US 11,919,727 B2
Stacking device, automation module and method
Sebastian Huber, Wurmlingen (DE); and Markus Kohler, Immendingen (DE)
Assigned to CHIRON Group SE, Tuttlingen (DE)
Filed by CHIRON Group SE, Tuttlingen (DE)
Filed on Aug. 24, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/894,721.
Claims priority of application No. 10 2021 122 406.3 (DE), filed on Aug. 30, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0065489 A1, Mar. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. B23Q 7/04 (2006.01); B23P 19/00 (2006.01); B65G 61/00 (2006.01); B65G 63/00 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 63/004 (2013.01) [B23P 19/001 (2013.01); B23Q 7/046 (2013.01); B65G 61/00 (2013.01); B65G 63/00 (2013.01)] 25 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A stacking device for handling loading aids for an automated feeding of a machine tool, comprising:
a base,
a first side having a first vertical guide,
a second side having a second vertical guide,
a stud frame supported by the base,
a vertically movable support segment that is moveable along the first vertical guide,
a vertically movable lifting console that is moveable along the second vertical guide, and
a transfer unit that is configured to transfer the loading aids piecewise between the first side and the second side, wherein the transfer unit comprises a horizontal drive that is located substantially on the first side, at least in a state when the horizontal drive has approached the first side, wherein the transfer unit is positioned in a first position on the first side in such a way that a loading aid that is supported on the second side by the lifting console is freely accessible from above for a handling unit that is arranged to transfer work-pieces between the loading aid provided by the stacking device on the second side and a machine tool,
wherein the first vertical guide and the second vertical guide are mounted at the stud frame,
wherein the support segment is disposed on the first side and configured for receiving a conveyor that carries two or more loading aids that are arranged one above the other,
wherein the support segment and the lifting console are arranged facing away from each other at the stud frame,
wherein the support segment and the lifting console are coupled to one another in a forced coupling via a common coupling member, and are together vertically movable at the stud frame in opposite directions via a common vertical drive, and
wherein the lifting console is disposed on the second side and configured for receiving one or more loading aids and for supporting two or more loading aids that are arranged one above the other.