Equipment and method for straightening elongated molded parts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a straightening apparatus (10) for straightening an elongated molded part (100), in particular an extrusion molded material, extending along a longitudinal axis (102), comprising a plurality of straightening modules (16a-16e) each having a part receiving portion (46a-46e), in which the molded part (100) can be fixed in position fixing portions (104a-104e) spaced apart from one another in the part receiving portion (46a-46e) of the straightening modules (16a-16e), and the straightening modules (16a-16e) or the part receiving portions (46a-46e) of the straightening modules (16a-16e) are movable relative to one another to straighten the molded parts (100) fixed in the part receiving portions (46a-46e).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a straightening apparatus (straightening apparatus) for straightening elongated molded parts extending along a longitudinal axis, in particular extrusion moldings, the straightening apparatus comprising a plurality of straightening modules each having a part receiving portion, the molded parts being fixable in mutually spaced apart position fixing portions in the part receiving portions of the straightening modules, the straightening modules or the part receiving portions of the straightening modules being movable relative to one another for straightening the molded parts fixed in the part receiving portions.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for straightening an elongated molded part, in particular an extrusion molded material, extending along a longitudinal axis, using a straightening equipment, comprising the steps of fixing the molded part to spaced apart position fixing portions in part receiving portions of a straightening module of the straightening equipment, and moving at least one straightening module or the part receiving portion of at least one straightening module relative to at least one other straightening module or the part receiving portion of at least one other straightening module, to straighten the molded part fixed in position in the part receiving portion.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method for producing a straightened elongated molded part extending along a longitudinal axis, in particular a straightened extrusion, comprising the steps of providing an unstraightened molded part extending along a longitudinal axis and straightening the provided molded part by means of a straightening installation.

[0004] Elongated shaped parts, such as extrusions, are increasingly being used as an alternative to die-cast structural parts in small series and individual production. In this case, the desired part geometry is usually produced by machining the elongated shaped parts. For example, side members or cross members of a vehicle can be produced from extrusions in a milling process.

[0005] However, in these and other applications, it is necessary that the extrusions before machining have only small geometric deviations from the target geometry. Since the shaped parts produced by deformation processes, such as extrusions produced by extrusion molding, do not have sufficient dimensional accuracy for these areas of use, the shaped parts must be straightened on a straightening machine before being further processed. Straightening eliminates or at least significantly reduces the dimensional deviations from the target geometry.

[0006] However, the straightening equipment used in the prior art is not suitable for straightening elongated formed parts, such as extrusions.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to enable precise straightening of elongated shaped parts, for example extrusions.

[0008] This problem is solved by a straightening installation of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which a number of straightening modules of the straightening installation according to the invention are arranged one behind the other, and the component receiving portions of the straightening modules which receive the molded parts can be positioned in a straight line along the component receiving axis.

[0009] The part receiving portion of the straightening module can be positioned in a straight line along the part receiving axis, so that the elongated molded parts can be conveyed into the part receiving portion of the straightening module along the part receiving axis, i.e., the elongated molded parts can be inserted into the part receiving portion of the straightening module along its longitudinal axis, so that the molded parts can be fixed in the fixed portions spaced apart from each other in the part receiving portion of the straightening module after taking up the straightening position in the straightening installation. After fixing in the fixed portions in the part receiving portion of the straightening module, the at least one straightening module or the part receiving portion of the one straightening module is then moved relative to the at least one other straightening module or the part receiving portion of the at least one other straightening module, so that dimensional errors of the molded parts from the target geometry can be eliminated or at least significantly reduced via the straightening forces and / or straightening moments applied to the molded parts.

[0010] The molded parts may be, for example, aluminum extrusions. The molded parts may have a length, for example, in the range of 0.5 m to 5 m. The molded parts may have a height, for example, of up to 0.3 m. The molded parts may have a width, for example, of up to 0.5 m. In the case of short molded parts, it may happen that not all straightening modules are taken into account in the straightening process. In this case, the part receptacles of one or more straightening modules remain free due to the short length of the molded parts to be straightened.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the straightening installation according to the invention has at least three straightening modules that are movable relative to one another and arranged one behind the other, each of which has one part receiving portion, the part receiving portions of the at least three straightening modules being positionable in a straight line along the part receiving axis for receiving the molded parts. The straightening installation may also have four or more, for example four or five or six or more, straightening modules arranged one behind the other. The straightening modules or the part receiving portions of the straightening modules may be moved outward from or along the part receiving axis for straightening the molded parts.

[0012] Further preferred is a straightening arrangement according to the invention, in which the straightening module or the part receiving part of the straightening module is movable in a straightening plane perpendicular to the part receiving axis by one or more straightening drives, respectively, in order to apply a transverse straightening force to the molded part transversely to the longitudinal axis of the molded part. To move the part receiving part of the straightening module in the straightening plane perpendicular to the part receiving axis, the part receiving part can be moved inside the module in the straightening plane perpendicular to the part receiving axis, or the entire straightening module can be moved in the straightening plane perpendicular to the part receiving axis. By applying a transverse straightening force to the molded part, the molded part is folded, so that the dimensional deviation from the target geometric shape is eliminated or at least significantly reduced by the folding of the part. One or more straightening drives are preferably used to move each straightening module or each part receiving part of the straightening module in the straightening plane along the first straightening axis. The one or more straightening drives are preferably used to move each straightening module or the part receptacle of each straightening module along the second straightening axis in the straightening plane. The first straightening axis and the second straightening axis are preferably located perpendicular to each other in the straightening plane. By moving each straightening module or the part receptacle of each straightening module along the first and second straightening axes, the straightening module or the part receptacle of the straightening module can be moved in any direction in the straightening plane. For example, three or four linear drives can be used to move the straightening module or the part receptacle of the straightening module in the straightening plane. The linear drives can be, for example, electric motor-type drives. The one or more straightening drives, which can move the straightening module or the part receptacle of the straightening module in the straightening plane perpendicular to the part receptacle axis, can be controlled by a control device of the straightening installation.

[0013] In one further preferred embodiment of the straightening installation according to the invention, the straightening module or the part receiving part of the straightening module can be rotated about a part receiving axis by one or more straightening drives, respectively, in order to apply a straightening moment to the formed part about the longitudinal axis of the formed part. By applying a straightening moment to the formed part, the formed part is twisted, whereby dimensional deviations from the target geometry are eliminated or at least significantly reduced. To rotate the part receiving part of the straightening module about the part receiving axis, the part receiving part can be rotated about the part receiving axis within the module or the entire straightening module can be rotated about the part receiving axis. The one or more straightening drives capable of rotating the straightening module or the part receiving part of the straightening module about the part receiving axis can also be used to move the straightening module or the part receiving part of the straightening module in a straightening plane perpendicular to the part receiving axis.

[0014] In one further preferred embodiment of the straightening installation according to the invention, the straightening module or the part receptacle of the straightening module can be moved parallel to the part receiving axis by one or more positioning drives, respectively, for longitudinal positioning of the straightening module or the part receptacle of the straightening module along the longitudinal axis of the molded part. To move the part receptacle of the straightening module parallel to the part receiving axis, the part receptacle can be moved parallel to the part receiving axis inside the module or the straightening module as a whole can be moved parallel to the part receiving axis. The one or more positioning drives, which can move the straightening module or the part receptacle of the straightening module parallel to the part receiving axis, can include a spindle drive and / or be a component of the longitudinal movement device of the straightening installation. For example, the longitudinal movement device includes one or more, preferably two, spindle shafts extending parallel to one another, in which case the straightening module can be engaged with one or more spindle shafts via one or more spindle nuts, respectively. If the spindle nut of one straightening module is engaged with the spindle shaft and the spindle shaft is rotated via the positioning drive, the straightening module is moved parallel to the component receiving axis. The direction of movement of the straightening module is set via the rotation direction of the spindle shaft. If the spindle nut of one straightening module is not engaged with the spindle shaft and the spindle shaft is rotated via the positioning drive, for example, to move another straightening module, the straightening module whose spindle nut is not engaged with the spindle shaft is not moved. The spindle nut or nuts are preferably made of several parts, for example two parts, in which case one or more spindle nut parts are movable in order to bring the spindle nut out of engagement from one or more spindle shafts. By moving the spindle nut parts, the spindle nut can be opened or closed.The movable spindle nut part of the spindle nut is coupled to an actuator, for example a pneumatic cylinder, by means of which the spindle nut part can be moved to bring the respective spindle nut and the spindle shaft into and out of engagement. The longitudinal movement device further preferably has one or more slide rails along which the straightening module slides parallel to the component receiving axis during the movement and via which the straightening module is supported. The straightening module preferably has slide shoes in contact with the one or more slide rails. The one or more positioning drives can be electric motors. For example, the positioning drive, which is formed as an electric motor, is connected to the two spindle shafts via a transmission, for example a T-shaped transmission, so that the two spindle shafts can be rotated via the positioning drive. When the straightening module or the component receiving part of the straightening module moves parallel to the component receiving axis, the adjacent straightening modules or the component receiving parts of the adjacent straightening modules are moved toward each other or away from each other. The movement of the straightening module or the component receptacle of the straightening module parallel to the component receiving axis also changes the position of the fixing part, at which the component is fixed in the component receptacle of the straightening module. The longitudinal positioning of the straightening module or the component receptacle of the straightening module depends on the straightening strategy for the component, which is determined by the control device of the straightening system immediately before the actual straightening and is based on the previously performed component measurements. The straightening strategy determined by the control device depends on the component deformation to be performed and is therefore component-specific. Different types of deformation can be realized by suitable longitudinal positioning of the straightening module or the component receptacle of the straightening module.

[0015] Furthermore, in the straightening installation according to the invention, the straightening module is preferably suspended on one or more longitudinal supports and is movable in a plurality of spatial directions relative to the one or more longitudinal supports by one or more straightening drives and / or by one or more positioning drives, respectively, and / or is rotatable about one or more pivot axes and / or is pivotable about one or more pivot axes. The straightening module is suspended via one, two or three straightening drives, respectively, by which the straightening module can be moved up and down, i.e., in the Z direction. The straightening module is suspended via one, two or three straightening drives, respectively, by which the straightening module can be moved laterally transversely to the part receiving axis, i.e., in the Y direction. The straightening module can be moved longitudinally via one or more positioning drives. The longitudinal support may be or may include a slide rail that supports the straightening module and along which the straightening module slides longitudinally during movement.

[0016] In one refinement of the straightening installation according to the invention, the part receptacle of the straightening module is configured to partially or completely surround the molded part. The part receptacle may be annularly surrounding the molded part. That is to say, in order to position the molded part in the part receptacle, the molded part is advanced into the part receptacle along the part receptacle axis.

[0017] Furthermore, in the straightening installation according to the invention, the part receptacles of the straightening module preferably each have a clamping device with one or more clamping bodies, by means of which the molded part can be clamped to a fixed part in the respective part receptacle. The clamping body or bodies of the clamping device can be movable. The clamping body can be a pressing member which contacts the molded part during the straightening process and introduces a straightening force or a straightening moment into the molded part. Before clamping, the molded part rests on a lower, in particular stationary, clamping body, so that the straightening module can be positioned or adjusted before clamping the molded part, taking into account the position of the molded part. The surface contour of the clamping body can be adapted to the shape of the molded part. The clamping body can be exchangeable, so that part-specific clamping bodies can be used for straightening the respective different molded parts. The clamping body is guided and fixed in position in a groove, in particular a T-slot. To exchange the clamping body, the fixing plate is preferably removed. The clamping body can then be exchanged. The movable fastening bodies may be provided with spacers, which make it possible to compensate for differences between the geometries of the different molded parts.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the straightening installation according to the invention, the clamping devices each have one or more clamping body drives, by means of which the clamping bodies can be moved towards the molded parts to clamp the molded parts. The clamping body drives can be, for example, hydraulic cylinders. Alternatively, the clamping body drives can be pneumatic cylinders or electric motors. The clamping of the molded parts is preferably performed from above and below as well as from two mutually opposite sides, so that the molded parts are clamped by the clamping bodies from four sides. This clamping fixation allows the straightening forces and moments to be introduced into the molded parts as a whole.

[0019] Furthermore, in the straightening installation according to the invention, one or more straightening modules are preferably lockable in a locked position before, during and / or after the straightening process. The lockability of the straightening modules allows them to be fixed in a zero position. The straightening installation preferably has a base frame, in which the straightening modules are attached, in particular suspended, via one or more longitudinal bodies of the base frame. The base frame may include a lacquer-coated welded structure.

[0020] The straightening installation according to the invention may furthermore have a measuring device that is configured to measure the molded part before, during and / or after the straightening process. The measuring device may include a measuring carriage. One or more sensors, for example a line laser, that measure the molded part may be arranged on the measuring carriage. The measuring carriage together with the one or more sensors may be moved along the molded part, in particular parallel to the molded part. The measurement of the molded part is preferably performed while the measuring carriage moves along the molded part, i.e. while the measuring carriage passes by the molded part. The measuring carriage may be attached to a linear module. The measuring carriage may be moved along the molded part to the side of the molded part and / or below the molded part. The measurement of the molded part is performed between the mutually spaced straightening modules, in particular at a predetermined point. The measurement is preferably performed on the one hand based on the measured values ​​of one or more sensors on the measuring carriage and on the other hand based on the position of the measuring carriage. The position of the measuring carriage may be detected by a rotation sensor.

[0021] The alignment installation according to the invention may further comprise a calibration unit, with which one or more sensors of the measuring device can be calibrated. The calibration unit may in particular comprise a pivotable calibration block. The calibration block may be provided with a number of steps at predetermined height intervals. On the basis of the measurement of the calibration block by one or more sensors on the measuring carriage, the sensors can be calibrated. In the case of a line laser, the calibration compensates for linearity errors in the measuring software.

[0022] In one further preferred embodiment of the straightening installation according to the invention, the measuring device has a plurality of measuring supports, which are formed separately from the clamping body or bodies of the clamping device and are configured to support the molded part during the measurement process by the measuring device, in which case the measuring device preferably has positioning means by means of which the molded part can be positioned on the measuring support of the measuring device. The measuring support, in combination with the positioning means, allows a repeatable and accurate positioning of the molded part. The molded part is not placed on the clamping body of the clamping device during the measurement, but on a separate measuring support. The positioning means may include a plunger attached to the straightening module. The plunger may be exchangeable, so that a part-specific plunger can be used to position the molded part. The measuring support is sent only to position the molded part for measurement, while during the straightening process the measuring support is inverted. The measuring support may be exchangeable, so that a part-specific measuring support can be used to measure the molded part.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the straightening installation according to the invention comprises a conveying device for conveying the molded parts into and out of the part receiving portion of the straightening module. The conveying device preferably comprises a roller conveyor, which supports the molded parts during the movement between an entry position on the loading side of the straightening installation and a straightening position inside the straightening installation. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device comprises a roller conveyor, which supports the molded parts during the movement between a straightening position inside the straightening installation and an exit position on the removal side of the straightening installation. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device comprises a movable sliding and / or towing body, by means of which the molded parts can be slid and / or towed from the entry position on the loading side of the straightening installation to the straightening position inside the straightening installation and / or from the straightening position inside the straightening installation to the exit position on the removal side of the straightening installation. The conveying device preferably comprises a plurality of guide rollers. Individual or all guide rollers may be replaceable, so that part-specific guide rollers can be used. In the entry position on the loading side of the straightening facility, the molded part is arranged outside the part receptacle of the straightening module. In the internal straightening position, the molded part is arranged in the part receptacle of the straightening module. In the exit position on the unloading side of the straightening facility, the molded part is arranged outside the part receptacle of the straightening module. Along the entry path from the entry position to the straightening position and / or along the exit path from the straightening position to the exit position, further guide rollers may be arranged which transport the molded part through the straightening facility. The guide rollers may be attached to the straightening module. The sliders and / or towing bodies may be rods. The molded part is first placed on the roller conveyor in the entry position on the loading side. The molded part is then transported by the sliders and / or towing bodies to the straightening position. The sliders and / or towing bodies preferably simultaneously transport the molded parts located in the straightening position from the preceding straightening station to an exit position on the removal side of the straightening installation. The alignment of the molded parts in the longitudinal direction is achieved by longitudinal stops and position adjusters, which are respectively fed by the sliders and / or towing bodies into the straightening module after the molded parts have been prepositioned.The shaped part is slid in front of the longitudinal stop by the positioning body and thus positioned as specified. The positioning body can be replaceable, so that part-specific positioning bodies can be used. The separate guide rollers and the guide rollers attached to the straightening module as well as the guide rollers of the roller conveyor can also be replaceable. The measuring support, the positioning body as well as the guide rollers are slid manually on the guide rails and fixed in position. In this case, positioning is performed with the aid of a glued tape measure. The separate guide rollers can additionally be removed from the guide and positioned as required.

[0024] The straightening installation may have a hydraulic station, which is preferably located separately inside the straightening installation, adjacent to the straightening room, downstream of the outgoing roller conveyor. The hydraulic station may, for example, consist of an 800 liter tank on which are mounted two motors driving two independent hydraulic pumps. Additionally, an air cooler may be installed for cooling the hydraulic oil. The hydraulic distributor and the valve block may be located on the rear side of the straightening installation, independent of the hydraulic unit. Furthermore, a combination of pneumatic equipment and maintenance means may be located on the rear side of the straightening installation. The combination of pneumatic equipment and maintenance means may preferably consist of a take-over point for the pneumatic supply, the required pneumatic compression stage and a filter unit for the compressed air. A valve cluster controlling the various pneumatic functions may also be arranged on the rear side of the straightening installation.

[0025] The problem underlying the present invention is further solved by a method for straightening elongated parts of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the straightening modules of the straightening installation used in the method according to the invention are arranged one behind the other, and the part receivers of the straightening modules for receiving the molded parts are positioned in a straight line along the part receiver axis. The method for straightening elongated parts extending along a longitudinal axis is advantageously carried out using a straightening installation according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. For the advantages and variants of the method according to the invention for straightening elongated parts, reference is therefore made to the advantages and variants of the straightening installation according to the invention.

[0026] The method may further include measuring the provided molded part with a straightening fixture.

[0027] In one preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one straightening module or the part receiving portion of the at least one straightening module is moved transversely to the longitudinal axis of the molded part by one or more straightening drives in a straightening plane perpendicular to the part receiving axis in order to apply a transverse straightening force to the molded part. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one straightening module or the part receiving portion of the at least one straightening module is rotated about the part receiving axis by one or more straightening drives in order to apply a straightening moment to the molded part about the longitudinal axis of the molded part. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one straightening module or the part receiving portion of the at least one straightening module is moved parallel to the part receiving axis by one or more positioning drives in order to longitudinally position the straightening module or the part receiving portion of the straightening module along the longitudinal axis of the molded part.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the molded parts are clamped to a fixed position in each part receptacle by one or more clamping bodies of a clamping device of each straightening module. Alternatively or additionally, the molded parts are measured by a measuring device of the straightening facility before, during and / or after the straightening process. Preferably, the molded parts are introduced into the part receptacles of the straightening module by a conveying device of the straightening facility and / or the molded parts are removed from the part receptacles of the straightening module by a conveying device of the straightening facility.

[0029] The problem underlying the present invention is furthermore solved by a method for producing straightened elongated molded parts of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the straightening of the molded parts is carried out using a straightening installation according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments and / or using a method for straightening molded parts according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. With regard to the advantages and variants of the inventive method for producing straightened molded parts, reference is therefore made to the advantages and variants of the inventive straightening installation and the inventive method for straightening molded parts.

[0030] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a straightening facility according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the loading side of the straightening equipment shown in FIG. 1 and a molded part to be straightened; FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a straightening room of the straightening equipment shown in FIG. 1 together with a molded part to be straightened. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the straightening installation shown in FIG. 1 during the prepositioning of the molded part to be straightened; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the straightening installation shown in FIG. 1 during the measurement of the molded part to be straightened; [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal movement device of the straightening equipment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view of the straightening installation shown in FIG. 1 during the fixing of the molded part to be straightened in the part receiving part; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the straightening station shown in FIG. 1 during the straightening of a molded part. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the discharge side of the straightening equipment shown in FIG. 1 and a straightened molded part.

[0032] 1 shows a straightening apparatus 10 for straightening an elongated formed part 100, i.e. an extrusion. The straightening apparatus 10 allows for correction of shape deviations from a target geometric shape of the formed part 100. For this purpose, the straightening apparatus 10 has a number of straightening modules 16a-16e, five in total, which are arranged in a straightening chamber 14 of the straightening apparatus 10, which is surrounded by a base frame 12.

[0033] For the straightening, the molded part 100 is first fixed to the mutually spaced apart position fixing parts 104a-104e in the part receiving parts 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e. The straightening modules 16a-16e are then moved relative to each other. The movement of the straightening modules 16a-16e introduces a straightening force and / or a straightening moment to the molded part 100, so that the deviation of the molded part 100 from the target geometric shape is corrected by the introduction of the straightening force and / or the straightening moment.

[0034] The straightening modules 16a-16e are arranged one behind the other and are suspended on the longitudinal supports 68a, 68b of the base frame 12 via the straightening drives. Via the straightening drives, the straightening modules 16a-16e are movable in a plurality of spatial directions relative to the longitudinal supports. Furthermore, the straightening modules 16a-16e can be rotated or pivoted to straighten the molded part 100.

[0035] The straightening installation 100 further comprises a measuring device 18 with which the molded part 100 can be measured before and after the straightening process. By means of the measuring device 18, shape deviations of the molded part 100 from the target geometry to be corrected can thus be determined, so that the straightening modules 16a-16e can be moved part-specifically relative to one another for the straightening of the molded part 100. By means of the measuring device 18, the result of the straightening process can furthermore be checked, so that it can be checked whether the intended shape correction has taken place in the molded part 100. The measuring device 18 comprises a measuring carriage 20 which can be moved along the molded part 100, so that the measurement of the molded part 100 can be performed during the movement of the measuring carriage 20, i.e. while the measuring carriage 20 runs over the molded part 100.

[0036] The conveying device of the straightening apparatus 10 can convey the molded parts 100 into the part receiving areas 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e. For this purpose, the conveying device has an inlet roller conveyor 22, which supports the molded parts 100 during the movement between an inlet position on the loading side of the straightening apparatus 10 and a straightening position inside the straightening apparatus 10. The conveying device is further used to remove the straightened molded parts 100 from the part receiving areas 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e. For this purpose, the straightening apparatus 10 has an outlet roller conveyor 24, which supports the molded parts 100 during the movement between a straightening position inside the straightening apparatus 10 and an outlet position on the removal side of the straightening apparatus 10.

[0037] The straightening installation 10 further includes a control cabinet 26 in which the electrical and electronic components of the straightening installation 10 are arranged. The operation of the straightening installation 10 as well as the management of the straightening process are performed via an operating panel 28. A hydraulic station 30 of the straightening installation 10 is located downstream of the outgoing roller conveyor 24.

[0038] 2 shows a molded part 100 formed as an extrusion in an entry position on the loading side of the straightening facility 10. The molded part 100 extends along a longitudinal axis 102 and is supported by guide rollers 32 of the entry roller conveyor 22. After the molded part 100 has been placed on the roller conveyor 22 in the entry position on the loading side of the straightening facility 10, it is transported along the entry path to the straightening position by means of slides 34 formed as push rods. For this purpose, the molded part 100 is moved parallel to its longitudinal axis 102 into the straightening chamber 14 of the straightening facility 10. Along the entry path, a sliding door 36a is located, which is opened to transport the molded part 100 into the straightening chamber 14 of the straightening facility 10.

[0039] Before the molded part 100 is introduced into the straightening chamber 14 of the straightening installation 10, the straightening modules 16a-16e are moved into the locking position. In the locking position, the straightening modules 16a-16e are first locked, so that they are fixed in the zero position. The straightening modules 16a-16e also have guide rollers, which are moved into the working position before the molded part 100 enters the straightening chamber 14, so that the molded part 100 is also supported by the guide rollers of the straightening modules 16a-16e while moving along the entry path. Furthermore, the measuring supports 40a, 40b of the measuring device 18 are moved into the waiting position, so that the molded part 100 can be transported to the straightening position without any hindrance.

[0040] 3 shows the straightening chamber 14 of the straightening installation 10 after the molded part 100 has entered into the part receiving portions 46a-46e of the successively arranged straightening modules 16a-16e. The part receiving portions 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e are aligned along the part receiving axis 48 to receive the molded part 100. After positioning the molded part 100 in the part receiving portions 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e, the slide 34 is returned so as not to interfere with the subsequent measuring and straightening steps.

[0041] The view of the straightening chamber 14 also shows that the straightening modules 16a-16e are suspended via straightening drives 38a-38c.

[0042] The molded part 100 is first placed on the measurement supports 40a, 40b of the measuring device 18. The measurement supports 40a, 40b are supported by support carriers 42a, 42b, via which the measurement supports 40a, 40b can be moved and fed. The support carriers 42a, 42b are connected to controllable feed drives. After the measurement supports 40a, 40b have been moved into their working positions and the guide rollers of the straightening modules 16a-16e have been returned to their waiting positions, the molded part 100 is positioned more precisely before the actual measuring process.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows that the measuring device 18 has positioning means 50a-50c, by means of which the molded part 100, which passes through the part receptacles 46a-46c and extends along the part receiving axis 48, can be positioned on the measuring supports 40a, 40b of the measuring device 18. The positioning means 50a-50c are configured as plungers, in which case there is a positioning means 50a, 50b for positioning the molded part 100 transversely to the part receiving axis 48 for each straightening module 16a-16e. The positioning means 50a allows for a vertical positioning of the molded part 100. The positioning means 50b allows for a lateral positioning of the molded part 100. The positioning means 50c, which is arranged on the end side, allows for a longitudinal positioning of the molded part 100.

[0044] The measuring supports 40a, 40b of the measuring device 18 are formed separately from the fastening bodies 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b of the fastening device 52 of the straightening equipment 10, and via the fastening bodies 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b, the molded part 100 is fixed in position in the straightening modules 16a-16e during the actual straightening process.

[0045] After positioning of the molded part 100 on the measurement supports 40a, 40b of the measuring device 18 by the positioning means 50a-50c, a measurement of the molded part 100 is performed, as shown in FIG. 5. The measurement is performed by the measuring carriage 20 of the measuring device 18. On the measuring carriage 20, two sensors 44a, 44b formed as line lasers are arranged. The measuring carriage 20 together with the sensors 44a, 44b is moved along the molded part 100, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis 102 of the molded part 100, in order to measure the molded part 100. The measuring carriage 20 is mounted on a linear module, in which the sensor 44a is below the molded part 100 and the sensor 44b is laterally of the molded part 100, and is moved along the molded part 100 during the measurement process. The measurement of the molded part 100 is performed between the mutually spaced straightening modules 16a-16e. The actual geometry of the molded part 100 is calculated based on the measurements of the sensors 44a, 44b on the measurement carriage 20 and on the position of the measurement carriage 20. The position of the measurement carriage 20 can be detected, for example, by a rotation sensor.

[0046] The alignment apparatus 10 may further include a calibration unit for the sensors 44a, 44b. The calibration unit may include a calibration block having a number of steps spaced apart by a predetermined height. Based on the measurement of the calibration block by the sensors 44a, 44b, the linearity error of the line laser can be compensated for in the measurement software.

[0047] After measuring the molded part 100, the straightening installation 10 calculates the required relative movements of the straightening modules 16a-16e, thereby correcting the geometric deviations of the molded part 100 from the target geometry. To be able to straighten the molded part 100 by the straightening modules 16a-16e, the molded part 100 is first clamped in the part receptacles 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e via the clamping devices 52.

[0048] 6 shows a longitudinal displacement device of the straightening installation 10, by means of which the straightening modules 16a-16e can be displaced along the longitudinal axis 102 of the molded part 100 parallel to the part receiving axis 48 for longitudinal positioning. The longitudinal positioning of the straightening modules 16a-16e is performed immediately before straightening and depends on a straightening strategy for the part 100, which is determined by a control device of the straightening installation 10 on the basis of previously performed part measurements. The straightening strategy determined by the control device depends on the part deformation to be performed and is therefore part-specific.

[0049] A positioning drive 70 formed as an electric motor is connected via a T-shaped transmission to the two spindle shafts 72a, 72b extending parallel to each other, so that the two spindle shafts 72a, 72b can be rotated via the positioning drive 70. The straightening modules 16a-16e can be engaged with the spindle shafts 72a, 72b via spindle nuts 74a, 74b, respectively. When the spindle nuts 74a, 74b of one straightening module 16a-16e engage with the spindle shafts 72a, 72b and the spindle shafts 72a, 72b are rotated via the positioning drive 70 formed as an electric motor, each straightening module 16a-16e is moved parallel to the component receiving axis 48. The direction of movement of each straightening module 16a-16e is set via the direction of rotation of the spindle shafts 72a, 72b. When one or more of the straightening modules 16a-16e are moved parallel to the component receiving axis 48, the adjacent straightening modules 16a-16e are moved toward or away from each other. When the straightening modules 16a-16e are moved parallel to the component receiving axis 48, the positions of the position fixing portions 104a-104e, at which the component 100 is fixed in the component receiving portions 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e, are also changed.

[0050] When the spindle nuts 74a, 74b of one straightening module 16a-16e are not engaged with the spindle shafts 72a, 72b and the spindle shafts 72a, 72b are rotated via the positioning drive device 70, for example, to move another straightening module 16a-16e, the straightening module 16a-16e whose spindle nuts 74a, 74b are not engaged with the spindle shafts 72a, 72b will not be moved.

[0051] The spindle nuts 74a, 74b are formed from multiple parts, where the spindle nut parts are movable to bring the spindle nuts 74a, 74b into and out of engagement with the spindle shafts 72a, 72b. By moving the spindle nut parts, the spindle nuts 74a, 74b can be opened and closed. The movable spindle nut parts of the spindle nuts 74a, 74b are coupled to actuators 76a, 76b formed as pneumatic cylinders, via which the spindle nut parts can be moved to bring the respective spindle nuts 74a, 74b into and out of engagement with the spindle shafts 72a, 72b.

[0052] The longitudinal movement device further comprises two longitudinal supports 68a, 68b extending parallel to each other, which are formed as slide rails. The straightening modules 16a-16e have slide shoes, via which the straightening modules 16a-16e slide on the longitudinal supports 68a, 68b when moving parallel to the component receiving axis 48. The longitudinal supports 68a, 68b further support the straightening modules 16a, 16b.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows the clamping device 52 of the part receiving section 46a of the straightening module 16a. The clamping device 52 has a first pair of clamping bodies 54a, 54b and a second pair of clamping bodies 56a, 56b. The molded part 100 can be clamped to the fixed parts 104a-104e in each part receiving section 46a-46e via the clamping bodies 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b. For this purpose, each one of the clamping bodies 54b, 56b of the clamping body pair is movable via the clamping body drive device 58a, 58b. The clamping bodies 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b are pressing members that contact the molded part 100 during the straightening process and introduce a straightening force and a straightening moment into the molded part 100. The molded part 100 is first placed on the lower clamping body 54a of the part receptacle 46a-46e and abuts against the lateral clamping body 56a of the part receptacle 46a-46e. The clamping body drives 58a, 58b formed as hydraulic cylinders then move the clamping bodies 54b, 56b towards the molded part 100 to clamp the molded part 100. The clamping bodies 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b have a part-specific surface contour and can be exchanged to realign a different molded part 100.

[0054] The component receiving portions 46a-46e of the straightening modules 16a-16e completely surround the molded components 100, so that the molded components are inserted into the component receiving portions 46a-46e along the component receiving axis 48 for positioning in the component receiving portions 46a-46e. The straightening modules 16a-16e each have a receiving window 66 in each module body 64 in the region of the component receiving portions 46a-46e.

[0055] The straightening modules 16a-16e are movable in a straightening plane 60 perpendicular to the part receiving axis 48 by the straightening drives 38a-38c, respectively, to apply a lateral straightening force to the molded part 100 transverse to the longitudinal axis 102 of the molded part 100. Additionally, the straightening modules 16a-16e are pivotable about the part receiving axis 48 by the straightening drives 38a-38c, respectively, to apply a straightening moment to the molded part 100 about the longitudinal axis 102 of the molded part 100. The straightening drives 38a-38c may move the straightening modules 16a-16e in the straightening plane 60 along a first straightening axis 62a and along a second straightening axis 62b perpendicular to the first straightening axis 62a. By moving each of the straightening modules 16a to 16e along the straightening axes 62a and 62b, the straightening modules 16a to 16e can be moved in any direction within the straightening plane 60 and can also be rotated or turned within the straightening plane 60.

[0056] In Fig. 8, the straightening movement of the straightening module 16b during the straightening process is shown. This straightening module is moved along the straightening axis 62a in the straightening plane 60 (see Fig. 7) via the straightening drives 38a, 38b in order to introduce a transverse straightening force. The movement of the straightening module 16b causes a deformation of the formed part 100, so that deviations from the target geometry, previously detected within the framework of the measuring process, are corrected or at least significantly reduced. During the straightening process, several or all of the straightening modules 16a-16e may be moved simultaneously or with a time lag. The movement of the straightening modules 16a-16e is set by the straightening installation 10 and is determined on the basis of the part measurement before the straightening process.

[0057] After the straightening process is completed, the clamping bodies 54b, 56b of the clamping device 52 are returned to the waiting position in order to release the molded part. Furthermore, the straightening modules 16a-16e are again moved to the locking position, where they are locked by the locking devices. The guide rollers of the straightening modules 16a-16e are then moved again to the working position, so that the straightened molded part 100 can be removed again from the straightening chamber 14 of the straightening installation 10 along the part receiving axis 48.

[0058] 9 shows the removal side of the straightening fixture 10 after the molded part 100 has been advanced from the straightening chamber 14 of the straightening fixture 10 after the sliding door 36b has been opened. The advancement of the molded part 100 from the straightening chamber 14 is again effected via the slide 34, which can slide the molded part 100 from a straightening position inside the straightening fixture 10 to an advanced position on the removal side of the straightening fixture 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10 Straightening equipment 12 Base frame 14 Ordinary room 16a~16e Straightening Module 18 Measuring Equipment 20 Measuring Carriage 22 Entry roller conveyor 24 Advance roller conveyor 26 Cabinet 28 Operation Panel 30 Hydraulic Station 32 Guide roller 34 Slider 36a, 36b Sliding door 38a~38c Straightening drive unit 40a,40b Measuring support part 42a, 42b Support carrier 44a, 44b Sensor 46a~46e Parts receiving section 48 Parts receiving axis 50a to 50c Positioning means 52 Fastening device 54a, 54b Fastening body 56a, 56b Fastening body 58a, 58b Fastening body drive device 60 Orthogonal plane 62a,62b Orthogonal axis 64 Modules 66 Receptive Window 68a, 68b Longitudinal support 70 Positioning drive unit 72a, 72b Spindle shaft 74a, 74b Spindle nut 76a, 76b Actuator 100 Molded Parts 102 Longitudinal axis 104a~104e Fixed position part

Claims

1. An elongate shaped part (100) extending along a longitudinal axis (102), in particular a straightening facility (10) for straightening an extruded material, comprising: - a plurality of straightening modules (16a - 16e), each having one part receiving portion (46a - 46e), wherein the shaped part (100) can be positioned at fixed positions (104a - 104e) spaced apart from each other in the part receiving portions (46a - 46e) of the straightening modules (16a - 16e); In a straightening facility (10), the straightening modules (16a - 16e) or the part receiving portions (46a - 46e) of the straightening modules (16a - 16e) are movable relative to each other for straightening the shaped part (100) fixed in position in the part receiving portions (46a - 46e). The straightening facility (10) is characterized in that the plurality of straightening modules (16a - 16e) are arranged one after another, and the part receiving portions (46a - 46e) of the straightening modules (16a - 16e) can be positioned in a straight line along a part receiving axis (48) for receiving the shaped part (100).

2. The straightening facility (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least three straightening modules (16a - 16e) are provided, which are movable relative to each other and arranged one after another, each having one part receiving portion (46a - 46e), and the part receiving portions (46a - 46e) of the at least three straightening modules (16a - 16e) can be positioned in a straight line along a part receiving axis (48) for receiving the shaped part (100).

3. The straightening facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the straightening modules (16a - 16e) or the part receiving portions (46a - 46e) of the straightening modules (16a - 16e) are movable within a straightening plane (60) orthogonal to the part receiving axis (48) by one or more straightening drive devices (38a - 38c) to apply a lateral straightening force to the shaped part (100) in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis (102) of the shaped part (100).

4. The straightening module (16a-16e) or the component receiving part (46a-46e) of the straightening module (16a-16e) is rotatable about the component receiving axis (48) by one or more straightening drive devices (38a-38c) respectively, in order to apply a straightening moment to the molded component (100) about the longitudinal axis (102) of the molded component (100). The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The straightening module (16a-16e) or the component receiving part (46a-46e) of the straightening module (16a-16e) is movable parallel to the component receiving axis (48) by one or more positioning drive devices (70) respectively, for longitudinal positioning of the straightening module (16a-16e) or the component receiving part (46a-46e) of the straightening module (16a-16e) along the longitudinal axis (102) of the molded component (100). The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The straightening module (16a-16e) is suspended by one or more longitudinal supports (68a, 68b), and is movable in a plurality of spatial directions relative to one or more of the longitudinal supports (68a, 68b) by one or more straightening drive devices (38a-38c) and / or by one or more positioning drive devices (70), and / or is rotatable about one or more rotation axes, and / or is pivotable about one or more pivot axes. The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The component receiving part (46a-46e) of the straightening module (16a-16e) is configured to partially or completely surround the molded component (100). The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The component receiving part (46a-46e) of the straightening module (16a-16e) has one clamping device (52) each with one or more clamping bodies (54a, 54b, 56a, 56b), and the molded component (100) can be clamped to the position fixing parts (104a-104e) in the respective component receiving parts (46a-46e) by the one or more clamping bodies (54a, 54b, 56a, 56b). The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The clamping device (52) has one or more clamping body driving devices (58a, 58b) respectively, and by means of the clamping body driving devices (58a, 58b), the clamping bodies (54b, 56b) are moved towards the formed part (100) to clamp the formed part (100). The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

10. One or more straightening modules (16a to 16e) can be locked in the locked position before, during and / or after the straightening process. The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A measuring device (18) configured to measure the formed part (100) before, during and / or after the straightening process is provided. The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The measuring device (18) has a plurality of measuring support parts (40a, 40b), and these measuring support parts (40a, 40b) are formed separately from one or more clamping bodies (54a, 54b, 56a, 56b) of the clamping device (52), and are configured to support the formed part (100) during the measuring process by the measuring device (18). The measuring device (18) preferably has positioning means (50a to 50c), and by means of these positioning means (50a to 50c), the formed part (100) can be positioned on the measuring support parts (40a, 40b) of the measuring device (18). The straightening equipment (10) according to claim 11.

13. A conveying device for loading the formed part (100) into the part receiving parts (46a to 46e) of the straightening modules (16a to 16e) and unloading it from the part receiving parts (46a to 46e) of the straightening modules (16a to 16e) is provided. The conveying device preferably includes the following: - A roller conveyor (22) for supporting the formed part (100) while moving between the entry position on the loading side of the straightening equipment (10) and the straightening position inside the straightening equipment (10), and / or - A roller conveyor (24) for supporting the formed part (100) while moving between the straightening position inside the straightening equipment (10) and the advancing position on the unloading side of the straightening equipment (10), and / or - Including a movable sliding body and / or a towing body (34), and by means of the sliding body and / or the towing body (34), the formed part (100) i) from the entry position on the loading side of the straightening device (10) to the straightening position inside the straightening device (10) and / or ii) from the straightening position inside the straightening device (10) to the advancing / retreating position on the unloading side of the straightening device (10), The straightening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, which can be slid and / or pulled.

14. A method for straightening an elongated shaped part (100), in particular an extruded profile, extending along a longitudinal axis (102) by means of a straightening device (10), preferably the straightening device (10) according to claim 1, - a step of fixing the shaped part (100) at position fixing parts (104a - 104e) spaced apart from each other in the part receiving parts (46a - 46e) of the straightening modules (16a - 16e) of the straightening device (10); - a step of moving at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) or the part receiving parts (46a - 46e) of at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) relative to the part receiving parts (46a - 46e) of at least one other straightening module (16a - 16e) or at least one other straightening module (16a - 16e) to straighten the shaped part (100) fixed at the part receiving parts (46a - 46e), characterized in that the plurality of straightening modules (16a - 16e) are arranged one after the other, and the part receiving parts (46a - 46e) of the straightening modules (16a - 16e) are positioned in a straight line along a part receiving axis (48) for receiving the shaped part (100).

15. The following steps, namely: - a step of moving at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) or the part receiving parts (46a - 46e) of at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) in a straightening plane (60) perpendicular to the part receiving axis (48) by means of one or more straightening drive devices (38a - 38c) to apply a lateral straightening force to the shaped part (100) in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis (102) of the shaped part (100), - rotating at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) or the component receiving part (46a - 46e) of at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) about the component receiving axis (48) by one or more straightening drive devices (38a - 38c) to apply a straightening moment to the molded part (100) about the longitudinal axis (102) of the molded part (100); - moving at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) or the component receiving part (46a - 46e) of at least one straightening module (16a - 16e) parallel to the component receiving axis (48) by one or more positioning drive devices (70) to longitudinally position the straightening module (16a - 16e) or the component receiving part (46a - 46e) of the straightening module (16a - 16e) along the longitudinal axis (102) of the molded part (100); The method according to claim 14, comprising at least one of the above.

16. The following steps, namely: - clamping the molded part (100) to the position - fixing parts (104a - 104e) in each of the component receiving parts (46a - 46e) by one or more clamping bodies (54a, 54b, 56a, 56b) of the clamping device (52) of each straightening module (16a - 16e); - measuring the molded part (100) by the measuring device (18) of the straightening equipment (10) before, during and / or after the straightening process; - loading the molded part (100) into the component receiving part (46a - 46e) of the straightening module (16a - 16e) by the conveying device of the straightening equipment (10); - unloading the molded part (100) from the component receiving part (46a - 46e) of the straightening module (16a - 16e) by the conveying device of the straightening equipment (10). The method according to claim 14 or 15, comprising at least one of the above.

17. A method for manufacturing a straightened elongated molded part (100) extending along a longitudinal axis (102), in particular a straightened extruded material, comprising: - preparing an un - straightened molded part (100) extending along a longitudinal axis (102); - straightening the prepared molded part (100) by a straightening equipment (10). In the method, The method is characterized in that the straightening of the molded part (100) is carried out using the straightening equipment (10) according to claim 1 and / or using the method for straightening the molded part (100) according to claim 14.

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