 26 provided, may be

carried out by means of which an interrogation of the mounting sleeve and the assembly process.

[0035]According to the invention it is advantageous if, in addition to the magazine or in place of the magazine a sorter or

sorting element is provided, from which the snap rings can be removed and supplied from which the snap rings of an

optical control and / or measurement, wherein advantageously the installation-relevant data and measurements bedetermined or calculated.

[0036]It is further advantageous if the assembly gripper is by means of drive motor such as a servomotor, adjusted and so

occupies the required Greiferma and so brings the snap ring to the appropriate bias voltage, so that the snap ring can be

inserted over the shaft or in the bore.

[0037]It is advantageous if the gripper is brought to the mounting component by means of robot arm to which it is to be

mounted, the robot adjusts the position accuracy is required.

[0038]Advantageously, the position determined by the measurement of the snap ring and the mechanical environment of

the device, as calculated on or in which the snap ring to be mounted.

[0039]It is also advantageous when it is monitored according to the setting operation on the shaft or in the bore of the

mounting operation into the groove of the hook by using the hook feature, as the length of the grippers and / or the force to

be controlled, etc. at the joining process .

[0040]The 3 and 4 show the advantageous arrangement of a camera 13 for detecting the position of a snap ring 3 in a so-

called nest 30 . The Nest 30 denotes the observation field of the storage position of the snap ring 3 to determine the

position of the snap ring, in particular of the eyes or ears of a Seegerings, before receiving the snap ring 3 with the gripper

jaws 16 , 17 for further assembly of the retaining ring. With the pins, spikes or thorns 18 , 19 , Which can then be

introduced into the targeted eyelets, is opened or closed by a corresponding pivotal movement of the ring. This is the

nest 30 advantageously formed by a plate 32 On which the snap ring from the magazine 5 not shown by the isolation

valve in the observation area of the nest 30 is conveyed.

[0041]Below the plate 32 is advantageously a mirror 31 provided by means of which the nest 30 can beilluminated.Instead of the mirror can advantageously be a different type of illumination may be provided by means such as

a lamp.

[0042]By illuminating more reliably it is essential to detect the openings of the locking ring in order to detect the unique

location of the security ring, so that the gripper can be defined the locking ring and secure access. Also, the hole location

and the hole spacing of the holes of the locking ring can be clearly established. This is within reach of the retaining rings

with the grippers advantageous because the process are thereby securely can be carried out rapidly.

[0043]To hold the retaining rings by the gripper, it is also advantageous if they are radially expanded by the gripper or

radially compressed, so they do not fall off due to the stress by the gripper to grip the gripper.


5/5

1Device for retaining ring assembly 2Divider 3Retaining ring, snap ring 4Base plate

5Magazine 6Bracket 7Gland 8Gland 9Isolation valve 10Drive 11Threaded rod 12Actuator

13Camera 14Divider 15Gripper 16Bake 17Bake 18Pins / spikes / thorns 19Pins / spikes

/ thorns 20Bolt 21Control of the power stroke 22Drive motor 23Force sensor 24Assembly or stripper

25Locking 26Sensor element 30Nest 31Reflector 32Plate

Goeke Patent

Documents

Transcript of Goeke Patent