Apparatus for treating mass-produced parts with an ancillary drive device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for treating mass-produced parts, said system comprising: a support structure (2) with a support element (8); a basket support (5) for at least two centrifuge baskets (1); a main drive device (7), which is fastened to the support structure (2) and has a main drive (9) and a longitudinal shaft (6), the longitudinal shaft (6) being mounted rotatably about a main axis (A) in relation to the support element (8) and being driveable in rotation about the main axis (A) by the main drive (9), the basket support (5) being held in suspended fashion on the longitudinal shaft (6) and being connected to the longitudinal shaft (6) for conjoint rotation; and an auxiliary drive device (17) with at least one motor (18) and, for each centrifuge basket (1), a force-transmission portion (19) for rotating the centrifuge basket (1) about a basket axis (K) radially distanced from the main axis (A), the at least one motor (18) of the auxiliary drive device (18) being arranged on the basket support (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for processing mass-produced parts, the system comprising: a support structure with a support element, a basket carrier for at least two centrifuge baskets, a main drive device attached to the support structure with a main drive and a longitudinal shaft, wherein the longitudinal shaft is rotatably mounted relative to the support element about a main axis and can be driven by the main drive to rotate about the main axis, wherein the basket carrier is suspended from the longitudinal shaft and has a base body that is non-rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft, and an auxiliary drive device with at least one motor and a power transmission train for each centrifuge basket for rotating the centrifuge basket about a basket axis radially spaced from the main axis.

[0002] Such systems can be used for processing, for example, coating bulk parts, especially those that can be poured, such as screws, stamped parts, or the like. After the parts are poured into the centrifuge baskets, these are immersed in a bath containing a liquid coating agent to wet the parts and can be rotated around their axes as needed. The centrifuge baskets are then spun outside the coating agent to remove excess coating agent from the parts.

[0003] From the generic patent KR 10-2016-0069654 A, a system for processing mass-produced parts is known in which the motors of the auxiliary drive device are arranged on the basket carrier. The basket carrier is rotatably suspended about a pivot axis on a frame on which a main motor for rotating the basket carrier is arranged. The motors of an auxiliary drive device are arranged on radially outer end faces of the basket carrier, with a power transmission unit provided between each motor and rotating shaft. Another system for processing mass-produced parts is known from patent KR 10-2016-0025770 A.

[0004] From ES 2 204 214 A1, a system for treating bulk parts held in centrifuge baskets is known. These parts can be transferred successively to three stations by means of a rotary arm suspended from a frame. For this purpose, a basket assembly consisting of three centrifuge baskets is arranged at each longitudinal end of the rotary arm. Each basket assembly is rotatably mounted at its respective longitudinal end of the rotary arm by means of a basket shaft. The three stations are arranged around a pivot axis of the rotary arm, so that the basket assemblies can be transferred from one station to the next by successively rotating the rotary arm. In the filling station, the centrifuge baskets of the respective basket assembly are filled sequentially with bulk parts. This is followed by the treatment station, in which the basket assembly is immersed in a height-adjustable immersion tank.After the immersion tank is lowered again, the centrifuge baskets are rotated around their axis by a separate centrifuge motor to remove excess treatment fluid from the bulk parts. Finally, the centrifuge baskets are unloaded at the unloading station. A disadvantage is that the system is complex and expensive to manufacture and maintain due to the large number of motors, and that rotating the baskets around their axes only allows for moderate removal of excess treatment fluid.

[0005] Another system for processing bulk parts is known from EP 3 441 149 A1. The system has a basket support to which two centrifuge baskets are reversibly and detachably connected. The basket support is suspended from a longitudinal shaft, which is rotatably mounted about a main axis relative to a central beam of the frame. The longitudinal shaft is driven by a main motor attached to the central beam, so that the basket support, which is non-rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft, can be rotated about the main axis by the main motor. To additionally enable the centrifuge baskets to rotate about their basket axes, which are radially spaced from the main axis, drive wheels are arranged at the ends of the basket axes facing the central beam. These drive wheels are driven by toothed belts.The toothed belts are to be driven by a gear rotatably mounted on the longitudinal shaft, which in turn is to be driven via another toothed belt by a pinion of an auxiliary motor located on the central beam of the frame. Due to the high centrifugal forces occurring during operation, it has proven effective to mount not only the main motor but also the auxiliary motor for rotating the centrifuge baskets to the stationary frame. However, it is considered a disadvantage that power transmission from the auxiliary motor to the belt drives located on the basket support is structurally complex and appears to require intensive maintenance.

[0006] A centrifuge for spinning off liquids using centrifugal forces is known from JP-H03-267162 A. Two baskets are mounted vertically on a support plate and are rotatable about their axes. The support plate is driven by a main drive via a drive shaft. In a first embodiment, a motor with a speed reducer and a downstream gear set consisting of four gears are provided to rotate the baskets about their own axes in addition to the rotation of the support plate. The motor and the speed reducer are fixed in a frame. A central gear of the gear set is rotatably mounted on the drive shaft. In a second embodiment, the system comprises only a single motor, which serves both to drive the support plate and to rotate the baskets about their axes. For this purpose, a brake is provided around the drive shaft, which interacts with the central gear.When the brake is engaged, the central gear is locked, and the meshing gears rotate around it. This means that the rotational movement initiated by the motor into the carrier plate is supported by the central gear, causing the baskets to rotate around their own axis in addition to the rotational movement of the carrier plate.

[0007] One object of the invention is to improve the system according to the prior art, particularly with regard to the auxiliary drive device.

[0008] The problem is solved by a system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] A key advantage is that at least one motor is mounted directly on the basket support. This eliminates the need for mechanically complex and failure-prone connections required to drive the centrifuge baskets around their axes using a drive mounted on the supporting structure. Instead, at least one motor always rotates around the main axis along with the basket support when the main drive unit rotates the basket support. This results in a system with a more compact auxiliary drive unit that is more resistant to centrifugal forces. The main drive unit and the auxiliary drive unit are mechanically separated, allowing both drive units to operate independently.

[0010] According to the invention, the auxiliary drive device is arranged on the basket support. Thus, the auxiliary drive device always rotates with the basket support around the main axis when the basket support is driven by the main drive. This spatially separates the auxiliary drive device arranged on the basket support from the supporting structure, making the system simpler to manufacture and easier to maintain overall.

[0011] Preferably, the basket support is connected to, or rather attached to, the longitudinal shaft only. In other words, the basket support is suspended freely from the longitudinal shaft. The basket support is preferably horizontally oriented and can also be referred to as a rotor.

[0012] The longitudinal shaft can be hollow cylindrical, or designed as a hollow shaft, through which supply lines for connecting the auxiliary drive device to the plant's supply system are routed from the supporting structure to the basket carrier. The at least one motor can be an electric motor, in particular a servo motor. The supply system can include an electrical power supply for the plant, to which the at least one motor can be connected. However, it is also possible for the at least one motor to be a pneumatic motor. Accordingly, the supply system can include a pneumatic ring main for the plant to operate the at least one motor with compressed air. The supply lines can therefore include electrical lines and / or pneumatic lines.In this way, the auxiliary drive unit and optionally other components mounted on the basket support can be connected to the plant's electrical power supply and / or pneumatic supply system. Naturally, the auxiliary drive unit can also be powered by an electrical energy storage device, which can likewise be mounted on the basket support. This allows the auxiliary drive unit to operate independently of the plant's central power supply, to which the main drive unit may be connected. Therefore, especially with the aforementioned independent option, the longitudinal shaft can also be a solid shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, a control line, or bus line, can be routed through the hollow longitudinal shaft. This allows sensors, actuators, and similar components mounted on the basket support for the auxiliary drive and, optionally, for other components mounted on the basket support, to be integrated into a bus system of the plant. This enables, for example, the individual monitoring and control of the rotational position of the basket support or the centrifuge baskets, the direction and speed of rotation, the status of the connection arrangement (i.e., whether the centrifuge baskets are connected or disconnected), etc.

[0014] At an end of the longitudinal shaft furthest from the cage support, a central rotary feedthrough for the supply lines, in particular the electrical and / or pneumatic lines and optionally any control lines, can be arranged. This central rotary feedthrough can have a first body supported against the supporting structure and a second body non-rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft. The rotary feedthrough allows the lines to pass between the stationary first body and the rotating second body. The lines coming from the supporting structure can thus be reliably guided through the central rotary feedthrough into the end of the longitudinal shaft furthest from the cage support, through the longitudinal shaft, out again at an end of the longitudinal shaft facing the cage support, and finally to the cage support.

[0015] The basket support can comprise a base body. A shaft-hub connection, for example with a key and lock nut, can be used to attach the base body to the longitudinal shaft. For this purpose, the base body can have a central recess into which the end of the longitudinal shaft facing the basket support can be inserted. Alternatives to the keyed connection are generally possible, with the preferred connection being that, due to the base body's suspended arrangement, it holds the shaft not only rotationally but also translationally. For example, the base body could be pressed onto the longitudinal shaft.

[0016] A rotary platform can be arranged on the basket support, in particular on the base body of the basket support, for each centrifuge basket. The rotary platforms can be driven by the auxiliary drive device to rotate about the basket axes. Thus, each rotary platform can be connected to one of the power transmission trains. The at least one motor is connected to the respective power transmission train. The rotary platforms can be flange-shaped or include flanges. The rotary platforms can be arranged on or below an underside of the base body facing away from the support element.

[0017] For reversibly detachable connection of the centrifuge baskets to the basket support, connection assemblies can be provided, comprising components on the rotating platforms and further components on the centrifuge baskets. In particular, first connectors of the connection assemblies can be located on the rotating platforms, and second connectors of the connection assemblies, connectable to the first connectors, can be located on the centrifuge baskets. Preferably, the second connectors are passive connectors that can be inserted into the active, first connectors. Passive connectors are understood to be rigid components that are held in the connected state by the active connectors. This allows the centrifuge baskets to be sandblasted, for example, without risk of damage to the second connectors.When arranging the first connectors on the rotary platforms, it is also advantageous that the active connection partners of the connection arrangements can be connected to a supply network of the plant via the basket carrier.

[0018] The base of the basket support can have through-holes arranged concentrically to the basket axes, through which pneumatic lines for actuating the first connectors are routed from the base to the rotary platforms. The first connectors can be actuated with compressed air via these pneumatic lines. However, hydraulic or electrical lines for actuating the first connectors would also be possible. Preferably, the pneumatic lines, in particular, are routed together with the electrical lines through the longitudinal shaft and the central rotary feedthrough to the support structure, in order to connect the first connectors to a central compressed air supply for the system. The electrical lines and / or the control lines can be routed to the first connectors to supply them with electrical power and / or connect them to the control unit as needed.Each rotary platform on the basket carrier can have a secondary rotary feedthrough for the lines for actuating the first connectors, wherein the secondary rotary feedthroughs each have a first secondary body supported against the base body and a second secondary body connected to the rotary platform in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0019] The first connectors can be pneumatic clamping modules or centering clamps in which the second connectors, designed as connecting bolts, can be clamped. Each of the first connectors can have a base body with a bolt receptacle into which the connecting bolt can be inserted. Once the connecting bolt is inserted, it can be clamped to the base body using a locking mechanism. In this connected state, the connector units absorb the centrifugal forces generated by the rotating centrifuge baskets during operation. Thus, in this connected state, the torque applied by the drive devices during operation can be reliably transmitted to the centrifuge baskets via the connecting arrangements. A key advantage is that inserting the connecting bolts into the clamping modules requires only axial movement of the centrifuge baskets and the basket support relative to each other.

[0020] The locking mechanisms can each have positive locking elements that are displaceably arranged on the base body of the first connectors. The positive locking elements can each be displaceable parallel to a plane that is oriented transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the main axis. Preferably, the positive locking elements are displaceable transversely, and in particular radially, to a central axis of the respective base body. To fix the connecting bolts inserted into the bolt receptacles, the positive locking elements can be displaced towards the central axis of the respective base body. It is advantageous that only the locking mechanisms, in particular the positive locking elements, need to be moved to lock the inserted connecting bolts in the clamping modules. A rotational movement of the centrifuge baskets and the basket support relative to each other, as is necessary, for example, with a bayonet fitting, does not occur.The positive locking elements can be locking bolts that are movably arranged on the base bodies. Preferably, two of the positive locking elements, in particular the locking bolts, are movably arranged on each of the base bodies, positioned diametrically opposite each other. The locking mechanisms can include springs that force the positive locking elements into a locked position, i.e., towards the central axis of the respective base body. This results in the connector units being tensioned without pressure. The release of the locking mechanisms can be pneumatic or, in principle, hydraulic. As an alternative to the locking bolt configuration, the positive locking elements can also be movable balls.As a result, the connector units create a secure connection that, even in the event of disruptions in the plant's operation, for example caused by a failure of the electrical power supply or by a failure of pneumatic or hydraulic systems, securely holds the centrifuge baskets on the basket carrier in the connected state.

[0021] In particular, the connecting bolts can each have a groove circumferential around a bolt axis, into which the positive locking elements engage in a form-fitting manner when connected. This ensures that, when connected, the connecting bolts are fixed axially and radially to their respective central axis in the bolt receptacles of the base bodies with at least minimal play. The bolt axes run parallel to the main axis, at least when the centrifuge baskets are connected to the basket support.

[0022] To rotate the rotary platforms around the basket axes, the auxiliary drive device can have several motors, or at least one motor. In particular, the auxiliary drive device can have a separate motor for each power transmission train. In this way, the power transmission trains can be driven independently of one another. In other words, the auxiliary drive device can have a separate drive train consisting of a motor and a power transmission train for each rotary platform to rotate the assigned rotary platform around the basket axis. This allows the centrifuge baskets to be driven individually or together. Likewise, the centrifuge baskets or the rotary platforms can be driven to rotate in opposite or the same direction, and at the same or different speeds.Because the auxiliary drive operates independently of the main drive, the rotational movements of the basket carrier around the main axis and the rotational movements of the rotary platforms, or centrifuge baskets, around the basket axes are independent of each other. In principle, however, the auxiliary drive can also consist of only a single motor that centrally drives the power transmission trains. The motors can be arranged symmetrically to the main axis on the basket carrier to avoid imbalances when the basket carrier rotates around the main axis.

[0023] The at least one motor can comprise a rotor shaft driven to rotate about a rotor axis, wherein the rotor axis can be arranged on an imaginary first circle and the cage axes on an imaginary second circle. The first and second circles can be arranged concentrically to the main axis, with the first radius of the first circle being smaller than the second radius of the second circle. This allows the centrifugal forces acting on the at least one motor during rotation of the cage about the main axis, at speeds of up to approximately 200 revolutions per minute, to be reduced to a minimum due to the limited installation space of the at least one motor. In particular, the first radius can be less than 0.5 times the second radius. Furthermore, the rotor axis can be arranged at a distance of less than 300 millimeters from the main axis.In particular, the distance of a rotational axis around which the rotor shaft of at least one motor rotates in a driven manner to the main axis can be less than 200 millimeters.

[0024] In particular, the power transmission trains can each have a belt drive. This allows the at least one motor to be spaced away from the respective cage axis and advantageously positioned on the cage support facing the main axis. This increases the service life of the at least one motor, making the system more robust and easier to maintain overall. The belt drives can use toothed belts, although other belt types or other traction drives are also possible. However, toothed belt drives offer the advantage of allowing tighter wrap angles compared to other traction drives, ensuring reliable torque transmission despite the high centrifugal forces that occur when the cage support rotates around the main axis. Specifically, each belt drive has a drive pulley rigidly connected to the rotor shaft of the associated motor and a driven pulley.The driven pulley can be arranged concentrically to the axis of the respective power transmission train. Furthermore, each power transmission train can include at least one tensioning device. This tensioning device can, for example, have a spring mechanism to tension the timing belt with a tensioning pulley. Alternatively, a tensioning device can be provided with which the tension of the timing belt can be fixed. In particular, each power transmission train can have two of these tensioning devices, for example, a spring-loaded tensioning pulley and a fixed-adjustment tensioning pulley; other combinations are also possible.

[0025] To reduce the drive speed of the motor assigned to the respective power transmission train and to increase the torque accordingly, the belt drive can reduce the drive speed. The transmission ratio (abbreviated as "i"), which is defined as the quotient of the speed of the transmission input (here: the drive pulley) and the speed of the transmission output (here: the driven pulley), can range from i = 1.5 to i = 10 for the respective belt drive. The axes of rotation of the drive pulleys and driven pulleys are preferably aligned parallel to the main axis. The installation space for the auxiliary drive device on the cage support, or on the base of the cage support, is limited by the dimensions of the cage support.However, particularly good results were achieved with a gear ratio of i = 2 to i = 6, so that the larger diameter driven discs remain within the dimensions specified by the basket carrier, especially the base body.

[0026] During operation, the centrifuge baskets are rotated around their axes at speeds of up to 15 revolutions per minute, as required. To reduce the drive speed of at least one motor, which in this application can, for example, reach up to 3000 revolutions per minute, to the required rotational speed for the centrifuge baskets, the power transmission lines can each incorporate a reduction gearbox. These reduction gearboxes can be located downstream of the belt drive in the power path of the respective power transmission line. The reduction gearboxes can also be mounted on the basket support. By integrating the reduction gearbox into the respective power transmission line, the rotational speed is reduced, and the transmissible torque is significantly increased.This allows the at least one motor of the auxiliary drive device to have a relatively low rated torque, enabling a compact design and low weight. Preferably, the at least one motor has a rated torque in the range of 5 to 20 newton meters, and more preferably, the rated torque is at least approximately 10 newton meters. The rated torque refers to the maximum permissible continuous torque that may act on the rotor shaft of the motor. In particular, the at least one motor can have a rated power of up to 5000 watts, and more preferably, at least 2000 watts.Good results regarding the compact design, the weight and sufficient power to rotate the respective centrifuge basket around its basket axis in conjunction with the respective reduction gear were achieved with at least one motor whose rated power is in the range of 2500 watts and 3800 watts.

[0027] The respective power transmission train can comprise a reduction gear with a gearbox housing attached to the basket support, a drive element that can be rotated by the at least one motor, and an output element coaxial with the basket axis, wherein the gear ratio between an input speed of the drive element and an output speed of the output element is greater than one. The drive element can, for example, be an input shaft. The drive element can be rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing. Preferably, the drive element of the respective reduction gear is rotatably mounted about the respective basket axis and can be arranged concentrically with the respective basket axis in the gearbox housing. The gearbox output of the belt drive can be coupled to the gearbox input of the reduction gear. For this purpose, the driven pulley of the belt drive can be connected to a drive element of the reduction gear.In particular, the driven pulley can be mounted on the input shaft. It is also possible that one of the at least one motor directly drives the drive element, thus eliminating the need for a belt drive for power transmission. The gear ratio (abbreviated "i"), defined as the quotient of the input speed, i.e., the speed of the transmission input (here: the drive element), and the output speed, i.e., the speed of the transmission output (here: a driven element), is always greater than 1 for the respective reduction gear. Preferably, the gear ratio of the reduction gear is in the range of i = 50 to i = 200. In particular, the gear ratio can be between i = 90 and i = 120. Advantageously, the respective reduction gear has a fixed gear ratio.Furthermore, the reduction gear, or a gearbox housing of the reduction gear, can be arranged concentrically to the respective basket axis.

[0028] The reduction gear can be an eccentric gear. Due to its axially compact design, this type is particularly suitable for use on the basket carrier at the required reduction ratios. Eccentric gears can, for example, be cycloidal gears, in which cam discs transmit torques via rolling motion. Cycloidal gears do not require gears and are not subject to shear forces, making them robust and durable. One such reduction gear is the TwinSpin reduction gear from the Spinea® G-Series. Particularly good results regarding the reduction ratio and the associated torque increase, as well as durability, have been achieved, for example, with the Spinea® G-Series TS 335G reduction gear.Furthermore, the respective reduction gear can be combined with at least one radial axial bearing, which can be housed in the gearbox casing. However, other reduction gears, such as planetary gears or the like, are also possible. The reduction gears can be inserted into the through-holes in the base of the basket support, which are provided concentrically to the basket axes, and attached to the base, in particular by bolting. The reduction gears can each have a hollow shaft, through which the lines for actuating the first connectors are routed.

[0029] Furthermore, the rotary platforms can each be attached to the output element of the reduction gear. Preferably, the entire weight of the rotary platforms and the components mounted therein, such as connecting assemblies, sensors, etc., as well as the centrifuge baskets coupled to the system during operation, rests on the output elements of the reduction gear. In other words, the output elements can constitute the sole connecting element between the rotary platforms and the basket support. The rotary platforms can be suspended from the output elements and can be driven synchronously around the basket axes together with the output elements. To ensure collision-free rotation of the rotary platforms around the basket axes, the respective output element can project axially beyond the edge of the gearbox housing.In particular, the output elements can project axially from the underside of the respective gearbox housing by approximately 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and preferably by approximately 1 mm. Alternatively, the rotary platforms can also be plate-shaped with a central recessed section that can be attached to the respective output element.

[0030] The rotary platforms can each have a central opening. The rotary platforms can project from the output-side end of the reduction gear in a flange-like manner, or radially to the respective basket axis. The first connectors, sensors, and other attachments can be arranged in the section of each rotary platform that projects radially beyond the respective gearbox housing. The respective output element can be, for example, a ring gear, an output shaft, an output flange, or the like from the reduction gear. The respective output element can be ring-shaped or flange-shaped. The first connectors of the connection assemblies can be arranged on the rotary platforms to detachably connect the centrifuge baskets to the rotary platforms or the basket support. Because the rotary platforms are suspended from the output elements, the output elements hold the centrifuge baskets.To ensure that the reduction gear can reliably absorb the axial and radial forces, and especially tilting moments, resulting from the operation of the system, the output elements can be rotatably mounted about the cage axes in the gear housings by means of rolling bearings, in particular barrel bearings. It is advantageous for the output elements to have the largest possible outer radius. Preferably, the outer diameter of the output element of the respective reduction gear corresponds to 0.5 to 1.0 times the outer diameter of the gear housing.

[0031] To route the lines for actuating the first connectors from the base body to the rotary platforms, the input shafts can be designed as hollow shafts. Furthermore, the output elements can be hollow. In particular, each output element can have a hollow cylindrical output shaft to which the ring gear or output flange is attached or integrally connected on the output side. The output shaft can be inserted into the input shaft and rotatably mounted relative to it about the respective basket axis. A needle bearing, for example, can serve as the bearing. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the input shaft can be larger than the outer diameter of the output shaft. Conversely, the outer diameter of the output flange can be larger than the outer diameter of the input shaft.Preferably, the outer diameter of the output flange is more than three times the outer diameter of the input shaft and, in particular, less than eight times the outer diameter of the input shaft. The output shafts can project axially from the input shafts on the gearbox input side, so that the auxiliary rotary unions can be arranged at the projecting ends of the output shafts. In this way, the second bodies of the auxiliary rotary unions can be non-rotatably connected to the output shafts. As a result, during operation of the system, when the at least one motor drives the power transmission trains, the second bodies of the auxiliary rotary unions and the rotary platforms are driven to rotate about their respective basket axis at the output speed by means of their non-rotatable connection to the output elements.

[0032] The system can comprise at least two centrifuge baskets into which the bulk materials to be processed can be poured, in particular by pouring. To reduce the restoring torques generated by the rotating centrifuge baskets during operation, the centrifuge baskets can be divided into several, in particular two or three, chambers. Compared to a centrifuge basket with only one central chamber, the restoring torques are reduced by approximately 60 percent in the centrifuge basket with three chambers. This relieves the load on the auxiliary drive device when the centrifuge baskets rotate around their axes. The chambers are spatially separated from each other within the respective centrifuge basket. The walls of the centrifuge baskets can be perforated or provided with holes. Preferably, an odd number of chambers is provided to maximize the total volume of the centrifuge baskets.

[0033] In particular, the base body is designed to be rotationally symmetrical about the main axis. For example, the base body of the basket support can be designed in the form of a rotating crossbeam for two of the centrifuge baskets, with two of the rotating platforms being arranged on the rotating crossbeam. Alternatively, the base body of the basket support can also be designed in the form of two rotating crossbeams arranged in a cross shape for four of the centrifuge baskets, with two of the rotating platforms being arranged on each rotating crossbeam. Likewise, the base body of the basket support can be circular or polygonal in axial view, with two, three, four, five, or six of the rotating platforms being arranged on the base body. Preferably, the basket support and the auxiliary drive device arranged on the basket support are designed to be at least largely rotationally symmetrical about the main axis in order to minimize imbalances when the basket support rotates about the main axis.Preferably, the base body rotates in a horizontal plane to which the principal axis is perpendicular.

[0034] The basket holder can be driven by the main drive at a nominal speed of at least 30 revolutions per minute and a maximum of 220 revolutions per minute. Particularly good results were achieved with a nominal speed of approximately 200 revolutions per minute. The main drive is preferably dimensioned such that the desired nominal speed can be reached within a maximum of 10 seconds, and more preferably within approximately 5 seconds. During the centrifugal process, the centrifuge baskets, or the mass components they hold, can be subjected to loads exceeding 20 times the acceleration due to gravity, or the weight force G. Preferably, the load factor is between 20 and 80. In particular, the load factor can be between approximately 25 and 40, and more preferably approximately 32. The load factor n is defined as n times the weight force G.During operation, the rated speed of the system can be maintained for a time interval of at least 10 seconds up to 60 seconds. In particular, the rated speed can be maintained for approximately 30 seconds. Preferably, the rated speed is at least 60 revolutions per minute and more preferably more than 100 revolutions per minute. Additionally, the at least one motor of the auxiliary drive device can drive the centrifuge baskets, rotating them around their basket axes. The basket rotation speed can be up to 15 revolutions per minute. Overall, this ensures effective removal of excess treatment fluid from the bulk parts, by specifying the rotation duration, the rated speed, the direction and speed of rotation of the centrifuge baskets around their basket axes (in the same direction and / or opposite to the direction of rotation of the basket carrier around the main axis), etc.The amount of coating fluid remaining on the parts, and thus the layer thickness, can be influenced. For example, the longer the rated speed is maintained and the higher the rated speed, the more coating fluid is flung off, resulting in a thinner layer on the parts. To obtain thicker layers, the rotation time and the rated speed can be reduced, for example.

[0035] The support element, relative to which the longitudinal shaft is rotatably mounted, can be a crossbeam of the support structure. The crossbeam can have a bore through which the longitudinal shaft passes. The main drive of the main drive device can be attached to the support element. The support element can be rigidly integrated as a crossbeam of the support structure or can be pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis on a stationary part of the support structure.

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described below. Herein, the drawings show: Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention for treating bulk materials contained in two centrifuge baskets according to a first embodiment in a perspective side view from an oblique angle above; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the system from Figure 1 in perspective sectional view; Figure 3 an enlarged partial view of the facility; Figure 4 an enlarged partial aspect of the facility from the in Figure 2 perspective view shown; Figure 5 a reduction gear of the system made of Figure 1 Figure 6: the reduction gear in a perspective view from a low angle; Figure 7: a partial section through the reduction gear; Figure 8: an enlarged partial aspect of the system from the in Figure 4perspective view shown; Figure 9 a top view of a basket support of the system from Figure 1 Figure 10 shows an enlarged partial view of the basket support of the system made of Figure 1 Figure 11 shows an enlarged partial view of a connection arrangement of the plant. Figure 1 Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the facility. Figure 1 from below, with the system shown without the centrifuge baskets; Figure 13 shows a system according to the invention for treating bulk materials contained in two centrifuge baskets according to a second embodiment in a side view, with the system shown in a starting position; Figure 14 shows the system made of Figure 13in sectional view, wherein the system is shown in a pivoted position in which the centrifuge baskets are immersed in a dipping tank; Figure 15 a system according to the invention for treating mass parts contained in four centrifuge baskets according to a third embodiment in a schematically simplified view, in which a basket support is shown from below, and Figure 16 a system according to the invention for treating mass parts contained in four centrifuge baskets according to a fourth embodiment in a schematically simplified view, in which a basket support is shown from below.

[0037] In the Figure 1 A system for treating bulk materials contained in two centrifuge baskets 1 is shown according to a first embodiment. Figures 2 to 12The following are further details of this system. The system is used for coating bulk parts (not shown), such as screws, stamped parts or the like, whereby the parts to be coated are immersed in a coating liquid (not shown) and then spun outside the coating liquid.

[0038] In the Figure 1 It is evident that the system has a supporting structure 2 in the form of a stationary frame. The supporting structure 2 is supported against a stationary floor 3 and encloses a work area 4. To clarify the orientation of the supporting structure 2, the following are shown in the Figure 1The three spatial directions X, Y, and Z are shown. The spatial direction Z runs parallel to the vertical, or the direction of gravity. The terms "below," "above," "below," and "above" refer to positions relative to the Z direction. "Horizontal" refers to a line extending parallel to a plane defined by the two spatial directions X and Y.

[0039] Furthermore, the system comprises a basket support 5 to which the two centrifuge baskets 1 are reversibly and detachably held. The basket support 5 is suspended freely in the working chamber 4 from a longitudinal shaft 6 of a main drive device 7. The longitudinal shaft 6 is rotatably mounted relative to a support element 8 of the support structure 2 about a main axis A and can be driven by a main drive 9 of the main drive device 7 to rotate about the main axis A. The main drive 9 is attached to the support element 8. The support element 8 can be a crossbeam rigidly integrated into the support structure 2. The main drive 9 can be an electric motor connected to an electrical power supply 10 of the system. By means of the main drive 9, the basket support 5 can preferably be driven to a desired nominal speed about the main axis A within five seconds, the nominal speed being more than 30 revolutions and less than 220 revolutions per minute.

[0040] The basket support 5 has a base body 11 with a central bore 12, see in particular the Figure 10 A lower end of the longitudinal shaft 6, facing the basket support 5, is inserted into the central bore 12, with the longitudinal shaft 6 shown in the diagram to illustrate the construction of the basket support 5. Figure 10 The longitudinal shaft 6 and the base body 11 can be connected to each other by means of a standardized shaft-hub connection, such as a positive-locking connection with a groove 13 and a keyway (not shown). The base body 11 has an elongated base plate 14 and two spaced-apart side walls 15. The side walls 15 project perpendicularly from the base plate 14 at an upper surface 16 facing the support element 8 and can have a trapezoidal shape. The base plate 14 is horizontally oriented.

[0041] A secondary drive device 17 for rotating the centrifuge baskets 1 about a basket axis K radially spaced from the main axis A is arranged between the side walls 15 on the base body 11. Due to their eccentric arrangement, the two basket axes K can also be referred to as planetary axes of rotation. The secondary drive device 17 has a motor 18 and a power transmission train 19 for each centrifuge basket 1. The motors 18 are electric motors, in particular servo motors. The longitudinal shaft 6 is designed as a hollow shaft through which electrical lines 20 are routed to connect the motors 18 to an electrical power supply 10 of the system. Control lines 21, in particular bus lines for connecting the secondary drive device 17 to a control unit 22 of the system, can also be routed through the longitudinal shaft 6. The main drive device 7 can also be connected to the control unit 22.

[0042] To minimize the centrifugal forces acting on the motors 18 when the basket carrier 5 rotates about the main axis A, the motors 18 are mounted on the base body 11 as close as possible to the main axis A. Specifically, each motor 18 has a rotor shaft 23 that can be driven to rotate about a rotor axis D aligned parallel to the main axis A. The respective rotor axis D is arranged at a distance R1 of no more than 300 millimeters from the main axis A and can have a distance R1 between approximately 140 millimeters and 180 millimeters. To avoid imbalances, the motors 18 are arranged symmetrically to each other about the main axis A on the base body 11. Preferably, the rotor axes D lie on an imaginary first circle C1, which is arranged concentrically to the main axis A and has radius R1, as shown in the Figure 9The basket axes K, on ​​the other hand, can lie on an imaginary second circle C2, whose radius R2 is larger than the radius R1. In particular, the radius R1 can be less than 0.5 times the radius R2.

[0043] The power transmission trains 19 each have a belt drive 24. The respective belt drive 24 will be described below. It is understood that the descriptions apply to both belt drives 24, which are identical in construction. The belt drive 24 has a toothed belt 25 and two toothed pulleys, namely a drive pulley 26 and a driven pulley 27. The drive pulley 26 is mounted concentrically to the rotor axis D on the rotor shaft 23 of the associated motor 18. The driven pulley 27 is mounted concentrically to the cage axis K on an input shaft 28 designed as a hollow shaft. Furthermore, the belt drive 24 has a fixedly adjustable tensioning device with a first tensioning roller 29 and a spring-loaded tensioning device with a second tensioning roller 30.The transmission ratio (abbreviated as "i"), which is defined as the quotient of the speed of the transmission input (here: the drive pulley 26) and the speed of the transmission output (here: the driven pulley 27), can range from i = 1.5 to i = 10 for the belt drive 24. Here, the transmission ratio is in the range of i = 2 to i = 6. Since i > 1, the speed is reduced ("transmission into slower speeds") and the transmissible torque is increased. Advantageously, each belt drive has a fixed transmission ratio.

[0044] Furthermore, each of the power transmission lines 19 has a reduction gear 31, which further increases the transmissible torque. This allows the centrifuge baskets 1 to be driven with a sufficiently high torque of, for example, 1000 to 2500 Newton meters, rotating around the basket axes K. The reduction gears 31 can be eccentric gears known per se. An eccentricity on the rotating input shaft 28 can generate a cycloidal motion that guides needles arranged circumferentially around the basket axis K within a gear housing 68 of the respective reduction gear 31. One such reduction gear 31 is, for example, the TwinSpin reduction gear from the G-series of Spinea®.Particularly good results regarding the reduction ratio and the associated increase in torque, as well as durability, were achieved, for example, with the Spinea® G-Series TS 335G reduction gearbox. The respective reduction gearbox 31 is described below. It should be understood that the descriptions apply to both reduction gearboxes 31, which are identical in construction. The reduction gearbox 31 is available in the... Figures 5 to 7 shown in detail.

[0045] The reduction gear 31 is inserted into a through-bore 69 in the base plate 14 of the main body 11 and is firmly connected to the main body 11, in particular by bolting. The gear housing 68 is in particular flange-shaped and has a stepped outer wall. A first outer wall section 70 of the gear housing 68, which is inserted into the base plate 14, can have a smaller outer diameter than a second outer wall section 71 of the gear housing 68, which projects beyond the main body 11 on the basket side. The inner diameter of the through-bore 69 corresponds at least substantially to the outer diameter of the first outer wall section 70 of the gear housing 68. The gear housing 68 of the reduction gear 31 projects from a lower surface 33 of the main body 11 facing away from the upper surface 16.The reduction gear 68 was inserted from below into the through hole 69 in the base plate 14 and, in particular, screwed to it from below.

[0046] The input shaft 28 is the input shaft of the reduction gear 31. The input shaft 28 is rotatably mounted concentrically to the cage axis Kund about the cage axis K in the gearbox housing 68. The reduction gear 31 has a hollow output element 32 on the output side. The output element 32 has a hollow cylindrical output shaft 80 and an output flange 81 that is non-rotatably connected to the output shaft 80. The output flange 81 and the output shaft 80 are bolted together by means of screws 82, whereby, for the sake of clarity, only a subset of the screws are labeled with reference numerals. The output shaft 80 is inserted into the hollow input shaft 28 and can be rotatably mounted relative to it about the cage axis K by means of a bearing 83, in particular a needle bearing. The hollow output element 32 thus forms a passage 73 through the reduction gear 31.

[0047] The gear ratio (abbreviated as "i") of the reduction gear 31, which is defined as the quotient of the speed of the gear input (here: the input shaft 28) and the speed of the gear output (here: the output element 32), can be in a range of i = 50 to i = 200 for the reduction gear 31. In particular, the gear ratio can be between i = 90 and i = 120.

[0048] The outer diameter of the output element 32, in particular the output flange 81, can be more than four times the outer diameter of the input shaft 28. In the Figure 7 It has been shown that this ratio is preferably about 5 to 1. Preferably, this ratio is less than 8 to 1 and further preferably less than 6 to 1.

[0049] A flange-like rotary platform 34 is attached to the lower, or basket-side, end of the respective output element 32, in particular to the output flange 81. The gearbox housing 68 projects from the underside 33 of the base body 11, and the output element 32 extends beyond the gearbox housing 68 by approximately 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and preferably by approximately 1 mm. The rotary platform 34 is suspended from the output element 32 and can be driven by the projecting output element 32 to rotate about the basket axis K without collision. The rotary platform 34 can be screwed to the output element 32 by a plurality of circumferentially distributed screws 75, in which threaded bores 84 are machined for this purpose. In particular, the rotary platform 34 can be attached to the output element 32 by twenty to thirty of the screws 75 in order to hold the rotary platform 34 suspended freely from the output element 32.The flange-like rotating platforms 34 can each have an opening 35 formed concentrically to the basket axis K.

[0050] Especially in Figure 8It can be seen that the rotary platform 34 is multi-part and has an annular first plate 76, which is attached to the output element 32 by screws 75. Radially further out, a second annular plate 77 adjoins it and is screwed to the first plate 76 by means of a plurality of screws 78. The second plate 77 is arranged on top of the first plate 76, i.e., from the side facing away from the basket. The respective centrifuge basket 1 can be detachably attached to the rotary platform 34. In order to withstand the forces occurring during operation in the axial and radial directions, as well as moments such as tilting moments, the output element 32 is inserted in a housing opening 72 of the gearbox housing 68 and is rotatably mounted relative to the gearbox housing 68 about the basket axis K.For example, rolling bearings, in particular spherical bearings, can be provided, which can also be arranged in several rows or alternately rotated by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction in order to absorb the radial and axial forces. The outer diameter of the output element 32 can correspond to approximately 75 percent to 95 percent, and preferably approximately 85 percent, of the outer diameter of the gearbox housing 68 in the second outer wall section 71. A bearing, in particular a spherical bearing, is preferably arranged between the circumferential surface of the output element 32 and the inner wall of the gearbox housing 68. A sealing ring 79 can be located axially below the bearing.The rotary platforms 34 attached to the output elements 32 are thus connected to the associated motor 18 via one of the power transmission lines 19 and, due to the mechanical separation of the two power transmission lines 19, can be driven independently of each other by the respective associated motor 18 rotating about the respective basket axis K.

[0051] For the reversible connection of the centrifuge baskets 1 to the basket support 5, a connection arrangement 36 is provided for each centrifuge basket 1. The connection arrangements 36 each have, here, three connector units 37. The connector units 37 are evenly distributed circumferentially around the basket axis K and can be arranged, as shown in particular in the Figure 12As can be seen, the connector units 37 are arranged at equal distances from the respective basket axis K. Each connector unit 37 has a first connector in the form of a clamping module 38 and a second connector in the form of a connecting bolt 39. The clamping modules 38 are attached to the rotary platforms 34 and the connecting bolts 39 are attached to the centrifuge baskets 1.

[0052] Especially in Figure 11 It can be seen that the centrifuge baskets 1 each have a radially projecting connecting flange 40 at their open end. The connecting flange 40 is oriented perpendicular to the basket axis K, at least when the centrifuge basket 1 is held on the basket support 5. The connecting bolts 39 are attached to the connecting flange 40 of the respective centrifuge basket 1 and project axially. The connecting bolts 39 each have a bolt axis B39 that is aligned parallel to the main axis A. The connecting flange 40 can be, as shown, among other things, in the Figure 9recognizable, an oval base or, as in the Figure 11 As shown, they can also have a triangular base. Other base shapes are also possible, such as a circular, rectangular, square, or polygonal base.

[0053] The clamping modules 38 are arranged in a section 77 of the respective rotary platforms 34, which projects radially beyond the reduction gear 31. The rotary platforms 34 can, for example, have a round or rectangular base shape. Each clamping module 38 has a module base body 74 in which a bolt receptacle 41, open downwards (i.e., towards the respective centrifuge basket 1), is formed, into which the connecting bolts 39 can be inserted. The bolt receptacles 41 each define a central axis B41, which, like the bolt axes B39, is aligned parallel to the main axis A. The bolt receptacles 41 are cup-shaped. To radially fix the connecting bolts 39 in the inserted state, the respective module base body 74 completely encloses the bolt receptacle 41 circumferentially around the central axis B41.The clamping modules 38 each have a locking mechanism 59 that clamps the inserted connecting bolt 39 in the clamping module 38 (connected state). The connecting bolts 39 can each have a circumferential groove 42 into which positive locking elements, in particular locking bolts of the locking mechanisms 59, can engage in the connected state. The positive locking elements are preferably spring-loaded towards the central axis B41, so that the connecting bolts 39, inserted into the bolt receptacles 41 in the connected state, are clamped by spring force. The clamping modules 38 are pneumatically actuated centering clamps known per se, which can be pressurized with compressed air to release the locking mechanisms 59, or to move the positive locking elements against the spring force and thus away from the central axes B41.In a released state, the locking mechanisms 59 release the connecting bolts 39, allowing the connecting bolts 39 to be axially displaceable relative to the clamping modules 38. In the released state, the centrifuge baskets 1 can thus be decoupled from the basket support 5, as shown in the figure. Figure 11 shown.

[0054] The clamping modules 38 are connected via plug-in couplings 43 to pneumatic lines 44, which integrate the clamping modules 38 into a pneumatic supply network 45 of the system. Furthermore, the control lines 21 and, if required, the power lines 20 can be routed to the clamping modules 38 to connect them to the control unit 22 and, if required, to the electrical power supply 10. The lines 44, 20, and 21, coming from the rotary platforms 34, are guided through the hollow input shafts 28 and the bushing 73 of the output element 32 of the reduction gears 31, respectively, into auxiliary rotary feedthroughs 46. The auxiliary rotary feedthroughs 46 are each connected to an end of the output element 32, in particular the output shaft 80, facing away from the rotary platform 34. The diagrams are shown for illustrative purposes only. Figures 2 , 4 and 8The components inside the reduction gear 31 have been largely removed. It can be seen that a first body 47 of the respective auxiliary rotary feedthrough 46 is supported against the base body 11 of the basket carrier 5. A second body 48 of the respective auxiliary rotary feedthrough 46 is rotationally fixed to the output shaft 80. For this purpose, several circumferentially distributed threaded bores 85 are formed in the end face of the output shaft 80 to screw the second body 48 to the output shaft 80. The auxiliary rotary feedthroughs 46 enable, in a manner known per se, the sealed transition of the pneumatic lines 44 between the stationary first bodies 47 and the second bodies 48, which can be driven to rotate about the basket axes K.

[0055] The pneumatic lines 44 are routed along the top surface 16 of the base body 11 towards the main axis A and connected there to a Y-connector 49. The Y-connector 49 is connected to a central pneumatic line 50, which runs through the hollow longitudinal shaft 6. A central rotary union 51 is arranged at an upper end of the longitudinal shaft 6, facing away from the basket support 5. The central rotary union 51 has a first body 52, which is supported against the supporting structure 2. A second body 53 of the central rotary union 51 is non-rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft 6. The electrical lines 20 and the control lines 21 for the auxiliary drive device 17, as well as the pneumatic line 44 for the clamping modules 38, are routed through the central rotary union 51.On the first body 52 of the central rotary feedthrough 51, contact points 54 are arranged for connecting the electrical lines 17 to the power supply 10 and for connecting the control lines 21 to the control unit 22. Furthermore, a pneumatic coupling 55 is arranged on the first body 52 of the central rotary feedthrough 51, via which the pneumatic line 50 can be connected to the pneumatic supply network 45.

[0056] In the Figure 12The system is shown from a low angle. It can be seen that a cover 56 is arranged between the clamping modules 38 on each of the rotating platforms 34. The covers 56 serve to close the upwardly open centrifuge baskets 1 when these are held on the basket support 5. The centrifuge baskets 1 have perforated walls 57, which allow the coating liquid to penetrate. The walls 57 divide each centrifuge basket 1, in this case, into three spatially separated chambers 58 for receiving the bulk material. The chambers 58 are arranged circumferentially and are open at the top to allow the bulk material to be poured in. The centrifuge baskets 1 are rotationally symmetrical about the basket axis K. By dividing the centrifuge baskets 1 into the chambers 58, the restoring moments when rotating the centrifuge baskets 1 about the basket axes K are minimized.This makes it easier to set the centrifuge baskets 1 filled with the mass parts into rotation around the basket axes K, thereby reducing the load on the motors 18.

[0057] In the Figures 13 and 14 A system for treating bulk materials contained in two centrifuge baskets 1 is shown according to a second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above according to the Figures 1 to 12 The only difference is that the support element 8 is pivotably integrated into the support structure 2 about a horizontal pivot axis S, so that reference is made to the preceding explanations regarding the similarities. Overall, the same details are provided with the same reference numerals as in the Figures 1 to 12 To clarify the orientation of the supporting structure 2, the following are shown in the Figures 13 and 14The three spatial directions X, Y, and Z are shown. The spatial direction Z runs parallel to the vertical, or the direction of gravity. The terms "below," "above," "below," and "above" refer to positions relative to the Z direction. "Horizontal" refers to a line extending parallel to a plane defined by the two spatial directions X and Y.

[0058] The support element 8 can be a U-shaped pivoting frame, which is pivotably supported laterally on two horizontal side struts 60 of the support structure 2. Two hydraulic cylinders 61 can be provided for pivoting, which are supported on the side struts 60 and the support element 8. To bridge the pivoting movements, the lines 20, 21, 51 can be guided from the central rotary feedthrough 51 to a stationary frame 63 of the support structure 2 via one or more energy chains 62.

[0059] In the workspace 4, a paint trolley 64 with a dipping tank 65 is positioned, which can be pushed laterally into and out of the workspace 4. The coating fluid 66 is contained in the dipping tank 65. To raise and lower the paint trolley 64 with the dipping tank 65, a lifting device 67 can be attached to the stationary part of the support structure 2, which is supported on the floor 3. The dipping tank 65 can thus be moved along a vertical axis extending along the spatial direction Z. The lifting device 67 can also be used in the system according to the first embodiment, as in the Figures 1 to 8 shown, can be used to move the paint trolley 64 with the immersion tank 65 up to the centrifuge baskets 1.

[0060] In the Figure 13The system is shown in a starting position, with the paint trolley 64 parked on floor 3. The main axis A of the longitudinal shaft 6, from which the basket carrier 5 is suspended, is vertically aligned. The basket carrier 5 and the centrifuge baskets 1 are stationary. In the Figure 14 The immersion tank 65, arranged on the paint trolley 64, has been moved up to the basket support 5 from below. The centrifuge baskets 1 are immersed in the coating liquid 66. The support element 5 is pivoted about the pivot axis S, so that the basket axes K form an angle of, in this case, approximately 30 degrees with the base 3. The motors 18 drive the rotary platforms 34, rotating them about the basket axes K, to circulate the bulk materials contained in the centrifuge baskets 1 in the coating liquid 66.

[0061] In the Figures 15 and 16 Further possible geometries of the basket support 5 are shown, which, as in the Figure 15 shown, can form a circular area, or, as shown in the Figure 16shown, which can have the shape of a cross or plus sign. Reference symbol list 1 centrifuge basket 28 Input wave 2 supporting structure 29 Tensioner 3 Floor 30 Tensioner 4 workspace 31 Reduction gearbox 5 Basket carrier 32 Drive element 6 longitudinal shaft 33 bottom 7 Main drive device 34 rotating platform 8 Supporting element 35 opening 9 Main drive 36 Connection arrangement 10 power supply 37 Connector unit 11 basic body 38 Clamping module 12 Drilling 39 Connecting bolts 13 Nut 40 Connecting flange 14 base plate 41 Bolt receptacle 15 side wall 42 Nut 16 Top 43 Plug connector 17 Power take-off device 44 pneumatic line 18 Motor 45 pneumatic supply network 19 power transmission train 46 Auxiliary rotary feedthrough 20 electrical line 47 first body 21 Control lines 48 second body 22 Control unit 49 Y-connector 23 Rotor shaft 50 pneumatic line 24 belt drive 51 Rotary feedthrough 25 timing belt 52 first body 26 drive pulley 53 second body 27 driven disc 54 Contact point 55 coupling 80 Output wave 56 Lid 81 Output flange 57 Wall 82 screw 58 chamber 83 Storage 59 locking mechanism 84 Threaded hole 60 Side strut 85 Threaded hole 61 hydraulic cylinder 62 Energy supply chain 63 Frame 64 Paint trolley 65 diving pool 66 Coating fluid 67 Lifting device 68 gearbox housing A Main axis 69 through hole B Bolt axis, center axis 70 Exterior wall section C imaginary circle 71 Exterior wall section D Rotor axis 72 Case opening K Basket axle 73 opening R radius 74 Module base body S Swivel axis 75 screw X Spatial direction 76 plate Z Spatial direction 77 plate 78 screw 79 sealing ring

Claims

1. Apparatus for treating mass-produced parts, the installation comprising: a supporting structure (2) with a supporting element (8), a basket carrier (5) for at least two centrifuge baskets (1), a main drive device (7) attached to the supporting structure (2) and having a main drive (9) and a longitudinal shaft (6), wherein the longitudinal shaft (6) is mounted rotatably about a main axis (A) with respect to the supporting element (8) and is drivable rotatably about the main axis (A) by the main drive (9), wherein the basket carrier (5) is held suspended on the longitudinal shaft (6) and is connected to the longitudinal shaft (6) in a rotationally fixed manner, and a secondary drive device (17) with at least one motor (18) and, for each centrifuge basket (1), a drivetrain (19) for rotating the centrifuge basket (1) about a basket axis (K) radially distanced from the main axis (A), wherein the at least one motor (18) of the secondary drive device (17) is arranged on the basket carrier (5), characterised in that that the drivetrain (19) respectively comprises a reduction gear (31) with a gear housing (68) which is fixed to the basket carrier (5), an input shaft (28) which is rotatably drivable by the at least one motor (18), and an output element (32) coaxial with the basket axis (K), wherein a transmission ratio between an input speed of the input shaft (28) and an output speed of the output element (32) is greater than one.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that an outer diameter of the output element (32) of the respective reduction gear (31) corresponds to 0.5 times to 1.0 times an outer diameter of the gear housing (68).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the transmission ratio i of the respective reduction gear (31) lies in a range from i = 50 to i = 200.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the at least one motor (18) has a nominal power of 5000 watts at most.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the drivetrains (1) each comprise a belt drive (24) which is rotationally drivable by the at least one motor (18) and which is drivingly connected to the input shaft (28) of the respective reduction gear (31).

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one motor (18) has a rotor shaft (23) which is rotatably drivable about a rotor axis (D), the rotor axis (D) being arranged on an imaginary first circle (C1), and the basket axes (K) being arranged on an imaginary second circle (C2), wherein the first circle (C1) and the second circle (C2) are arranged concentrically to the main axis (A), and a first radius (R1) of the first circle (C1) is smaller than a second radius (R2) of the second circle (C2).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the first radius (R1) is smaller than 0.5 times the second radius (R2) and / or that the first radius (R1) is smaller than 300 millimetres.

8. Apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the longitudinal shaft (6) is designed as a hollow shaft through which a supply line (20) for connecting the at least one motor (18) to a supply system (10) of the installation is passed from the supporting structure (2) to the basket carrier (5).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that a central rotary lead-through (51) for the supply line (20) is arranged at an end of the longitudinal shaft (6) facing away from the basket carrier (5), wherein the central rotary lead-through (51) comprises a first body (52) supported against the support structure (2) and a second body (53) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the longitudinal shaft (6).

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the output element (32) of the respective reduction gear (31) has an output flange (81) and a hollow cylindrical output shaft (80) connected to the output flange (81), wherein the output shaft (80) is fitted in the input shaft (28) and is rotatably supported relative thereto about the respective basket axis (K).

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a flange-like rotary platform (34) for releasably connecting the respective centrifuge basket (1) is held suspended from the output element (32), in particular the output flange (81) of the respective reduction gear (31), and is connected to the output element (32) in a rotationally fixed manner.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that a connecting assembly for reversibly releasably connecting the respective centrifuge basket (1) to the basket carrier (5) is provided for each centrifuge basket (1), with first connectors (38) of the connecting assembly (36) being arranged on the rotary platforms (34), and second connectors (39) of the connecting assemblies (36), which are connectable to the first connectors (38), being arranged on the centrifuge baskets (1).

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterised in that the first connectors (38) are pneumatically actuatable clamping modules, wherein pneumatic and / or electric lines (44) for actuating the first connectors (38) are passed from the supporting structure (2) through the longitudinal shaft (6) formed as hollow shaft to the basket carrier (5).

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that the pneumatic and / or electric lines (44) for actuating the first connectors (38) are passed through the input shafts (28), formed as hollow shafts, of the reduction gears (31).

15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that a secondary rotary lead-through (46) for the pneumatic and / or electric lines (44) for actuating the first connectors (38) is arranged on the basket carrier (5) for each rotary platform (34), with the secondary rotary lead-throughs (46) each having a first body (47) supported against a main body (11) of the basket carrier (5) and a second body (48) connected to the rotary platform (34) in a rotationally fixed manner.

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