DE102021109423A1 - Fluid tool assembly for a fluid processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid tool arrangement (30) for a fluid processing machine (15). The fluid tool assembly (30) has two or more fluid tool units (31) spaced adjacent one another in a first transverse direction (X) and defining a gap (58) therebetween. Each fluid tool unit (31) has two or more fluid tools (32) which are preferably arranged side by side in a second transverse direction (Y). Each fluid tool unit (31) is arranged on a tool carrier (33) and in particular on a common tool carrier (33). A drive device (40) is set up to move and/or position the fluid tools (32) in a longitudinal direction (Z). The drive device (40) has at least one drive train (41), each with a drive (42) and each with a drive shaft (44), which extends in the first transverse direction (X).

Description

The invention relates to a fluid tool arrangement for a fluid processing machine. The fluid processing machine is set up to process workpieces with a liquid or gaseous fluid. For this purpose, at least one fluid jet is generated by means of the fluid tool arrangement and is directed onto the workpiece. The at least one fluid jet can be a high-pressure fluid jet for deburring a workpiece and/or a cleaning fluid jet for cleaning the workpiece and/or a gaseous fluid jet for blowing off or drying the workpiece. The different fluid jets can be executed individually or in any combination in a predetermined order in separate or consecutive work steps.

In production plants in which workpieces are processed in successive work steps, in particular in different machines, workpiece transport systems are often used, which simplify the handling of the workpieces in the machines or workstations. If the individual machines or work stations within a production plant can be adapted to one another with regard to workpiece transport, the transport and handling of the workpieces is significantly simplified. Especially in production plants in which workpieces are produced in large numbers within a short cycle time, the integration of fluid processing of the workpieces can involve a great deal of effort.

EP 1 911 528 B1 discloses a fluid processing machine with two separate working chambers, a workpiece being able to be machined in each working chamber. Although this allows the fluid processing machine to be integrated into manufacturing processes in which workpieces are produced in a short cycle time, the design complexity for such a fluid processing machine is very high.

The ones out too DE 10 2016 117 246 A1 known fluid processing machine also has two sub-units, in each of which a workpiece can be deburred. For this purpose, each sub-unit has a processing chamber and a loading and unloading chamber arranged above it. The pressure fluid reservoir assigned to both sub-units is operated in such a way that the pressure fluid is made available alternately over time for the different sub-units.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a fluid tool arrangement for a fluid processing machine which, with high productivity, enables a compact structure whose configuration can be very easily adapted to use in fluid processing machines.

This problem is solved by a fluid tool arrangement with the features of patent claim 1 .

The fluid tool assembly has at least two fluid tool units arranged adjacent to each other in a first transverse direction. The first transverse direction can be oriented horizontally. Each fluid tool unit in turn has two or more fluid tools. The fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit are arranged adjacent to one another, preferably in a second transverse direction, which is oriented at right angles to the first transverse direction. Alternatively, the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit can also be arranged adjacent to one another in the first transverse direction.

Each fluid tool can have multiple nozzles and/or tool parts for different work tasks. The nozzles and/or tool parts can be aligned relative to the workpiece and/or a tool axis extending in the longitudinal direction or can also be moved during processing, for example driven to rotate about an axis of rotation. Each fluid tool can have one or more fluid channels leading to the at least one nozzle and/or to the at least one tool part and opening there. Each fluid channel is connected to a supply line for supplying a liquid and/or gaseous fluid under the required pressure to the respective fluid channel of the fluid tool.

The fluid tool units are mounted on an associated tool carrier. The fluid tools are mounted so that they can be moved in a longitudinal direction relative to the tool carrier. The longitudinal direction is aligned at right angles to the first transverse direction and/or to the second transverse direction.

The first transverse direction, the second transverse direction and the longitudinal direction preferably define a Cartesian coordinate system of the fluid tool arrangement or of the fluid processing machine. This is particularly useful when the working chamber of the fluid processing machine has a cuboid shape. In the case of cylindrical or other shapes of the working chamber, the first transverse direction can also be non-linear and, for example, have a course in the shape of an arc of a circle.

The fluid tool arrangement also has a control device and a drive device. The drive device is controlled by the control device and is set up to move and/or position the fluid tools in the longitudinal direction. The movement in the longitudinal direction is linear in particular.

The drive device has exactly one drive train or, alternatively, several separate drive trains. Each drive train has exactly one drive or multiple drives, which can be controlled by the control device, and at least one drive shaft. Each drive train preferably has exactly one drive shaft. The drive shaft is drive-coupled both to the at least one drive and to at least one of the fluid tools. During operation of the at least one drive, a drive force can be transmitted to the coupled fluid tool by means of the drive shaft in order to move the fluid tool in the longitudinal direction. Starting from the fluid tool that is drive-coupled thereto, the drive shaft extends in the first transverse direction into an intermediate space that is formed between two immediately adjacent fluid tool units. The intermediate space can serve as an installation space for components of the drive train, for example the at least one drive and/or a transmission and/or a switchable clutch.

Each drive train is continuously mechanically coupled to the drive or - if a switchable clutch is available - can be coupled. A plurality of separate drive trains are not mechanically coupled to one another and preferably also cannot be mechanically coupled to one another. Separate drive trains can preferably be controlled exclusively in a coordinated manner in terms of control technology. A means for mechanical drive coupling of separate drive trains is preferably not present.

The at least one drive of each drive train is preferably a rotary drive, for example a rotary motor such as an electric motor. The at least one drive can be operated pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically. In a preferred embodiment, each drive is formed by a servo motor.

The fluid tool arrangement according to the invention is flexibly scalable, in particular in order to set the distance between the fluid tool units in the first transverse direction depending on the application. The fluid tool arrangement can be constructed in a compact manner in the first transverse direction, as a result of which the footprint of the fluid processing machine is not unnecessarily enlarged.

Depending on the application, the drive device can be designed with one or more drive trains. The at least one drive shaft of the at least one drive train is preferably arranged in a position in the second transverse direction at which the fluid tool arrangement has a mounting corridor extending in the first transverse direction. The installation corridor extends in particular along all of the fluid tool units. It provides space for the installation of a continuous drive shaft connecting several or all fluid tool units or several drive shafts aligned with one another in the first transverse direction. In an embodiment with a single drive train, for example, a single drive shaft can extend over all fluid tool units in the first transverse direction. The associated at least one drive can be arranged adjacent to the fluid tool units in the first transverse direction, preferably in the intermediate space. With this arrangement, the drive torque of the at least one drive can be introduced in a middle section between the ends of the drive shaft. It is also possible to transmit the drive torque of the at least one drive to an end section of the at least one drive shaft.

As previously discussed, in one embodiment, there may be only a single drive train to longitudinally move or position all of the fluid tools. In another embodiment, each fluid tool unit can be assigned a separate drive train of the drive device in order to be able to move and position the fluid tools of each fluid tool unit individually and independently of the fluid tools of the at least one other fluid tool unit.

It is also advantageous that the drive device has one or more drive trains, the respective drive shaft of which is drive-coupled to fluid tools of different fluid tool units. In this embodiment, the fluid tools of each fluid tool assembly may be drive coupled via the common drive train that perform the same fluid processing task.

The control device can be operated in a synchronous working mode. In the synchronous working mode, the drive device is controlled in such a way that the fluid tools of the fluid tool units are moved and positioned synchronously with one another in the longitudinal direction. It's true The position and movement of the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit each correspond to the position and movement of the fluid tools of the at least one other fluid tool unit. The fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit can assume different positions or can be moved relative to one another. In this synchronous working mode, for example, a plurality of workpieces can be machined synchronously with at least one fluid jet each from the associated fluid tool unit.

In order to machine one or more workpieces, the fluid tool units are preferably controlled via the control device for dispensing the at least one fluid jet. In the synchronous working mode, the fluid tool units can thus be controlled in such a way that they each carry out the same fluid processing on a common workpiece or on a respective assigned workpiece at the same time. The workpieces can therefore be processed synchronously during the synchronous working mode.

The control device can preferably also be operated in an individual work mode. In the individual work mode, the existing fluid tool units associated with similar but not identical workpieces can be controlled differently with regard to the movement and/or the position of their fluid tools and/or with regard to the delivery of at least one jet of fluid by the fluid tools. In this configuration, it is advantageous if the drive device has a plurality of drive trains. Alternatively, only a single drive train can be present, in which a sub-train of the drive train is decoupled from the at least one drive in the individual work mode, for example by arranging a switchable clutch in the drive train. For example, the clutch can be switched between a coupled state and a decoupled state, in particular by means of the control device.

It is preferred if the at least one drive of each drive train is arranged in the first transverse direction next to one of the fluid tool units. The at least one drive is preferably located in the space between two immediately adjacent fluid tool units.

It is also advantageous if the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit are arranged next to one another in a second transverse direction. The second transverse direction can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

In a preferred embodiment, each drive train has a longitudinally extending, drivable coupling element for drivingly coupling the at least one fluid tool that is to be moved by means of the relevant drive train, which is arranged immovably on the relevant fluid tool. The coupling element is preferably formed by a toothed rack. It can also be a belt or a threaded spindle, for example. The length and/or the arrangement of the coupling element defines the available path by which the relevant fluid tool can be moved. The coupling elements of the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit are preferably of the same length in the longitudinal direction. The coupling element is drive-coupled directly or indirectly to the drive shaft of the relevant drive train.

The coupling elements of the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit can be drive-connected to a common drive wheel or to a separate drive wheel, e.g. a drive gear wheel or a drive belt wheel.

It is advantageous if the coupling elements are formed by toothed racks, with the toothed racks of the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit being in engagement with a common drive gear. The drive gear can in particular be arranged on the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive wheels assigned to a common fluid tool unit can be arranged offset to one another at right angles to the longitudinal direction, in particular in the second transverse direction.

As an alternative to this, it is also possible for each toothed rack of the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit to be in engagement with a separate drive gear wheel, which in turn can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on different drive shafts of different drive trains. With this arrangement, the fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit can be individually positioned and/or moved by different drive trains.

The drive gears assigned to a common fluid tool unit can be arranged offset to one another at right angles to the longitudinal direction, in particular in the second transverse direction. By offsetting in the second transverse direction, the toothed racks of the same fluid tool unit can be arranged opposite one another and have a common central longitudinal plane. At the same time, it is possible to use drive gears with the same number of teeth or the same diameter.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a plurality of drive shafts could also be arranged along a common drive shaft axis if at least one of the drive shafts is designed as a hollow shaft. The drive gear wheels and toothed racks are then arranged offset to one another, in particular in the first transverse direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one drive or its motor shaft can be arranged along the drive shaft axis, for example if the drive is designed as a hollow shaft motor.

It is advantageous if the tool carrier specifies the position of the fluid tools mounted on it at right angles to the longitudinal direction, ie for example in the first transverse direction and the second transverse direction. The tool carrier can be movable at least in one spatial direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction, for example in the first transverse direction and/or the second transverse direction. It can also be arranged immovably in relation to a working chamber or a base of the fluid processing machine, at least in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

It is preferred if all fluid tools are mounted on a single, common tool carrier so that they can be moved in the longitudinal direction. All fluid tools are positioned together, as it were in a block, at right angles to the longitudinal direction and, if necessary, moved via the tool carrier.

The drive device and in particular the at least one drive and the at least one drive shaft are arranged on the tool carrier.

In an alternative configuration option, separate tool carriers can also be assigned to different fluid tool units. In this case, at least one drive train is arranged on each tool carrier.

Advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent patent claims, the description and the drawings. Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below.

• 1 eine schematische, blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Fluidbearbeitungsmaschine,
• 2 eine schematische, blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung einer Anordnung von mehreren Fluidwerkzeugeinheiten mit jeweils zwei Fluidwerkzeugen für die Fluidbearbeitungsmaschine aus 1,
• 3 eine schematische, blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung einer alternativen Anordnung der Fluidwerkzeuge der Fluidwerkzeugeinheiten,
• 4-9 jeweils eine schematische, blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Antriebsvorrichtung für das Bewegen und/oder Positionieren der Fluidwerkzeuge in einer Längsrichtung,
• 10 eine schematische, blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung zweier Fluidwerkzeuge einer gemeinsamen Fluidwerkzeugeinheit, die miteinander bewegungsgekoppelt sind,
• 11 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels zweier Fluidwerkzeugeinheiten mit jeweils zwei Fluidwerkzeugen,
• 12 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung einer Antriebsvorrichtung mit zwei Antriebssträngen für zwei Fluidwerkzeugeinheiten und
• 13 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels mit vier Fluidwerkzeugeinheiten mit jeweils zwei Fluidwerkzeugen.

In the drawings show:

• 1 a schematic, block diagram-like representation of an embodiment of a fluid processing machine,
• 2 a schematic, block diagram-like representation of an arrangement of several fluid tool units, each with two fluid tools for the fluid processing machine 1 ,
• 3 a schematic, block diagram-like representation of an alternative arrangement of the fluid tools of the fluid tool units,
• 4-9 in each case a schematic, block diagram-like representation of an embodiment of a drive device for moving and/or positioning the fluid tools in a longitudinal direction,
• 10 a schematic, block diagram-like representation of two fluid tools of a common fluid tool unit, which are coupled to each other in terms of movement,
• 11 a perspective partial representation of an embodiment of two fluid tool units, each with two fluid tools,
• 12 a perspective partial representation of a drive device with two drive trains for two fluid tool units and
• 13 a perspective partial representation of an embodiment with four fluid tool units, each with two fluid tools.

1 shows an embodiment of a fluid processing machine 15 in a schematic representation. The fluid processing machine 15 is set up to process workpieces 16 with at least one fluid jet F. Depending on the work task, a liquid and/or a gas can be used as the fluid, for example water and/or air. For example, workpieces 16 can be deburred by means of a liquid jet. For deburring, the liquid jet or fluid jet F is ejected under a very high pressure, for example up to 1100 bar, and directed onto the workpiece 16 . In addition or as an alternative to deburring, the workpieces 16 can also be cleaned, for example. For this purpose, at least one fluid jet F consisting of a cleaning liquid can be directed onto the workpiece. The ejection pressure of the fluid jet is lower here, for example about 200 bar. For cleaning, the fluid jet can contain a cleaning agent, for example a mixture of water and a cleaning agent. The workpieces 16 can also be blown off or dried with air or another gas. The work steps mentioned, which can be carried out with at least one fluid jet F, can be combined with one another as desired. The deburring preferably takes place before the cleaning and the blowing off of the workpiece 16 preferably takes place at the end.

The fluid processing machine 15 has a working chamber 17 within which at least one workpiece 16 and, in the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of workpieces 16 can be processed simultaneously or in chronological order. The working chamber 17 encloses a continuous interior space in which the workpieces 16 to be machined are arranged.

For clamping the workpieces 16, the fluid processing machine 15 has at least one and, for example, two holding devices 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the holding devices 20 are part of a workpiece handling system 21. Each holding device 20 is set up to accommodate a single associated workpiece 16. The number of holding devices 20 can vary. At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, four holding devices 20 are present. Some of the holding devices 20 are arranged in a machining position I in the working chamber 17 by means of the workpiece handling system 21 . The other part of the holding devices is located outside of the working chamber 17 in a workpiece changing position II.

Each holding device 20 can be rotated about an individual axis of rotation D, for example in order to bring the held workpiece 16 to be machined into a suitable position in the machining position I of the holding devices 20 . According to the example, the axes of rotation D are aligned parallel to one another. In other arrangements, a plurality of workpieces 16 to be machined can also be rotatable about a common axis of rotation, which can be aligned parallel to the first transverse direction X, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment, the workpiece handling system 21 has a turntable 22 for moving the holding devices 20 between the processing position I and the workpiece changing position II. A part of the turntable 22 is located within the working chamber 17, while another part of the turntable 22 is located outside of the working chamber 17. A wall section of the working chamber 17 extends along the axis of rotation of the turntable 22 and is fixed on the turntable 22 . The turntable 22 can be positioned, for example, in two rotational positions which are offset by 180° around the axis of rotation of the turntable 22 . As a result, the wall section of the working chamber 17 closes off the working chamber 17 in the area of the turntable 22 . In each rotational position, holding devices 20 are in processing position I and other holding devices 20 are in workpiece changing position II. The number of holding devices 20 in processing position I is preferably the same as the number of holding devices 20 in workpiece changing position II.

The axis of rotation of the turntable 22 is, for example, aligned parallel to the axes of rotation D of the holding devices 20 . The workpiece handling system 21 including the turntable 22 and the holding devices 20 can be controlled by means of a control device 23, e.g. by means of a first control signal S1.

In order to generate the fluid jets F, the fluid processing machine 15 has a fluid tool arrangement 30 . The fluid tool assembly 30 has two or more fluid tool units 31 spaced adjacent one another in a first transverse direction X . The distance between the fluid tool units 31 preferably corresponds to the distance between the centers and, for example, the axes of rotation D of the holding devices 20 in the machining position I. Each fluid tool unit 31 has at least two fluid tools 32, of which in 1 only one fluid tool 32 is illustrated. Each fluid tool 32 is set up, depending on a control signal from the control device 23, to generate one or more fluid jets F and to direct them onto a workpiece 16 which is arranged in the working chamber 17 and is assigned to the respective fluid tool unit 31 for processing. For each holding device 20, which is located in the processing position I within the working chamber 17, the fluid processing machine 15 has exactly one associated fluid tool unit 31 according to the example.

The fluid tool units 31 are preferably arranged on a common tool carrier 33 . In one exemplary embodiment, the tool carrier 33 can be arranged immovably relative to the working chamber 17 . At the in 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the tool carrier 33 is movably mounted relative to the working chamber 17 in the first transverse direction X and/or in a second transverse direction Y and can be moved and brought into a desired position by means of a carrier positioning device 34 .

The carrier positioning device 34 is part of a machine axis arrangement 35 of the fluid processing machine 15, which in the exemplary embodiment has exclusively linear machine axes. The components of the fluid processing machine 15 moved by the machine axis arrangement 35 are thus moved linearly. Alternatively or additionally, the machine axis arrangement 35 could also have one or more rotary Have machine axes. The machine axis arrangement 35 is controlled by one or more control signals from the control device 23, which is exemplified in 1 is symbolized by the second control signal S2.

As mentioned and as it is for example in the 2-11 and 13 can be seen, each fluid tool unit 31 has at least two and preferably exactly two fluid tools 32--in the exemplary embodiment, a first fluid tool 32a and a second fluid tool 32b. To deliver at least one fluid jet F, each of the fluid tools 32a, 32b can be controlled by the control device 23, which is 1 and 2 is symbolically illustrated using the third control signal S3 and the fourth control signal S4. Each fluid tool 32 can be controlled individually by the control device 23 .

It is pointed out at this point that reference number 32 is used for all fluid tools and includes all first fluid tools 32a and second fluid tools 32b of fluid tool units 31.

All the fluid tools 32a, 32b are arranged on the tool carrier 33 such that they can be moved in a longitudinal direction Z. The longitudinal direction Z is perpendicular to the first transverse direction X and/or perpendicular to the second transverse direction Y. In the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal direction Z and the two transverse directions X, Y form a Cartesian coordinate system.

In order to move the fluid tools 32a, 32b of the fluid tool units 31, the fluid processing machine 15 has a drive device 40, which can be a component of the machine axis arrangement 35, for example. The drive device 40 can be controlled by the control device 23 . The second control signal S2 can correspondingly contain at least one drive control signal SZi for the drive device 40 and at least one drive control signal SQ for the carrier positioning device 34 .

like it in 2 is illustrated, the first fluid tool 32a and the second fluid tool 32b in the second transverse direction Y are arranged adjacent to one another or next to one another or one above the other and preferably not offset in the first transverse direction X with respect to one another. The first transverse direction X can be oriented horizontally and the second transverse direction Y can be oriented vertically. As a modification of this arrangement, the two fluid tools 32a, 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31 can also be arranged adjacent to one another in the first transverse direction X ( 3 ).

During operation of the fluid processing machine 15, the relative position of the fluid tools 32a, 32b in the first transverse direction X and/or in the second transverse direction Y relative to one another and/or relative to the tool carrier is preferably constant.

In the exemplary embodiments described here, the fluid tool units 31 are mounted immovably on the tool carrier 33 in the transverse directions X, Y. In a modification of this, at least one of the fluid tool units 31 can be arranged on the tool carrier 33 so that it can be adjusted in the first transverse direction X and/or in the second transverse direction Y. The position of the fluid tool units 31 relative to one another and/or relative to the tool carrier 33 in the first transverse direction X and/or the second transverse direction Y can be adjusted, for example, during assembly of the fluid processing machine 15 and/or during commissioning of the fluid processing machine 15.

The position of the fluid tool units 31 in the first transverse direction X and the second transverse direction Y relative to the working chamber 17 is thus predetermined by means of the tool carrier 33 .

In the preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated here, all fluid tool units 31 have the same number of fluid tools 32, for example two fluid tools 32, namely the first fluid tool 32a and the second fluid tool 32b.

As already explained, the fluid tools 32a, 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31 can be moved in the longitudinal direction Z and thus positioned differently. The drive device 40 is provided for this purpose. The drive device 40 can have a drive train 41, so that all fluid tools 32 are connected to a single drive train 41 and their movement is therefore mechanically drive-coupled. As a modification of this, there can also be two or more separate drive trains 41 which can be controlled individually by means of the control device 23 and can therefore in principle be moved independently of one another. If necessary, the control device 23 can be used to coordinate or couple the multiple drive trains 41 in terms of control technology. It is thus possible, even with drive trains 41 that are mechanically decoupled from one another, to move the fluid tools 32 assigned to the different drive trains 41 in a coordinated manner relative to one another, for example to generate synchronous movements of the respective first fluid tools 32a and the respective second fluid tools 32b of the fluid tool units 31.

In 4 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a drive train 41 is shown. Each drive train 41 has at least one drive 42. The drive 42 is preferably a rotationally driven motor, for example an electric motor. In the exemplary embodiment, each drive 42 is formed by a servomotor 43. Each servomotor 43 is controlled by a drive control signal SZi by means of the control device 23, where i is a number (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) which characterizes the drive control signal SZi transmitted to one of the drives 42 present.

Each drive train 41 also has at least one and according to the embodiment 4 exactly one drive shaft 44. The drive shaft 44 extends in the first transverse direction X. The drive shaft 44 is drivingly connected to the drive 42 of the drive train 41, in particular by means of a gear 45. The gear 45 can be a spur gear, a belt gear, a crown gear, a bevel gear or any combination thereof be. In the preferred embodiment, the gear 45 is formed by a spur gear consisting of a first gear wheel 46 per drive 42 and exactly one second gear wheel 47 . The first and second gears 46, 47 are formed by gears and are directly engaged with each other. The first gear wheel 46 is, for example, non-rotatably connected to a motor shaft 48 of the servomotor 43 . The motor shaft 48 may extend in the first transverse direction X offset from the drive shaft 44 .

On the drive shaft 44 of the drive train 41, a drive wheel and, for example, a drive gear wheel 49 are arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive wheel or drive gear wheel 49, the drive shaft 44 and the second gear wheel 47 are thus non-rotatably connected and rotate together about a drive shaft axis A.

An installation corridor K of the fluid tool assembly 30 is formed along the drive shaft axis A. The installation corridor K extends in the first transverse direction X at least from one fluid tool unit 31 to an immediately adjacent fluid tool unit 31 and preferably completely across all existing fluid tool units 31. This installation corridor K provides a free space in which the at least one drive shaft 44 of the at least one drive train 41 can be arranged. The installation corridor K allows the configuration of the drive device 40 to be adapted very easily and quickly to different versions of the fluid processing machine 15, for example to different distances between the fluid tool units 31 in the first transverse direction X and/or to the respective number of fluid tool units 31 present the installation corridor K can be used to couple at least one of the fluid tools 32 of several or all fluid tool units 31 by means of a common drive shaft 44 of a common drive train 41 .

Each drive wheel is drive-connected to at least one coupling element. The coupling element is movement-coupled in the longitudinal direction Z to an associated fluid tool 32 , for example connected to the fluid tool 32 immovably relative to the fluid tool 32 . The coupling element can be a belt, for example, and the drive wheel can be a belt wheel drive-connected thereto. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the drive wheel is a drive gear wheel 49 and the coupling element is a toothed rack 50.

Each drive gear 49 meshes with at least one rack 50 attached to a fluid tool 32 . At the in 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive gear wheel 49 meshes with the rack 50 of the first fluid tool 32a and with the rack 50 of the second fluid tool 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31. The racks 50 are spaced apart in the second transverse direction Y, so that their teeth face each other are. The two toothed racks 50 have a common central longitudinal plane M. The drive gear wheel 49 is arranged in the second transverse direction Y between the two toothed racks 50 .

In the exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 44 is rotatably mounted on a bearing part 51 . The bearing part 51 is part of the tool carrier 33. In the exemplary embodiment, the bearing part 51 is plate-shaped and extends adjacent to the fluid tools 32a, 32b of the associated fluid tool unit 31 in the longitudinal direction Z and in the second transverse direction Y. The drive 42 is preferably attached to the bearing part 51 . The fluid tools 32a, 32b can be mounted so that they can move linearly in the longitudinal direction Z by a suitable bearing device 52 on the bearing part 51 ( 10 ). According to the example, the bearing device 52 is designed as a roller bearing device with a plurality of rollers 53 which support the fluid tool 32a, 32b on the bearing part 51. Plain bearings can also be used instead of the roller bearing device.

like it in 5 is illustrated, a drive train 41 can also have more than one drive 42 or more than one servo motor 43 . Each motor shaft 48 is then rotatably connected to a first gear 46, the first gears 46 with the common second Gear 47 are engaged. Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment of the drive train 41 corresponds to that from FIG 4 , so that reference can be made to the description above.

At the in 6 The exemplary embodiment shown has the drive device 40 on a single drive train 41, by means of which all fluid tools 32 of all fluid tool units 31 are drive-coupled. For this purpose, according to the number of fluid tool units 31 , several drive gear wheels 49 , for example two, can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the drive shaft 44 . Otherwise, the structure of the drive train 41 corresponds to that of FIG 4 , so that reference can be made to the description above.

6 FIG. 12 also shows another optional embodiment of a drive train 41. The drive train 41 can be divided into two drive train parts 41a, 41b by means of a shiftable clutch 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the clutch 54 is arranged in the drive shaft 44 between the two drive gears 49. In a decoupled state of the clutch 54, only the drive gear 49 in the drive train part 41a is drivingly connected to the drive 42, while the drive gear 49 in the drive train part 41b is decoupled from the drive 42 . When the drive 42 is operated, only the fluid tools 32a, 32b that are drivingly connected to the drive train part 41a can therefore still be moved. If the clutch 54 is in the coupled state, the entire drive train 41 is mechanically drive-coupled and operating the drive 42 leads to a movement of all fluid tools 32.

The clutch 54 can be between the coupling state and the decoupling state by means of the control device 23, for example, which is shown in 6 is illustrated schematically by the fifth control signal S5.

An intermediate space 58 is delimited between two fluid tool units 31 which are directly adjacent in the first transverse direction X. The intermediate space 58 can in particular be delimited between the two bearing parts 51 of the adjacent fluid tool units 31 . The at least one drive 42 and/or the transmission 45 can be arranged in this intermediate space 58, so that the intermediate space can be used as an installation space for drive train components.

At the in 6 In the illustrated embodiment, drive shaft 44 extends completely through gap 58 in first transverse direction X along drive shaft axis A. A drive shaft 44 associated with a plurality of fluid tool assemblies 31 preferably has a drive gear 49 at each end. The coupling with the at least one drive 42 of the drive train 41 then takes place between the two drive gears 49 arranged at the ends. If more than two fluid tool units 31 are to be driven via the common drive shaft 44, the drive shaft 44 in the installation corridor K can also be lengthened accordingly and three or carry more drive gears 49.

As a modification to the in 6 illustrated embodiment, the drive device 40 according to 7 two separate drive trains 41, each drive train 41 in 4 or alternatively in 5 may have the structure shown. In this respect, reference can be made to the above description. The drive shafts 44 of the two drive trains 41 extend into the intermediate space 58 between the two fluid tool units 31 and carry there at their ends the second gear wheel 47 of the transmission 45. According to the example, the drive shafts 44 extend along a common drive shaft axis A.

In the embodiment according to 7 a separate drive train 41 is present for the first fluid tool 32a and the second fluid tool 32b of each fluid tool unit 31 . The fluid tools 32a, 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31 are therefore mechanically coupled with respect to their movement in the longitudinal direction Z, while the fluid tools 32 of different fluid tool units 31 can in principle be moved or positioned separately from one another. The positioning and movement can be coordinated via the control device 23 and the drive control signals SZi (1=1, 2) for the different drives 42 . The drive trains 41 can also be coupled in terms of control technology in such a way that the first fluid tools 32a each have the same position in the longitudinal direction Z and the second fluid tools 32b each have the same position in the longitudinal direction Z.

At the in 8th In the exemplary embodiment of the drive device 40 illustrated, there are two drive trains 41, one drive train 41 being set up to move the first fluid tools 32a and the second drive train 41 to move the second fluid tools 32b of all fluid tool units 31. For this purpose, the two fluid tools 32a, 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31 are not mechanically drive-coupled (unlike in the exemplary embodiments according to 4-7 ), but are each associated with a separate drive gear 49 in drive connection. to the For this purpose, the distance between the toothed racks 50 in the second transverse direction Y is greater than the diameter of the drive gears 49. Between the two toothed racks 50, drive gears 49 can therefore be arranged offset to one another in the longitudinal direction Z and in the second transverse direction Y, each with only one of the two racks 50 are engaged.

The drive gears 49, which are drivingly connected to the two first fluid tools 32a of the fluid tool units 31, are arranged on a common drive shaft 44 in a rotationally fixed manner. Analogous to this, the drive gears 49, which are drivingly connected to the second fluid tools 32b of the fluid tool units 31, are arranged on a common drive shaft 44. Each drive shaft 44 is drive-connected via a separate gear 45 to a separate drive 42 of the respective drive train 41 . The two drive shafts 44 each extend along a drive shaft axis A within the installation corridor K, with the drive shaft axes A being offset from one another, for example in the Z direction Z and/or in the second transverse direction Y 8th The illustrated offset in the first transverse direction X is optional and only for the sake of clarity 8th shown.

This in 9 The illustrated embodiment of the drive device 40 has four separate drive trains 41, each drive train 41 being drive-connected to a single fluid tool 32, so that each fluid tool 32 can be moved or positioned individually via the drive train 41 in the longitudinal direction Z. The embodiment according to 9 is thus a combination of the exemplary embodiments according to FIG 4 and 8th . Each drive train 41 has a separate drive shaft 44 which is drive-connected via a drive gear 49 and a toothed rack 50 to the fluid tool 32 to be moved or positioned. In this respect, the structure of the drive train corresponds to that according to FIG 4 . In contrast to this, however, the drive gear 49 is not in engagement with two racks 50, but only with one rack 50 analogously to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 8th . The two drive shafts 44 of the drive trains 41, which drive the first fluid tool 32a and the second fluid tool 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31, are analogous to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 8th offset from one another in the longitudinal direction Z and/or in the second transverse direction Y along a drive shaft axis A. The drive shafts 44 of the drive trains 41, which are each provided for driving the first fluid tools 32a, can extend along a common drive shaft axis A. Analogous to this, the drive shafts 44 of the drive trains 41, which are present for driving the respective second fluid tools 32b, can extend according to a further common drive shaft axis A. Each drive train 41 has a separate drive 42, each drive being controlled by a drive control signal SZ1 to SZ4 by the control device 23.

In the exemplary embodiments with a plurality of drive shafts 44, the drive shafts 44 can also extend along and in particular coaxially to a common drive shaft axis A. For this purpose, at least one of the drive shafts 44 is designed as a hollow shaft and encloses one or more other drive shafts 44. The drive gears 49 and toothed racks 50 are then arranged offset from one another, in particular in the first transverse direction X.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one drive 42 or servo motor 43 can be arranged along the axis of the drive shaft. For this purpose, for example, the motor shaft 48 can be designed as a hollow shaft, so that the drive 42 or servo motor 43 forms a hollow shaft motor.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the gear 45 can also have an angular gear stage. The drive 42 or servo motor 43 can then have a motor shaft 48 which extends at right angles to the drive shaft axis A, for example in the second transverse direction Y.

In all exemplary embodiments, a drive shaft 44 can also be driven by more than one drive 42, as is illustrated in FIG 5 is illustrated. In addition or as an alternative, more than two fluid tool units 31 can also be present and driven in all of the exemplary embodiments, for example by arranging additional drive gears 49 for further fluid tool units 31 on one or more of the existing drive shafts 44 . To this extent, the drive device 40 is scalable. The installation corridor K provides the necessary flexibility.

In the exemplary embodiments in which the rack 50 of the first fluid tool 32a and the rack 50 of the second fluid tool 32b are in engagement with a common drive gear 49, the two fluid tools 32a, 32b of a common fluid tool unit 31 are each moved in opposite directions in the longitudinal direction Z. If the first fluid tool 32a is moved further into the working chamber 17, the second fluid tool 32b is simultaneously moved further out of the working chamber 17 or withdrawn and vice versa. The same effect can also be achieved when used as a coupling element for the first and second fluid tools 32a, 32b of a common fluid tool unit, a belt 55 (e.g. toothed belt) is used which runs between two deflection rollers 56 and has two sections which extend in the longitudinal direction Z between the deflection rollers 56 and which are each attached to one of the fluid tools 32a or 32b are fixed (in 10 alternative embodiment shown in dashed lines). One of the deflection rollers 56 can form the drive wheel. If this mechanical drive coupling via a common drive wheel or drive gear wheel 49 is omitted, the coordinated movement can be implemented in the same way or in a different way in terms of control technology via the control device 23 .

like it in 10 As illustrated, each fluid tool 32 is supplied with the required fluid under the respective pressure via a fluid supply line 59 . In addition, each fluid tool 32a, 32b can each have a tool drive 60 that can be controlled by the control device 23 and is set up to actuate one or more actuating devices of the respective fluid tool 32a, 32b and, for example, to position or move one or more nozzles of a fluid tool. For example, at least one nozzle of a fluid tool 32 can be positioned in a desired rotational position about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction Z and/or driven in rotation.

In 11 An embodiment of a fluid tool assembly 30 is shown in perspective view. In this exemplary embodiment, the drive device 40 has only a single drive train 41 and its structure corresponds to that of the embodiment 6 , whereby the clutch 54 is omitted.

like it in 11 can be seen, the drive train 41 is arranged on the bearing parts 51 of the tool carrier 33 . In particular, the at least one drive 42 and the at least one drive shaft 44 are each arranged on one or more bearing parts 51, depending on the design of the drive device 40. The drive device 40 is thus positioned together with the tool carrier 33 relative to the working chamber 17 and optionally moved.

The fluid tool units 31 of the fluid tool assembly 30 according to 11 can also with any other embodiment of the drive device 40 according to the 7-9 are driven. A partial view of the fluid tool assembly 30 in 12 shows an embodiment of the drive device 40 with two drive trains 41 according to the embodiment 8th .

In 13 the possibility is illustrated in principle of constructing a fluid tool arrangement 30 with more than two fluid tool units 31 based on the exemplary embodiments of the drive device 40 . In this exemplary embodiment, there are two drive trains 41 , with the drives 42 being located on opposite sides of the fluid tool units 31 in the first transverse direction X and thus outside of the intermediate spaces 58 . The drive shafts 44 of the drive trains 41 extend through the intermediate spaces 58, for example along all fluid tool units 31. With this arrangement, the distance between two immediately adjacent fluid tool units 31 in the first transverse direction X can be further reduced.

In a synchronous working mode of the control device 23, the workpieces 16 arranged in the working chamber 17 can be machined synchronously by the respectively assigned fluid tool unit 31. In particular, identical workpieces 16 can be subjected to the same processing at any time by the fluid tool unit 31 assigned in each case. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 23 can also work in an individual work mode. In the individual work mode, the workpieces 16 present in the work space 17 are not identical at all times, but are machined with different machining parameters, which can necessitate different positioning of the first fluid tools 32a and the second fluid tools 32b of the fluid tool units 31 relative to one another. It is advantageous if the drive device 40 has a drive train 41 for a fluid tool unit 31 in order to implement the individual work mode. Optionally, it is also possible to equip a drive train 41, which can couple the fluid tool 32 from different fluid tool units 31, with the clutch 54, as is shown in FIG 6 is illustrated. In this embodiment, in the individual work mode, only one of the fluid tool units 31 that is drive-coupled to the drive train part 41a can be used for additional work. During the individual work mode, the fluid tools 32 of the fluid tool unit 31 drivingly connected to the second drive train part 41b can stand still and remain unactuated.

The invention relates to a fluid tool arrangement 30 for a fluid processing machine 15. The fluid tool arrangement 30 has two or more fluid tool units 31 which are arranged adjacent to one another at a distance in a first transverse direction X and delimit an intermediate space 58 in between. Each fluid tool unit 31 has two or more fluid tools 32, preferably in a second transverse direction Y next to each other are arranged. Each fluid tool unit 31 is arranged on a tool carrier 33 and in particular on a common tool carrier 33 . A drive device 40 is set up to move and/or position the fluid tools 32 in a longitudinal direction Z. The drive device 40 has at least one drive train 41, each with a drive 42 and a drive shaft 44, which extends in the first transverse direction X in an installation corridor K, preferably in or through the intermediate space 58. The installation corridor K extends in particular along several or all Fluid tool units 31 in the first transverse direction X. The drive 42 or one of the existing drives 42 of the drive device 40 can be arranged in the intermediate space 58 .

Reference List

15

fluid processing machine

16

workpiece

17

working chamber

20

holding device

21

workpiece handling system

22

turntable

23

control device

30

fluid tool assembly

31

fluid tool unit

32

fluid tool

32a

first fluid tool

32b

second fluid tool

33

tool carrier

34

carrier positioning device

35

machine axis arrangement

40

drive device

41

powertrain

41a

drive train part

41b

drive train part

42

drive

43

servo motor

44

drive shaft

45

transmission

46

first gear

47

second gear

48

motor shaft

49

drive gear

50

rack

51

bearing part

52

storage facility

53

role

54

coupling

55

belt

56

pulley

58

space

59

fluid supply line

60

tool drive

I

processing position

II

workpiece change position

A

driveshaft axis

D

axis of rotation

f

fluid jet

K

built-in corridor

M

median longitudinal plane

51

first control signal

S2

second control signal

S3

third control signal

S4

fourth control signal

S5

fifth control signal

SZi

Drive control signal (i=1, 2, 3, ...)

SQ

drive control signal

X

first transverse direction

Y

second transverse direction

Z

longitudinal direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 1911528 B1 [0003]
• DE 102016117246 A1 [0004]

Claims (18)

Fluid tool arrangement (30) for a fluid processing machine (15), which is set up for processing workpieces (16) with at least one fluid jet, having: - at least two fluid tool units (31) arranged adjacent to one another in a first transverse direction (X), each fluid tool unit (31) having at least two fluid tools (32) arranged adjacent to one another and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the first transverse direction (X). are movably mounted on a tool carrier (33) in the longitudinal direction (Z), - a control device (23), - A drive device (40), which is set up to move and/or position the fluid tools (32) in the longitudinal direction (Z), the drive device (40) having at least one drive train (41), each drive train (41) having at least one means the control device (23) controllable drive (42) and at least one with the drive (42) and at least one of the fluid tools (32) drive-coupled drive shaft (44) which extends in the first transverse direction (X). Fluid tool assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one drive shaft (44) extends in the first transverse direction (X) into a space (58) present between two immediately adjacent fluid tool units (31). Fluid tool assembly according to claim 1 , Having an installation corridor (K) for the at least one drive shaft (44), which in the first transverse direction (X) extends continuously over several or all of the fluid tool units (31). Fluid tool assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (40) has only a single drive train (41). Fluid tool assembly according to any one of Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the drive device (40) for each fluid tool unit (31) has a separate drive train (41). Fluid tool assembly according to any one of Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the drive device (40) has at least one drive train (41) whose drive shaft (44) is drive-coupled to fluid tools (32) from different fluid tool units (31). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive train (41) or at least one of a plurality of drive trains (41) has a switchable clutch (52). A fluid tool assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one drive (42) of each drive train (41) is arranged in the first transverse direction (X) adjacent to one of the fluid tool units (31). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive (42) or at least one of the existing drives (42) is arranged in the intermediate space (58) between. A fluid tool assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one drive (42) is a servo motor (43). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid tools (32) of a common fluid tool unit (31) are arranged next to one another in a second transverse direction (Y). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a toothed rack (50) extending in the longitudinal direction (Z) is arranged on each fluid tool (32). Fluid tool assembly according to claim 12 , wherein the racks (50) of the fluid tools (32) of a common fluid tool unit (31) have a common central longitudinal plane (M). Fluid tool assembly according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the racks (50) of the fluid tools (32) of a common fluid tool unit (31) with a common drive gear (49) are engaged. Fluid tool assembly according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the toothed racks (50) of the fluid tools (32) of a common fluid tool unit (31) each mesh with an assigned drive gear (49), the drive gears (49) being offset from one another at right angles to the longitudinal direction (Z). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one drive (42) and the at least one drive shaft (44) are arranged on the tool carrier (33). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool carrier (33) specifies the position of the fluid tools (32) mounted thereon at right angles to the longitudinal direction (Z). Fluid tool arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which there is a single, common tool carrier (33) for all fluid tools (32).

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