Covering and forming machine with such a

Abstract

Covering device for a forming machine, which is pivotable relative to the forming machine (2) about a pivot axis (3) between a closed position (4) and an open position (5), wherein the covering device (1) can be applied to the forming machine (2) with an inner side (6) in the closed position (4), characterized in that the covering device (1) has at least one receiving device (7) for at least one climbing aid (8) - preferably a ladder - wherein the climbing aid (8) can be removed from the receiving device (7) in the open position (5) of the covering device (1) and the climbing aid (8) is secured against removal in the closed position (4) of the covering device (1) when received in the receiving device (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering device for a forming machine having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and to a forming machine having such a covering device.

[0002] The term "molding machine" can refer to injection molding machines, injection presses, presses, and similar devices. Molding machines in which the plasticized material is fed into an open mold are also conceivable.

[0003] The following section outlines the state of the art using an injection molding machine as an example. The same applies generally to forming machines.

[0004] Cover devices of this type for injection molding machines are pivotable relative to the injection molding machine about a rotary axis between a closed and an open position, wherein the cover device can be placed against the injection molding machine with an inner side in a closed position.

[0005] Appropriate covering devices are used to cover individual components and parts of an injection molding machine, so that they can be protected from contamination during operation, for example.

[0006] Another aspect of cover devices is the safety aspect, whereby certain regions of the injection molding machine and components can be protected from the environment and the operator during operation of the injection molding machine, thus reducing a potential risk of injury to the operator of the injection molding machine by, for example, preventing moving components of the injection molding machine from being accessible to the operator.

[0007] In order to ensure that the operator has access to the injection molding machine, appropriate cover devices are arranged to be rotatable around a rotary axis between a closed and an open position, whereby the cover device can be opened for maintenance work, service work, assembly work, setup processes or other work required on the injection molding machine.

[0008] The operation of injection molding machines has shown that climbing aids, especially ladders, are often used with injection molding machines, allowing operators to reach elevated positions on the machine, for example for maintenance or lubrication.

[0009] These climbing aids are usually only placed against or laid down on the covers of the injection molding machine during the machine's injection molding operation, which creates an additional hazard potential due to the unsecured position of the climbing aids.

[0010] These climbing aids can, for example, tip over during the injection molding process, pose a tripping hazard for the operator, or even block moving components of the injection molding machine. Because the climbing aids are not secured during operation of the injection molding machine, they are accessible to the operator, thus creating an increased risk, especially when the machine is operating with moving parts.

[0011] Further state of the art is known from publication US 7,553,439 B1.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a covering device for a forming machine and a forming machine with such a covering device, in which the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially improved and / or the safety for an operator of the forming machine can be improved and / or an improvement for the operator with regard to ergonomics and user-friendliness of the forming machine is implemented.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a covering device for a forming machine with the features of claim 1 and a forming machine with such a covering device.

[0014] According to the invention, the covering device is pivotable relative to the forming machine about an axis of rotation between a closed and an open position, wherein the covering device can be placed against the forming machine with an inner side in the closed position, wherein the covering device has at least one receiving device for at least one climbing aid - preferably a ladder -, wherein the climbing aid can be removed from the receiving device in the open position of the covering device and the climbing aid is secured against removal in the closed position of the covering device when received in the receiving device.

[0015] By providing a receiving device for at least one climbing aid on the cover device, the at least one climbing aid can be safely stowed in the closed position of the cover device.

[0016] At least one climbing aid is thus secured in the closed position of the cover device before removal, and the potential danger to the operator of the forming machine can be minimized, whereby at least one climbing aid is no longer lying or resting unsecured in the vicinity of the forming machine.

[0017] In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the covering device covers the at least one climbing aid, preferably over its entire surface, when the at least one climbing aid is received in the receiving device and preferably the covering device is in the closed position.

[0018] This allows the climbing aid to be secured against use by the operator during operation of the forming machine, thus eliminating any risk of injury to the operator during operation due to improper use of the climbing aid.

[0019] When the operator uses the climbing aid, for example for maintenance work on the forming machine, the cover device can be moved into an open position so that the climbing aid can be conveniently removed from the cover device and thus made available to the operator.

[0020] Forming machines can include injection molding machines, injection presses, presses, and the like. Forming machines in which the plasticized material is fed into an open mold are also conceivable.

[0021] A device according to the invention can be used in already known embodiments of the prior art, such as those described in the introduction, and can be subsequently installed.

[0022] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0023] As mentioned, it may be provided that the cover device, in the closed position, covers at least one climbing aid at least partially, so that the use of the at least one climbing aid is prevented.

[0024] It can be provided that the cover device at least partially covers the climbing aid in the closed position, preferably with a sheet metal, so that in the stowed position of the climbing aid in the cover device and in the closed position of the cover device the climbing aid is not accessible to the operator and the operator cannot, for example, climb onto the ladder via freestanding rungs of a ladder.

[0025] Preferably, the covering device may have at least one sheet metal plate, which is designed to cover, preferably over its entire surface, the at least one climbing aid in the closed position.

[0026] In the context of the invention, "full surface coverage" does not necessarily mean that the at least one climbing aid is completely covered. It can be understood to mean that the at least one climbing aid is completely covered in the area of ​​the covering device, i.e., that there are no openings or the like through which the at least one climbing aid would be visible and / or accessible.

[0027] It is particularly preferred that the at least one sheet metal in an area where the at least one sheet metal covers the at least one climbing aid is formed completely flat, so that no protrusions are provided on which the operator could step.

[0028] It can be provided that the receiving device has at least one receiving area, preferably limited by a tab, which is designed to receive and / or position at least one climbing aid in a form-fitting manner, at least in some areas.

[0029] For example, it may be provided that at least one climbing aid can be inserted or positioned in at least one receiving area of ​​the cover device, wherein the at least one climbing aid can be held on the cover device solely by the geometric design of the at least one receiving area. Particularly preferred are tabs which at least partially enclose the at least one climbing aid and thus, for example, can receive the at least one climbing aid in a hook-like manner.

[0030] Preferably, the receiving device may have at least one, preferably hook-shaped, projection which is designed to receive and / or hold the at least one climbing aid.

[0031] Preferably, the cover device has at least one clamping device, wherein the at least one clamping device is designed to hold the at least one climbing aid in a position provided in the receiving device.

[0032] A suitable clamping device can therefore be used, for example, to detachably connect the at least one climbing aid to the cover device, preferably in the receiving area. This allows the cover device, together with the at least one climbing aid, to be pivoted around the axis of rotation, which permits a particularly simple securing of the at least one climbing aid in the cover device.

[0033] It may be provided that the cover device has at least one locking device, which is designed to lock the cover device in the closed position.

[0034] For example, a corresponding locking device for the cover can be designed like a door lock, whereby the movement of the cover from an open position to the closed position can cause the locking device to fall into a lock and be locked in the closed position, so that the cover remains in a closed position and is secured against unintentional opening.

[0035] Preferably a hinge can be provided by means of which the cover device is pivotably mounted relative to the forming machine about the axis of rotation between the closed and the open position.

[0036] Furthermore, protection is sought for a forming machine, in particular an injection molding machine, with at least one covering device according to the invention.

[0037] Preferably, the forming machine has at least one maintenance door that can be pivoted relative to the forming machine about a further axis of rotation between a position attached to the forming machine and a position lifted from the forming machine.

[0038] It can be provided that the at least one cover device is arranged on the at least one maintenance door, wherein the at least one cover device can perform an opening and closing movement relative to the maintenance door, and wherein the maintenance door together with the at least one cover device can perform an opening or closing movement relative to the forming machine.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation of the at least one cover device and the axis of rotation of the at least one maintenance door may essentially coincide. It may also be provided that the at least one cover device and the at least one maintenance door have the same axis of rotation, wherein the at least one cover device and the at least one maintenance door are separately articulated to each other at this axis of rotation.

[0040] The axis of rotation and / or the further axis of rotation can be an imaginary axis around which the respective pivoting movement takes place, and / or a "real" axis as a component.

[0041] Preferably, it can be provided that the at least one cover device and / or the at least one maintenance door cover at least one safety-relevant component of the forming machine.

[0042] Safety-relevant components can include components of the control or regulation system (such as a control cabinet) of the forming machine, or moving components of the forming machine that are not secured against access by an operator (such as a plasticizing unit of an open design, in which no further safety measures prevent access to the plasticizing unit - such as a protective enclosure).

[0043] It may be provided that the forming machine has at least one sensor, which is designed to output a measurement signal, which measurement signal is characteristic of: - for the presence of at least one climbing aid in the at least one receiving device and / or - for a position of the cover device in the closed position.

[0044] Particularly preferred, it may be provided that only one sensor is provided which is designed to output a measurement signal that is characteristic both of the presence of the at least one climbing aid in the at least one receiving device and of a position of the cover device in the closed position.

[0045] The design of a sensor can, for example, be such that the sensor is provided on the forming machine, wherein the counterpart of the sensor is attached to the at least one climbing aid, so that the counterpart of the sensor only rests on the sensor itself when the climbing aid is positioned in the at least one receiving device and the cover device is in the closed position.

[0046] It is also conceivable to use a large number of sensors, whereby, for example, characteristic measurement signals for the following states can be recorded using several sensors: - the presence of at least one climbing aid in at least one receiving device, - a position of the covering device relative to the forming machine, preferably in a closed or an open position, - the absence of at least one climbing aid in at least one receiving device, and / or - the absence of the cover device in a closed or open position.

[0047] It may be provided that at least one control or regulating device is provided for controlling or regulating at least one component of the forming machine, wherein preferably the at least one component can be driven without restriction in a normal operating mode.

[0048] It can be provided that the control or regulating device is connected to the at least one sensor via a signal conductor, and is preferably designed to: - restricted operating mode, in which restricted operating mode at least one component can only be driven with restricted speed and / or acceleration or - to change the deactivated operating mode in which at least one component cannot be driven.

[0049] At least one of these components may preferably be a component relevant to plant safety that could pose a safety risk to persons in the immediate vicinity of the forming machine. In particularly preferred embodiments, the restricted operating mode and / or the deactivated operating mode applies to all components of the forming machine that are relevant to plant safety.

[0050] For example, it is possible to determine, via at least one sensor, whether the at least one climbing aid is positioned in the at least one receiving device and / or whether the cover device remains in the closed position.

[0051] If this is not the case, a measurement signal (or a modified signal based on it) can be output to the control unit via at least one sensor, whereby the control unit then prevents the forming machine from being started up or alternatively only enables a restricted operating mode of the forming machine, in which restricted operating mode the forming machine can only be operated at reduced speeds or accelerations, so that the increased risk potential that an operator working on the forming machine using at least one climbing aid could be injured by the operation of the forming machine can be reduced, minimized or, if necessary, completely eliminated.

[0052] Conversely, it may be provided that the normal operating mode is used when a predetermined signal is received from the sensor, for example in the form of the measurement signal or a modified signal based on it, and that the system switches to the restricted or deactivated operating mode when the predetermined signal is no longer present.

[0053] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the figures and the accompanying figure description, showing: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 an embodiment of a covering device for a forming machine and Fig. 4 an embodiment of a forming machine.

[0054] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cover device 1 for a forming machine 2. The cover device 1 for the forming machine 2 is pivotable about a rotary axis 3 between a closed position 4 and an open position 5.

[0055] The exemplary embodiment of the Fig. Figure 1 shows an open position 5 of the cover device 1, wherein the cover device 1 in the open position 5 is spaced apart with its inner side 6 from the forming machine 2 by being rotated about the axis of rotation 3.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cover device 1 is connected to the forming machine 1 via the hinge.

[0057] Furthermore, a maintenance door 15 is provided. This maintenance door 15 can be pivoted about a further axis of rotation 14 between a position against the forming machine 2 and a position lifted from the forming machine 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the further axis of rotation 14 of the maintenance door 15 and the axis of rotation 3 of the cover device 1 essentially coincide, so that the maintenance door 15 and the cover device 1 are rotatably mounted about the same axis of rotation.

[0059] The maintenance door 15 is also connected to the forming machine 2 via the hinges.

[0060] The in Fig. The depicted, raised position of the pivoting maintenance door 15 exposes an area of ​​the forming machine which could, for example, correspond to the electrical control cabinet of the forming machine 2.

[0061] The maintenance door 15 covers or protects an interior area of ​​the forming machine 2 (e.g., electrical control cabinet) in the position of the maintenance door 15 attached to the forming machine 2 from the environment.

[0062] This electrical control cabinet of the forming machine 2 can be considered a safety-relevant component, which must be protected from unauthorized access and environmental influences during the operation of the forming machine 2, which is done through the maintenance door 15.

[0063] Fig. Figure 2 shows the embodiment of the Fig. 1, wherein the maintenance door 15 was guided around the axis of rotation 14 into a position adjacent to the forming machine 2.

[0064] The cover device 1 is in Fig. 2 shown in the open position 5, where the individual components of the cover device 1 are now visible.

[0065] The cover device 1 has a receiving device 7 for a climbing aid 8 (more precisely, a ladder), wherein the climbing aid 8, more precisely: the ladder, has a plurality of rungs 13. This receiving device 7 allows the climbing aid 8 to be removed in the open position 5.

[0066] The climbing aid 8 is received via the receiving area 9 of the receiving device 7. This receiving area 9 is formed by the tab 10, which is formed by a correspondingly shaped sheet metal.

[0067] The climbing aid 8 can be positioned in this tab 10, and the climbing aid 8 is then held securely by the tab 10.

[0068] The climbing aid 8 can then be clamped in the tab 10 using the clamping device 11, thereby securing the position of the climbing aid 8 relative to the cover device 1.

[0069] The clamping device 11 can, for example, be designed with a mechanical clamping mechanism or with the aid of a spring-operated clamping mechanism.

[0070] In this position of the climbing aid 8 in the cover device 1, the cover device 1 can now be pivoted into a closed position 4 about the axis of rotation 3, as shown in Fig. 3 is evident.

[0071] In this closed position 4 of the cover device 1, the lower area of ​​the climbing aid 8 is now covered by the cover device 1, making it impossible for an operator to use the climbing aid 8.

[0072] This is achieved by the cover device 1 in that the sheet metal completely encloses the lower part of the climbing aid 8, so that the individual rungs of the lower part of the climbing aid 8 are no longer exposed to serve as a climbing aid.

[0073] Furthermore, it can be seen how the climbing aid 8 is brought to the forming machine 2 in the closed position 4 via the cover device 1 and can thus remain in a secure position, thereby preventing the risk that the climbing aid 8 could tip over or become a tripping hazard for the operator.

[0074] Furthermore, a sensor 16 and a counterpart 18 of the sensor 16 are provided (see below). Fig. 2) This sensor 16 is located on the outside of the maintenance door 15 and works together with the counterpart 18, which is provided on the climbing aid 8.

[0075] When this counterpart 18 is now brought close to the sensor 16, the sensor 16 reports a measurement signal which is characteristic of the fact that the climbing aid 8 is arranged in the cover device 1 and the cover device 1 has been folded into a closed position 4 against the forming machine 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the covering device has a locking device 12, which serves to secure and lock a closed position 4 of the covering device 1 on the forming machine 2.

[0077] This measurement signal from sensor 16 can be supplied to the control unit of the forming machine 2 via a signal-conducting connection, wherein, for example, the control unit 17 of the forming machine 2 can be configured to enable normal operation of the forming machine 2 only when a measurement signal is present which is characteristic of the presence of the climbing aid 8 in the cover device 1 in a closed position 4, wherein the forming machine 2 can be controlled or regulated without restriction (i.e., no restrictions on the speed or acceleration of components of the forming machine based on plant safety) via the control unit 17 in normal operating mode.

[0078] If no corresponding characteristic measurement signal is present for the presence of the climbing aid 8 in the cover device 1 or the closed position 4 of the cover device 1, it may be provided that the control or regulating device 17 either does not enable the operation of the forming machine 2 at all or only in a restricted operating mode.

[0079] In restricted operating mode, the forming machine 2 can only be operated at reduced speed and / or reduced acceleration.

[0080] The in Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary forming machine 2, an injection molding machine comprising an injection unit 28 and a clamping unit 19, which are arranged together on a machine frame 24. The machine frame 24 could alternatively be designed in multiple parts.

[0081] The clamping unit 19 has a fixed mold mounting plate 22, a movable mold mounting plate 21 and an end plate 20.

[0082] The movable mold mounting plate 22 can be moved relative to the machine frame 24 via a symbolically represented toggle lever mechanism 23.

[0083] Mold halves of a mold tool 25 can be clamped or mounted on the fixed mold mounting plate 22 and the movable mold mounting plate 21 (shown with dashed lines).

[0084] The fixed mold mounting plate 22, the movable mold mounting plate 21 and the end plate 20 are supported and guided relative to each other by the tie bars 26.

[0085] The in Fig. Figure 4 shows a closed mold 25 having at least one cavity. An injection channel leads to the cavity, through which a plasticized mass from the plasticizing unit 27 can be supplied.

[0086] The injection unit 28 of this embodiment comprises an injection cylinder 29 and an injection screw arranged in the injection cylinder 29. This injection screw is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and axially movable along the longitudinal axis in the conveying direction.

[0087] These movements are driven by a drive unit 31, shown schematically. Preferably, this drive unit 31 comprises a rotary drive for the rotary movement and a linear drive for the axial injection movement.

[0088] Fig. Figure 4 shows a forming machine 2 with an injection unit 28, wherein the injection unit 28 shown in this embodiment has an injection screw which is also used for plasticizing a material to be plasticized.

[0089] The injection screw is mounted in the injection cylinder 29 so as to be axially displaceable along a longitudinal axis.

[0090] The plasticizing unit 27 (and thus the injection unit 28) is in signal communication with a control unit 17. Control commands are issued by the control unit 17, for example, to the plasticizing unit 27 and the drive unit 31.

[0091] The control or regulating unit 17 can be connected to an operating unit and / or a display device 30 or be an integral part of such an operating unit. Reference symbol list: 1 Cover device 2 forming machines 3. Axis of rotation 4 Closed position 5 Open position 6 Inside of the cover device 7 Recording device 8 Climbing aid 9 Recording area 10 tab 11 Clamping device 12 Locking device 13 rungs 14 additional axes of rotation 15 Maintenance door 16 Sensor 17 Control or regulating unit 18 Counterpart of the sensor 19 locking units 20 Front plate 21 movable mold mounting plate 22 fixed mold clamping plate 23 Knee lever mechanism 24 machine frames 25 forming tools 26 Holm 27 Plasticizing unit 28 Injection unit 29 injection cylinders 30 Display device 31 Drive unit

Claims

[1] Covering device for a shaping machine, which is pivotable relative to the shaping machine (2) about a rotational axis (3) between a closed position (4) and an open position (5), wherein the covering device (1) in the closed position (4) can be placed with an inner side (6) against the shaping machine (2), characterized by in that the covering device (1) has at least one receiving device (7) for at least one climbing aid (8) - preferably a ladder -, wherein the climbing aid (8) can be removed from the receiving device (7) in the open position (5) of the covering device (1) and the climbing aid (8) is secured against removal in the closed position (4) of the covering device (1) when received in the receiving device (7). [2] Covering device according to claim 1, wherein the covering device (1) in the closed position (4) covers the at least one climbing aid (8) at least in part, so that use of the at least one climbing aid (8) is prevented. [3] Covering device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering device (1) has at least one sheet, which is designed to cover, preferably over its entire surface, the at least one climbing aid (8) in a closed position (4). [4] Cover device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receiving device (7) has at least one receiving area (9), preferably delimited by a tab (10), which at least one receiving area (9) - in particular by the tab (10) - is designed to receive and / or position the at least one climbing aid (8) in a form-fitting manner, at least in some areas. [5] Cover device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (1) has at least one, preferably hook-shaped, projection, which at least one projection is designed to receive and / or hold the at least one climbing aid (8). [6] Cover device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover device (1) has at least one clamping device (11), wherein the at least one clamping device (11) is designed to clamp the at least one climbing aid (8) in a position received in the at least one receiving device (7). [7] Cover device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover device (1) has at least one locking device (12), which at least one locking device (12) is designed to lock the cover device (1) in the closed position (4) of the cover device (1). [8] Covering device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a hinge is provided by means of which the covering device (1) is pivotably mounted relative to the forming machine (2) about the axis of rotation (3) between the closed position (4) and the open position (5). [9] Shaping machine, in particular injection molding machine, with at least one covering device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims. [10] Shaping machine according to claim 9, wherein the shaping machine (2) has at least one maintenance door (15) which can be pivoted relative to the shaping machine (2) about a further axis of rotation (14) between a position applied to the shaping machine (2) and a position lifted from the shaping machine (2), preferably wherein the covering device (1) is arranged on the at least one maintenance door (15) and particularly preferably the axis of rotation (3) of the covering device (1) and the further axis of rotation (14) of the at least one maintenance door (15) substantially coincide. [11] Shaping machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the covering device (1) and / or the at least one maintenance door (15) covers at least one safety-relevant component of the shaping machine (2). [12] Shaping machine according to at least one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the shaping machine (2) has at least one sensor (16), which at least one sensor (16) is designed to output a measuring signal, which measuring signal is characteristic: - for the presence of at least one climbing aid (8) in the at least one receiving device (7), and / or - for a position of the cover device (1) in the closed position (4). [13] Shaping machine according to at least one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one control or regulating device (17) is provided for controlling or regulating at least one component of the shaping machine (2), preferably wherein the at least one component is drivable without restriction in a normal operating mode. [14] Shaping machine according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the control or regulating device (17) is connected to the at least one sensor (16) in a signal-conducting manner and is preferably designed to be converted, depending on the measurement signal of the at least one sensor (16), into a: - restricted operating mode, in which restricted operating mode the at least one component can only be driven at restricted speeds and / or accelerations, or - to change to a deactivated operating mode in which at least one component cannot be driven.

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