DE102018113631A1 - transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (2) for transporting hose pieces (6), comprising at least upper and lower transport means (14, 14 ') for guiding the hose pieces (6), upper and lower pressure application units (16, 16') for exercise a contact pressure on the transport means (14, 14 '), at least one upper and one lower drive unit (12, 12') for driving the transport means (14, 14 ') in a transport direction (z) at a substantially constant speed, the Transport means (14, 14 ') at least partially between the upper and lower pressure application units (16' 16 ') are arranged, and wherein the drive units (12, 12') are electrically controllable and so within the device (2) are arranged that speed differences between the two transport means (14, 14 ') are automatically compensated.

Description

The present invention relates to a transport device, a system and a method for transporting pieces of hose.

For the production of tubular packaging, in particular for the production of the bottoms of tubular packaging, so-called paper floor layers are frequently used today in which paper tube pieces are provided with a corresponding bottom. It is known to use Doppelbandförderer in Papierbodenlegem for transporting the hose pieces. Such double belt conveyors consist of two successive flat belts, between which the isolated pieces of hose are guided and fed to individual processing stations. The sufficient static friction is achieved here by resilient rollers that exert a contact pressure on the successive flat belts. In this way, the pieces of tubing can be transported in the correct orientation along the individual processing stations.

In particular, the correct speed of the double belt conveyor is of particular importance here. On the one hand, for the reason that the correct processing depends on the position of the hose pieces or the exact positioning in the transport system. For example, a valve leaflet or a label must be inserted or applied at the correct location of the passing tube. On the other hand, the upper and lower belts must be synchronized with each other to counteract any friction between the belt and thus increased wear.

According to the prior art, this object is achieved by the speed of the conveyor belt by a targeted adjustment of the diameter of the drive wheels - by means of so-called spreader - takes place. A disadvantage of this solution is the lengthy and not to be automated adjustment process when adjusting the spreader.

Also known is the use of positive traction means, such as toothed belts or the like. However, due to possible pitch errors, deviations occur which can not then be compensated by a diameter adjustment of the drive wheels.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a device or a system for transporting pieces of hose, which is flexible and versatile and at the same time ensures the simplest possible and accurate operation.

The above object is achieved by a device having the features of the independent device claim, a system having the features of the independent system claim and by a method having the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the device according to the invention apply, of course, also in connection with the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention, and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or can be ,

According to the invention a transport device for transporting pieces of hose is provided, which provides at least an upper and a lower transport means for guiding the hose pieces, upper and lower pressure application units for exerting a contact pressure on the transport and at least one upper and one lower drive unit for driving the transport. The drive takes place objectively with a substantially constant speed in a transport direction (z), wherein the transport means are arranged at least partially between the upper and lower pressure application units. Finally, it is further provided according to the invention that the drive units are electrically controllable and arranged within the device such that speed differences between the transport means can be automatically compensated.

A significant advantage of the invention is that a speed difference inevitably resulting during a longer process between the means of transport need not be adjusted by a lengthy and cumbersome manual method, but can be carried out automatically by a targeted control of electrically controllable drive units. As a result, in particular the time period for compensation of possible speed differences can be reduced. This leads to significantly shorter downtime of the production and thus to considerable cost advantages.

The subject transport device for transporting pieces of hose is used in particular for the transport of paper tubes. Likewise, the subject device can also be used for the transport of plastic hoses, fabric hoses, rubber hoses and the like. The transport means are preferably arranged opposite each other and at least partially parallel to each other. This enables targeted and controlled alignment of the hoses or hose pieces to be transported during transport. As an alternative to an arrangement of only two transport means, the arrangement of three, four or even more than four transport means is conceivable.

For the purposes of the invention, a substantially constant speed is to be understood to mean a movement which is uniform within certain time periods. However, this does not mean that the speed can not be changed or varied. Rather, an adaptation of the speed according to the invention is currently provided.

It is assumed that speed differences develop between the representational means of transport, in particular with longer operating times. These speed differences lead to an asynchronous course of the transport device, which in turn leads to the above positioning problems in the subsequent processing steps. In this case, the speed differences can result, for example, from measurement inaccuracies, uneven wear or uneven loads.

The compensation according to the invention of speed differences between the two transport means is to be understood in this case as equalization or equalization of the speeds of the two transport means, so that the speed difference is at least reduced, preferably eliminated. The compensation of the speed differences of the means of transport should take place objectively based on an automated control of the electrically controllable drive units. In this case, the term of the electrical control in the context of the invention is to be understood broader, so that under an electrical control all control options are to be understood, in which the control comprises an exchange of electrical signals.

With regard to the simplest possible structure of the transport device according to the invention, the transport means for guiding the hose pieces are advantageously formed as a belt, in particular as a flat belt. Flat belts promise in particular a particularly simple design and high belt speeds. In addition, when using flat belts very large forces are transferable. As an alternative to the use of flat belts, however, V-belts, V-ribbed belts, synchronous belts or toothed belts can also be used.

For a particularly good stiction between the means of transport and the pieces of hose to be transported can be further advantageously provided within the scope of the invention that the upper transport means is at least partially disposed directly on the lower transport means. Immediately arranged here is in the sense of directly adjoining or contacting to understand. By such an arrangement, it is particularly possible to exert a higher contact pressure on the workpieces to be transported, so that an optimal positioning of the workpieces is guaranteed.

In the context of a particularly simple detection and determination of the speed differences between the means of transport, according to the invention it can further be provided that the means of transport have sensory indexes for determining the speed differences. In this case, the indices can be formed in particular as shaping indices, for example with areas protruding and / or recessed on the transport means, such as teeth, flags or the like. Alternatively or cumulatively, the indices that can be detected by sensors can also be formed as electromagnetic indices, for example by means of the incorporation of magnets, iron cores or the like. Furthermore, printable, sensory indexes are also conceivable for determining the speed differences.

With a view to transporting the tube pieces to be transported as accurately as possible, it may also be advantageous according to the invention that the pressure application units are formed as rollers, in particular as resilient rollers. Such a design of the pressure application units promises in particular a particularly uniform pressure distribution, which is advantageous, above all, with regard to the prevention of any incorrect positioning.

In order to ensure the simplest and at the same time effective electrical controllability of the drive units according to the invention, the drive units are preferably formed as electromotive drive units, in particular as electronic direct drives. In this case, each drive unit is preferably associated with a means of transport within the scope of an effective controllability. By means of the drive units according to the invention, a compensation of the speed difference can take place in a particularly simple manner by changing the setpoint speed of a means of transport. In principle, more than two drive units can be provided in the device according to the invention. With regard to a particularly exact equalization or compensation of the speed differences of the means of transport, the drive units may advantageously be formed as motors, in addition to an angular position control and a control of the acceleration and allow the rotational speed. In particular, the drive units can be formed here as servomotors. Among other things, servomotors enable high positioning accuracy, high dynamics, high speed accuracy, a large speed range, a compact and lightweight design and a short run-up time. In the context of a simple and inexpensive embodiment of the transport device according to the invention, however, the drive units can also be formed as stepper motors.

Likewise provided by the invention is a system for transporting pieces of tubing having the features of the independent system claim. In this case, the subject system comprises the above-described transport device for transporting pieces of hose, a detection unit for acquiring data for determining a speed difference between the transport means and a processing unit for determining a speed difference between the transport means on the basis of the acquired data. Finally, the subject system also has a control unit for compensating the specific speed difference.

In the context of the invention, it can preferably be provided that the detection unit has at least one sensor for the acquisition of data, by means of which a speed difference between the transport means can be determined. The sensor can, for example, detect the current tapped at the means of transport, a current moment of the means of transport or other specific data from which a speed difference between the means of transport can be determined.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the sensors of the detection unit could determine the data required for determining the speed differences with the aid of sensor-detectable indices arranged on the transport means. As already explained above, the indices that can be detected by sensors may be shaping indices, such as protruding and / or recessed areas, electromagnetic indices, such as magnets, iron cores or the like, or also imprintable, sensory indices.

Within the scope of a particularly simple and fail-safe variant of the system according to the invention, it can further be provided that the detection unit has at least two sensors, which are preferably arranged at different positions of the system, in particular at different positions of the device for transporting pieces of hose. Advantageously, the arranged sensors are in this case designed and positioned in such a way that they permit exact position recognition. In this case, the sensors can preferably be formed as light barriers or cameras and be arranged at the input and output of the transport device, so that a speed difference between the transport means can be determined by a simple comparison of the distance covered with the target speed of the transport.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the detection unit determines the speed difference between the transport means on the basis of position data of the hose pieces to be transported. In this case, a piece of hose can be detected, for example, at two positions, so that the speed difference of the means of transport can also be determined here in a simple manner by comparing the distance traveled with the desired speed of the respective means of transport. Here, sensor-detectable indices can be arranged, for example, on or in labels which are attached to the tube pieces by means of the objective transport device before the tube pieces are transported. In this way, an arrangement of indices on the means of transport is not necessary, so that a simple integration of the transport device according to the invention or the system according to the invention in existing transport devices or systems can be done.

With regard to a particularly meaningful determination of speed differences between the means of transport, according to the invention may also be provided that the detection unit determines the speed difference between the means of transport based on data from different, in particular a plurality of different sensors, the data before a determination of a speed averaging and / or weighting a processing unit and / or subjecting it to other statistical data evaluation methods.

With regard to a transport system which is as flexible as possible, it can further be provided according to the invention that the system has at least one supply unit for feeding separated hose pieces and / or at least one discharge unit for discharging hose pieces transported within the transport device. In this case, it may be provided within the framework of a particularly fail-safe system that additional control and / or alignment units for controlling and / or aligning the transported hose pieces are arranged on the supply and / or discharge unit.

Advantageously, the system according to the invention also has at least one, preferably a plurality of processing stations, in particular with regard to a possibly automated process for the production of tubular packaging from individual pieces of tubing. As processing stations, the subject system may in this case in particular have a floor laying unit and / or a valve sheet unit and / or a floor unit and / or a strap unit. The processing stations can advantageously be arranged uniformly along the transport device, so that the pieces of hose can be fed to the individual processing stations in succession with the aid of the transport means.

In order to ensure a particularly flexible, uncomplicated and efficient communication of the individual system units, the individual system components can preferably communicate wirelessly on a server or cloud basis and / or via the Internet. For energy-efficient operation, the system can also be formed as a learning unit and change parameters based on collected data and empirical values, thus adapting the operation.

Likewise provided by the invention is a paper leveler, comprising a transport device for transporting pieces of tubing, in particular comprising a system for transporting pieces of tubing.

Furthermore, in the present case, a method for transporting pieces of hose with the features of the independent method claim is also protected. In this case, the subject method for transporting pieces of hose in particular comprises the steps of guiding the hose pieces by means of an upper and a lower transport means, exerting a contact pressure on the transport means by means of pressure application units arranged above and below the transport means, driving the transport means with a substantially constant Speed by means of at least two electrically controllable drive units, wherein the transport means are controlled by the electrically controllable drive units such that speed differences between the two transport means are automatically compensated. Thus, the inventive method brings the same advantages as they have already been described in detail with respect to the device according to the invention.

With regard to an efficient execution of the subject method, it can be advantageously provided that the method also comprises a collection of data for determining a speed difference between the transport means by means of a detection unit. The detection of data for determining a speed difference can in this case be carried out in particular on the basis of different sensors, which are preferably arranged at different positions of the subject system according to the explanations concerning the transport device according to the invention.

In this case, the subject method can preferably provide that a speed difference between the transport means is determined by means of a processing unit on the basis of the acquired data and / or subsequently a compensation of the determined speed difference takes place by means of a control unit. In this case, compensation can be effected in particular in that the control unit sends a signal to one of the drive units as a function of the speed difference determined by the processing unit, which then adjusts the drive speed accordingly.

In the context of a particularly exact and easily integrable method for detecting speed differences between the means of transport, it can also be objectively provided that the method, in addition to compensating for speed differences between the means of transport, in particular when determining the speed difference between the means of transport on the basis of position data of the transportable Hose pieces, also includes a correction of the positioning of hose pieces. In this case, by means of a detection unit, for example, a position of a piece of hose can be detected and compared with a desired position. From the deviation, a further correction value can then be determined, which can be used to correct the positioning of the bags in relation to the tools being machined.

Since such an additional correction is not always advantageous in every case or it is not always worthwhile to carry out an additional correction of the positioning of hose pieces (if, for example, only one piece of hose is positioned incorrectly), it may be advantageously provided that such an additional correction of the Positioning of pieces of tubing as a function of at least one of the following parameters follows: the amount of deviation of the actual position from a target position, the total number of production steps to be performed, the current production step of the respective piece of tubing within the entire production process, the required quality standard, the cost of Product, the size of the production batch or the speed of the product Process, especially the current speed of the means of transport.

Further advantages features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. In this case, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be individually according to the invention individually or in any combination.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung der Herstellung von Schlauchbeuteln,
• 2 eine Transportvorrichtung zum Transport von Schlauchstücken gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
• 3 eine erfindungsgemäße Transportvorrichtung zum Transport von Schlauchstücken gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 4 ein System zum Transport von Schlauchstücken umfassend eine Transportvorrichtung zum Transport von Schlauchstücken gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel.

In the figures show:

• 1 a schematic representation of the production of tubular bags,
• 2 a transport device for transporting hose pieces according to the prior art,
• 3 a transport device according to the invention for transporting pieces of hose according to a first embodiment,
• 4 a system for transporting pieces of hose comprising a transport device for transporting pieces of hose according to a second embodiment.

1 shows a schematic representation of the production of tubular bags. Here are made of a hose, isolated hose pieces 6 one behind the other by means of a transport device 2 transported and successively individual processing stations 4 fed. In the individual processing stations 4 Then various processing steps are taken to get out of the pieces of tubing 6 a finished tube packaging 6` to shape. In the first processing station 4 For example, the end of the hose is pulled open so that the open floor is now in one plane. In the second processing station 4 a first valve leaflet is inserted into the open bottom of the tube piece 6 brought in. In the third processing station 4 Then another valve leaflet in the hose piece in question 6 introduced. In another processing station 4 For example, areas of the floor are coated with adhesive or the like. In a next processing station 4 In the present case, the laying of the floors and the gluing of the layers provided with adhesive take place. In the last processing station 4 Finally, in the present case, a bottom cover sheet is applied to the tensile-bonded bottom of the now finished tubular packaging 6` applied.

2 shows a transport device 2 for transporting hose pieces 6 from the prior art. The transport device 2 here includes an upper and a lower transport 14 . 14 ' on which the isolated pieces of hose 6 be guided along the transport direction z. The pieces of hose 6 be between the means of transport 14 . 14 ' held by the upper and lower pressure application units 16 and 16 ' a pressure on the means of transport 14 and 14 ' is exercised. The means of transport 14 . 14 ' may preferably be formed as a belt, in particular as a flat belt. The means of transport are the means of transport 14 . 14 ' from the drive units 12 . 12 ' driven at a substantially constant speed. Over at various points of the transport device 2 arranged pulleys 18 become the means of transport 14 . 14 ' held in their position. Despite a substantially constant speed of the two means of transport 14 . 14 ' , can during operation of the transport device 2 Speed differences between the means of transport 14 and 14 ' occur, causing it to incorrect positioning of the means of transport 14 . 14 ' guided hose pieces 6 can come. These incorrect positioning are in particular with regard to a correct processing of the individual pieces of hose 6 in subsequent processing steps problematic.

According to the prior art, this problem is solved in that on the drive units 12 . 12 ' so-called expansion discs are arranged, by means of which a compensation of the speed differences of the individual means of transport 14 . 14 ' can be done. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that the process of compensation is not automatable and must be done by hand. This is tedious and takes some time, resulting in unwanted failures of the production process and thus unnecessary costs.

3 shows a transport device according to the invention 2 according to a first embodiment. Unlike the in 2 illustrated transport device 2 from the prior art, the transport device according to the invention 2 electrically controllable drive units 12 and 12 ' on, so within the transport device 2 arranged that a compensation of speed differences between the two means of transport 14 . 14 ' can be automated. These are the drive units 12 . 12 ' preferably as electromotive drive units, in particular as electromotive direct drives, for example as servomotors or the like formed. Will now be an asynchronous history of the means of transport 14 and 14 ' to each other or a speed difference between the means of transport 14 and 14 ' registered, so the speed differences by changing the target speed of a means of transport 14 or 14 ' be compensated. In this way, eliminates the adverse, tedious and not to be automated, known from the prior art adjustment process.

4 shows a system 1 for transporting hose pieces 6 comprising a device for transporting pieces of hose 6 according to a second embodiment. About a rotary feeder 20 be on a pile 24 arranged isolated tubing pieces 6 from a storage unit 22 on a first feeder unit 26 promoted. From the first supply unit 26 get the hose pieces 6 now in the transport device 2 in which the pieces of hose 6 about the means of transport 14 and 14 ' through the transport device 2 guided and the individual processing stations 4 be supplied. Within the individual processing stations 4 find the in 1 represented and explained in the description processing steps instead. After processing, the finished tube packaging 6` the discharge device 28 fed.

For the detection of speed differences between the means of transport 14 and 14 ' and to prevent any misalignment of the tubular packaging to be transported 6` The present system further includes a detection unit 30 on. The detection unit 30 in this case comprises two sensors 32 , in the simplest case in the form of photoelectric sensors 33 , Cameras or the like may be formed. By means of the sensors 32 are now data for determining the speeds of the means of transport 14 and 14 ' with the help of on the means of transport 14 and 14 ' arranged sensory indexes 40 . 40` detected. The on the means of transport 14 and 14 ' arranged indices 40 and 40` Both at the entrance, as well as at the exit from the sensor 32 detects, thereby reducing the speed of the relevant means of transport 14 . 14 ' In a simple way - for example, by comparing the target speed with the actual speed - can be clearly determined. Alternatively, other or even just a sensor 32 in the present system 1 for transporting hose pieces 6 be arranged, by means of the data for determining the speed differences of the means of transport 14 and 14 ' can be detected. The from the sensor 32 or the sensors 32 measured values are hereby the processing unit 34 supplied, which from the measured values a speed difference between the means of transport 14 and 14 ' determined. Depending on the determined speed difference can now via the control unit 36 a correction or a compensation of the speed difference take place by the control unit 36 sends a corresponding signal to one of the drive units, which then performs a correction of the drive speed of at least one means of transport and thus compensates the speed difference between the transport means. Advantageously, those are within the system 1 arranged components, in particular the control unit 36 , the processing unit 34 , the detection unit 30 , the sensors 32 as well as the drive units 12 . 12 ' to each other via a communication and control line 38 interconnected to ensure smooth communication and control between devices. As part of a particularly simple, flexible and easy-to-integrate design, the individual components of the subject system 1 This also be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth, NFC, WLAN or the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

System for transporting hose pieces

2

transport device

4

processing stations

6

Connectors

6 '

finished tubular packaging

8th

first label

8th'

second label

12

upper drive unit

12 '

lower drive unit

14

upper transport

14 '

lower transport

16

upper pressure application units

16 '

lower pressure application units

18

guide rollers

20

rotary feeder

22

shelf unit

24

Stack of hose pieces

26

feed

28

discharge unit

30

detection unit

32

sensor

33

photocell

34

processing unit

36

control unit

38

Communication and control line

40

upper sensory indexes

40 '

lower sensory indices

Claims (19)

Transport device (2) for transporting pieces of hose (6), comprising at least one upper and one lower transport means (14, 14 ') for guiding the hose pieces (6), upper and lower pressure application units (16, 16') for exerting a contact pressure on the hose pieces Transport means (14, 14 '), at least one upper and one lower drive unit (12, 12') for driving the transport means (14, 14 ') in a transport direction (z) at a substantially constant speed, the transport means (14, 14 ') are arranged at least partially between the upper and lower pressure- exerting units (16', 16 '), characterized in that the drive units (12, 12') are electrically controllable and arranged within the device (2) such that speed differences between the two Transport means (14, 14 ') are automatically compensated. Transport device (2) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the transport means (14, 14 ') are formed as a belt, in particular as a flat belt. Transport device (2) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the upper transport means (14) at least partially directly on the lower transport means (14 ') is arranged. Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport means (14, 14 ') have indices (40, 40') which can be detected by sensors for determining the speed differences. Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure application units (16, 16 ') are formed as rollers, in particular as resilient rollers. Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive units (12, 12 ') are formed as electromotive drive units, in particular as electromotive direct drives, wherein preferably each drive unit (12, 12') a means of transport (14, 14 ' ) assigned. System (1) for transporting pieces of tubing (6), comprising - a transport device (2) for transporting pieces of tubing (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 - a detection unit (30) for acquiring data for determining a speed difference between the transport means (14, 14 '), - a processing unit (34) for determining a speed difference between the transport means (14, 14') on the basis of the acquired data, - A control unit (36) for compensating the determined speed difference. System (1) to Claim 7 , characterized in that the detection unit (30) has at least one sensor (32) for detecting data, by means of which a speed difference between the transport means (14, 14 ') can be determined. System (1) to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the detection unit (30) comprises at least two sensors (32), which are preferably arranged at different positions of the system (1), in particular at different positions of the device (2) for transporting pieces of tubing (6), wherein the Allow sensors (32) in particular a position detection. System (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that the detection unit (30) determines the speed difference between the transport means (14, 14 ') on the basis of position data of the hose pieces (6) to be transported. System (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 10 , characterized in that the detection unit (30) determines the speed difference between the transport means (14, 14 ') on the basis of data from various sensors (32) which are averaged and / or weighted by a processing unit (34) prior to a determination of a speed , System (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 11 , characterized in that the system (1) at least one feed unit (26) for supplying isolated tubing pieces (6) and / or at least one discharge unit (28) for discharging transported within the transport device (2) pieces of tubing (6). System (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 12 , characterized in that the system (1) has at least one processing station (4), in particular a floor laying unit and / or a valve sheet unit and / or a floor unit and / or a carrying belt unit. Paper shelf, comprising a transport device (2) for transporting pieces of tubing (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , in particular comprising a system (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 13 , Method for transporting hose pieces (6), comprising the steps of: - guiding the hose pieces (6) by means of an upper and a lower transport means (14, 14 '), - exerting a contact pressure on the transport means (14, 14') by means of above and - Pressure driving units (16, 16 ') arranged below the transport means (14, 14'), - Driving the transport means (14, 14 ') at a substantially constant speed by means of at least two electrically controllable drive units (12, 12'), characterized in that the transporting means (14, 14 ') are controlled by the electrically activatable drive units (12, 12') such that speed differences between the two transporting means (14, 14 ') are automatically compensated. Method according to Claim 15 , characterized in that the method comprises acquiring data for determining a speed difference between the transport means (14, 14 ') by means of a detection unit (30). Method according to Claim 15 or 16 , characterized in that the method comprises determining a speed difference between the transport means (14, 14 ') by means of a processing unit (34) on the basis of the acquired data and / or compensating the determined speed difference by means of a control unit (36). Method according to one of Claims 15 to 17 , characterized in that the method in addition to compensating for speed differences between the two transport means (14, 14 '), in particular when determining the speed difference between the transport means (14, 14') on the basis of position data of the hose pieces (6) to be transported, also includes a correction of the positioning of hose pieces (6). Method according to Claim 18 , characterized in that an additional correction of the positioning of pieces of tubing (6) in response to at least one of the following parameters: - amount of deviation of the actual position of a desired position, - total number of executed Produktionsschrittte, - current production step of the respective piece of tubing (6) within the entire production process, - quality standard required, - cost of the product, - size of the production batch, - speed of the process, in particular current speed of the means of transport (14, 14 ').

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