MODULAR FEEDER

Abstract

A feeder for conveying a workpiece, in particular strip material, in a conveying direction, comprises at least one first pair of side support modules; a base support module arranged between the side support modules; and at least one conveying module; wherein the side support modules are detachably connected to the base support module transversely to the conveying direction to form a U-shaped support structure of the feeder along the conveying direction; wherein the conveying module is arranged on the support structure movably in the conveying direction.

Claims

1. A feeder for conveying a workpiece, in particular strip material, in a conveying direction, comprising: at least one first pair of side support modules; a base support module arranged between the side support modules; and at least one conveying module; wherein the side support modules are detachably connected to the base support module transversely to the conveying direction to form a U-shaped support structure of the feeder along the conveying direction; wherein the conveying module is movably arranged on the support structure in the conveying direction.

2. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the side support modules can be detachably connected to the base support module in a mutually exchangeable manner.

3. The feeder according to claim 2, wherein the feeder is configured such that the conveying module can continue to be movably arranged on the support structure in the conveying direction when the side support modules are mutually exchanged.

4. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the side support modules have end faces which are configured such that a further pair of similar side support modules can be arranged on the first pair of side support modules in the conveying direction such that the length of the support structure is extended by the length of a side support module when the base support module is replaced by an extended base support module, the length of which is greater than the length of the base support module by the length of a side support module.

5. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the feeder is configured such that, when a further pair of similar side support modules is arranged in the conveying direction, the conveying module can continue to be movably arranged on the support structure in the conveying direction.

6. The feeder according to claim 4, wherein the side support modules and the base support module are configured such that, when a further pair of similar side support modules is arranged in the conveying direction, the further similar side support modules can be detachably connected to the extended base support module transversely to the conveying direction to be able to form the support structure of the feeder along the conveying direction.

7. The feeder according to claim 4, wherein the end faces of the side support modules have recesses, preferably U-shaped recesses, wherein, when a further pair of similar side support modules is arranged, the recesses form a common opening with a substantially continuous circumferential surface.

8. The feeder according to claim 4, wherein the end faces of the side support modules have second mounting means configured such that the side support modules can be detachably connected to an end plate of the feeder.

9. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the side support modules are elongated and substantially define a U-shaped profile with legs of different lengths, wherein the smaller leg of each side support module is substantially flush with the base support module.

10. The feeder according to claim 1, further comprising a guide rail arranged on the support structure, and wherein the side support modules have third mounting means for detachably connecting the guide rail to a side support module.

11. The feeder according to claim 10, wherein the guide rail and the third mounting means of the side support modules are configured such that the guide rail can be detachably connected to a plurality of side support modules arranged in the conveying direction at the same time.

12. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the base support module has second mounting means arranged in pairs along the conveying direction, wherein the feeder comprises at least one drive unit received in the support structure and configured to move the conveying module, wherein the second mounting means of the base support module are arranged such that the drive unit can be detachably connected to the base support module at variable positions along the conveying direction.

13. The feeder according to claim 1, further comprising two end plates detachably connected to the support structure, preferably to the side support modules and optionally not to the base support module, at opposite sides of the support structure.

14. The feeder according to claim 13, wherein the end plates are configured such that the end plates can be detachably connected to the support structure in a mutually exchangeable manner.

15. The feeder according to claim 14, wherein the feeder is configured such that the conveying module can still be movably arranged on the support structure in the conveying direction when the end plates are mutually exchanged.

16. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the length of the base support module in the conveying direction corresponds to the length of the first pair or pairs of side support modules.

17. The feeder according to claim 1, further comprising one or more further pairs of similar side support modules, wherein the pairs of side support modules are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, wherein the side support modules are detachably connected to the base support module transversely to the conveying direction to form the support structure of the feeder along the conveying direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0185] Preferred embodiments are described below only by way of example. Reference is made to the following accompanying figures:

[0186] FIG. 1 shows a conventional main body of a conventional feeder, as is known from the state of the art;

[0187] FIG. 2 shows the conventional base body from FIG. 1 with further components of a conventional feeder, as is known from the state of the art;

[0188] FIG. 2a shows the conventional base body from FIG. 2 with further components of a conventional feeder, as is known from the state of the art;

[0189] FIG. 2b shows a conventional feeder with the conventional components from FIG. 2a and with further components, as is known from the state of the art;

[0190] FIG. 3 shows a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0191] FIG. 4 shows the support structure from FIG. 3 with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0192] FIG. 4a shows FIG. 3 in an exploded view;

[0193] FIG. 4b shows FIG. 4 in an exploded view;

[0194] FIG. 5 shows the support structure from FIG. 4 with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0195] FIG. 6 shows a feeder with the components from FIG. 5 and with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0196] FIG. 7 shows the support structure from FIG. 4 with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0197] FIG. 7a shows the embodiments of FIG. 7, wherein the support structure comprises a further pair of side support modules according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0198] FIG. 7b shows the embodiments of FIG. 7a, wherein the support structure comprises a further pair of side support modules according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0199] FIG. 8 shows the embodiments of FIG. 7b with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0200] FIG. 9 shows a rotated feeder according to two embodiments of the present invention;

[0201] FIG. 10 shows a feeder with two drive units according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first position of the carriage plates (left) and a second position of the carriage plates (right);

[0202] FIG. 11 shows a feeder which is formed from two support structures arranged on one another on the rear side according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first position of the carriage plates (left) and a second position of the carriage plates (right);

[0203] FIG. 12 shows three feeders of different length according to three embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 8 but have a different width;

[0204] FIG. 13 shows three feeders of different length according to three embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 9 but have a different height;

[0205] FIG. 14 shows two feeders of different length according to two embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 10 but have a different width; and

[0206] FIG. 15 shows two feeders of different length according to two embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 11 but have a different width.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Definitions

[0207] The term modular, modularized and/or modularization can mean that a device described by the term and/or a system and/or component described by the term are combined as desired (for example with the same and/or a different modular device/system/component) in order to provide the same or a different/any desired configuration (for example any desired configuration of a feeder). The modular components can comprise standardized/uniform/universal interfaces, for example mounting means/mounting surfaces/end faces, in order to be able to be detachably connected to each other and/or to other components. Consequently, the components, elements or modules can interact flexibly with each other.

[0208] The term similar, for example a similar side support module or similar side support modules, can be understood such that the components are substantially equal, preferably identical. Manufacturing tolerances are included by the term similar. Consequently, two components which have manufacturing inaccuracies can nevertheless be referred to as similar. The manufacturing inaccuracies are substantially low so that they are scarcely detectable in some cases and two similar components can consequently be considered identical by an average person.

[0209] The term mountable, mounted, mounting, mount, mounted to each other, mounted thereto, fastening, fastened, connected, composite can be understood such that, for example, two components are substantially fixedly connected to each other. Consequently, substantially no movement of the components relative to each other is possible. For example, two components mounted to one other or to each other are rotationally fixed and/or translationally fixed.

[0210] The term detachable, for example detachably mounted or detachably connected, can be understood such that a connection between two components can be detached substantially without destruction. If not designated separately, detachable is to be understood as mechanically detachable. The terms are to be understood such that a physical separation of the components is made possible. This can be done e.g., by force-fitting/friction-fitting (e.g., by screw connections) or in some cases by a form-fitting. Usually, a material connection, for example welding, does not fall under a detachable mounting, as used herein.

[0211] The term assembly, assembling, assembled can be understood such that components are preferably detachably mounted to each other or are arranged such that they restrict a specific movement.

[0212] The term feeder cycle is to be understood as a movement sequence of the holding device movable from a starting to an end and back to a starting position. During a feeder cycle, strip material is conveyed by one feeder length. The number of feeder cycles per unit of time is also to be understood as cycle rate and is usually expressed as stroke/min.

[0213] A width of the holding device, for example of a gripper, can be understood such that the width corresponds approximately to the width of the feeder. However, it is also possible to provide wider grippers than the width of the feeder.

[0214] A passage width of the holding device can be understood such that this corresponds to a maximum possible strip material width that can be conveyed. It goes without saying that the width of the holding device is greater than the passage width.

[0215] The distance between two end plates parallel to the conveying direction is referred to herein as length of the feeder. A feeder length can be understood such that it is the feeder length of a strip material of a feeder per cycle. The feeder length is usually used herein as a synonym for the length of the feeder.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0216] Only a few possible embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a multiplicity of other embodiments can be applied without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0217] The embodiments presented can be modified and combined with each other in many ways, whenever they are compatible, and specific features can be omitted, insofar as they appear unnecessary. In particular, the disclosed embodiments can be modified by combining specific features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

[0218] In the entire present Figures and the description, the same reference signs refer to the same elements, in part for reasons of clarity some reference signs have been omitted and/or reference signs for the same components have been provided with a dashed line. The Figures may not be true to scale, and the relative size, proportions and representation of elements in the Figures can be exaggerated for clarity, illustration and expediency.

[0219] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a conventional main body 100p of a conventional feeder, as is known from the state of the art.

[0220] The main body 100p is of integral and U-shaped design and can be mounted on the end faces (top right and bottom left in the figure) only on end plates 120p, 120p (FIG. 2). Two guide rails 130p 130p, which are fastened to the main body 100p along the longitudinal direction of the main body 100p, are likewise illustrated. The longitudinal direction F of the main body 100p corresponds to the conveying direction F of the strip material.

[0221] The conveying direction F is fixedly defined in conventional feeders due to the construction of the components (inter alia due to the construction of the main body 100p) and cannot be changed. This is illustrated in the figures by the arrow F with only one tip.

[0222] FIG. 2a shows the conventional main body 100p from FIG. 2 with further components of a conventional feeder, as is known from the state of the art. A carriage plate 140p and a holding device 150p are additionally illustrated.

[0223] The end plates 120p, 120p are of different designs. The first end plate 120p is configured to accommodate strip material on a first side of the main body 100p with a corresponding holding device (not illustrated). The second end plate 120p is configured to feed the strip material to a sequential cutting tool on a second side of the main body 100p (optionally with a corresponding holding device). In addition, substantially no fastening holes are provided over the outer circumferential surface of the end plates 120p, 120p.

[0224] FIG. 2b shows a conventional feeder 1p with the conventional components from FIG. 2a and with further components, as is known from the state of the art. As described above, it can also be seen in this figure that the conveying direction is structurally fixedly predefined. In addition, a support plate 180p (for the workpiece) and guide rollers 181p, 181p for introducing the workpiece can be seen. In addition, a roller basket 185p is shown.

[0225] FIG. 3 shows a pair of side support modules 100 with a base support module 110, which form a U-shaped support structure 115 of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] The support structure 115 is of multi-part design and comprises a first side support module 105 and a second side support module 105. Both side support modules are similar (as described herein). A base support module 110, to which the two side support modules 105, 105 are detachably connected, is arranged between the two side support modules.

[0227] For fastening, first mounting means 103, in particular two fastening holes 103, are provided on both side support modules 105, 105, preferably at two opposite end regions in the longitudinal direction F of the pair of side support modules 100/of the base support module 110. For example, screws can be introduced through the fastening holes 103, which screws come into engagement with the base support module 110. In this way, a sufficiently stable fastening can be ensured. The side support elements 105, 105 can also be detachably connected to one another exchangeably with the base support module 110.

[0228] The figure further shows a length Lo of the pair of side support modules. The length is preferably 110 to 150 mm, most preferably 120 to 140 mm or even 130 mm. In this example, the length of the base support module 110 likewise corresponds to the length Lo (since only one pair of side support modules 100 is comprised).

[0229] A side support module 105, 105 respectively has a U-shaped recess 140, 140a at both end faces 106. The legs of the U-shaped recess 140, 140a are arranged parallel to the conveying direction F. Cables and/or hoses (e.g., pneumatic hoses) can be guided through these recesses 140, 140a from the inside of the feeder to the outside and/or vice versa. This offers the advantage that the cables and/or hoses can already be connected at both ends, and subsequently inserted laterally through the recess 140, 140a. In conventional feeders, the cables and/or hoses have to be introduced through circumferentially closed openings (to be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 through the oval openings in the lateral walls).

[0230] A side support module 105, 105 further has a plurality of threaded bores 108 at the lateral outer face (outside, since not directed toward the inside of the U-shaped support structure 115). These threaded bores 108 are arranged at regular intervals and serve to fasten further components of the feeder. In this way, a sensor, for example a linear sensor, can be detachably connected to the side support module 105, 105 at flexible (axial) intervals (this is indicated in FIG. 10). It can be seen that the right recess 104a is somewhat shorter in the longitudinal direction than the left recess 140. A sensor can thus be arranged more toward the side of the right recess 140a, for example.

[0231] The base support module 110 has a plurality of second mounting means (e.g., fastening holes) 112a. Two fastening holes 112a are indicated by way of example in FIGS. 3 and 4a. The second mounting means 112a are arranged in pairs at (regular) intervals along the conveying direction F. These serve to detachably connect a drive unit 170 (FIG. 6) to the base support module 110 at flexible (axial) intervals.

[0232] FIG. 4 shows the support structure and the pair of side support modules 100 from FIG. 3 with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0233] In addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3, a first 120 and a second 120 similar end plate 120, 120 are illustrated. The end plates 120, 120 are fastened to a first and a second end of the pair of side support modules 100, or to opposite sides of the U-shaped support structure 115 in the longitudinal direction F.

[0234] As can be seen on the basis of the figure, the end plates 120, 120 have a plurality of fastening holes in comparison with conventional end plates 120p (FIGS. 1, 2). In particular, this plurality of fastening holes is distributed substantially over the entire outer surface of the end plates (in part symmetrically). This makes possible a flexible and modular design of the end plates 120, 120.

[0235] FIG. 4a shows two side support modules 105, 105 of a pair of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b and a base support module 110 in an exploded view.

[0236] Two end faces 106, 106 of the side support module 105 are shown at opposite ends (in the longitudinal direction) of the side support module 105, to which two end plates 120 (not illustrated) can be detachably mounted. An end plate and a side support module 105 of a further pair of side support modules 100a can also be detachably mounted/or arranged on the end faces 106, 106. Two side support modules of two further pairs of side support modules 100a, 100b can also be arranged on the end faces 106, 106. The end faces are thus configured for at least two functions.

[0237] The side support modules 105, 105 have second mounting means 103a at their end faces 106, 106 (indicated only at one end face 106 of a side support element 105 in the figure). These are configured for the detachable connection to the end plate. For the second function of the end faces 106, the end faces are of planar design in order to be able to be flush with each other. In addition, the U-shaped recesses 140, 140a are designed such that they form a continuous termination (without jumps) when side support modules are arranged in a sequence in the longitudinal direction.

[0238] The side support modules 105, 105 are elongated and substantially form a U-shaped profile with legs of different lengths (the inwardly directed leg is quite short). The smaller leg of each side support module is substantially flush with the inwardly directed surface 107 with the base support module 110, in particular with the surface 111, 111.

[0239] The two side support modules 105, 105 can be detachably mounted on the side surface 107 with the base support module 110 via the sides 111, 111. For this purpose, the base support module 110 has first mounting means 112 on both sides in, 111 arranged transversely to the conveying direction, which are configured for force-fitting connection to the first mounting means 103 of the side support modules 105, 105.

[0240] The side support modules 105, 105 further have third mounting means 103b. With these, a guide rail 130 (FIG. 5) can be detachably connected to a side support module 105. The third mounting means 103b are present in a plurality and thus make possible a flexible fastening of the guide rail. The guide rail 130 and the third mounting means 103b of the side support modules 105, 105 are configured such that the guide rail 130 can be connected to a plurality of side support modules 105, 105 of pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b arranged in the conveying direction at the same time (FIGS. 7a, 7b).

[0241] FIG. 4b shows FIG. 4 in an exploded view.

[0242] The figure shows a recess 122 of the end plate 120 along the conveying direction (the same applies to the end plate 120), which is arranged substantially in the center of the end plate 120. This recess 122 is configured to at least partially receive the conveying module (for example the carriage plate 140, holding device 150 and/or a magnetic rail 160) during operation of the feeder (cf. FIGS. 5, 8). An enlarged path length of the carriage plate is consequently made possible.

[0243] The figure further shows the connection of the second mounting means 103a at the end faces of the side support modules 105, 105 to the end plates 120. The connection can take place via pins and/or screws.

[0244] FIG. 5 shows the support structure from FIG. 4 with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. A carriage plate 140 (which is comprised by the conveying module) is illustrated, which is configured to be moved between the two end plates 120, 120. In particular, the carriage plate 140 is moved on and along the guide rails 130, 130, which are fastened to the side support modules 105, 105 along the longitudinal direction of the pair of side support modules 100.

[0245] The conveying direction F can be oriented in both directions, illustrated on the basis of the arrows, by the configuration of the feeder components using the same feeder components. For example, the same support plate 180 (FIG. 6) can be detachably fastened on the right and the left end plate 120, 120. For this purpose, the support plates 180 and the end plate 120, 120 have fastening means which are congruent to one another in order to be able to detachably mount the components to one another.

[0246] FIG. 6 shows a feeder 1 with the components from FIG. 5 and with further components of a feeder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Three perspective views of the feeder 1 are illustrated.

[0247] A view from below is illustrated at the top left in this figure so that substantially a rear side of the feeder can be seen. During operation of the feeder 1, in this embodiment the visible surfaces of the base support module 110, of the side support modules 105, 105, of the end plates 120, 120 and of the mounting feet 125 would stand substantially on the base. Four mounting feet 125 are illustrated, which each project perpendicularly outward from the two end plates 120, 120 and are detachably mounted on the end plates 120, 120.

[0248] A similar perspective view from obliquely below is illustrated at the top right in this figure. Further optional lateral cover plates 126 and an optional upper cover plate 127 are shown herein. In addition, the support plate 180 comprising two guide rollers 181, 181 is illustrated.

[0249] A perspective sectional illustration of the plane A-A (indicated at the top left in the figure) is illustrated at the bottom in this figure. In this way, the arrangement of the carriage plate 140, of the magnetic rail 160, of the drive unit 170 and of the side support modules 105, 105 and of the base support module 110 can be seen. The drive unit 170 is laterally (sideways) bounded by the side support modules 105, 105 and is detachably mounted on the base support module 110 (via second mounting means 112a of the base support module 110). The magnetic rail 160 is detachably mounted on the carriage plate 140. Likewise, the holding devices 150 are detachably mounted with the carriage plate (from above). A plurality of optional holding devices 150 are illustrated.

[0250] During operation of the feeder 1, the drive unit 170 is spatially fixed and drives the magnetic rail 160, which moves along the guide rails 130, 130 and thus also moves the carriage plate 140 and the holding devices 150. The components movable together can be regarded as a conveying module. The view according to the lower illustration of the feeder 1 in this figure corresponds to a usual orientation when the feeder is in operation. In addition, the conveying directions F for the feeder 1 are illustrated for this view.

[0251] FIG. 7 shows the support structure and the pair of side support modules 100 from FIG. 4 with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared to FIG. 4, the guide rails 130, 130 are also illustrated herein, which are detachably connected on the pair of side support modules 100 or respectively on the first 105 and the second 105 side support module.

[0252] The pair of side support modules 100 represents a part of the U-shaped support structure. As described herein, the side support modules 105, 105 are configured to correspondingly form one or more feeders with different lengths by a sequence of one or more pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b. This is illustrated in particular in the comparison of FIGS. 7, 7a and 7b.

[0253] FIG. 7a shows the embodiments of FIG. 7, wherein a further pair of side support modules 100a is comprised according to an embodiment of the present invention. For reasons of clarity, the side support modules 105, 105 are not indicated separately in this figure, but rather only the pairs of side support modules 100, 100a.

[0254] A plane S is indicated by the dashed quadrangle. A part of the illustrated components of the feeder is symmetrical with respect to the plane S. Likewise, the mounting means described herein are at least partially symmetrical with respect to the plane S. This applies for example to the first mounting means 103 of the side support modules 105, 105.

[0255] FIG. 7b shows the embodiments of FIG. 7a, wherein a further pair of side support modules 100b is comprised according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0256] The length Lo of the pair of side support modules (this corresponds to the length of a side support module) 100, 100a, 100b is the same, as described herein. FIG. 7 consequently shows a feeder with a length of approximately 130 mm. FIG. 7a shows a feeder with a length of approximately 260 mm. FIG. 7b shows a feeder with a length of approximately 390 mm. The end plates 120, 120 are similar (identical) in all embodiments FIGS. 7, 7a and 7b.

[0257] The end plate 120 is detachably mounted by means of its front face 121 (the reference sign is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4b) to the end faces 106, 106 (the reference signs are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4a) of the pair of side support modules 100b. The pair of side support modules 100b is detachably mounted on the inwardly directed side surfaces 107, 107 (the reference signs are illustrated in FIG. 4a) with the base support module 110 (on a surface 111, 111 facing the plane S, cf. FIG. 7a, the reference signs are illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 6) and arranged on the pair of side support modules 100a (on end faces 106, 106 of the pairs of side support modules 100b, low).

[0258] The same applies to the remaining pairs of side support modules: the pair of side support modules 100a is detachably arranged with the base support module 110 (on a surface 111, 111 facing the plane S, cf. FIG. 7a) and on the pair of side support modules 100 (on end faces 106, 106 of the pairs of side support modules 100a, 100). The pair of side support modules 100 is detachably mounted with the base support module 110 (on a surface 111, 111 facing the plane S, cf. FIG. 7a) and with the end plate 120 (on end faces 106, 106 of the pair of side support modules 100). It is advantageous that different feeders can be formed in this way flexibly, quickly and cost-efficiently using similar components.

[0259] It can be seen in FIGS. 7, 7a and 7b that two side support modules 105, 105 are formed to form a pair of side support modules 100, wherein the base support module 110 is arranged in between. The pair of side support modules 105, 105 substantially forms a U-shaped support structure with the base support module 110 and provides stability of the feeder.

[0260] It can further be seen that, in the case of a plurality of pairs of side support modules (for example 2, 3 or more), the side support modules 105, 105 are arranged in the assembly in pairs by the individual intermediate base support module 110 at right angles to the conveying direction and in rows along their longitudinal direction on end faces. Consequently, two rows are formed. The rows (the first row formed from one, two or three of the side support module 105, the second row formed from one, two or three of the side support module 105) are detachably mounted with the base support module no, as described herein.

[0261] The base support module 110 is of one-piece design in each feeder and has a length matching the respective length of the support structure (1?Lo, 2?Lo, or 3?Lo). This increases the stability of the feeder.

[0262] The guide rails 130, 130 are not illustrated continuously in FIG. 7b merely for illustration. It is understood that the guide rails 130, 130 extend from the first 120 to the second 120 end plate and in some cases even contact these.

[0263] FIG. 8 shows the embodiments of FIG. 7b with further components of a feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. In comparison with FIG. 7b, a carriage plate 140 can be seen herein, on which a movable holding device 150 is detachably mounted. The carriage plate 140 is configured movably along the conveying direction F. A second movable holding device 150, which can optionally be comprised by the feeder, is also indicated by dashed lines. For example, the second movable holding device can improve the guiding of strip material. However, the dashed movable holding device 150 likewise means that only one movable holding device is provided at the dashed position. The position in the longitudinal direction is variable due to the carriage plate 140.

[0264] In addition, the figure shows a support plate 180 configured to be fastened to both end plates 120, 120. An embodiment is illustrated in which the support plate 180 is arranged only at one end of the feeder (right). The conveying direction F can be oriented in both directions, illustrated on the basis of the arrows, by the structural configuration of the feeder components using the same feeder components. With the illustrated arrangement of the support plate 180, the conveying direction F is oriented to the left in the figure.

[0265] The support plate 180 comprises two guide rollers 181, 181 configured to guide the strip material and feed it to the fixed holding device 150 and then feed it to the movable holding device 150 fastened on the carriage plate 140 (and optionally feed it to a further movable holding device 150).

[0266] Three similar magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b are illustrated, which are fastened adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction (in the conveying direction F) with the carriage plate 140 and consequently move with the carriage plate 140.

[0267] The carriage plate 140 is driven via a drive unit 170 (not illustrated in this figure). The drive unit 170 is arranged between two side support modules 105, 105 of a pair of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b and above the base support module 110 (facing away from the web of the U-shaped profile of the support structure toward the opening of the U-shaped profile). Preferably, the drive unit 170 is a linear motor. The electric winding is usually spatially fixed and causes a movement of the magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b (these can comprise a permanent magnet) by the electric current flow.

[0268] In some embodiments herein, an enlarged overlap region of the drive unit 170 and the magnetic rails in the conveying direction F can be achieved compared to conventional designs of feeders. This improves the efficiency of the movement. In addition, the arrangement offers the advantage that the weight ratio of the magnetic rails 160, 160a, 106b to the drive unit 170 is low and therefore a low mass has to be accelerated.

[0269] In some cases, in particular if longer travel paths of the carriage plate 140 are necessary, it can be expedient to fasten the drive unit to the carriage plate 140 and the magnetic rail to the pair of side support modules/the base support module (for example in order to ensure an overlap region). In such cases, a cable drag can be provided in order to guide, for example, a power cable of the drive unit 170 (the drive unit 170 would in such cases move at each stroke).

[0270] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 8, the width Bo of the end plate 120 (and of the identical end plate 120) is approximately 70 mm to 150 mm, preferably 90 mm to 140 mm, further preferably 100 mm to 125 mm, most preferably 110 mm to 115 mm or even 112 mm. This width can also correspond to an installation width of the feeders. It can be that the mounting feet 125 project laterally somewhat further over the width of the end plate 120. The width of the holding devices 150 is approximately 98 mm. However, wider holding devices 150 can also be provided, depending on the use case.

[0271] The guide rails 130, 130 are not illustrated continuously in this figure merely for illustration. It is understood that the guide rails 130, 130 extend from the first 120 to the second 120 end plate and in some cases even contact these.

[0272] Even if not illustrated separately in the figure, the feeder 1 can also comprise a roller basket which is configured such that it can be flexibly mounted to, for example, an end plate 180.

[0273] In the embodiments shown so far, the passage width of the holding devices 150, 150 is approximately 60 mm to 120 mm, preferably 65 mm to 95 mm, further preferably 70 mm to 90 mm, most preferably 75 mm to 85 mm or even 80 mm.

[0274] FIG. 9 shows a feeder 1 with two 100, 100a (left) and a feeder 1 with three 100, 100a, 100b (right) pairs of side support modules according to two embodiments of the present invention.

[0275] With respect to the pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b of the conveying direction F, of the base support module 110, and with respect to the other components (even if not explicitly mentioned), the description set forth herein applies, if technically meaningful. In addition, it goes without saying that an embodiment of a feeder 1 with only one pair of side support modules 100 is likewise possible and encompassed by the invention. For reasons of clarity, in the right embodiment of FIG. 9 the reference signs for the three pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b have been omitted (in the left embodiment the two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a are indicated together with their length Lo). The base support module 110 of the left embodiment has a length of 2?Lo, the base support module 110 of the right embodiment has a length of 3?Lo.

[0276] FIG. 9 shows at least one conveying module (comprises the carriage plate 140, the magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b and the holding device 150) arranged on the U-shaped support structure movably in the conveying direction F. The holding device 150 is elongate, wherein the longitudinal axis of the holding device 150 extends substantially parallel to the normal of the carriage plate 140. The magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b are planar and connected to the carriage plate 140 such that their normals run substantially parallel (in the right view, the normal is shown obliquely to the right towards the observer).

[0277] The end plate 120 of this embodiment is identical to the above-described end plates 120, 120. Consequently, the width Bo of the end plate 120 in the embodiment shown in this figure (also referred to as rotated embodiment) corresponds to a height. The dimension Bo drawn in this figure corresponds to a second dimension extending substantially at right angles to the normal of the carriage plate 140 and to the conveying direction F. The end plates 120 also have a first dimension along the normal of the carriage plate 140.

[0278] For example, the horizontal/lying embodiments of the feeders have a height (viewed vertically in FIG. 8) of approximately 94 mm including holding devices 150 (approximately 102 mm including cover plates). The height of the end plate 120 is approximately 58 mm. This height also applies to a wider embodiment of the horizontal/lying feeders (cf. FIG. 12). The width of the rotated embodiments is oriented to the heights of the horizontal/lying embodiments and is consequently substantially narrower than the width of the horizontal/lying embodiments. The height of the rotated embodiments (measured in the direction Bo in FIG. 9) is approximately 148 mm including holding devices 150 (approximately 156 mm including cover plates).

[0279] In the rotated embodiments of the feeders, the above-described feeders are rotated by approximately 90? (or by approximately ?90? or the like) and the holding devices 150, 150 are detachably mounted on a narrow side of the feeder.

[0280] It is advantageous that the components of the feeder are equal components of the other embodiments described herein due to their modular nature. This applies in particular to the pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b, the base support module 110, the carriage plate 140, the end plate 120, the guide rail(s) 130, the magnetic rail(s) 160, the drive unit 170, and the not separately indicated guide carriages, which are guided on the guide rails 130, 130. Consequently, the modular components can be produced in larger numbers and assembled flexibly.

[0281] A further advantage of the rotated embodiment is that the feeder can be fastened to a wall with the lower surface of the base support module 110, of the pair of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b, of the end plates 120 and/or of the mounting feet (the lower surface can be seen in the left view of this figure).

[0282] Advantageously, only holding devices 150 with a smaller passage width are used, for example in the range between approximately 20 mm to 60 mm, preferably 30 mm to 50 mm, further preferably 35 mm to 45 mm, most preferably 38 mm to 42 mm or even 40 mm. The holding devices are thus adapted according to the intended feeder application and promote the space advantage created by the rotation.

[0283] With reference to FIG. 4, it has been explained that the end plates 120, 120 have a plurality of fastening holes. This promotes that a further operation of the feeder after a rotation can be ensured in a simple manner. Thus, in the rotated condition, a fastening of holding devices 150 to a surface of the end plate 120 directed upward in the rotated condition (which is illustrated directed to one side in FIG. 4) can advantageously be made possible.

[0284] The carriage plate 140 and the movable holding device 150 are configured such that the holding device 150 can be detachably connected in a first orientation to an upper side of the carriage plate 140 (cf. FIG. 8) and in a second orientation to an outer side of the carriage plate 140 (cf. FIG. 9). A gripper plate 190 can be comprised by the feeder, which is detachably mounted with the carriage plate 140 and receives the holding device 150. No rebuilding of the carriage plate 140 is thus necessary.

[0285] FIG. 10 shows a feeder with two drive units 170, 170 and two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first position of the carriage plates (left) and a second position of the carriage plates (right).

[0286] With respect to the pairs of side support modules 100, 100a of the conveying direction F, of the base support module 110, and with respect to the other components (even if not explicitly mentioned), the description set forth herein applies, if technically meaningful. In addition, it goes without saying that an embodiment of a feeder 1 with only one pair of side support modules 100 or with three 100, 100a, 100b pairs of side support modules is likewise possible.

[0287] For reasons of clarity, in the left view the reference signs for the pairs of side support modules 100, 100a are not illustrated (in the right view the two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a are indicated together with their length Lo). The base support module 110 has a length of 2?Lo. With respect to the widths of the components (in particular of the end plate 120 and of the holding devices 150, 150), the description set forth herein to FIGS. 3 to 8 applies.

[0288] In the following, the differences from the previous embodiments are substantially discussed.

[0289] Two conveying modules which are movable independently of one another are illustrated. The two conveying modules each comprise one of the carriage plates 140, 140 (which are of the same type), and each comprise a holding device 150 (likewise of the same type), which are detachably connected to the respective carriage plates 140, 140. In addition, two drive units 170, 170 are detachably mounted with the base support module 110 (not indicated separately in the figure, but as described herein). In addition, magnetic rails 160, 160 are detachably mounted on each carriage plate 140, 140. In addition, two measurement systems which are independent of one another can also be installed.

[0290] Each carriage plate 140, 140 can advantageously be controlled individually and travel an individual path along the conveying direction F.

[0291] The conveying process of strip material can be understood as follows: In a moved-apart position (cf. right-hand view), the first holding device 150 (in the right-hand view, this would be the left-hand holding device 150) grips the strip material and is subsequently moved translationally/linearly along the conveying direction F up to approximately the center of the feeder 1 via the linear motor 170 (this position of the left-hand holding device 150 is illustrated in the left-hand view). When it reaches the center, the second holding device 150 grips, consequently takes over the control of the strip material and is moved translationally via the linear motor 170 to the other side of the feeder (on the right in the views).

[0292] In this embodiment of a feeder with two drive units, no spatially fixed holding devices are required (as are indicated for example in FIG. 9). The strip material is usually held by a gripper, preferably at any time during operation, so that a spatially fixed holding device is not necessary.

[0293] FIG. 11 shows a feeder 1b which is formed from two feeders 1, 1a arranged on one another on the rear side according to an embodiment of the present invention. A first position of the carriage plates (left) and a second position of the carriage plates (right) are shown.

[0294] The two feeders 1, 1a arranged on one another on the rear side and detachably mounted to each other are indicated in this figure by the reference signs 1 and is and form the feeder 1b when assembled.

[0295] With respect to the pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b of the conveying direction F, of the base support module 110, and with respect to the other components (even if not explicitly mentioned), the description set forth herein applies, if technically meaningful. In addition, it goes without saying that an embodiment of a feeder 1b with only one pair of side support modules 100 or with three 100, 100a, 100b pairs of side support modules is likewise possible and encompassed by the invention. For reasons of clarity, some reference signs have been omitted in the two views. The base support module 110 of the embodiment has a length of 2?Lo. With respect to the widths of the components (in particular of the end plate 120 and of the holding devices 150, 150), the description set forth herein to FIGS. 3 to 8 applies.

[0296] In the following, the differences from the previous embodiments are substantially discussed.

[0297] The feeder 1b comprises a support structure which is formed along the conveying direction F and a first and a second conveying module (each conveying module comprises in each case a carriage plate 140, a holding device 150 and a gripper plate 190) which are arranged on the support structure so as to be movable in the conveying direction F. It can be seen that the conveying modules can overlap at least partially along the conveying direction F (in the first position, the conveying modules overlap by approximately 50%, in the second position by a somewhat smaller proportion. There are positions in which the conveying modules overlap by 100%).

[0298] Each feeder 1, 1a comprises an independent base support module 110. Consequently, the feeder 1b comprises two base support modules 110. The feeder 1b likewise comprises two carriage plates 140 (the front carriage plate 140 of the feeder 1 is indicated only in the left view in the figure). Comparable to the rotated embodiment (FIG. 9), the holding devices 150, 150 are detachably mounted on a narrow side of the feeder. Due to the arrangement of the feeder 1b, the carriage plates 140 do not hinder one another in their respective travel paths. In this way, the holding devices 150, 150 can advantageously each move over a length of at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, most preferably at least 50% of the entire travel path (between the two end plates 120 and the two end plates 120).

[0299] As in the case of the rotated embodiment, it can also be meaningful in the case of the embodiment in FIG. 11 to provide a gripper plate 190, which is detachably mounted with the carriage plate 140.

[0300] The conveying process of strip material/a workpiece is to be understood as similar to that of the embodiment from FIG. 10. It goes without saying, however, that a movable holding device 150, 150 can perform a longer travel path. The guiding of the material thus takes place more safely and more uniformly. It would be conceivable to design the carriage plate 140 in such a way that the movable holding devices 150, 150 can even perform a longer travel path than 50% of the distance between the end plates. This is not necessary, however, since the transfer of the strip material takes place approximately at 50% of the distance between the end plates (50% of the feeder length).

[0301] In this embodiment in FIG. 11, likewise (as in the embodiment with two drive units in FIG. 10), no spatially fixed holding devices are required (as are indicated for example in FIG. 9). The strip material is usually held by a gripper, preferably at any time during operation, so that a spatially fixed holding device is not necessary.

[0302] The support structures can be in contact over an area of at least 10%, 20% or more on the rear sides. For example, the contact area can be 48.4% (if for example only one pair of side support modules is provided, 1?Lo support structure length).

Examples of Width Variations

[0303] With respect to the following embodiments, the description set forth above applies, if this is technically meaningful. In the following, the differences are substantially discussed. For reasons of clarity, not all components are indicated in some figures, but the person skilled in the art understands which components are meant, at least with the aid of the other figures herein.

[0304] FIG. 12 shows feeders 1, 1a, 1b of different length according to three embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 8. Compared to the embodiment in FIG. 8, the width of the feeders is changed here.

[0305] The feeder 1 has a length of Lo (one pair of side support modules 100). The feeder 1a has a length of 2?Lo (two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a). The feeder 1b has a length of 3?Lo (three pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b, only 100b is indicated for reasons of clarity).

[0306] The passage width of the holding devices 150, 150 is approximately 120 mm to 190 mm, preferably 130 mm to 190 mm, further preferably 140 mm to 180 mm, most preferably 150 mm to 170 mm or even 160 mm.

[0307] The width B1 of the end plate 220 (and of the identical end plate 220) is approximately 150 mm to 300 mm, preferably 170 mm to 250 mm, further preferably 180 mm to 200 mm, most preferably 190 mm to 195 mm, or even 192 mm. This width can also correspond to an installation width of the feeders 1, 1a, 1b. It can be that the mounting feet 125 project laterally somewhat further over the width of the end plate 220.

[0308] The side support modules 100, 100a, 100b used are similar to those described herein and consequently correspond to those of the previous embodiments. The base support module 210 is adapted to the widening, the same applies to the magnetic rail 160 and the carriage plates 140. The carriage plates 140 of the three feeders 1, 1a, 1b shown in FIG. 12 are similar. The same applies to the magnetic rail of the feeder 1 and the three magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b of the feeder 1b. This is made possible by the modular design of the components and reduces the costs.

[0309] The magnetic rail 160 of the feeder 1a is more than twice as long as the magnetic rail 160 (the length of which corresponds to that of the magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b of the feeder 1b due to the similarity) of the feeder 1. In this way, an enlarged overlap between the drive unit 170 and the magnetic rail 160 during the operation of the feeder is can be achieved in the feeder 1a. However, the modularity according to the invention makes it possible that, if desired, two similar magnetic rails 160, 160a are also used in the feeder 1a.

[0310] The drive units 170 are likewise similar in all three feeders and a drive unit 170 is used in all three feeders 1, 1a, 1b. With regard to the embodiments of feeders with a smaller width, the drive units 170 differ only in their width.

[0311] FIG. 13 shows three feeders 1, 1a, 1b of different length according to three rotated embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 9 (correspondingly the description therein likewise applies to FIG. 13) but have a different height. The width B1 of the end plate 120 of the embodiments according to FIG. 12 corresponds to a height in the rotated embodiment according to FIG. 13, as indicated in FIG. 13.

[0312] The feeder 1 has a length of Lo (one pair of side support modules 100). The feeder is has a length of 2?Lo (two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a). The feeder 1b has a length of 3?Lo (three pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b). Due to the modularity, substantially the same components as in FIG. 12 can be used.

[0313] In the three feeders 1, 1a, 1b according to FIG. 13, the passage width of the holding devices 150, 150 is approximately 60 mm to 120 mm, preferably 65 mm to 95 mm, further preferably 70 mm to 90 mm, most preferably 75 mm to 85 mm or even 80 mm.

[0314] FIG. 14 shows two feeders 1, 1a of different length according to two embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 10 (correspondingly the description therein likewise applies to FIG. 14) but have a different width. The width B1 of the end plate 120 of the embodiments according to FIG. 14 corresponds to that of FIG. 12 (correspondingly the description therein likewise applies to FIG. 14).

[0315] The feeder 1 has a length of 2?Lo (two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a). The feeder is has a length of 3?Lo (three pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b, not indicated separately for reasons of clarity).

[0316] The feeder 1 in FIG. 14 comprises a respective magnetic plate 160 on both sides.

[0317] The feeder is in FIG. 14 comprises two respective magnetic plates 160, 160a (likewise similar) on both sides and has a connecting element 161 between the similar carriage plates 140. The connecting element 161 can serve as a spacer between the carriage plates 140. In addition, the connecting element 161 can detachably mount the two magnetic rails 160 and 160a to one another. In this way, the same magnetic plates 160, 160a can be used and a longer magnetic plate does not have to be used. In particular, the magnetic plates of the feeders 1, 1a correspond to those magnetic plates of the feeders 1, 1b from FIG. 13 and of the feeders 1, 1b from FIG. 12.

[0318] FIG. 15 shows two feeders 1, 1a of different length according to two embodiments of the present invention, wherein the embodiments are similar to FIG. 11 (correspondingly the description therein likewise applies to FIG. 15) but have a different width. The width B1 of the end plate 120 of the embodiments according to FIG. 15 corresponds to that of FIG. 12 (correspondingly the description therein likewise applies to FIG. 15). As described herein, two feeders arranged on one another on the rear side and detachably mounted to each other respectively form the feeder 1 and the feeder 1a.

[0319] The feeder 1 has a length of 2?Lo (two pairs of side support modules 100, 100a). The feeder is has a length of 3?Lo (three pairs of side support modules 100, 100a, 100b, not indicated separately for reasons of clarity).

[0320] The spacing of the carriage plates 140 in the conveying direction F can be made variable due to the universal mounting means of the carriage plates 140 and the magnetic rails 160, 160a, 160b (all similarly). Consequently, the feeder 1, 1a can be adapted to diverse feeder applications. The holding devices 150, 150 are detachably mounted via gripper plates with the carriage plates 140 at the same axial height (along the conveying direction F) as the carriage plates 140. Consequently, a changed spacing of the carriage plates 140 causes a changed spacing of the holding devices 150, 150. The distance between two holding devices 150, 150 movable in the same directions can thus be set variably, depending on the desired/allowed/permitted sag of strip material.

[0321] In contrast to the embodiment from FIG. 14, an adjacent arrangement of the carriage plates 140 is shown by way of example in FIG. 15. No connecting element 161 (shown in FIG. 14) is thus necessary, since the carriage plates 140 extend at least partially over all three magnetic plates 160, 160a, 160b in the conveying direction (over less than approximately half of the magnetic plate 160, over the entire magnetic plate 160a and over less than approximately half of the magnetic plate 160b). A detachable mounting of all three magnetic plates 160, 160a, 160b by means of the two carriage plates 140 is consequently made possible.

[0322] As also shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the magnetic rail 160 of the feeder 1 is more than twice as long as the magnetic rail 160 (the length of which corresponds to that of the magnetic rail 160a and 160b due to the similarity) of the feeder 1a. In this way, an enlarged overlap between the drive unit 170 and the magnetic rail 160 during the operation of the feeder 1 can be achieved in the feeder 1. However, the modularity according to the invention makes it possible that, if desired, two similar magnetic rails 160, 160a are also used in the feeder 1.

[0323] It goes without saying that the similar magnetic plates 160, 160a, 160a of the feeder is correspond to those magnetic plates of the feeders 1, 1b from FIG. 14, of the feeders 1, 1b from FIG. 13 and of the feeders 1, 1b from FIG. 12. The carriage plates 140 are of the same width in all feeders.

Overview of Some Embodiments

[0324] Some of the components used in the embodiments described above are indicated as examples in Table 1 below. Here, the embodiment L represents lying embodiments (cf. in FIGS. 8 and 12).

[0325] R represents embodiments in which a longitudinal axis of the holding device extends substantially parallel to the normal of the carriage plate (cf. in FIGS. 9 and 13).

[0326] T represents embodiments in which the conveying modules are movably arranged on the support structure independently of one another in the conveying direction (cf. in FIGS. 10 and 14).

[0327] X represents embodiments in which the conveying modules are configured such that they can at least partially overlap in the conveying direction (cf. in FIGS. 11 and 15).

[0328] A indicates, for example, a side support module of type A (all side support modules of type A are thus identical). B indicates a different nature to A, for example, the base support module B is twice as long as the base support module A. The indication A* means, for example, that the base support module A* differs from the base support module A only in the nature of the width. The indication A** means, for example, that the gripper A** differs from the gripper A and from the gripper A* only in the nature of the width. The indication 160/240 means, for example, that the gripper passage width can be a value of 160 mm or 240 mm.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Examples of feeders according to some embodiments Pair of Grip- side per sup- pas- port Base Car- Mag- Em- Len- sage mod- support riage Grip- netic bodi- gth width ules module plate per rail ment Width [?L0] [mm] (100) (110) (140) (150) (160) L B0 1 80 A A A A A (1x) L B0 2 80 A B B A A (2x) L B0 3 80 A C B A A (3x) R B0 1 40 A A A A* A (1x) R B0 2 40 A B B A* A (2x) R B0 3 40 A C B A* A (3x) T B0 2 80 A B A (2x) A A (2x) T B0 3 80 A C B (2x) A A (4x) X B0 1 80 A A (2x) A (2x) A* A (2x) X B0 2 80 A B (2x) B (2x) A* A (4x) L B1 1 160/ A A* C A** A* (1x) 240 L B1 2 160/ A B* C (2x) A** B (1x) 240 L B1 3 160/ A C* C (2x) A** A* (3x) 240 R B1 1 80 A A* C A A* (1x) R B1 2 80 A B* C (2x) A B (1x) R B1 3 80 A C* C (2x) A A* (3x) T B1 2 160 A B* C (2x) A** A* (2x) T B1 3 160 A C* C (4x) A** A* (4x) X B1 2 80 A A* (2x) C (4x) A B (2x) X B1 3 80 A B* (2x) C (4x) A A* (6x)

[0329] Even if not indicated separately, it is understood that in all the exemplary embodiments described herein the side support modules 105, 105 (a pair of these is referred to as 100 herein for instance) can be formed similarly.

[0330] In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiments the feeders can also be referred to as gripper feeders. Furthermore, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, strip materials with a thickness of at least 0.05 mm and/or at most 20 mm can be conveyed. Preferably, strip materials with a thickness of 0.05 to 15 mm, further preferably of 0.05 mm to 10 mm, further preferably of 0.05 mm to 8 mm, most preferably of 0.1 mm to 5 mm can be conveyed. Adaptations to the holding devices can be provided in order to convey thicker/thinner strip materials.

[0331] In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the components preferably comprise metals as component materials. The materials of the base support module(s), side support module(s) and/or end plates are preferably aluminum, which in some cases can also be anodized. The holding devices likewise comprise aluminum, this ensures a low mass and promotes higher cycle rates. The holding devices likewise comprise steel for clamping plates of the holding devices, wherein the clamping plates come into contact with the strip material.

[0332] The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the exemplary embodiments and/or figures.