DE10340916A1 - Method and device for handling workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The method and the device are used for handling workpieces. The workpieces are fed via an input path of a treatment station and removed again after treatment from the treatment station. From the treatment station, the workpieces are fed to a delivery line. At least some of the workpieces are subjected in the treatment station successively at least twice to an essentially identical treatment process.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for handling workpieces the workpieces over a Input line supplied to a treatment station and after treatment taken again from the treatment station and a discharge line supplied become.

The Invention relates to this In addition, a device for handling workpieces, the one Treatment station for the workpieces and one of the workpieces towards the treatment station leading input line as well one the workpieces comprising discharge path leading away from the treatment station.

such Devices, for example, in the production of blow-molded Used in containers, about preforms over to feed the input section of a blowing station and blown containers on the Route away from the blow station.

at such a container molding by blowing pressure are preforms of a thermoplastic Material, for example PET preforms (polyethylene terephthalate), within a blow molding machine different processing stations fed. Typically, such a blow molding machine has a heating device and a blowing device, in the region of which previously tempered Preform expanded by biaxial orientation to a container becomes. The expansion takes place with the help of compressed air, which in the is initiated to expanding preform. The procedural Sequence in such an expansion of the preform is in the DE-OS 43 40 291 explained.

Of the fundamental Construction of a blowing station for container molding is described in DE-OS 42 12 583. Possibilities for tempering The preforms are described in DE-OS 23 52 926.

Within the blow molding apparatus, the preforms and the blown containers transported by means of different handling devices become. proven In particular, the use of transport thorns, to which the preforms are attached. But the preforms can be handled with other support devices. The usage grippers for handling preforms and use of expanding mandrels for mounting in a mouth region of the preform insertable are, belong also available Constructions.

in the With regard to the blowing stations used are different embodiments known. At blow stations, which are arranged on rotating transport wheels are, a book-like Aufklappbarkeit the mold carriers are frequently encountered. But it is also possible to use relatively displaceable or differently guided mold carriers.

A Further application of the aforementioned methods and devices takes place, for example, in treatment processes, to plastics with surface coatings to provide. In particular, already such treatment processes known to be inner or outer surfaces of containers to coat, which are intended for the packaging of liquids. About that In addition, treatment processes for plasma sterilization are known.

In PCT WO 95/22413 discloses a plasma chamber for internal coating of PET bottles. The bottles to be coated are through a moving floor into a plasma chamber and in the area of a bottle mouth associated with an adapter. Through the adapter an evacuation of the bottle interior can take place. Furthermore is through the adapter through a hollow lance in the interior the bottles are inserted, to process gas supply. An ignition of the plasma is done using a microwave.

Out this publication it is also already known to have a plurality of plasma chambers to arrange a rotating wheel. This will result in a high production rate supported by bottles per unit of time.

In EP-OS 10 10 773 a feeder is explained to to evacuate a bottle interior and with process gas supply. In PCT-WO 01/31680 a plasma chamber is described, into which the bottles are introduced by a movable lid, the previously with a mouth area the bottles was connected.

The PCT-WO 00/58631 also already shows the arrangement of plasma stations on a rotating wheel and describes for such an arrangement a group assignment of vacuum pumps and plasma stations, for a cheap To support evacuation of the chambers as well as the interiors of the bottles. Furthermore The coating of several containers in a common Plasma station or a common cavity mentioned.

Another arrangement for carrying out an internal coating of bottles is described in PCT WO 99/17334. It is here especially Specifically described an arrangement of a microwave generator above the plasma chamber and a vacuum and resource supply line through a bottom of the plasma chamber therethrough.

The Treatment of a variety of different plastics with the help Plasma coating process is explained in PCT / WO 03/014415. Especially Here, the generation of barrier layers using Silicon compounds and described using adhesive layers.

In the vast number of known plasma coating process to improve the barrier properties of the thermoplastic material used by the plasma generated container layers of silicon oxides having the general chemical formula SiO _x. In addition, portions of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen may also be contained in the barrier layers produced thereby. Such barrier layers prevent the penetration of oxygen into the packaged liquids and leakage of carbon dioxide in CO ₂ -containing liquids.

One Problem with commissioning and maintenance of treatment stations is usually that for this operations a significant number of workpieces is needed, the first after a Optimization of the treatment process used for subsequent further processing can be. this leads to to that at commissioning and maintenance of such treatment stations considerable scrap quantities produced on workpieces become.

task It is the object of the present invention to provide a method of the preamble mentioned type to improve such that reduced amounts of rejects on workpieces be achieved.

These Task is inventively characterized solved, that at least some of the treated workpieces at least two times in succession, one after another Be subjected to treatment process.

Further Object of the present invention is to provide a device of Initially mentioned type to construct such that a reduction the amount of scrap supports becomes.

These Task is inventively characterized solved, that along a transport path of the workpieces at least one control to select a one-time or a repeated treatment process for the respective workpieces arranged is.

A technical realization of a successive multiple execution of a provided treatment process for a particular workpiece can either by leaving the workpiece in the treatment station or by a new feeder the workpieces be realized to the treatment station. A new feeder can realized using a feedback be leaving the workpieces in the treatment station, using suitable controllable Input and output devices take place.

By the feedback between the output line and the input line, it is possible to use a Return from the processing station removed workpieces in the range of the input path make and the workpieces again or repeatedly supply the treatment station. One such procedure proves to be particularly useful if the design of the workpieces in the Area of the treatment station is not or only insignificantly changed. The return of the workpieces or leaving the workpieces in the treatment station allows it, with a relatively small number of workpieces operation of the treatment station to carry out under production conditions without large scrap quantities on workpieces arise.

to support an automation of the material transport is provided that the workpieces controlled in the area of feedback be initiated.

A Reduction of the number incomplete treated workpieces can be done by the workpieces regulated in dependence from a metrological Detection of at least one parameter of the workpieces initiated in the region of the feedback become.

One typical application is that the workpieces for execution a test procedure are treated repeatedly.

Furthermore is also thought that the workpieces for the execution a startup process are treated repeatedly.

A Optimization of test or acceptance conditions can be done by that specially conditioned workpieces be treated repeatedly.

One typical application example is that hollow workpieces repeated be treated.

Especially is thought of that workpieces a plastic be treated repeatedly.

Also a typical field of application is specified by that in the field the treatment station is carried out a coating of the workpieces.

Also one field of application is that in the area of the treatment station a plasma coating of the workpieces is performed.

One additional Field of application is defined by the fact that in the area of the treatment station a closure process the workpieces carried out becomes.

Furthermore is also thought that in the Area of the treatment station a filling operation of the workpieces is performed.

extensive design options in the constructive realization of the feedback as well as possibilities to a retrofit Existing facilities are supported by the fact that the return at least partially outside one machine housing runs.

A compact overall construction can be achieved in that the return at least partially extends within a machine housing.

For devices with a high production throughput, it proves appropriate that the treatment station is arranged on a rotating support wheel.

A Further increase in productivity can take place in that the treatment station for Recording of at least two workpieces is formed.

A automated optional specification of different transport directions can be done by the Diversion is designed as a controllable switch.

A preferred constructive realization is that the treatment station as a station for plasma coating workpieces is.

A Integration of the return in an automatic machine control can be achieved by that the Redirection is designed as an automatically controllable switch.

In The drawings are exemplary embodiments of the invention shown schematically. Show it:

1 A schematic diagram of a plurality of plasma chambers, which are arranged on a rotating plasma wheel and in which the plasma wheel is coupled to input and output wheels,

2 an arrangement similar to 1 in which the plasma stations are each equipped with two plasma chambers,

3 a perspective view of controllable input and output devices that allow an interruption of loading operations and unloading and leaving the workpieces within the treatment stations,

4 a side view of the device according to 3 .

5 a partial representation of a cross section through the in 6 schematically illustrated transfer device and

6 a schematic diagram of another controllable transfer device.

A use of the device for handling workpieces ( 5 ) can be done for example for the transfer of blown containers in a device for plasma treatment, in a filling machine for container filling or in a machine for closing containers. The basic structure of a device for plasma treatment is made 1 and 2 seen.

From the illustration in 1 is a plasma module ( 1 ), which can be detected with a rotating plasma bath ( 2 ) is provided. Along a circumference of the plasma bath ( 2 ) are a plurality of plasma stations ( 3 ) arranged. The plasma stations ( 3 ) are with cavities ( 4 ) or plasma chambers for receiving workpieces to be treated ( 5 ) Mistake. The workpieces ( 5 ) may be formed as a container, in particular bottles.

The workpieces to be treated ( 5 ) are the plasma module ( 1 ) in the area of an input ( 6 ) and via a separating wheel ( 7 ) to a transfer wheel ( 8th ), with positionable support arms ( 9 ) Is provided. The support arms ( 9 ) are relative to a pedestal ( 10 ) of the transfer wheel ( 8th ) arranged pivotable, so that a change in the distance of the workpieces ( 5 ) can be performed relative to each other. This results in a transfer of the workpieces ( 5 ) from the transfer wheel ( 8th ) to an input wheel ( 11 ) with a relative to the separating wheel ( 7 ) increased distance of the workpieces ( 5 ) relative to each other. The input wheel ( 11 ) transfers the workpieces to be treated ( 5 ) to the plasma bath ( 2 ). After the treatment has been carried out, the treated workpieces ( 5 ) from an output wheel ( 12 ) from the area of the plasma bath ( 2 ) and in the area of an output line ( 13 ).

In the embodiment according to 2 are the plasma stations ( 3 ) each with two cavities ( 4 ) or plasma chambers equipped. This allows each two workpieces ( 5 ) are treated simultaneously. Basically, it is possible here, the cavities ( 4 However, it is also possible to delimit only partial areas in a common cavity space from one another in such a way that an optimum coating of all workpieces ( 5 ) is guaranteed. In particular, this is thought to delimit the partial cavities at least by separate Mikrowelleneinkopplungen against each other.

In 1 and 2 is in the area of the output section ( 13 ) a redirection ( 14 ), which is a supply of workpieces ( 5 ) in the area of a return ( 15 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the redirect is ( 14 ) realized as a switch, which is controlled by a controller ( 16 ) is positionable. Depending on the positioning of the soft, the workpieces ( 5 ) either along the output path ( 13 ) or in the area of recycling ( 15 ).

According to the illustrated embodiments, the recycling ( 15 ) within a machine housing ( 17 ). But it is also possible to do the return ( 15 ) in whole or in part outside the machine housing.

The return ( 15 ) preferably consists of substantially linear path segments, which are each merged into each other by rounded transitions. As a result, a low-friction transport of the workpieces ( 5 ) supported. The return ( 15 ) may for example be rail-like and realized in such a way that bottle-shaped workpieces ( 5 ) and with their mouths up along the return ( 15 ) be transported. A transport of bottles made of a thermoplastic material, for example, carried out such that this in the mouth region or in the region of a support ring of the return ( 15 ).

for specifying the transport of the workpieces ( 5 ) along the return path ( 15 ) Different drive systems are used. Lightweight workpieces ( 5 ) can be transported using blowers, for example. But it is also conceivable to use band-like or chain-like transport elements. It is also possible to provide an immediate transport of support elements with which the workpieces are coupled at least during transport.

The return ( 15 ) enters the input line ( 6 ) one. The junction may be realized as a switch, but it is also possible to make only a combination of the respective transport routes such that a secure adherence to the respective transport directions is ensured. This can be realized for example by a suitable angular position of the respective guide elements in the region of the merge.

An actuation of the diversion ( 14 ) can be done either manually by an operator or by a controller or controller.

Upon activation of the feedback ( 15 ), retraction, regulation or stabilization processes can be supported. In addition, the repatriation ( 15 ) to support quality monitoring, minimizing the number of workpieces required ( 5 ) or to carry out samples.

According to a further embodiment, it is intended to provide an additional memory for workpieces ( 5 ) to be used at any point along the closed path of the workpieces ( 5 ) taking into account the return ( 15 ) is coupled. For the purpose of testing, specially conditioned workpieces ( 5 ), which are used only for intended test purposes or quality control. These special workpieces ( 5 ) are inserted in the closed circulation path for the purpose of implementing the measures and returned to the area of the storage facility after the measures have been completed. If necessary, workpieces to be taken as samples 5 ) are then replaced by new specially prepared workpieces ( 5 ) replaced.

The explained feedback concept of both standard workpieces ( 5 ) as well as specially conditioned workpieces ( 5 ) can also be used to assist cleaning, maintenance, or calibration procedures.

When using the feedback ( 15 ) in combination with a plasma module ( 1 ) for coating containers made of a plastic, for example made of PET, can also container from a zu for the test or review runs explained the standard workpieces ( 5 ) different material can be used. Thought is for example the use of bottles made of glass or polypropylene.

3 shows an embodiment which allows leaving the workpieces ( 5 ) in the treatment station. The input wheel ( 11 ) as well as the output wheel ( 12 ) are in the area of a common carrier ( 18 ) stored. Via an adjusting device ( 19 ) it is possible to use the carrier ( 18 ) using a lever ( 20 ) so that no more input and output operations are performed. In addition, it is also possible for the wearer ( 18 ) slidably. Alternatively, it is also conceived, instead of, a common positioning of the input wheel ( 11 ) and the output wheel ( 12 ) provide each individual positioning options. An individual positioning leads to improved control options.

4 shows the arrangement according to 3 in a side view. It can be seen here in particular that the adjusting device ( 19 ) over the lever ( 20 ) with the input wheel ( 11 ) is coupled. Upon actuation of the actuating device ( 19 ) via the lever ( 20 ) a positioning of the input wheel ( 11 ) and due to the common arrangement of the input wheel ( 11 ) and the output wheel ( 12 ) in the area of the support ( 18 ) also a positioning of the output wheel ( 12 ). To support a common and synchronized rotation of the wheels ( 11 . 12 ) the wheels ( 11 . 12 ) be coupled together by a belt drive. To switch off the drive after positioning the wheels ( 11 . 12 ) away from the treatment stations, a switchable synchronizer clutch can be used and a fixation of the wheels ( 11 . 12 ) can be done, for example, using one or more brakes.

As an alternative to using one or more brakes, it is also possible to use servomotors ( 21 ), on the one hand realize the function of the braking and beyond the wheels ( 11 . 12 ) in defined positions to stop and perform the subsequent acceleration and coupling process. Use of such servomotors makes it possible to couple out and in at full production speed. When using synchronous clutches and / or servomotors, an individual control of the wheels ( 11 . 12 ).

According to a further embodiment, it is also contemplated that input wheel ( 11 ) and / or the output wheel ( 12 ) as a coupling wheel ( 41 ) with positionable support arms ( 50 ) train. An embodiment of such a coupling wheel is in 5 shown. The support arms ( 50 ) can be moved back and forth either together, individually or in groups. By the forward and backward movement of the support arms ( 50 ) the effective diameter of the coupling wheel ( 41 ) changed. With retracted support arms ( 50 ) is a comparatively smaller diameter, so that no transfer operations are performed.

In a relatively independent control of the support arms ( 50 In particular, it is also possible to leave the workpieces only in individual treatment stations and to carry out a normal production operation in the area of further treatment stations. In such a technical realization, one or more treatment stations can be selected as a test or laboratory station.

5 shows that relative to a midline ( 46 ) rotatably mounted coupling wheel ( 41 ) for the transfer of workpieces ( 5 ). The rotatable bearing can be realized such that the coupling wheel ( 41 ) about bearings ( 47 ) and a wave ( 48 ) in a socket ( 49 ) is guided.

On the outside of the coupling wheel ( 41 ) are the support arms ( 50 ) arranged with retaining elements ( 51 ) for the workpieces ( 5 ) are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding elements ( 51 ) a container-like workpiece ( 5 ) in the area of the container neck ( 52 ) below the support ring ( 53 ).

The support arm ( 50 ) is relative to a primitive element ( 54 ) of the coupling wheel ( 41 ) movably guided. The support arm ( 50 ) is about a rotation axis ( 55 ) arranged pivotable around. The axis of rotation ( 55 ) runs in the area of a wave ( 56 ), of warehouses ( 57 ) in the basic element ( 54 ) is guided and extends substantially in the vertical direction. The support arm ( 50 ) is with a cam roller ( 58 ) coupled to pivotal movements about the axis of rotation ( 55 ) pretending to be around.

The retaining element ( 51 ) is via guiding elements ( 59 ) in the direction of a longitudinal axis ( 60 ) of the support arm ( 50 ) Position variable arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, two rod-like guide elements ( 59 ) provided in guide slots ( 61 ) of the support arm ( 50 ) are included.

The retaining element ( 51 ) is also via an actuator ( 62 ) with the support arm ( 50 ), which has a respective positioning of the holding element ( 51 ) relative to the support arm ( 50 ) pretends. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element ( 62 ) as a piston ( 63 ) formed in a cylinder ( 64 ) is guided. In particular, is dar thought of the piston ( 63 ) to position pneumatically.

At the in 5 illustrated embodiment, the shaft ( 56 ) in the region of its coupling wheel ( 41 ) facing away from a drive gear ( 65 ), which is in an intermediate gear ( 66 ) intervenes. The intermediate gear ( 66 ) is replaced by a secondary wave ( 67 ), which is like the wave ( 48 ) rotatable from the base ( 49 ) is held. The secondary wave ( 67 ) also carries a drive wheel ( 68 ), which is powered by a drive ( 69 ) is acted upon. The drive means ( 69 ) may be formed for example as a toothed belt.

6 shows in a schematic plan view of the coupling wheel ( 41 ) in an arrangement between a feed wheel (only partially shown) ( 42 ) and a likewise only partially shown Abfuhrrad ( 43 ). It can be seen that in this embodiment, eight support arms ( 50 ) are provided, each having a holding element ( 51 ). The retaining elements ( 51 ) each take over a workpiece ( 5 ) from the feed wheel ( 42 ) and transfer the workpiece ( 5 ) after performing a rotary transfer movement to the discharge wheel ( 43 ).

It can be seen in particular that a distance of the workpieces ( 5 ) in the region of the feed wheel ( 42 ) larger than in the region of the discharge wheel ( 43 ) is selected. When carrying out the transfer movement by the coupling wheel ( 41 ) may be due to the relative to the basic element ( 54 ) pivotable arrangement of the support arms ( 50 ) also a change in distance of the workpieces ( 5 ) are realized relative to each other. The retaining elements ( 51 ) are located at the in 6 illustrated work positioning at a maximum distance to the center line ( 46 ) of the coupling wheel ( 41 ), So that the intended transfer operations can be performed by.

Alternative to the illustrated different embodiments of the input wheels ( 11 ) and the output wheels ( 12 ), it is generally possible to use differently constructed positionable input and output devices. For example, it is intended to use grippers, rails, robots or other handling components. A respective positionability can be done, for example, by pulling back, turning away or swinging away. It is also thought to use as an input and / or output devices card readers, scrapers or Magnetmitnehmer, which are activated or deactivated appropriately.

In the case of the use of controllable input devices, a further variant is an error monitoring with respect to workpieces unintentionally not removed from the treatment station (US Pat. 5 ) and to perform an automatic deactivation of the input device upon detection of such an error case. This causes collisions between workpieces ( 5 ) or between support elements for the workpieces ( 5 ) avoided.

Claims (28)

Method for handling workpieces, in which the workpieces are fed via an input path to a treatment station and, after treatment, are removed again from the treatment station and fed to an output section, characterized in that at least some of the treated workpieces ( 5 ) are subjected at least twice in succession to a substantially identical treatment process. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the workpieces ( 5 ) of the treatment station via a feedback ( 15 ) between the output section ( 13 ) and the input line ( 6 ) are fed again. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the workpieces ( 5 ) controlled in the region of the feedback ( 15 ) be initiated. Method according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the workpieces are regulated as a function of a metrological detection of at least one parameter of the workpieces ( 5 ) in the area of recycling ( 15 ) be initiated. Method according to Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the workpieces ( 5 ) for the successive repeated treatment operations in the treatment station and a supply of untreated workpieces ( 5 ) is interrupted to the treatment station. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the workpieces ( 5 ) are repeatedly treated to perform a test procedure. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the workpieces ( 5 ) are repeatedly treated to carry out a start-up procedure. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that specially conditioned workpieces ( 5 ) are treated repeatedly. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that hollow workpieces ( 5 ) are treated repeatedly. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that workpieces ( 5 ) are treated repeatedly from a plastic. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the region of the treatment station a coating of the workpieces ( 5 ) is carried out. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the region of the treatment station a plasma coating of the workpieces ( 5 ) is carried out. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the region of the treatment station a closure operation of the workpieces ( 5 ) is carried out. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the region of the treatment station a filling process of the workpieces ( 5 ) is carried out. Device for handling workpieces that a treatment station for the workpieces and one of the workpieces towards the treatment station leading input line and a the workpieces has discharge path leading away from the treatment station, characterized in that along a transport path of the workpieces at least one control to select a one-time or a repeated treatment process for the respective workpieces arranged is. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the output path ( 13 ) a diversion ( 14 ) having a feedback ( 15 ), which are in the input line ( 6 ). Apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the return ( 15 ) at least partially outside a machine housing ( 17 ) runs. Apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the return ( 15 ) at least partially within a machine housing ( 17 ) runs. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that that the Treatment station coupled to a controllable input device is. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that that the Treatment station coupled to a controllable output device is. Device according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized that the Treatment station is arranged on a rotating support wheel. Device according to one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the treatment station for receiving at least two workpieces ( 5 ) is trained. Device according to one of Claims 15 to 22, characterized in that the diversion ( 14 ) is designed as a controllable switch. Device according to one of Claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the treatment station is used as a station for the plasma coating of workpieces ( 5 ) is trained. Device according to one of Claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the diversion ( 14 ) is designed as an automatically controllable switch. Device according to one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that adjacent to the treatment station a coupling wheel ( 41 ) with positionable support arms ( 50 ) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that a control device for the optional specification of a single treatment or a multiple treatment of the workpieces ( 5 ) is provided with a measuring device for detecting at least one process parameter and an evaluation unit for automatically specifying a single or multiple treatment. Device according to one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that a control device for the optional specification of a single treatment or a multiple treatment of the workpieces ( 5 ) with a measuring device for detecting at least one parameter of the treated workpiece ( 5 ) and an evaluation unit for automatically specifying a single or multiple treatment is provided.