DE102017007900B3 - Apparatus and method for embossing coins or medals - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for embossing coins or medals from blanks (2) with a feed device (3) for feeding round blanks (2), individually or in stacks, to a gripper device (4), - a gripper device ( 4) capable of receiving a single blank (2) and transferring it to an embossing arrangement (5), - an embossing arrangement (5) having upper and lower dies (15, 16) by means of at least one actuator (17) to apply pressure to the blank (2) and to a removal and / or ejection device (7) for removing the stamped blank (2) .To improve the quality of the coin or medal, it is provided that the grasping means (4 ) comprises a Ronde (2) carrying the gripper head (10) having a compressed air supply (11) and at least one outlet opening (14) for compressed air on one of the male Ronde (2) adjacent surface (10.1).

Description

• - einer Zuführvorrichtung zum Zuführen von Ronden, einzeln oder in Stapeln, zu einer Greifereinrichtung
• - einer Greifereinrichtung, die in der Lage ist, eine einzelne Ronde aufzunehmen und in eine Prägeanordnung zu überführen,
• - einer Prägeanordnung mit einem Ober- und einem Unterwerkzeug, die mittels wenigstens eines Aktuators Druck auf die Ronde auszuüben vermögen und
• - einer Entnahme- und/oder Auswurfvorrichtung zum Entfernen der geprägten Ronde.

The invention relates to a device for embossing coins or medals from round blanks with

• - A feeding device for feeding blanks, individually or in stacks, to a gripper device
• a gripper device capable of receiving and transferring a single blank into an embossing arrangement,
• - An embossing arrangement with an upper and a lower tool, which are able to exert pressure on the Ronde by means of at least one actuator and
• - A removal and / or ejection device for removing the embossed Ronde.

• - über eine Zuführvorrichtung zu einer Greifereinrichtung transportiert wird,
• - die Greifereinrichtung die Ronde in eine Prägeanordnung überführt,
• - die Ronde in der Prägeanordnung unter Druck mittels eines Ober- und eines Unterwerkzeugs geprägt wird, und anschließend
• - die geprägte Ronde entnommen oder ausgeworfen wird.

The invention further relates to a method for embossing blanks for the production of coins or medals, wherein each Ronde

• is transported via a feed device to a gripper device,
• the gripper device transfers the round blank into an embossing arrangement,
• - The blank is embossed in the embossing arrangement under pressure by means of an upper and a lower tool, and then
• - the embossed blank is removed or ejected.

This type of embossing stations and the method of embossing blanks are known. In this context, reference is made to the older one DE 2346810 A1 , which shows a comparison with today's embodiments simplified embodiment of a stamping device for blanks.

Instead of the term Ronde, the term coin blank, blank or Schrötling is often used. In the context of this application, the term round plate should also be understood to mean ring and insert, provided that the finished coin or medal is made from two different metals.

The term delivery device includes all possibilities of bringing blanks from outside the embossing device to the gripper device, which transports each blank between the tools (upper and lower tools, which are generally referred to as punches) of the embossing arrangement. Here are conveyor belts on which individual rounds or, for example, fan-shaped trays are moved with Rondenstapeln known. However, within the scope of the invention, the feed device could also comprise robotic handling systems, rail transport or other transport devices.

In the embossing arrangement is a known press frame with upper and lower punch, which are moved together by an actuator and thereby bring the embossing on the Ronde. The actuator can attack on the upper and / or lower punch. In addition, ejectors may be provided for a finished coin or medal. The term actuator is also explained. Nowadays, it is usually a hydraulic cylinder that can move the upper or lower punch of the embossing arrangement. As a result, the force required for embossing in the order of magnitude of 100 to 3,500 kN between upper or lower tool is generated. In the context of the invention, however, electrical spindle or eccentric drives or mechanically acting knee joints are also included.

Finally, the gripper device nowadays generally refers to suction grippers which transmit the blanks into the embossing arrangement by means of a suction cup in which a vacuum is generated. The round plate must be very even in the edge region of the suction cup, so that no false air is sucked in and the Ronde falls in the worst case. By way of example, mention may be made of US 2014/0 101 924 A1, in which the use of exactly this suction gripper is described.

However, for the specific application of the generation of a diffraction grating in the surface of the blanks during the embossing process is also on the DE 10 2006 052 511 B3 directed. This gripper device mentioned here has gripper tongues which can receive the blank. The space required for this gripper device is large. In the disclosure of this document, the gripper device is also provided with a brush which is able to clean the die during the movement process. This document also describes a cleaning device for the dry ice blasting stamp.

There are also known pliers-like gripper. These cause great disadvantages for the transport of the blank to the embossing arrangement. In order to grasp the Ronde safely, a large adhesion must be generated at least at the edge of the Ronde leaves contact tracks. In addition, the complicated mechanism requires an increased space requirement.

Regardless of whether the gripper means are tongues, clamps, pincer-like joints or suction cups, in any case the surface of the round plate is touched. Such touches on the high-gloss Ronde surface but can lead to undesirable embossing errors. Not only because using these grippers, for example, dust particles are deposited on the round blank, which cause an unsightly contamination in the following embossing. Even the slightest touch can be visible after embossing. To clarify the situation, it should be noted that even a fingerprint can be reflected in the final embossed image. At these points the finished coin or medal no longer appears as shiny as on the rest of the surface.

It is the object of the invention to improve the quality of the product in the coinage or medal coinage.

With regard to the device, the object is achieved by the features of claim 1, but in particular by the fact that the gripper device comprises a Ronde carrying gripper head having a compressed air supply and at least one outlet opening for compressed air at one of the male Ronde adjacent surface.

Approaches by appropriate driving and moving the head of the gripper device of the male Ronde, the emerging at the outlet opening compressed air (or other suitable medium) is deflected and flows between the Ronde and the Ronde adjacent surface of the head at a relatively high speed to the outside from. As a result, a negative pressure between the head and Ronde is generated in accordance with physical principles, which ensures that the Ronde is kept at a small distance to the head. It is therefore an essential advantage of the invention that the head, over which the blank is held, does not get in contact with the surface of the blank at any point. By a central or near-center arrangement of the outflowing medium, which is referred to below as compressed air, a uniform pressure range is generated, which prevents tilting of the Ronde. Optionally, the medium may also be an inert gas which prevents chemical reactions.

It is advantageous if the pressure and / or the throughput of the compressed air are adjustable.

With different pressures or throughputs can be ensured that even blanks of different dimensions or weights can be included.

Advantageously, it is ensured that the gripper head is replaceable.

It can be kept different heads for different sizes of blank thereby. It must be ensured that all heads can be supplied with compressed air via the compressed air supply.

It is advantageous if the gripper head has at least one stop for the blank.

Preferably, at least two individual stops or an annular stop are used. These stops are arranged in a generally round or oval head in its peripheral region. Between them and the peripheral surface of the round blank also an air cushion is built up. The stops prevent the Ronde on its air cushion especially during movement of the gripper head can drift sideways. These stops can ensure, in particular during rapid movements of the gripper device, that the blank remains adjacent to the head. The individual stops can be, for example, ring segments or pins.

Advantageously, compressed air outlet openings are arranged in the immediate vicinity of a stop

The emerging from these outlet openings compressed air then ensures that an air cushion between the Rondenumfang and the stop is formed, so that the Ronde undergoes no contact on its circumference during transport in the embossing arrangement.

Preferably, the gripper device comprises means for cleaning the Ronde.

The quality of the ultimately generated coin or medal is thus significantly improved again. Not only that the gripper device or her head has no contact with the surface of the Ronde. Now the blank is additionally freed from the smallest dust particles and other impurities.

For this purpose, it is very particularly preferred if the means for cleaning the Ronde is formed by the exiting the gripper head compressed air.

The moving air cushion, which is formed by the compressed air flowing off laterally over the entire circumference of the round plate, thereby allows the entrainment and elimination of impurities on the surface of the round blank.

Preferably, a plurality of outlet openings for compressed air are provided on the surface of the gripper head adjacent to the blank.

These can be arranged, for example, on a circle. Also, the outlet channel can be inclined to each outlet to the normal to the Ronde surface, whereby the suction effect is improved while ensuring that in fact the entire surface of the blank is pressurized with compressed air.

It is advantageously provided that a sensor for monitoring the presence of a blank in the vicinity of the gripper head is arranged on the gripper device.

As such a sensor, for example, an inductive proximity sensor is used. This can be constantly checked whether a Ronde is transported. The sensor is designed to safely detect the common alloys of a blank. It is also a variant possible, which is best suited for the respective alloy. Also possible are designs which recognize non-metallic materials.

Preferably, a second gripper device for removing the embossed blank is substantially identical to the gripper device for feeding the embossing arrangement.

As a result, the structure and the manufacturing process of the embossing device are considerably simplified.

With regard to the method for embossing blanks, the object is achieved by the features of claim 11 and in particular by a surface of the blank during recording by a gripper head of the gripper device is so pressurized with compressed air, that the compressed air an air cushion between the blank surface and the Gripper head builds up, which prevents direct contact between the surface of the round surface and the gripper head.

Preferably, the compressed air flow between a Rondenoberfläche and the rapier head generates a negative pressure.

It is ensured that the compressed air builds up an air cushion between the surface of the blank and the rapier head, which prevents direct contact.

Particularly preferably, the compressed air flow cleans the Ronde surface.

The stated method claims have the same advantages as have already been described analogously to the device claims.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Prägen von Münzen oder Medaillen
• 2 eine Greifereinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung im Schnitt
• 3 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Greiferkopfes, der eine Ronde trägt
• 4 a und b ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel für einen Greiferkopf in einer geschnittenen und einer 3D-Ansicht

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In this show

• 1 a schematic representation of an inventive device for embossing coins or medals
• 2 a gripper device according to the invention in section
• 3 an embodiment of a rapier head, which carries a Ronde
• 4 a and b another embodiment of a rapier head in a sectioned and a 3D view

In 1 you can see the entire device for embossing 1 in a schematic representation. All arrows indicate the directions of movement of moving components. On the left you can see a feeder 3 in the form of a conveyor belt with a pulleys around 21.1 revolving conveyor belt 22.1 , The drive of this conveyor belt is not shown. On the conveyor belt are round blanks 2 (also called blanks or blanks) to a gripper device 4 brought. The round blanks 2 may also be multi-part and, for example, have a ring and an insert made of different materials. They can, as shown in the embodiment, be transported individually, but also be stacked for example in trays.

The gripper device 4 is on a rail 9.1 traversable. In dashed line is the gripper device 4 in a position where they are blanks from the feeder 3 can take. Shown with solid lines, the gripper device is a round blank 2 moved to a position in which they put the round blank in the lower tool 16 the embossing arrangement 5 can insert. It should be noted that the feeder 3 with gripper device 4 (and the discharge device described later 6 with second gripper device 8th ) not to scale to the embossing arrangement 5 are shown.

It follows a removal of the gripper assembly 4 so that the upper tool 15 the embossing arrangement by means of pressure of the actuator 17 can descend. The round plate 2 is determined by the stamp surface of the upper and lower tool ( 15 . 16 ) embossed. As an actuator 17 In this embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder is used, which can apply pressing forces up to 3,500 kN. In the context of the invention, however, other, for example, mechanically or electrically driven actuators are used.

After embossing takes over the also hydraulically driven ejector 7 the ejection of the embossed round blank 2 coming from a second gripper device 8th from the embossing arrangement 5 to a discharge device 6 is brought. In a similar way as in the feeder are two Positions of the second gripper device 8th shown. With solid lines, it is in a waiting position, with dashed lines in the transfer position, in which they the embossed blank to a discharge device 6 transfers, in turn, in this embodiment, from one to pulleys 22.2 guided conveyor belt 21.2 consists..

2 shows the gripper device 4 in a sectional view. The second gripper device 8th can be identical. The gripper device 4 includes a main body 23 , connected to a compressed air supply 11 to which in turn the rapier head 10 followed. For example, on the base body 23 a compressed air connection is provided. Purified compressed air is provided in this embodiment, but it may well be other gas connections. The compressed air connection is connected in line with the compressed air supply. The pipe ends in a compressed air duct 13 in the gripper head and ends up in the outlet opening at the surface adjacent to the Ronde to be recorded 10.1 , The outer circumference of the surface 10.1 is provided with at least one stop 20 which can be made up of at least two individual stops or one circumferential stop. In practice, however, the stop is a non-contact stop. Because between the attack 20 and the Ronde to be transported 2 there is an air cushion. This will be closer to the description of 3 explained.

It was in 2 still pointed to a sensor 24 (with cable 25 ), which is used for example as an inductive proximity sensor to detect the alloys of the blank and thus to give the signal that a Ronde 2 with the rapier head 10 is transported. It can also be seen that the gripper head 10 is interchangeable.

In 3 becomes the function of the ronde recording with the rapier head 10 explained. The thicker arrows indicate the flow of compressed air. The compressed air flows from above down to the outlet opening 14 , Behind the outlet 14 the flow direction is deflected and runs almost horizontally between the surface 10.1 and the surface of the round blank 2.1 , On the rim 2.2 the compressed air comes out, either directly or between the Rondenrand 2.2 and a stop 20 in the nearby areas. This not only provides the inventive advantage that the blank no longer comes into contact with the gripper device, but also that the Ronde itself is cleaned of dust by the compressed air stream.

The contactless transport of the round blank 2 Improves the quality of the stamping result significantly, because of a touching gripper, the Ronde 2 be provided with dust grains or even Abrieberscheinungen be generated, which are clearly visible in the embossing result.

The compressed air flow should be adjustable in pressure level or mass flow, for example, by a control valve, not shown. As a result, an adaptation to different Rondendimensionen and weights is possible.

The embodiment of the rapier head 10 in the 3 also shows the possibility of optional additional outlet openings 26 the compressed air and additional air channels 27 at the stop 20 provided. This is excluded even with rapid movements of the gripper head that stop 20 and the rim 2.2 touch. The pleasure flow in these additional air channels is indicated by small arrows.

The 4a and 4b show an exemplary alternative embodiment of the rapier head 10 , This rapier head is intended for an elliptical medal. The main difference to the gripper head of 3 is the division of the compressed air channel 13 in several single channels 13.1 . 13.2 smaller diameter is divided, which also opposite to the blank surface adjacent 10.1 are arranged at an angle between 10 and 50 °. This keeps the compressed air flow at a higher speed, because it does not have to be deflected so much. In addition, the Ronde surface 2.1 uniformly irradiated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for embossing

2

Ronde

2.1

Surface of the round blank

2.2

Peripheral surface of the round blank

3

feeder

4

Gripper device

5

embossing arrangement

6

discharge device

7

ejector

8th

Second gripper device

9.1,9.2

rail

10

gripper head

10.1

to Ronde adjacent surface of the gripper head

11

Compressed air supply

12

Compressed air connection

13, 13.1, 13.2

Compressed air duct

14

outlet opening

15

Upper tool or upper punch

16

Lower tool or lower punch

17

Actuator, hydraulic cylinder

18

ejector

19

control valve

20

attack

21.1,21.2

conveyor belt

22.1,22.2

guide rollers

23

body

24

sensor

25

electric wire

26

Additional outlet

27

Additional air channels

Claims (13)

Apparatus for embossing coins or medals from blanks (2) with - a feed device (3) for feeding blanks (2), individually or in stacks, to a gripper device (4), - a gripper device (4) which is capable of is to take a single Ronde (2) and to transfer into an embossing arrangement (5), - an embossing arrangement (5) with an upper and a lower tool (15, 16) by means of at least one actuator (17) pressure on the Ronde (2) and - a removal and / or ejection device (7) for removing the stamped blank (2), characterized in that the gripper device (4) comprises a Ronde (2) carrying the gripper head (10), the one Compressed air supply (11) and at least one outlet opening (14) for compressed air on one of the male Ronde (2) adjacent surface (10.1). Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the pressure and / or the flow rate of the compressed air is adjustable. Device according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the gripper head (19) is exchangeable. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the gripper head (10) has at least one stop (20) for the blank (2). Device according to Claim 4 , characterized in that also compressed air outlet openings (26) in the immediate vicinity of a stop (20) are arranged. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the gripper device (4) comprises means for cleaning the Ronde (2). Device according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the means for cleaning the Ronde (2) by the gripper head (10) exiting compressed air is formed. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that a plurality of outlet openings (14) for compressed air at the Ronde (2) adjacent surface (10.1) of the gripper head (10) are provided. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that on the gripper device (4) a sensor (24) for monitoring the presence of a blank (2) in the vicinity of the gripper head (10) is arranged. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that a second gripper device (8) for removing the embossed blank (2) is substantially identical to the gripper device (4) for feeding the embossing arrangement (5). Method for embossing blanks for producing coins or medals, in which each blank (2) is transported via a feed device (3) to a gripper device (4), - the gripper device (4) places the blank (2) in an embossing arrangement ( 5), - the blank (2) in the embossing arrangement (5) under pressure by means of an upper and a lower tool (15, 16) is embossed, and then - the embossed blank (2) is removed or ejected, characterized a surface (2.1) of the blank (2) is subjected to compressed air during picking by a gripper head (10) of the gripper device (4) such that the compressed air builds up an air cushion between the blank surface (2.1) and the gripper head (10), which prevents direct contact of Ronde surface (2.1) and rapier head (10). Method according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the compressed air flow between a Ronde surface (2.1) and the rapier head (10) generates a negative pressure. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 12 , characterized in that the compressed air flow cleans the Ronde surface (2.1).

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