EP3512692A1

EP3512692A1 - An apparatus and method for producing sealing rings, also a control device and use thereof for this purpose, use of a rotatably mounted disc for this purpose, and a sealing ring

Info

Publication number: EP3512692A1
Application number: EP17788100.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tim Chyla
Original assignee: Glueseal Innovation GmbH
Current assignee: Glueseal Innovation GmbH
Priority date: 2016-09-17
Filing date: 2017-09-14
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Also published as: DE102016117544A1; WO2018050164A1; US20200055231A1; DE102016117544B4

Abstract

In the production of sealing rings from elastic, flexible material, in particular elastomer material, it is necessary, in many cases, for some method steps to be carried out manually, in particular the adhesive bonding of free ends of a section separated off from endless material. The present invention provides an apparatus and method by way of which it is possible not just to carry out, in particular, material bonding of the free ends in an automated manner, but also cutting to a desired length or an ejecting operation. This means that large numbers of sealing rings can be produced cost-effectively, with automation, in a flexible and predefinable manner.

Description

Apparatus and method for the production of sealing rings and control device and their use therefor, and use of a rotatably mounted disc therefor and sealing ring TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing elastic, flexible sealing rings, for example O-rings of elastomeric material (e.g., sponge rubber) or special plastics, e.g.

high temperature resistant plastics. Furthermore, a corresponding method is affected, in particular with the highest possible degree of automation. Last but not least, the invention also relates to the use explained in the claims.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sealing rings are used in virtually every area of technology, whether for sealing fluids, sound, emissions, vibrations, etc. One of the myriad of conceivable applications also relates to chemical containers in which a lid must be sealed. Just as varied as the

Areas of application are the usable materials. Rubber rings or O-rings can e.g. are made of round cords by the round cords are cut to length in the desired length and then joined together cohesively. The use of round cords, e.g. EPDM, VMQ and FKM round cords, may be used as a static seal e.g. for the sealing of larger pipe connections and as a cover seal in the tank construction. Due to the high numbers required in many cases, it is of interest to be able to automate the production of the sealing rings as possible to a high proportion. In particular, the cohesive bonding but still has to be done manually in many materials or applications. Round cords are often used directly on site, e.g. during maintenance, and there "made to measure" in a ring together, for example, cyanoacrylate or 2-component adhesive can be used.

The following publications describe corresponding apparatuses and methods: DE 37 39 058 A1, EP 0 567 502 B1, DE 35 32 440 A1, DE 25 47 128 C2, DE 2 056 460 A, DE 10 2012 024 120 A1, DE 195 31 167 AI, DE 10 2007 042 487 B4, DE 25 42 436 AI, DE 10 2007 040 077 B4, DE 2 321 648 AI, DE 38 29 210 AI, DE 10 2005 048 835 AI, DE 10 2007 018 792 AI, DE 691 07 927 T2. However, a possibility for a highly automated to a high degree possible production of more or less any sealing rings is not yet known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is to provide a device or a method for the production of sealing rings, whereby the production can be simplified, accelerated or made cheaper or more flexible. It is also an object to design the device in such a way that it is possible to produce a large number of different variants of sealing rings without having to reconfigure the device in a complex manner. The object can also be seen to design the device or the method such that a control by means of a control device in the simplest possible way for a high Automation level can be done. Last but not least, it is an object to design the method so that it can be easily optimized for a certain type of sealing rings to be produced, even in the event that there are no standard materials or should be deviated from standard dimensions.

At least one of these objects is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to the respective independent method claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are explained in the respective subclaims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another, unless this is explicitly denied.

Provided is a device for the production of elastic, flexible, in particular elastomeric sealing rings of endless material, in particular of round cords, comprising

a feed unit arranged for conveying and positioning the endless material or a

corresponding part to be separated thereof in at least one cutting position;

a cutting unit configured to sever a portion of the continuous material;

at least one gripper unit arranged for gripping and displacing the endless material or the

section;

- A control device, which is in communication with the feed unit, the at least one gripper unit and / or the cutting unit.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the at least one gripper unit is set up for the controlled displacement of at least one free end of the section along a predetermined or specifiable one

Movement path in and / or from a wetting position, wherein the device further comprises a

Includes Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung, which is in communication with the control device and is arranged or can be arranged such that connection fluid can be applied to the arranged in the wetting position controlled at least one free end. This allows standardization and automation of the use of compound fluid or adhesive, in particular the application of compound fluid according to exact specifications, with great cleanliness, and in a narrow tolerance range, in particular at exactly predetermined position, in particular neither too much nor too little connecting fluid , The continuous material may be e.g. have been extruded. The device can be connected downstream of an extruder.

The cutting unit may comprise, for example, at least one blade, which in particular is orthogonal displaceable relative to the strand. Optionally, at least two blades may be provided, which are scissor-like relative to each other displaced or are mounted about a common joint. The cutting position preferably corresponds to a location or position of the bar, at which the strand can be both separated and taken, in particular in the zero position of the gripper unit can be taken. This makes it possible to convert the separated portion of the cutting position or zero position in the wetting position or connecting position as accurately as possible. Preferably, the cutting position between the feed unit and the at least one gripper unit is arranged. According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least one free end or the at least one gripper unit can be displaced controlledly into a connection position, in particular on a movement path corresponding to a circular path in which the two free ends of the section can be brought into contact with one another. This allows automation not only of the application, but also of the connection, so the complete production of the ring.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least one free end is displaceable in a connection position displaceable, which is arranged between two gripper units arranged in a zero position during cutting, in particular in alignment and / or in the middle between the zero positions, in particular on a circular path. This allows a simple method or a simple construction of the device, in particular regardless of how long the severed section is. The connection position can remain the same. Last but not least, a compact machine design can be provided.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the connection fluid supply device has at least one supply unit for supplying connection fluid, which is positioned or aligned relative to a movement path of the section or the at least one gripper unit, in particular radially or orthogonal thereto. This favors a point or area exact application of compound fluid. For example, the feed unit has an outlet whose dimensions are at least approximately the dimensions of a

Cross sectional profile of the section correspond. Optionally, the feed unit can be movable, in particular rotatable concentrically around the wetting position, so that nevertheless a flat application of the connecting fluid can take place with a comparatively large end face.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the connecting fluid supply device has two supply units, each of which has an outlet oriented in one of two wetting positions, in particular directed downwards. This allows the application of compound fluid to both free ends, in particular simultaneously, whereby the load capacity of the cohesive connection can be optimized, depending on the nature of the connecting fluid. In particular, different types of connecting fluid can be applied to both ends, in particular in each case one component of a two-component adhesive. This can have advantages for certain materials of the seal. Also, benefits can be

Providing the adhesive. In particular, it can be avoided that the respective feed unit sticks, because each component can be kept separately from the other component. Also, then, the method of applying wetting may be optimized, e.g. with respect to the respective viscosity.

According to one embodiment, the Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung is arranged above the at least one gripper unit. This allows, in addition to advantages in terms of the arrangement of individual components of the device (in particular free space for strand section), an application or wetting under the action of gravitational force. Depending on the viscosity of the connecting fluid, this can have great advantages, in particular with regard to the simplest possible dosage. According to one embodiment, the feed unit is adapted to guide the endless material to the gripper unit and past the gripper unit to at least one further gripper unit, in particular to a further gripper unit in opposite position. This allows the gripping of both free ends of the section in a simple manner. In particular, the ends can be taken in a particularly precise manner at the desired locations and be displaced correspondingly exactly in the respective position. Preferably, the gripping of the free end takes place in such a position that the free ends easily projecting out of the gripper units, for example 0.5 mm.

According to one embodiment, the at least one gripper unit has a passage for the portion to be separated. This makes it possible to displace the strand through the respective gripper unit and thereby already to arrange it in a desired gripping position. Furthermore, this can be arranged in series of several gripper units, whereby the process can be advantageously facilitated.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a web or a guide or a sliding contour, which is arranged such that the endless material or the respective section along a predefined movement path or a predefined contour, in particular at least approximately rectilinear, are moved away from the cutting unit can, in particular to another gripper unit. This facilitates gripping and increases accuracy. The web or the guide rail can in particular be made of aluminum material.

The web is preferably arranged on a disk, in particular eccentrically. Preferably, the web has a length which is smaller than a diameter of the disc. This allows the formation of a free space for loop-shaped arrangement of the section, in particular between two web sections cut off. More preferably, the web is formed by two sections, which can each be arranged on a disc and rotated with rotation of the disc with the disc.

The web or the guide or sliding contour can form both a base (in the vertical direction) and a lateral guide (in the transverse direction). This can ensure that the section to be separated initially remains substantially aligned in the feed direction. As soon as the section is compressed, it can decouple itself from the web, in particular also uncouple it from the lateral guide, so that the section bulges downward due to the gravitational force.

The lateral guide is formed according to a variant of a side surface of the (respective) disc. Once the section has been gripped by a gripper unit, the bridge can also be displaced, in particular to allow the section to bulge downwards due to gravitational force, particularly even if the section consists of a gripper unit very dense, solid material. By the web is displaceable out of a path of movement of the section, in particular rotatable about a pivot bearing of the respective disc, also ejection can take place in a particularly elegant manner, in particular only by opening at least one of the gripper units and releasing down (gravity) of the section (Committee ). According to one embodiment, the feed unit is arranged or aligned in alignment with the gripper unit and with at least one further gripper unit. This allows a comparatively simple feed (feed) to the grippers. According to one embodiment, the at least one gripper unit is arranged in an eccentric position on a rotatably mounted, motor-driven disc. On the one hand this allows a particularly simple, robust construction, on the other hand a simple control or a very exact positioning. The arrangement of the gripper unit (s) described here makes it possible to provide only a single operation of gripping the section for the entire process until the free ends of the section are connected. By now the gripping, before or after cutting, with high accuracy, the wetting and later connecting the free ends can be done in a relatively accurate manner, without the gripper units must be controlled again.

According to one embodiment, the movement path of the at least one free end at least partially corresponds to a circular path. On the one hand, this enables exact positioning, on the other hand, an advantageous construction of the device, in particular with the same components for both free ends.

According to one embodiment, the device has at least one disc which can be arranged in predefined rotational positions by means of a drive unit, on which the (respective) gripper unit is arranged eccentrically. Again, this provides a simple, sturdy design. In this case, individual rotational positions or rotational angles can be correlated with a respective zero position or the cutting position or the wetting position or the connecting position.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises two gripper units, which are arranged in eccentric position on two discs, which are rotatably mounted opposite to each other, in particular in engagement with each other, in kinematic dependence. A rotation angle of a disc thus requires a certain angle of rotation of the other disc, in particular the same angle of rotation. This makes it possible to move the gripper units exactly synchronously with one another, be it by the same angle of rotation or by different angles of rotation. The discs may each have a toothing, which together form a spur toothing. The discs preferably have the same diameter or the same number of teeth. This favors a symmetrical arrangement of the gripper units.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises two gripper units, which are displaceable in each case from a zero position or from the wetting position into a connecting position, in particular synchronously or simultaneously in kinematic dependence, in which the two free ends of the portion can be brought into contact with each other. This allows the exact positioning of the ends by means of

Gripper units, wherein only one of the gripper units must be driven, and optionally also the exercise of a predefinable contact force. The zero position preferably corresponds to the cutting position, ie without displacement of the gripper unit. In other words, when the section / strand is in the cutting position, the gripper unit is in the zero position. According to one embodiment, the device comprises two gripper units and is arranged to shift the two free ends of the cut-to-length section respectively from a zero position, in which the section is arranged after separation, along the respective movement path into the wetting position, in particular simultaneously and / or on asymmetrical movement paths, there for the application of

Linger connection fluid, and then bring the free ends in a connecting position in particular abutment against each other to the plant, in particular with a predefined residence time. This makes it possible to control the entire process from cutting to joining via the position of the gripper units. The gripper units can grasp the section as accurately as possible in a narrow tolerance range with respect to the gripping position, and then hold or fix until the connection. It does not require re-grasping. As a result, the connection can be made in a particularly exact, easily reproducible manner.

The connection position can be arranged on a line or at least approximately aligned between the zero positions of the gripper units. The connection position can be arranged in the middle between the zero positions of the gripper units.

As asymmetric motion paths, e.g. two circular paths are understood, which are traversed in opposite directions of movement.

The entire apparatus, together with a coil for the continuous material, may be placed on a frame, e.g. has the dimensions of in width, in depth and in height. This results in a compact arrangement of the components of the device, and also the method requires little space, in particular less space than a workplace for manual processing.

The device may have at least one test option, in particular according to VPA2 standard.

In particular, a random measurement of the transferable in the joint tensile force and / or a random or continuous particular optical measurement of an offset in the

Connection point done with appropriate adjustment option. For this purpose, the gripper units can be repositioned on the discs and / or the passage of the respective gripper unit can transversely to

Be mounted adjustable feed direction.

At least one of the abovementioned objects is also achieved by a control device configured to control a device for producing sealing rings from endless material, in particular designed to drive a previously described device, wherein the control device comprises a data memory in which at least one type of data from the following Group are stored: position data of a zero position of at least one gripper unit, position data of at least one

Wetting position, position data of a connection position, data relating to a movement path of the at least one gripper unit, in particular with respect to a rotational adjustment movement of a

Drive unit, data on the properties of at least one type of continuous material; the Steuerangseinrichtung a communication interface to at least one of the following components of the device comprises: feed unit, cutting unit, gripper unit, Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung. Hereby, a control of the manufacturing process with respect to a variety of parameters can be done, either individually, isolated, or in combination with each other, so that the device can be used in a particularly flexible manner, or can be easily adapted to specific sealing rings.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is also solved by use

a control device in a device for producing sealing rings from endless material, in particular in a device described above, for specifying at least one wetting position and a connection position of free ends of a cut-to-length portion of the continuous material, in particular for driving at least one drive unit for displacing at least one gripper unit, in particular on a circular path. This can be significant for the connection of the ends

Procedural steps are automated. The compound can be produced reproducibly. This facilitates e.g. also a random quality control.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is also achieved by using at least one rotatably mounted disc in a device for producing sealing rings from endless material, in particular in a device described above, for positioning at least one gripper unit in one

Zero position for gripping the continuous material and in a wetting position for applying

Connecting fluid on at least one free end of a cut-to-length portion of the continuous material and further in a connection position for connecting the two free ends of the portion, in particular use of two discs which are rotated in positive rotational engagement with each other in a form-locking engagement. This allows the positioning and alignment in the respective position in a very precise manner, in particular synchronously, with relatively simple control. The gripper unit can be mounted eccentrically on the disc, in particular completely outside, in particular such that the gripper unit is at least approximately flush with the outer contour of the disc and the outer contour of the disc does not overlap. This can ensure that two gripper units can be moved past each other on two intermeshing disks. In particular, the gripper units are positioned so that they only extend to the beginning of the toothing of the disc, with a radial distance of e.g. 0.5mm. The

So gripper units do not close flush with the disc, but just a little further radially inward.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is also solved by use

a device described above in connection with an extruder or an alternative plant for the production of a strand. This allows the production of the raw material to the end product

(Sealing ring) made from one hand or in the same manufacturing plant or at the same place.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is also achieved by a method for producing elastic, flexible, in particular elastomer sealing rings made of endless material, in particular from

Round cords, comprising the steps:

Conveying and positioning the continuous material in at least one cutting position; - separating a portion of the continuous material in the cutting position;

- Grasping and moving the section by means of at least one gripper unit;

wherein it is provided according to the invention that the displacement of the section takes place after the separation and a controlled displacement of at least one free end of the section along a predetermined movement path into and / or from a wetting position, in particular along a movement path (respectively) corresponding to a circle segment, further with the step of applying bonding fluid to the at least one free end disposed in the wetting position. As a result, the production can be automated in a simple manner by a displacement of the free end takes place in the respective position. The section does not have to be held manually or aligned.

The displacement can take place about an axis of rotation, in particular about an axis of rotation, which is aligned in the transverse direction y, transversely to the feed direction x.

The application can be controlled as a function of the time at which the wetting position is reached, in particular be started directly when it is reached, or also shortly before, e.g. 1 second before starting, for example, when the connecting fluid has a high viscosity and can be supplied only slowly.

The conveying and positioning can comprise feeding a free end of the endless material to a gripper unit further spaced from the advancing unit, wherein the endless material can be supplied via the cutting unit and via a gripper unit arranged closer to the cutting unit, in particular along a contour or a web ,

The conveying and positioning may also include arranging a web or a guide or a sliding contour so that the movement path of the section is defined, in particular a rectilinear movement path in the feed direction x. Likewise, a folding away or pulling the web may be included, in particular immediately after the section has been taken. This promotes autonomous formation of an arcuate geometry of the section.

The gripping and displacing can be a rotational movement and / or an alignment of an end face of at least one free end of the section in an at least approximately horizontal plane and / or forming a curved or circular segment-shaped, in particular semicircular contour of the section and / or reducing the distance the free ends to each other, in particular by half.

The gripper units can be arranged when gripping at a maximum distance from each other, which is less than or equal to the minimum length of the separated portion or the circumference of the ring to be produced. This makes it possible to relocate the gripper units without having to stretch the section, in particular with an arrangement of gripper units on wheels / discs of a spur gear toothing.

In this case, the connecting fluid can be applied by means of a feeding unit or a metering pump aligned with the wetting position, wherein the application is an application controlled by a control device, in particular with regard to the quantity or a minimum residence time. Also, that can

Connecting fluid are applied by means of a two wetted positions aligned Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung on two free ends on the two free ends of the section. According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step carried out after the application of connecting fluid: displacing at least one of the free ends of the section, in particular of both free ends, from the wetting position into a connecting position for materially connecting the free ends to one another by means of the applied connecting fluid, in particular by one Rotational movement (respectively) along a movement path corresponding to a circle segment. This type of movement can be realized in a comparatively simple and exact manner, as already described above.

In the connection position, the free ends can be abutted against each other, in particular with a predefined pressure, in particular during a predefined duration. The ends can in particular be fixed outstandingly in the respective gripper unit from the respective gripper unit. In this case, the movement path between the zero position and the wetting position and / or the

Connection position be a segment of a circular path, in particular by a rotation angle of 90 ° or 180 °.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of displacing both free ends from the wetting position into a connecting position between two zero positions, in which each one of two gripper units is arranged during cutting, in particular in alignment and / or in the middle between the zero positions, in particular on a circular path. This makes it possible always to connect the ends in the same way in the same place, regardless of the length or type of section.

According to one embodiment, the displacement of the section or of the gripper unit (s) further comprises the formation of a free space for the loop-shaped arrangement of the section, in particular between two web sections. This can be done both in particular by a rotational movement.

According to one embodiment, the displacement of the section or the gripper unit (s) further comprises turning away at least one web around its transverse axis to form a free space for

looped arrangement of the section. This can be done both by a rotation of a disc on which the web is attached.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of displacing the end faces of both free ends from orientation facing away from one another, in particular exactly opposite orientation, in orientation facing one another in the connection position, in particular by two rotational movements or on two circular paths. This arrangement allows a path of movement for the section or its free ends, which can be realized by means of a robust mechanism which can be controlled in an exact and simple manner. According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step carried out after connecting the free ends: moving back the at least one gripper unit from the connection position to the zero position, in particular on a circular path, in particular by a rotation angle of 180 °. This allows the repositioning of the gripper units by means of the same drive unit, in particular on the same path of movement. The moving back can be done in the same or in the opposite direction. According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of ejecting the sealing ring, in particular in a predefinable direction or with a predefinable pulse. This can be the

Simplify automation, especially with different types / lengths of seal rings to be packaged or further processed separately.

According to one embodiment, the at least one gripper unit is guided during displacement on a circular path with changing direction of rotation, in particular by means of a disc. This can result in constructive advantages, be it with the respective pane, be it with respect to the arrangement of a drive unit. This can in particular also allows short displacement paths, depending on the arrangement of the gripper units.

According to a variant, a rotation angle of at least approximately 180 ° is passed through between the zero position and the connection position. Then the direction of rotation can be maintained.

According to one embodiment, two gripper units are displaced during displacement

Direction of rotation guided on circular paths. This can be realized in particular by a spur toothing, which can be controlled in a simple manner and positioned in predefinable rotational positions. A respective disk for this can e.g. have a diameter of 150mm and 100 teeth.

According to one embodiment, during displacement two mutually engaging discs are rotated, in particular by means of a drive unit acting on one of the discs, in particular a pinion. This enables exact synchronization without elaborate control technology.

According to one embodiment, the at least one gripper unit is moved between three rotational positions, one position of which corresponds to a zero position for gripping the portion, one position of the wetting position, and one position of the connecting position, wherein the rotational positions are preferably offset by 90 ° from each other. This provides a simple structure or a simple method, each with advantages in the respective position, in particular with regard to accessibility or flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following drawing figures, the invention will be described in more detail, reference being made to reference characters, which are not explicitly described in a respective drawing figure, to the other drawing figures. Show it:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4 each show, in a side view, a schematic representation of a device according to an exemplary embodiment for different method steps;

Figure 5A, 5B respectively in a side view in a schematic representation of a device according to an embodiment; and

6 shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In Fig. 1A, a strand is 1.1 of continuous material 1 in a feed unit 20 and is arranged by means of rollers 21; 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d conveyed in the longitudinal direction x. The strand 1.1 is passed through a cutting unit 30 through or past it, and further by two gripper units 40; 40a, 40b, each through a passage 41 thereof. A free end 1b of the strand 1.1 is guided over a web 23, in particular until it reaches a limit switch 25 which is arranged behind the second gripper unit 40b in the feed direction. The respective gripper unit may comprise bipolar solenoids with end position fixation. The respective gripper unit is in an eccentric position Pex with the eccentricity ex on a disc or a gear 70; 70a, 70b arranged. The discs grip over a positive locking contour in the manner of a

Gearing 73 into each other and form a spur toothing

The strand 1.1 is displaced along a movement path BP 1.1, which movement path corresponds at least approximately to a straight line or the feed direction x. The gripper units are each arranged in a zero position PO. A movement in the transverse direction y or height direction z is not desired or required.

FIG. 1A shows a situation in which the strand 1.1 is advanced through the passage of the front gripper unit 40a over the web 23 as far as the rear gripper unit 40b arranged in alignment with it. Both gripper units are open and arranged in the zero position.

In Fig. 1B, a situation is shown in which the free end of the strand 1.1 has been displaced to a limit switch 25. Once the limit switch 25 is reached, the rear gripper unit can be closed. The rear in the feed direction gripper unit can then grab the free end of the strand and in this

Fix the position. The limit switch can be mechanically or also e.g. be optically formed. The front gripper unit 40a is still open.

The strand can now be displaced against the rear gripper unit, which causes the rod to bulge or assume a circular segment shape. In this way, regardless of the distance of the gripper units to each other a desired length of the portion to be separated can be adjusted.

In Fig. 2, a situation is shown in which the feed has been stopped, and arranged on the cutting unit length portion of the strand is arranged in a cutting position Ps, in which a knife is to hit the strand. In other words, the feed unit has realized a desired length specification for the section to be separated, for example by length or feed measurement on the rotating rollers, and has been locked in order to enable cutting in the most exact possible predetermined length position. The length can be adjusted, for example, by the number of steps of a stepping motor, e.g. 1 step = 1 mm.

The strand 1.1 has been advanced against the rear gripper unit 40b or against a limit switch in such a way that the strand arched arcuately, in particular downwards due to the gravitational force. It has been shown that the web or the guide rail on which the strand was previously displaced in the feed direction does not necessarily have to be displaced, depending on the material. As a result of the arching, the strand, in particular in the case of sponge rubber, slips down autonomously from the guide rail. The strand is It has been pressed into a free space VO between the gripper units for buffering, which free space VO is open at the bottom or at least in a range of eg 15 to 25cm is unlimited. In particular, this space VO is open for length variations of the strand before cutting to the bottom

Height dimensions corresponding to at least half the circumference of a ring of maximum diameter, for which the device should be designed. This allows for an elegant concept for grasping and

Position sections of different lengths without having to adjust the process to the desired length.

Once the desired length has been reached or the feed has been stopped, the front gripper unit can be closed. Now, the cutting or severing of a section 1.2 of the strand 1.1 by means of a knife 31 of the cutting unit 30 can take place.

Then, the separated portion 1.2 can be displaced by the discs are rotated against each other. For this purpose, a drive unit 80 includes at least one stepper motor 80a, 80b by means of a pinion 82 with positive locking contour or toothing 83 in at least one of the discs, whereby the free ends are displaced from the zero position PO in the wetting position Pf, namely by a rotation angle of 90 °, as shown in Fig. 3 can be seen. A rotation angle α of the driven pulley corresponds to this

Rotation angle od from the zero position to the wetting position. The free ends of the section clamped in the respective passage 41 are displaced along the circular arcs BPla, BPlb, corresponding at least approximately to a movement path BP40 of the respective gripper unit, or concentrically thereto. In the wetting position Pf, both free ends are aligned face-up. In the example shown here one of them is wetted. Optionally, both can be wetted.

A connection fluid supply means 60 is disposed above the wetting position Pf and comprises one or two supply units 61; 61a, 61b, each with an outlet 61.1. During the application of compounding fluid F, the wetting position Pf can be kept short, e.g. a few seconds. Optionally, however, a continuous displacement through the wetting position Pf through (without stop), depending on the manner of supplying connecting fluid, or depending on the viscosity of the connecting fluid.

In Fig. 3, a situation is shown in which both free ends la, lb of the separated section 1.2 by 90 ° in opposite directions of rotation on circular paths were moved towards each other and in the

Wetting position can be applied, in which connection fluid can be applied, optionally on one or both free ends or on their end faces. In this case, the (respective) web 23 can be turned away together with the discs.

In Fig. 4, a sealing ring 1.3 has been prepared by the free ends were placed in a connecting position or pressure position Pp, again by shifting on a circular path. The rotation angle a2 of the zero position to the connecting position corresponds to 180 °, and the angle between the wetting position and the connecting position corresponds to 90 °.

In Fig. 4, a situation is shown in which both gripper units or both free ends la, lb of the separated section 1.2 by another 90 ° in opposite directions of rotation on circular paths were moved toward each other and were brought into the connection position in which the free ends can be brought to abutment against each other, in particular with a predefinable pressure, which, for example depending on an overlap or a projection of the ends with respect to each other can be adjusted. The supernatant is for example 2 mm.

The end faces of the section were shifted from opposite, exactly opposite orientation, in a frontally facing each other orientation by two rotational movements on two circular paths in the connecting position. In this position, the discs can be locked, e.g. for a few seconds to ensure a durable, strong connection. Then, the ring 1.3 can be ejected or removed, and the discs can be turned back or further rotated until the respective zero position is reached again. In other words, the drive unit or the stepper motor can also be set up for an alternating direction of rotation.

5A shows, by way of example, an apparatus 10 for producing sealing rings, comprising a measuring device 2 with at least one first sensor 2.1, in particular an angle measuring unit or rotating con- verter, at least one time recording unit 2.2, at least one optical measuring unit, in particular camera 2.3, and at least one pressure sensor 2.4, in particular integrated into the respective gripper unit. The measuring device 2 is coupled to a control device 50, which has a computing unit 51, a

Data memory 52, an input / output unit 53, in particular with a visual user interface and a communication interface 54, in particular for wireless communication.

In FIG. 5B clearly visible is a respective pivot bearing 71 for the respective disc, and further a pivot bearing 81 for the drive unit. The individual components of the device 10 are arranged on a frame 90 and fixed to a plate 91, in particular a reservoir 93 or a reel for the endless material 1, and also a guide 93.1, in particular an obliquely arranged with respect to the horizontal rod for receiving ejected, ready-connected sealing rings. The respective disc 70a, 70b is mounted in a mounting position / height z70 in the pivot bearing 71, wherein the mounting height z70 is preferably greater than the maximum diameter of the rings to be created, in particular at least 35 to 40 cm. This allows the ring to move freely in the free space, regardless of its size. The mounting height z70 may be measured with respect to a plate arranged in the xy plane, and may be 50 cm or 60 cm, for example. With such a mounting height z70, a large clearance V0 can be realized, in which the rings can be produced and optionally also stored temporarily, for example batches of 100 or 200 pieces.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates variants of a possible sequence of a method according to the invention, highlighting six individual steps, which are preferably carried out in the chronology described.

First, in a first step S 1, conveying a strand 1.1 of the continuous material (driving the feed unit 20) up to at least one gripper unit 40a, 40b and positioning the strand 1.1 according to a desired length of a section 1.2 to be separated relative to a cutting unit 30, namely in a cutting position Ps (feed stop). For this, e.g. a length of 20cm or 25cm from strand 1.1 are unwound. The length of the section may correspond to the distance of the gripper units to each other, or be greater. In the embodiment described herein, the strand of two

Gripper units taken so that the length of the section at least equal to the distance of the gripper units to each other.

In a first control point R1, the conveying and positioning can be regulated, in particular by specifying parameters on a feed unit 20, so that the first step S1 in particular with respect to a specific position (feed stop) or its control or with respect to a conveying speed or a contact pressure of rollers of the feed unit can be controlled to the sealing material.

According to one embodiment, the strand is conveyed in an at least approximately horizontal plane. To facilitate the gripping of the free end, a ridge or a sliding contour can be provided which serves as a sliding support for the strand. The web can be aligned with the gripper unit. The web can be arranged on the respective disc.

During or at the end of the first step S 1, the strand 1.1 is thus in a cutting position Ps, in which the section of desired length can then be separated from the strand later. If the length is greater than the distance between the gripper units, so the strand can be transported against one of the gripper units (feed against the rear gripper unit), in particular after the free end of the strand has been gripped by the gripper unit. In this case, the strand can be arranged in a U-shape, in particular by the strand between a further, second gripper unit 40b, which has already taken the strand, and a first gripper unit 40a, relative to which the rod is still displaceable, in an arc or a ( Half circle segment is placed (advance against an already grasped end). Depending on the desired length of the section, the strand hereby lies in a U-shape with a characteristic height. Thus, step 1 may also include gripping and positioning or holding one or more of the free end of the strand. The gripping can on the one hand a first gripping the free end or (after cutting) of the rear end in the feed direction and on the other hand, a second gripping the strand or (after cutting) of the front / first end in the feed direction. The first gripping can on the Be matched feed. In particular, at the control point Rl a signal can be output from a limit switch that the free end of the strand has now reached a zero position in which the strand can be taken. The limit switch may in particular be arranged in alignment behind a passage of the gripper unit, and be actuated by means of the free end itself. Optionally, the feed for the first gripping stop (positioning). For the second gripping the feed is stopped.

According to one embodiment, the first step S 1 also comprises retraction, folding back or displacement or rotation of the web, namely, when the length of the section should be greater than the distance of the gripper units. Thus, the first control point Rl may include a control loop for a mechanism for displacing the web. Preferably, the web is rotated together with a respective disc about a pivot bearing of the disc.

Then, in a second step S2, a separation of the section or a severing of the strand can take place, in particular by one or two knives 31 of the cutting unit 30 guided orthogonally to the strand.

In particular, cutting parameters can also be monitored in a second control point R2, for example an applied force, a movement speed of the blade and / or the geometry of the generated cut edge, for example by means of at least one optical measuring unit 2.3. Is the

Cutting edge not clean, especially not even, the first step Sl can be repeated

(Dot-dash line). In particular, the strand can be cut to length again, in particular after the strand section to be discarded has been ejected. At the end of the second step S2, therefore, there is a cut-to-length section with cut edges or free ends, which are suitable for a cohesive connection.

In a third step S3, a gripping of the separated free end and displacement of the section 1.2 can then take place, in particular such that both free ends of the section can be wetted by means of connecting fluid. The gripping of the separated free end can also have already occurred in step S 1 or S2. In a third control point R3, therefore, in particular also the displacement of the free ends can be regulated, in particular by a continuous position detection or control. The displacement of the free ends can be done in particular on circular paths, in particular with opposite

Angle of rotation. In this case, the gripper units can be moved toward each other, in particular from a maximum distance to half of this distance from each other. At the end of the third step S3, the free ends are thus accessible to connecting fluid F, in particular with their end faces pointing upwards and aligned in an at least approximately horizontal plane. In the third control point R3, the

Position detection or control also done in an elegant way that both gripper units are arranged on intermeshing discs, of which only one is driven. So one of the

Slices or gripper units are indirectly positioned by the other, which provides a simple control and a robust process.

The wetting position Pf does not necessarily have to deviate from the cutting position or zero position. Rather, according to a variant, also an application of compound fluid in the cutting position or Zero position. Therefore, it is indicated in FIG. 6 that step S3 can optionally be skipped. However, it has been found that it is advantageous, in particular with regard to the arrangement of components of the device, to select a wetting position that is not equal to the zero or cutting position. Once the one or more free ends are arranged in the wetting position Pf, in a fourth step S4, the application of connecting fluid, and optionally also at least partial drying can take place. The wetting position Pf can correspond to the highest point of a rotatable disc on which the respective gripper unit can be arranged. In a fourth control point R4 on the one hand the application, on the other hand, the drying or lingering can be regulated, in particular with respect to the applied type or amount of the connecting fluid or a residence time in the wetting position. At the end of the fourth step S4, the free end or ends are thus set up to be connected to one another. In the desired desiccation period but also a period of time can be included, which is required for a displacement of the gripper units from the wetting position into a connecting position. In a fifth step S5, the free ends of the section are connected, in particular comprising a displacement from the wetting position into the connection position, whereby the free ends can be contacted with one another. The displacement can be done by a rotary motion, in particular exclusively. The free ends can be brought to rest solely by a rotational movement to each other, in particular each about pivot points, which are arranged in alignment in the feed direction one behind the other.

In a fifth control point R5 on the one hand, the shift to the connection position

be monitored (which can be done in the manner already described above), on the other hand, the contacting of the free ends are monitored, in particular with respect to the relative alignment with each other, and / or with respect to a contact pressure and / or a residence time in the connecting position. Here, e.g. optical measuring units or pressure sensors are used. At the end of the fifth step S5 so there is a cohesive connection, by means of which from the section a ring was formed.

It should be noted that gripping the tread ends in the desired position may already be sufficient to define all other free end positions during the process. The grippers need only be closed once. The corresponding position of the free ends can be specified both for the application of adhesive as well as for contacting or pressing against each other. In order to optimize or regulate the gripping and optional optional adjustment of the strand, an optical control can take place, in particular by means of cameras arranged in the region of the zero positions or aligned thereon. This embodiment of the method allows a high degree of accuracy, and the effort for adjustment and repositioning or corrections can be minimized. Especially if the

Gripper units and the discs or gears are designed as rigid elements, the positioning of the free ends can be optimized only by the fact that the feeding of the profile ends is carried out particularly carefully or accurately. Optionally, the process may be terminated at this stage, or re-start with step S1, depending on whether it is necessary or desired to eject the creating ring. The step S5 may optionally also include opening or releasing the at least one gripper unit. Opening the respective

Gripper unit can also be carried out such that this is accompanied by ejection, or at least slipping out of the ring on a uerrichtung as directly as possible next to the gripper unit rod of a reservoir. For example, by opening the gripper units slightly in time, e.g. 1 sec., Causes the ring to rotate out of the xz plane and then fall out by itself upon opening the further gripper unit. In particular, the method can then be continued directly at step S1, if at a arranged in the connection position gripper unit already a gripping a new section can be done, either with the same gripper unit, be it with an additional gripper unit.

According to a variant, the device comprises more than two gripper units, which are arranged such that at a arranged in the connection position gripper pair already then already in the

Zero position or at least approximately in the zero position again at least one gripper unit is arranged. A relocation / turn back does not necessarily have to be done. Rather, that can be done in the

Connecting position arranged gripper pair are easily rotated further, e.g. by 20 °, to create a free space for the strand to be supplied and to arrange another gripper pair in the zero position. This can also save time and enable high volumes. For example, a plurality of gripper units can be arranged circumferentially on each disc. Optionally, the respective gripper unit may be pivotally mounted.

In a sixth step S6, a movement of a gripper unit or the relocation of the respective gripper unit into the zero position can take place, in particular of both gripper units synchronously with one another, in particular in opposite directions of rotation. The sixth step may include ejection, in particular prior to moving the gripper unit. The sixth step S6 may include a control point in which an ejection is regulated, in particular with respect to the type or time of release of the sealing ring by the gripper unit (s), and / or in which the type or the time and / or the speed of Movement be regulated. At the end of the sixth step S6 is / are the

Gripper units 40a, 40b so again arranged in the zero position and set up to grasp a newly supplied strand section.

In FIG. 6, direct arrows are also indicated between the individual steps, bypassing the control points, which should be emphasized that individual control points can also be skipped, depending on whether the device can / should be fixed in this regard, or if Control loop should be carried out only randomly.

A specific embodiment of the method is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, namely one of the possible variants for the automatic cutting to length and bonding of metered (moss) rubber profiles into rings. To be bonded by the meter (round cord) 1 is stored at the beginning of the device 10, in particular wound on a spool. Subsequently, the round cord 1 is transported by a feed unit 20, in particular four-roller feed with Drehconder (rotation angle measurement) for length measurement, to one of two mounted on gears 70a, 70b gripper units 40a, 40b. When entering or feeding the cord 1, the two gripper units are opened. In particular, bipolar solenoids with end position fixation can be used as gripper units. As soon as the cord 1 reaches a certain zero position or a limit switch, the second gripper unit 40b (further away from the advancing unit) is closed, whereby the cord 1 is fixed therein. By means of the feed unit 20, the cord 1 is further advanced to the desired nominal length or to the desired diameter of the ring to be created, namely in an area between the gripper units. The corresponding section 1.2 of the cord is kept ready in the form of a loop. If the desired length is reached, the first gripper unit 40a is closed, whereby the corresponding profile end la of the cord is fixed.

Thereupon, a cutting unit 30 installed between the feed and the first gripper unit stretches the cord to the desired, pre-programmable or adjustable length.

A drive unit 80 connected to a control device 50, in particular a stepping motor, can then rotate the two gear wheels 70a, 70b, in particular by 90 degrees into a wetting position Pf. If the desired position of the two gear wheels is reached, application of bonding fluid F or adhesive takes place. by means of a feed unit 61 or by means of a metering pump, which feed unit is preferably arranged above the wetting position. By slight reverse rotation of the metering pump or of a corresponding stepping motor, dripping off of connecting fluid can be avoided, in particular following the bonding process. For example, the stepper motor may be driven ten steps forward (corresponding to a certain amount x ml of adhesive delivery), and then two steps back, corresponding to a slight withdrawal of the adhesive from the outlet or applicator needle.

When connecting emitted vapors, especially cyanide-containing adhesive vapors can be sucked off. In contrast to manual gluing, these vapors are therefore no health hazards, or at least can be evacuated without being inhaled by a human being. An extraction takes place in particular via at least one activated carbon filter.

After the application of the compounding fluid, the stepping motor 80 continues to rotate the respective gripper unit to the connecting position Pp. In the connecting position, the two profile ends la, lb of the string are brought into contact with each other, in particular on impact. This arrangement or the

Pressure position Pp is held for a predefinable minimum time, in particular depending on the type of compound fluid or the material to be bonded, for example 5 seconds. After the minimum time, the gripper units are opened again. The created / glued ring 1.3 can now be removed from the device 10 or can be ejected by means of an ejector (not shown). The ejector can cause ejection in a pneumatic manner (air blast), in particular by arranging the ejector behind the gripper units or behind the respective passage or behind the connection position. To prepare for a subsequent connection process, the stepper motor 80 can bring the gears 70 back into the initial position or zero position, in particular turn it back. The gripper units can remain open. When the home position is reached, the meter is transported by the feed unit back to the second gripper unit 40b, and the process described above is repeated until a desired / preset number of rings 1.3 is reached.

With the aid of the control device 50, at least the following criteria or parameters can be defined, in particular at the beginning of a respective connection Z-gluing process:

desired number of catches;

Length of the desired profile section or diameter of the ring;

In summary it can be mentioned: In the production of sealing rings made of flexible elastic, in particular elastomeric material, in many cases, some process steps must be performed manually, in particular a gluing of free ends of a separated by continuous material section. The present invention provides an apparatus and a method by which not only the particular cohesive connection of the free ends can be automated, but also a cutting to a desired length, or an ejection. As a result, high quantities of sealing rings can be automated and produced inexpensively in a flexible, predefinable manner.

Claims

claims

1. Device (10) for the production of sealing rings (1.3) made of endless material (1), comprising

- A feed unit (20) arranged for conveying and positioning of the endless material (1) in at least one / s cutting position (Ps);

- A cutting unit (30) arranged for separating a portion (1.2) from the continuous material (1);

- At least one gripper unit (40; 40a, 40b) arranged for gripping and displacing the endless material (1) or the portion (1.2);

- a control device (50) which is in connection with the feed unit (20), the at least one gripper unit (40; 40a, 40b) and / or the cutting unit (30);

characterized in that the at least one gripper unit (40; 40a, 40b) is arranged to controllably displace at least one free end (1a, 1b) of the section (1.2) along a predeterminable movement path (BP1.1; BPla, BPlb) into one and / or or from a wetting position (Pf), wherein the

Device (10) further comprises a Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung (60) which is in connection with the control device (50) and is arranged or can be arranged such that connecting fluid (F) on the in the wetting position (Pf) can be arranged at least one free end (la, lb) is applied controlled.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one free end (1a, 1b) or the at least one gripper unit (40, 40a, 40b) is displaceable into a connecting position (Pp), in which the two free ends of the section (1.2) can be brought to each other to the plant; and / or wherein the at least one free end (la, lb) is displaceable into a connecting position (Pp) which is arranged between two gripper units (40a, 40b) which are each arranged in a zero position (PO) during cutting.

A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection fluid supply means (60) comprises at least one supply unit (61; 61a, 61b) for supplying connection fluid (F) which is in

Reference to a motion path (BP1.1, BP40) of the section (1.2) or the at least one

Gripper unit (40) is positioned or aligned; and / or wherein the Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung (60) above the at least one gripper unit (40; 40a, 40b) is arranged. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed unit (20) is adapted to guide the endless material (1) to the gripper unit (40a) and past the gripper unit to at least one further gripper unit (40b); and / or wherein the at least one gripper unit (40a, 40b) has a passage (41) for the portion (1.2) to be separated; and / or wherein the device comprises a web or a guide or a sliding contour (23) which is arranged such that the endless material (1) or the respective section (1.2) along a predefined movement path or a predefined contour of the cutting unit (30) can be moved; and / or wherein the feed unit (20) is arranged in alignment with the gripper unit (40a) and with at least one further gripper unit (40b).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one gripper unit (40a, eccentric position (Pex) on a rotatably mounted, motor-driven disc (70; 70a, 70b) is arranged; and / or wherein the movement path (BPla, BPlb) of the at least one free end (la, lb) is a circular path at least in sections; and / or wherein the device (10) has at least one disc (70; 70a, 70b), which can be arranged in predefined rotational positions by means of a drive unit (80; 80a, 80b), on which the gripper unit (40a, 40b) is arranged eccentrically; and / or wherein the device comprises two gripper units (40a, 40b), which are arranged in eccentric position (Pex) on two discs (70a, 70b) which are rotatably mounted opposite to each other; and / or wherein the device comprises two gripper units (40a, 40b), each of which can be displaced from the wetting position (Pf) into a connecting position (Pp), in which the two free ends of the section can be brought into contact with one another. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) has two

Gripper units (40a, 40b) and is arranged to shift the two free ends (la, lb) of the cut-to section (1.2) so along each of the respective movement path (BPla, BPlb) in the wetting position (Pf), there for the application lingering of connecting fluid (F), and then to bring the free ends (la, lb) in a connection position (Pp) to each other to the plant, in particular with a predefined residence time.

7. Control device (50) adapted for driving a device for producing sealing rings (1.3) from endless material (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Control unit (50) comprises a data memory (52) in which are stored: position data of a zero position (PO) of at least one gripper unit (40), position data of at least one wetting position (Pf), position data of a connection position (Pp), data relating to a movement path (BP40 ) the at least one gripper unit (40), and / or data on the properties of at least one kind of endless material (1), wherein the control device (50) has a communication interface (54) to at least one of the following components of the device: feed unit (20), Cutting unit (30), gripper unit (40), connecting fluid supply means (60).

8. Use of a control device (50) in a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims for the production of sealing rings of endless material (1) for specifying at least one wetting position (Pf) and a connection position (Pp) of free ends (la, lb) a cut-to-length section (1.2) of the continuous material (1).

9. Use of at least one rotatably mounted disc (70; 70a, 70b) in a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims for producing sealing rings of endless material (1) for positioning at least one component from the group: at least one gripper unit (40) for gripping the continuous material (1), endless material in a wetting position (Pf) for applying compounding fluid (F) to at least one free end (1a, 1b) of a cut-to-length portion (1.2) of the continuous material (1), continuous material in a joining position (Pp ) for joining the two free ends (1a, 1b) of the section (1.2).

10. A method for producing sealing rings (1.3) from endless material (1), comprising the steps: - conveying and positioning the endless material (1) in at least one cutting position (Ps);

- separating a portion (1.2) from the continuous material (1) in the cutting position (Ps);

- Grasping and displacement of the section (1.2) by means of at least one gripper unit (40);

characterized in that the displacement of the section (1.2) takes place after the separation and a controlled displacement of at least one free end (1a, 1b) of the section (1.2) along a predeterminable movement path (BPla, BPlb) into and / or out of a wetting position ( Pf), further comprising the step of applying compound fluid (F) to the at least one free end (la, lb) disposed in the wetting position (Pf). 11. A method according to the preceding method claim, further comprising the step of applying connecting fluid (F): displacing at least one of the free ends (1a, 1b) of the section (1); or further comprising the step of: displacing both free ends (la, lb) from the wetting position (Pf) to a connecting position (Pp) between two zero positions (PO), in which one of two gripper units (40a, 40b) is disposed during cutting; and / or with the step: displacing the end faces of both free ends (la, lb) from orientation facing away from one another in orientation facing one another in the connection position (Pp).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, further comprising the step of connecting the free ends (1a, 1b): moving back the at least one gripper unit (40) from the connection position (Pp) to a zero position (PO), in particular one Circular path, in particular by a rotation angle of 180 °; and / or further comprising the step of: ejecting the sealing ring (1.3); and / or wherein the at least one gripper unit (40) is guided during displacement on a circular path with changing direction of rotation, in particular by means of a disc (70). 13. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein two gripper units (40a, 40b) are guided during displacement in opposite directions of rotation on circular paths; and / or wherein two displaced discs (70a, 70b) are rotated during displacement; and / or wherein the at least one gripper unit (40) is moved between three rotational positions, one position of zero position for gripping the portion, one position of wetting position (Pf), and one position corresponding to the connecting position (Pp), the rotational positions being in particular are offset by 90 ° to each other.

A sealing ring of continuous material made by controlled gripping of a severed portion (1.2) of the continuous material and by displacing at least one free end (1a, 1b) of the portion (1.2) in a circular path along a predetermined path of travel (BPla, BPlb) to a wetting position (Pf) and by applying compound fluid (F) to the at least one free end (la, lb) arranged in the wetting position (Pf), in particular produced by a method according to one of the preceding

Method claims.

A sealing ring of continuous material made by controlled gripping of a severed portion (1.2) of the continuous material by means of at least one gripper unit (40) and by displacing at least one free end (1a, 1b) of the section (1.2) by means of a disc (70) on a circular path along a predetermined path of movement (BPla, BPlb) in a wetting position (Pf) and by applying compound fluid (F) by means of a Verbindungsfluidzuführeinrichtung (60) on the in the wetting position (Pf) arranged at least one free end (la, lb), in particular produced by means of a device according to one of the preceding device claims.