WO1999065663A2

WO1999065663A2 - Device for producing stamped plastic objects

Info

Publication number: WO1999065663A2
Application number: PCT/AT1999/000147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dietmar Renezeder
Original assignee: Greiner Verpackungen Gmbh
Priority date: 1998-06-12
Filing date: 1999-06-09
Publication date: 1999-12-23
Also published as: AU4121699A; WO1999065663A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for producing stamped plastic objects (2) such as containers, lids, rotation-asymmetric parts or the like, comprising at least one eventually multilayered plastic sheet (4). The inventive device comprises a sheet transport equipment (19). At least one transport line, preferably two, comprise(s) fixing members for the plastic sheet (4). Said transport line and/or fixing members are adjustable, especially vertically and/or laterally.

Description

Device for the production of thermoformed plastic objects

The invention relates to a device and a production line and a method for producing deep-drawn plastic objects according to the features in the preambles of claims 1, 18, 26, 27, 28, 63, 67, 74, 77 and 103, respectively.

Devices of the generic ax are already known from the prior art. For example, DE 91 08 344 Ul discloses a device for molding, punching and stacking deep-drawn parts made of thermoplastic material. This device has a molding tool which comprises a stationary upper part and a movable lower part. The lower part of the molding tool is seated on a shaping table which can be raised and lowered by a drive, the shaping table being displaceable between a horizontal shaping alignment level and a deviating ejector alignment level. Ejector for the finished plastic parts are assigned to the lower part of the mold, which can be actuated via an ejector drive in the ejector alignment plane. To eject the finished plastic parts, the lower part of the mold is pivoted during and / or after a vertical downward movement of the mold table about an axis fixed to the table from its shaping alignment plane into an ejector alignment plane, the ejectors being coupled to the ejector drive by the pivoting movement. Such a design of the device is intended to enable a large number of different ejector alignment levels for the lower part of the mold to be approached without the need to replace the cam disks for the cam disk drives. The disadvantage here is that due to the local separation of the ejector drive from the ejector the latter only has to be coupled to the ejector drive in the course of the downward or pivoting movement of the shaping table, so that an increase in the cycle time of the device is only possible to a limited extent.

A generic device for molding, punching and stacking of deep-drawn parts is also known from DE 40 33 534 AI. In this device, which in turn comprises a height-adjustable upper part and a height-adjustable and pivotable lower part, a servo motor should make it possible to change the movement sequence of the pivoting movement to move the lifting movement, this change being achieved solely by another programming of the control. The disadvantage here is that the movement sequence of the servomotors can only be specified in certain areas by means of a device control, and that it is also difficult to optimize the cycle time due to the underlying movement mechanics.

The object of the invention is to provide a device for producing thermoformed plastic to create objects from at least one plastic film in which productivity can be increased by increasing the cycle time.

This object is achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 1. An advantage of such a film transport device is that the plastic film can always be transported through the device in the correct position. It is thus possible to carry out a height adjustment, which is required, for example, by tools arranged in the device. The height adjustability is always advantageous if the device is equipped to hold a wide variety of tools, which differ in their dimensions, in particular their height dimensions. With such a

Height adjustment of the conveying and / or fixing strands, it is also possible to compensate for signs of wear on the tools. The lateral adjustability also makes it possible to compensate for the dimensional changes in the plastic film due to a possible temperature change during the transport of the plastic film through the device, in particular the expansion of the plastic film in a vertical direction on the conveying and / or fixing strands, so that the plastic film is at least approximately in one horizontal plane can be transported.

An embodiment according to claim 2 is also advantageous, since it is thus possible to create a conveyor line from individual chain links, as a result of which the conveyor line is not rigid, but rather can be adapted to the production conditions in a certain range over its entire length .

However, an embodiment according to claim 3 is also advantageous, since a simple possibility can thereby be created with which a safe transport of the plastic film can be carried out.

However, designs according to claims 4 and 5 are also advantageous, since it makes it possible to protect the plastic film from sliding down from the spikes of the chain links.

Due to the advantageous development according to claim 6, it is possible to form the single chain in a simple manner variable in length.

In the developments according to claims 7 and 8, it is advantageous that each of the single chains can be driven exactly and thus the plastic film can be fed to the device at corresponding intervals in the cycle time. Because the drives have only one electrical bridge are interconnected, it is possible that a drive takes over the positioning of the plastic film in the device and the second drive tracks the movement of the first. This can effectively counteract any distortion of the plastic film.

With the help of the width adjustment device according to claims 9 to 11, it is possible in a simple manner to adapt the width of the film transport device to the width of the plastic film, so that the latter can be transported through the device substantially approximately flat. By designing the width adjustment device as a spindle, an exact width adjustment of the conveyor lines is possible. In addition, an essentially conical course of the conveying strands in the direction of the molding unit can be set with the aid of the spread, which has the advantage that an increase in the width of the plastic film due to heating can be compensated for.

The development according to claim 12 can be advantageously achieved that the automatic adjustment of the width of the film transport device can be preselected or that this is carried out based on material characteristics and / or empirical values. The advantage can thus be achieved that the production process is no longer deliberately disturbed from the start of starting up the device and an increase in the number of cycles of the device is thus possible.

An embodiment variant according to claim 13 is advantageous, according to which an automatic readjustment of the width of the film transport device is possible during the production process.

A plastic film change can be facilitated by the advantageous embodiment variant according to claim 14 and the preferred embodiment of the film feed with a guide is advantageous since the plastic film can thus be appropriately positioned and fed to the film transport device.

By arranging a device for heating the plastic film in the area of the film feed according to claim 15, an increase in the number of cycles and / or a reduction in the amount of rejects can be achieved in an advantageous manner, since the plastic film can thus be heated to the production temperature in the shortest possible time.

Also advantageous are embodiment variants according to claims 16 and 17, since this can be used to load the plastic film with a corresponding tension, so that this at least at least approximately horizontally and not sagging can be transferred to the film transport device. By designing the restraint drives as servomotors, the speed of the film restraint system can be adapted exactly to the speed of the film transport device between two cycles.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the characterizing features in claim 18. With such a design of a heating device for the plastic film, uniform heat radiation into the plastic film can advantageously be achieved. The use of infrared rays for heat transfer from the radiator to the plastic film also has the advantage over contact heating that there is no direct contact between the plastic film and the heat-transferring surface of the radiator, so that the risk of accidental adhesion of the plastic film to this heating surface is effective can be countered. The use of preferably radiation bodies made of metal enables good heat conduction in the radiation bodies and thus rapid heating of the plastic film, as a result of which the overall length of the heating device can advantageously be shortened with respect to the conveying direction of the plastic film. However, the good thermal conductivity of the radiation bodies formed from metal also enables the heating device to be regulated well with respect to an approximately constant temperature, since undesired heat storage effects in the radiation bodies do not have to be expected.

However, a further development according to claim 19 is also advantageous, since the separation into a pre-heating area and a main heating area allows the heat input into the plastic film to be easily matched to the molding process of the plastic objects. So it is e.g. possible to use the preheating area to heat the plastic film to such an extent that it can be easily placed in a film transport device, and the final temperature for shaping can be set using the main heating area. But this can also save energy.

Furthermore, an embodiment according to claim 20 is advantageous, since the arrangement of an upper and lower heating means that rapid heat transfer into the plastic film can take place, so that higher cycle rates can subsequently be achieved.

However, an embodiment variant according to claim 21 is also advantageous since it makes it possible to position the heating device exactly above or below the plastic film, so that an optimal temperature distribution can be achieved in the plastic film. A development according to claim 22 can advantageously achieve improved heat radiation into the plastic film and thus an improved temperature profile in the plastic film.

It is advantageous in a further development according to claim 23 that the temperature of each radiation body can be measured or regulated individually, so that an optimization of the heat transfer to the plastic film and thus a more uniform heating of the latter is possible.

By arranging cavity temperature sensors in the individual mold cavities of the molding unit according to claim 24, better monitoring of the heat input into the plastic film can advantageously be carried out or the individual radiation bodies of the heating device can be quickly readjusted with the data thus acquired.

However, a further development according to claim 25 is also advantageous, since it enables the operating personnel to be given a simple means with which the temperature profile or the heat transfer into the plastic film can be monitored and subsequently adjusted.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 26. It is advantageous that by arranging inflow openings in the area of the pre-stretcher or in the area of an opening of the preform from the plastic film, a pressure medium such as e.g. Compressed air, can be supplied by the pre-stretcher during the pre-deformation of the plastic film and thus the pre-deformation of the plastic film is supported by the pressure medium. With this support, a faster pre-deformation of the plastic film can subsequently be achieved, and the cycle time for the production of a plastic object can thus also be increased. Supporting the pre-deformation with pressure media can, however, also advantageously have the effect that the maintenance intervals for the pre-stretcher can be extended due to the relief of a pre-stretcher drive, so that production costs can subsequently be saved.

However, the invention is also solved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 27. By using at least two different scenes for the lifting and swiveling movement of a part of the lower bridge, the mechanical stress on the scenes can advantageously be reduced, so that an increase in the

Service life of the backdrops or a smaller dimensioning of the backdrops is possible. By separating the drives for the lifting and swiveling movements, it is possible to be independent Preselect or change the point in time of the beginning of the pivoting movement from the backdrop used, so that an optimization with regard to a reduction in the cycle time is possible. Vibration damping is, however, also possible, as a result of which the loads on the entire device can be reduced. It is thus possible, for example, to effectively counter a so-called jumping of the device.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the characterizing features of claim 28. It is advantageous that the torque peaks occurring due to the lifting and swiveling movement can be reduced, and thus the mechanical load on the drive or the device can be reduced. The arrangement of a prestressable spring device can further assist acceleration, as a result of which not only can the drive be made smaller, but also the cycle time can be reduced.

An embodiment variant according to claim 29 is advantageous, according to which the speed of the lifting movement of the molding table can be changed in a simple manner.

By arranging a pneumatic cylinder for the pivoting movement of the molding table according to claim 30, it is easily possible to decouple the pivoting movement from the lifting movement.

However, embodiment variants according to claims 31 and 32 are also advantageous, according to which, on the one hand, two cam disks are available for the upward movement of the molding table, i.e. in the time when the drive or a force transmission device is under greater load, whereas the downward movement of the molding table, which places less strain on the device, also saves costs only one cam can be executed.

However, a further development according to claim 33 is also advantageous, whereby the knee lever system can be prevented from swinging out over the extended position in a simple manner.

A further development according to claim 34 is also advantageous, since it is thus possible to preform the plastic film into the cavity and thus the energy for the final deformation of the plastic film can be reduced.

A further development according to claim 35 is advantageous, since the prestretching speed can thus be easily adapted to the respective production conditions. However, it is also possible to design according to claim 36, according to which the lower bridge is connected to a drive device, for example a servo motor, since this enables the lower bridge movement to be adapted quickly and precisely to the individual production steps.

The connection of the drive device with a drive shaft via a toothed belt according to claim 37 enables a space-saving variant of the power transmission and can also dampen the drive.

An embodiment variant according to claim 38 is also advantageous, according to which the lifting and the

Swiveling movement can be carried out automatically during the downward movement of the lower bridge.

An embodiment according to claim 39 is advantageous, since it ensures a long service life of the scenes by supporting the pivoting movement by means of a pressure medium cylinder, e.g. of a pneumatic cylinder can be achieved. Energy can also be saved through a pressure control system.

By arranging a measuring system in the area of the upper bridge according to claim 40, the adjustment range of the upper bridge can advantageously be secured during operation and any accidental damage to the device can be effectively counteracted.

However, an embodiment according to claim 41 is also advantageous, according to which the molding unit can be separately fastened to a support frame with oscillating devices, since this can dampen peak impacts that can arise due to production.

With the help of the ejector device according to claim 42, it is advantageously possible to automatically remove the deep-drawn plastic objects from the lower bridge, in particular the molding table.

A further development according to claim 43 is advantageous, according to which the ejector stroke can be easily adapted to a wide variety of plastic objects.

A further development according to claims 44 and / or 45 enables reproducible remote adjustment of the ejector speed even during operation. The assignment of an absolute measuring system to at least one ejector cylinder according to claim 46 allows analysis of the movements of the ejector cylinder on the one hand and it is possible on the other hand that a quick stop can be carried out when a wrong movement occurs.

By preferably running time monitoring in real time, it is possible in a simple manner to follow the movement sequence of the ejector device.

However, an embodiment variant according to claim 48 is also advantageous, since it can thereby be achieved that the plastic objects can be held in their respective positions during the swiveling movement of the molding table, and premature ejection of the latter can thus be prevented.

The arrangement of an energy block for supplying energy to the lower bridge according to claim 49 advantageously enables a clear and maintenance-friendly design of the connections for the cooling, for the electrical energy, the compressed air, etc. However, this also improves the clarity of the device.

However, an embodiment according to claim 50 is also advantageous, since it makes it possible to produce plastic objects with so-called hollow floors by exerting pressure on the still viscous plastic object in the region of the floor.

Designs according to claims 51 to 54 are also advantageous. Prevent the movement of the lower bridge from starting as long as the pre-stretcher is not completely in its retracted position or the start of the supply of the supporting mold air for pre-deformation or the mold air for the final molding of the plastic objects can be determined via an absolute encoder. However, it is also possible to monitor the running time of the pre-stretcher and this can be visualized. It is also possible to control the pre-stretch stroke remotely.

In a further development according to claim 55, it is advantageous that the mechanical load on the motor-operated pre-stretcher is reduced and the service life of the pre-stretcher can thus be extended.

The arrangement of a hold-down device in the area of the upper bridge tool according to claim 56 enables a non-corrugated holding of the plastic film at the beginning of the shaping. It is advantageous if, according to claim 57, inflow openings are provided for a pressure medium in the area of the hold-down device, since this enables the hold-down device to respond quickly and consequently to increase the cycle time.

A further development according to claim 58 is advantageous, according to which an analog control of the hold-down air is possible.

To reduce the noise level of the device, e.g. a muffler can be arranged so that health impairments of the operating personnel, in particular hearing, can be avoided.

Embodiment variants according to claims 60 to 62 are also advantageous, since they allow automatic regulation and / or control of the device, e.g. all movements are possible. However, this also makes it possible to operate the device remotely or to store repair modules for all components, preferably with self-configuration, a manual with operating instructions or error analysis etc. in the control. It is also possible that all assembly steps for components and tools are stored in memory elements of the control and these can be called up by the operating personnel if necessary, for example on a screen. It is also advantageous that it is possible to carry out an automatic operating data acquisition or to save the driving parameters of the device for later evaluation or reuse.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 63. The advantage here is that the lifting and / or swiveling movement of the molding table is carried out with the aid of a toothed segment arrangement. A space-saving arrangement of the drive device for the molding table can thus be achieved, since the toothed segment plate assigned to the toothed segment arrangement can be arranged in the region of the support frame of the device. Due to the oscillating tooth segment plate, the shaping table guided in a link plate can execute the corresponding movements, in particular the lifting and the pivoting movement, via a connecting rod. It is furthermore advantageous that this drive system can be designed to be substantially vibration-stable and thus additional devices for vibration damping, for example spring devices, do not have to be arranged in the device. In addition, the toothed segment arrangement can reduce the shock transmission into the drive, which can occur, for example, due to the production process, so that the mechanical loads on the device, in particular on the drive, can be reduced. It is also advantageous that all movements of the Form tables can be executed and few mechanical components are required for movement. It is advantageous that the movement takes place essentially in the side cheeks of the support frame of the device, so that the area of the molding unit opposite the feed of the plastic film to the molding unit is essentially free for additional components or the molding unit: the following devices.

An embodiment variant according to claim 64 is advantageous, since it enables a simple construction of the device, in particular of the drive.

With the help of an oscillating drive as the main drive according to claim 65, the advantage can be achieved that the size of the toothed segment plate can be chosen to be smaller and thus the space required for the entire drive can be further reduced.

An embodiment according to claim 66 is also advantageous, since it is thus possible to lower the molding table by a certain amount before the pivoting movement, and the movement sequence can thus be carried out with only one link, preferably two.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 67. By arranging a cooling circuit through which the coolant flows, the advantage can be achieved that certain device components do not overheat or overheat due to the heat radiation from the heating device or the heat transfer from the plastic film to these components. It is thus possible to adapt the temperature in the components of the device to optimal production conditions and the cycle time can thus be increased. In addition, this makes it possible to process different plastic films with the device, and it is therefore also possible to change plastic films of different materials quickly.

However, an embodiment variant according to claim 68 is also advantageous. The arrangement of a plurality of separate cooling circuits in the device enables targeted and optimized heat dissipation from the points which would otherwise be subject to excessive temperature stress. However, it can also be used to prevent overheating of device parts, the arrangement of several cooling circuits making it possible to selectively dissipate different amounts of heat from different device parts. In addition to avoiding overheating of device parts, these can also be tempered to a different temperature level with the aid of the separate cooling circuits, and thus an optimization of the temperatures in the device with a view to an optimization of the cycle time is possible. A refinement according to claim 69 is advantageous, since it allows a simple control of the temperature of the cooling medium, for example in a primary circuit, or it is thus possible to set different temperatures in the different cooling circuits. It can also further increase the security of the cooling system, for example against excessive pressure.

By arranging a device for heating and / or tempering the cooling medium in the cooling circuit according to claim 70, it is possible, for example in the event of a shutdown of the device for maintenance or repair work or in the event of unforeseeable problems occurring during production, which can cause a Switching off the device requires that the parts of the device through which cooling medium flows are kept at a temperature level which permits the immediate restart of production.

However, an embodiment according to claim 71 is also advantageous, since the arrangement of a cooling channel in the region of a surface of the carrier frame of the film transport device facing away from a contact surface of the device on the one hand prevents direct radiation of the cooling medium into the plastic film and on the other hand the film transport device at the desired temperature level can be held.

By arranging bores in the upper or lower bridge according to claim 72, it is advantageously possible to pass the cooling medium directly through these components, whereby an efficient cooling effect can be obtained.

The additional cooling of the cooling plates according to claim 73 makes it possible to protect the plastic film in the region of the molding assembly from the action of the heating device, so that a piece of plastic film which is uniformly tempered to the respective cycle is available.

However, the invention also includes a production line according to claim 74. It is advantageous that the device according to the invention is preceded by a driven roller stand, so that the film does not have to be pulled down from a roller due to a tensile force acting on it, but is almost free of any Stress can be handled. As a result, the advantage can be achieved that not only can the plastic film be threaded more easily into an initial region of the device, but that due to the elimination of a large part of the mechanical load on the plastic film, possible damage or tensioning of the latter in the inventive manner Device can be countered effectively. But this can not only reduce the susceptibility to speed can be achieved during the operation of the device, but it is also possible to relieve the load on the film transport device of the device, and thus furthermore an optimization of the cycle time with regard to an increase in production frequency is possible since a sufficient amount of plastic film can always be made available. In addition, it is also possible to reduce the percentage of rejects, since the stresses on the cold plastic film can be kept as low as possible.

Also advantageous are embodiment variants according to claims 75 and 76, since this enables automatic control of the drive of the roller holder, e.g. is possible according to the cycle time.

However, the invention also encompasses a process for the production of deep-drawn plastic articles according to claim 77. It is advantageous in this process that the plastic film is used with the aid of a pressure medium, e.g. a pressurized gas, in addition to the pre-deformation using a pre-stretcher. This not only enables the prestretch drive to be relieved due to the lower resistance that the plastic film opposes to the prestretch, but also enables the plastic film to be adapted more quickly and easily to the surface of the cavity in one tool. It is therefore also possible to optimize the cycle time, for example by adapting the overpressure of the pressure medium to the respective material properties.

An embodiment variant according to claim 78 is also advantageous since cooling of the mold cavity can be achieved with the aid of this double-pressure method.

However, a two-pressure method according to claim 79 is also advantageous, since it saves energy for providing the pressure medium.

According to a development according to claim 80, it is possible to support the pivoting movement of the molding table with the aid of an additional drive device, as a result of which the mechanical loads on the main drive can be reduced.

However, an embodiment according to claim 81 is also advantageous, with which premature ejection of the molded plastic objects can be prevented.

Through the development according to claim 82, it can be achieved that the finished molded plastic objects are automatically removed from the molding table and transferred to a stacking device. It is also advantageous to heat the plastic film according to claim 83, since this makes the shaping easier. In addition, the avoidance of sagging of the plastic film enables a reproducible production of plastic objects.

An embodiment of the method according to claim 84 is advantageous since it avoids the sagging of the plastic film automatically.

According to the developments according to claims 85 to 88, a fully automated procedure is advantageously possible. In addition, process-specific measurement data can be saved, making manual readjustment of certain production parameters possible.

With the help of an optimization control according to claim 89, a possibility is created to carry out the method with a control capable of learning.

A training according to claim 90 is also advantageous, since it reduces rejects production and production downtimes can be reduced.

An embodiment variant according to claim 91 is also advantageous, since it can thereby avoid unnecessary stress on the plastic film.

According to claim 92, it is advantageous that the spreading can be carried out fully automatically on the basis of parameters stored in a data memory.

An embodiment according to claim 93 is also advantageous, since it enables fine adjustment of the spread.

An embodiment variant of the method according to claim 94 is also advantageous, since it makes it possible to monitor current production parameters and, if necessary, to set or readjust them.

However, it is also possible to design it according to claim 95, as a result of which the unintentional slipping down of the plastic film from the spikes can be prevented.

A further development according to claim 96 is also advantageous, since the holding capacity of the plastic film on the spikes can be further improved by this configuration of the spikes. According to a further development according to claim 97, it is advantageously possible to design the spikes in such a way that they scratch the plastic film in a first part of the film transport device, so that the spiking can be simplified.

An embodiment according to claim 98 is also advantageous, since a restraint system in the initial area of the device can thus be dispensed with at least in part.

An advantage of the configurations according to claims 99 and 100 is that this further development increases the speed of the device and improves the control of the ejector.

Embodiments according to claims 101 and 102 are also advantageous, since this improves the sequence of movements of the device and also increases the speed. In addition, this reduces the environmental impact in the form of pollutants, e.g. Oil, or noise development possible and can also reduce the cost of maintenance.

However, the object of the invention is also achieved by an embodiment according to the features in the characterizing part of claim 103. The advantage here is that the pivoting movement of the molding table is now driven and the vertical movement can thus be performed at least approximately 100%. This makes it possible to improve the vibration behavior of the device, i.e. that fewer resonances can occur. It is also advantageous that gravity can be used for the vertical movement, wherein the vertical movement can be supported, for example, with pneumatic cylinders.

An embodiment according to claim 104 is advantageous since the load on the drive due to the movement of the molding table can thus be distributed uniformly.

Designs according to claims 105 and 106 are also advantageous, since the movement sequence can be varied.

An embodiment variant according to claim 107 is also possible, as a result of which sensitive parts of the control system can be prevented from overheating.

Finally, however, a further development according to claim 108 is also advantageous, since by calculating the cooling circuits into a primary and secondary cooling circuit, which are connected to one another via a heat exchanger, any calcifications appear in the Primary cooling circuits can be avoided or reduced.

In other design variants, it is advantageous that a guide frame for partially guiding the single chain and at least one deflection device for deflecting, such as e.g. a deflection wheel, a sprocket or the like. Can be arranged whereby a safe guidance of the single chain can be achieved and it is also possible that appropriate measures are taken to prevent friction losses between the single chain and the guide frame in the guide frame or that lubricant supplies in the guide frame can be present. In addition, with the aid of the deflection devices, it is possible to guide the single chain over a wide range of its length in a very small space, so that the unloaded chain links can be guided in the vicinity of the loaded chain links.

In addition, the guide frame can be designed such that the chain links move during the movement towards a molding unit and towards a film feed, e.g. a table, at least approximately at the same height. It is advantageous that the tensile forces exerted on the plastic film can be optimized by the horizontal chain guide.

It is also advantageous that the width adjustment device has a width adjustment drive, e.g. a servo motor, and / or that the spreading spindle is a spreading drive, e.g. a servo motor can be assigned, since this enables an automatic adjustment of the width of the film transport device to the width of the plastic film.

It is also possible that the sensor for detecting the distance of the lowest point of the plastic film from a horizontal reference plane, for example a plane defined by the spikes and / or the temperature of the plastic film and / or the voltage or voltage applied to the plastic film The force of this underlying force can be designed in the direction of the conveying strands and / or the internal resistance of the plastic film and / or the weight of the plastic film or the finished plastic objects.

The distance between two spikes can advantageously be between 10 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 50 mm, and the selected range of the distance between two spikes can therefore keep the maximum amplitude of the corrugation between these spikes caused by heating of the plastic film become.

It is also advantageous that the distance of the upper and / or lower heating to the plastic film in a height range between 20 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm, adjustable and / or that a central adjusting device can be arranged for adjusting the heating device and / or and that the radiating elements are parallel and / or transverse to their longitudinal dimensions Transport direction of the plastic film can be arranged. Through these designs it can be achieved that the length of the heating area is variable within certain limits, since one or more of them can be switched on or off by radiation bodies arranged transversely to the transport direction of the plastic film.

It is also advantageous, however, that each mold cavity can be assigned its own ejector, whereby rapid removal of the plastic objects from the mold cavities can be achieved.

It is also advantageous that the drive device can be connected to the drive shaft, e.g. with the main shaft driven by a main drive, whereby the power transmission can take place with the help of a system that works essentially without faults.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the toothed segment arrangement can be at least partially held in a carrier frame, since this makes it possible to dispense with the arrangement of additional holding elements.

It is also advantageous that the temperature control devices as motorized valves, e.g. can be designed as a three-way valve, or the like, and / or that at least one cooling circuit has a preferably motor-operated conveying device, e.g. a pump and / or at least a check valve and / or a solenoid valve and / or a sensor, e.g. a temperature sensor can be assigned. This enables the cooling circuits to be connected to a regulating and / or control device, so that the flow rates can be regulated automatically. Valves with their own drive are advantageous.

It is also advantageous that the heating element can be designed as a resistance heating element, as a gas burner, as an oil burner, as a heating element emitting infrared radiation or the like.

It is also advantageous that the production line can include a shredding device, for example a shredder and / or a printing device and / or a packaging device for the finished plastic objects, which makes it possible to recycle or immediately recycle the waste generated during the production of plastic objects it is thus possible to print plastic objects finished and / or supply packaging.

It is also advantageous that the device can be provided at least partially on the outside with a covering made of plastic, in particular made of GRP, since this enables the device to be designed ergonomically.

It is also advantageous that the recorded measurement data can be transmitted digitally to a control and / or regulating device.

Another advantage is that the temperature of the cooling medium can be adjusted or regulated via the mixing ratio of fresh cooling medium / circulating cooling medium.

However, it is also advantageous that the film transport device can have at least one guide bar, which can be arranged in the vertical direction at least approximately above the spike, since this can prevent the plastic film from being accidentally bent in the area of the elastic zone.

It is also advantageous that the guide profile for the single chain can have at least one device for tempering the film transport device, e.g. Flow channels, heating elements or the like, since this can reduce the temperature radiation and thus the temperature load on the plastic film, and / or that on chain links of the single chain alternately in the vertical direction up and down guide devices, e.g. Guide rollers can be arranged.

Finally, however, it is also advantageous that at least one handwheel and / or a pneumatic cylinder, preferably with an adjustable stop, can be assigned to the spread, since this allows the width adjustment to be made variable.

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

Show it:

1 shows the device according to the invention in a production line for the production of deep-drawn objects in a schematically simplified representation;

2-ac an embodiment variant of the film transport device in schematically expert representation and in top view;

3 shows a variant of the chain guide in the guide frame cut and in a schematically simplified representation;

4 shows an embodiment variant of the film transport device cut in front view and simplified representation;

5a-b the film transport device with associated drive, width adjustment and spreading in a simplified representation;

6 shows the heating device associated with the device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

7 shows a section through the longitudinal heating according to lines VII - VII in FIG. 6;

8 shows the film retention device in a schematically simplified illustration;

9 shows the molding unit of the device according to the invention in a schematically simplified illustration;

10 shows the upper bridge and the molding table of the molding unit cut and in a schematically simplified illustration;

11 shows a detail of the embodiment variant of the force and motion transmission system cut as a toggle lever and in a schematically simplified illustration;

12 shows the force and motion transmission system as a toothed segment variant in a schematic representation;

13 shows a schematic representation of the movement sequence of the force and movement transmission system on the basis of different positions:

14 shows the ejector system with associated stacking device in a schematic representation;

15 shows a variant of the cooling scheme for the device according to the invention; 16 shows a variant of the speed curve in a graphical representation;

17 shows a variant of the compressed air control of the swing valves in a graphical representation;

18 shows another embodiment variant of the film transport device in schematic, simplified representation and in side view;

19 shows the embodiment variant of the film transport device according to FIG. 18 in a schematically simplified representation and in the direction of the film transport;

20 shows an embodiment variant for the length adjustment via the chain links of the chain of the film transport device in a schematically simplified representation;

FIG. 21 shows a schematically simplified detail of the length adjustment variant according to FIG. 20.

In the introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, the disclosures contained in the entire description correspondingly to the same

Parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names can be transferred. The location information selected in the description, e.g. above, below, laterally etc. refer to the figure described and illustrated immediately and are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different ones shown and described can also be used

Represent examples of independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for the production of deep-drawn plastic articles 2 as part of a production line 3 in a schematically simplified illustration. A plastic film 4, preferably made of thermoplastic material, of any desired size can be used as the starting material for the plastic objects 2. For example, it is possible for the plastic film 4 to consist of polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS, various copolymers or the like. It is of course also possible that a multi-layer laminate of the same and / or different types of plastic is used instead of a single-layer plastic film 4 or that at least part of this plastic film 4 is formed by a recycling plastic. For example, it is possible Lich that, in the event that the plastic objects are 2 packaging containers for the food industry, two outer layers of the plastic film 4 consist of a primary polymer and at least one intermediate layer of a recycled polymer. It can thereby be achieved that not only the primary resources and the environment with regard to landfilling of waste or flue gases from the combustion can be spared, but also that a possibility can also be created with which a cost reduction in production or unit costs per Thermoformed item can be achieved. Of course, it is also possible that the plastic film 4 consists of one or more recycled polymers.

The plastic film 4 can be placed on a roll holder 5, e.g. a roller block, are kept in stock and are fed from the device 1 by unwinding from a roller 6. Likewise, it is of course possible that the plastic film 4 is kept differently in stock accordingly. For example, the plastic film 4 can be placed on or in a corresponding storage or transport container, e.g. a pallet or the like. To be arranged for removal, the length of the plastic film 4 should in this case also advantageously be chosen so that production is possible over a longer period of time. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging a plurality of layers of plastic film 4 one above the other, with no separation of the plastic film 4 being present between the individual layers.

The plastic film 4 can be fed directly from the roll holder 5 to the device 1 without further devices being arranged in between. However, it is also conceivable that a support, lifting or transport system 7 is arranged between the roller holder 5 and the device 1, which is formed, for example, from at least two rollers, at least one roller having a drive, for example a servo motor. With the help of this transport system 7, it is possible, in particular if the roll holder 5 does not have its own drive, that the plastic film 4 is unwound from the roll 6 and fed to the device 1. Two of these rollers of the transport system 7 can be arranged in such a way that the plastic film 4 is passed between these rollers and thus the transport of the plastic film 4 can take place due to the forces transmitted by the driven roller. These rollers can be arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, the distance between the rollers should be chosen such that at least a portion of the plastic film 4 is in contact with both the upper and the lower roller of the transport system 7 at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 1, a can preferably be between the roll holder 5 and the device 1 Measuring system 8 may be arranged. The measuring system 8 can be formed, for example, by a light barrier, but preferably two light barriers are used and the plastic film 4 is passed between these two light barriers. The light barriers can take any position relative to one another. For example, with an arrangement one above the other, a loop 9 is formed between the roll holder 5 and the device 1. It can thereby be achieved that an amount of plastic film 4 corresponding to the production process, in particular the cycle time, is always available. The reference points can be used, for example, the vertical positions of light barriers arranged vertically one above the other. If the measuring system 8 comprises, for example, two light barriers, it is possible for a controller 10 connected to the measuring system 8 to recognize whether the plastic film 4 is sagging too much or whether the plastic film 4 is under too much tension. This can be recognized if the plastic film 4 is not guided between the light barriers within a height 11 and thus breaks through at least one of the two light barriers of the measuring system 8, which results in a measured value with the aid of which the controller 10 uses appropriate drives to transport the plastic film can set the correct position of the plastic film 4 again and thus the loop 9 has a predeterminable length which lies within a predeterminable length range. The desired length or the desired length range can be stored in the controller 10 as setting values.

Of course, it is possible for both the transport system 7 and the measuring system 8 to be arranged between the device 1 and the roll holder 5, the loop 9 being able to be formed in front of or behind the transport system 7 in the conveying direction of the plastic film 4. However, as described further below, the roll holder 5 is preferably provided with its own drive, as a result of which the length of the production line 3 can be shortened.

The measuring system 8 can comprise additional measuring sensors instead of or in addition to the light barriers. For example, it is possible for the measuring system 8 to be assigned two measuring rollers at a distance, preferably one above the other, the distance of the

Height 11 can correspond. A measured value, which is forwarded to the control 10, can always arise when the plastic film 4 rests on one of these measuring rollers and thus the loop 9 has a length which corresponds to either the minimum or the maximum of the predeterminable length range for the loop 9. This measured value can arise, for example, from the rotation of one of these measuring rollers caused by the plastic film 4. It is also conceivable, for example, if a device for increasing the temperature of the plastic film 4 or for tempering it is assigned to the roll holder 5, that the respective Length of the loop 9 is determined via temperature sensors of the measuring system 8. In this case it is even possible that this can only be determined using a single sensor. The measured value can result from the possibly corrected temperature increase or decrease in the temperature sensor. In any case, the measuring sensors 8 of the measuring system 8 used should ensure that the plastic film 4 is guided within a height 11. Another possibility of measuring the length of the loop 9 is to use partially mechanical systems. For example, with the aid of a rocker arm, which can include a roller at its front end, which rests on the plastic film 4, the respective angle between the rocker arm and, for example, a vertical plane running through the pivot point of the rocker arm can be measured and this measured value can be sent to the controller 10 to get redirected. It can apply that the larger the angle between the rocker and the vertical plane, the shorter the loop 9 and, as a result, measures to extend the loop 9 may have to be taken as a result.

Instead of the rocker, for example, a linearly movable dancer roller can also be arranged. It is also conceivable that the length of the loop 9 with the help of other physical quantities, e.g. is measured inductively or capacitively or via ultrasonic sensors.

A further description of possible and conceivable measuring sensors should be omitted here, since the effect that is to be achieved is shown.

In this context, however, it should not be left unmentioned that the processing of the plastic film 4 from the roll holder 5 and its transport can be carried out by the corresponding devices assigned to the device 1 alone.

In order to ensure that the plastic film 4 is guided within the height 11 through the measuring system 8 or between its measuring sensors, it is possible for the roller holder 5 to be equipped with a retaining brake and / or with a drive, for example an electric motor, a servo vomotor or the like. Equipped. These can be connected to the controller 10, for example via electrical lines. It can thereby be achieved that the plastic film 4 is not pulled down from the roll holder 5, but rather is fed to the device 1 at appropriate intervals. The restraint brake is preferably always activated or the drive for the roller 6 is braked or switched off when the plastic film 4 sags too much or the drive is switched on when the voltage applied to the plastic film 4 is too great or when a cycle is completed and 12 more plastic film 4 is to be fed to a molding unit. On the other hand, it is possible to connect the controller 10 to the drive of the transport system and in this way to set the desired length of the loop 9.

With such a design of the roll holder 5, the advantage can be achieved that the plastic film 4 is not pulled down from the roll holder 5, but can be handled freely without any tension. This can also increase the risk of accidental damage to the plastic film 4, e.g. Tears in the side areas are reduced and it is therefore possible to reduce the reject percentage of deep-drawn articles.

Of course, it is also possible that, instead of the drive for the roll holder 5 for unwinding the plastic film 4, a suitable drive for the provision of the plastic film 4 is arranged at any suitable location in the production line 3. For example, it would be conceivable that a lead frame roll arranged or assigned to the device 1 is provided with a drive, so that the plastic film 4 is unwound from the roll 6 on the roll holder 5 and transported through the device 1 due to the tensile force exerted.

Instead of the roll holder 5, an extruder 13 can be arranged upstream of the device 1, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1. With the help of this extruder 13, it is possible that the plastic film 4 to be processed is produced directly. For this purpose, the extruder 13 can

Prior art devices include, e.g. a slot nozzle, a calibration device, a cooling system or the like. It is also possible for the extruder 13 to be assigned a measuring system, with the aid of which the thickness of the plastic film 4 emerging from the slot nozzle is measured and thus an automatic regulation of the thickness of the plastic film 4 can be done. For example, the capacitive change between the measuring device and a guide roller arranged underneath for the plastic film 4 can be used as the measured variable.

The arrangement of an extruder 13 also has the advantage that the lead frame leaving the device 1, that is to say the waste which arises in the production process, can be fed back to the extruder 13 and thus not only waste prevention can be achieved, but also plastic waste Is available, which is of the same type as the plastic film 4 used. In order to achieve this, the device 1 can be followed, for example, by a comminution device 14, such as a shredder, a mill or the like, to which the lead frame is fed. The crushed leadframe can subsequently be conveyed via various conveying devices 15, such as, for example, a pneumatic conveying path or the like, either to an intermediate storage container 16 or directly to the extruder 13 Place are fed. Corresponding conveying devices 15 for feeding the comminuted lead frame into the extruder 13 can of course also be arranged downstream of the intermediate storage container 16.

It is of course also conceivable that corresponding transport or conveying means for the plastic film 4 or the lead frame from the device 1 are arranged in the shredding device 14 between the device 1 and the shredding device 14 arranged downstream thereof, or that the shredding device 14 comprises these .

As further shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 according to the invention can be followed by further devices, such as a printing device 17, a packaging device 18 or the like. With the help of the printing device 17, it is possible, for example, to provide the finished thermoformed plastic objects 2 with appropriate labels, and the plastic objects 2 can subsequently be packed automatically in various packaging containers, such as boxes, sacks or the like, with the aid of the packaging device 18 .

It should not go unmentioned in this context that it is of course possible to use a plastic film 4 which is already pre-printed. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if care is taken to ensure that a corresponding tension is applied to the plastic film 4, as a result of which it can be achieved that the printed image is not undesirably distorted during shaping. Such a distortion would result, for example, if the plastic film 4 sags too much in a film transport device 19 described below, so that it is subsequently not supplied to the molding unit 12 at least approximately flatly.

From Fig. 1 it can be seen that the device 1 according to the invention can include the film transport device 19 for the plastic film 4, a heating device 20 assigned to it and the molding unit 12 arranged downstream of it.

The film transport device 19 for the plastic film 4 can, for example, as can be seen more clearly from FIG. 2, comprise a single chain 21, preferably two mutually independent chains, which can each be guided in the edge regions of the film transport device 19, are used. In order to fasten the plastic film 4 on the single chain 21, which can serve as a conveyor and / or fixing strand, it is possible that the latter comprises a so-called spike pin 23 per chain link 22. The spike 23 or at least part of it is at least approximately vertically upward with respect to one Footprint 24 of the device 1 aligned (see Fig. 1). So that the plastic film 4 can be pricked up, it is possible that the single chain 21 is forcibly opened with the aid of a deflection roller 25, which can be arranged in an initial region 26 of the device 1 (see FIG. 1), so that the spike pin 23 is released . For this purpose, a side cheek 27 of the respective chain link 22 can be forcibly pivoted out of its holding position 28 into a receiving position 29, wherein the side cheek 27 can be pivotably held at a point 30. To avoid unnecessary friction losses during the forced opening, the side cheek 27 preferably has a curved circumference. After the chain has been deflected with the aid of the deflection roller 25 and after the plastic film 4 has been pricked onto the spikes 23 of the two single chains 21, the side cheek 27 can be closed again, for example with the aid of a locking device 31, and it is thus possible for the plastic film 4 passes through the shaping process in a fixed manner. The locking device 31 can be designed, for example, as a web or as a link and is preferably assigned to a guide device for the single chain 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the closing device 31 can be located between the parts of the single chain 21 which are preferably guided next to one another, that is to say the part which feeds the plastic film 4 to the device 1 and the part which, after removal of the lead frame, for receiving the plastic film 4 again is returned, arranged and is preferably provided with curves in at least one closing area 32 in order to avoid unnecessary friction losses during the closing movement of the side cheek 27. The locking device 31 can extend to a height which results from the protrusion of the single chain 21 over the guide device for the single chain 21.

Of course, other devices are also conceivable, in particular mechanical ones, which are suitable for opening or closing the chain links 22.

In an end region 33 of the device 1, the same opening or. Locking mechanism are located so that the rest of the plastic film 4, the so-called lead frame, is released from the single chains 21 or the individual chain links 22.

Instead of the closed single chain 21, it is of course also possible that the conveying and / or fixing strand of the film transport device 19 is designed as an open chain, that is to say, for example, only has one side cheek, over which the spike pin 23 protrudes.

In this case, the spike 23 can be designed so that that part that is at least approximately perpendicular to the contact surface 24, that is at least approximately perpendicular to the Plastic film 4 is inclined, for example by 0 ° to 15 °, to that part of the spike 23 which is arranged at least approximately parallel to the contact surface 24. Of course, this inclination can also be formed in the embodiment variant of the chain links 22 with a rotatable side cheek 27.

In order to prevent the plastic film 4 from sliding down from the spikes 23 after the spikes, the spikes 23 can be provided with means that prevent this. For example, the spikes 23 can have a kind of barb or it is possible to design the spike 23 in such a way that it has at least one notch in one area into which the plastic film 4 slides, so that the plastic film 4 slides down unintentionally from the spike 23 can be effectively prevented.

In order to facilitate the spurring of the plastic film 4, it is possible to design the spike spikes 23 with at least partially rounded surfaces, for example in the manner of a cone. In particular, that part which is at least approximately perpendicular to the contact surface 24 can be on its outer and / or inner or. its side walls have a conical shape at least in some areas.

Of course, it is possible that a plurality of deflection rollers 25, e.g. Sprockets, are arranged, whereby e.g. The advantage can be achieved that, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the individual chain links 22 of a part 34 of the single chains 21 loaded with the plastic film 4 can be guided very close to one another with respect to an unloaded part 35 and thus the space requirement of the entire foil train sports device 19 can be reduced. With the help of the further deflecting roller 25, which can preferably be of smaller diameter than the deflecting roller 25 for opening the chain links 22, the chain links 22 can be deflected from an approximately mutually adjacent arrangement and transferred to the deflecting roller 25 for opening the chain links 22.

The spike of the plastic film 4 can e.g. in such a way that it is introduced into the device 1 via a table 36, which can also be provided with guides, and subsequently with the aid of a pressing device 37, e.g. an eccentric wheel, a spiked roller or the like. On the film transport device 19, in particular the spikes 23 is pressed.

Of course, it is possible that instead of a single chain 21, a so-called duplex chain is used. It is also conceivable that the conveying and / or fixing strands of the film transport device 19 are not designed as a chain, but in a different way, for example as mechanical clamping devices. In the latter case, the plastic film 4 can be fixed, for example, between a lower and an upper part of the clamping device, wherein the conveying and / or fixing strands can preferably also be designed in several parts, in order to enable deflection and return.

Furthermore, it is possible that the plastic film 4 is not pricked up, but that it has cutouts in its edge regions which engage in receiving devices of the film transport device 19, in particular the single or multiple chain. In order to enable the plastic film 4 to be picked up easily, these receiving devices can have rounded surfaces, since it is no longer necessary to pierce them due to the cutouts in the plastic film 4. The receiving devices are preferably attached to the individual chain links 22 of the single or multiple chain. The recesses in the plastic film 4 can be produced, for example, in a region in front of the device 1 with the aid of a punching device. The individual punched holes, which can be designed, for example, as circular holes, should be spaced apart from one another, just like the spikes 23, the larger distortions of the plastic film 4, which are due to the optional heating of the plastic film 4 between the spikes 23 and the recesses can arise, avoids. For this purpose, it can prove to be an advantage that the conveying and / or fixing strands of the film transport device 19 have, for example, clamping devices with the aid of which the plastic film 4 can be fixed in the area of the receiving devices.

The single chain 21 is preferably guided horizontally, the chain links 22 being guided next to one another at least over a partial region. This can achieve the advantage that the chain links 22 are subject to less abrasion, for example due to the correspondingly directed tensile forces, or do not stick to the plastic film 4. This can occur, for example, when the single chain 21 is guided vertically if, due to the heating of the plastic film 4, it penetrates into the area between the side cheeks 27 of the chain links 22. The consequence of this may be that the opening or closing of the chain links 22 is made more difficult. Although the vertical guiding of the single chain 21 has this disadvantage, it can be helpful under certain circumstances if the single chain 21 is guided vertically so that the chain links 22 loaded with the plastic film 4 lie over the unloaded, returned chain links 22. A reduction in the width dimensions of the film transport device 19 can thus be achieved, for example. Of course, other arrangements are also conceivable, for example diagonally next to one another, etc. The film transport device 19 can be arranged in a height-adjustable manner in the device 1, so that an adaptation to the particular circumstances during production is possible and thus high cycle rates can be achieved while avoiding unnecessary friction. This height adjustment can be done either manually or automatically, for example via one or more spindles. Of course, this height adjustment can be connected to a central or a decentralized regulating and / or control device 38 (see FIG. 1).

Each conveying and / or fixing strand, in particular each of the single or multiple chains, is preferably assigned its own conveying strand drive 39, for example a servo motor or the like, which can be arranged, for example, in the end region 33 or in the start region 26. By connecting at least one of these conveyor train drives 39 to a controller 40, for example a servo controller or the like, a uniform speed of the film transport device 19 can be achieved which is matched to the respective cycle time of production. This conveyor train drive 39 or controller 40 is preferably connected to the central or decentralized regulating and / or control device 38, so that an exact positioning of the plastic film 4 in the molding unit 12 is possible. For this purpose, it is possible that a so-called print mark 41 is applied to the plastic film 4 per cycle, which can be recognized with the aid of a reading device 42, for example a light barrier or the like (see FIG. 5). The values recorded with the aid of this reading device 42 can be passed on to the regulating and / or control device 38, as is indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2c, and the regulation of the conveyor train drive 39 is thus possible.

A correspondingly toothed sprocket, the teeth of which engage in the respective chain links 22, can be arranged to transmit power from the conveyor train drive 39 to the single chain 21.

Such sprockets or corresponding other devices, such as Tensioning wheels or the like can be arranged over the entire length of the single chain 21 and it is thus possible to borrow the single chain 21 or a corresponding other form of conveying and / or

Pretensioning the fixing strand accordingly, so that the single chain 21 does not sag over the entire length of the film transport device 19.

The second conveyor train drive 39, which is used for driving the second single or multiple chain, is preferably connected to the first conveyor train drive 39 only via an electrical connection, a so-called electrical shaft. This makes it possible that only one drive takes over the exact positioning or control of the plastic film 4 and the second conveyor train drive 39 can be adapted to the first conveyor train drive 39. On the other hand, it is of course also possible to mechanically connect the two conveyor train drives 39 to one another, that is to say, for example, via a shaft, such as a gear shaft.

Of course, it is also possible that the two conveyor train drives 39 each have separate regulating and / or control mechanisms. Likewise, it is of course possible that with a suitable design of the film transport device 19, only one conveyor train drive 39 is assigned to the device 1, in particular the film transport device 19, or it is of course also possible for a plurality of conveyor train drives 39 to be provided, one or more of these having the regulating and / or control device 38 can be connected.

As shown in FIG. 2a, a guide frame 43 can be assigned to the conveyor and / or fixing strand of the film transport device 19. The guide frame 43 can be designed such that at least part of the single chain 21 or a corresponding multiple chain finds space in a recess 44. With the aid of this recess 44, it is now possible to guide the single chain 21 for receiving the plastic film 4 so precisely that the plastic film 4 is normally fed to the molding unit 12 in the correct position.

The conveying and / or fixing strand or strands of the film transport device 19 can, viewed in the transport direction of the plastic film 4, extend beyond the molding unit 12 into the end region 33 of the device 1. This makes it possible for the plastic film 4 to be guided exactly until after the shaping of the corresponding deep-drawn products, and it is therefore also possible in particular for the plastic film 4 to be supplied to the molding unit 12 at least approximately flat and to be guided through it. In the end region 33, as has already been described above, it is possible for the individual chain links 22 to be forced open and the remaining lead frame to be released for further processing, for example for winding up on a lead frame roll or for transfer to the comminution device 14. Corresponding recesses can be provided in this for the conveying and / or fixing strands through the molding unit 12.

On the other hand, it is of course also possible for the conveying and / or fixing strand or strands of the conveying device 19 to end before the shaping unit 12 and to be transferred from the latter to a correspondingly configured further conveying device associated with the shaping unit 12. In any case, however, it should be ensured that the plastic film 4 is always appropriately positioned and, above all, at least approximately flat, that is to say without any disruptive distortions, is fed to the molding unit 12, since there is otherwise a fear, in particular when, with the help of the molding unit 12, a plurality of plastic objects 2 can be produced during a cycle, that these are of different designs, for example they can have intolerable different weights.

As FIG. 2c shows, the conveyor train drive (s) 39 are arranged in the start region 26 of the film transport device 19. Of course, they can also be arranged in any suitable other location of the device 1.

In turn, a plurality of deflecting rollers 25, but at least one for deflecting the single chain 21, can be arranged in the end region 33, so that the now unloaded single chain 21 can be returned to the initial region 26 for resumption of a plastic film 4.

Fig. 3 shows a schematically simplified representation and section of an embodiment variant of the film transport device 19, in particular of the guide frame 43. Although in this embodiment variant the conveyor and / or fixing strand, i.e. e.g. the single chain 21 is guided horizontally, i.e. that the chain links 22 loaded with the plastic film 4 for transporting the plastic film 4 to the molding unit 12 are arranged next to the unloaded chain links 22 for the return transport, a different arrangement of the chain links 22 is conceivable, e.g. that the chain links 22 are vertically one above the other for the transport back and forth. For this purpose, however, the fixing elements for the plastic film 4 should be arranged correspondingly differently, so that the plastic film 4 can also be transported at least approximately flat in this case too.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing elements for the plastic film 4 in this embodiment variant are designed as spike pins 23 with an at least partially rounded surface. For example, in this case the spikes 23 can be designed as bolts which are rounded at least at one end in a hemispherical manner. Now has the plastic film 4 in its side areas corresponding recesses, which e.g. can be produced with the aid of a punching device, it is possible with this embodiment variant that the plastic film 4 is pushed onto the fixing elements, that is to say the spikes 23.

The advantage of this embodiment variant is that the plastic film 4 does not have to be pierced in this case and the spike can thus be carried out at lower temperatures.

3 further shows, the guide frame 43 for the single chain 21 on the Plastic film side facing a fixing element recess 45. This makes it possible to protect the fixing elements from overheating by the heating device 20, which is preferably arranged above the plastic film 4, as will be described below. The fixing element recess 45 is arranged in that part of the guide frame 43 which covers the fixing elements in the direction of the plastic film 4.

Since the majority of the single chain 21 is guided in the recess 44 of the guide frame 43, the guide frame 43 is further provided with a holding element recess 46. This makes it possible for holding elements 47, on which the spikes 23 are arranged, to be guided outwards in the direction of the spikes 23.

Since the heating device 20 is preferably arranged above the plastic film 4, it is possible to design the guide frame 43 on the side facing away from the plastic film 4 without fixing element cutouts 45.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the guide frame 43 is assigned a cooling device 48, for example on an upper end face 49 of the guide frame 43. With the aid of this cooling device 48, it is possible to protect the film transport device 19, in particular the guide frame 43 and the conveying and / or fixing rods, such as the single chain 21, from overheating due to the heat radiation from the heating device 20.

The cooling device 48 can be designed, for example, as a cooling duct 50 with an at least approximately rectangular cross section. Of course, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable, such as semicircular or the like. In any case, however, a contact surface 51 between the guide frame 43 and the cooling device 48 should be designed such that good heat transfer from the material of the guide frame 43 into a cooling medium 52 guided in the cooling channel 50 is possible . The surface of the contact surface 51 is preferably designed such that it reproduces the contours of the end face 49 and thus a large part of the contact surface 51 rests directly on the guide frame 43.

The guide frame 43 is preferably formed from a material which has good mechanical properties which are necessary for guiding the single chain 21 and in particular prevent deformation of the guide frame 43 due to the prevailing forces, such as steel, brass, copper or the like Material for the guide frame 43 also has good thermal conductivity for removing the heat entered in the guide frame 43. For example, water, a polyhydric alcohol, such as ethylene glycol or the like, can be used as the cooling medium 52.

The arrangement of the cooling device 48 is of course not limited to the embodiment variant of FIG. 3 of the film transport device 19, but rather such a cooling device 48 is attached to each of the embodiment variants described here and to all other conceivable embodiment variants of the film transport device 19 at a suitable location. In particular, each of the conveying and / or fixing strands of the film transport device 19 should be assigned its own cooling channel 50.

The distance between two spikes 23 of a single chain 21 can be in the range between 10 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 50 mm, and should preferably be chosen so that any distortions of the plastic film 4 between two spikes 23 are as small as possible are and it is possible, for example, that if the distance between two spikes 23 is chosen small, the maximum amplitude of the corrugation resulting from the heating of the plastic film 4 in the area of the spikes 23 can be kept low.

It is also possible for the fixing spikes 23 to be assigned further fixing devices, such as, for example, clamping devices, so that the plastic film 4 is pressed against the holding elements 47 of the single chain 21, as described in a representative manner in FIG. 3.

As indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3, various internals 53 can be arranged in the cooling channel 50. It can thus be achieved in the cooling channel 50 that the cooling medium 52 is swirled at least in some areas and an improved heat dissipation is possible due to the turbulent flow that arises. As is known, the laminar flow changes into turbulent flow from Reynolds numbers of approx. 2320.

The internals 53 can be designed, for example, as metal sheets extending over a partial region of the cross section of the cooling channel 50. It is of course also possible that the internals 53 can be designed in the form of surface irregularities in the interior of the cooling channel 50. Such internals 53 can of course be arranged in all the cooling circuits described in more detail below.

4 shows a further embodiment variant of the film transport device 19 is shown schematically simplified in section. The plastic film 4 is in turn fixed on spikes 23. In this embodiment variant, the spikes 23 can be range 54, 55 a spike holder 56 arranged, in particular be fixed. The mandrel holder 56 preferably consists of two mandrel holder parts 57, 58 which are movable relative to one another. The two mandrel holder parts 57, 58 can be designed, for example, as cylinders with any cross section, such as square, rectangular, circular or the like. A guide frame 43 can be arranged in the two side regions 54, 55 for guiding the spike holder 56.

To compensate for the width, which is necessary in particular when the plastic film 4 is heated and the thermal expansion achieved thereby, as will be described in more detail below, it is possible for the guide frame 43 to be arranged in the device 1 in a laterally adjustable manner. If the two spike mandrel holder parts 57, 58 are now biased against one another with the aid of a tensioning device 59, which can be designed, for example, as a spring, then the width of the film transport device 19 can be automatically corrected when the guide frame 43 is adjusted laterally. For this purpose, the two spike mandrel holder parts 57, 58 are designed such that they can be pushed into one another over a partial region of their length. If the two spike dome mounting parts 57, 58 move towards one another, then the tensioning device 59 is further tensioned, or if they move away from one another, the energy stored in the tensioning device 59 is used to automatically increase the width of the film transport device 19.

In order to avoid that the plastic film 4 rests on the entire length of the mandrel holder 56, the mandrel 23 can have spacing elements 60, e.g. Spacers or the like. Assigned, in particular attached to it. As a result, the plastic film 4 can only rest on the surface of the spacer elements 60 after the spikes have been made.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper part of the film transport device 19 is used to transport the plastic film 4 to the molding unit 12 and in the lower part the spike mandrel holders 56 are transported back for reloading with the plastic film 4. In order now to allow the spike mandrel holders 56 to be deflected in the start or end region 26, 33, there should be a corresponding distance between the spike mandrel holders 56. The deflection can take place with the aid of the guide frame 43, which can be designed in the form of a circular arc in the start region 26 or in the end region 33.

The forward transport of the mandrel holder 56 in the direction of the molding unit 12 can again take place, for example, with the aid of a single chain 21, which is preferably arranged between the upper and the lower mandrel holders 56, the Spike mandrel holders 56 can be fastened to the individual chain links 22 via holding means 61, for example via appropriately shaped webs or the like. A corresponding conveyor train drive 39 can be assigned to the single chain 21, as in the embodiment variants described above (not shown in FIG. 4).

5 shows the film transport device 19 in a three-dimensional view and schematically simplified.

The film transport device 19 comprises two spatially separate conveying and / or fixing strands for the plastic film 4, which in turn are designed as a single chain 21, for example. Each of these conveying and / or fixing strands is assigned its own conveying strand drive 39, for example a servo motor, in the starting area 26, each of which is followed by its own controller 40, for example a servo controller. As already mentioned, the two conveyor train drives 39 are in contact with one another only via an electrical connection, which can be effected, for example, via the two controllers 40. According to the technical designation, one of the conveyor train drives 39 is referred to as "master" and the second conveyor train drive 39 as "slave", which is intended to express that the "master" takes over the exact positioning of the plastic film 4 and the "slave" due to the electric wave traces the movement of the "master".

In the initial region 26, a width adjustment device 62 assigned to the film transport device 19 is shown in FIG. 5. With the aid of this width adjustment device 62, it is possible, on the one hand, to adjust the width of the film transport device 19 to different widths of different plastic films 4, or, on the other hand, to compensate for thermal expansions which arise due to the heating of the plastic film 4. The width adjustment device 62 can comprise, for example, a spindle 63, which makes it possible for the two conveying and / or fixing strands of the two film transport devices 19 to be movable relative to one another.

The width adjustment of the film transport device 19 can either be done manually, but preferably the width adjustment device 62 includes a width adjustment drive 64. If this width adjustment drive 64 is now connected to a centrally or decentrally arranged regulating and / or control device 38, it is possible to change the width of the film transport device 19 automatically preselect or readjust according to material-specific parameters and / or empirical values. The characteristic values required for this can be stored in a corresponding memory of the regulating and / or control device. In order to ensure that the plastic film 4 can be inserted at least approximately horizontally into the film transport device 19, it is possible for a film retention device 65 to be assigned to the starting area 26 (see FIG. 8). It can be achieved, especially when using already printed plastic films 4, that the print image is not distorted during shaping or that the weight tolerances of the finished plastic products can be kept low.

Since, as already mentioned, the film transport device 19 is assigned a heating device 20 in order to heat the plastic film 4 to a temperature level, which can be in the range between 60 ° C.-70 ° C., in order to facilitate the spiking or chipping of the plastic film 4 during the spike process (since the plastic film 4 is either brittle or flexible) can be used to prevent overheating in the film transport device 19 in an upper region 66, for example the cooling device 48 may be provided on the end face 49 of the guide frame 43 (see FIG. 3), and is therefore, with appropriate control, as will be explained in detail below, a

Temperature control of the plastic film 4 or the film transport device 19 possible to a certain temperature level. This temperature control can also achieve the advantage that the plastic film 4 becomes tough-elastic due to excessive heating and tears out in the side areas in the area of the spikes 23.

Since the dimensions of the plastic film 4 change due to the heating, it is possible to provide the film transport device 19 with a spread 67 for the width adjustment of the plastic film 4. It can thereby be achieved that the plastic film 4 does not sag due to the thermal expansion in the area between the two single chains 21, and it is thus possible to produce deep-drawn products of approximately the same quality, in particular approximately the same weight. This spread 67 can include a pneumatic cylinder. However, it is advantageous if, instead of the pneumatic cylinder, one of a spreading drive 68, e.g. a servo motor, driven expansion spindle 69 is used. It can thereby be achieved that the width of the film transport device 19 in the direction of the molding unit 12 preferably corresponds to the thermal expansion of the

Plastic film 4 steadily increased and thus the two single chains 21 no longer run parallel, but approximately conically to one another. The spread 67 is preferably arranged in the end region 33 of the film transport device 19.

FIG. 5 also shows the reading device 42, which can be designed, for example, as an optical sensor, with the aid of which it is possible to recognize printing marks 41 which have already been mentioned and which may be attached to the plastic film 4. The print marks 41 are preferred as a distance from each other on the plastic film 4, which corresponds to the film consumption per cycle in the molding unit 12.

To regulate or control the spread 67, an absolute measuring system 70 can be assigned to the spreading drive 68. This absolute measuring system 70 can comprise an absolute encoder, for example an incremental encoder, so that with the help of the central or decentralized regulating and / or control device 38, the respective absolute width between the single chains 21 and the number of revolutions and the number of the respective increment Conveying and / or flow lines can be determined.

The width adjustment of the conveyor and / or fixing strands can be based, for example, on the weight of the finished deep-drawn products or it is also possible that certain material-specific, theoretical values are also stored in the regulating and / or control device 38 and these are also taken into account in the width adjustment . In addition, it is also possible, particularly if a so-called PLC control system is used, for so-called empirical values, for example from previous productions, to be stored in the regulating and / or control device 38. This enables an exact spreading and thus the desired approximately horizontal guidance of the plastic film 4 through the device 1 with the aid of the combination of all relevant data. In addition, it is of course possible that, for example with the aid of optical sensors, sagging of the plastic film 4 in the region of the film transport device 19 can be detected, so that the width adjustment is subsequently increased and the plastic film 4 is again aligned approximately flat.

A light barrier can be used as the optical sensor, for example, when it is broken through, the width adjustment drive 64 and / or the spreading drive 68 can be started fully automatically. The light barrier is preferably arranged in an area within the film transport device 19 in which the maximum sag of the heated plastic film 4 is to be expected.

Of course, other sensors can also be used to detect the distance of the lowest point of the plastic film 4 from a horizontal reference plane, for example a plane defined by the spikes 23 and / or the temperature of the plastic film 4 and / or the voltage or the voltage applied to the plastic film 4 this underlying force in the direction of the conveying strands and / or the internal resistance of the plastic film 4 and / or the weight of the plastic film 4 or the finished plastic objects 2. Of course, it is also possible for a plurality of spreading spindles 69 to be arranged over the entire length of the film transport device 19, each of which can be connected to its own spreading drives 68 or else only to one spreading drive 68, or it is possible for each spreading drive 68 a separate absolute measuring system 70 is assigned.

In addition to the width adjustment with the aid of the width adjustment device 62 and / or the spread 67, it is possible that the length of the single chains 21, which is available for spiking the plastic film 4, is also regulated. For this purpose, at least a partial area of the length of the single chains 21 can be held in a height-adjustable manner relative to another partial area and it is thus possible, for example, to lower the single chain 21 in the initial area 26 in the direction of the contact surface 24 to such an extent that the spikes 23 of this part of the single chain 21 no longer engage in plastic film 4. In order to achieve this, a plurality of deflection devices 25 can be arranged over the entire length of the single chain 21 and these represent the starting point of the deflection of the part of the single chain 21 to be adjusted in relation to a reference plane formed by the spikes 23 of the remaining part of the single chains 21 not adjusted in height represents.

As already mentioned, of course, the entire film transport device 19, in particular the conveyor and / or fixing strands, which can be formed by single chains 21, can be designed to be height-adjustable in order to adapt to the particular circumstances in the molding unit 12. For this purpose, it is possible that, as shown in FIG. 5, a height adjustment device 71 is assigned to the film transport device 19. For automatic height adjustment, this height adjustment device 71 can in turn comprise a height adjustment drive 72, for example a servo motor, electric motor or the like, which in turn can be connected to the regulating and / or control device 38. Likewise, it is of course also possible to design the height adjustment device 71 for manual height adjustment or the height adjustment device 71 can be designed both for automatic and for manual adjustment of the height of the film transport device 19 with respect to the contact surface 24. As already mentioned, the height adjustment device 71 is preferably assigned a height adjustment spindle.

Although the height adjustment device 71 is shown in FIG. 5 in the end region 33 of the film transport device 19, it is of course possible that it can be located at any point on the film transport device 19.

It should not go unmentioned at this point that it is of course possible that one or Several, in particular each individual one of the measuring systems assigned to the device 1, are each assigned their own decentralized regulating and / or control device 38. It is also possible, of course, for several control and / or control systems to be connected to one another, so that an automatic adaptation of the respective operating parameters to optimal production conditions is possible automatically and approximately at the same time, or several sensors can be operated with only a single control and / or control device 38.

6 and 7 is schematically simplified and the heating device 20 is shown in section. With the aid of this heating device 20, the aim is to ensure that the plastic film 4 has a temperature adapted to the material used in each case, thus facilitating the shaping and also the spiking, and as a result the amount of rejects produced is reduced. As already mentioned, appropriate tempering of the plastic film 4 is particularly helpful in the area of the spikes, since chipping 4 can be avoided when using a plastic film that is brittle when cold. As a result, however, it is also possible to reduce the total dust accumulation during the production process, and the maintenance intervals of the device 1 or subsequent devices, such as the printing device 17 for printing on the plastic objects 2, can be extended. On the other hand, it is also possible that when using plastic films 4 which are in the cold state, i.e. at approximately room temperature, have a high elasticity, the spiking is facilitated and warpage of the plastic film 4 between the individual spikes 23 is reduced.

In addition to the advantage of easier spiking of the plastic film 4, the arrangement of a spike heater, for example a heating cartridge in the start area 26 of the film transport device 19, can shorten the number of cycles during the start-up phase of the device 1 and thus, for example, after 10 to 20 start-up cycles, optimal production conditions already prevail . This in turn can reduce the amount of rejects produced.

To make it easier to spike the plastic film 4, it has proven advantageous if the edge region of the guide frame 43 of the film transport device 19 facing the plastic film 4 is designed to be open (see, for example, FIG. 2), that is to say that the spike pins 23 are in the radiation area of the heating device 20 are arranged. Thus, the spikes 23 can have a higher temperature than the room temperature.

As can be seen from the side view in FIG. 6c, the heating device 20 can comprise an upper heater 73 and / or a lower heater 74. Both the upper heater 73 and the Underheater 74 can be divided into several areas over their entire length, it being possible in particular to combine so-called transverse heaters 75 with longitudinal heaters 76. A combination of transverse heating 75, longitudinal heating 76, transverse heating 75 can preferably be used, the sequence of the transverse or longitudinal heating 75, 76 being related in the direction of the molding unit 12. Such a combination of transverse and longitudinal heating 75, 76 can advantageously be achieved that so-called cooling plates in the region of the molding unit 12, as are usually used in devices 1 known from the prior art, can be saved under certain circumstances .

As further shown in FIG. 7, the heating device 20 comprises a plurality of radiators 77, it being possible for such radiators 77 to be equipped with both upper and lower heating 73, 74 or transverse and / or longitudinal heating 75, 76. The heating elements 77 can be designed as resistance heating elements and can comprise a radiation element 78 for emitting infrared radiation. These radiation bodies 78 can in turn now be formed from a ceramic material, but radiation bodies 78 made of metal, e.g. Steel, copper, brass or the like are used, with which e.g. a heating up time of approx. 12 sec. - 24 sec. can be achieved.

In order to achieve an optimal temperature radiation on the plastic film 4 guided between the upper heater 73 and the lower heater 74, the radiation bodies 78 or the heater bodies 77 can have a curved surface. Radiation bodies 78 are preferably used which have a concavely curved surface with respect to the plastic film 4 (see FIG. 7).

For example, radiators 77 can be used which have a maximum surface temperature in the range from 500 ° C to 700 ° C, preferably 595 ° C and a maximum output in

Have a range of 1 W / cm 2 and 5 W / cm 2, preferably 3 W / cm 2. The resistance heating element can be formed, for example, by a nickel-chrome resistance wire and this is preferably surrounded on the side facing away from the plastic film 4 by thermal insulation, whereby the advantage can be achieved that the heat radiation in the direction away from the plastic film 4 is reduced .

A plurality of radiation elements 78 or heating elements 77 are preferably combined into groups, which can be arranged in a support frame or housing made of, for example, aluminum / steel. Connections for energy supply to the entire group can be assigned to these groups, for example. The radiators 77 can have a width that is in the range of 25 mm and 914 mm and a length that is in the range of 152 mm and 1778 mm. As a result, an excess of heat radiation in the range from approximately 38 cm 2 to 5580 cm 2 can be provided.

This large range of variation with respect to the length and the width of the heating elements 77 enables a good individual adaptation to the respective requirements in the device 1.

The described design of the radiation bodies 78 makes it possible for the distance between the individual radiation bodies 78 to be reduced, so that an approximately uniform temperature distribution can subsequently be achieved in the plastic film 4. The distance between the individual radiators 77 can be approximately 0.5 mm.

Of course, it is also possible that the radiators 77 are at least partially flat (see e.g. Fig. 7 on the right).

A distance 79 of the radiators 77 from the surface of the plastic film 4 should be chosen so that the radiators 77 are arranged as close as possible above or below the plastic film 4, whereby an optimal radiation of the heat in the direction of the plastic film 4 can be achieved , and on the other hand, however, should be removed as far as necessary from the surface of the plastic film 4, since the risk of "imaging" of the radiator on the plastic film 4, which would result in an uneven temperature distribution in the plastic film 4, can be counteracted.

In order to enable an optimal adaptation of the heating device 20 with respect to the plastic film 4, the individual parts or the entire heating device 20 can be adjustably supported on a carrier stage 80. An adjustment of the heating device 20 along the three main axes of the room is preferably possible. For example, the upper heater 73 and / or lower heater 74 can be moved towards or away from the plastic film 4 with the aid of pneumatic cylinders. On the other hand, it is possible for the heating device 20 to be adjustable in height by means of, for example, four spindles. The height adjustability of the heating device 20 can be, for example, in the range from 20 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. The upper heater 73 and the lower heater 74 are preferably adjustable in height independently of one another, since differences between the lower heater 74 and the upper heater 73 which arise due to the thermal dynamics (warm air rises upwards) can thus be compensated for, and is therefore a more uniform one To achieve temperature profile in the plastic film 4. In addition to the height adjustment, the heating device 20 or individual parts thereof can be adjustable both in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction. The guidance or support can take place with the help of ball bearings and the attachment with so-called clamping levers, which enables a quick and precise adjustment of the heating device 20 in the plane parallel to the plastic film 4.

The height can be adjusted centrally or decentrally.

With the help of the transverse heater 75, it is possible, in particular when one or more of the rows of radiators 77 can be controlled individually, that the length of the heating device 20 can be made variable. This makes it possible to optimally adapt the operating parameters to the plastic material used.

In addition to the division of the heating device 20 already described, it can also be divided into a preheater 81 and a main heater 82 (see FIG. 8). The preheater 81 can be arranged separately from the main heater 82 in the device 1, but it is also possible for the two heating parts to be connected to one another. However, the preheater 81 and the main heater 82 are preferably held separately from one another in the three main directions of the room and can be adjusted in the carrier stage 80, and thus a better temperature distribution in the plastic film 4 and consequently a better cycle time can be achieved.

Instead of the preheating 81, the roller holder 5 or a transport roller arranged downstream of it can also be provided with a heating device, for example a transport or guide roller with which the plastic film 4 can be fed to the film transport device 19.

The individual radiators 77 can be regulated, for example, by resistance thermometers, for example Pt100, installed in these radiators 77, it being possible for a plurality of these temperature sensors to be distributed over the entire heating device 20 and to be connected to the regulating and / or control device 38.

Furthermore, it is possible for the cavities corresponding to the respective tool in the molding unit 12 or the parts of the plastic film 4 assigned to them to be monitored for a more precise temperature control, for example with their own cavity temperature sensors. It is also possible that the temperature distribution of the individual cavities on a visual output device assigned to the device 1, for example an image screen, in particular a touch-sensitive screen, and this makes it possible to monitor the actual temperatures by the operating personnel or, if the temperature control is not carried out fully automatically, appropriate actions can be taken by the operating personnel. The control can also be carried out in such a way that optimum values can be set for different cycle numbers and different heating outputs, or the heating device 20 can be connected to an optimization control. This adaptive controller can, for example, use values stored in data memories with regard to material, cycle time etc.

Although preheating is not necessary for some plastic materials, such as polystyrene, however, the use of these can reduce the cycle time in these cases.

The temperature of the heating device 20 can be controlled to within +/- 1 ° C.

Furthermore, it is possible that the plastic film 4 in the area of the preheating 81 is not guided by the film transport device 19, but that the spike is only carried out between the preheating 81 and the main heating 82. For this purpose, a restraint system 83 which has already been mentioned can be arranged in the device 1, as can be seen, for example, from FIG. 8. It can thus be achieved that the plastic film 4 is subjected to a tensile force in the area between the initial area 26 and the spike, i.e. essentially in the area of the preheating 81, such that sagging of the plastic film 4 and thus the danger of the plastic film 4 fitting on the underheater 74 of the preheater 81 can be avoided. This restraint system 83 can include two restraint drives 84, 85, for example servomotors, which can be connected to restraint servo controllers 86, 87. It is thus possible for the restraint drive 85, which can be arranged between the preheater 81 and the main heater 82, to be started for transporting the plastic film 4 in accordance with the cycle time, and for the restraint drive 84 arranged in the initial region 26 to follow the first restraint drive 85 follows. The regulation or control of the two restraint drives 84, 85 or restraint servo regulators 86, 87 can in turn take place with the aforementioned central or decentralized regulating and / or control devices 38, with, as already mentioned, between the roller holder 5 and the Device 1 formed the loop 9 of the plastic film 4 and its length can be measured with the measuring system 8, for example with the aid of light barriers. The length of the loop 9 can additionally be used to regulate the restraint drives 84, 85, or it is possible, as already mentioned, to control a drive assigned to the roll holder 5. A separate roller system 88 with at least one driven roller 89 can be assigned to each of the two retention drives 84, 85. The two restraint drives 84, 85 are preferably connected to one another only via an electrical shaft.

In particular, e.g. A tensile force constantly exerted on the plastic film 4 can be set by measuring the torque of a restraint drive 84, the current consumption or the like.

As a result, after appropriate heating and according to the respective cycle time, the plastic film 4 reaches the area of the molding unit 12 schematically shown in FIG. 9 with the aid of the film transport device 19. As can be seen from this figure, the molding unit 12 comprises a so-called upper bridge 90 and lower bridge 91. Both the upper bridge 90 and the lower bridge 91 each comprise parts of the molding tool required for the shaping.

The upper bridge 90 is fastened in a support frame 92 in such a way that, for example, with the aid of at least one drive 93, e.g. of a servo motor, an electric motor or the like, is height adjustable, with which differences in height which result from different tools or tool inserts can be compensated for. Of course, it is also possible that the upper bridge 90 is manually adjustable. For height adjustment, the upper bridge 90 can e.g. to include a chain.

The carrier frame 92 can be designed as a continuation of the carrier stage 80, but it is of course also possible for the carrier frame 92 to be arranged as an independent component in the device 1.

The film part to be processed can be clamped between the upper bridge 90 (see FIG. 10) and the lower bridges 91 with the aid of a hold-down device 94. This is intended to ensure that the respective film part, which is required for the plastic article 2 to be manufactured, is held almost wrinkle-free between the tools of the upper bridge 90 and the lower bridge 91. The hold-down device 94 can consist of a metal plate which can have cutouts which can correspond approximately to the outer circumference of the plastic objects 2 to be produced. Of course, it is possible for the hold-down device 94 to have several of these cutouts corresponding to the number of plastic objects 2 to be manufactured. On the other hand, it is also possible for the hold-down device 94 to be designed as a metal frame which has approximately the circumference of the entire tool in the lower bridge 91. This means that the device 1 can be individually adapted to a wide variety of plastics. fabric objects 2 with different dimensions possible without the additional changing of the hold-down 94. The hold-down device 94 can be designed as part of the tool of the upper bridge 90 or as a completely independent component of the molding assembly 12. The hold-down device 94 is acted upon by the hold-down air from, for example, a proportional valve 95, whereby the hold-down device 94 is moved in the direction of the lower bridge 91 and the plastic film 4 is subsequently pressed against the lower bridge 91. For energy supply, in particular for supplying compressed air to the proportional valve 95 or for pressurizing the hold-down device 94 with compressed air, corresponding lines 96 for guiding a suitable pressure medium, such as compressed air, may be present in the upper bridge 90.

As soon as the plastic film 4 is fixed in this way in the molding unit 12 and the upper bridge 90 bears against the lower bridge 91, a pre-stretcher 97 is moved in the direction of the lower bridge tool 98. This ensures that the plastic film 4 is preformed to a certain degree. A pneumatic cylinder can be assigned to the pre-stretcher 97, which can be arranged on the upper bridge 90 and by means of which the pre-stretcher 97 can be moved in said direction. To limit a stroke 99 of the pre-stretcher 97, the latter can be equipped with an upper and lower stop 100, 101.

Furthermore, the pre-stretcher 97 can be assigned a measuring system, in particular an absolute encoder 102, by means of which the exact respective height of the pre-stretcher 97 within the stroke 99 can be determined. This height can then be displayed on a screen. With this absolute encoder 102, which can be designed as an incremental encoder, for example, unintentional destruction of the device 1 can be avoided. For example, it is possible, on the basis of the respective measurement data, to prevent the lower bridge 91 from its shaping position 103 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 9) into one

Ejection position 104 moves as long as the pre-stretcher 97 is extended. In addition, a visual display, e.g. a screen 105, a runtime display of the movement or it is possible that the stroke 99 of the pre-stretcher 97 can be changed by remote control, and an optional manual adjustment of the stroke 99 of the pre-stretcher 97 can be avoided. The runtime display shows e.g. an optimization of the control and / or control process possible.

A pre-stretcher drive 106, for example a servo motor, can be assigned to drive the pre-stretcher 97.

To support the shaping of the plastic film 4, during or after the movement of the pre-stretcher 97 in the direction of the plastic film 4, it can be coated with a pressure medium, for example Compressed air. For this purpose, a pressure valve 107, for example a compressed air valve, preferably a proportional valve, can be arranged in the region of the upper bridge 90, with the aid of which the pressure medium is blown into a cavity 108, in which the pre-stretcher 97 can extend. The pressure valve 107 can also be used, for example, to supply molding air with which the plastic film 4 is pressed into the lower bridge tool 98 for the final shaping. The molding air used is under a higher pressure than the optionally used compressed air for pre-forming.

The start of the supply of the shaped air can take place during the downward movement of the pre-stretcher 97 and / or after reaching the lower end position of the pre-stretcher 97. The blowing in of the shaped air can take place via the absolute encoder 102, with the aid of which the respective position of the pre-stretcher 97 can be determined.

In order to supply the pressure medium, in particular the molding air, 2 inflow openings can be provided in the area of the pre-stretcher 97 or in the area of an opening of the preform from the plastic film 4 in the direction of the cavity of the plastic object to be produced. Via these inflow openings, the pressure medium can also be added, with the aid of which the pre-deformation of the plastic film 4 can be facilitated during the downward movement of the pre-stretcher 97. These inflow openings can be connected to pressure lines 109 which e.g. can be arranged in the upper bridge 90. In the course of

A further pressure valve 110, for example a proportional valve, can be arranged in pressure lines 109. This pressure valve 110 can be connected to a throttle valve, for example. Of course, it is possible that the proportional valve 95 in the area of the pre-stretcher 97 and / or the pressure valve 110 are connected to the regulating and / or control device 38 or that each of these valves is assigned its own regulating and / or control device 38 . On the other hand, these two valves can of course also be connected to only a single regulating and / or control device 38. A valve block can also be used instead of individual valves.

Furthermore, it is possible that only a single supply line for the pressure medium is provided for supplying the upper bridge 90 with pressure medium and that the line 96 or the pressure line 109 branch off from this supply line. Said valves can be provided at a corresponding point.

The upper bridge 90 can further comprise a cutting device 111, for example a cutting plate, by means of which the finished molded plastic objects 2 can be separated from the rest of the plastic film 4, in particular punched out. It is possible that the upper bridge 90 performs a short downward movement in the direction of the lower bridge 91, as a result of which the plastic objects 2 are separated from the remaining so-called lead frame due to the forces transmitted, in particular the shear forces. However, the molding unit 12 is preferably designed such that the upper bridge 90 is held motionless in the support frame 92 substantially during the production process and the objects to separate the plastic 2 from the lead frame, the lower bridge 91 performs a short upward stroke in the direction of the upper bridge 90.

The punching force can e.g. in the order of about 1 1 to 100 1, preferably in the range between 20 1 to 40 t.

By designing said valves as, in particular, analog proportional valves, short switching times can advantageously be achieved and the correct ventilation can thus be carried out during the production process. This means that the cycle time of the production process can be increased.

In addition to the two-pressure process described above, it is also possible to carry out the shaping of the plastic objects 2 using a so-called double ventilation process. For this purpose, the pressure medium, which is supplied to the cavity 108 assigned to it in support of the pre-deformation during the downward movement of the pre-stretcher 97, can be removed from this cavity 108 after the pre-deformation, and subsequently additional pressure medium with higher pressure for the final deformation of the plastic film 4 can be fed again. Additional cooling of the lower bridge tool 98 or the corresponding tool parts of the upper bridge 90 can thus advantageously be achieved. Instead of proportional valves, slide valves, diaphragm valves or the like can also be used.

When using a slide valve, it is possible to control it proportionally via an electrical signal.

In order to reduce the noise development of the device 1, silencers can be provided in those areas to which pressure medium, in particular compressed air, or in which the pressure medium is conveyed. In addition to the variant of the arrangement of individual silencers, a central silencer device can be assigned to the device 1 at a corresponding point.

In addition, it should be noted at this point that it is considered to reduce the noise level It proves advantageous if the device 1 is at least partially surrounded by protective sheeting. This protective shoring can, for example, be made of plastic elements, such as so-called GRP plastics. Of course, it is possible that instead of these plastics, the protective shoring is at least partially formed by various sheet metal elements. It proves to be advantageous if the protective lining is made at least in regions from a transparent material, for example a transparent plastic, which allows an unobstructed view of the device 1 during the production process and thus a control of the production process by the operating personnel.

The upper bridge 90 can also be assigned its own drive for adjusting the cut.

It proves to be advantageous if a measuring system for cutting monitoring, for example a rotary wheel, is assigned to this drive.

The lower bridge 91 of the molding assembly 12 includes the lower bridge tool 98. In order to form a desired plastic object 2, at least one, preferably a plurality of cavities 112 are arranged in the lower bridge tool 98. So-called mold inserts 113 can subsequently be inserted into these cavities 112, so that the resulting cavity 112 has the shape of the plastic object 2 to be produced. Furthermore, the under-bridge tool 98 can have individually movably mounted parts, so that, for example, if part of the bottom of the under-bridge tool 98 is mounted with adjustable height, plastic objects 2 with so-called hollow floors can be produced. The lower bridge tool 98 can be mounted interchangeably in a molding table 114, the latter preferably being vertically adjustable and being pivotably mounted in the support frame 92 with respect to the vertical plane. In order to achieve this height adjustability and the pivotability, the shaped table 114 can be held on at least one shaft 115, to which a toggle lever system 116 is connected (see FIG. 9). With the help of this toggle lever system 116, it is possible to adjust the forming table 114 in the vertical direction. A separate shaft 115 is preferably assigned to the two side walls of the molding table 114 facing the carrier frame 92, wherein these two shafts 115 can be guided or held in the carrier frame 92. With this arrangement of the shafts 115, it is possible to pivot the shape table 114 with respect to a vertical reference plane.

As a drive for the toggle lever system 116, in particular for the lifting movement, a servo geared motor 117, for example, can be arranged in the end region 33 of the device 1, with which it is possible to achieve a certain flexibility with regard to downtimes. Of course, it is possible that other drive devices, such as, for example, a three-phase motor with frequency converter or the like, are provided instead of the servo geared motor 117. can be seen. A controller, in particular a servo controller, can be assigned to the servo geared motor 117, so that it is possible to set different speeds of the servo geared motor. For example, it is thus possible to adapt the speed of the movement of the shaping table 114 to the respective production status, such as, for example, shaping, punching, lowering, ejecting, starting up, etc.

The servo geared motor 117 is preferably connected via at least one toothed belt 118 to a drive shaft 119 on which at least one link, e.g. a cam 120 is attached. Three cam disks 120 are preferably used for the lifting movement, of which two cam disks 120 can serve for the upward movement and one cam disk 120 for the downward movement of the shaping table 114. The toggle lever system 116 stands over at least one transmission device 121, e.g. a role with which the cam disc (s) 120 are connected, with a particularly pre-tensionable energy storage device 122, e.g. a spring device, permanent contact of the transmission device (s) 121 with the cam disk (s) 120 can be ensured.

In order to be able to perform the pivoting movement of the molding table 114, it can be carried out in at least one link guide 123, e.g. a backdrop plate. The swiveling movement can be initiated e.g. by a pneumatic cylinder 124, it being possible to ensure with the aid of the regulating and / or control device 38 that the pivoting movement only begins when the mold table has been moved downwards by a certain amount in the direction of the contact surface 24 of the device 1 or , it is possible to guide the guide 123, ie the corresponding recesses in it so that the forming table 114 first performs a vertical movement and then the remaining lifting and pivoting movement. Due to the design of the link guide 123, it is possible to move the molding table 114 out of the vertical plane, i.e. an angle between 45 ° and 90 °, preferably 70 ° to 80 °. to pivot out of the shaping position 103 into the ejection position 104, so that the finished plastic objects 2 can subsequently be ejected from the lower bridge tool 98.

In order to be able to absorb peak loads that occur due to the forces or torques prevailing during the movement, a spring arrangement 125, e.g. Spring system, be arranged, the spring is biased during the downward movement of the molding table 114, and the energy stored in the spring can be released again during the upward movement.

Of course, it is also possible that with the help of a single cam 120 both the lifting and swiveling movement is carried out and the swiveling movement is supported with the aid of a pressure medium, for example compressed air.

In the area of the toggle lever system 116, e.g. a further spring device 126 can be provided, with which it can be prevented that, when the toggle lever system 116 is fully stretched, it swings beyond the extended position due to vibrations. This spring device 126 can be assigned to one of the two actuating levers of the toggle lever system 116, preferably the lower one.

With the help of the individual spring systems it is also possible to change or dampen the vibration behavior of the molding unit 12 to such an extent that the molding unit 12 cannot lift off the contact surface 24 due to the cyclical movements.

Furthermore, it is possible for the molding unit 12 to be fastened separately on its own oscillating feet 127 in the support frame 92, as a result of which peak impacts which may arise from production are damped and the overall vibration behavior of the device 1 can thus be changed. The advantage here is that the shocks caused by the device 1 during the production process are not entirely transmitted into the frame, in particular the carrier frame 92 and / or the carrier stage 80. The oscillating feet 127 can be designed as oscillating metal elements.

11 shows a schematic representation of a detail of the toggle lever system 116.

In the device 1 according to the invention, two toggle levers 128, preferably one each between the forming table 114 and the support frame 92, can be arranged, that is to say in the left and right part of the device 1, respectively. Each of these toggle levers 128 preferably comprises several, in particular two, adjusting levers 129, e.g. a rocking lever 130 and a pressure lever 131. The two adjusting levers 129 are preferably rotatably connected to one another in a region 132, so that the molding table 114 can be moved from the shaping position 103 already mentioned and not shown in FIG. 11 to the ejection position 104. For this purpose, the rocking lever 130 can also be rotatably mounted on the molding table 114, the connection between the rocking lever 130 and the molding table 114 being able to take place via a shaft. This shaft is preferably arranged in the molding table area 133.

The pressure lever 131 is preferably connected in a region 134 to a movement transmission member 135, for example a thrust plate 136, via a pin 137. This movement transmission member 135 is in turn connected to an articulated connection 138 Push rod 139 connected to which, for example, a spring arrangement 140 of the spring arrangement 125 can be attached. The push rod 139 can be guided through a corresponding recess 141, for example a bore, in the carrier frame 92, the spring arrangement 140 abutting in the region of the recess 141 in the carrier frame 92. Appropriate movement-resistant connections of the spring arrangement 140 to the push rod 139 make it possible for the spring arrangement 140 to be pretensioned by the transmission of the movement of the shaping table 114, in particular if the toggle lever 128 is moved from its extended position into the angled position and can consequently, the energy stored in the spring arrangement 140 can be used to bring the toggle lever 128 back into an extended position. In addition, the spring arrangement 140 can act as a vibration damping member. This spring arrangement 140 can also be used to brake the pivoting movement.

As already mentioned, in the device 1 according to the invention the main forces can be partially transmitted pneumatically, e.g. with the help of the pneumatic cylinder 124, which is jointly responsible for the oscillating movement of the forming table 114 (see FIG. 9). With the help of the scenes, e.g. of the cam plates 120 and / or of the link guides 123, in particular the link plates, synchronization of the shaping table 114 can be achieved. It is advantageous if the oscillating movement of the shaping table 114 begins at a point in time when the lifting movement has been carried out completely or shortly before, since this can and does achieve a reduction in the mechanical load on the device 1, in particular the drive of the toggle lever system 116 with it, for example possible to use the main drive, which can be formed for example by the servo geared motor 117, only for the lifting movement of the molding table 114. For this purpose, as already mentioned, the main drive can be connected to the drive shaft 119 via a toothed belt 118, on which the linkages, in particular the cam disks 120, can be held in a non-moving manner. Of course, it is also possible that, if the link guides 123 are designed accordingly, in particular at low speeds or during the downward movement, the moments can be transmitted and the pivoting movement can thus be carried out with the aid of the main drive.

The pneumatic cylinder 124 is preferably arranged in the area of the drive of the lower bridge 91, in particular in the area of the molding table 114.

With the help of the oscillation and / or damping elements arranged in the device 1, in particular the spring arrangement 125, the spring arrangement 140 and the oscillating feet 127, it is possible to effectively prevent the device 1 from jumping during production operation, since the shocks which occur do not occur entirely the drive shaft 119 are transmitted. However, it is also advantageous that less vibrations can occur due to the small masses moved and that peak loads can be absorbed by the spring arrangement 140, as a result of which the toggle lever 128 can be relieved.

It is also possible to use the moment of inertia of the drive to brake the movement.

It is also advantageous in the device 1 according to the invention that the drive acts directly on the drive shaft 119, on which the cam disks 120 are attached, and thus a direct transmission of the forces to the toggle lever 128 is possible, and thus on the arrangement of tabs for transmission of motion, as are known for example from DE 33 46 628 C2, can be dispensed with.

A spring device 142 can be assigned to the molding unit 12 for vibration damping.

In order to be able to achieve an optimal transmission of movement, it is possible that 128 transmission members 143, e.g. Wheels, disks or the like. Are arranged. So that these transmission elements 143 are in constant contact with the toggle lever 128, for example in the area 134 and the cam plate 120, they can be assigned, for example, a rubber spring (see, for example, FIG. 9) and, consequently, these transmission elements 143 can not only be rotatably but also displaceably mounted his.

As already mentioned, the device 1 preferably comprises a plurality of scenes, in particular cam disks 120. It is advantageous if two cam disks 120 are used for the upward stroke and one cam disk 120 for the downward stroke of the shaping table 114, because during the upward stroke, in particular because of the punching stroke the mechanical load on the cam disks 120 is greater. The cam disks 120 can be connected to the toggle lever 128 via the transmission members 143 in the area 134 and / or in the height area of the movement transmission member 135.

If a drive for executing the lifting movement and a drive for executing the pivoting movement of the molding table 114 are arranged in the device 1, it is possible that, for example, the servo geared motor 117 acts directly on the cuvette disc (s) 120 on the drive shaft 119 or act and the valves for the pneumatic cylinder 124 are controlled via one of these switching transmitters, the control of the valves tile can also take place via data stored in the regulating and / or control device 38. Of course, it is possible to combine the switch encoder and this so-called PLC control with each other.

In order to be able to shorten the response times of the pneumatic cylinders 124 or the time of the pivoting movement of the molding table 114, storage devices, e.g. Wind boiler, be assigned so that a corresponding volume of pressure medium, e.g. Compressed air, can be provided. End position damping or damping elements can also be arranged in the pneumatic cylinder (s) 124.

With the aid of the damping members, in particular the spring arrangement 140 and the spring devices 142, not only can the torque peaks advantageously be reduced, but they can also be used to support the acceleration of the movement, so that the drive or the drives can be dimensioned smaller overall.

The scenes, in particular the scenery guides 123 are preferably designed in this way, in particular the recesses arranged therein, in which pins associated with the forming table 114 can be guided, that - as can be seen in FIG. 9 - a scenery guide area 144 during the lifting movement of the Molding table 114 is in engagement with them or the guide in the slide guide sub-area 145 is used exclusively for the pivoting movement of the molding table 114.

FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically show an embodiment variant of the movement transmission device for moving the shaping table 114. Instead of the toggle lever system 116 described above, it is possible to use a so-called toothed segment arrangement 146, the latter preferably consisting of a toothed segment plate 147 with teeth 148 distributed over at least a partial area of its circumference. These teeth 148 can be of any design, for example triangular and / or with rounded tips or the like. Furthermore, the toothed segment arrangement 146 comprises a guide device 149, which e.g. can be designed as a connecting rod 150. This connecting rod 150 is rotatably connected at one end to the toothed segment plate 147 and at its other end via a connecting rod pin 151 in a link shown in Fig. 13, in particular the link guide 123, e.g. a backdrop plate.

To guide the connecting rod 150, the link guide 123 has at least one recess 152, the latter being designed in such a way that both the swiveling and the lifting movement of the molding table 114 are made possible. The recess 152 has an area for this purpose with which initially only the lifting movement of the forming table 114 is carried out and the pivoting movement is advantageously only carried out when the lifting movement has been completed, so that the transmitted forces or moments can be kept low. Of course, it is also possible with this variant that the setting is designed in such a way that a simultaneous lifting and swiveling movement of the molding table 114 can optionally be carried out after an initial lifting movement of the molding table 114.

To illustrate the course of movement, two stages of the movement are shown in FIG.

It is advantageous in this embodiment variant of the motion transmission device that fewer mechanical parts are required to transmit the motion and that the toothed segment arrangement 146 can be located in side cheeks 153, 154 of the carrier frame 92 of the device, which is partially shown in FIG. 12. As further shown in FIG. 12, such a toothed segment arrangement 146 can be arranged in the left as well as in the right part of the carrier frame 92 with respect to the film transport direction 19.

Of course, it is possible for the toothed segment arrangement 146 to be arranged at any suitable location on the device 1. However, the arrangement between the side walls 153 and 154 offers the advantage of the small space requirement, so that the device 1 as a whole can be made more compact and manageable, as a result of which the entire rear structure, e.g. 9 is no longer necessary for the arrangement of the cam disks 120.

The toothed segment plate 147 can, as shown in FIG. 13, be formed as part of a ring, and of course it is also possible to design it as a segment of a disk or in another suitable form.

As can be seen from FIG. 12, the connecting rod 150 can be rotatably connected to the shaping table 114 via the connecting rod pin 151, so that the shaping table 114 can carry out a movement of the type corresponding to the recess 152 due to the guiding of the connecting rod pin 151 in the link guide 123.

The link guide 123 can be connected to the support frame 92, as is, of course, also possible in the above embodiment of the motion transmission device. Again, an electric motor can be used for the drive, wherein a drive device 155 with an at least partially toothed surface, for example a toothed wheel or the like, can be arranged in the region of the toothed segment plate 147 for transmitting power on the drive shaft 119. In this way it is possible for the teeth of the drive device 155 to engage with the teeth 148 of the toothed segment plate 147 and, for example, a circular movement with one another is possible.

In contrast to the variant of the toggle lever system 116, in which the cam disks 120 can make a full rotation through 360 °, and it is thus possible to operate the drive in one direction of rotation, the drive segment must alternate due to the formation of the toothed segment arrangement 146 as a segment 13 in both directions of rotation, so that the toothed segment plate 147 can be moved in accordance with a double arrow 156 in FIG. 13 and the molding table 114 can be moved again from the shaping position 103 described in the previous figures via the eject position 104 into the shaping position 103.

To support the weight forces transmitted from the forming table 114 to the connecting rod 150, at least one support device 157 can be arranged in the connecting region of the connecting rod 150 with the toothed segment plate 147, the connection of the latter via a connecting pin 158, with which the connecting rod 150 is also connected to the toothed segment plate 147 can be manufactured.

At least one, preferably several, ejectors 159 can be assigned to the forming table 114, as shown in FIG. 14. The ejector 159 can include a valve rod 160, which can be guided in a pressure medium cylinder 161. The pressure medium cylinder 161 is preferably arranged on a lower side 162 of the molding table 114, so that the valve rod 160 can be moved through the molding cavity of the lower bridge tool 98 in the direction of an upper side 163. As further shown in FIG. 14, a stacking device 164 can be assigned to the molding table 114, in particular arranged downstream, so that the finished plastic objects 2 can be transferred from the molding cavity of the molding table 114 in its eject position 104 to the stacking device 164. This stacking device 164 can be arranged on the molding table 114 in the ejection position 104 and have guide means 165 for receiving the plastic objects 2. This guide means 165 are preferably associated with devices 166, for example clamping rails, catches or the like, which, after pushing on the plastic objects 2, are intended to prevent the latter from sliding out of the guide means 165 in the direction of the forming table 114. Each mold cavity of the molding table 114 is preferably assigned its own guide means 165 and these guide means in a stacking device starting area 167 preferably have an inclination with respect to the contact surface 24, which can correspond at least approximately to the inclination of the molding table 114 in its eject position 104.

The height of the ejector stroke of the valve rod 160 can preferably be set variably, so that plastic objects 2 of different depths can be ejected therewith.

Preferably, throttle valves with an absolute measuring system, e.g. an absolute encoder 102. This enables reproducible remote adjustment of the ejector speed even during operation. A separate servo motor can be assigned to these so-called motor chokes. With the help of the remotely controllable throttle valves, it is possible to regulate the pressure medium volume supplied to the pressure medium cylinder (s).

To monitor and safeguard the ejector movement of the pressure medium cylinder (s), one, preferably each, can be assigned its own absolute measuring system 70. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to analyze and compare the movements of the valve rod 160, and, on the other hand, if the ejector 159 or the ejector 159 malfunctions, a quick stop can thus be carried out, thus effectively counteracting the destruction of parts of the molding assembly 12. For example, can thus be prevented that when the ejector 159 is extended, i.e. When the valve rod 160 is extended, the molding table 114 is moved from its ejection position 104 into its shaping position 103 (see FIG. 9), which would result in the tool part in the upper bridge 90 being destroyed.

A separate ejector 159 is preferably assigned to each mold cavity.

Furthermore, the ejector system can be equipped with runtime monitoring, preferably in real time, so that simultaneous monitoring via e.g. visual output device associated with the regulating and / or control device 38, e.g. a screen, in particular a touch-sensitive screen is possible. With the help of this ejector 159 it is achieved that the finished and solidified plastic objects 2 can be ejected from the lower bridge tool 98. For this it is possible that a valve rod 160, driven by a pressure medium cylinder 161, e.g. an air cylinder or the like, at

Pressurization from the underside 162 of the molding table 114 extends in the direction of the mold cavities and at least part of the bottoms of the mold cavities in the direction of the top 163 of the molding table 114 moves. As a result, the respective plastic objects 2 can be detached from the mold cavity, and these can subsequently be transferred, for example, to a stacking device 164.

In order to prevent the plastic objects 2 from being ejected prematurely, it is possible for a vacuum to be present in at least a partial region of the cavities 112 during the pivoting movement of the molding table 114, as a result of which the plastic objects 2 can be held in place until they are ejected. For this purpose, at least one device for generating a negative pressure, e.g. a vacuum pump can be assigned. The plastic objects 2 can, for example, be held in place in the region of the mold cavity bottom and / or in the region of the mold cavity side walls by means of a negative pressure generated.

As shown in FIG. 14, the guide means 165 can be designed such that it is guided after the stacking device start region 167, for example parallel to the contact surface 24.

The stacking device can also be assigned at least one counting device 168 for counting the plastic objects 2 guided on the guide means 165. Instead of the counting device 168, it is of course possible to calculate the number of plastic objects 2, for example via the weight that is loaded on the guide means 165, or optical sensors are also conceivable with which the number of plastic objects 2 is determined.

An at least partially mechanical system can be used as the counting device 168, which comprises a measuring sensor which is set in such a way that when plastic objects 2 are moved, they are touched or moved and a determination, i.e. Counting the plastic items 2 is possible.

Instead of the stacking device 164, it is of course also possible to place the plastic objects 2 ejected from the molding table 114 in a corresponding collecting container, e.g. to drop a box assigned to the contact area 24.

As already explained with respect to FIG. 1, a printing device 17 and then a corresponding automatic packaging device 18 can be arranged on the stacking device 164 for optional printing of the plastic objects 2. Of course, it is also possible to remove and pack the plastic objects 2 manually or in bulk from the stacking device 164. An energy block for central energy distribution can be assigned to the sub-bridge 91 to supply the device 1 with energy. This energy block preferably comprises connections for the cooling, the electrical energy supply, the pressure medium. This energy block can also include various valves for the distribution of the cooling medium or pressure medium, as well as various throttles, for example engine throttles. It is also possible that, for example for the production of a hollow floor in the plastic object 2, a corresponding valve is arranged as a fixed component in the energy block. With such a construction or supply of energy, a clear structure of the device 1 can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is possible that, for example, a so-called energy bridge is arranged above the heating device 20, with the aid of which a distribution of the compressed air and / or the cooling medium is partially possible. Devices for reducing the noise level already mentioned can also be assigned to this energy bridge.

A preferred cooling system 169 for the device 1 is shown in a schematic representation in FIG. 15. This cooling system 169 can have at least one cooling circuit 170 through which coolant flows, but preferably several separate cooling circuits 170 are arranged. For example, it is possible for a cooling circuit 170 for cooling plates 171, the hold-down device 94, an upper bridge tool 172, the lower bridge tool 98, the ejector 159 and the film transport device 19 to be arranged.

For example, water, ethylene glycol or the like can be used as the cooling medium 52, it being possible to arrange separate primary and secondary cooling circuits. So it is e.g. possible to dissipate the excess heat from the individual components via the primary cooling circuit and to dissipate this, for example in a heat exchanger, to the cooling medium 52 of the secondary cooling circuit, for example also river water.

To control the flow rate of cooling medium 52 through the individual cooling circuits 170, these devices known from the prior art can be assigned. For example, the cooling circuits 170 for the hold-down device 94, for the upper bridge tool 172, for the lower bridge tool 98, for the ejector 159 and for the film transport device 19 can comprise a manually or automatically operated shut-off valve 173, with the aid of which the supply of cooling medium 52 is shut off or can be roughly regulated. Furthermore, these cooling circuits 170 can include motor-operated valves 174 and motor-operated delivery devices 175, for example pumps. With the help of the valves 174, a certain circulating volume of cooling medium 52 can be set via lines 176, so that an at least approximately constant temperature is subsequently maintained in the components to be cooled can.

To measure this temperature, 170 temperature sensors 177, e.g. Resistance thermometers, for example Pt 100 or the like, can be arranged, which in turn can be connected to the regulating and / or control device 38 for the automatic regulation of the temperature. If the valves 174 and / or delivery devices 175 or the drives assigned to them are also connected to the regulating and / or control device 38, then an automatic regulation of the volume of fresh cooling medium 52 or of the cooling medium 52 which is circulated is possible and can therefore be carried out the mixing ratio of fresh cooling medium / circulating cooling medium can be regulated automatically.

Of course, manual regulation of the mixing ratio is also possible. For example, in the event of an impermissible deviation in the temperature in a cooling circuit 170, the operating personnel can be informed about optical and / or acoustic warning devices.

The cooling circuits 170 may also have safety components to avoid excess pressure in the cooling circuit lines, such as Check valves 178 and / or solenoid valves 179 or the like.

It is advantageous if a device 180 for heating and / or tempering the cooling medium 52 is arranged in the cooling circuit 170 for the film transport device 19, such as e.g. a radiator 181. With the help of this radiator 181, it is possible that the film transport device 19 can be kept at a temperature level, for example 60 ° C to 70 ° C, even during production downtimes, for example due to unforeseen problems usually also prevails during production. This has the advantage that not only is the production downtime reduced, since a new start-up of the device 1 is no longer necessary since the plastic film 4 is already at the correct temperature, but the amount of rejects produced can also be reduced. The arrangement of such a device 180 is also advantageous, for example, in those countries in which, due to a high level of humidity, precipitation of humidity on the plastic film 4 or the film transport device 19 during cooling during the production shutdown is to be expected and the precipitated humidity negatively affects the Production of the plastic objects 2 would impact, for example by blistering. For this

For this reason, it is also possible for each of the cooling circuits 170 arranged in the device 1 to comprise such a device 180. The heating elements 181 can be designed, for example, as a resistance heating element, as a gas burner, as an oil burner, as a heating element 181 emitting infrared radiation or the like.

To guide the cooling medium 52 in the various components, in particular in those already mentioned, corresponding bores 182 or corresponding channels can be arranged therein. These bores 182 can be seen in part from the corresponding figures described above.

As already mentioned, a cooling circuit 170 can be used to cool the cooling plates 171. These cooling plates 171 are preferably arranged in the area of the molding unit 12 which is arranged in the heating device 20, a cooling plate 171 preferably being arranged between the plastic film 4 and the upper heater 73 or the lower heater 74. These cooling plates 171 can likewise have corresponding bores 182 or channels for coolant guidance, or it is possible for the cooling plates 171 to consist of a housing in which the cooling medium 52 is guided.

The cooling plates 171 are preferably detachably arranged in the area of the upper bridge tool 172 and lower bridge tool 98, for example with the aid of screws, so that they can be replaced at any time. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling plates 171 preferably have an outer circumference or a shape which corresponds to a line 183 with which all the mold cavities arranged in the sub-bridge tool 98 can be encompassed. The cooling plates 171 therefore preferably reproduce the outer contour of the cutting device 111. In addition, the cooling plates 171 can have a maximum width 184, which approximately corresponds to the length of plastic film 4 that can be processed in the molding unit 12 per cycle.

With the help of these cooling plates 171, it should be achieved that, in particular by reproducing the contour of the lower bridge tool 98, the plastic film 4 in the area shortly before the molding unit 12 is shielded from the heat radiation from the heating device 20 and thus an optimal temperature distribution in the plastic film 4 for the Shaping becomes possible. Of course, it is also possible that only one or more of these cooling plates 171 are arranged or that the cooling plates 171 are arranged in the device 1 so that their width 184 can be adjusted by motor or by hand.

The division into several cooling circuits 170 offers the advantage of optimized cooling of the individual components of the device 1 and, for example, adapted, different amounts of heat can thereby be dissipated. Of course, it is also possible Lich that instead of separate cooling circuits 170 there is only a single cooling circuit 170, which can comprise a watershed for dividing the cooling medium 52 for the lower bridge tool 98 and the upper bridge tool 172.

The cooling circuits 170, in particular the components arranged therein, can be designed to be remotely controllable or it is possible to connect them to a self-learning regulating and / or control device 38, so that an optimization can be carried out, coordinated with the respective plastic material.

On the other hand, it is possible to assign 170 safety devices to the cooling circuits, e.g. Measuring sensors, with the help of which it can be determined that no or too little cooling medium 52 flows through the cooling circuits 170, for example a flow meter. Overheating of the corresponding components, for example the tool, can thus be prevented. However, these safety devices can also be designed in such a way that, for example, if the cooling medium 52 is to be switched off after a certain period of time, the operating personnel must or can acknowledge them.

16 shows, as an example, one possibility of the speed profile of the main drive, for example of the servo geared motor 117, the abscissa showing one revolution of the main drive divided into 400 degrees and the ordinate showing the percentage speed in relation to the maximum speed of the main drive. With the help of this figure, the possibility of adjusting the speed of the main drive to the respective production stage during a cycle and thus the optimization and maximization of the number of cycles is to be illustrated. For example, it is possible to use the device 1 to perform 50 cycles / minute.

For example, it is possible that the speed of the shaping table 114 is reduced in a shaping area 185 during shaping, then increased for the punching stroke to approximately 50% of the maximum speed in the punching area 186 and then close during the downward stroke and the pivoting movement of the shaping table 114 is produced at the maximum speed in the range of motion 187. Once the molding table 114 has reached its ejection position 104, the speed can be reduced to approximately 25% in the ejection area 188, for example, so that the plastic objects 2 can be ejected from the mold cavities. Then, finally, the speed is increased again in the reversing area 189, so that the molding table 114 is returned to its shaping position 103 as quickly as possible. It should be expressly mentioned once again that this speed profile has only exemplary character and that the speeds can be optimized with the aid of the regulating and / or control device 38 or the PLC control, and in particular according to the individual production stages or other components, such as for example, the ejector 159 or the pre-stretcher 97. Of course, it also plays a role how quickly various pressure medium systems can be ventilated or ventilated in the device 1 and a cooling time of the deep-drawn plastic objects 2 in the mold cavity when the mold is closed, that is to say in the shaping position 103, can be included.

The following tabular list of individual actions to be carried out during the production process is just as exemplary. The specified minimum and maximum limit values are to be understood as switching points for the pressure medium supply and discharge, these switching points in turn relating to one revolution of the main drive, ie 400 new degrees. To determine the respective position of the main drive, an absolute encoder can be arranged on the associated main shaft, in particular the drive shaft 119, which can subdivide the rotation into 400 new degrees and thus fixes the respective switching points.

The term optimizing drive in item 9 refers to an optimization of the speed profile.

The control of the pivoting valves for the pivoting movement of the molding table 114 shown in FIG. 17 again has an exemplary character.

This time, on the abscissa, the angle of rotation on the link shaft is divided into 360 °, whereas the ordinate shows the pressure applied to the swing valves in bar.

17 that the shaping takes place in the range between 0 ° and 136 °, the punching stroke then takes place between 136 ° and 148 ° and the initial downward stroke of the shaping table 114 is carried out between 148 ° and 160 °. From 160 °, the pneumatic cylinder 124, with the aid of which the pivoting movement of the molding table 114 can be initiated, is acted upon, the pressure being able to be, for example, 3.5 bar. At approximately 168 °, the pneumatic cylinder 124 is relaxed, wherein it can be seen from FIG. 17 that the relaxation takes place between 168 ° and approximately 180 °. Between 175 ° and 195 °, the swiveling movement is braked with the aid of pressure medium, whereby the pressure can be approximately 2.8 bar. In the adjoining area between 195 ° and 208 °, the exhaust air restriction is still effective and the end position damping is already effective. The finished plastic objects 2 are ejected between 208 ° and 297 ° and in the adjoining area between 297 ° and 320 ° there is renewed pressurization of the pneumatic cylinders 124 with e.g. 2.8 bar instead, the swiveling movement being accelerated in this area. The pivoting movement is finally braked again between 332 ° and 340 °, for example with 3.5 bar of pressure medium. The entire area between 297 ° and 360 ° serves to close the molding assembly 12 so that a new cycle can be started.

The control of the device 1 or of all upstream or downstream components and devices is preferably carried out centrally with the aid of a regulating and / or control device 38. This central control can include a repair module for all components with self-configuration. Furthermore, a manual for automatic help can be stored in the regulating and / or control device 38. The control and / or control device 38 can also be used for automatic operating data acquisition and storage, for which purpose corresponding control elements 38 can be assigned to this control and / or control device 38. Likewise, this can include a modem 190 (see, for example, FIG. 10), with the aid of which remote control of the various components or devices described is possible. The main computer 191 assigned to the regulating and / or control device 38 preferably comprises a visual output device, for example a screen 105, in particular a touch-sensitive screen, so that production processes can be followed or 105 assembly steps for components and tools can be called up on this screen.

Various production parameters of previous productions can be stored in the individual memory elements of the regulating and / or control device 38, so that automatic adaptation to the respective plastic material is possible or is possible with the aid of a touch-sensitive screen 105, a so-called "touch screen", manually readjust or adjust one or more production parameters.

It is advantageous if all production processes can be saved for later checking with the aid of the regulating and / or control device 38 or the main computer 191. For this purpose, the measurement data of the various sensors described, for example temperature sensors, absolute sensors, analog valves, measurement data of the film transport device 19, the mixing valves of the cooling system 169, etc., can be used as data material. be used. All data-supplying systems can be connected to each other by bus to enable so-called PLC data transfer (= programmable logic controller). In this way, it is possible, in particular through the bus connection, that individual control circuits, for example for controlling the temperature, that is to say for controlling the heating device 20 or the cooling system 169, can work independently of one another. Reproducible production is possible by capturing all production-related data in this way.

The digital acquisition of all measurement data and their visualization on a screen 105 is also advantageous. In this way, databases can be set up which can be used to optimize the cycle time, but which are also used for service work, for parts replacement or for documentation can.

The control of the device 1 is advantageously designed such that the device 1 can continue to produce even in the event of a total failure of the main computer 191. In this case, the parameters can be set or adjusted manually.

The screen 105 can preferably be mounted on the device 1 in such a way that it can be moved over at least a partial area over the entire length, so that it can be brought to the desired or required location, for example for maintenance work.

It is also advantageous if various production parameters can be made available via external data storage. In this way it is possible that, for example, from Tool manufacturers can be supplied with the almost optimized production parameters at the same time, so that only a fine adjustment is possible when using the tool and can be produced practically without time delay due to lengthy adjustment, which also reduces the amount of rejects produced.

For the production of plastic objects 2, the plastic film 4 can be unwound from the preferably driven roll holder 5 and reaches the area of the film transport device 19 via a measuring system 8, by means of which the length of the loop 9 can be determined an automatic film feed device, for example the table 36, is introduced, the width of the table 36 and the adjoining conveying strands of the film transport device 19, for example the single chains 21, at least approximately corresponding to the width of the plastic film 4.

In the film transport device 19, this is subsequently pushed onto the spikes 23 of the single chain 21, so that the plastic film 4 is also fixed during the transport to the molding unit 12. The feed to the molding unit 12, i.e. the speed at which the plastic film 4 is transported preferably corresponds to the cycle time in the molding unit 12.

With the help of the heating device 20 in the area of the film transport device 19, the plastic film 4 is heated to the required processing temperature, which can be, for example, in the range between 60 ° C. and 70 ° C. In addition to the heating device 20, the spike heating, e.g. a heating cartridge can be arranged so that the plastic film 4 can be heated to the operating temperature within a very short time, for example after 10-20 cycles, preferably after 15 cycles, and the spiking can also be simplified.

Since the width of the plastic film 4 changes due to the heating, which in particular becomes wider, the width between the two single chains 21 can be readjusted automatically via the width adjustment device 62 and / or the spread 67. For this purpose, a fixed value for the width corresponding to the plastic material is preferably stored in the regulating and / or control device 38, it being possible to leave the width unchanged during the start-up of the device 1 and only after a certain number of cycles, which can also be stored in the regulating and / or control device 38 and can also be based, for example, on empirical values, the automatic readjustment of the width takes place. The adjustment of the width can be different over the entire length of the single chains 21, so that, for example, the single chains 21 in the area of the width adjustment device 62 are closer together than in the area of the spread 67, the single chains 21 thus overall have a more or less conical, widening course in the direction of the molding unit 12. In order to check the correct width setting, the weight of the finished plastic objects 2 can be determined and it is possible to manually or automatically readjust the width based on the weight differences of the plastic objects 2 from the individual cavities of the lower bridge tool 98. However, it is also possible to correct the width using measurement data from previously described measurement systems. The width can also be regulated via an absolute encoder, for example an incremental encoder, which is arranged in the region of the film transport device 19, the width being automatically determined via the number of revolutions and the number for the respective increment and sent to the control and / or Control device 38 can be transmitted. In any case, however, it should be achieved that the plastic film 4 is fed to the molding unit 12 at least approximately flat, ie at least approximately parallel to the plane of the contact surface 24.

The heating power of the heating device 20 is preferably adapted to different cycle numbers with the aid of an optimization control, the heat emitted by the heating device 20 in the area of the preheating 81 being able to be selected differently from the heating in the area of the main heating 82.

The corresponding, heated plastic film 4 subsequently reaches the area of the molding unit 12, i.e. between the lower bridge tool 98 and the upper bridge tool 172. To fix the plastic film 4, with the help of the hold-down device 94, which is preferably pressurized with compressed air, the plastic film 4 is pressed against the lower bridge tool 98, so that the plastic film 4 is at least approximately flat, i.e. without warping, after the molding unit 12 has been clamped therein.

To pre-deform the plastic film 4, the pre-stretcher 97 is then moved in the direction of the mold cavities in the lower bridge tool 98, preferably after reaching or overlapping with the reaching of the extended end position of the pre-stretcher 97 lying in the mold cavity, a predetermined volume of pressurized air

Pressure medium, e.g. a pressurized gas is blown into the mold cavity, so that the pre-deformation of the plastic film 4 is easier.

After the pre-deformation has been carried out, further pressure medium, for example so-called molding air, can be supplied, and the preform is thereby given its final shape by pressing against the surface of the mold cavities in the lower tool 98. The tools used in each case can be shaped in accordance with the desired plastic object 2. For example, containers, such as cups with a grooved edge, can be produced using an appropriate tool, or it is possible, in particular when optimizing the width of the film transport device 19, to process already printed plastic films 4 without distortion.

Instead of the method described above, it is possible for the pressure medium used for the pre-deformation to be discharged via emptying openings and for the final deformation of the plastic film 4 to be carried out by means of a so-called two-pressure method by re-supplying pressure medium.

After the final shaping of the plastic objects 2, the lower bridge 91 initially remains in its position so that the plastic objects 2 can be cooled and solidified in the process.

After solidification, the lower bridge 91, in particular the molding table 114, executes a short upward stroke in the direction of the upper bridge 90, so that the plastic objects 2 are separated from the rest of the plastic film 4 due to this punching stroke.

Thereupon, the molding table 114 is moved in the direction of the contact surface 24 with the aid of several scenes, which can consist, for example, of the cam disks 120 and the cam guides 123, whereby the cam disks 120 can be designed such that they can overlap and a continuous movement of the shaping table 114. In addition, the cam disks 120 should have a circumferential shape which enables the main drive of the device 1, for example the servo geared motor 117, to work without interruption and at the same time the mold table 114 is at a standstill if necessary, for example during the shaping of the plastic objects 2.

The pivoting movement of the forming table 114 should be carried out at the earliest when the lower bridge 91 has carried out a downward stroke by a certain amount, using a pressure medium which moves a piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder 124, or this pressure medium support can be used in addition to guiding in the scenes, in particular scenery plates. respectively. In addition to acting as a support for the pivoting movement of the molding table 114, the pneumatic cylinder 124 can also act as a spring for the movement of the molding table 114. To save energy, it is possible not to completely ventilate or relax the pneumatic cylinder 124. In addition, the shocks caused by the movement of the molding table 114 are absorbed by rubber buffers or other springs, so that the device 1 can be designed to be vibration-damped overall.

As soon as the molding table 114 has reached its ejection position 104 or shortly before, it is possible, for example, to apply compressed air to an ejector 159, so that the plastic objects 2 are removed from the mold cavities and transferred to a stacking device 164. For this purpose, it is possible to use the pressure medium to move a piston rod of the thrower 159 in the direction of the already hardened plastic object 2.

In order to prevent inadvertent ejection of the plastic objects 2 during the movement of the molding table 114, it is possible for the plastic objects 2 to be held during this movement by means of negative pressure acting on at least a partial area of the surface of the mold cavities.

After the plastic objects 2 have been ejected and transferred to the stacking device 164, the cycle of the molding unit 12 is completed by the molding table 114, with the aid of a cam disk 120, performing an upward stroke in the direction of the upper bridge tool 172, the required pivoting movement from the ejector position 104 into the mold - In turn position 103 can in turn be supported by a pressure medium cylinder, for example the pneumatic cylinder 124.

The finished plastic objects 2 can subsequently be counted and / or transferred to a printing device 17 and / or a packaging device 18.

All measurement data recorded during production can be digitally transferred to the regulating and / or control device 36 for checking and / or storage, and automatic readjustment is possible on the basis of these measurement data. Furthermore, it is possible to follow the entire production process using this measurement data on a visual output device, for example a screen 105, in particular a touch-sensitive screen, and process parameters can be changed, in particular readjusted, via this screen 105 by using a touch-sensitive screen 105.

A so-called absolute encoder, for example an incremental encoder, in the area of the drive shaft 119 of the main drive can be used as a reference point for determining the respective production status of the molding assembly 12 and it is possible to use all other process parameters. align the meter to this reference point.

If comparison values are stored in the data memories of the regulating and / or control device 38, an automatic comparison with the actual values and subsequently an automatic regulation of the entire production process is possible.

In order to avoid overheating of the components of the device 1 caused by the heating device 20, the cooling circuits 170 already described are used to cool the device 1 during the production process or to bring it to a corresponding temperature level.

With regard to the drive of the molding table, it should be mentioned at this point that it is possible to use gravity for the vertical movement downwards and this vertical movement at the same time with the help of e.g. To assist pneumatic cylinders so that the forming table 114 is pulled substantially down into the eject position.

18 and 19 show a schematic, simplified representation of a further embodiment of the film transport device 19 in detail. This film transport device can in turn be designed as a single chain 21 with chain links 22, the single chain 21 again being able to be held in the guide frame 43 (not shown in FIGS. 18, 19). The details have already been explained above.

As already mentioned, the film transport device 19 is to be designed such that occurring dimensional changes of the plastic film 4, which occur due to the heating of this plastic film 4 for its deformation, which is carried out in an advantageous manner. If the film transport device 19 from the start area 26 (see FIG. 1) to the end area 33 is designed, for example, as a continuous single chain 21, it is possible to arrange a so-called restraint system, for example the roller system 88, in a first part of the film transport device 19 (see FIG . 8th). As a result, the plastic film 4 can be given a certain pretension.

If the plastic film 4 is now pricked up in the vicinity of the initial area 26 without being heated, the plastic film 4 can have warps due to the thermal expansion between the spike pins 23. In order to prevent this, there is now advantageously the possibility that even if the plastic film 4 is not preheated or not sufficiently preheated, the film transport device 19, in particular the spikes 23, according to the embodiment in FIGS. 18, 19. These spikes 23 still sit on the chain links 22. However, in this embodiment variant, the side cheeks 27 of FIG. 2 have been dispensed with and the spines 23 may have barbs 192 instead of this closure. For example, it is possible that each end of the spike 23, as shown in FIG. 18, is provided with a barb 92. As a result, the opening of the chain links for spiking the plastic film 4 and the subsequent closing can be dispensed with, which not only simplifies the construction of the chain but also increases the speed of the film transport device.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 19, the spike 23 can be made bent downward from its right-angled position, i.e. that the parts of the profile shown in cross section as a leg enclose an acute angle 193 with each other. The advantage can thus be achieved that after the plastic film 4 has been pricked on, it cannot slide off the spikes 23 in the event of a tensile load to the flat tension of the plastic film 4.

As further shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a guide strip 194 can be arranged in the area of the elastic zone of the plastic film 4, which can be designed as a holding strip or, for example, also as a roller. Of course, it is possible to arrange several of these guide strips or several of these retaining strips or rollers.

A length compensation can now also be achieved with this embodiment variant in that the spikes 23 function in the manner of a cutting device, e.g. a knife. Here, as indicated in Fig. 18, the plastic film 4 after contacting the film transport device 19, i.e. after it has been fed in, for example via the roller system 88, initially only slightly scratched, i.e. that the spikes 23 only partially penetrate the plastic film. Of course, it is possible to allow the plastic film 4 to penetrate completely through the spikes 23 already in this phase.

The area of this penetration or penetration of the plastic film 4 can extend, for example, from the initial area 26 to approximately half the total length of the film transport device 19. Of course, however, deviations from this are possible, these deviations depending on the temperature control of the heating device 20, i.e. that is, depending on the respective heating of the plastic film 4.

Now the plastic film 4 is heated to such an extent that after it has been completely pricked up, which is necessary in order to feed the plastic film 4 flat to the molding unit, that No distortions or only to a small extent to be expected, there is the possibility of completely spiking this plastic film 4, that is to say that it is pushed onto the spikes in the direction of arrow 195 or slides by itself over the spikes 23 due to its own weight. The barbs 192 can prevent the plastic film 4 from sliding off, as already mentioned, so that the plastic film 4 can ultimately be positioned in the molding unit 12 accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 18, the spikes 23 can be slightly curved in the direction of the plastic film 4, whereby the scoring or penetration of the plastic film 4 can be facilitated.

With the help of the retention system, which can be arranged in the initial area 26, the plastic film 4 can always be tensioned back in the first half of the film transport device, whereby the thermal expansion of this plastic film 4 can be compensated in the longitudinal direction at the same time.

With the aid of the guide bar 194, the plastic film 4 can be prevented from kinking in the region of the single chain 21.

It is also possible that the film transport device 19 is designed so that it over the guide profile of the chain, e.g. the single chain 21 is set or maintained at a constant temperature level. This can achieve the advantage that the necessary temperature radiation onto the film can be reduced via the heating device 20. The temperature control of the film transport device can be carried out according to the state of the art. Thus, not only cooling but also heating of the film transport device 19 can be achieved.

Another possibility for length compensation for the plastic film 4 is not to guide the chain, for example single chain 21, tensioned in the guide profile but to bend the chain links to one another, for example in the form of a zigzag line, which achieves a relative reduction in the overall length of the chain can (based on the total length of the film transport device 19). This is shown shamefully in FIGS. 20 and 21.

The single chain 21 can alternately have at least one guide roller 196 in the upper region facing the plastic film 4 (indicated by the spikes 23 in FIG. 21) and in the lower region. The deflection of the Single chain 21 can be controlled, for example by changing, ie in particular shortening a distance 197 between the two guide devices 198 for the guide rollers 196.

The length compensation can take place in such a way that as soon as it is no longer to be expected that the plastic film 4 will undergo another significant dimension change or that the chain will be tensioned at least approximately synchronously with the thermal expansion of the plastic film 4, i.e. that the individual chain links are in turn brought into an at least approximately linear alignment with one another.

Another possibility for length compensation of the film transport device 19 is not to design it in the form of single chains 21 extending over the entire length of the film transport device 19, but rather to divide this total length into at least two simple chains 21 arranged one behind the other in the direction from the starting area 26 onto the molding unit 12. This division can in turn be carried out in accordance with the temperature profile in the plastic film 4 and, for example, the single chains 21 can each extend over half the total length of the film transport device 19.

As already mentioned, it is possible to provide the film transport device 19 with the expansion 67 for the width adjustment of the plastic film 4 in order to be able to compensate for the width expansion. This spread 67 can now also be carried out in such a way that the width adjustment is done manually, e.g. can be done with handwheels or pneumatically. Adjustable stops can be provided for pneumatic width adjustment.

To further increase the speed of the device 1, it is possible to extend the ejector 195, in particular the pneumatic cylinder assigned to it, with its valve rod 160, i.e. its ejector rod through which the deep-drawn molded parts from the molding unit 12, i.e. the deep-drawing mold to be removed, e.g. via a proportional valve. The pressure in the pneumatic cylinder can thus be determined depending on the position of the molding table 114. It is therefore no longer necessary to completely vent the pneumatic cylinders on one side, which means that in addition to the energy saving, said speed increase can be achieved. In addition, more precise control of the ejector 159 is possible.

To determine the position of the shaping table 114, it is possible to assign an absolute measuring system to it and the downward movement and / or the pivoting movement of the shaping table 114 can be divided into several areas, so that the absolute measuring system Can detect the position of the molding table 114.

A further improvement or further embodiment variant of the device 1 consists in operating the pre-stretcher 97 by means of a motor, it being possible for the spindle to be designed as a planetary roller screw drive. As a result, a further increase in speed can be achieved in an advantageous manner, since instead of the point load, a surface load and thus a higher power transmission is now possible.

Compared to the advance movement by means of pneumatic cylinders, as was described in the preceding design variants, the energy requirement can be reduced in an advantageous manner and the accuracy of the movement can be improved, in particular since compressed air is known to be a compressible drive system. The accuracy of the switching points can thus be improved, since the effective starting point of the cylinder can no longer be influenced to the extent of physical external variables. This can also improve the reproducibility of the speed. In addition, with the motor drive mode, the stroke of the pre-stretcher 97 can be adjusted not only when the device 1 is at a standstill.

Another no less important advantage that can be achieved with this is that when oiled compressed air is used, it is not released into the ambient air and the impairment of the operating personnel can thus be reduced.

In addition, the noise that arises due to the escaping compressed air can also be at least partially avoided and a complex measuring system for detecting the absolute cylinder position can be dispensed with. With the help of this pre-stretcher it is possible that with a pressure of 19 kN a time period for the downward and / or upward movement of 250 msec can be achieved. The stroke of the pre-stretcher 97 can be up to 200 mm, and the mass to be moved can be up to 100 kg, for example. The pre-stretcher system can advantageously reach its maximum speed after a stroke of only 10 mm.

The pre-stretcher 97 can be driven electrically, but other forms of energy are of course possible. The servo motor can be equipped with a positioning rule. This servo motor drives the spindle for the stroke movement. To increase the performance indicators, for example the speed, a planetary roller screw drive known from the prior art can be used as the spindle. Of course, ball screws or the like can also be used, but can be used with the planetary roller The wind drive advantageously improves the load capacity, the speed and the acceleration.

In this context it should be mentioned that it is of course possible to set the downward speed, the upward speed, the acceleration factor for the downward or downward direction on the control panel assigned to the device 1, via which all functions and setting options of the device 1 can be called up. To create upward movement and the stroke and it is possible to make these settings even during the operation of the device 1, i.e. to be carried out during the operation of the molding unit 12. It would also be conceivable to store a selection of driving profiles for the pre-stretcher in corresponding memory modules or on various storage media, so that the respective operating personnel only have to select from these predetermined driving profiles, which can also be matched to a wide variety of material parameters and a wide variety of products.

In addition to the precise travel movement that can be achieved by a purely mechanical transmission, a favorable and economical form of energy is selected for the pre-stretcher 97 for this system. By using digital technology, great reproducibility is possible and absolutely definable speeds can be set.

It is also advantageous that the lubricants remain in the system itself.

From an economic point of view, this pre-stretcher system 97 makes it possible to reduce the maintenance effort due to the fail-safe technology.

A further embodiment variant is also possible with regard to the embodiment variant of the drive system for the forming table 114 according to FIG. 13 with the toothed segment arrangement 146.

13, the pivoting movement of the shaping table 114 is carried out with the aid of the toothed segment plate 147, so that the drive subsequently carries out an oscillating movement for the pivoting movement of the shaping table 114. This oscillating movement can be achieved, for example, by means of a crank drive, a cam disk drive or else via a spindle drive, it being possible for the toothed segment plate 147 to be connected to the drives mentioned, for example via a push rod. The push rod can also be designed as a spindle drive and can be arranged, for example, in the center of the toothed segment plate 147. Of course, the aforementioned drives can be attached to the molding table 114 on both sides.

In this embodiment variant, it is also possible to completely dispense with the toothed segment plate 147 and to execute it by means of a correspondingly shaped, for example round, segmented plate without teeth. With the help of this variant, it is advantageously possible to carry out the drive for the mold table 114 according to a principle which works in reverse to the embodiment variants described above. It is thus possible to align the drive not to the vertical movement of the molding table 114 but to the pivoting movement and to carry out the vertical movement, for example, on account of the gravity acting on the molding table 114. The vertical movement can of course be supported by appropriate devices as described above, for example pneumatic cylinders. The advantage of fewer resonances that can occur in the device 1 can thus be achieved.

With this embodiment variant, it is also possible to provide 100% guidance for the linear movement.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide movement-supporting devices, for example springs, etc.

With regard to the cooling system of device 1, it should also be mentioned at this point that it is of course possible to also dissipate the heat generated in the control cabinet associated with device 1 via this cooling system.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one heat exchanger is assigned to the cooling system, since this enables separation into a primary and secondary cooling circuit. This has the advantage that any calcifications that may occur in the cooling circuit of the device 1 are largely stopped at the rear, since the cooling medium can be conducted in a closed circuit.

The heat exchanger can be arranged, for example, in the cooling circuit 170 of the film transport device. Of course, however, it is also possible to arrange 170 or in several such heat exchangers in all cooling circuits.

It is also possible for at least some of the cooling circuits 170 to be routed through a common heat exchanger. For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the device, these or their components have been partially shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

Above all, the individual in FIGS. 1; 2, 3; 4; 5; 6, 7; 8th; 9, 10, 11; 12, 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18, 19; 20, 21 shown form the subject of independent, inventive solutions. The tasks and solutions according to the invention in this regard can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

B e z u g s z e i c h e n a u f s t e l l u n

Device 41 printing mark plastic object 42 reading device production line 43 guide frame plastic film 44 recess roll holder 45 fixing element recess roll 46 shark element recess transport system 47 holding element measuring system 48 cooling device loop 49 front side control 50 cooling channel height 51 contact surface molding unit 52 cooling medium extruder 53 installation shredding device 54 side area conveyor device 55 side area intermediate storage container holder 56 opening Pressure device 57 spike holder part packaging device 58 spike holder part film transport device 59 tensioning device heating device 60 spacer element single chain 61 holding means chain link 62 width adjusting device spike 63 spindle contact surface 64 width adjustment drive deflection device 65 film retaining device starting area 66 upper area side cheek 67 spread holding position 68 spreading drive Spreading spindle point 70 absolute measuring system locking device 71 height adjustment device locking area 72 height adjustment drive end area 73 upper heating part 74 lower heating part 75 transverse heating table 76 longitudinal heating pressure device 77 heating element regulating and / or control device 78 radiator conveyor drive 79 distance controller 80 support platform 81 preheating 121 transmission device

82 Main heater 122 Energy storage device

83 Restraint system 123 Link guide

84 Restraint drive 124 Pneumatic cylinder 85 Restraint drive 125 Spring arrangement

86 restraint servo controller 126 spring device

87 Restraint servo controller 127 Swinging foot

88 roller system 128 toggle lever 89 roller 129 adjusting lever

90 upper bridge 130 rocker arm

91 lower bridge 131 pressure lever

92 support frame 132 area 93 drive 133 molding table area

94 hold-down 134 area

95 Proportional valve 135 motion transmission link

96 line 136 thrust plate 97 pre-stretcher 137 spigot

98 lower bridge tool 138 connection

99 stroke 139 push rod

100 stop 140 spring arrangement 101 stop 141 recess

102 absolute encoder 142 spring device

103 shaping position 143 transfer member

104 ejection position 144 upper link guide area

105 Screen 145 Backstage sub-area

106 pre-stretcher drive 146 tooth segment arrangement

107 Pressure valve 147 toothed segment plate

108 cavity 148 tooth

109 Pressure line 149 Guide device 110 Pressure valve 150 Connecting rod

111 cutting device 151 connecting rod journal

112 cavity 152 recess

113 mold insert 153 side panel 114 mold table 154 side panel

115 shaft 155 drive device

116 toggle system 156 double arrow

117 Servo geared motor 157 Support device 118 Timing belt 158 Connecting pin

119 drive shaft 159 ejector

120 cam 160 valve rod 161 pressure cylinder

162 bottom

163 top

164 stacking device 165 guide means

166 establishment

167 Stacker Initial Area

168 counting device 169 cooling system

170 cooling circuit

171 cooling plates

172 Top bridge tool 173 Shut-off valve

174 valve

175 conveyor

176 line 177 temperature sensor

178 check valve

179 solenoid valve

180 furnishings 181 radiators

182 hole

183 line

184 width

185 shaping area

186 punching area

187 range of motion

188 discharge area

189 Reversing area 190 Modem

191 main computer

192 barbs

193 angle 194 guide rail

195 arrow

196 leadership role

197 distance 198 guide device

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, optionally multilayer plastic film, with a film transport device, which comprises at least one conveyor line with fixing elements for the plastic film, characterized in that the conveyor line and / or the fixing elements are adjustable, in particular height and / or side adjustable.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor strand comprises at least one endless single chain (21) with chain links (22).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the chain links (22) is assigned a spike (23) for spiking and / or for positioning the plastic film (4).

4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the side cheeks (27) of the chain links (22) is arranged rotatably on the second side cheek (27).

5. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film transport device (19) comprises devices for automatically rotating the side cheek (27), in particular for opening or closing the chain links (22).

6. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the single chain (21) is held height-adjustable in at least a portion of its length relative to the other portion.

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each single chain (21) has a conveyor train drive (39), e.g. a servo motor, possibly with a servo controller, an electric motor or the like is assigned.

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor train drives (39) are connected to one another via an electrical bridge.

9. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a width adjustment device (62) and / or a spread (67) is arranged between the conveyor strands of the single chains (21).

10. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width adjustment device (64) is designed as a spindle (63).

11. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spread (67) is designed as a spreading spindle (69).

12. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width adjustment drive (64) and / or the spreading drive (68) is connected to a regulating and / or control device (38).

13. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulating and / or control device (38) with at least one transducer, e.g. a light barrier for determining the degree of sagging of the plastic film (4) is connected.

14. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film transport device (19) is an automatic film feed, e.g. a table (36), preferably with a guide for the plastic film (4), is assigned.

15. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for heating the plastic film (4), e.g. a spike heater, in particular a heating cartridge, is arranged, preferably in the area of the spike.

16. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a retention system (83) is arranged in the region of the film feed.

17. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the restraint system (83) comprises at least two restraint drives (84, 85), for example servomotors or the like, and these each have a roller system (88) comprising at least one driven roller (89 ) is assigned, the restraint drives (84, 85) being connected to one another via an electrical shaft.

18.Device for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, optionally multi-layer plastic film, with a support frame for receiving and / or supporting individual device parts, with a molding unit for shaping the plastic film, which has mold cavities in a partial area, with a heating device for heating the plastic film, such as a resistance heater, or the like, which extends at least over a partial area between the film feed and the molding unit, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (20) comprises at least one heating element (77) which is used to emit infrared radiation is formed, preferably with a radiation body (78) made of metal, for example Steel, copper, brass or the like.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the heating device (20) is divided into a preheater (81) and a main heater (82).

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 and / or 19, characterized in that the heating device (20) comprises an upper and a lower heater (73, 74) which are arranged above or below the plastic film (4).

21. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the upper and / or lower heating (73, 74) is adjustable adjustable in particular along the three main axes of the room in a support stage (80) of the device (1).

22. Device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the surface of the radiation body (78), which is directed towards the plastic film (4), is curved, in particular with respect to the surface of the plastic film (4) is concavely curved .

23. Device according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the heating device (20), preferably each radiation body (78) at least one temperature sensor, e.g. a resistance thermometer, such as a Pt100 or the like, is assigned, which is optionally connected to a regulating and / or control device (38).

24. Device according to one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that a cavity temperature sensor is assigned to at least individual mold cavities, which is optionally connected to the regulating and / or control device (38).

25. Device according to one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the temperature sensor of the heating device (20) and / or the cavity temperature sensor, if necessary, via the regulating and / or control device (38) with a visual output device, e.g. a screen, in particular a touch-sensitive screen, are connected.

26. Device for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, optionally multilayer plastic film, with a molding unit which comprises a mold part having a preferably height-adjustable upper bridge and a lower bridge accommodating at least one mold , which are adjustable relative to each other, the upper bridge preferably having at least one pre-stretcher, the plastic film being able to be passed between the upper and the lower bridge and in which the pre-stretcher is adjustable into at least one mold cavity while taking the plastic film with it, in particular after one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the area of the pre-stretcher (97) or in the area of an opening of the preform from the plastic film (4) in the direction of the cavity of the plastic to be produced object (2) inflow openings are provided and that inflow openings for the supply of a pressure medium, e.g. Compressed air are formed during the advance of the pre-stretcher (97) into the cavity or thereafter.

27. Device for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, possibly multilayer plastic film, with a molding unit which comprises an upper bridge having a mold part and a lower bridge receiving at least one mold, which is relative are adjustable relative to one another, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the lifting movement and the pivoting movement of a part of the lower bridge (91), in particular a shaping table (114), at least two different backdrops are arranged, in particular cam disks (120 ), a separate, in particular vibration-damped drive is arranged for both the lifting and the pivoting movement.

28. Device for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, possibly multilayer plastic film, with at least one toggle lever drive for a molding table, which is vertically adjustable and / or pivotable via the toggle lever, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least At least one of the two adjusting levers (129) of the toggle lever (128) is assigned a prestressable spring device (142) for building up a restoring force directed perpendicularly to the extended position of the toggle lever (120).

29. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the drive for the lifting movement of the shaping table (114) is a servo geared motor (117), a three-phase motor with frequency converter or the like.

30. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the drive for the pivoting movement of the molding table (114) is designed as a pneumatic cylinder (124).

31. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 30, characterized in that at least two cams (120) are arranged for the upward stroke of the shaping table (114).

32. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 31, characterized in that at least one cam (120) is arranged for the downward stroke of the shaping table (114).

33. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 32, characterized in that on the support frame (92) of the device, a vibration damper, e.g. a spring device (126) or the like is arranged to prevent the toggle lever system (116) from swinging out beyond the extended position.

34. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 33, characterized in that in the region of the end face of the opening (s) of a lower bridge tool (98) for a plastic object (2) to be produced, a pre-stretcher (97) which can be passed through into the cavity (112) underneath. is arranged.

35. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 34, characterized in that the pre-stretcher (97) has a drive, e.g. a servo motor or the like is assigned.

36. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 35, characterized in that the lower bridge (91) with a drive device, for example a servo motor or the like., Preferably a servo geared motor (117) with, if appropriate, a servo controller is connected at which speeds adapted to the respective production process, for example forming, punching, lowering, ejecting, ramping up, can be set.

37. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 36, characterized in that the drive device is connected via a toothed belt (118) to a drive shaft (119) on which the cam disks (120) are held.

38. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 37, characterized in that the lower bridge (91) comprises a cam disc (120) which is designed such that the pivoting movement of the lower bridge (91) is carried out automatically with the lifting movement.

39. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 38, characterized in that a pneumatic cylinder (124) is arranged in the region of the drive of the lower bridge (91) for support during the pivoting movement.

40. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 39, characterized in that a measuring system for monitoring the adjustment range of the upper bridge (90) is arranged in the region of the upper bridge (90), e.g. an absolute encoder (102).

41. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 40, characterized in that the molding unit (12) on a support frame (92) in the area of the contact surface (24) of the device (1) via oscillating devices, e.g. Vibration feet (127), in particular vibration metal elements, is supported or fastened.

42. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 41, characterized in that the lower bridge (91) is assigned an ejector (159).

43. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 42, characterized in that the ejector (159) is a pneumatic cylinder with an adjustable

Valve rod (160) includes.

44. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 43, characterized in that for the remote adjustment of the ejector speed in the area or on the lower bridge (91) engine throttles, in particular throttle valves with an absolute measuring system are arranged.

45. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 44, characterized in that the motor throttle is associated with a servo motor.

46. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 45, characterized in that for a quick stop of the ejector system at least one pressure medium cylinder (161) with an absolute measuring system, e.g. an absolute encoder (102).

47. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 46, characterized in that the ejector device is equipped with runtime monitoring, preferably in real time.

48. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 47, characterized in that the ejector device is assigned at least one device for generating a negative pressure.

49. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 48, characterized in that an energy block with preferably connections for cooling, electrical energy, compressed air or the like is provided for the energy supply of the lower bridge (91).

50. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 49, characterized in that devices, in particular valves for producing e.g. Plastic objects (2) with hollow floors are provided.

51. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 50, characterized in that the pre-stretcher (97) with a measuring system, in particular an absolute encoder (102), e.g. an incremental encoder or the like is equipped to avoid destruction.

52. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 51, characterized in that the pre-stretcher (97) is equipped with an absolute encoder (102) for starting the shaped air.

53. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 52, characterized in that a measuring system for monitoring the running time or for displaying the running time of the pre-stretcher (97) is arranged in the region of the pre-stretcher (97).

54. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 53, thereby indicates that a control system for remote control of the stroke (99) of the pre-stretcher (97) is arranged.

55. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 54, characterized in that in the area of the front stretcher (97) inlet nozzles for a compressed gas for

Support of the motor-driven pre-stretcher (97) are provided.

56. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 55, characterized in that the upper bridge (90) in the region of the upper bridge tool (172) is associated with a hold-down device (94), which is preferably connected to a pressure medium, in particular compressed gas, such as e.g. Compressed air that can be activated.

57. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 56, characterized in that inflow openings for the pressure medium are provided in the region of the hold-down device (94).

58. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 57, characterized in that a valve, e.g. a slide valve, a diaphragm valve or the like, in particular a proportional valve (95) for analog control is arranged.

59. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 58, characterized in that in the area of the outlets or inlets for the compressed gas at least one device for reducing noise, e.g. a preferably central silencer is arranged.

60. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 59, characterized in that the device (1) is assigned a central regulating and / or control device (38).

61. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 60, characterized in that the regulating and / or control device (38) comprises a modem (190) for remote control.

62. Device according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 61, characterized in that the regulating and / or control device (38) comprises storage elements for storing operating parameters and / or a manual and / or for the assembly steps for components and tools.

63. Apparatus for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, possibly multilayer plastic film, with a molding unit which comprises an upper bridge having a mold part and a lower bridge receiving at least one mold part, the one Is assigned to the shaping table and is mounted such that it can be adjusted relative to one another, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the lifting and / or pivoting movement of the shaping table (114) a toothed segment arrangement (146) made from a toothed segment plate (147) with at least one Part of its circumference distributed teeth (148) and with a connecting rod (150), which is preferably guided in a link plate.

64. Device according to claim 63, characterized in that the toothed segment plate (147) has an at least partially toothed drive device (155), e.g. a gear or the like. is assigned.

65. Device according to one of the preceding claims 63 to 64, characterized in that the main drive is designed as an oscillating drive.

66. Device according to one of the preceding claims 63 to 65, characterized in that the link plate has at least one opening which is designed such that the form table initially performs a vertical movement during the downward movement, followed by a combined lifting and swiveling movement and finally only performs a swivel movement.

67. Apparatus for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, possibly multi-layer plastic film, with a molding unit, which comprises an upper bridge with an upper bridge tool and a lower bridge with a lower bridge tool, one preferably the ejector device associated with the lower bridge, a transport device for the plastic film, with a heating device and with at least one cooling plate in the area of the heating device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling system (169) has at least one cooling circuit (170) through which coolant flows.

68. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that several separate

Cooling circuits (170) are arranged, in particular a cooling circuit (170) for the hold-down device (94), the upper and lower bridge tool (172, 98), the ejector (159), the Foil transport device (19) and the cooling plate (171).

69. Device according to one of claims 67 or 68, characterized in that in at least individual cooling circuits (170) at least one device for regulating an at least approximately constant temperature of a cooling medium, e.g. Water, glycol or the like is arranged in a primary circuit.

70. Device according to one of claims 67 to 69, characterized in that at least one cooling circuit (170) has a device (180) for heating and / or tempering the cooling medium (52), e.g. a radiator (181) or the like., preferably comprises the cooling circuit (170) of the film transport device (19).

71. Device according to one of claims 67 to 70, characterized in that in the region of the film transport device (19), in particular in the region of a surface of a support stage (80) or one facing away from a standing surface (24) of the device (1) Guide frame (43) for a link chain, a cooling channel (50) is arranged.

72. Device according to one of claims 67 to 71, characterized in that the upper and / or lower bridge (90, 91) is provided with bores (182) or the like for guiding the cooling medium (52).

73. Device according to one of claims 67 to 72, characterized in that the cooling plate (171) guides, e.g. Has bores (182), channels or the like.

74. Production line for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, possibly multilayer plastic film, with a device for providing the plastic film, with a device for transporting and / or heating the plastic film, wherein the device comprises a molding unit to which an ejector is assigned and optionally with a stacking device for the deep-drawn plastic objects, the device being designed in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device for providing the plastic film (4) as Roll holder (5) is executed, the at least one own drive, for example an electric motor, a servo geared motor or the like is assigned.

75. Production line according to claim 74, characterized in that the drive for the reel seat (5) is connected to a regulating and / or control device (38).

76. Production line according to one of claims 74 or 75, characterized in that a measuring system, e.g. at least one light barrier, or the like. is arranged.

77. Process for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, optionally multilayer plastic film, consisting in particular of a thermoplastic plastic and / or optionally a recycled plastic, in which a plastic film heats and is fed to a molding unit with the aid of a transport device, the plastic film being deformed into a mold cavity in the molding unit, the plastic film being pre-deformed by a linear movement of a pre-stretcher, in particular using a device according to one of claims 1 to 88 or a production line according to one of claims 89 to 93, characterized in that after reaching or overlapping with the reaching of the extended end position of the pre-stretcher lying in the mold cavity, a predetermined volume of pressurized medium, such as for example a pressurized gas is blown into the mold cavity.

78. The method according to claim 77, characterized in that after the first application of the plastic film with pressure medium, emptying openings are opened and, after the pressure medium has flowed off, a predetermined volume of excess pressure, preferably cooled pressure medium is fed to the mold cavity.

79. The method according to any one of claims 77 or 78, characterized in that during and / or after the prestretcher has reached or has reached its extended end position and the mold cavity has been pressurized with a certain pressure, additional pressure medium is supplied to the mold cavity to increase the pressure , wherein the pressure is greater than the first pressure medium supply.

80. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 79, characterized in that after the shaping and, if appropriate, a holding time for the cooling of the deep-drawn plastic object, the molding table of the molding unit is moved in the direction of the contact surface of the molding unit via a sliding block guide and / or at least one cam , at the earliest after the lower bridge has moved in the specified direction, with the aid of a pressure medium, a piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder is moved in the direction of the forming table, thereby supporting or pivoting the lower bridge is initiated.

81. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 80, characterized in that due to a negative pressure generated between at least a region of the wall of the lower bridge tool or the mold insert and the plastic object of the latter is held during its movement from its shaping position into its ejector position in the lower bridge tool .

82. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 81, characterized in that after reaching the ejector position of the molding table, a piston rod of an ejector device is activated and the plastic object e.g. passes to a stacking device.

83. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 82, characterized in that the film is heated over a distance of predeterminable length, the conveyor strands depending on the heating of the film or the sagging of the film with respect to a definable, preferably horizontal plane a film transport device are adjusted so that the sag is at least approximately eliminated.

84. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 83, characterized in that the correction of the sag of the film automatically on the basis of a value determined by a transmitter over e.g. a driven spindle takes place.

85. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 84, characterized in that with the aid of an absolute encoder, e.g. of an incremental encoder, which is preferably assigned to the main shaft of the drive, the respective operating state can be determined.

86. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 85, characterized in that the absolute encoder receives data for comparison or for adjusting the process parameters from a data memory.

87. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 86, characterized in that the measurement data on an output device, e.g. a screen, in particular a touch-sensitive screen.

88. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 87, characterized in that with

Production parameters can be set using the output device.

89. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 88, characterized in that with

With the help of an optimization control, the heating power of the heating device can be adapted to different cycle numbers.

90. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 89, characterized in that during production and / or a production standstill, the operating temperature of the devices of the device, in particular the transport device for the plastic film and / or the upper tool and / or the lower tool and / or the Hold-down device and / or the ejector and / or the cooling plate is kept at least approximately constant with the aid of a temperature-controlled cooling medium.

91. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 90, characterized in that the width adjustment of the transport device, in particular the spread when starting production, that is to say when the film is still cold, only after a predeterminable number of cycles, which e.g. is stored in a data memory, is activated.

92. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 91, characterized in that the required spreading is selected automatically based on at least one parameter stored in the data memory after a material selection.

93. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 92, characterized in that the spread is set manually via the output device.

94. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 93, characterized in that the output parameters are monitored and, if necessary, adjusted or readjusted with the output device.

95. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at least one barb (192) is arranged on the spike 23.

96. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 17 and 95, characterized in that the legs of the spike (23) enclose an acute angle (193).

97. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 17 and 95 to 96, characterized in that the spike (23) has at least one sharp edge for scoring or severing the plastic film (4).

98. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 17 and 95 to 97, characterized in that the guide devices are movably mounted in the guide device (189) arranged one above the other in the vertical direction and in that there is a distance (197) between the guide device (189). reduced in the direction of the molding unit (12)

99. Device according to one or more of claims 28 to 62, characterized in that the ejector (149) comprises a pneumatic cylinder with a proportional valve.

100. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 28 to 62 and 99, characterized in that the ejector (159), in particular the proportional valve, is assigned an absolute measuring system.

101. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 28 to 62 and 99 to 100, characterized in that the pre-stretcher (97) has an electric motor, e.g. on

Servomotor with positioning controller is assigned.

102. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 28 to 62 and 99 to 101, characterized in that the spindle of the pre-stretcher (97) is designed as a planetary roller screw drive.

103. Apparatus for the production of deep-drawn plastic objects, such as containers, lids, non-rotationally symmetrical parts or the like, from at least one, optionally multilayer plastic film, with a molding unit which comprises an upper bridge having a mold part and a lower bridge accommodating at least one mold part, the one Is assigned to the shaping table and is mounted such that it can be adjusted relative to one another, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a segment plate connected to a cam disk drive or a crank drive or a spindle drive via a push rod is arranged for the pivoting movement of the shaping table (114).

104. Apparatus according to claim 103, characterized in that in each case a segment plate connected to a drive is arranged on the sides of the molding table (114) which are parallel to the film transport direction.

105. Device according to one of claims 103 or 104, characterized in that the push rod is designed as a spindle drive.

106. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 103 to

105, characterized in that the push rod is rotatably mounted at least approximately in the middle of the outer, round circumference of the segment plate.

107. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 103 to

106, characterized in that a cooling circuit is assigned to the control cabinet

108. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 103 to

107, characterized in that a heat exchanger is arranged in at least one cooling circuit.