EP3630383B1 - Method for distance control in an extrusion machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for regulating the distance between two tool components in an extrusion machine.

An extrusion machine of the generic type is from the WO 2015/070274 A1 known. The extrusion machine is used for the continuous production of profiles from a deformable extruded material and comprises a base frame, a friction wheel rotatable about a drive axis, a tool holding device, a locking device and a tool unit supported on the tool holding device. The tool holding device is mounted on a pivot axis held on the base frame and can be pivoted between a working position and a release position. The locking device holds the tool holding device in its working position. The tool unit is also received in a receiving chamber arranged in the tool holding device and comprises a wiping element arranged in a wiping area. In this extrusion machine, although a measuring device is described for the direct determination of the actual gap width in the area between the friction wheel and the tool unit with its stripping element, which, however, could not be implemented in practice in this form. Furthermore, an overload of the machine could only be recognized when damage occurred to it. It was also not possible to minimize or prevent the uptake of oxygen in the material to be formed during the forming operation. A possibility of changing the friction wheel by dismantling a part of the drive shaft was mentioned, but the accessibility and the associated manageability of the friction wheel to be changed was not sufficient.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a method by means of which a user is able to operate the extrusion machine safely and economically. In addition or independently of this, however, it should also be possible to achieve a higher quality of the profile produced.

These objects are achieved by means of a method according to the claims.

• Ermitteln oder Festlegen eines ersten Abstandswerts zwischen einer ersten Werkzeugkomponente und einer Abstandsmessvorrichtung,
• Hinterlegen des ersten Abstandswerts in einer Steuer- und/oder Regelvorrichtung,
• Annähern und Zustellen einer zweiten Werkzeugkomponente an die stillstehende erste Werkzeugkomponente bis zur Anlage der zweiten Werkzeugkomponente an der ersten Werkzeugkomponente;
• Wegverstellen der an der ersten Werkzeugkomponente anliegenden zweiten Werkzeugkomponente um einen in der Steuer- und/oder Regelvorrichtung hinterlegten ersten Verstellweg und dabei Ausbilden eines Spaltes zwischen der ersten Werkzeugkomponente und der zweiten Werkzeugkomponente mit einer Basisspaltweite;
• Inbetriebnahme der Strangpressmaschine und dabei Zuführen des Strangpressguts in die Strangpressmaschine zur ersten Werkzeugkomponente und Umformen des Strangpressguts zum Profil;
• weiteres Ermitteln von weiteren Abstandswerten zwischen der ersten Werkzeugkomponente und der Abstandsmessvorrichtung im Umformbetrieb der Strangpressmaschine,
• Bilden eines Abstands-Differenzwertes aus dem ersten Abstandswert abzüglich eines der weiteren Abstandswerte,
• Berechnen eines Istwertes einer Spaltweite zwischen der ersten Werkzeugkomponente und der zweiten Werkzeugkomponente, wobei vom Wert der Basisspaltweite der Abstands-Differenzwert abgezogen wird,
• Feststellen, ob der Istwert der Spaltweite innerhalb eines in der Steuer- und/oder Regelvorrichtung hinterlegten Wertebereichs mit einem unteren Sollwert der Spaltweite und einem oberen Sollwert der Spaltweite liegt,
• Wegverstellen der zweiten Werkzeugkomponente von der ersten Werkzeugkomponente bei einem Unterschreiten des unteren Sollwerts der Spaltweite oder Hinzuverstellen der zweiten Werkzeugkomponente in Richtung auf die erste Werkzeugkomponente bei einem Überschreiten des oberen Sollwerts der Spaltweite.

The method according to the invention is designed to regulate the distance between two tool components of an extrusion machine, the extrusion machine serving for the continuous production of profiles from a deformable extruded material and at least the following process steps being carried out:

• Determining or establishing a first distance value between a first tool component and a distance measuring device,
• Storing the first distance value in a control and / or regulating device,
• Approaching and delivering a second tool component to the stationary first tool component until the second tool component rests on the first tool component;
• Adjusting the path of the second tool component resting on the first tool component by a first adjustment path stored in the control and / or regulating device and thereby forming a gap between the first tool component and the second tool component with a basic gap width;
• Commissioning of the extrusion machine and thereby feeding the extruded material into the extrusion machine for the first tool component and forming the extruded material into the profile;
• further determination of further distance values between the first tool component and the distance measuring device in the forming operation of the extrusion machine,
• Forming a distance difference value from the first distance value minus one of the further distance values,
• Calculating an actual value of a gap width between the first tool component and the second tool component, the distance difference value being subtracted from the value of the base gap width,
• Establishing whether the actual value of the gap width lies within a value range stored in the control and / or regulating device with a lower target value of the gap width and an upper target value of the gap width,
• Adjustment of the second tool component away from the first tool component when the lower target value of the gap width is undershot or the second tool component is added in the direction of the first tool component when the upper target value of the gap width is exceeded.

In the method steps selected here, it is advantageous that, based on the determination of the distance value between the first tool component and the distance measuring device, a base distance value is established which serves as a reference for temperature-related changes in length of the first tool component. As a result of the temperature-related change in dimensions, namely an increase in the same, further distance values are subsequently determined in the ongoing forming operation in order to obtain a conclusion about the actual dimensions of this tool component. If the basic gap width is set in an initial state in which the extrusion machine and the tool components are at a low temperature, in particular ambient temperature, the gap width can be readjusted based on the determined actual value of the gap width while the forming operation is in progress. This prevents or avoids collisions between tool components of the extrusion machine that are moved relative to one another.

The first determination or setting of the first distance value can also be referred to as a calibration step in order to form a reference basis for the subsequent steps or method features. The readjustment and setting of the gap width can also be referred to as an adjustment step.

Furthermore, a procedure is advantageous in which the determination of the first distance value is carried out at an initial temperature of the first tool component in a temperature range between 10 ° C. and 40 ° C. It can thus be ensured that the first tool component in its “cold state” has the usual dimensions without a temperature-related change in length.

Another advantageous procedure is characterized in that the first tool component is formed by a friction wheel of the extrusion press. The first tool component is thus defined as a rotating component, which is used to introduce the necessary forming temperature into the extruded material to be formed.

A variant of the method is also advantageous in which the second tool component is held in a tool holding device and in the tool holding device positioned tool unit is formed with at least one of the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel, facing stripping element. This enables a clear relationship to be established between the two tool components for setting the gap.

Another procedure is characterized by the fact that the tool units are or are each formed in their longitudinal extent starting from the stripping element up to a tool end surface spaced apart therefrom as seen in the direction of passage of the produced profile and having the same longitudinal dimensions as one another. In this way, a clear, recurring, uniform longitudinal extension of tool units can already be established during construction. The adjustment effort of different tool units in the tool holding device can thus be simplified, since the stripping element is always arranged in the same relative position with respect to the tool holding device.

Furthermore, a procedure is advantageous in which the tool holding device is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis held on a base frame and is pivotable between a working position and a release position. In this way, a tool change can easily be carried out in the release position.

Another advantageous procedure is characterized in that when the second tool component, in particular the tool unit, is in the adjacent position on the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel, a base angular position of the tool holding device with respect to the base frame is determined and stored in the control and / or regulating device. As a result, a relative, constantly recurring basic position of the tool holding device with respect to the base frame can be determined and used as a reference basis for subsequent adjustment processes and adjustment processes.

A variant of the method is also advantageous in which, after the displacement of the second tool component, in particular the tool unit, is determined by the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel, and in the control and / or Control device is deposited. In this way, before the extrusion machine is started up for the forming process, the predetermined angular position of the still "cold" extrusion machine can be determined and recorded.

Another procedure is characterized by the fact that after a tool change of the second tool component, in particular the tool unit, and when the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel, is at a standstill, the tool holding device together with the second tool component is pivoted from its release position in the direction of the working position, until the relative base angular position between the tool holding device and the base frame is reached and the second tool component, in particular the tool unit, is brought into contact with the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel. It can thus be checked and checked whether or not the predetermined base angular position has been reached when the second tool component is in mechanical contact with the first tool component.

Furthermore, a procedure is advantageous in which when the second tool component, in particular the tool unit, is placed on the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel, an error handling routine is started by the control and regulating device before the relative base angular position between the tool holding device and the base frame is reached will. In this way, damage to the machine can be avoided, which damage can be quickly and easily determined by an otherwise incorrect positioning of the second tool component in the tool holding device and can be repaired and eliminated before it is started up.

Another advantageous procedure is characterized in that the second tool component is formed by a scraper device with a scraper element. This makes it possible to also align and adjust a further tool component positioned in relation to the first tool component. In the present example, this relates to the scraper device with its scraper element.

A variant of the method is also advantageous in which the scraper element is applied to the first tool component, in particular to the friction wheel, when it is approached and advanced in the direction of the first tool component. In this way, the scraper element can also be positioned on its own and the gap setting can thus be carried out precisely.

Furthermore, a procedure is advantageous in which the scraper element is held or guided in a base housing and can be adjusted in its relative position and position with respect to the first tool component by means of an actuating drive.

It can also be advantageous if the distance measuring device is arranged or received on or in the base housing.

Finally, an alternative procedure provides that the adjustment movement of the second tool component, which is designed as a tool unit, is carried out under full load while the extrusion machine is in operation. This has the advantage that the machine does not have to be switched off, but that the gap width can be changed directly and immediately.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

ein grundsätzlicher Aufbau einer Strangpressmaschine gemäß dem bekannten Stand der Technik, in Seitenansicht sowie vereinfachter stilisierter Darstellung;

Fig. 2

die Strangpressmaschine mit einer nicht vom Schutzumfang umfassten und im Bereich der Werkzeughaltevorrichtung angeordneten Sensoreinheit für die darin gehaltene Werkzeugeinheit, in Seitenansicht sowie vereinfachter stilisierter Darstellung;

Fig. 3

die Strangpressmaschine mit einer nicht vom Schutzumfang umfassten und im Umformbereich angeordneten Abschirmvorrichtung, in Seitenansicht sowie vereinfachter stilisierter Darstellung;

Fig. 4

die Strangpressmaschine mit einer Abstandsregelungsvorrichtung zur Spalteinstellung zwischen dem Reibrad und der Werkzeugeinheit, in Seitenansicht sowie vereinfachter stilisierter Darstellung;

Fig. 5

die Strangpressmaschine mit einer Abstandsregelungsvorrichtung zur Spalteinstellung zwischen dem Reibrad und einer Schabvorrichtung, in Seitenansicht sowie vereinfachter stilisierter Darstellung.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a basic structure of an extrusion machine according to the known prior art, in side view and simplified stylized representation;

Fig. 2

the extrusion machine with a sensor unit, which is not included in the scope of protection and is arranged in the area of the tool holding device, for the tool unit held therein, in a side view and in a simplified stylized representation;

Fig. 3

the extrusion machine with a shielding device not included in the scope of protection and arranged in the forming area, in side view and simplified stylized representation;

Fig. 4

the extrusion machine with a distance control device for adjusting the gap between the friction wheel and the tool unit, in side view and simplified stylized representation;

Fig. 5

the extrusion machine with a distance control device for adjusting the gap between the friction wheel and a scraping device, in side view and simplified stylized representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols or the same component names, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred accordingly to the same parts with the same reference symbols or the same component names. The position details selected in the description, such as above, below, to the side, etc., also relate to the figure immediately described and shown and these position details are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position.

The term “in particular” is understood below in such a way that it can be a possible more specific design or more detailed specification of an object or a method step, but does not necessarily have to represent a mandatory, preferred embodiment of the same or a mandatory procedure.

In the Fig. 1 an extrusion machine 1 is shown in a highly stylized representation, which is used to produce profiles 2 starting from a deformable extruded material 3.

This extrusion machine 1 shown here represents a special form of extrusion machine 1, which enables the continuous production of profiles 2. In this case, a continuously fed wire with a diameter between 5 and 30 mm is fed to the extrusion machine 1 as the extruded material 3, and there via a driven friction wheel 4 Depending on the material to be formed, heated to up to 500 ° C and above. The then doughy material is pressed through a die arranged immediately after the friction wheel 4, the shaping process taking place in this section. This continuous process is mainly used for profiles 2 of small and medium-sized dimensions. A wide variety of materials, such as aluminum, copper, non-ferrous metals or their alloys, can be formed. The forming process, which can be carried out continuously over a longer period of time in this extrusion press machine 1, and the fact that a single, relatively small and simply constructed extrusion press machine 1 is necessary for this, enable costs to be reduced compared with conventional extrusion presses.

The extrusion machine 1 can in principle comprise a base frame 5 as well as a tool holding device 6 which is pivotably or rotatably mounted on a pivot axis 7 held on the base frame 5. The pivoting movement is illustrated in a simplified manner with a double arrow in the area of the pivot axis 7. Thus, the tool holding device 6 can be pivoted between a working position and a release position as required. For the sake of clarity, swivel drives or adjusting mechanisms have not been shown, although it should be mentioned that all devices or elements known from the prior art can be used here.

Furthermore, the tool holding device 6 is arranged downstream of the friction wheel 4, seen in the direction of passage of the profile 2 to be produced. The working position is shown here in solid lines and the release position is shown in a simplified manner in dashed lines.

The friction wheel 4 can be rotated in a known manner about a drive axle 8 and is furthermore connected to a drive device 9, which is only indicated schematically, in a drive connection. In the present exemplary embodiment, the drive axle 8 is formed by a drive shaft which is in particular continuously formed and represents a component of a drive unit. Furthermore, the at least one friction wheel 4 provided also has at least one circumferential groove. Furthermore, at least one pressure roller 10 can be assigned to the friction wheel or wheels 4, with which the extruded material 3 entering the extrusion machine 1 and to be reshaped is pressed in the radial direction against the friction wheel or wheels 4.

The extrusion machine 1 also includes a locking device 11, which is also pivotably mounted on the base frame 5, for example. The locking device 11 serves to keep the tool holding device 6 positioned relative to the base frame 5, in particular the friction wheel 4, during its working position and operation. A double arrow entered in the area of the locking device 11 schematically shows the possibility of shifting the locking device 11.

In the Fig. 1 the locking position for the tool holding device 6 is shown in full lines. The representation of their mounting on the base frame 5 and the adjustment mechanisms required for this have also been omitted for the sake of clarity. For example, the locking device 11 can be formed by an approximately U-shaped holding frame, in which the two holding arms are pivotably mounted on the side of the base frame 5. A base arm connecting the two holding arms on the outside engages around the tool holding device 6 in the locking position, for example, and prevents the tool holding device 6 from pivoting away from its working position. Furthermore, at least one tool unit 12, which is only indicated schematically here, is mostly supported on the tool holding device 6, a possible design and support of the tool unit 12 being described in more detail in one of the following figures.

In a known manner, when the extrusion machine 1 is in operation and thus when the tool holding device 6 is in the working position, a gap is formed between the tool unit 12 and the friction wheel 4 in order to avoid collisions and associated mechanical damage.

Since the gap width of the gap between the friction wheel 4 and the tool unit 12 depends on the one hand on the temperature of the system parts and on the other hand on the signs of wear of the tool unit 12, a fairly exact and, above all, readjustable setting of the gap width can be independent in the present invention Represent aspect. Thus, maintaining and setting the gap width can represent an independent task of the invention and, in a corresponding manner, also represent an independent solution independently of the other system parts and process steps described here.

In this embodiment shown here, in addition to the locking device 11, a separate adjusting device 14 is arranged on the base frame 5 in an end region 13 of the tool holding device 6 that is distanced from the pivot axis 7 and opposite the drive axis 8 of the friction wheel 4. The adjusting device 14 has an adjusting element 15 which is designed to be adjustable relative to the base frame 5 for this purpose. The adjusting element 15 for its part has a positioning surface 16 facing the end region 13 of the tool holding device 6 and a guide surface 17 facing away from the tool holding device 6.

As can be seen from the schematic illustration of the adjusting element 15, the adjusting surface 16 and the guide surface 17 are aligned in a wedge-shaped manner with respect to one another. The guide surface 17 is supported on a section of the base frame 5, which is not designated in more detail and is in particular designed as a sliding surface. The actuating element 15 is also connected to an actuating mechanism (not shown in more detail) and can be adjusted relative to the base frame 5 in the direction of a schematically entered double arrow.

The guide surface 17 and the section of the base frame 5, which is designed as a sliding surface, are oriented in a vertical or perpendicular direction here. The tapering wedge shape is aligned in the direction of a contact surface of the extrusion machine 1 and thus also in the direction of the pivot axis 7, which is arranged close to the floor. Thus, the inclined positioning surface 16 runs from the top left to the bottom right, as can be seen from the side view of the extrusion machine 1 can.

The tool holding device 6 has a support surface 18 on its end region 13, which is distanced from the pivot axis 7, and on a first side facing the friction wheel 4. When the tool holding device 6 is in the working position, the support surface 18 arranged or formed on the tool holding device 6 is supported on the placement surface 16 of the actuating element 15.

The locking device 11 described above also has at least one pressure unit 19 with at least one pressure element 20. In this case, when the tool holding device 6 is in the working position, the pressure element 20 is also arranged on the end region 13 spaced from the pivot axis 7, but is located on an end region facing away from the friction wheel 4 second side with the tool holding device 6 in contact. Furthermore, the support surface 18 of the tool holding device 6 is pressed against the placement surface 16 of the actuating element 15 by means of the pressure unit 19. Since the actuating element 15 is also supported with its guide surface 17 on the base frame 5, when the actuating element 15 is displaced relative to the base frame 5 by means of the actuating device 14, the tool holding device 6 can about its pivot axis 7 due to the wedge-shaped, in particular acute-angled, mutually aligned positioning surface 16 and guide surface 17 adjusted, in particular pivoted. Since the tool holding device 6 corresponds in the broadest sense to a lever or a lever arrangement, the gap formed between the tool unit 12 and the friction wheel 4 can also be changed in its gap width as a result of the adjustment of the adjusting element. The determination and setting of the gap width will be described in more detail below.

Furthermore, in the area of the locking device 11, it is shown in a simplified manner that the pressure element 20 of the pressure unit 19 is at least partially received in a pressure chamber 21 and is acted upon by a pressure medium, indicated in simplified form by dashes and located in the pressure chamber 21. The pressure medium can be liquid or gaseous, with an almost incompressible liquid, such as hydraulic oil, having proven to be beneficial, especially at high pressures. The pressure element 20 can be designed, for example, as a double-acting piston with a piston rod of a cylinder-piston arrangement, with which the pressure element 20 is then pressed against the second side of the tool holding device 6 facing away from the support surface 18 when the pressure is applied accordingly.

By pressing the end area 13 with its support surface 18 against the adjusting element 15, an exactly defined position of the tool unit 12 received in the tool holding device 6 and held there relative to the friction wheel 4 is achieved due to the mounting of the tool holding device 6 about the pivot axis 7. By means of the corresponding adjusting movement of the adjusting device 14 with its surfaces aligned in a wedge shape, namely the adjusting surface 16 and the guide surface 17, an associated displacement of the tool holding device 6 about the pivot axis 7 is achieved.

If the adjusting element 15 of the adjusting device 14 is adjusted, not only is the relative position of the tool holding device 6 with respect to the base frame 5, in particular the friction wheel 4, shifted, but there is also a change in volume of the pressure medium accommodated in the pressure chamber, whereby the pressure element 20 in its relative position with respect to the printing unit 19 is adjusted. In order to enable this compensation in the pressure system, pressure relief valves can be used in order to avoid a rigid system and to enable the pressure element 20 to be adjusted. The pressure force built up by the pressure unit 19 remains unchanged within certain limits and thus holds the tool holding device 6 together with the tool unit 12 held therein in the working position.

Depending on whether there is a relative displacement of the pressure element 20 in the direction of the friction wheel 4 or in the opposite direction, there is an automatic compensation of the pressure medium in the pressure chamber 21 Can be pivoted towards the friction wheel 4 and in a direction opposite therefrom. The constant holding and locking of the tool holding device 6 in its end area 13 remains unchanged by the locking device 11 and the support surface 18 of the tool holding device 6 always rests firmly on the footprint 16 of the actuating element 15. The actuating element 15 is, as already described above , further supported on the base frame 5 via its guide surface 17, preferably in a sliding manner and optionally in a guided manner.

Furthermore, it is also shown here that a receiving chamber 22 is formed or arranged in the tool holding device 6. The outlines of the receiving chamber 22 are shown only in a simplified manner, the tool unit 12 being received therein. To support the tool unit 12, the receiving chamber 22 has at least two first and second positioning surfaces 23, 24, which are oriented at an angle, in particular at right angles, to one another and on which the tool unit 12 is supported. When the tool holding device 6 is in the working position, in this exemplary embodiment shown here, the first positioning surface 23 is arranged on the side of the tool unit 12 facing away from the friction wheel 4. It is also shown that the receiving chamber 22 is designed to be open in the direction of the friction wheel 4. Thus, in the working position of the tool holding device 6 the first positioning surface 23 can be aligned approximately vertically and in a perpendicular direction with respect to the direction of passage of the profile 2.

In the Fig. 2 the extrusion machine 1 is shown in simplified form with the tool unit 12 received and supported in the tool holding device 6, it being possible for this to represent an independent design. The same reference numerals or component designations are again used for the same parts as in the previous one Fig. 1 be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the preceding section Fig. 1 pointed out or referred to. The basic structure can be carried out in the same way as has already been described above.

In the exit area of the profile 2 from the tool unit 12, the latter is supported on the tool holding device 6 with the interposition of a first sensor unit 25, in particular a force measuring sensor or several force measuring sensors, adjacent to the first positioning surface 23. The first sensor unit 25 can be formed, for example, by pressure sensors, quartz sensors, load cells or the like. A plurality of sensors 26 are preferably used to form the first sensor unit 25 in order to achieve uniform and mostly symmetrical support of the tool unit 12 on the tool holding device 6 in the area of its first positioning surface 23. Preferably, four sensors 26 can be provided.

Furthermore, it is also possible for a separate temperature control element 27 to be arranged or formed between the tool unit 12 and the tool holding device 6. The temperature control element 27 can, for example, be designed as a separate cooling plate and is used to minimize or prevent a direct transfer of heat from the tool unit 12 to the first sensor unit 25. The temperature control element 27 can also represent or form a component or a structural unit of the tool unit 12. The illustration of supply lines for transporting the temperature control medium, in particular a cooling medium or the like, has been omitted for the sake of clarity.

The sensor unit 25 with its sensors 26 is also connected in communication with a control and / or regulating device 36. This can be done by means of cables or wirelessly respectively. A line connection between the sensors 26 and the control and / or regulating device 36 is indicated in a simplified manner.

By means of the first sensor unit 25, the deformation force that occurs under normal operating conditions can be determined by determining a minimum first distance and converting it to the compressive forces that occur. The usual operating conditions are operating parameters specified by the machine manufacturer, under which the forming force that occurs is determined. The deformation force can be dependent on the extruded material 3 supplied and provided for deformation and on the profile 2 deformed therefrom.

Under normal operating conditions, for example, the revolutions of the friction wheel 4 per unit of time, the reshaped mass of extruded material 3 per unit of time, and other machine key figures or operating parameters, which were previously determined by the machine manufacturer and set within certain limits with a lower limit value and an upper limit value for the respective machine type have been. The extrusion machine 1 is in a standard operating state within these limits. If, for example, a deviation of the determined forming force above the upper limit value has been determined, this can lead to an overloading of the extrusion machine 1 and, as a result, to damage to the same.

Overloading and an associated increase in the pressure forces that occur could occur, for example, with an increase in the revolutions of the friction wheel 4 per unit of time and / or an associated increased mass throughput of material to be reshaped per unit of time. In order to avoid overloading the extrusion machine 1 and consequently damage it, a machine control (not shown) can be used, for example, to reduce the number of revolutions of the friction wheel 4 per unit of time or other operating parameters. In this way, by determining and determining the forming force that has built up, it can be stored in a memory and subsequently provide the machine manufacturer or another operator with clear and unambiguous evidence of machine overload. This is particularly the case when it comes to proof of repairs and who caused the damage.

In the Fig. 3 the extrusion machine 1 is shown in simplified form with the tool unit 12 received and supported in the tool holding device 6, whereby this in turn can possibly represent an independent design. The same reference numerals or component designations are again used for the same parts as in the preceding ones Fig. 1 and 2 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the preceding section Fig. 1 and 2 pointed out or referred to.

The material to be reshaped, especially if it is pure copper or a copper alloy, is basically made free of oxygen. In the usual forming process, the heated material absorbs oxygen from the ambient air, in particular in or under the outer skin or outer layer of the profile 2 produced.

In order to minimize or completely prevent access of ambient air, in particular oxygen, to the heated material or material to be formed, a shielding unit 28 in the working area of the friction wheel 4 is indicated here in a simplified manner. This is intended to minimize or completely prevent oxidation or oxygen uptake. The shielding unit 28 usually comprises several component components and extends over a peripheral section 29 of the friction wheel 4, in which the heating of the extruded material 3 to be reshaped begins at least partially and continues up to a stripping area 30. The stripping area 30 is located at the tool unit 12, the deflection and stripping of the heated material taking place in a known manner from a part of the tool unit 12, in the present exemplary embodiment from a stripping element 31. The ingress of ambient air should also be minimized or completely prevented in the stripping area 30 of the heated extruded material 3 to be reshaped.

For example, it is provided here in the shielding unit 28 that an atmosphere is created within the previously described area in which the material is already in a heated state, which atmosphere prevents oxidation or oxygen uptake.

For this purpose, one or more first nozzles 32, which are preferably located in the area of the tool holding device 6, in particular in the vicinity of its receiving chamber 22, are arranged or designed, a gas free of gaseous oxygen can be supplied. This gas can also be an inert gas and can be formed, for example, by nitrogen and / or noble gases. The noble gases include, for example, helium, neon and argon. However, shielding gases such as those used in welding technology would also be possible. For the sake of clarity, supply lines, shut-off devices or the like have not been shown. The first nozzle 32 or the first nozzles 32 is / are facing the peripheral section 29 of the friction wheel 4 and is / are located above the stripping element 31. It would also be possible to have the first nozzle 32 or the first nozzles 32 in or on the tool unit 12 to arrange or train.

In order to also prevent the entry of ambient air from the underside and the area below the stripping element 31, one or more second nozzles 33 can also be arranged or formed in this area. The second nozzle 33 or the second nozzles 33 is / are, viewed in the direction of rotation of the friction wheel 4, arranged downstream of the peripheral section 29 of the friction wheel 4 and can also face it. The second nozzles 33 is / are preferably arranged or formed below the stripping element 31. It would also be possible in turn to arrange or design the second nozzle 33 or the second nozzles 33 in or on the tool unit 12. The nozzles 32, 33 are preferably supplied with the same gas and can form the low-oxygen or oxygen-free atmosphere in the heated area of the extruded material 3 to be reshaped with the outflowing gas.

In addition, it can also be provided that the shielding unit 28 comprises a shut-off flap 34 arranged there in the first contact area of the extruded material 3 and thus in the supply area of the same to the friction wheel 4. In this way, on the one hand, the inflow of ambient air into the area to be shielded can be prevented and, on the other hand, a certain barrier against the outflow of the supplied gas can be created. In this way, the machine room surrounding the heated material within the extrusion press 1 can be shielded from the unwanted ingress of ambient air. The supplied gas, which can also be referred to as protective gas, is preferably supplied to this shielding area at a pressure that is slightly higher than the ambient pressure, in order to ensure that the supplied gas flows away.

Furthermore, it is also shown that an entry of ambient air to the second nozzle 33 or the second nozzle 33 located below the stripping element 31 can also be minimized or completely prevented with a gas curtain flowing out or formed by a further nozzle arrangement 35. The gas fed in and flowing out here can likewise be a gas which has already been described and is free of gaseous oxygen. However, a different gas could also be used. Depending on the direction of the outflow, ambient air could also be used.

It should be mentioned here that the nozzle or nozzles 32, 33 and / or the further nozzle arrangement 35 have only been indicated schematically. These are in flow connection with a supply unit (not shown in detail) or a storage unit via a line connection.

The extrusion machine 1 basically comprises several tool components, of which, for example, a first tool component can form the friction wheel 4 and a second tool component can form the tool unit 12.

In the Fig. 4 the extrusion machine 1 is shown in simplified form with the tool unit 12 with the stripping element 31 received and supported in the tool holding device 6, whereby this in turn can possibly represent an independent design. The same reference numerals or component designations are again used for the same parts as in the preceding ones Figs. 1 to 3 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the preceding section Figs. 1 to 3 pointed out or referred to.

The extrusion machine 1 comprises at least the base frame 5 with the tool holding device 6 pivotably mounted about the pivot axis 7. The friction wheel 4 is used for friction-based heating of the extruded material 3 to be formed. The locking device 11 is used to relatively relate the tool holding device 6 during its working position and operation of the base frame 5, in particular the friction wheel 4, to be held in position.

The setting, readjustment and / or readjustment of a gap width of a gap between a first tool component and at least one further tool component is described in the following method steps for such an extrusion machine 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first tool component is formed by the friction wheel 4 and the second or further tool component is formed by the tool unit 12 received in a tool holding device 6 and held in position in the tool holding device 6 with at least the stripping element 31 facing the friction wheel 4. Therefore, specific reference is made to these designations in the following.

A first distance value between the friction wheel 4 and a distance measuring device 37 is first determined or geometrically established in advance. This is with "a" in the Fig. 4 registered. The first distance value is or is stored in the control and / or regulating device 36. The tool unit 12 is then brought closer and infeed to the still stationary friction wheel 4 until the stripping element 31 comes to rest on the friction wheel 4, in particular in its groove base. A first adjustment path is also stored in the control and / or regulating device 36, the value of which corresponds to a basic gap width to be set.

The tool unit 12 resting on the friction wheel 4 is then adjusted by the first adjustment path stored in the control and / or regulating device 36, the gap between the friction wheel 4 and the tool unit 12 then being or being formed with the basic gap width. If this has been done correctly, the extrusion machine 1 can be put into operation and the forming process of the extruded material 3 into the profile 2 can be carried out. As a result of the forming process and the resulting frictional heat, there are temperature-related dimensional changes of components of the extrusion machine 1, in particular of the friction wheel 4.

The distance measuring device 37 is used to repeatedly determine and establish further distance values between the friction wheel 4 and the distance measuring device 37. The increase in temperature of the friction wheel 4 makes it larger in diameter than in its "cold" initial state. A distance difference value can be formed from the first distance value minus one of the further distance values. Based on these values, an actual value of a gap width between the friction wheel 4 and the tool unit 12 can be calculated. The distance difference value is subtracted from the value of the basic gap width, which value corresponds to that of the first adjustment path, and the actual value of a gap width between the friction wheel 4 and the tool unit 12, in particular its stripping element 31, is calculated.

Furthermore, a value range with a lower target value of the gap width and an upper target value of the gap width can or is stored in the control and / or regulating device 36. Based on the calculated actual value of the gap width, it is now checked whether the calculated actual value lies within the limits with the lower setpoint and the upper setpoint of the value range. If the gap width falls below the lower setpoint, the tool unit 12 must be adjusted by a correction value stored in the control and / or regulating device 36 on the side or direction facing away from the friction wheel 4. If the upper target value of the gap width is exceeded, the tool unit 12 must be adjusted or added in the direction of the friction wheel 4.

The displacement or the additional adjustment of the tool holding device 6 together with the tool unit 12 can take place or be carried out by means of the adjusting device 14 described above in cooperation with the locking device 11 and the pressure unit 19. These adjustment movements can also be referred to as tracking steps. This adjustment movement and readjustment can be carried out during operation under full load. This has the advantage that the machine does not have to be switched off, but a change in the gap width can be carried out directly and immediately. This can be done with the previously described adjusting element 15 of the adjusting device 14, which is designed as an adjusting wedge.

The determination of the first distance value should be carried out in the so-called “cold state” of the friction wheel 4, in particular at an initial temperature of the same in a temperature range between 10.degree. C. and 40.degree.

On the basis of the distance measurement carried out, a change in the diameter of the friction wheel 4 can also be calculated and determined. Basically, the geometry, in particular the diameter or diameters of the friction wheel 4 is known from the design and manufacture, which serve as a measuring surface for determining the distance. In this way, the actual value of the gap width between the two tool components can also be determined in an analogous manner via the thermal increase in the diameter dimension.

Since different profile geometries can be produced depending on the tool unit 12 used in each case, all tool units 12 used in the present extrusion press 1, in particular in its tool holding device 6, are each in their longitudinal extension starting from the stripping element 31 up to one in the direction of passage of the produced profile 2 viewed therefrom, the tool end face 38 arranged at a distance is formed with mutually identical longitudinal dimensions. The tool end surface 38 is located on the side facing away from the friction wheel 4 and is supported on the tool holding device 6 in the area of the first positioning surface 23, if necessary with the interposition of the sensor unit 25, not shown in detail here.

Based on this design, the relative angular position of the tool holding device 6 with respect to the physical pivot axis 7 and / or with respect to the base frame 5 can be determined and determined in the area of the pivot axis 7, e.g. by means of a rotary encoder or another sensor 39 that detects a pivot angle. However, the respective relative angular position between the physical pivot axis 7 and the base frame 5 could also be determined with a fixed connection between the physical pivot axis 7 and the tool holding device 6.

For example, a basic angular position of the tool holding device 6 with respect to the base frame 5 when the tool unit 12, in particular its stripping element 31, is in contact with the friction wheel 4 can be determined and stored in the control and / or regulating device 36. If the previously described basic gap width has been set, at which the tool holding device 6 is adjusted away from the friction wheel 4, a target angular position of the tool holding device 6 can be determined and stored in the control and / or regulating device 36.

In order to be able to determine the correct position of a changed tool unit 12 in the receiving chamber 22 before the start-up and / or before the setting of the basic gap width, the previously described and stored basic angular position can be used. Located For example, if an object is between the first positioning surface 23 and the tool end surface 38 of the tool unit 12, it protrudes further in the direction of the friction wheel 4 than if the object were not present.

Thus, after a tool change has been carried out and with proper positioning of the second tool component, in particular the tool unit 12, and when the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel 4, is at a standstill, the tool holding device 6 together with the tool unit 12 can be pivoted from its release position in the direction of the working position, until the relative base angular position between the tool holding device 6 and the base frame 5 or the fixed pivot axis 7 is reached and the second tool component, in particular the tool unit 12, is brought into contact with the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel 4.

If, on the other hand, the object described above is located between the tool unit 12 and the tool holding device 6, when the second tool component, in particular the tool unit 12, is in contact with the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel 4, before the relative base angular position between the tool holding device 6 and the Base frame 5 or the fixed pivot axis 7, an error handling routine can be started by the control and regulating device 36. In this way, the machine operator can already be signaled before commissioning that the positioning is not correct and that the relative position of the tool unit 12 in the receiving chamber 22 is to be checked and, if necessary, corrected. In this way, damage to the extrusion machine 1 can be avoided.

The distance measuring device 37, which can be formed by the most varied of sensors or measuring means, and the sensor or sensors 39 can jointly form a further sensor unit.

In the Fig. 5 the extrusion machine 1 is shown in simplified form with the tool unit 12 received and supported in the tool holding device 6 with the stripping element 31, this again possibly representing an independent design can. The same reference numerals or component designations are again used for the same parts as in the preceding ones Figs. 1 to 4 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the preceding section Figs. 1 to 4 pointed out or referred to.

The extrusion machine 1 comprises at least the base frame 5 with the tool holding device 6 pivotably mounted about the pivot axis 7. The friction wheel 4 is used for the friction-based heating of the extruded material 3 to be formed of the base frame 5, in particular the friction wheel 4, to be held in position.

Furthermore, it is usually provided in such extrusion presses 1 that due to the previously described operating gap between the tool unit 12 and the friction wheel 4, a portion of the extruded material 3 to be reshaped is not stripped from the friction wheel 4 and is carried along by it. To remove or scrape off this material remaining on the friction wheel 4, a scraping device 40 is arranged downstream of the tool unit 12 as seen in the direction of rotation of the friction wheel 4. The scraper device 40 comprises at least one scraper element 41 that is adjustable relative to the friction wheel 4, which is designed here as the first tool component. The at least one scraper element 41 is also positioned with a corresponding gap relative to the friction wheel 4 and readjusted during the ongoing forming operation due to thermal change in length. The scraper element 41 is preferably held or guided in a base housing 42 and can be adjusted in its relative position and position with respect to the first tool component by means of an actuator 43.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first tool component is formed by the friction wheel 4 and the second or further tool component is formed by the scraper device 40 with the scraper element 41. For this reason, specific reference is made to these designations in the following. Adjustment means for the scraper device 40 and / or the at least one scraper element 41 have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

A first distance value between the friction wheel 4 and the distance measuring device 37 is first determined or geometrically established in advance. This is with "a" in the Fig. 5 registered. The first distance value is or is stored in the control and / or regulating device 36. The scraping device 40 and / or the scraper element 41 is then brought closer and infeed to the still stationary friction wheel 4 until the scraper element 41 comes to rest on the friction wheel 4, in particular in its groove base. A first adjustment path is also stored in the control and / or regulating device 36, the value of which corresponds to a basic gap width to be set. The distance measuring device 37 is arranged or received here on or in the base housing 42. It is also possible to use this distance measuring device 37 described and shown here also for the previously described in FIG Fig. 4 to use the distance measurement described. The same reference number has therefore also been used for the distance measuring device 37.

Then the displacement of the scraper device 40 and / or the scraper element 41 resting on the friction wheel 4 takes place by the first displacement path stored in the control and / or regulating device 36, with the gap between the friction wheel 4 and the scraper device 40 and / or the scraper element 41 then taking place is or will be formed with the base gap width. If this has been done correctly, the extrusion machine 1 can be put into operation and the forming process of the extruded material 3 into the profile 2 can be carried out. As a result of the forming process and the resulting frictional heat, there are temperature-related dimensional changes of components of the extrusion machine 1, in particular of the friction wheel 4.

The distance measuring device 37 is used to repeatedly determine and establish further distance values between the friction wheel 4 and the distance measuring device 37. The increase in temperature of the friction wheel 4 makes it larger in diameter than in its "cold" initial state. A distance difference value can thus be formed from the first distance value minus one of the further distance values. Based on these values, a calculation of an actual value of a gap width between the friction wheel 4 and the scraper device 40 and / or the scraper element 41 can be carried out. The distance difference value is subtracted from the value of the basic gap width, which value corresponds to that of the first adjustment path, and the actual value of a gap width between the friction wheel 4 and the scraper device 40, in particular its scraper element 41, is calculated.

Furthermore, a value range with a lower target value of the gap width and an upper target value of the gap width can or is stored in the control and / or regulating device 36. Based on the calculated actual value of the gap width, it is now checked whether the calculated actual value lies within the limits with the lower setpoint and the upper setpoint of the value range. If the gap width falls below the lower setpoint, the tool unit 12 must be adjusted by a correction value stored in the control and / or regulating device 36 on the side or direction facing away from the friction wheel 4. If the upper target value of the gap width is exceeded, the scraper device 40 and / or the scraper element 41 must be adjusted or added in the direction of the friction wheel 4. These adjustment movements can also be referred to as tracking steps.

The determination of the first distance value should also be carried out here in the so-called "cold state" of the friction wheel 4, in particular at an initial temperature of the same in a temperature range between 10 ° C. and 40 ° C.

It should also be pointed out that in the individual figures only individual machine components are shown and described individually. It is thus possible, for example, to use the sensor unit 25 with the temperature control element 27 also with the shielding unit 28 in a system or extrusion machine 1. It could also, for example, the sensor unit 25 optionally with the temperature control element 27 with the distance control according to FIG Fig. 4 and / or 5 can be combined. The distance regulation according to the Fig. 4 and / or 5 can, however, also be combined with the shielding unit 28 in a system or extrusion machine 1. But it could also be based on the in the Fig. 1 described basic version of the extrusion machine 1, all of the system components described above are used in a system, namely the sensor unit 25 optionally with the temperature control element 27, the shielding unit 28 and the distance control according to the Fig. 4 and / or 5.

The exemplary embodiments show possible design variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not restricted to the specifically illustrated design variants of the same, but rather various combinations of the individual design variants with one another are possible and this possibility of variation is based on the teaching of technical action through the present invention in Ability of the person skilled in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description are to be understood in such a way that they include any and all sub-areas thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood in such a way that all sub-areas, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, are also included , ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

(New) list of reference symbols

1 Extrusion machine 31 Wiper element 2 profile 32 first nozzle 3 Extrusions 33 second nozzle 4th Friction wheel 34 Butterfly valve 5 Base frame 35 further nozzle arrangement 6th Tool holding device 36 Control and / or regulating device 7th Swivel axis 37 Distance measuring device 8th Drive axle 38 Tool end face 9 Drive device 39 sensor 10 Pressure roller 40 Scraper 11 Locking device 41 Scraper element 12th Tool unit 42 Basic housing 13th End area 43 Actuator 14th Adjusting device 15th Control element 16 Footprint 17th Guide surface 18th Support surface 19th Pressure unit 20th Printing element 21 Pressure chamber 22nd Receiving chamber 23 first positioning surface 24 second positioning surface 25th first sensor unit 26th sensor 27 Temperature control element 28 Shielding unit 29 Circumferential section 30th Stripping area

Claims (15)

1. A method for controlling the distance between two tool components of an extrusion machine (1) for the continuous manufacture of profiles (2) from a moldable extrusion material (3), comprising the following steps:

   - determining or defining a first distance value between a first tool component and a distance measuring device (37),

   - storing the first distance value in a control and/or regulating device (36),

   - approaching and feeding a second tool component to the stationary first tool component until the second tool component abuts against the first tool component;

   - displacing the second tool component, which abuts against the first tool component, by a first adjustment track stored in the control and/or regulating device (36), and thereby forming a gap between the first tool component and the second tool component with a base gap width;

   - initial operation of the extrusion machine (1) and at that, feeding the extrusion material (3) into the extrusion machine (1) to the first tool component and molding the extrusion material (3) into the profile (2);

   - further determining further distance values between the first tool component and the distance measuring device (37) in the molding operation of the extrusion machine (1),

   - forming a distance difference value from the first distance value minus one of the further distance values,

   - calculating an actual value of a gap width between the first tool component and the second tool component, wherein the distance difference value is subtracted from the value of the base gap width,

   - determining, whether the actual value of the gap width is within a value range stored in the control and/or regulating device with a lower target value of the gap width and an upper target value of the gap width,

   - displacing the second tool component away from the first tool component if the gap width falls below the lower target value, or displacing the second tool component towards the first tool component if the gap width exceeds the upper target value.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination of the first distance value is carried out at an initial temperature of the first tool component in a temperature range between 10°C and 40°C.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first tool component is formed by a friction wheel (4) of the extrusion machine (1).
4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second tool component is formed by a tool unit (12), which is accommodated in a tool-holding device (6) and held in position in the tool-holding device (6), with at least one stripping element (31) facing the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel (4).
5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the tool units (12) are each formed with an identical longitudinal extension to one another in their longitudinal extension starting from the stripping element (31) up to a tool end surface (38) arranged at a distance therefrom, as viewed in the pass-through direction of the manufactured profile (2).
6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the tool-holding device (6) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (7) held on a base frame (5) and is pivotable between a working position and a release position.
7. The method according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, when the second tool component, in particular the tool unit (12), is in an abutment position with the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel (4), a basic angular position of the tool-holding device (6) with respect to the base frame (5) is determined and stored in the control and/or regulating device (36).
8. The method according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that after the second tool component, in particular the tool unit (12), has been displaced away from the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel (4), a target angular position is determined and stored in the control and/or regulating device (36).
9. The method according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, after a tool change of the second tool component, in particular of the tool unit (12), has been carried out, and when the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel (4), has come to a standstill, the tool-holding device (6) together with the second tool component is pivoted from its release position in the direction towards the working position until the relative base angular position between the tool-holding device (6) and the base frame (5) is reached and thereby the second tool component, in particular the tool unit (12), is brought into abutment with the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel (4).
10. The method according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that when the second tool component, in particular the tool unit (12), is in abutment against the first tool component, in particular the friction wheel (4), an error handling routine is started by the control and regulating device (36) even before the relative base angular position between the tool-holding device (6) and the base frame (5) is reached.
11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second tool component is formed by a scraping device (40) with a scraper element (41).
12. The method according to one claim 11, characterized in that the scraper element (41) is placed against the first tool component, in particular to the friction wheel (4), when approaching and feeding in the direction towards the first tool component.
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the scraper element (41) is mounted so as to be held or guided in a base housing (42) and is displaceable in its relative location and position with respect to the first tool component by means of an actuating drive (43).
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the distance measuring device (37) is arranged or accommodated on or in the base housing (42).
15. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the displacement movement of the second tool component configured as a tool unit (12) is carried out during operation of the extrusion machine (1) under full load.

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