JP3248465U - Supply structure and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A supply arrangement (12) for supplying parts (22), the supply arrangement (12) comprising: an input track (38) having an input profile (80) that allows the parts (22) to be transported in a number of different orientations; a receiving track (40) having a receiving profile (82) that allows the parts (22) to be transported in fewer orientations than the input profile (80); and a diverting section (42) between the input track (38) and the receiving track (40), the diverting section (42) including a diverting gap (66) arranged to divert parts (22) having an orientation that does not match the receiving profile (82) from the input track (38). Also provided is a system (10) comprising a tool (14) and the supply arrangement (12) for handling the parts (22).Selected Figure: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to a supply arrangement. In particular, a supply arrangement for supplying parts and a system including such a supply arrangement are provided.

There are various types of automated or semi-automated screw installation applications. Some screw installation applications include a robot carrying a tool and a sorter for orienting the screws before they are installed by the robot. The sorter can include a vibrating matrix plate, so that the screws fall into their respective openings in the matrix plate so that they are correctly oriented. The screws that do not fall into the openings can be manually removed from the matrix plate or can fall by gravity. The robot can then move a tool to the matrix plate to pick up the screws and then move the tool to the installation location to install the screws. Such a procedure is called a pick-and-place operation. Pick-and-place operations can be difficult or complicated, since the robot needs to be provided with information about which openings in the matrix plate contain correctly oriented screws. Furthermore, if the robot needs to shuttle between the installation location and the matrix plate, the time between installation operations is increased.

In some installation applications, small and short screws are used. Examples of such applications include installation applications in the production of mobile phones, watches, and other small devices that use small screws on a large scale. Small and short screws, especially those with a small ratio between the shank length and the head diameter, cannot be accurately oriented with conventional sorting machines. The above example of a sorting machine with a matrix plate cannot accurately orient such small and short screws as desired. Many conventional sorting machines rely on screws with relatively long shafts that prevent the screw from being mispositioned. However, this principle of operation is not applicable to small and short screws.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved supply arrangement for supplying parts.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a supply arrangement for supplying parts that can reliably transport small sized parts in the correct orientation.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a supply configuration for supplying parts that allows for reduced cycle times in automated or semi-automated applications.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a supply arrangement for supplying parts, which has a less complicated design.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a supply arrangement for supplying parts, the supply arrangement having a cost-effective design and/or operation.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a supply arrangement for supplying parts, which solves some or all of the above-mentioned objects in combination.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a system including a tool and a supply arrangement, which solves one, some, or all of the above-mentioned objects.

According to a first aspect, a supply arrangement for supplying parts is provided, the supply arrangement comprising: an input track having an input profile that allows parts to be conveyed in a plurality of different orientations; a receiving track having a receiving profile that allows parts to be conveyed in fewer orientations than the input profile; and a diversion section between the input track and the receiving track, the diversion section comprising a diversion gap arranged to divert parts conveyed from the input track and having an orientation that does not match the receiving profile.

The supply arrangement sorts parts with different orientations, since only parts with an orientation that matches the receiving profile can enter the receiving truck. Only parts that are correctly positioned with respect to the receiving profile can be transported further by the receiving truck. In this way, the supply arrangement acts as a sorter.

The receiving truck is configured to only transport one or more correctly oriented parts. This allows the feeding arrangement to feed a new part in the correct orientation directly in front of the tool after the previous part has been installed. This can eliminate pick-and-place operations, for example by a robot. This can result in shorter cycle times and reduced manual tasks, such as programming the robot.

The parts can be attachment parts, such as fasteners. Examples of fasteners include screws, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, anchors, and rivets. The parts can be of uniform size and shape. The feeding arrangement according to the present disclosure is particularly advantageous for feeding small screws, e.g., having a small ratio between shank length and head diameter.

The input truck can be configured to feed multiple parts in a line. The receiving profile can have a shape that can only receive parts of a single orientation therein. The receiving truck can be configured to feed multiple parts in a line. Thus, multiple correctly oriented parts can be lined up in the receiving truck.

The diverter section acts as a sorting mechanism by having a diversion gap arranged to divert incorrectly oriented parts. The diversion gap may be an air gap. The feed arrangement may be arranged such that correctly oriented parts are transported one by one from the input profile, across the diversion gap and into the receiving profile. Only correctly oriented parts will enter the receiving profile in the air between the input and receiving tracks.

The feed arrangement may be arranged to feed the parts along the input track at a predetermined speed, which must be sufficient to cause the parts to jump over the diversion gap and enter the input profile as they leave the input track. The parts may move along the input track partially or wholly by gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the feed arrangement may be configured to force the parts along the input track, for example by pressurized air. The diversion gap may have a width of, for example, at least 2 mm and/or less than 20 mm.

The receiving profile can be positioned to receive only parts that have an orientation aligned with respect to a receiving plane that includes the receiving direction of the receiving track. The receiving track can be elongated. In this case, the receiving track has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the receiving direction.

The receiving profile can have a shape that fits the respective part. The receiving profile can be, for example, T-shaped. In this case, the T-shape can lie in a plane transverse to the receiving direction.

The diversion section may include a blocking structure arranged to block parts from the input truck having an orientation that does not match the receiving profile. The blocking structure may be configured such that parts moving through the diversion gap having an orientation that does not match the receiving profile strike the blocking structure and become diverted from the receiving track. In this manner, the blocking structure prevents incorrectly oriented parts from getting stuck in the receiving track. After striking the blocking structure, the parts may be diverted from the diversion section at least partially by gravity.

When viewed from the receiving direction, the input profile and the obstruction structure together can form a shape that corresponds or substantially corresponds to the receiving profile. However, the obstruction structure is located downstream of the input profile.

The input and receiving tracks may be inclined relative to the horizontal, so that the parts slide along the input and receiving tracks partially or wholly by gravity. The inclination of the input track may impart a predetermined speed to the parts for movement across the diversion gap to the receiving track. Alternatively or additionally, the feed arrangement may be configured to force the parts along the input and/or receiving tracks, for example by pressurized air. In either case, the predetermined speed may be adjusted based on the type of part and the width of the diversion gap.

Each part may include a shank and a head connected to the shank. The shank may have a length that is less than twice the diameter of the head, such as less than 1.5 times the diameter of the head.

The feeding arrangement may further comprise a downstream track and a feeding device configured to feed single parts from the receiving track to the downstream track. The feeding device may thus be configured to feed individual parts one by one from the row of parts on the receiving track to the downstream track. Also, the downstream track may be inclined with respect to the horizontal, such that the parts can slide partially or fully by gravity along the downstream track. Alternatively or additionally, the feeding arrangement may be configured to force the parts along the downstream track, for example by pressurized air.

The feed device may include a feed seat. In this case, the feed device may be configured to move the feed seat from an input feed position aligned with the receiving track to a discharge feed position aligned with the downstream track. In the discharge feed position, the feed device may obstruct the receiving track such that the internal components are prevented from moving forward.

The feed device may be configured to rotate the feed seat between an input feed position and a discharge feed position. The feed device may include a rotatable disk that includes the feed seat. The feed seat may be rotated, for example, 180 degrees between the input feed position and the discharge feed position.

The feed seat can be configured to hold the part in a well-defined orientation, so that the correct orientation of the part can be maintained when the feed device holds the part and moves from the input feed position to the output feed position. The feed seat can, for example, prevent the part from tilting therein. The feed seat can have a shape that matches the respective part. The feed seat can, for example, be T-shaped. The feed seat can have a design that corresponds to the receiving profile.

The supply arrangement may further comprise a delivery device downstream of the receiving truck. The delivery device may have a delivery seat arranged to receive a single part directly or indirectly from the receiving truck. The delivery seat may have a shape that matches each part. The delivery seat may be, for example, T-shaped. The delivery seat may have a design that corresponds to the receiving profile. The delivery device may comprise a sledge. In this case, the sledge may comprise the delivery seat.

The delivery device may be configured to move the delivery seat from an input delivery position for receiving a single part to an output delivery position. The output delivery position may be aligned with a tool axis of the tool. The feed arrangement thus allows for feeding and positioning a correctly oriented small part in front of the tool, for example adjacent to a point of application of the tool. The point of application may be a tool bit of the tool.

The delivery seat can be positioned to receive parts from a downstream track at the input/output position.

The supply arrangement may further comprise a storage section arranged to receive the diverted parts from the diversion gap. The parts received at the storage section may then be transported again by the input truck for retrying the diversion gap. The diversion section may be configured to divert the incorrectly oriented parts to the storage section by gravity. The storage section may be a bulk storage section for storing a plurality of randomly oriented parts. The storage section may be configured to store at least 100 parts, e.g., at least 1,000 parts, e.g., 20,000 parts. In this manner, manual interaction with an automated application device using the supply arrangement may be eliminated throughout a work shift.

The supply arrangement may further comprise a supply device arranged to supply the parts from the storage to the input truck. The supply device may comprise a conveyor belt, such as a toothed belt.

The storage unit may be fixed relative to the input track. For example, if the supply arrangement is carried by a robot, the storage unit remains fixed relative to the input track as the robot moves the supply arrangement.

The supply arrangement can be configured as a single unit. For example, the entire supply arrangement including the storage and input truck can be carried and moved by a robot.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a system including a tool for handling parts and a supply arrangement according to the first aspect. The supply arrangement may be arranged adjacent to the tool.

The tool may be a power tool. The power tool may be, for example, an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic power tool. Alternatively or additionally, the tool may be, for example, a tightening tool for tightening a nut on a threaded member.

The system may further comprise a robot. The robot may comprise a robot base and a manipulator movable relative to the robot base. The manipulator may be programmable in more than two axes, for example six or seven axes. The robot may carry a supply arrangement and a tool, for example at a distal end of the manipulator. Thus, the entire supply arrangement may move together with the tool.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a supply arrangement according to the first aspect or a system according to the second aspect and a number of parts. The parts may be of any type according to the present disclosure.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a supply arrangement comprising a receiving truck, a downstream track, and a supply device configured to supply a single part from the receiving truck to the downstream track. The supply arrangement according to the fourth aspect may be of any type according to the present disclosure. However, the supply arrangement according to the fourth aspect may not comprise an input truck and a diversion section according to the first aspect. The supply device according to the fourth aspect may comprise any type of supply device according to the present disclosure.

The feed arrangement according to the fourth aspect may further comprise a feed seat. The feed device may be configured to move the feed seat from an input feed position aligned with the receiving track to a discharge feed position aligned with the downstream track. The feed device may be configured to rotate the feed seat between the input feed position and the discharge feed position.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a supply arrangement comprising a receiving track and a delivery device downstream of the receiving track, the delivery device comprising a delivery seat arranged to receive a single part. The supply arrangement according to the fifth aspect may be of any type according to the present disclosure. However, the supply arrangement according to the fifth aspect may not comprise an input track and a diversion section according to the first aspect. The supply device according to the fifth aspect may comprise any type of delivery device according to the present disclosure.

The delivery device of the feeding arrangement according to the fifth aspect may be configured to move the delivery seat from an input delivery position for receiving a single part to an output delivery position aligned with the tool axis of the tool. The feeding arrangement according to the fifth aspect may further comprise a downstream track as described herein. In this case, the delivery seat of the feeding arrangement of the fifth aspect may be arranged to receive the part from the downstream track at the input delivery position.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a system comprising a tool for handling parts and a supply arrangement according to the fourth or fifth aspect. The supply arrangement may be arranged adjacent to the tool.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a supply arrangement according to the fourth aspect, a supply arrangement according to the fifth aspect, or a system according to the second or sixth aspect, and a number of parts. The parts may be of any type according to the present disclosure.

Further details, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a system comprising a robot, a supply arrangement and a tool. 1 shows a schematic perspective side view of the supply arrangement and tool; 1 shows a schematic partial perspective side view of a supply arrangement; 3A and 3B show schematic partial perspective side views of the feeding arrangement when the feeding device is in the input feeding position; 13A and 13B show schematic partial side perspective views of the supply arrangement; 1 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional front view of a supply arrangement; 1 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional rear view of an input truck in a feeding configuration; 1 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional front view of a receiving truck in a supply configuration; 1A and 1B show schematic partial perspective side views of the diversion section of the supply arrangement; 3 shows a further partial perspective side view of the supply arrangement when the supply device is in the discharge supply position and the delivery device is in the input delivery position; FIG. 13A and 13B show schematic partial side views of the supply arrangement when the delivery device is in the discharge delivery position;

In the following, a supply arrangement for supplying parts and a system including said supply arrangement are described. Identical or similar reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar structural features.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a system 10. The system 10 comprises a supply arrangement 12 and a tool 14. The tool 14 is illustrated here as a tightening power tool.

The system 10 of this example further comprises a robot 16. The robot 16 of this example comprises a robot base 18 and a manipulator 20 movable relative to the robot base 18. The manipulator 20 may be programmable in three or more axes. As shown in FIG. 1, the robot 16 carries both the supply arrangement 12 and the tool 14, here at the distal end of the manipulator 20.

The system 10 is an example of an automated application of the feed arrangement 12. The system 10 is configured to automatically attach the screw 22 to a horizontal surface of the object 24 by the tool 14. The feed arrangement 12 in this example is held horizontal during operation. The screw 22 represents one of many examples of a part according to the present disclosure. The attachment of the screw 22 by the tool 14 is an example of handling a part by the tool 14 according to the present disclosure.

The supply arrangement 12 supplies the screws 22 to the tool 14 one at a time. Thus, the robot 16 does not need to perform a pick-and-place operation between installation of each screw 22.

The system 10 includes a control system 26. The control system 26 is configured to signal communicate with the robot 16, the feed arrangement 12, and the tool 14 to control their operation. The control system 26 in this example includes a data processing device and a memory. The memory stores a computer program. The computer program includes program code that, when executed by the data processing device, causes or commands the data processing device to perform various steps as described herein.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of the supply arrangement 12 and the tool 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply arrangement 12 is configured as a single unit that is carried by the robot 16 directly next to the tool 14. The supply arrangement 12, the tool 14, and the screw 22 constitute an example of a parts kit 28.

The tool 14 includes a tool bit 30. In this example, the tool 14 is arranged to move vertically along a tool axis 32 to install the screw 22.

The supply arrangement 12 in this example includes a supply arrangement base 34 and a tool base 36 fixed to the supply arrangement base 34. The screws 22 are automatically supplied one by one from the supply arrangement 12 to the tool 14. The tool 14 automatically attaches the screws 22 to the object 24.

The supply arrangement 12 includes an input track 38 for transporting the screws 22, a receiving track 40 for transporting the screws 22, and a diversion section 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the diversion section 42 is disposed between the input track 38 and the receiving track 40. The diversion section 42 includes an obstruction structure 44. The receiving track 40 is disposed downstream of the input track 38. Furthermore, each of the input track 38 and the receiving track 40 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction 46. Each of the input track 38, the receiving track 40, and the diversion section 42 is fixed to the supply arrangement base 34.

The supply arrangement 12 of this example further comprises a reservoir 48, illustrated here as a vertically upwardly open container. The screws 22 can be loaded into the open-top reservoir 48, which is fixed relative to the supply arrangement base 34. The reservoir 48 contains a plurality of randomly oriented screws 22, such as 20,000 screws 22. The screws 22 are small, short screws, e.g., M1x0.85 screws, here.

The supply arrangement 12 of this example further comprises a supply device 50. The supply device 50 is configured to supply the screws 22 from the reservoir 48 to the input truck 38. The supply device 50 of this example comprises a continuous toothed conveyor belt 52 driven around two pulleys 54a and 54b.

The supply arrangement 12 of this example further includes a blower 56. The blower 56 is controlled by the control system 26.

The supply arrangement 12 of this example further comprises a downstream track 58 for transporting the screws 22. The downstream track 58 is disposed downstream of the receiving track 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the downstream track 58 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction 46. The blower 56 is used to blow the screws 22 along the downstream track 58 with pressurized air.

The supply arrangement 12 of this example further includes a delivery device 60. The delivery device 60 is disposed downstream of the receiving track 40. The delivery device 60 is configured to deliver the screws 22 one by one to the tool shaft 32 below the tool bit 30. The delivery device 60 of this example includes a sled 62. The delivery device 60 is controlled by the control system 26.

The supply arrangement 12 of this example further includes a supply device 64. The supply device 64 is configured to supply the screws 22 one by one from the receiving track 40 to the downstream track 58.

Figure 3 shows a schematic partial perspective side view of the supply arrangement 12. As shown in Figure 3, the diversion section 42 includes a diversion gap 66, illustrated here as an air gap, between the input track 38 and the receiving track 40. The diversion gap 66 can have a width of a few millimeters. The width of the diversion gap 66 can be determined based on the speed of the screws 22 in the input track 38 and the type of screws 22. Figure 3 shows that the screws 22 are lined up in a queue in the receiving track 40.

FIG. 3 further illustrates that the feeder 64 is illustrated as a rotatable circular plate. The feeder 64 is controlled to rotate by a motor 68. The motor 68 is controlled by the control system 26. In FIG. 3, the feeder 64 is in a discharge feed position 70. In the discharge feed position 70, the feeder 64 delivers a single screw 22 to the downstream track 58 while simultaneously preventing the screw 22 in the receiving track 40 from advancing.

4 shows a further partial perspective side view of the supply arrangement 12. The supply device 64 comprises a supply seat 72. In FIG. 4, the supply device 64 is in an input supply position 74. In the input supply position 74, the supply seat 72 is aligned with the receiving track 40. In the discharge supply position 70 (FIG. 3), the supply seat 72 is aligned with the downstream track 58. By rotating the supply device 64 between the input supply position 74 and the discharge supply position 70, the supply seat 72 moves between the receiving track 40 and the downstream track 58. In this way, the supply device 64 can supply the screws 22 one by one from the receiving track 40 to the downstream track 58. In this example, the supply device 64 rotates 180 degrees from the input supply position 74 and the discharge supply position 70. The supply seat 72 in this example is T-shaped and is configured to hold the screws 22 in a unique orientation during rotation of the supply device 64. The supply seat 72 may alternatively have another shape to hold the screw 22 in a unique orientation.

4 further illustrates that the delivery device 60 includes a delivery seat 76. In FIG. 4, the delivery device 60 is in an input/output position 78, with the delivery seat 76 positioned to receive one screw 22 from the downstream track 58. Also, the delivery seat 76 is T-shaped in this example, but could alternatively have another shape to accommodate the screw 22. The delivery seat 76 is here provided on the sled 62.

Figure 5 shows a schematic partial side view of the feed arrangement 12. As shown in Figure 5, the input track 38 has an input profile 80 and the receiving track 40 has a receiving profile 82. The dimensions of the input profile 80 and the receiving profile 82 are specific to the dimensions of the screw 22. The input profile 80 is configured to be able to convey the screw 22 in a number of different orientations. On the other hand, the receiving profile 82 is configured to be able to convey the screw 22 in only a single, univocal orientation.

The screws 22 fed from the storage 48 onto the input track 38 by the feeder 50 slide along the input track 38 in an irregular orientation. In this example, the screws 22 move downward along the input track 38 by gravity due to the inclination of the input track 38. The length and inclination of the input track 38 generate a predetermined speed of the screws 22 at the downstream end of the input track 38. At the downstream end of the input track 38, the screws 22 jump out of the input track 38 into the flow diversion gap 66. In the flow diversion gap 66, the screws 22 that are not oriented to match the receiving profile 82 will collide with the obstruction structure 44. These screws 22 will fall back into the storage 48 by gravity. The flow diversion gap 66 is therefore used to sort out the screws 22 that are not oriented correctly. The screws 22 that are correctly oriented to fit the receiving profile 82 are then spun one by one through the diverter gap 66 into the receiving profile 82, where they are aligned in the correct orientation in rows. The feed arrangement 12 is particularly advantageous for sorting and feeding small screws 22.

FIG. 5 further illustrates the receiving plane 84 of the receiving track 40. In this example, the receiving profile 82 is positioned to receive only screws 22 that are aligned with the receiving plane 84.

6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional front view of the supply arrangement 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the supply arrangement 12 of this example includes a passage 86 for conveying the screws 22 to the input track 38. As the screws 22 on the conveyor belt 52 travel over the pulley 54a, the screws 22 fall by gravity into the passage 86. In this manner, the screws 22 diverted to the storage section 48 by the diverter section 42 are again supplied by the supply device 50 to the input track 38 for retry on the diverter gap 66.

Figure 7 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional rear view of the input track 38. As shown in Figure 7, the input profile 80 is open upwardly, allowing the screws 22 to be transported along the input track 38 in random orientations.

Figure 7 further shows that each screw 22 comprises a shank 88 and a head 90 connected to the shank 88. In this example, the length of the shank 88 is less than the diameter of the head 90, here about 60% of the diameter of the head 90. Each screw 22 has the same size and shape. Such small and short screws 22 are difficult to automatically sort using conventional solutions.

Figure 8 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional front view of the receiving track 40. Figure 8 shows a receiving direction 92 of the screw 22. The receiving direction 92 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving track 40. As shown in Figure 8, the receiving profile 82 is T-shaped, but may alternatively have another shape to accommodate the screw 22. The T-shape lies in a plane transverse to the receiving direction 92. Figure 8 further shows that the receiving plane 84 includes the receiving direction 92. The head 90 is parallel to the receiving plane 84.

Figure 9 shows a schematic partial perspective side view of the diversion section 42. In Figure 9, details of the obstruction structure 44 can be seen. The obstruction structure 44 in this example comprises a wall arranged to obstruct screws 22 from the input track 38 that have an orientation that does not match the receiving profile 82.

The obstruction structure 44 is located downstream of the input track 38. As seen in the receiving direction 92, the input profile 80 and the obstruction structure 44 together form a shape that in this example corresponds to the shape of the receiving profile 82 (see also FIG. 7).

Figure 10 shows a further partial perspective side view of the supply arrangement 12. In Figure 10, the delivery device 60 is in the input delivery position 78. The screw 22 has been blown by the blower 56 from the delivery seat 72 along the downstream track 58 to be received by the delivery seat 76 while maintaining the correct orientation of the screw 22.

11 shows a schematic partial side view in perspective of the feed arrangement 12. Here, the delivery device 60 has been moved to the discharge delivery position 94. The movement here includes moving the sled 62 relative to the feed arrangement base 34. As shown in FIG. 11, the delivery seat 76 is aligned with the tool axis 32 in the discharge delivery position 94. The screw 22 is thereby positioned vertically directly below the tool 14. The tool 14 descends to pick up the screw 22 and then rises again. The delivery device 60 is retracted from the discharge delivery position 94 back to the input delivery position 78. The tool 14 then descends to the attachment position for attaching the screw 22 to the object 24. By retracting the delivery device 60, the tool 14 only needs to move vertically to pick up the screw 22 and move it to the object 24. The delivery device 60 then moves again to the discharge delivery position 94 with a new, correctly oriented screw 22 for the tool 14. Thus, the feed arrangement 12 allows a new screw 22 to be fed in the correct orientation under the tool 14 immediately after the previous screw 22 has been installed. A prototype of the feed arrangement 12 has been constructed by the present inventors and has proven to function satisfactorily in practice.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those described above. For example, it should be understood that the dimensions of the components may be varied as necessary. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

A supply arrangement (12) for supplying parts (22), comprising:
an input track (38) having an input profile (80) that allows the parts (22) to be transported in a number of different orientations;
a receiving track (40) having a receiving profile (82) that allows the parts (22) to be transported in a less orientation than the input profile (80);
a diversion section (42) between said input truck (38) and said receiving truck (40);
Equipped with
The diversion section (42) includes a diversion gap (66) arranged to divert parts (22) conveyed from the input truck (38) and having an orientation that does not match the receiving profile (82). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 1, wherein the receiving profile (82) is arranged to receive only parts (22) having an orientation aligned with respect to a receiving plane (84) that includes a receiving direction (92) of the receiving track (40). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving profile (82) is T-shaped. The supply arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diversion section (42) comprises a blocking structure (44) arranged to block parts (22) having an orientation that does not match the receiving profile (82) from the input truck (38). A supply arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input track (38) and the receiving track (40) are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (46). A supply arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the parts (22) comprises a shaft portion (88) and a head portion (90) connected to the shaft portion (88). The supply arrangement (12) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a downstream track (58) and a supply device (64) configured to supply a single part (22) from the receiving track (40) to the downstream track (58). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 7, wherein the supply device (64) comprises a supply seat (72), and the supply device (64) is configured to move the supply seat (72) from an input supply position (74) aligned with the receiving track (40) to an output supply position (70) aligned with the downstream track (58). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 8, wherein the supply device (64) is configured to rotate the supply seat (72) between the input supply position (74) and the discharge supply position (70). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the supply seat (72) is configured to hold the part (22) in a defined orientation. The supply arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a delivery device (60) downstream of the receiving truck (40), the delivery device (60) having a delivery seat (76) arranged to receive a single part (22) directly or indirectly from the receiving truck (40). The feed arrangement (12) of claim 11, wherein the delivery device (60) is configured to move the delivery seat (76) from an input delivery position (78) for receiving the single part (22) to an output delivery position (94) aligned with the tool axis (32) of the tool (14). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 12 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the delivery seat (76) is arranged to receive the part (22) from the downstream track (58) at the input/output position (78). The supply arrangement (12) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a reservoir (48) arranged to receive diverted components (22) from the diverting gap (66). The supply arrangement (12) of claim 14, further comprising a supply device (50) arranged to supply parts (22) from the storage (48) to the input truck (38). The supply arrangement (12) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the storage (48) is fixed relative to the input track (38). The supply arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the supply arrangement (12) is configured as a single unit. A system (10) comprising a tool (14) for handling a part (22) and a supply arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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