Transmission systems for compressors and compressor units

Abstract

A transmission system for a compressor is proposed, which has at least two fixed units arranged opposite to each other, each of which has a first fixed area. The transmission system also has a compressor transmission unit, which is composed of two movable arms arranged opposite to each other and a crossbeam connected thereto for receiving and transmitting, that is, including putting down a workpiece. Each movable arm has a first drive unit, a first lever arm, a second drive unit and a second lever arm fixed to the first fixed area. The first lever arm is connected to the first drive unit at its first end or between the first and second ends and is connected to the second drive unit at its second end. The second lever arm is rotatably connected to the second drive unit at its first end and is movably connected to the crossbeam at its second end. Each movable arm is also provided with at least one energy storage element, which is configured so that its force or force component points in the direction of the acceleration of the crossbeam with or without the workpiece. In embodiment c1, a second fixed area is provided on the fixed unit and the energy storage element is directly or indirectly connected to the second fixed area with its first end and fixed to a preset area of ​​the movable arm at its second end. In embodiment c2, the energy storage element is fixed to the first lever arm with its first end and to the second lever arm with its second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transmission system for a compressor and a compressor unit. Background Art

[0002] For processing workpieces, the workpieces are transported from one compressor of a compressor group to the next by means of a transport system. The moving arm of the transport system performs horizontal and vertical movements or a combination of these movements. For this purpose, an articulated kinematics is provided, in which the vertical movement is performed via a so-called dynamic lifting axis. Such an articulated kinematics is disclosed, for example, in German patent application DE 100 09574.7 A1.

[0003] A device for transporting workpieces in a compressor is also known from EP 1 313 575 B1, in which a movement arm is proposed which is composed of two lever arms of equal length and mechanically coupled via corresponding switching mechanisms. The entire movement arm is moved vertically by means of a lifting axis.

[0004] A single-arm transport system is also known from German utility model DE 20 2019 104 088 U1, which can be used flexibly in particular in confined installation spaces. This is achieved by at least two articulated rods connected to each other via a rotation axis, one of which is connected to a base fixed to the lifting device. Here, the articulated rod is also moved by the displacement of the lifting axis.

[0005] Since the heavy mass must be moved at high speed or high acceleration by means of the lifting device or the lifting axis, high drive torques and high energy consumption are required, and large forces and high speeds are caused in the guides, which leads to more rapid wear. EP 1 161 317 B1 proposes a transport system with a vertically acting counterweight cylinder to relieve the load on the drive element. The counterweight cylinder is fixed to a slide, on which a pivot or transport arm is supported.

[0006] DE 10 2006 037 365 B4 also discloses a device for transporting molded parts between processing stages of a multi-support transfer compressor, a compressor production line, a transformation machine, etc., which has a crossbeam with holding elements, such as suction cups, etc., for conveying and / or positioning the molded parts. The crossbeam comprises at least two partial crossbeams, which are arranged offset relative to one another in at least one spatial direction. Summary of the invention

[0007] Since there is always room for improvement with regard to reducing the load on the drive, the object of the present invention is to provide an efficient and compact transmission system for a compressor and a compressor unit. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The term compressor is also understood below to mean a processing station of a multi-thrust compressor. Therefore, the terms compressor and processing station are used synonymously below.

[0009] A transmission system for a compressor is proposed, which has at least two fixed units arranged opposite to each other, wherein each fixed unit has a first fixed area. In addition, the transmission system has a compressor transmission unit, which is composed of two movable arms arranged opposite to each other and a crossbeam connected thereto for receiving and transporting, that is, including putting down a workpiece. Each movable arm has a first drive unit, a first lever arm, a second drive unit and a second lever arm fixed to the first fixed area. The first lever arm is connected to the first drive unit at its first end or between the first and second ends and is connected to the second drive unit at its second end. The second lever arm is rotatably connected to the second drive unit at its first end and is movably connected to the crossbeam at its second end. Each movable arm is also provided with at least one energy storage element, which is constructed and arranged so that its force or its force component points to the acceleration direction of the crossbeam with or without the workpiece. In embodiment c1, a second fixed area is provided on the fixed unit and the energy storage element is directly or indirectly connected to the second fixed area at its first end and is fixed to a preset area of ​​the movable arm at its second end. In an additional or alternative embodiment c2, the energy storage element is fastened with its first end to the first lever arm and with its second end to the second lever arm.

[0010] As described, the moving arm, or more precisely the first drive unit of each moving arm, is fastened at a predetermined height to a first fastening area of ​​the fastening unit, which is predetermined for this purpose. The height of the fastening depends on the type of compressor or processing station and the workpiece to be processed. The workpiece can be a single component or can be composed of a plurality of subcomponents, which are jointly received by the crossbeam or a tool fastened to the crossbeam.

[0011] Until now, lifting movements have only been possible by movement along a vertical axis. The drive mechanism is referred to as a dynamic lifting axis or lifting device for this purpose. Large forces act here and high drive torques are required, since the entire transmission unit including the axis must be moved with high dynamics by means of motors, transmissions, etc., i.e. rapid changes in movement by braking or acceleration must be achieved. Two lever arms connected to each other, each equipped with a drive unit that can be controlled independently of each other, can achieve superimposed vertical and horizontal movements without a dynamic lifting axis.

[0012] This means that by providing two drive units per movement arm, any arbitrary point in the desired transfer area can be approached without the entire mass of the compressor transfer unit having to be moved vertically.

[0013] The proposed energy storage element acts in the acceleration direction of the crossbeam, that is, not only in the vertical direction, so that the energy storage element serves as an energy storage device to support the movement of the moving arm. As a result, the peak value of the drive torque during the entire movement process can be significantly reduced. The design and arrangement of the energy storage element thus significantly influence the geometric dimensions of the drive unit. The proposed arrangement of the energy storage element makes it possible to support the drive unit in the movement area where the drive unit is heavily loaded, especially in the collision-critical area, and thus reduce its load. This is done by loading the energy storage element with energy, for example, by tensioning in the case of using a mechanical helical spring or by charging an accumulator in the case of using an electromechanical spring element or by using a weight element and / or by outputting the loaded energy. As a result, the drive unit can be designed to be smaller, which saves weight, energy and costs.

[0014] The transfer area is not only a collision-critical area of ​​the compressor transfer unit, which is at least partially located in the processing area of ​​the compressor or processing station or in the mold area, but also a non-collision-critical area. The transfer area is the area in which the compressor transfer unit is located outside the processing area of ​​the processing station, for example in the area between two compressors or processing stations, but outside the processing area. There are also critical areas in which collisions of the compressor transfer units relative to each other must be excluded.

[0015] As described, two movement arms are provided, which have a crossbeam arranged thereon, which are arranged relative to one another and which carry out a predetermined movement sequence in order to transfer workpieces from one compressor, also referred to below as a processing station, to the next compressor. The movement arms have a starting position in which at least the first lever arm stands approximately vertically, i.e. is located almost in a vertical axis.

[0016] By moving in a preset movement process, the moving arm moves from the initial position to the first position for receiving the workpiece and moves through the initial position to the second position for placing the workpiece and back, that is, it moves from the second position to at least the initial position. Thus, the workpiece can be transported from one compressor or processing station to the next compressor or processing station. After the workpiece has been received in the first position, that is, the first compressor or processing station, the workpiece is moved to the second position, that is, to the next compressor or processing station, by passing the initial position and is placed there to continue processing. The moving arm is then empty, that is, without a workpiece, or simply returns to the initial position, or the moving arm moves again to the first position to receive another workpiece, and the other workpiece is placed in the second position again by performing the movement process.

[0017] The energy storage element is designed in this case so that, depending on the embodiment of the energy storage element, it has a minimum stored energy in the initial position and is charged with energy to a predetermined extent in each movement phase between the initial position and the first position and / or between the initial position and the second position. In the movement phase between the second position and the initial position and / or between the first position and the initial position, the energy storage element outputs the stored energy.

[0018] By arranging the energy storage element so that it stores energy during certain movement phases, including braking, this energy can be used again to accelerate the moving arm and the crossbeam with or without workpieces, thereby supporting at least one drive unit. As a result, the entire system works more energy-efficiently over the entire movement process. That is, the entire system directly saves energy, that is, the drive peaks are reduced by the energy storage element. In addition, the drive unit can be designed to be smaller in size. The energy storage element has a linear or nonlinear characteristic curve, which can be designed to change in a time-controlled or path-controlled manner.

[0019] In one embodiment, a pivot drive is provided which is arranged on the movement arm and which can rotate or pivot the crossbeam about its longitudinal axis or approximately its longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the pivot drive is combined with a mechanical reversing device which is arranged such that the crossbeam remains in a horizontal position during the entire movement process. The pivot drive can be controlled independently of the drive unit.

[0020] In order to move the crossbeam to transport workpieces between compressors or processing stations, to transport workpieces to compressors or processing stations or to transport them out of compressors or processing stations, the moving arms are constructed in the same type, but in mirror-inverse manner. The assembly consisting of a pair of moving arms and a crossbeam is also called a compressor transfer unit. Advantageously, the moving arms are also oriented in the same way, that is, the moving arms usually also follow the same or very similar movement process, so that the workpiece arranged on the crossbeam can be moved in the compressor unit to the compressor or processing station. The moving arms thus move in planes parallel to each other, more precisely in vertical planes. The moving arms are controlled independently of each other by means of drive units that are independent of each other. The moving arms can therefore move synchronously with each other, but also asynchronously within a certain range, for example, to achieve an inclined orientation of the crossbeam. For this purpose, a length compensation portion can be provided at one of the two ends of the crossbeam.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the first drive unit is arranged between the first and the second end of the first lever arm, and the energy storage element is connected to the first end.

[0022] In another embodiment, the first drive unit is arranged between the first and second ends of the first lever arm and is provided with a third lever arm, which is rotatably fixed with its first end to the first end of the first lever arm and is fixed with its second end to a third fixing area arranged on the fixing unit and movable in the vertical direction, and wherein the energy storage element is connected to the second end. The third fixing area is mechanically coupled to the third lever arm, i.e., it always moves with it. To achieve this, the third fixing area can be dynamically moved, for example, via a slide.

[0023] In another embodiment, the energy storage element is designed as a mechanical spring element or a pneumatic spring element or an electromechanical spring element and is directly connected to the second fastening region in case c1, because its first end is directly connected to the second fastening region. The spring elements used so far have only been used for weight compensation in the vertical direction in order to reduce the weight force exerted by the mass to be moved on the compressor transmission unit. The load on the drive unit is relieved by using a spring element that acts with a force or a force component in the direction of movement of the crossbeam, as described above.

[0024] In another embodiment, in case c1, the energy storage element is indirectly connected to the second fixing area, because a reversing mechanism, for example in the form of a reversing roller, is provided on the second fixing area. The energy storage element has a traction mechanism, for example a rope or a belt, and a weight element, which is fixed to the first end of the traction mechanism. The second end of the traction mechanism is fixed to a predetermined area of ​​the moving arm, and the traction mechanism is guided via the reversing mechanism.

[0025] In a further embodiment, a third fastening region arranged on the fastening unit and a spring element are provided, wherein the spring element is fastened with a first end to the weight element and with a second end to the third fastening region.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the spring element is designed as a mechanical spring element or as a pneumatic spring element or as an electromechanical spring element.

[0027] In another embodiment, at least one adjusting element is provided which is arranged on the fixing unit, the first and second fixing areas being arranged on the adjusting element, wherein at least one adjusting element can be moved in its height along a vertical axis. Providing the adjusting element allows a height adjustment at least during a mold change. Different embodiments are possible in this regard. Advantageously, the adjusting element is designed as a guided slide which can be adjusted on the mounting axis.

[0028] In another embodiment, the adjusting member is constructed in one piece, so that the first and second fixing areas are arranged on it at a predetermined distance from each other. In an alternative embodiment, the adjusting member is constructed in multiple pieces, so that each of the first and second fixing areas is arranged on one of the adjusting members, wherein each adjusting member can be moved individually, or the adjusting members can only be moved simultaneously with each other.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first and / or second lever arm is designed to be adjustable in length. In an alternative embodiment, the first and / or second lever arm is designed to be dynamically variable in length, i.e. can be moved out or moved in via a separate drive mechanism. In one embodiment, the first and second lever arms have the same or different lengths to one another. This provides a further mounting axis in order to be able to set the height for the mold or to change the stage spacing. This replaces the mounting axis to be provided on the fixing unit and the compressor transmission unit can be used more flexibly.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cross member has a length compensation at its two ends.

[0031] In one embodiment, the crossbeam is formed from two partial crossbeams which can be coupled to one another at a coupling point.

[0032] In one embodiment, the tools fastened to the crossbeam are separated according to the coupling point.

[0033] In one embodiment, the coupling point is designed to be rigid or articulated or to have a length compensation or to have an articulated length compensation.

[0034] In one embodiment, only one of the movement arms is operated with the partial crossbeams decoupled from one another.

[0035] In one embodiment, the further movement arm is arranged behind or before the moving movement arm in the transport direction and is operated with the same movement sequence as the moving movement arm for the joint transport of the workpieces, but can otherwise be operated independently thereof.

[0036] The present invention also provides a compressor having the compressor transmission system, wherein the fixing unit is mounted on a compressor bracket of the compressor. Alternatively, a compressor having the compressor transmission system and a bracket independent of the compressor are provided, and the fixing unit is mounted on the bracket.

[0037] The invention also provides a compressor unit having a plurality of compressors or processing stations arranged one behind the other and in a predetermined processing direction, so that the workpiece can be transported from the first compressor or processing station to the last compressor or processing station by means of a moving arm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the compressor transmission system is always arranged centrally between two successive compressors.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first of the compressors or processing stations has two additional fixing units arranged opposite one another, which are arranged on the side of the compressor where the workpieces are first fed into the compressor group for processing. Additionally or alternatively, the last compressor has two additional fixing units arranged opposite one another, which are arranged on the side where the workpieces of the compressor are removed from the compressor group after the last processing.

[0040] As described, the moving arms follow the same movement process, whereby the workpieces arranged on the crossbeam can be moved in the compressor unit between, to or from the compressors or processing stations by the movement energy of the moving arms and the crossbeam arranged thereon. As described, the system consisting of the moving arms and the fixing unit can also be provided as an input device, i.e. an input device before the first compressor or processing station of the compressor unit and / or as an output device, i.e. an output device after the last compressor or processing station of the compressor unit. In this regard, these embodiments are also covered when only the movement between two compressors or processing stations is discussed below.

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention based on the accompanying drawings, which show details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be realized in variants of the invention individually or in any combination of multiples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a compressor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figures 2 to 5 A schematic sectional view of a movement arm and a fastening unit with an energy storage element designed as a spring element are shown in each case according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a motion arm according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the motion arm comprising a combination of a reversing device and a pivot drive mechanism.

[0046] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic sectional views of a moving arm and a fixing unit according to different embodiments of the present invention are respectively shown, wherein the fixing unit has an energy storage element consisting of a traction mechanism and a weight element.

[0047] Fig. 9 An abstract diagram showing exemplary energy changes of an energy storage element throughout a motion process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.10 A schematic top view of a compressor with a separated cross beam according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description of the figures, identical elements or functions are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0050] Each compressor 1, 2, which is also referred to below as a processing station 1, 2, has a push rod 11; 21, to which an upper mold 12; 22 is fixed. Below the push rod 11; 21, spaced apart from it, a lower mold 13; 23 is arranged, which rests on a compressor table 14; 24. Between the upper mold 12; 22 and the lower mold 13; 23 there is a processing area, into which a workpiece 40 to be processed is introduced by means of a compressor transfer unit arranged on the fixing unit 3. The upper mold 12; 22 and the lower mold 13; 23 are then closed, whereby the workpiece 40 is processed. While the molds 12, 13; 22, 23 are opened, the workpiece 40 is again removed from the processing area by means of the compressor transfer unit and placed in a subsequent processing station 2 which is arranged at a distance M12 from the preceding processing station 1. In this embodiment, the distance M12 is the distance from the center point to the center point between two compressors or processing stations 1, 2. The compressor transfer unit or a plurality of successive compressor transfer units are controlled via a control unit or computing unit 300, which is either connected as an external device to the compressor or processing station 1, 2 to be controlled or is directly formed in one or more processing stations 1, 2 or their components, or in a combination thereof. For example, a workpiece 40 to be processed is received by means of a tool, such as a suction cup, transported in the travel direction or movement direction X and positioned.

[0051] The moving arm with the first lever arm 110 and the second lever arm 120 follows a predefined movement specification and a workpiece-specific movement sequence, as will be described later. Since the crossbar 105, which includes the tool 200 and the workpiece 40 to be processed, is fixed to the lever arm 120, the crossbar also follows this movement sequence and the workpiece 40 can pass through the compressor or processing station 1, 2 in the transport direction or travel direction or movement direction X, and the crossbar returns again after setting down the workpiece 40. It should be noted here that the processing area is a collision-critical area, because at least part of the moving arm, the crossbar 105 and the workpiece 200 are located in the processing area of ​​the compressor or processing station 1, 2 for a period of time when the workpiece 40 is introduced and removed. When no processing is carried out, the moving arm is in an initial position S, in which at least one lever arm 110 is arranged almost in the vertical axis V.

[0052] As shown in the figures, each movement arm has a first lever arm 110, which is movably connected at its first end to a first drive unit 101. At the opposite end, a further drive unit 102 is fixed to the first lever arm, which connects the first lever arm 110 to the first end of the second lever arm 120. A crossbeam 105 connects the two movement arms and is used to receive one or more workpieces 40 to be processed, for example by means of a tool 200 fixed thereto, such as a suction cup, and transport them from a compressor or processing station 1, 2 to the next compressor or processing station in a transport direction or travel direction X. The crossbeam can also be used as an input or removal unit, wherein the crossbeam is then arranged before the first compressor or processing station 1, 2 or after the last compressor or processing station.

[0053] The crossbeam 105 may have various tools 200 for holding the workpiece 40 , such as suction cups, to receive, transport, position and put down the workpiece 40 to be processed.

[0054] During the movement of the moving arm, the crossbeam 105 must always be horizontal. A mechanical reversing device 104 can be used for this purpose. Depending on the shape of the workpiece 40, it may be necessary to actively additionally pivot the crossbeam 105 and the workpiece 40 in certain areas of the transport path, i.e., in collision-critical areas. In this case, the crossbeam 105 can be additionally rotated / pivoted by an independently controllable pivot drive 103, i.e., a combination of a reversing device 104 and a pivot drive 103 known per se can be used, such as Figure 6 As shown. The dimensions of the swivel drive 103 can thus be designed to be significantly smaller, which reduces the deadweight to be moved and provides freedom of design when placing the swivel drive 103, for example, within a beam contour.

[0055] The first lever arm 110 can have the same length as the second lever arm 120. However, the lever arms 110, 120 can also have different lengths. In addition, the length of the lever arms 110 and 120 can be designed to be adjustable or variable, i.e., they can be extended or retracted by means of a separate drive mechanism to achieve a specific adaptation of the transport area to the workpiece. The second lever arm 120 is movably connected with its first end to the second drive unit 102, i.e., it is not extended as in previous articulated kinematic drives, or even guided via an additional slide.

[0056] The energy storage elements 130, 132 described below are Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment of the spring elements 130, 132, and in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, a traction mechanism 141 is implemented with a weight element 142.

[0057] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a compressor unit with two compressors or processing stations 1 and 2 and a fixing unit 3 arranged between the compressors or processing stations 1 and 2 and fixed to the first compressor or processing station 1 is shown. Alternatively, (in all embodiments) the fixing unit 3 can also be fixed to a separate, i.e. independent support. In any embodiment, the first drive unit 101 can be arranged as far as possible in the middle between the two compressors or processing stations 1, 2, thereby achieving a substantially symmetrical movement process.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first fixing area A1 and the second fixing area A2 are arranged on an adjusting member 30 which is formed in one piece and can move on the vertical axis V. The adjusting member 30 can be moved dynamically or non-dynamically (as a mounting axis). Therefore, the fixing areas A1 and A2 can only move together. Alternatively, the fixing areas A1 and A2 can also be formed separately from each other, that is, the adjusting member 30 is formed as a two-piece adjusting member 31 and 32. In principle, the adjusting members 30-32 can also be omitted in each of the embodiments shown.

[0059] Figure 1 Also shown is an energy storage element 130 constructed as a spring element 130, which extends the second lever arm 120 with one end region or is fixed to the second drive unit 102 and is directly fixed to the fixing area A2 of the fixing unit 3 with the other end region. The spring element 130 is used as an energy accumulator, that is, a mechanical spring element or a pneumatic spring element, that is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electromechanical spring element. The spring elements 130, 132 are constructed and arranged so that their force or its force component is directed in the acceleration direction of the crossbeam with or without the workpiece 40.

[0060] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the energy storage element 130 is arranged so as to act in the same direction of movement as the crossbar 105 in order to accelerate or brake the crossbar. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown and described below, the spring element 130 is arranged in the vertical axis V, but acts due to the lever assembly with three levers 110, 120, 131 in the direction of movement of the crossbar 104 with or without the workpiece 40 fixed thereto. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the spring element 132 is arranged as a helical spring between the first lever arm 110 and the second lever arm 120. In each case, the energy storage elements 130, 132 act in such a way that the compressor transmission unit is moved more dynamically out of the area with a risk of collision and can support the compressor transmission unit when braking the workpiece 40 in the collision-critical area, thereby reducing the required drive torque of the drive unit 101 and / or the drive unit 102. The specific effect will be described later according to Fig. 9The diagram shown in the description.

[0061] Figures 2 to 8 Enlarged schematic cross-sectional views of the moving arm, the fixing unit 3 and the adjusting members 30 - 32 are shown respectively.

[0062] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The middle adjustment part 30 is implemented in multiple parts 31, 32, that is, the fixing areas A1 and A2 can be adjusted separately from each other. Figure 3 The third fastening area A3 shown in FIG. 1 is mechanically coupled to the third lever arm 131 and can therefore be moved together with it. The third fastening area is therefore advantageously arranged on the fastening unit 3, for example via a movable slide. Since the two moving arms are constructed identically or mirror-inverted to each other for guiding the crossbeam 105, this description refers only to one moving arm. In addition, Figure 7 and Figure 8 In order to simplify the illustration, the adjustment parts are not shown.

[0063] The adjustment of the adjusting elements 30 - 32 in the vertical direction V, ie in their height, can be carried out, for example, manually, stepwise by means of a light barrier or continuously, for example, by means of an adjustment axis of an electric motor.

[0064] exist Figure 3 The middle adjustment member 30 is also implemented in two parts 31, 32, and an embodiment is shown here, in which the first end of the first lever arm 110 extends to the first drive unit 101, that is, the first drive unit 101 is arranged between the first end and the second end of the first lever arm 110. The third lever arm 131 is movably connected to the outermost end of the first lever arm 110 with its first end. The second end of the third lever arm 131 is fixed to the third fixing area A3 which is mechanically coupled to the third lever arm 131 as described and is movably arranged on the fixing unit 3. In addition, the spring element 130 is mounted on the second end of the third lever arm 131 with its first end. The spring element 130 is fixed to the second fixing area A2 of the fixing unit 3 with its second end. The third lever arm 131 is used to transmit the restoring force of the spring element 130 to the rest of the moving arm and the first drive unit 101.

[0065] exist Figure 4 , an embodiment in which the spring element is designed as a helical spring 132 is shown, which is arranged between the two lever arms 110 and 120. Alternatively, it is also possible to use Figure 1-3 The mechanical spring shown in Figure 5 The electromechanical spring element 130 is shown in FIG. 1 and described below.

[0066] exist Figure 51 shows an embodiment in which the spring element 130 is configured as an electromechanical spring element 130, which has, for example, a linear motor and an accumulator 133. The accumulator 133, for example a capacitor or a battery, can be used in operative connection with a mechanical device as an electromechanical spring element 130. The linear motor is composed of a rotor 135 that moves like a slider and a fixed stator 134. It is known that the rotor 135 and the stator 134 are provided with electromagnets of opposite polarity. If the electromagnet is energized, the rotor 135 moves relative to the stator 134 and generates a linear movement. The electric motor or linear motor can also be operated as a generator in reverse, that is, electrical energy is generated by the mechanical movement of the rotor 135, which can be stored in the accumulator 133 (battery, capacitor). The stator 134, the rotor 135 and the accumulator 133 act together in the present application similar to a spring element and are therefore referred to as an electromechanical spring element.

[0067] The use of such an electromechanical spring element 130 here as a whole brings about a huge energy saving potential in the operation of the compressor transmission system, because in this embodiment, the first drive unit 101 is also supported, thereby enabling the dimensions to be designed to be smaller. The electromechanical spring element 130 can also be used in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 In the embodiment shown.

[0068] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8, respectively, show an embodiment in which a reversing mechanism 140, for example in the form of a reversing roller, is provided. The reversing mechanism 140 is arranged on the second fixing area A2. In this embodiment, the energy storage element 130 is composed of a traction mechanism 141, for example a rope or a belt, and a weight element 142, that is, a mass. The weight element 142 is fixed to the first end of the traction mechanism. The second end of the traction mechanism 141 is fixed to a preset area of ​​the moving arm, as has been described for the embodiment as a spring element 130. That is, the second end is indirectly connected to the second fixing area A2 via the reversing mechanism 140. Advantageously, the reversing mechanism 140 is a reversing roller and is arranged on the moving arm. That is, the second fixing area A2 is also arranged on the moving arm. The second end of the traction mechanism 141 is fixed near the second end of the first lever arm 110. The traction mechanism 141 is reversed via the reversing mechanism 140, so that the weight element 142 acts along the fixing unit 3, that is, along the direction of the vertical axis V. However, the force does not act in the vertical direction as in the known weight balance through the reversing mechanism 140, but acts along the direction of movement of the crossbeam 105. The potential energy of the weight element 142, that is, the mass, depends accordingly on its height position, which in turn depends on the position of the moving arm during the movement process. If the moving arm moves into the first compressor 1 from the initial position S, the weight element 142 is charged with potential energy via the drive unit 101 (because it is pulled upward) and supports the braking process and the drive unit 101 when receiving the workpiece 40. When the workpiece 40 is lifted and accelerated from the mold, the weight element 142 also supports the drive unit 101, that is, reduces the maximum drive torque on the motor. During the transportation of the workpiece 40 to the second press 2 after passing the initial position S, the weight element 142 is lifted again and charged thereby. The weight element is used as a support during braking so that the workpiece 40 can be placed in the compressor 2 in the correct position.

[0069] The principle here is the same as when using spring elements as energy storage elements, wherein in this embodiment the energy is stored via a change in position and potential energy of the weight element 142 .

[0070] exist Figure 8 The middle weight element 142 is additionally combined with a spring element 150, which is fixed to the weight element with a first end. The spring element 150 is connected with a second end to a third fixing area A3 arranged on the fixing unit 3. Advantageously, the third fixing area A3 is arranged below the second fixing area A2 and is always arranged below the weight element 142. The spring element 150 can be constructed like the spring element 130 used as an energy storage element, that is, as a mechanical spring element or a pneumatic spring or an electromechanical spring element.

[0071] In principle, the variants shown in the figures are only exemplary embodiments. Any combination of adjustment element 30, lever arms 110, 120, energy storage elements 130, 132 and fixing areas A1, A2 can be used. The position of fixing areas A1, A2 relative to each other can also be changed in several embodiments, that is, fixing area A1 can be located above and below fixing area A2.

[0072] The compressor transfer unit moves the workpiece 40 from the first processing station 1 to the second processing station 2 according to a defined movement process of the movable arm by means of the movable arm and the crossbeam 105. After placing the workpiece 40, the movable arm returns to the first processing station 1 according to a defined movement process to receive another workpiece 40 by means of the crossbeam 105, or returns to the initial position S. Each compressor transfer unit or a plurality of successive compressor transfer units are controlled by means of a computing unit 300, which is either integrated into the control device of the compressor group as a separate computing unit 300 or is composed of it.

[0073] The compressor transfer unit is used primarily to place the workpiece 40 on the lower die 13; 23 with precise position and orientation, so that the processing can be carried out correctly. Since a certain throughput of workpieces 40 has to be provided, the compressor transfer unit and the push rod 11; 21 must be moved accordingly, so that the movement of the compressor transfer unit and the push rod 11; 21 is extremely dynamic. It must be ensured that no collisions occur between the compressor transfer unit or its components and the push rod 11; 21. The position accuracy of the workpiece 40 or the crossbar 105 in the collision-critical area is decisive. The drive units 101, 102 and any pivot drive 103 are controlled accordingly. The goal here is to achieve the maximum number of production lifts. In the collision-free area, the position accuracy plays a small role, and it is important to relieve the load on the drive units 101, 102, so that the drive units 101, 102 and any pivot drive 103 are controlled so that the moments acting on them are minimized. This is supported in various embodiments by the proposed energy storage elements 130, 132, i.e., the energy storage elements support the first drive unit 101 in the collision-critical area by releasing the energy stored in the energy storage elements 130, 132 when the workpiece 40 is removed from the processing station 1, 2 or retracted and by charging the energy storage elements when the workpiece 40 is placed in the next processing station 1, 2 and when driving in, as described in detail below according to Fig. 9 The diagram shown is described.

[0074] Fig. 9 It is shown as an example Figure 1Schematic energy profile of the spring element 130, which is implemented as a mechanical tension spring, during the entire movement process of the compressor-transfer unit. Time is plotted on the horizontal axis T. The vertical axis E represents the quantitative value of the stored energy of the spring element 130, which in the case of a mechanical spring element 130 is the tensioning energy. The movement process starts at the initial position S on the time axis T and continues to the first position P1 for receiving the workpiece 40. The compressor-transfer unit and the workpiece 40 then move to the second position P2, where they pass through the initial position S. In the second position P2, i.e. in the subsequent processing station 2, the workpiece 40 is set down and the compressor-transfer unit moves back to the initial position S. This completes a movement cycle and can be restarted.

[0075] The vertical energy axis E shows that the spring element 130 has the minimum energy in the initial position S. The energy stored in the spring element 130 increases to a maximum value while the compressor transmission unit moves into the first position P1. When moving out of the first position P2 into the initial position S, the absorbed energy is released again and thus decreases to a minimum value again. When moving further into the second position P2, the stored energy of the spring element 130 increases again to a maximum value, i.e. the spring is tensioned again, in order to then release the absorbed energy in the return path from the second position P2 back to the initial position S.

[0076] When entering the crash-critical region in which the first position P1 and the second position P2 are located and when exiting the crash-critical region, high drive and braking torques of the drive mechanisms 101 and 102 are required due to the strong braking and strong acceleration of the cross member 105. In the non-crash-critical region around the initial position S, high drive and braking torques are not required.

[0077] Observing over time, in all embodiments, the energy storage elements 130, 132 are slowly charged until they reach the position P1 or P2, so as to be quickly discharged after leaving the position P1 or P2. This reduces the energy required to move the moving arm by accelerating the moving arm and braking the moving arm on the other hand, as a whole, that is, in the entire movement process. Therefore, energy saving is achieved directly. In addition, because the maximum drive torque is reduced, smaller drive units 101, 102 with lower dead weight can be used, thereby only requiring low drive torque and low energy to operate the compressors 1, 2. Therefore, energy saving is also achieved indirectly.

[0078] exist Fig.10In another embodiment shown schematically, the crossbeam 105 is composed of two sub-crossbeams 105A, 105B, which can be connected to each other via a coupling portion 106. Similarly, in the case of a separate crossbeam 105, the tool 200 fixed thereto can be divided into two sub-tools 200A, 200B. The crossbeam 105 has a length compensation portion at least at one of its connection locations with other components of the compressor, for example, the connection 121 on the second lever arm 120. In the case of a separate crossbeam 105, this length compensation portion can also be arranged on the coupling portion 106 as an alternative.

[0079] The sub-transverse beams 105A, 105B can be connected or decoupled to each other manually or automatically, for example, for automatic mold change, via the coupling point 106. The coupling point 106 is preferably located in the middle of the crossbeam 105, so that the sub-transverse beams 105A, 105B have essentially the same length. The tool 200 fixed to the crossbeam 105 for receiving the workpiece 40 can also be implemented separately, in which case there are at least two sub-tools 200A, 200B. At the automated coupling point of the crossbeam 105, it is necessary that the tool 200 is also implemented separately according to the coupling point 106.

[0080] If the two partial crossbeams 105A, 105B are to be decoupled, for example for a mold change or for operation with a different motion sequence, the movable connection between the second lever arm 120 and the crossbeam 105 must be tightened.

[0081] The coupling part 106 can be configured rigidly or articulated, or configured with a length compensation part or articulated with a length compensation part. If the coupling part 106 is articulated, has a length compensation part or articulated with a length compensation part, the tool 200 also needs to be embodied separately accordingly.

[0082] Although there are separate crossbars in the aforementioned DE 10 2006 037 365 B4, the two crossbar parts are always connected to each other and can be moved relative to each other in different directions in order to achieve a corresponding position adjustment of the tool in a composite mold with multiple parts based on different mold embodiments.

[0083] In contrast, according to the invention, two separable crossbar parts 105A, 105B are provided, which allow only the movement arm to be operated. This can be advantageous for optimizing the mold change process or when two opposing movement arms must be moved independently of each other (with different movement processes), for example when the position of the workpiece needs to be changed for a processing process or during a transport path.

[0084] In another embodiment, only one of the moving arms in the compressor transfer unit is in operation. For this purpose, the crossbeam 105 is separated at the coupling point 106 so that the moving arms are no longer connected to one another. This embodiment can be used for smaller workpieces 40, i.e., for smaller masses to be moved, smaller transport paths, etc.

[0085] In another embodiment of one-sided operation, two moving arms can be used or arranged one behind the other in the transport direction X to transport the jointly received workpieces 40. That is, after or before the moving arm, another moving arm operates, which supports the moving arm during the transport of the workpieces 40. During the joint transport of the workpieces 40, the two moving arms must operate with the same movement process, while in the absence of workpieces 40, the two moving arms can operate independently of each other in order to optimize the overall transport process.

[0086] Reference numerals list

[0087] 1; 2 Processing station, compressor

[0088] 11; 21 Putt

[0089] 12; 22 Upper mold

[0090] 13; 23 lower mold, placed on 14

[0091] 14; 24 compressor stations

[0092] 3 Fixed unit

[0093] 30-32 Adjustment parts

[0094] 101 First drive unit

[0095] 102 Second drive unit

[0096] 103 Pivot drive mechanism

[0097] 104 Reversing device

[0098] 105 Beam

[0099] 105A, 105B sub-beam

[0100] 106 Coupling part

[0101] 110 First lever arm or crank

[0102] 120 Second lever arm or wing

[0103] 121 Connection portion on the second lever arm 120

[0104] 131 Third lever arm

[0105] 130, 132 Energy storage components

[0106] 133 Accumulator

[0107] 134, 135 Stator and rotor of linear motor

[0108] 140 Reversing mechanism

[0109] 141 Traction mechanism

[0110] 142 Weight element

[0111] 150 Spring element

[0112] 200 Tools

[0113] 200A, 200B subtools

[0114] 300 Control Unit

[0115] 40 Workpieces

[0116] V Vertical axis

[0117] A1, A2 First fixed area, second fixed area

[0118] A3 Third fixed area

[0119] Stage spacing / pitch for M12 processing stations

[0120] X conveying direction or travel direction or movement direction

[0121] E vertical axis, energy of spring element, tension energy

[0122] T horizontal axis, time axis

[0123] P1, P2 1st / 2nd position

[0124] S Initial position.

Claims

1. A transmission system for a compressor, comprising: a) at least two fixing units (3) arranged opposite to each other, wherein: Each fixing unit (3) has a first fixing area (A1), and b) a compressor transport unit, which consists of two moving arms arranged opposite to each other and a crossbeam (105) connected thereto for receiving and transporting workpieces (40), Each of the moving arms comprises a first driving unit (101), a first lever arm (110), a second driving unit (102) and a second lever arm (120) fixed on a first fixing area (A1). wherein the first lever arm (110) is connected to the first drive unit (101) at its first end or between the first and second ends and is connected to the second drive unit (102) at its second end, and wherein the second lever arm (120) is rotatably connected to the second drive unit (102) at its first end and is movably connected to the crossbeam (105) at its second end, and c) at least one energy storage element (130; 132) per moving arm, said energy storage element being constructed and arranged such that its force or its force component is directed in the direction of the acceleration of the crossbar with or without the workpiece (40), wherein c1) a second fixing area (A2) is provided on the fixing unit (3), and the energy storage element (130) is directly or indirectly connected to the second fixing area (A2) at its first end and fixed at its second end to a predetermined area of ​​the moving arm, and / or c2) the energy storage element (132) is fixed with a first end to the first lever arm (110) and with a second end to the second lever arm (120), in, The movement arm has an initial position (S), in which at least the first lever arm (110) is located almost in the vertical axis (V), and moves from the initial position (S) to a first position (P1) and through a predetermined movement process to a second position (P2) and back through the initial position (S), and wherein, - the energy storage element (130; 132) is designed so that it has a minimum stored energy in the initial position (S), and The first position (P1) and the second position (P2) are respectively charged with energy to a predetermined degree in the movement phase between the initial position (S) and the first position (P1) and / or between the initial position (S) and the second position (P2), and The stored energy is released during a movement phase between the second position (P2) and the initial position (S) and / or between the first position (P1) and the initial position (S).

2. The transmission system according to claim 1, wherein: The workpiece (40) is received at the first position (P1) by means of the crossbeam (105) and is set down at the second position (P2).

3. The transport system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pivot drive mechanism (103) arranged on the movement arm, which pivot drive mechanism can rotate the crossbeam (105) around its longitudinal axis or close to its longitudinal axis.

4. The transmission system according to claim 3, wherein: The pivot drive mechanism (103) is combined with a mechanical reversing device, which is configured to keep the crossbeam (105) in a horizontal position.

5. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first drive unit (101) is arranged between a first end and a second end of the first lever arm (110), and the energy storage element (130) is connected to the first end.

6. The transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first drive unit (101) is arranged between the first end and the second end of the first lever arm (110), and is provided with a third lever arm (131), the third lever arm being rotatably fixed with its first end to the first end of the first lever arm (110) and being fixed with its second end to a third fixing area (A3) arranged on the fixing unit (3) and movable in a vertical direction (V), and wherein the energy storage element (130) is connected to the second end.

7. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The energy storage element (130, 132) is designed as a mechanical spring element or a pneumatic spring element or an electromechanical spring element.

8. The transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: In case c1), a reversing mechanism (140) is provided on the second fixing area (A2), and the energy storage element (130) has a traction mechanism (141) and a weight element (142), wherein the weight element is fixed to a first end of the traction mechanism (141), and wherein a second end of the traction mechanism (141) is fixed to a preset area of ​​the moving arm, and wherein the traction mechanism (141) is guided by the reversing mechanism (140).

9. The transmission system according to claim 8, wherein: A third fixing region (A3) and a spring element (150) arranged on the fixing unit (3) are provided, wherein the spring element (150) is fixed with a first end to the weight element (142) and with a second end to the third fixing region (A3).

10. The transmission system according to claim 9, wherein: The spring element (150) is designed as a mechanical spring element or a pneumatic spring element or an electromechanical spring element.

11. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one adjusting member (30; 31, 32) is also provided on the fixing unit (3), the first and second fixing areas (A1; A2) being arranged on the adjusting member, wherein at least one of the adjusting members (30; 31, 32) is movable in its height along a vertical axis (V).

12. The transmission system according to claim 11, wherein: Each adjusting element (30; 31, 32) and / or the third fixing area (A3) is designed as a guided slide.

13. The transmission system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: - the adjusting element (30) is designed in one piece, so that the first and second fixing areas (A1; A2) are arranged on the adjusting element (30) at a predetermined distance from each other, or The adjusting part (31, 32) is constructed in multiple parts, so that each of the first and second fixing areas (A1; A2) is arranged on one of the adjusting parts (31, 32), wherein each adjusting part (31, 32) is individually movable.

14. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first and / or second lever arm (110, 120) is configured to be adjustable in length.

15. The transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The first and / or second lever arms (110, 120) are configured such that their lengths can be dynamically changed.

16. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first and second lever arms (110, 120) have the same or different lengths as each other.

17. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The crossbeam (105) has length compensation portions at its two ends.

18. A transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The crossbeam (105) is composed of two sub-crossbeams (105A, 105B) that can be coupled to each other at a coupling point (106).

19. The transmission system according to claim 18, wherein: The tool (200) fixed to the crossbeam (105) is distributed according to the coupling point (106).

20. The transmission system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The coupling point (106) is designed to be rigid or articulated or to have a length compensation or to have an articulated length compensation.

21. A transmission system according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein: When the sub-transverse beams (105A, 105B) are decoupled from each other, only the moving arm of one of the compressor transmission units is operated.

22. The transmission system according to claim 21, wherein: The other movement arm is arranged behind or before the moving movement arm in the transport direction (X) and is operated for the purpose of jointly transporting the workpiece (40) with the same movement sequence, but can otherwise be operated independently thereof.

23. A compressor (1, 2) having a compressor transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixing unit (3) is mounted on a compressor bracket of the compressor.

24. A compressor (1, 2) comprising a compressor transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 23 and a bracket independent of the compressor (1, 2), the fixing unit (3) being mounted on the bracket.

25. A compressor unit comprising a plurality of compressors (1, 2) according to claim 23 or 24 arranged one behind the other and in a predetermined processing direction (X), so that a workpiece (40) can be transferred from a first compressor (1, 2) to a last compressor (1, 2) by means of the moving arm.

26. The compressor unit according to claim 25, wherein: The compressor transmission system is arranged between two successive compressors (1, 2).

27. The compressor unit according to claim 25 or 26, wherein: - a first of the compressors (1) of the compressor group has two additional fixing units (3) arranged opposite one another, said fixing units being arranged on the side of the first compressor (1) on which the workpieces (40) are first fed into the compressor group for processing, and / or The last of the compressors (2) has two additional fixing units (3) arranged opposite one another, which are arranged on the side on which the workpiece of the last compressor (2) is removed from the compressor assembly after final processing.

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