Abstract
An insert includes a base and an outer skirt which extends from the base, thereby forming a chamber. The outer skirt is provided with a first inner skirt surface and a first outer skirt surface. At least one fixation means is arranged at the first outer skirt surface and configured to interact with a panel when inserted in an opening of the panel in order to increase initial insert stability.
Claims
1. An insert (100) comprising a. a base (110); b. an outer skirt (120) extending from i. the base (110), thereby forming a chamber (101), ii. the outer skirt (120) provided with a first inner skirt surface (123) and a first outer skirt surface (124); and c. at least one fixation means (180) arranged at the first outer skirt surface (124) and configured to interact with a panel (200) when inserted in an opening (212) of the panel (200) to increase initial insert stability.
2. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation means (180) is arranged at a region of the outer skirt (120) which is adjacent to the base (110).
3. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation means (180) comprises at least one thickening (181) which at least partially protrudes from the first outer skirt surface (124).
4. The insert (100) according to claim 3, wherein multiple thickenings (181) are arranged circumferentially around the outer skirt surface (124).
5. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation means (180) comprises at least one recess (182).
6. The insert (100) according to claim 5, wherein the recess extends in a circumferential direction around the first outer skirt surface (124).
7. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation means (180) is at least partially made from a polymer material.
8. The insert (100) according to claim 7, wherein the polymer material comprises an adhesive agent.
9. The insert (100) according to claim 7, wherein the polymer material is arranged as a coating layer on the first outer skirt surface (124).
10. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fixation means (180) comprises a coating layer that has a friction coefficient which is higher than the friction coefficient of the non-coated part of the first outer skirt surface (124).
11. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the fixation means (180) is integrally made with the outer skirt (120).
12. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the fixation means (180) is made from a different material than the outer skirt (120).
13. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one first groove (125) is arranged at the first outer skirt surface (124) closer to a free end (121) of the outer skirt (120) than to a base end of the outer skirt (120) which is arranged at the base (110).
14. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outer skirt (120) comprises at least one slot (140) arranged at a free end (121) of the outer skirt (120) and extending from the inner skirt surface (123) to the outer skirt surface (124).
15. The insert (100) according to claim 14, wherein multiple slots (140) are arranged circumferentially around the outer skirt surface (124).
16. The insert (100) according to claim 1, wherein the insert (100) comprises an inner skirt (130) that extends from the base (110) and is arranged in the chamber (101) and spaced apart a distance from the outer skirt (120).
17. The insert (100) according to claim 15, wherein portions (150) of the outer skirt (120) arranged between the multiple slots (140) form resilient tongues.
18. An insert system (1), comprising: a. a panel (200) comprising i. a core structure (250) and ii. a first cover sheet (210) that at least partially covers the core structure (250); and b. an insert (100) according to any of claim 1 i. the insert (100) mounted in an opening (212) in the panel (200).
19. The insert system (1) according to claim 18, wherein the insert (100) is mechanically interconnected with the panel (200) by an interference-fit between the fixation means (180) and the first cover sheet (210).
20. The insert system (1) according to claim 18, wherein the opening (220) comprises an undercut (225) arranged beneath the first cover sheet (210).
21. A working head (300) for an insert machine system (700) to process an insert (100) to be mounted in a panel (200), comprising: a. at least one insert holding means (310) to bear at least one insert (100) to be mounted in the panel (200); b. at least one insert receptive port (330) configured to receive at least one insert (100) to be mounted in the panel (200); and c. at least one guidance means (350) configured to transport an insert received at the at least one insert receptive port (330) to the at least one insert holding means (310).
22. The working head (300) according to claim 21, further comprising a working head carrier (360) with which the at least one insert holding means (310) and the at least one insert receptive port (330) and the at least one guidance means (350) are mechanically interconnected.
23. The working head (300) according to claim 22, wherein the working head carrier (360) comprises a mechanical coupling means configured to mechanically interconnect the working head carrier (360) with a mating coupling means of an actuator (730, 735) of a machine system (700) in a detachable manner.
24. The working head (300) according to claim 21 further comprising an adhesive dispenser unit (500) configured to provide a specified amount of adhesive agent to an opening (212) of a panel (200) and/or a specified amount of adhesive agent to an insert (100) to be mounted in an opening (212) of a panel (200).
25. The working head (300) according to claim 24, wherein the adhesive dispenser unit (500) is detachably mechanically interconnected with the working head carrier (360).
26. The working head (300) according to claim 21 further comprising a mechanical insert coupling means (340); a. the mechanical insert coupling means (340) configured to be mechanically interconnected with a magazine (400) containing multiple inserts (100) configured to provide inserts (100) to the at least one insert receptive port (330); and/or b. the mechanical insert coupling means (340) being configured to be mechanically interconnected with an insert conveying means (760) configured to provide inserts (100) to the at least one insert receptive port (330).
27. The working head (300) according to claim 21, wherein the working head (300) comprises at least one tool to induce an opening (212) in a panel (200) an insert (100) is to be mounted in.
28. A magazine (400) for storing inserts (100) to be mounted in a composite panel (200), comprising: a. at least one storage part (410) configured for storing multiple inserts (100) while having a specific alignment; b. at least one mechanical coupling means (420) configured to be mechanically interconnected with a mating mechanical coupling means of a consumer device; and c. at least one insert delivery port (430) configured to deliver an insert (100) from the storage part (410) to an insert receptive port (330) of a consumer device such that the insert (100) has a specified alignment.
29. The magazine (400) according to claim 28, further comprising a biasing means inside the storage part (410) for supporting the transfer of the inserts (100) from the storage part (410) through the delivery port (430) into an insert receptive port (330) of a consumer device.
30. An adhesive dispenser unit (500) for dispensing an adhesive agent comprising: a. an adhesive dispenser carrier (510) comprising i. a mechanical interconnection interface to mechanically interconnect the adhesive dispenser unit (500) with a working head carrier (360); b. at least one first fluidic port (530) configured to be fluidically interconnected with a source of a first adhesive agent; and c. at least one nozzle (530) to dispense the first adhesive agent.
31. A machine system (700) for producing an insert system (1), comprising: a. a holding device (710) for holding a panel (200); and b. a first working head (300) displaceable with respect to the panel (200) and configured to receive an insertion tool (310) displaceable with respect to the panel (200) and configured to support an insert (100) to be inserted in the panel (200).
32. The machine system (700) according to claim 31, wherein the first working head (300) is arranged at a first actuator (730).
33. The machine system (700) according to claim 32, wherein the first actuator (730) is a bridge of a CNC-router or is a robotic arm.
34. The machine system (700) according to claim 31 further comprising, a second working head (300) arranged at a second actuator (735) and displaceable with respect to the first working head (300).
35. The machine system (700) according to claim 34, wherein the second actuator (735) is the bridge of a CNC-router or is a robotic arm.
36. The machine system (700) according to claim 34, wherein the working head (300) comprises an opening tool (720) to induce an opening (212) into the panel (200).
37. The machine system (700) according to claim 31, wherein the first working head (300) is a working head comprising: a. at least one insert holding means (310) to bear at least one insert (100) to be mounted in the panel (200); b. at least one insert receptive port (330) configured to receive at least one insert (100) to be mounted in the panel (200); and c. at least one guidance means (350) configured to transport an insert received at the at least one insert receptive port (330) to the at least one insert holding means (310).
38. The machine system (700) according to claim 31, wherein the working machine (700) comprises an adhesive dispenser unit (500) that is displaceable with respect to the panel (200).
39. The machine system (700) according to claim 38, wherein the adhesive dispenser unit (500) is mechanically interconnected with the first working head (300).
40. The machine system (700) according to claim 38, wherein the adhesive dispenser unit (500) is an adhesive dispenser unit according to claim 30.
41. The machine system (700) according to claim 31, wherein the machine system (700) comprises at least one fluid line (750) interconnecting the first or the second fluidic port (520, 540) with at least one adhesive storage tank (755) arranged at a distance apart from the adhesive dispenser device (500) and comprising an adhesive agent or at least one component of a multi-component adhesive agent.
42. The machine system (700) according to claim 31, wherein the machine system (700) comprises at least one insert conveying means (760) in order to convey at least one insert (100) from a stationary insert receptive port (761) arranged at a distance apart from the working head (300) to the insert receptive port (330) of the working head (300).
43. The machine system (700) according to claim 42, wherein the stationary insert receptive port (761) is arranged at a fixed position at a distance apart from the holding device (310).
44. The machine system (700) according to claim 42, wherein the insert conveying means (760) comprises a tube (765) in which one or multiple inserts (100) to be mounted can be conveyed.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting to the invention described in the appended claims.
[0045] FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0046] FIG. 2 shows the insert of FIG. 1 in a frontal view;
[0047] FIG. 3 shows section D-D of FIG. 2;
[0048] FIG. 4 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0049] FIG. 5 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0050] FIG. 6 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0051] FIG. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0052] FIG. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0053] FIG. 9 schematically shows an embodiment of an insert system according to the present invention in a perspective view;
[0054] FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an insert system according to the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 11 schematically shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an insert system according to the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 12 schematically shows an embodiment of a working head according to the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 13 schematically shows an embodiment of a working head according to the present invention
[0058] FIG. 14 schematically shows an embodiment of a machine system according to the present invention in a top view;
[0059] FIG. 15 schematically shows an embodiment of a magazine according to the present invention in a perspective view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, an embodiment that is presently preferred, in which like numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0061] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a variation of an insert 100 according to the present invention. The Insert 100 comprises a base 110 and an outer skirt 120 that extends from the base 110 to an outer skirt end 121. The base 110 and the outer skirt 120 form a chamber 101, as shown in FIG. 3. The outer skirt 120 is provided with a first inner skirt surface 123 and a first outer skirt surface 124. The variation of an insert 100 further comprises a fixation means 180 that is arranged at the first outer skirt surface 124 and configured to interfere with a panel (not shown) when inserted in an opening of the panel and thereby increase initial insert stability as will be explained in more detail below. As shown, the fixation means 180 is arranged at the region of the outer skirt 120 which is adjacent to the base 110. In the variation shown, the fixation means 180 comprises a thickening 181 which when the insert 100 is mounted in an opening of a panel interferes with a cover sheet of a panel such that an interference-fit is obtained as will subsequently be shown. The thickening 181 extends in circumferential direction around the first outer skirt surface 124. The variation of an insert 100 shown further comprises multiple slots 140 which are arranged at the free end 121 of the outer skirt 120 and extend from the inner skirt surface 123 to the outer skirt surface 124. The slots are arranged circumferentially distributed around the outer skirt surface 124. The slots 140 improve the distribution of an adhesive agent (not shown) present in an opening of a panel when the insert 100 is inserted in the opening. At the same time, the slots 140 help to establish a form-fit connection between the insert 100 and a panel and thus in particular help to increase the mechanical stability of an insert-panel construct when the insert under torsional loading. The variation of an insert 100 shown further comprises a first groove 125 arranged at the first outer skirt surface 124, closer to the free end 121 of the outer skirt 120 than to the base end of the outer skirt 120 which is arranged at the base 110. The groove 125 extends circumferentially around the insert 100. The groove 125 inter alia increases pull-out strength of the insert 100. Furthermore, the insert 100 comprises guiding means 170 arranged at the free end 1212 of the outer skirt 120, formed as a chamfer which supports insertion of the insert 100 in an opening. The portions 150 of the outer skirt 120 arranged between the multiple slots 140 form resilient tongues which due to the groove 125 have a slightly decreased stiffness when deflected in radial direction of the insert 100, which supports insertion of the insert 100 in an opening even more. The insert further comprises a connection means 160 which in the variation shown is an inner thread configured to receive e.g. a screw (not shown) in order to mechanically interconnect e.g. an equipment device with the insert. However, neither the variations shown nor any other variation of the present invention is limited to such kinds of connection means. As well, the insert has an inner skirt 130 which is arranged at the base 110.
[0062] FIG. 4 to 8 schematically show further variations of an insert 100 according to the present invention comprising different types of fixation means 180. In the variation shown in FIG. 4, the fixation means 180 comprises a knurl, respectively corrugation. In the variation of an insert 100 as schematically shown in FIG. 5, the fixation means comprises a polymer material that is arranged as a coating layer on the first outer skirt surface 124 and arranged in segments which are arranged circumferentially distributed around the outer skirt surface 124. The polymer material is a silicone which has a friction coefficient which is higher than the friction coefficient of the non-coated part of the first outer skirt surface 124. Hence for certain types of panels, positioning of such a variation of an insert 100 relatively to the panel in z-direction can be better controlled (respectively automated), as well as initial stability of the insert 100 in the panel can be increased. FIG. 6 schematically shows a variation of an insert 100 where the fixation means 180 comprises protrusions essentially have a semi-ellipsoidal shape in order not to produce any notch effect and resulting critical stress the peri-insert region of the cover sheet, while still offering sufficient initial insert stability. FIG. 7 schematically shows another variation of an insert 100 which comprises a fixation means 180 that is formed as a corrugation that extends in circumferential direction around the insert 100. FIG. 8 schematically shows a variation of an insert 100 where the fixation means 180 comprises a recess/groove that extends in circumferential direction around the insert 100. Such a variation of a fixation means 180 may be used for insert 100 to be applied to certain types of panels, as they may support positioning of the insert 100 relatively to the panel.
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a variation of an insert system 1 according to the present invention comprising a variation of an insert 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As well, the insert system 1 comprises a panel 200 which has a core structure 250 that is a honeycomb structure comprising a plurality of cells delimited by cell walls. However, the invention as disclosed herein is not limited to panels with such types of core structures. The panel further comprises a first cover sheet 210 and a second cover sheet 230 that cover the core structure 250. When mounted, the insert 100 is arranged in an opening 212 arranged in the panel 200. In the variation of an insert system 1 as shown, in the peri-insert region of the core 250 an adhesive agent (not shown) is present which interconnects the insert 100 and the panel 200. As schematically shown, the fixation means 180 of the insert 100 interferes with the first cover sheet 210 and thereby induces an interference-fit between the insert 100 and the cover first sheet 210, thereby providing initial insert stability.
[0064] FIG. 10 schematically shows a variation of an insert system 1 according to the invention. As shown, when in a mounted state the insert 100 is arranged in an opening 212 arranged in the panel 200. The opening 212 comprises a first segment that is adjacent to the first cover sheet 210 and in the variation has an essentially cylindrical shape (if the core structure 250 is made from a honeycomb structure, the hexagonal shape of the honeycombs may overlay said cylindrical shape). The outer skirt 120 is essentially arranged in this first segment of the opening 212. Methods to obtain such openings are well known. The opening 212 further comprises a second segment that extends further towards the second cover sheet 230 and in which the inner skirt of the insert 100 is arranged. In the space between the boundary walls of the opening 212 and the insert 100 an adhesive agent is arranged (not shown in detail) which provides long-term stability (respectively bonding between the insert 100 and the panel 200). As schematically shown, an insert system 1 according to the invention may comprise an opening 212 that has an undercut 225 which increases insert stability, in particular pullout-strength of the insert 100. As schematically shown, the variation of an insert 100 shown has a fixation means 180 that comprises a thickening which in mounted state interacts with the boundaries of the opening 212 in the first cover sheet 210 such that an interference-fit is obtained.
[0065] FIG. 11 schematically shows another embodiment of an insert system 1 according to the present invention which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the opening is formed such that part of the core structure 250 of the panel 200 is arranged in the chamber 101. Such an embodiment of an insert system 1 may be advantageous for certain types of panels 200.
[0066] FIG. 12 schematically shows an embodiment of a working head 300 according to the present invention. The working head comprises an insert holding means 310 to bear at least one insert 100 to be mounted in the panel 200. In the embodiment shown the holding means comprises a vacuum system to bear the insert 100 during mounting. The working head 300 further comprises an insert receptive port 330 (not shown in detail) which is configured to receive inserts 100 to be mounted in the panel 200 from a (detachable) magazine 400. The working head 300 further comprises a guidance means 350 configured to transport an insert 100 received at the insert receptive port 330 to the insert holding means 310. The working head 300 further comprises a working head carrier 360 with which the insert holding means 310 and the receptive port 330 and the guidance means 350 are mechanically interconnected. The working head carrier 360 comprises a mechanical coupling means which is configures to mechanically interconnect the working head carrier 360 with a mating coupling means of an actuator 730, 735 of a machine system (not shown) in a detachable manner. Hence, the working head 300 can be easily replaced e.g. for maintenance of the working head or conversion of a machine system. In addition, the embodiment of a working head 300 shown comprises an adhesive dispenser unit 500 for dispensing an adhesive agent to an opening 212 in the panel 200. The embodiment of an adhesive dispenser unit 500 shown comprises an adhesive dispenser carrier 510 which has a mechanical interconnection interface to mechanically interconnect the adhesive dispenser unit 500 with the working head carrier 360. As well, the adhesive dispenser unit 500 comprises a first fluidic port which is fluidically interconnected with a storage tank 550 that serves as a source of an adhesive agent. The adhesive dispenser unit 500 further comprises a nozzle 530 configured to dispense the adhesive agent to openings 212 in the panel 200.
[0067] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a working head 300 according to the present invention which is similar to the one shown in FIG. 12. However, in contrast to the latter, the working head comprises a mechanical insert coupling means 340 which is mechanically interconnected with an insert conveying means 760 that is configured to provide inserts to the insert receptive port 330. Thus inserts 100 can be conveyed e.g. from a magazine (not shown) arranged at a distance apart from the working head 300 and consequently total weight of the working head 300 can be decreased, leading to lower requirements with respect to the structural stability of the working head 300 and/or the actuator 730, 735.
[0068] FIG. 14 schematically shows an embodiment of a machine system 700 for production of an insert system as described herein. The machine system comprises a holding device 710 for holding/supporting a panel 200. The holding device 710 may e.g. be formed as table comprising a vacuum system to hold the panel 200. The machine system 700 further comprises a first working head 300 arranged on a first actuator 730 that is displaceable with respect to the panel 200 and configured to support an insert (not shown in detail) to be inserted in an opening 212 in the panel 200. As shown, the first working head 300 comprises an insert holding means 310 arranged to mount an insert into an opening 212 in the panel 200, as well as an adhesive dispenser unit 500 as described herein to provide an adhesive agent to an opening 212 prior to mounting of an insert. The working head 300 is mechanically interconnected with a magazine 400 by means of an insert conveying means 760 configured to provide inserts, configured to convey inserts from the magazine to the working head 300. As shown, the magazine 400 is arranged at a distance apart from the holding device 710 but mechanically interconnected with the first actuator 730, such that it can move together with the first actuator 730 along the holding device 710 but can be easily accessed e.g. in order to be replaced. The embodiment of a machine system 700 as shown further comprises a second working head 300 that is arranged at a second actuator 735 and is displaceable with respect to the first working head 300. The second working head 300 comprises an opening tool 720 to induce an opening 212 into the panel 200.
[0069] FIG. 15 schematically shows an embodiment of a magazine 400 according to the present invention. The magazine 400 comprises a storage part 410 in which multiple insert 100 are stored while being aligned in a specific way. The magazine 400 comprises a mechanical coupling means 420 (not visible) configured to establish a mechanical interconnection with a mating coupling means of a consumer device, such as a working head. The magazine 400 further comprises a insert delivery port 430 that is configured to deliver inserts 100 from the storage part 410 to an insert receptive port (not shown) of a consumer device (e.g. a working head or an insert conveying means) such that the insert 100 has a specified alignment.
