DE2538169A1 - Workpiece transport mechanism between stations - has indexing conveyor with couplings engaging with shaped workpiece portions - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism transports workpieces between loading and unloading stations and performs the return stroke. It incorporates a machine base (55-57), and a coupling (12) engaging with and releasing the shaped portion of a workpiece (2) as it travels from the loading (12b) to the unloading (12e) station on a conveyor (10) travelling over the base. The conveyor moves the couplings to and from the loading and unloading stations, being indexed forward to allow insertion and removal of the workpieces at them. The couplings can be arranged to rotate in bearings on the conveyor.

Description

Method and device for transporting workpieces between a workpiece loading station and a workpiece unloading station including the Return stroke.

The invention relates to an improved coupling for handling a Workpiece and an improved device including such a coupling, for the transport of workpieces, whereby the coupling is combined with a conveyor is and an improved method for handling and transporting workpieces. One aspect of the invention relates to a coupling that includes workpiece locking devices which move radially to grip or release a workpiece as the case may be. One aspect of the invention relates to the combination of a workpiece coupling with a conveyor for moving the clutch in a timed manner between Loading and unloading stations, with the conveyor additionally actuating means to the Has actuation of the clutch to grip and release a workpiece to evoke. One aspect of the invention relates to a system or method for handling workpieces that are easy to scratch, such as, for example, workpieces made of plastic, soft metal or the like, while these in an essentially exact position to be maintained for treatment during transport.

The invention is for the purpose of illustration without limitation this application in connection with equipment for handling workpieces described, which have preforms made of injection molded plastic, which again be heated to a carefully controlled temperature immediately before closing a bottle with a screw-threaded neck for closure by means of a screw cap. The preform has a circular cross-section and the parts of the coupling that come into engagement with the preform also have a circular cross-section.

Blow molding has an increasingly important place in the art the production of hollow bodies, such as containers or the like from the most varied Plastics and synthetic resins, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Taken polyacrylic and nitrile, polyethylene terephthalate and the like.

The technical field of blow molding has grown with reference to the way in which the work material is put into the form in which it is blow molded has developed in two main directions, namely extrusion blow molding and injection blow molding.

As already indicated above, the present invention is under Reference to the injection blow molding explained in more detail.

In injection blow molding, the plastic is first injection molded, to make a preform. If the end product, for example one Should be bottle with a screw neck, injection molding has the advantage that reduces the problems caused by thermal memory and a screw neck is created that is hardly any shape or size changes during further processing.

After the preform is injection molded, it becomes a blow molding operation where it is inserted into the mold, pressurized gas, such as clean compressed air is used to bring the preform into the mold of the blow mold and the finished container is obtained. In many In cases it is necessary to carefully regulate the temperature at which the Preform is supplied to the blow mold. Temperature regulation is easy to achieve, where injection molding and blow molding are done in the same machine, with many Cases the heat retained in the preform is used. Where, however, injection molding and Blow molding are carried out on different machines, it is necessary to perform post-warming or re-warming.

The present invention is particularly useful for making a preform to promote and during the reheating process of the type just described in order to dispense them into a blow molding device. During this process will be the preforms are conveyed through an oven where they are heated in a uniform manner will. This is achieved in that the preform by the coupling mentioned above is gripped, and then by means of the conveyor on which the coupling is mounted, is passed through an oven while the preform is continuously rotated to heat them evenly. The preform is then moved out of the furnace and released from the clutch and conveyor, whereupon the preform is placed in a blow molding system where it is transformed into a container. It should be noted that that the blow molding system does not Forms part of the present invention.

The coupling according to the invention has a pair of cup-shaped parts which are axially slidably movably mounted in one another.

The external coupling acts as a bearing or base, which with connected to a conveyor which is the coupling between a workpiece loading station and a workpiece unloading station. The inner part also has locks, which move radially inwards and outwards to depend on the workpiece to grab from the axial movement between the two cup-shaped parts or to let go. In combination with a conveyor there are corresponding cams and Cam followers are provided to cause the clutch to be gripped and releasing the workpiece is actuated in a timed sequence andum the coupling from a workpiece loading station to a workpiece unloading station move. The clutch and conveyor are particularly useful to turn soft or easily markable materials such as plastics, soft metals and like that to handle. The invention also provides a method of handling created by workpieces, which the process steps of turning, advancing in an intermittent manner with continuous rotation and discharge contains.

In the following the invention is exemplified with reference to in the drawings illustrated embodiments explained in more detail.

It shows: FIG. 1 a side view with the side wall removed and in which there is partially a sectional view showing a conveyor in combination with a number of clutches and workpieces, for example Preforms, showing those made by the couplings are grasped; figure 2 is an end view, partially in section, taken along line 2-2 of FIG Rocker arm cams for loading the clutch, the rotary drive of the clutch, surface cams for the timed advance of the preforms or workpieces and a storage and shows gear arrangement on one for the continuous and the intermittent Shows rotation common shaft; Figure 3 is an end view at the release or ejection end the machine in a partial sectional view along the line 3-3 of Figure 1, which the rotary drive of the coupling, the release cam, the conveyor line and the Figure 10 shows cam follower and part of the intermittent drive; Figures 4 and FIG. 5 side sectional views, on an enlarged scale, of a coupling on a Bearing carrier and the release cam in a workpiece holding or holding position or a workpiece release or loading position; Figure 6 is a side view of the right side of the loading end of the conveyor according to Figures 1 and 2 partially cut, with the right side wall and other details for clarity of illustration are omitted, which is a workpiece storage device for presenting individual Shows workpieces of each coupling; FIG. 7 is an end view taken along line 7-7 of FIG FIG. 6, one of several workpiece loading devices, where this is indicated will that the other bodies of this Kind in the same way are executed; Figures 8 and 9 isometric schematic representations of the articulated connections, which actuates the Kipphebinocken according to Figure 2 or the gear trains, of which one generates both the continuous and intermittent motion; Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 are side, top, end and side views on an enlarged scale Scale and partially sectioned of a modified preferred embodiment the pressure plate for the lower half of the drive chain of the clutch and figures 14 and 15 are end and enlarged side views, partially sectioned, of a modified one preferred embodiment of the release cam device.

For purposes of illustration, a preferred embodiment is shown below described according to the invention, which for conveying preforms 2 made of polyethylene terephthalate which have the shape illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 is expedient and that of the loading device 8 according to FIGS. 6 and 7 through an oven 9 below Using the conveyor 10 according to Figures 1, 2 and 3 are promoted where this to a predetermined state (Figures 1, 2 and 3) are heated and thereafter then the preform by means of appropriate devices (Figures 3 and 5) for forwarding be released to a blow molding device 11 of any conventional type. There the oven and blow molding equipment do not form part of the present invention, these two details are not explained in more detail. The workpiece 2 is through a clutch 12 held or gripped, which is designed according to FIGS is namely from the point in time when it is by the charging device according to Figures 6 and 7 is charged until the point in time when it is at the other end of the Conveyor is released by the release cam device 15, which is described below is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. The clutch will rotated continuously during the time in which it traverses the conveyor line. The charger is timed in relation to the movement of the Conveyor 10 and each individual clutch 12 actuated, whereby each preform in the Coupling is entered while it is temporarily in the loading position (reference number 12b) is stopped (compare Figures 1 and 6). The coupling parts are during of the store is held in the open (release) position according to FIG. 5 until the Workpiece is inserted, whereupon the clutch is closed, i.e. in the engagement or the holding position according to FIG. 4 is moved. After the workpiece or preform is thus loaded into the coupling 12b, the conveyor resumes its position Feed on, whereupon each loaded clutch (e.g. 12c through 12d) continues is rotated as it moves from position to position periodically through the Oven and moved to the point of release 12e which is on the right of Figure 1 and in Figures 3 and 5 is illustrated.

As can be seen from the drawings, in particular from Figures 1 to 3, the couplings are arranged in a pattern of parallel rows. In the illustrated Embodiment (Figures 2 and 3) are a number of couplings in rows of each four clutches arranged on a bearing bracket 20, making these four clutches are movable together through all work steps and at the same time four preforms deliver to the blow mold 11. As best seen in Figure 1, the clutches are similarly arranged in rows one behind the other, i.e.

one behind the other so that the loaded clutches are under action the driving force supplied by the conveyor of the charging station 8 through the furnace 9 to the release point 12e (in the area of a chute to the blow molds 11, without the usual vertical spacing due to the spatial limitation of the drawings) can be moved and the emptied clutches are then returned to the charging station, this process being repeated over and over again will.

The conveyor 10 is a convenient device to the to induce continuous rotation of each charged clutch while simultaneously the intermittent advance of the couplings from the loading station to the unloading station the machine is guaranteed.

The structure of the coupling is explained in more detail below. A preferred one Embodiment of the coupling 12 as used in the context of the present invention is illustrated in the cross-sectional view in FIGS. Figure 4 shows the position of the various individual parts of the coupling when a Preform or another workpiece is held or gripped by the coupling or when the clutch is empty and returned for reloading. Figure 5 shows the relative positions of the parts when the coupling releases a workpiece or record.

The coupling 12 engages and releases the preform as a function of the relative movement between their individual parts, this movement being an axial movement converted into a radial movement.

The coupling consists of a first and a second cup-shaped Part 25 or 26. The first cup-shaped part 25 is the furthest outward one Part and forms a bearing or support from which a hollow shaft 27 upwards increases. It has a closed end 28 from which a hollow shaft extends and also a tubular, preferably cylindrical Wall 29. The wall of the first part also has a cam surface 30 on the bottom lying inside of its lip or apron, this cam surface in is divided into two parts, the lowest part of which is a release cam surface 31 and the overhead portion is a holding or workpiece gripping cam surface 32. A step 33 or some convenient inclined surface connects the two Cam surfaces. The wall 31, 32 can also serve as a heat shield, around heating the injection molded neck and screw threads 16, 17, 18 to prevent the preform, so that the manufactured by injection molding Shape with minimal deformation due to that generated by thermal storage Problems persists.

A number of detents 35, preferably by spherical Bodies, such as ball bearings, are formed by the second cup-shaped Part or carrier worn.

The detents are the components that physically engage arrive with the preform. In the preferred embodiment, the inclined surface is on the underside of the sealing or locking ring provided on the preform 17 such that an inward radial movement of the lock causes the lock wedged under this surface to firmly against the top or lip of the preform to push the seat 36 of the preform into the top of the beam through the seat flange 37 is held, which is in engagement with a retaining ring 38 which is in a Groove 39 is added.

The second coupling part 26 is axially movable in the first or The bearing part is held and has an end wall 41 and a tubular wall 42 on to keep the detents 35 as a carrier for this effective, so that the detents can move radially as the carrier 26 moves axially a distance will, which are sufficient to remove the detents 35 from the retaining cam surface 35 according to FIG 4 to move to the release cam surface 31 according to FIG. 5 and vice versa.

The carrier 26 of the detents has a closed end 41, from which a cam follower 44 projects upwards and from which the tubular, preferably cylindrical wall starts out, which has a number of openings 45, which are carried out completely through the wall. Preferably there are three openings provided, whereby three arrests 35 can be used. The openings 45 are actually shaped as obliquely formed holes that protrude outward from the By means of part of the housing are designed to diverge starting. The the locks forming balls 35 are consequently held in these tapered holes however, protrude from this far enough, as illustrated in FIG To grasp the workpiece firmly.

The cam follower 44 connected to the carrier is slidable in the mounted hollow shaft 27 and engages through this and extends over the shaft (compare Figures 4 and 5) by a distance sufficient to in engagement with an actuator such as various cams (Compare the rocker arm cam and the release cam described below 15) to come into engagement, as illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and 6 and described below with reference to the loading and unloading devices is.

A resilient spring device 47 is by a retaining spring Serving helical spring formed, which between the shaft forming the bearing 27 and the cam follower part 44 of the housing arranged under compressive stress and is held on this by a retaining ring and a disc 48 and 49 and the Biases the carrier of the lock in the bearing part, i.e. the Parts biased into the relative positions illustrated in FIGS.

A second resilient spring device is as a seat spring 50 between the closed end 41 of the locking carrier and the workpiece seat 36 are provided. The seat spring is under compression and pushes the carrier and the seat apart path.

At the top of the hollow bearing shaft is also a pinion or gear 51 attached to the coupling continuously around one extending through the coupling Rotate the axis when it is connected to the conveyor. The warehouse is 27 rotatably mounted on the bearing bracket 20 in a pair of slide bearings 52, which preferably formed by permanently lubricated bearings of the insert-like bush type which are easily available in the market.

Each clutch 12 works in the following way: (compare figures 4 and 5) - The workpiece 2 is first pressed down by the cam follower part 44 used or released, which compresses the housing spring 47 and the carrier 26 axially downwards in the direction of the position illustrated in FIG moved, whereupon those formed by the seat 36 and the spring 50, the ejection supporting means are effective, so that the seat spring 50, the seat 36 after pushes down to a position where the retaining ring 38 allows further movement of the seat completed. Because of these movements, the detents 35 are radially inserted into their openings 45 moved against the release cam surface 31 and thereby release the workpiece. At this point in time, the individual parts reach the positions illustrated in FIG and if a workpiece is in the coupling at the beginning, it is released, however, if the clutch is empty, it is loaded by inserting a workpiece 2 and is moved axially until the detents 45 grip it, wherein in the end the position illustrated in FIG. 4.

is taken. The functionality when holding is essentially the same in reverse order of the steps described first and the locks 45 fully engage the retaining cam surface 32 as it ascends with the preform. Consequently, relative axial movement between the two becomes cup-shaped Parts 25, 26 implemented in a radial movement of the detents 45.

The conveyor device is explained in more detail below. The conveyor 10 forms the machine frame or base on which the entire system is supported is. The base includes a pair of side plates 55 of the conveyor (Figures 1, 2 and 3), which are held at a distance from one another by a horizontal frame plate 56 and which are connected to one another at one end by means of a vertical end plate 57 and are supported on feet 58 at a convenient height above the ground.

The various frame parts form a storage facility on which a number of bearings, main drives and guide parts are supported.

The couplings 12 are in rows of four over the conveyor in the Bearing supports arranged. Each bearing bracket 20 is on a pair at its ends supported by rollers or wheels 61, which are preferably cam follower rollers and which run on a rail or guide track 62 arranged on the side of the frame, which is carried out in an advantageous manner by machining in the side plates Groove can be formed. However, it is preferred to perform machining so that it can be advantageous to use bolts, angles or U-irons to attach the side plate, which is then used as rails for the bearing bracket in the serve horizontal straight sections so that only a semicircular one Groove at the ends of the corresponding Side plates as a rail (see Figure 1) must be produced by machining.

Each bearing bracket 20 is supported by a pull tab 65 at its ends connected to a conveyor chain 66 on both sides of the conveyor. The conveyor chain itself is guided around the drive gear 67 or the deflection gear 68, which on a drive shaft 69 or a deflection shaft 70 are mounted. The drive shaft 69 is mounted in bearings 71 between the side plates 55 (FIG. 3). The deflection shaft 70 is supported in bearings 72 in the respective side plates. It should be on it it should be noted that each end of each bearing bracket 20 is on a rail or track 62 and has a pull tab 65 at each end. Among other things this avoids malfunctions caused by the inclined position of the Bearing beam could result, as would be the case if only a single point connection would be used.

The clutches 12 are continuously rotated by a horizontally arranged double link chain 73 or chain double width provided is, the lower half is in engagement with the gears 51 of the clutches and its upper half around a clutch drive gear 74 and a clutch reversing gear 75 is performed. The use of the double-width chain 73 and the arrangement of the Gear 74 of the couplings in a plane lying deeper in the vertical direction or level as the drive and idler gears avoids a mechanical failure, which could occur if these were in the same level, while simultaneously it becomes possible for each coupling to begin its rotation earlier and this later can end on their path of movement from the loading station to the unloading station. One Pressure plate 76 (a modified embodiment of the pressure plate, which is preferred is is by reference described on Figures 10 to 13) is mounted in such a way that it is with the rear side of both the tensioned and the loose side of the chain 73 is engaged to maintain drive contact to ensure between the chain 73 and the corresponding clutch sprockets 51. As can best be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the tensioned and the loose side of each chain in mesh with a plurality of clutch sprockets. In addition comes that by arranging the coupling chains 73, their drive gears 74, 75 and the pressure plates 76 between each pair of rows of clutches a minimum Number of drive systems for the clutches must be used.

The gear train described below and illustrated in FIG rotates the shaft 69 of the conveyor drive gear intermittently by slipping the chain 77 (Figure 9) to the conveyor main wheel 78 at periodic intervals intermittently Force impulses are sent. The rotating system 73, 74, 75 of the clutches becomes continuous driven by a separate and continuously operating drive train, which is explained in more detail in Figure 9 and the force to the drive gear for the clutches and the deflection gear supplies. The following are the loading and unloading devices for the workpieces explained in more detail. Workpieces or preforms are made by facilities inserted into the clutches and released from them, which with cams 80 and 15 (or 315, Figures 14 and 15) work together to make the various items according to each clutch in a timed manner between positions Figures 4 and 5 to move to thereby load and unload the clutch. Of the Working cycle with regard to the coupling positions for loading, conveying and unloading of a workpiece is as follows: a) Cam actuation of the clutch 12b (Figure 1) in the release / loading position according to Figure 5; b) in the position according to Figure 5 use of the loading device 8 (left side of Figure 1 and Figure 6) and Insertion of the workpiece 2 into the coupling until the seat 36 against the closed End 41 of the carrier is pushed; c) at this point in time, cam actuation of the clutch in the gripping / holding position according to Figure 4; d) Release of the workpiece at the unloading station 12e by moving the coupling into the position according to FIG. 5; and e) repatriation the coupling in the position according to Figure 4 and movement of the coupling to the unloading station.

As a simpler of the two, reference will first be made to the figures 1, 3, 4 and 5 describe the mode of operation and the structure of the unloading / releasing station. The unloading station 12e is at the right end of the conveyor in the view of FIG 1 illustrates and is achieved when a clutch is in the clutch position 12e is moved, in this position the cam follower part of the clutch with the Release cam 15, which is illustrated in Figure 4, in initial engagement got. The release cam 15 is by bolts or the like on the horizontal Frame plate 56 illustrates, but is only shown in dashed lines in Figure 1, to keep the drawing clear (therefore compare Figures 3 to 5). One to the right Directional movement of the clutch 12e is interrupted and it remains in the position 12e for a period of time sufficient to make a preform at the other end of the machine 2b to be inserted into the coupling 12b. The next feed of the clutch emotional the cam follower 44 along the release cam 15 until the release point of the cam is reached, which is illustrated in Figure 5, which exposes the preform 2e. The clutch continues to move during this advance until it stops is in contact with the release cam and it actually moves into the Position of the coupling 12f in FIG. 1.

This continued advance allows the cam sequence to follow part beyond the rear edge of the release cam 15 and except for any Moves contact with the release cam, so that the sequence spring 47 is now empty Coupling parts returns to the position illustrated in Figure 4, with the Exception that the part 36 rests on the ring 38 below. The coupling parts remain in this holding / gripping position until the coupling reaches the charging station at the point of coupling 12b reached.

The conveyor chain 66 moves the coupling around the right end of the conveyor in the view according to FIG. 1 and along the horizontal rail or track 62 the top of the conveyor to finally get it around the left end of the conveyor (in the view of FIG. 1) into the loading position designated as coupling 12b move. A #ger 82 holds the loading device 8 on the end plate 57 of the frame. At the charging station or position are those illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, 7 and 8 Mechanisms used to operate the clutch to place a workpiece therein and to grip and hold the workpiece.

While the clutch moves from position 12a to position 12b moved around the left end of Figure 1 on its bearing bracket (its parts are shown in the Holding / gripper position according to Figure 4), the cam follower comes into engagement with the rocker arm cam 80, which is illustrated in the partially cut-away part of FIG is and the movement of the clutch is interrupted when the clutch is in position 12b reached. The rocker arm cam 80 has the cam follower part at this point in time after pressed down so that the coupling parts the loading position take according to Figure 5.

The conveyor system according to Figure 1 is driven intermittently in such a way that that the clutch is in the loading position 12b according to FIGS. 1 and 6 for a period of time sufficient to set a workpiece 2b therein (hence all clutches are temporarily stopped). Once the preform or workpiece is inserted into the clutch, the rocker arm cam 80 is pivoted clockwise, to free itself from contact with the cam follower 44 so that the coupling can spring back into the holding position (Figure 4), which means that the detents grip the preform.

The rocker arm cam is on a rocker arm shaft 83 (with a plurality same cam) and is supported by the illustrated in Figure 8 (compare also FIGS. 2 and 6) articulated system actuated, which from a cam surface 84 works, which for reasons of convenience by a bolt connection on the rear surface a pair of loading surface cams 85 is attached and supported is that they are located together with this on the housing 86 of the ball bearing device 87 rotates on shaft 70. All surface cams 84 and 85 are activated by a force driven, which is derived from chains 88 on gears 89, the same by bolting or otherwise securely to their associated ball bearing devices 87 are attached and which their driving force is illustrated in more detail in FIG Gear train received.

In any case, the surface cam 84 of the rocker arm shaft comes into engagement with a cam follower part 91 (Figures 6 and 8) between the ends of a cam follower arm 92 is arranged, whose one end can be pivoted about point 93 the frame is mounted and the one fork connection 94 at the other end with a horizontal joint system 95, 96, 97 (Figure 8), which the movement of the Cam follower 91 to the crank 98 of the rocker arm shaft 83 in such a Way transmits and amplifies that the rocker arm cam 80 out of contact with the Coupling is moved so that they assume the position illustrated in FIG can, whereupon the rocker arm cam 80 is returned to a position where he the Can press the cam follower part of the next coupling down.

The joint system illustrated in Figure 8 (see also Figures 2, 6 and 7) has a first and a second push rod 95 and 97, respectively, which pass through Conventional pin or fork connections 101, 102 are connected to a horizontal lever 96 are, which can be pivoted in a bearing 103 on the horizontal frame plate is stored. The cam and the entire articulation system illustrated in FIG are shaped in such a way that they pass the rocker arm cam in the continuous manner in FIG Lines hold the illustrated position for a period of time sufficient for the To enable insertion of a preform into the coupling (by placing the latter in position of Figure 5) and then the clutch in the holding position according to Figure 4 to snap by turning the button clockwise out of contact with the Coupling follower part in the position shown in broken lines in Figure 6 is pivoted, whereupon the rocker arm cam has no contact in this Position is held until the conveyor 10 moves the coupling away from position 12b Has. The rocker arm cam is then shown in the illustrated in solid lines Contact position swiveled back. The next periodic movement of the conveyor moves the coupling out of the loading position, a next coupling leads into the Loading position and preferably brings each Clutch roughly the Position 12c, where this initially comes into contact with the double-width chain and starts turning.

The loading device 8 according to FIGS. 6 and 7 is a loading device for inserting individual workpieces from the loading chute 105 one after the other in the Couplings located in the loading position, which is designated as coupling 12b (actually four workpieces in four clutches, if the four-row arrangement according to the figures 1 to 3 is used) in a fixed temporal relationship to the Operation of the conveyor, the loading device by a loading surface cam 85 is actuated. As a result, the machine includes a timing system (the face cams 84, 85 and the intermittent drive 189 of the conveyor according to Figure 9), which the loader operates when the conveyor, i.e. the various Hold the couplings still. As can best be seen from FIG. 2, there is one surface cam each provided at each end of the shaft 70 and the ball bearing assemblies 86, 87 allow relative rotational movement between shaft 70 and each surface cam unit 84 to 87 or 85 to 87. The bed cams are shaped so that they with the rocker cams work together to insert a preform into the clutch and holding the preform until the rocker arm 80 has moved to cause the coupling to grip or hold the workpiece at 12b and then to the Loading device in the illustrated in Figure 6 in solid line Position or the starting position until the next following clutch is at position 12b.

A carrier 82 (see Figures 1 and 6) holds the loading device 8 in their place T The loading device 8 causes the preforms under the action of gravity through the chute 108 into the position indicated by the preform 2b be conveyed, from where they are axially by a lifting device 106 in the previously described Way is raised in the clutch.

The loading chute according to Figures 6 and 7 consists of an inclined A pair of upper rails 108 with which the preform retaining ring 18 engages and a stop 109 at the end of the rails to keep the preform relative to the coupling to position precisely. The lateral positioning of the preform is made possible by a Pair of lower rails 110 maintained, which on any appropriate Point between the ends of the workpiece in engagement with the workpiece or the Get preform. The top and bottom rails are supported by vertical support arms 111 mounted, which by bolts or another quietly on the supports 82 and a Support plate 112 are attached (see Figures 1 and 6).

The lifting assembly 106 (Figures 6 and 7) has side support parts 115, which contain straight inner guide rails 116, a cross member 117, which can be pivoted by fork connections 118 in the region of both ends to one the follower rod 119 is connected to the bottom of one of the loading surface cams 85 go out, and a number of rollers 120 at both ends, which the carrier store on the guide plates.

A number of individual resilient workpiece loader assemblies 122 is mounted on the carrier, with side by side for each of the in the conveying direction lying rows of couplings such an arrangement is provided only such a charging arrangement is explained in more detail below, the the rest are identical to this). Each loading arrangement has a base plate 123, which is attached to the cross member 117 by a number of bolts 125 is attached.

A slot 124 allows the base plate to be adjusted to through this to be able to handle different lengths of preforms or workpieces. That outer end of this base plate is attached to a cap 126, which Is U-shaped to the end of the workpiece in the in Figures 6 and 7 illustrated Quietly record, so that the front and side surfaces of the workpiece can be gripped and positioned.

A foot 127 is slidably mounted on a pin 128 and is by means of a spring 129 so resiliently pressed away from the pin that preforms slightly of different lengths then inserted into the coupling and firmly in it can be arranged. Eyelets 131 provided on the cap form lateral and axial bearings and stops for the foot 127.

Each loading surface cam 85 engages a cam follower 130, which is arranged in the middle of a cam follower arm 135, which around a fixed pivot point 132 is pivotable and has a free or pivotable End 133, which hinges a cam follower rod that, as in the Figures 6 and 7 illustrate to which cross member 117 is connected. A spacer 136 maintains pivot point 132 a suitable distance from the side frame 55. The surface cams 85 are shaped so that they lift the preform and they Insert axially into the coupling, stay here until the rocker arm cam engages the coupling has moved into its holding position according to Figure 4 and then pull back and this Repeat the process in a timed relationship to the other processes, while the clutch is stopped at 12b.

The gear train is explained in more detail below. Figure 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the gear train for the contraption according to the present invention. Two power drives in the form of electric motors 140 and 141 are provided. The motor 141 drives a horizontally arranged chain 143, which is guided around a number of deflection wheels 144, 145 and the associated ones serves to drive the primary gears 146, 147 to rotate the clutches, which are mounted in bearings 148, 149 on the plate 56 on the same shafts 150, 151, on which the sprockets 74 are also mounted.

The motor 140 is actually a gear motor and uses both Ends of an output shaft or two-drive shafts 160, 161 such that the gear train is divided into two parts, namely an output shaft 160 of the continuous rotating system and an output shaft 161 of the intermittent system the advance of the preforms. The gear motor 140 is preferably on top of the Conveyor system mounted as shown schematically in FIG. being continuous drive system is derived from the shaft 160 and driven by shafts, Bevel gears 162, a timing shaft 164, timing gears 166, Timing chain 88 and gears 89 with the cam surfaces 84, 85 of the loading system connected to drive this continuously.

The intermittent drive system takes place via a switching device, like a magnetic coupling or a Maltese cross 189, to a sprocket 191, which drives the chain 77, which in turn drives the main sprocket 78 and the shaft 69 drives, so that thereby intermittently the conveyor system 10 and consequently the Bearing bracket 20 and the couplings 12 are advanced.

Both motors 140, 141 operate while the system is in operation continually. The system powered by motor 140 operates in the above described way. That by the engine 141 powered system works continuously to thereby continuously the clutches and consequently continuously to rotate the preforms.

The following is the procedure of loading, conveying and unloading explained in more detail. The method according to the invention for loading a workpiece 2b in a coupling 12b for conveying it along a path to an unloading station 12e and for releasing the same at this point comprises the following process steps: Providing a coupling 12 for holding the workpiece 2, which essentially has a Cup-shaped bearing part 25, which is on a linearly movable conveyor 20 mounted, a cup-shaped support member 26 slidable for axial movement is mounted in the bearing part and has locking means 35 held by the carrier are carried and actuated to move in response to relative axial movement to move radially between the support part and the bearing part; Moving the clutch to a charging station 2b and stopping the movement at this point; Inserting a Workpiece 2b in the axial direction of the same into the coupling; Moving the latches 35 radially inward for gripping the workpiece depending on the above Axial movement; Conveying the clutch and the workpiece to intermittent periodic Feed steps in the direction of the unloading station 12e; and releasing the workpiece, by causing the detents to move radially from the workpiece move away to the unloading station depending on the movement. The invention includes furthermore the combination of this process with the process step of the continuous Rotation of the clutch during a larger part of the time in which the clutch with the workpiece located therein intermittently from the loading station 12b to Unloading station 12e is advanced. The method may also involve the use of a Number of equally spaced couplings 12 in an array of Clutches include the (compare Figures 1 to 3) in parallel Rows are arranged in relation to one another, resulting in a number of such couplings simultaneously loaded (in the one described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 wise) and can be discharged.

The modified form of the pressure plate is explained in more detail below. In Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 is a preferred embodiment of the pressure plate illustrated, which is characterized in that a modified printing plate 76a is provided with a spring-loaded nose 276, which has a smooth and soft entrance or Xinlaufabschnitt forms to the teeth of the gears 51 of the Couplings in engagement with the lower chain links or lower chain halves to bring on the chains 73. The advantages of this design are considerable Reduction in breakages and other breakdowns of the chain 73 under operating conditions. Such breaks can occur because the teeth of the gears on the Jamming the rollers of the chain.

As with the pressure plate 76 described above, the tab 276 can preferably be suspended from the U-profile 279 by means of lugs 278. The U-profile is by means of appropriate devices, such as bolts or welding - (not shown), attached to the horizontal plate 56 and the approaches themselves again fastened by means of bolts (not shown) or by welding.

The nose 276 consists essentially of a pair of spring-loaded ones Chain guides 280, 281 on a modified end portion 76b of the modified Shape of the pressure plate 76a are mounted, and which within one of the endless trails of the chain 73, the chain guides in each pair being mounted in such a way that that they come into engagement with the rollers and not with the links of the chain 73. A neither 282 expresses the Chain guides outwards against the Chain. Each chain guide is around its associated axis (preferably a bolt) 284 or 285 pivotable.

The end portion 76b of the pressure plate is in a certain shape (Fig 11) cut to form spaces 286, 287, # the one facing inward Allow movement of each chain guide, with the one facing outwards Movement of each chain guide around the above-mentioned axis through lugs 288, 289 of the section is limited.

The chain guides are actually between the upper and lower bearing plates 290, 291 attached, which by means of bolts 292 or other devices on the End portion 76b are retained, the bolts 284 and 285 in these plates are mounted.

The spring 282 is under compressive stress between the chain guides held and pushes it outwards, but allows a resilient Resistance to inward movement that may occur accidentally, when one tooth of the gear, rollers of the chain and chain guide are mutually exclusive touch. The spring is held in place by a sheet metal bracket 294, which has a J-shaped cross-section and which has screws 295 at the end 76b is attached.

As best seen in Figure 12, the chain guides are 280 and 281 both provided with an outer gripping edge 298 and 299 that was narrow enough is to fit easily between the links of the chain 73, thereby ensuring that only the rollers of the chain and not the side links are in contact with the leading or leading edge of each chain guide. The main body every chain guide can considerably thicker than the rolls the chain be designed to thereby have sufficient strength and sufficient To reach storage area on their axes 284 and 285. The leading edges 298 and 299 can, however, by machining or grinding in one thickness be designed, which is smaller than that of the rollers, in order to ensure that that the engagement is actually only with the rollers and not with the side links will be produced. 1fie can be seen from Figure 11, the entrance edge is beveled, so that when a chain roller and sprockets reach their furthest point, a smooth engagement of the chain and the sprocket is achieved. The edge can optionally be continued on the main body 76a of the pressure plate.

In the following, the pneumatically operated cam assembly 315 is used Approval explained in more detail. This detail is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, which essentially consists of a pneumatic air cylinder 316 to feed each workpiece, which brings the clutch to station 2e, 12e to release. Generally speaking, it is when the presence of the stopped workpiece is detected at station 2e (by means of a suitable device such as a contact switch, photocell or the like), Air through a control valve 330 into the air line 317 and from there into the cylinder 316 fed, as a result of which the piston rod 318 protruding therefrom is extended which impinges on the cam follower part 44 on the coupling 12e and this at least so far down until the locks release the workpiece 2e.

The air cylinder 316 and associated device components 315 fit completely into the location of each of the cams 15 described above. These air cylinders are preferred as all four at the same time with one is sufficient long stroke operated can be made to any set of couplings to achieve, regardless of minor differences in the mechanical stroke of the Alignment, etc., thereby ensuring that all four preforms are at the same time be released. Simultaneous sharing is of particular importance because all preforms are blow molded at the same time in a very fast work rhythm and cycle Need to become.

The release assembly 315 evens out differences beyond what is required Hub and in the lateral and transverse alignment of the machine with respect to the Couplings and the workpieces. The wear and tear of the machine leading to elongations of the chains, thermal distortions, wear on coupling parts, etc. can, makes the version having the pneumatic cylinder according to the figures 1 and 3 to 5 preferred, although the operating experience to this day indicate seems that the release cam 15 is sufficient for a considerable period of time before realignment of the various machine parts or the installation of a different one Facility to achieve the simultaneous release is required.

Each cylinder 316 is included with a convenient manifold 317 an air (or other pressurized gas) line. Preferably compressed air is used used. The supply and shutdown of the compressed air is controlled by a valve 330 in controlled by each distributor. It is also preferred to add the compressed air to the compressed air any downstream blow molding device. The air cylinder and its piston are customary in their design individual parts available on the market.

Each air cylinder is by appropriate means such as Bolts, attached to a mounting block 320, which in turn by means of welding or Bolts attached to plate 56 is. The piston rod 318 is sufficient into one end of a sleeve or rigid coupling 321, now the other end of a circular steel plate or button 322 is attached. The coupling 321 is slidable stored in block 320. The coupling 321 has internal screw threads 323 which engage corresponding threads on piston rod 318tnd a threaded shaft 324 on the button. When air is fed into cylinder 316 is, the piston rod 318 extends and the button 322 hits the cam follower part 44 of the coupling 12 located in each case at the station 12e. The piston rod is driven further outwards until no further movement of the cam follower part 44 is possible, at which time the workpiece 2e is released, the Air has been turned off and the piston can then return. The cylinder can can be either single or preferably double acting, however, if one single-acting cylinder is used, a return spring or equivalent Facility be provided.

The Viontageblocks 320 are by expedient facilities such as for example bolts or the like, attached to the horizontal plate 56.

All of those mentioned in the description and in the drawings recognizable technical details are important for the invention.

Claims (33)

Claims 1. Device for transporting work pieces between a work piece loading station and a workpiece unloading station including the return stroke by combining the following components: One machine base (55 to 57), one Coupling (12) which has a shaped section (17) of a workpiece (2) as a function for their movement to and from the workpiece loading station (12b) and the workpiece unloading station can grab and release; Conveyors (10) which are movable with respect to the Machine base (55 to 57) are stored and the coupling (12) for a repeated Movement along corresponding first and second paths of movement towards and away from the carrying respective stations (12b, 12e) for loading and unloading; Facilities (15, 315, 80) for actuating the clutch (12) for gripping and releasing the workpiece (2) depending on the arrival of the coupling at the charging station (12b) or the Unloading station (12e); Devices (8) for inserting workpieces (2) individually into the coupling (12) when the coupling (12) arrives at the charging station (12b) and Drive devices (140, 141, 189, 191) of the conveyor (10), which alternately and periodically moving the conveyor (10) between the stations (12b and 12e) interrupt to alternately stop the conveyor (10) and the conveyor (10) then to drive up a certain distance. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying device (10) bearing (52) for the rotatable mounting of the coupling (12) thereon, whereby the coupling (12) is rotatable about an axis leading through the bearings (52). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that devices (51, 73) for rotating the coupling (12) around the axis when conveying from the workpiece loading station (12b) to the workpiece unloading station (12e) are provided. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that devices (73 to 76, 141) are provided around the coupling (12) continuously around the axis when conveying from the workpiece loading station (12b) to the workpiece unloading station (12e) to rotate, whereby the workpiece (2) is rotated during the conveying movement is interrupted. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (8) to replace the workpieces via a timing system (84, 85, 189) with connected to the conveyor (10) to operate the workpiece inserter (8), when the conveying movement is interrupted. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that workpiece unloading devices (15, 315) at the workpiece unloading station (12e) for ejecting a workpiece (2) are provided by a part of the coupling (12) during its movement substantially at the time when the coupling (12) makes its way to the workpiece unloading station ends and a return to the charging station (12b) begins, engaging with them Facilities. 7. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the inserter (8) through a timing system (84, 85, 189) with the Conveyor (10) is connected to actuate the inserter (8) when the Conveying movement is interrupted. 8. Device for carrying a workpiece between a workpiece loading station and a workpiece unloading station including return movement, characterized by the combination of the following components: a machine base (55 to 57); a clutch (12) showing a shaped section (17) of a workpiece depending on their Movement to and from the workpiece return loading station (12b) and the workpiece unloading station (12e) can grasp or release; Conveyors (10) relative to the Machine base (55 to 57) are movably mounted to the coupling (12) for a repeated movement along corresponding first and second conveying paths to and carry away from the respective loading and unloading stations (12b and 12e, respectively); Means (80, 15, 312) for actuating the clutch (12) for gripping and releasing of the workpiece (2) depending on the arrival of the coupling (12) at the loading station (12b) or the unloading station (12e); Devices (8) for inserting workpieces individually into the coupling (12) when the coupling (12) arrives at the charging station (12b) and means (51, 73) for continuously rotating the coupling (12) about the same Axis when conveying the coupling from the workpiece loading station (12b) to the workpiece unloading station (12e), whereby the workpiece (2) is rotated while the conveying movement is interrupted is. 9. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the conveyor (10) has the following components: A bearing bracket (20) on which de storage facilities (52) are arranged; a rail or guide track (62) on the machine base (55 to 57) extending between stations (12b and 12e) and rollers (61), which store the bearing bracket (20) on the rail (62). 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the The conveyor (10) further comprises: a chain (66), which between two chain wheels (67, 68) is guided parallel to the rail (62) and devices (65), which connect the bearing bracket (20) to the chain, whereby a the chain wheels (67, 68) of the bearing bracket (20) is moved. 11. Device for carrying a work piece between a work piece loading station and a work piece unloading station including the way back, characterized by the combination of the following components: A machine base (55 to 57); a number of clutches (12) in series and link in each parallel rows are arranged to each other and each have a shaped section (17) of a workpiece (2) depending on its movement to the Werkatückladestation (1 2b) or the workpiece unloading station (12e) or by moving between them Grab or can release; Conveyors (10 # related to the machine base (55 to 57) are mounted relatively movably in order to increase the number of couplings (12) in the parallel row arrangement for a repeated movement lengthways corresponding first and second conveying routes to and from the respective stations for loading and unloading (12b, 12e) to carry; :! Directions (80, 15, 315) for actuation a parallel row of clutches (12) for gripping and releasing the workpieces from these depending on the arrival of such a series of clutches (12) at the loading station (12b) or unloading station (12e); Device (8) for insertion of workpieces individually in each of the couplings (12) in such a parallel Row, when such a row arrives at the charging station (12b) and facilities (51> 73) for continuously rotating part of the couplings (12) between the charging station (12b) and the unloading station (12e), while the Couplings (12) through periodic feed between the loading station and the unloading station be promoted. 12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling (12) has the following components: a bearing part (25) with an upper section (27, 28) for attachment to the conveyor (10), a lower support section (29), which has a chamber with an inner locking release surface (31) on the inner edge surrounds an inner detent engaging surface (32) above the skirt (29) and an open end in the area of the skirt; a locking bracket (26), which is movable in the top of the chamber for movement towards the Apron (29) and is supported away from this and for movement through facilities (15, 44, 80, 315) outside the bearing part (25) can be actuated and the workpiece receiving space with an open end in the region of the skirt (29); Locking devices (35) carried by the support (26) and radially in the central part of the in the carrier (26) provided space to the outside and inside depending on a corresponding movement of the carrier (26) between the surface (31) and the release surface (32) are movable; whereby by the movement of the carrier (26) with respect to the bearing part (25) in the direction of the apron (29) the locking devices (35) in a release position be moved by a workpiece (2), if present, and when the carrier is moved (26) in the opposite direction, the locking devices (35) in one Position are moved in which they grip a workpiece (2), if available. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the Coupling (12) has a seat (36) which is movable in the upper end of the carrier (26) is arranged. 14. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the Bearing part (25) has a shaft-like shaft (27) at the top and that the conveyor device (10) bearings (52) for the rotatable mounting of the shaft (27) in such a way that the coupling (12) is rotatable with respect to the conveyor (10) is. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the shaft (27) is hollow so that the carrier (26) has a cam follower part (44), which extends from the closed end of the carrier (26) and through the shaft (27) is slidably mounted in this reaching therethrough. 16. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that a Shank (27) is provided through the end (28) of the bearing part (25) that the Apron (29) is opposite, reaching through from this starting. 17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that a first spring device (47) is provided, which the shaft (27) of the apron (29) pushes inside the bearing part (25). 18. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the Coupling (12) has a device (50) which supports the ejection and which a spring (see above) containing the seat (36) in a direction from the top (51) pushes away the housing (26). 19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the Coupling (12) has a further spring (47) which holds the carrier (26) in the bearing part pushes with a force greater is than that of the spring (50), which pushes the Si-tz (36) away from the housing (26). 20. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the Carrier (26) has a number of conical or tapered holes (45), whose smallest dimension is furthest inside and which diverge depending on the outside and are located at a point which is such that the holes (45) the Locking means (35) out of engagement with the locking release surface (31) and move into engagement with the locking gripping surface (32) and vice versa that the locking devices (z; 5) formed by a number of balls (35) are, each of which is arranged in one of the holes (45) and one diameter have that is too large that a ball (35) through the smallest cross section a hole that is small enough to allow that a ball (35) significantly inwards into the housing (26) depending on the movement of the holes (45) protrude toward the detent engagement surface (32) and which are retractable to a position in which the balls (35) are not essential protrude in response to a movement of the holes (45) to the locking release surface (31). 21. Coupling for gripping and releasing a Werlstückes as a function from a relative movement between its various parts to the transformation of a Axial movement into radial movement, characterized by the combination of the following Components: A first cup-shaped bearing part (25) with a cam surface (30) in the area of the inside of its lip or lower edge (29); a number of Detents (35); a second cup-shaped part (26) which has a carrier (26) for the detents (35) forms to these radially with respect to the housing (25) to move, wherein the carrier (26) is axially movably mounted in the housing (25), and the open cortices of both cup-shaped parts (25, 26) have a common opening form, in which the workpiece (2) is received and which a number of Has openings (45) in each of which one of the detents (55) is mounted to to follow the cam surface (30), the cam surface (30) being shaped such that that they the catches (35) radially inwards and outwards as a function to a relative axial movement between the second cup-shaped part (26) and forcing the first cup-shaped part (25) to thereby grip the workpiece (2) or to release. 22. Coupling according to claim 21, characterized in that df cie cam surface (30) a kink release portion (31) on the lip (29) on the inside and a piggyback gripping portion (32) axially and radially further in the carrier (26) has, wherein both sections can come into engagement with the detents (), whereby a movement of the carrier (26) radially in the direction of the lip (29) of the bearing part (25) and away from this the catches (35) radially outwards to release a workpiece (2) and radially n # ch inside for gripping a workpiece (2), if present, moved. 23. Coupling according to claim 21, characterized in that the detents (35) are formed by spherical bodies (35). 24. Coupling according to claim 23, characterized in that the openings (45) are designed as tapered holes (45) which diverge outwards and that the detents are dimensioned such that they are too large to pass through the to get through the smallest diameter of the holes (45). 25. Coupling according to claim 21, characterized in that a t; rerkstiacksitz (36) is provided for limited movement in the carrier (26) on that of the lip (29) distal end is held. 26. Coupling according to claim 25, characterized in that a spring device (50) is provided to bias the seat (36) towards the lip (29). 27. Coupling according to claim 21, characterized in that a cam follower part (44) is provided, which extends from the end of the carrier (26) which is the open End opposite and that a spring (47) the carrier (26) in the bearing part (25) pretensioned. 28. Method of loading a workpiece into a coupling for conveying the same along a path to an unloading station and for releasing at this Place, characterized by the following process steps: Providing a Coupling for holding the work piece, which has a substantially cup-shaped Bearing part that is rotatably mounted on linearly moving conveyors, a cup-shaped carrier part which is slidable for axial movement in the bearing part is mounted and has detents carried by the carrier part, which can be actuated are in order to be dependent on axial movements between the support part and the bearing part move radially; Move the clutch to a charging station and stop the clutch at this station; Inserting a workpiece in the axial direction thereof into the coupling; Move the detents radially inward to depend on the workpiece to grip the aforementioned axial movement; Conveying the coupling and the workpiece by periodic intermittent feed steps in the direction of the unloading station and share the part by pulling the detents radially from the <- ~ part moved away depending on the movement to the unloading station will. 29. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the couplings during a major part of the time that the clutches are intermittently in The direction of the unloading station with the cutting pieces can be turned. 30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that chß a number of equally spaced clutches in an array of clutches in rank and file in parallel rows and that a number of such Couplings are loaded and unloaded at the same time. 31. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that a number of equally spaced couplings in parallel rows in rows and Link can be provided so that a number of clutches can be loaded simultaneously and is discharged. 32o method according to claim 29, characterized in that the Couplings a sufficiently large skirt is provided around the head of the workpiece shield. 33. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that when engaging of the clutches with the devices for their continuous rotation the clutch is initially pressed resiliently into the driving contact for the rotary movement. Blank page