DE102016012031A1 - Method and device for greasing workpiece surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is described for lubricating workpiece surfaces (14) with liquid to pasty greasing means (27), in particular oil, characterized by the following steps: - testing a pre-greased workpiece surface (14) to determine the greasing actual state of the workpiece surface (14) , location-related data, - comparison of the data with a desired Befettungs-desired state for the determination of location-related difference values (a, b, c), - re-greasing the workpiece surface (14) with a Nachbefettungsvorrichtung (10) taking into account the determined difference values (a, b, c).

Description

The invention relates in a first aspect to a method for greasing workpiece surfaces with liquid to pasty Befettungsmittel, in particular oil.

In the prior art, it has hitherto been customary to already grease workpiece surfaces, such as the surfaces of sheet metal blanks or so-called coil material, on the manufacturer side before the workpieces are transferred to an industrial customer.

Basically, a lubrication of the workpiece surfaces is necessary to ensure a later processing of the workpieces, for example by reshaping or the like.

However, as the workpieces usually pick up dirt as a result of transport to the customer or storage at the customer's, the corresponding workpieces are cleaned by the customer before being processed, for example brushed. Through this cleaning process, the desired, prepared lubrication is adversely affected, smeared or at least partially completely removed. This then leads to problems during processing.

Alternatively, the storage of the workpieces can lead to an unevenness. For example, if the workpiece surface consists of an endless coil material, the gravity or curl state of the material can lead to inhomogeneities and deviations from the desired greasing pattern. This too is undesirable and influences later processing.

To avoid such problems, there is the approach to have the lubrication carried out on site by the customer himself. For this purpose, the customer then appropriate Befettungs washing machines are available, which clean the workpiece surface and at the same time or subsequently greasy completely (for example, in the manner of a bath). But even this solution is not desired in particular by industrial customers, since the effort and Befettungsmittelverbrauch is too large.

The object of the invention is therefore to optimize the Befettungsvorgang and to ensure a desired lubrication of the workpiece surface prior to processing.

• – Prüfung einer vorbefetteten Werkstückoberfläche zur Ermittlung von den Befettungs-Istzustand der Werkstückoberfläche repräsentierenden, ortsbezogenen Daten,
• – Abgleich der Daten mit einem gewünschten Befettungs-Sollzustand zur Ermittlung von ortsbezogenen Differenzwerten,
• – Nachbefetten der, insbesondere unveränderten, Werkstückoberfläche mit einer Nachbefettungsvorrichtung unter Berücksichtigung der ermittelten Differenzwerte.

The invention solves the stated object according to the first aspect with the features of claim 1, in particular by the following steps:

• Checking a pre-greased workpiece surface for determining location-related data representing the greasing actual state of the workpiece surface,
• Comparison of the data with a desired desired greasing state for the determination of location-related difference values,
• - Greasing the, in particular unchanged, workpiece surface with a Nachbefettungsvorrichtung taking into account the determined difference values.

In other words, the object underlying the invention is achieved in that the factory already pre-greased workpiece surfaces targeted by the customer (or spatially resolved or localized) are relined. Accordingly, it is possible to dispense with the abovementioned lubrication washing machine at the operating location of the industrial customer, and there a workpiece surface already greased by the manufacturer only needs to be selectively regreased.

In this way, it becomes possible to clean or brush the workpiece surfaces which have already been pre-greased by the customer at the customer's site without this causing a disruption of the subsequent processing since the workpiece surfaces are regreased after cleaning (before further processing). The same applies to storage and a corresponding, inhomogeneity of the greasing pattern resulting from this, since also stored workpiece surfaces are checked and regreased before they are processed.

Therefore, a method is provided, which is very advantageous for the industrial customer in that the base lubrication can be done by the manufacturer and the customer with a space-saving Nachbefettungsanlage saves space and costs (especially on Befettungsmaterial), to achieve an optimal greased to be processed workpiece surface.

The re-greasing can be targeted, ie location-based or spatially resolved. Location-specific or spatially resolved means that a large amount of data, depending on the position on the workpiece surface, is recorded (and others calculated later). These data are assigned to locations on the workpiece surface. The re-greasing can therefore be different for different positions or locations on the workpiece surface (in particular with regard to the amount to be replenished). For example, a corner region of a board may have survived a previous cleaning or other storage in such a way that substantially no greasing material is to be added there. On the other hand, for example, a Central area of a board need a more intensive relubricating or vice versa.

For this purpose, location-related difference values between the initially ascertained (location-related) actual Befettungszustand and the desired state (Befettungs target state) are then determined. As a rule, these difference values relate to a quantity or mass of greasing agent which is to be added to a specific location, for example in a specific sector of the workpiece surface, in particular to a specific defined area. The difference value can be given for example in weight per area (thus in particular grams per square meter) or as a simple mass.

The re-greasing is then local or spatially resolved or positionally resolved. Therefore, a difference value can be provided for several locations on the workpiece surface. The re-greasing device can then relubricate the various locations based on the transmitted or calculated difference values. This can be done, for example, with the help of spraying, which spray oil on the workpiece surface. In this case, at least one spray nozzle or nozzle can be assigned to each location.

Advantageously, the workpiece surface along at least one conveying direction past the nozzles or guided along or guided over them. In this way, a spray nozzle can be assigned to several places in a row together. In this case, the workpiece surface can therefore be divided into several rows. These rows typically each have a plurality of sectors, wherein each of these sectors is assigned a difference value, that is, a value indicating the amount of Befettungsmittels to be fed (alternatively, each place can be assigned its own nozzle, especially when dispensing with a conveyor).

The relubrication takes place taking into account the determined difference values. In particular, the difference values here indicate exactly how much a given location or sector is to be greased, ie how much greasing agent is to be applied (additionally) to the location assigned to the difference value in order to achieve the desired (subsequent) lubrication of the workpiece surface.

The re-greasing takes place in this case by an amount of Befettungsmittel which corresponds to the difference value or which is defined by the difference value or definable or derivable from this. In this sense, the re-greasing device can partially relubricate the workpiece surface, that is to say it is location-related or resolved according to different positions or locations on the workpiece surface.

In order to determine the difference values, that is to say in each case typically one difference value per defined location, the actual Befettungs actual state of the workpiece surface can first be ascertained. This test can be done manually, ie optically. A test person can inspect the surface and visually recognize (human) visually determined areas and then define which ones to refix. This he can transmit to the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung, for example by means of an input device which the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung is associated (for example, using a keyboard on the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung or an input pad or the like). Likewise, he can of course also use a computer connected to the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung (preferably wirelessly) or a tablet or smartphone or the like.

Alternatively, it is provided that the test can be carried out with the aid of a scanner. This scanner can then transmit the ascertained data, in particular the location-related data (that is, according to the positions on the workpiece surface) to the re-greasing device. For this purpose, for example, a cable-like connection between Nachbefettungsvorrichtung and the scanner exist. Alternatively, the scanner can of course also transmit the location-related data to the re-greasing device or to a re-greasing device associated with the arithmetic unit or controller or the like using a wireless connection.

The scanner may in particular be a laser scanner, for example a line scanner or the like. Such scanners typically have a certain relatively high resolution and are capable of measuring the amounts of greasing agent present on the workpiece surface prior to relubrication. Of course, a corresponding test can be location-based or spatially resolved. For several locations on the workpiece surface, the amount of greasing agent applied (or remaining) is measured. The scanner or laser scanner can make a UV excitation of the Befettungsmittels located on the workpiece surface for this measurement, for example.

In any case, during the check (whether manually or automatically with the aid of the scanner), a data set of location-related data is created, which allows statements about the actual state of actual greasing at the surveyed locations.

These location-related data can then be transmitted, as described above, either to the re-greasing device itself, or to a computing or control unit associated therewith. Such a computing or control unit is either installed in the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung itself or connected to this, for example by means of a cable network or a wireless network, for example, via the Internet or the like.

The computing or control unit typically has information about the Befettungs target state for the workpiece surface. This can be deposited there by a user and stored, for example. In particular, the information may be included that the entire workpiece surface should be provided homogeneously with a predetermined, defined amount. The information about the desired Befettungs desired state is thus available as a record.

In particular, the above-mentioned location-related data (according to the actual state of fueling) and the data set describing the desired-purge state both relate to the same, previously-defined locations.

For example, the workpiece surface may be divided into sectors, and for each of the sectors, there are thus data on the actual state of greasing and a desired greasing state.

These records can be reconciled. In particular, the actual fueling condition is simply subtracted from the desired greasing condition for each location. This results in difference values, ie values which describe the amount of greasing agent that has to be added to a specific location. These difference values thus form a data record which relates to the previously defined locations or positions on the workpiece surface and describes their required re-lubrication.

This data set of difference values can then be used by the re-greasing device or its control (integrated or external) for controlling application devices of the re-greasing device. Depending on the location, the application devices can therefore deliver different, required quantities of greasing agent.

These dispensers are advantageously nozzles, in particular spray nozzles, which can deliver lubricants, in particular lubricating oil, and spray onto the workpiece surface.

In this case, the workpiece can be assigned several surfaces. For example, if it is a substantially sheet-like workpiece, such as a circuit board or a coil material or the like, typically both the upper workpiece surface and a lower workpiece surface can be associated with one or more dispensing devices. Typically, therefore, a nozzle system (in particular a nozzle beam) is arranged above the workpiece and, in a preferred embodiment, also below the workpiece.

The workpieces are in particular circuit boards, which are formed as metal sheets / sheet metal blanks or the like. In particular, these are provided for further processing by forming (for example, deep drawing). These may be, in particular, sheet metal blanks in the automotive industry or a similar industry. However, this is only an example. A method according to the invention is, of course, applicable to any other branch of industry in which workpiece surfaces are to be greased (in particular, these are flat workpieces, in particular with flat surfaces). Also, it may be so-called coil material, so wound on drums sheets in an endless state.

The workpieces must be greased before further processing, in particular a chipless forming process (for example, a deep-drawing process). The greasing agent is typically a greasing oil or a hot-melt greasing agent or the like, which is preferably sprayed onto the surface. The workpiece surface is thereby conveyed in particular along a conveying direction (at a constant conveying speed) in order to allow a uniform lubrication. The greasing agent can also be referred to as a forming lubricant or forming oil.

Naturally, a method step "initial greasing of the workpiece surface" (in particular at the manufacturer) can take place before the method step "testing of a pre-greased workpiece surface". Optionally, a method step "transport of the greased workpiece surface" can then be carried out, in particular to a place of further processing.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inventive method is characterized in that separately controllable dispensing nozzles are used for re-greasing. These nozzles or dispensing nozzles can deliver the greasing agent, in particular spraying, and apply it to the workpiece surface.

Each nozzle can be separately regulated with regard to their discharge amount, and preferably also be connected to a control unit (in particular the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung). So that means that all nozzles can deliver different or equal amounts, in any case be controlled separately.

Advantageously, the nozzles are arranged on a nozzle bar. This can be arranged transversely to the conveying direction of the workpiece surface. In this sense, the workpiece surface can be divided into several juxtaposed rows and each row is then assigned a dispensing nozzle.

The dispensing nozzle of the row can then relubricate all sectors associated with a row (possibly with different intensities). The nozzles can advantageously be connected to the same Befettungsmittelleitung.

Advantageously, each nozzle has a valve needle, which can be transferred to the delivery of Befettungsmittel in a release position. The needle can be transferred to close the dispensing nozzle in a locking position (in particular in the context of a linear displacement), advantageously by means of compressed air.

A nozzle may preferably also be designed for the delivery of shaping air. The shaping air may initially be swirl air, which ensures that the greasing agent is not delivered in a centered jet but rather in a fanned-out (for example circular) manner. Additionally or alternatively, broad-jet air can be discharged from the dispensing nozzle. This ensures a broadening of the emitted beam (for example, from a circular shape into an ellipse shape). In particular, the nozzle can for this purpose have a wide jet air attachment.

Also, the nozzle may be associated with an adjustable shutter for shutting off the mold air exiting therefrom (the nozzle may have this shutter in particular), whereby mold air can be saved (for example, in the case where a middle nozzle of a beam is not intended to deliver a greasing agent) middle part of a workpiece surface does not have to be greased).

According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method is characterized in that the examination of the previously greased workpiece surface is performed by a scanner. In particular, the test can be carried out automatically.

The scanner can be designed, for example, as a laser scanner, in particular as a line scanner or the like. He must be able to determine location-specific data about the actual lubrication state of the workpiece surface. In particular, he can here measure how much Befettungsmittel is arranged on a predetermined location of the workpiece surface (for example, a sector or the like). The scanner can, for example, scan the workpiece surface in a line-like or grid-like manner.

Alternatively, however, the invention also encompasses the manual testing of the pre-greased workpiece surface (as already described above).

However, if a scanner is used, it should preferably be assigned to the front side of the re-greasing device. In this case, the front side represents the side which first reaches the workpiece surface during transport to the lubrication device along a conveying direction. For example, the scanner may be located less than 5 meters from the relubrication device or its front, more preferably less than 1 meter, even more preferably less than 0.5 meters, for example about 30 cm or less. In one embodiment, it can also be mounted directly on the re-greasing device or its front side, or be arranged directly on or in front of it. This has the advantage of a particularly space-saving training. In particular, this also clarifies that the scanner is arranged substantially at the same location (for example in the same workshop) as the re-greasing device. Basically, it is also conceivable that the scanner is located in a very different location.

Advantageously, the scanner, if it is present, a connection to the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung on. For example, it can be connected to the re-greasing device by means of a cable or wirelessly, in order to transmit the determined, location-related data to it. For this purpose, the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung may have an interface, for example in the form of a cable port or the like. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if a computing or control unit (for the adjustment of the data) is integrated in the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung. Alternatively, the scanner can of course also be connected to a separate computer or control unit or the like (wired or wireless), which in turn is then connected to the re-greasing device (again wired or wireless).

The control device (which is preferably associated with the re-greasing device, in particular installed in it) can then calculate said difference values on the basis of the location-related data obtained by the scanner and take these into account (if appropriate) during the control of the nozzles.

Alternatively, it is of course also possible that said control device receives the data not from a scanner, but for example by a manual input, as described above, namely for the case that no scanner is provided.

Advantageously, it is provided that in the control device (also called control unit) or in a connected to this arithmetic unit a record is available or deposited, which describes the desired Befettungs target state. This can for example be manually set by a user, for example by means of an app, a computer mask or the like. For this purpose, it can communicate, for example, directly with the control device via an input device.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that the workpiece surface is subdivided for re-greasing in sectors. In this case, a separate difference value can preferably be determined for each of these sectors. Typically, the sectors are rectangular, in particular square. This facilitates the classification. The division of the workpiece surface into sectors can also be referred to as grid or screening.

This division into sectors allows and simplifies re-greasing. Thus, a difference value can be (exactly) determined for each sector, and based on this difference value, the greasing agent can be added to the sector, namely by the re-greasing device, in particular by a nozzle associated with the sector.

Since the scanner typically has a finer resolution than the screening, the scanner or the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung or a control direction can first determine how much Befettungsmittel is already in a sector. This may in particular be a summation of several scan values of the scanner, since the scanner typically resolves much finer than the coarse screening of the sectors.

For example, a sector may have a width of about 10 cm. Advantageously, a sector has a width of between 1 cm and 20 cm, more advantageously between 5 cm and 15 cm. The length of a sector in the conveying direction is therefore identical for a square sector arrangement. In a rectangular arrangement, the length may be substantially in the same ranges as the width, typically +/- 20%.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, a sector of (exactly) a nozzle can be post-lubricated. Here, the application of Befettungsmittel in a sector is preferably intermittent (within the sector). This means, for example, that a nozzle is opened and closed several times while it is greasing a sector. Advantageously, a pulse width modulation is used for this purpose, whose pulse width is set as a function of the difference value assigned to the sector.

In this calculation, typically also the conveying speed of the workpiece surface and the discharge pressure of the nozzle or the discharge volume per unit time with the nozzle open, with a.

In this sense, the difference values mentioned always concern the quantity or mass of the greasing agent still to be introduced into a sector. In particular, the indication of the difference value may be the amount per (sector) area. This can be specified, for example, in grams per square meter.

Advantageously, it is further provided that, in the method according to the invention, a workpiece surface is simultaneously checked and regreased. This can be achieved in particular by the above-described arrangement of a scanner near a front side of the greasing device. A forward section of the workpiece surface with respect to the conveying direction can first be scanned, then transferred to the nozzles and regreased there. at the moment when the front section is relubricated, a back section is checked (by the scanner). This process is typically not clocked, but continuously, so fluently, in a flowing conveying movement of the workpiece surface.

The method according to the invention can in particular use sensor means of the re-greasing device. These sensor means can in particular make conclusions about the position of the workpiece surface and thus also of each or at least one defined sector. For example, with the aid of a rotary encoder on a conveyor belt associated with the workpiece surface, the conveying speed of the workpiece surface can be checked. In addition, for example With a light barrier, the exact position of a point of the workpiece surface, for example, the beginning of the workpiece surface, measured or detected.

• – steuerbare Düsen zum, insbesondere sprühenden, Aufbringen des Befettungsmittels auf die Werkstückoberfläche,
• – eine Transporteinrichtung zum vorbeiführen der Werkstückoberfläche an den Düsen,
• – eine Schnittstelle zur Übermittlung von den Befettungs-Istzustand der Werkstückoberfläche repräsentierenden, ortsbezogenen Daten,
• – sowie eine Steuereinrichtung zum Ansteuern der Düsen zwecks ortsbezogener Nachbefettung der Werkstückoberfläche auf Basis der über die Schnittstelle zugeführten Daten.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved with a device according to claim 10. The device according to the invention comprises in particular the following:

• Controllable nozzles for, in particular spraying, application of the lubricating agent to the workpiece surface,
• A transport device for passing the workpiece surface at the nozzles,
• An interface for the transmission of location-related data representing the lubrication actual state of the workpiece surface,
• - And a control device for driving the nozzles for the purpose of local relubrication of the workpiece surface based on the data supplied via the interface.

With regard to the device according to claim 10, it is pointed out that all the embodiments and advantages described in connection with the preceding method claims 1 to 9 can be transferred identically to the device. Thus, for reasons of clarity of the application at this point is waived repetition. Of course, however, according to the device claim, the device according to the invention may for example have nozzles which are arranged transversely to the conveying direction of the workpiece surface, or a memory for depositing the Befettungs nominal state, these features being understood only as an example for all other features.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the non-cited subclaims and with reference to the following description of the figures. Show:

1 a very schematic, lateral view with a already entered into a Nachbefettungsvorrichtung workpiece, which is supported by a conveying direction, with upstream scanner,

2 in a very schematic, isometric oblique view a portion of a nozzle bar for use in a Nachbefettungsvorrichtung with four exemplary nozzles, omitting the connections,

3 an exemplary square workpiece surface in a schematic plan view, which is slightly greased in its edge region, but has already lost a lot of Befettungsmittel by a cleaning process,

4 in a view approximately according to 3 a very schematic representation of the result of a scan of the in 3 represented workpiece surface,

5 a very schematic Befettungs nominal state of the workpiece surface in a monitor view,

6 a sectorally arranged matrix describing the workpiece surface, in which a differential value is schematically inscribed in each sector for the description of the quantity of the greasing agent to be added,

7 in a view according to 3 the re-greased workpiece surface, these being associated schematically and principally corresponding nozzles,

8th the application pattern of three exemplary nozzles for three juxtaposed sectors when the conveyor is stationary,

9a an exemplary, slightly greased sector of the workpiece surface according to 1 .

9b Representation of the nachfüetteten using a pulse width modulation method sector according to 9a and

9c a principled representation of the pulse width modulation according to 9b used signal to respond to the respective nozzles or nozzle needles.

The following description of the figures is prefaced that identical or comparable parts are optionally provided with identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters or apostrophes. In the claims following the description of the figures, the reference numerals used in the figures or the description of the figures are therefore used, for the sake of simplicity, optionally (partially) without apostrophes or small letters, as long as the corresponding objects are comparable.

1 shows first a Nachbefettungsvorrichtung 10 for carrying out the process according to the invention in a very schematic, partially cutaway side view. A trained as a board workpiece 11 lies with its bottom 12 flat on a conveyor belt-like transport device 13 on (the resting is only indicated in the figure). The top of the workpiece 11 provides Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the nachzubefettende workpiece surface 14 represents.

This workpiece surface 14 was directly greased immediately after its manufacture by the board manufacturer, in particular (as will be described later), especially in its peripheral areas. After being transported to the seat of the board processor, the workpiece became 11 cleaned and stored in a manner not shown. This is particularly undesirable distances and irregularities in Befettungsbild the workpiece surface 14 came. This should therefore be re-greased.

For this the workpiece becomes 11 including workpiece surface of the transport device 13 along a conveying direction F initially under a scanner 15 passed and then in the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung 10 introduced, in which it under several, orthogonal to the plane of the figure on a nozzle bar 16 arranged nozzles or applicator nozzles 17 is passed.

The application nozzles 17 are in the illustrated embodiment according to 1 essentially above the workpiece 11 arranged and thus the workpiece surface 14 assigned. Basically, but also below the workpiece 11 , the bottom 12 assigned, alternatively or additionally in the reference numeral 18 provided region nozzles are arranged. If there are no nozzles arranged, the front section 19 the transport device 13 be formed here consistently. In the case of an arrangement of additional nozzles in the area 18 would the transport device 13 in this area probably leave a transfer gap for the additional nozzles to be arranged.

1 can also be seen that the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung 10 a control device shown only very schematically 20 associated in the present embodiment in the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung 10 is integrated. The control device 20 is via cable or data lines 21 . 22 and 23 both with the scanner 15 , the nozzle / nozzles 17 as well as with one of the front 24 the re-greasing device 10 assigned light barrier 25 connected.

In addition, the control device 20 via a line, not shown, with a rotary encoder 26 the transport device 13 connected. The encoder 26 can in particular in the region of a deflection point (of the section 19 ) of the transport device 13 be arranged.

The modes of operation of said, with the control device 20 connected components are briefly described below:
This is how the scanner works 15 , which is designed for example as a laser scanner, a scan of the principle (typically the manufacturer) pre-greased workpiece surface 14 , The scanner 15 can in particular be location-based or spatially resolved or position-resolved with respect to the workpiece surface 14 Determine how the individual locations or sections of the workpiece surface 14 (still) rest greased. This allows the evaluation / testing by the scanner 15 Conclusions about the applied / remaining quantities of greasing agent. The greasing agent may typically be a greasing oil.

These location-specific data describing the amount of greases may be the scanner 15 over the data line 21 to the controller 20 to transfer.

In the control device 20 is typically a desired lubrication target condition for the workpiece surface 14 deposited in the form of a data record. The control device 20 Now that can be done by the scanner 15 obtained location-related data with the Befettungs nominal state descriptive record and form differences as to how much Befettungsmittel at defined locations (especially in later described in more detail sectors) is added.

For this purpose, the control device 20 over the data line 22 (or several corresponding lines) with the individual nozzles 17 at the nozzle bar 16 connected. It is a plurality of transversely or orthogonal to the conveying direction F arranged nozzles 17 each of which is separated by the control device 20 is addressable or controllable.

On the basis of the determined difference values then the individual nozzles can 17 , depending on the additional requirements of greasing agent, greasing agent 27 on the workpiece surface 14 spray.

Since typically in the conveying direction F (at least after a storage or cleaning process) is no homogeneous longitudinal lubrication, the nozzle 17 in the conveying direction F usually different amounts of Befettungsmittel 27 on the one behind the other in the conveying direction F areas of the workpiece surface 14 add on (at least with the desired homogeneous lubrication).

So that the nozzle 17 can be controlled so that it actually delivers at the correct position in the conveying direction F exact amount, is the control 20 with said photocell 25 and said encoder 26 connected. The photocell 25 can do this in particular generate a signal as soon as a leading edge 28 of the workpiece 11 under the photocell 25 is guided along. Because the controller 20 the exact distance A between the light barrier 25 and dispensing nozzle 17 knows, it can due to the detection by the photoelectric switch 25 Draw conclusions about the start of the greasing process.

For this purpose, in particular, data information of the encoder 26 used, which is connected to the control device 20 Provide information about the conveying speed in the conveying direction F. From this information, the control device 20 So draw conclusions about which place or which sector of the workpiece surface 14 in the conveying direction F just below a corresponding nozzle 17 passes through and the control of the nozzle 17 adjust accordingly with regard to the quantity of greases to be dispensed.

2 shows by way of example a section of a nozzle bar 16 with four exemplary nozzles arranged thereon 17a to 17d , Each nozzle in this case has in particular a lower nozzle outlet 29 on which in the illustrated embodiment in each case a wide-beam attachment 30 assigned. This wide-beam attachment 30 can provide a fanning out of the exiting greasing agent (for example, from a circular application form into an ellipsoidal application form). For this purpose, each of the nozzles 17 a connection to a wide jet air duct 31 in the nozzle bar 16 on and also a connection to a swirl air duct 32 , wherein this swirling air can ensure that the dispensed Befettungsmittel is ever fanned out (in a circular discharge form).

In addition, you can see in the nozzle bar 16 even more channels, in particular a lubrication channel 33 , as well as a heating channel 34 for heating the entire nozzle bar 16 (For example, in the case of the use of hot-melt as Befettungsmittel).

In particular, each of the nozzles 17 to the greasing channel 33 connected by not shown branch channels. So that the Befettungsmittel is not discharged continuously, the nozzle 17 Of course, be closed at any time. Every nozzle 17 has for this purpose a nozzle needle not visible in the figures, which the nozzle outlet 29 can barricade. The nozzle is in particular switched by compressed air in the form of switching air, which in the nozzle bar 16 a separate channel 35 having. For the sake of completeness, it should be pointed out that the arrangement of the channels is only to be understood as an example. The respective connection is not shown.

Also is in 2 to recognize that each of the nozzles is a so-called air saving module 36 with which the shaping air (that is, for example, the swirl air and / or the broad-jet air) at the nozzle exit 29 can be switched off.

The greasing method according to the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the figure sequence 3 to 7 to be discribed. It shows 3 a view of a workpiece surface 14 , which was greased by the manufacturer and then delivered to an industrial customer, stored and cleaned there.

In 3 Accordingly, the Restfüettung is shown, which only a greasing in four lateral margins 37 to 40 having. The rest of the workpiece surface 14 is in the present embodiment intentionally or unintentionally no longer provided with Befettungsmittel.

For a better overview and a better understanding of the following procedure is already in 3 a grid 41 over the workpiece surface 14 placed. This is a virtual grid to facilitate comparison with the following figures. This virtual grid 41 is of course an actual, purely imaging supervision of the workpiece surface 14 not visible.

3 also already indicates that the two areas 37 and 38 on the left edge of the workpiece surface 14 have slightly more greasing agent than the two areas 39 and 40 on the right edge of the workpiece surface 14 (The circular dots are examples of greasing).

In the 3 represented workpiece surface 14 is now in the present embodiment, manually or via a scanner 15 tested, in particular scanned. The scanner 15 will notice that the workpiece surface 14 , except in the four areas 37 to 40 contained greasing agent, is not greased. The scanner will also recognize that in the areas 37 to 40 Befetter is already present, and he will especially recognize how much Befettungsmittel there is.

In the present embodiment, the grid has 41 a grid width and a grid length of 10 cm each. Because the scanner 15 but usually has a much higher resolution than 10 cm (especially transverse to the conveying direction F) of the scanner 15 in each sector S take several readings.

A sector S has in the present embodiment - as described - a Dimension of 10 × 10 cm. In 4 are the sectors S passing through the grid 41 each with the letter S marked with two indices (at least in part). Accordingly, located in 4 Sector S ₁₁ at top left, sector S ₁₀₁ at top right, sector S ₁₁₀ at bottom left and sector S ₁₀₁₀ at bottom right. The workpiece surface 14 is divided into exactly 100 sectors S in the method according to the embodiment. These sectors S only cover the entire workpiece surface in the present embodiment for the sake of simplicity 14 from, which is therefore square in the present embodiment.

In other words, the area consists 37 , which still has a residual lubrication, from the sectors S ₁₂ , S ₂₂ , S ₁₃ and S ₂₃ .

But now the scanner 15 For each sector S determines multiple values, the scanner 15 or the controller 20 add or approximate these values to calculate a total amount of greasing already included in or on sector S.

For example, the four sectors S of the area 37 In the present embodiment, in each case a Befettungsmenge a value x. The three sectors of the territories 39 and 40 In contrast, each have a lower Befettungsmenge, for example, according to a value y. This is in the 4 schematically represented by the different hatching of the respective sectors. The unshaded sectors have no lubrication (for simplicity).

According to 4 For example, each sector S is assigned a value which characterizes the amount of greasing agent in this sector. The data set consisting of this data (a separate value for each sector) is either from the scanner 15 to the controller 20 transmitted or based on raw data from the scanner 15 from the controller 20 calculated.

In the control device 20 is already a Befettungs-target state of the workpiece surface 14 deposited as he in 5 is shown. 5 shows the desired Befettungs target state, which consists of two edge areas 50 . 51 exists, in which each sector S has a desired Befettungsmittelwert a.

The sectors which should have the weighting mean value a are in 5 provided with a jagged hatching. Out 5 It follows that the two edges 50 . 51 the workpiece surface 14 are uniformly greasable (namely with a value a per S sector), while a central corridor 42 the workpiece surface 14 (with a width of two sectors S) should remain ungreased. This may be due, for example, to the fact that the workpiece 11 in this central corridor area 42 is not processed and therefore Befettungsmittel should be saved.

To create the desired greasing state according to 5 For example, a computer program or an app or the like can be used in which initially a basic amount of greasing can be set globally (for example in g / m ² ). This basic amount of grease is then counted as 100%. If a sector is not to be fully greased, the program can specify a percentage value of less than 100% for the sector.

The Befettungs target state can thus be set in advance by a user, for example by means of the computer program or the like and / or via a user interface, such as a keyboard or a pad or a mouse, which is connected to a display.

The control device 20 now both information about the actual Befettungszustand according to 4 as well as information about the Befettungs nominal state according to 5 to disposal. These two records can now be reconciled.

The result of the adjustment is very schematic in 6 shown. This adjustment is in particular the difference formation per sector S from the desired amount of greasing agent which should finally be applied there (according to the desired greasing state) and the greasing agent actually present there (before greasing) (according to the greasing method). It's on).

For example, a differential value a, calculated from the formula a - 0 = a, thus results for the sector S ₁₁ . In other words, the amount of greasing agent desired in sector S _{11 is} demonstrable 5 the value a, and according to 4 So far there is no greasing agent in sector S ₁₁ at all. Accordingly, the Befettungsmittelmenge a must be completely refilled.

For the sector S _12, on the other hand, there is now a quantity of greasing agent b to be added, calculated according to the formula a - x = b. In other words, in the sector S _12, the quantity of the value x has been greasing. The desired amount is a. Therefore, a Befettungsmittelmenge b (= a - x) to be supplied. For the sectors S ₂₂ , S ₁₃ and S ₂₃ , the same results. Likewise for sectors S ₁₈ and S ₂₈ .

Furthermore, it can be 6 recognize that in the sector S ₁₀₇ a Befettungsmittelmenge the value c is nachzutragen determined from the formula a - y = c. In other words, before the re-greasing in this sector S _{107 was} a Befettungsmittelmenge y. Desired is a Befettungsmittelmenge a. The difference to be added is a quantity of greasing c. The same applies to the sectors S ₉₂ and S ₁₀₂ .

In the middle corridor 42 the workpiece surface 14 or in the adjacent two central sector columns can be according to 6 Read off the difference value 0. Of course this arises because of that in this corridor 42 according to the Befettungs nominal state after 5 no greasing agent is desired at all. Since there is no greasing agent at all, the difference is of course also 0.

6 in this respect represents a location-based or spatially resolved or location-defined data set with location-related difference values. These difference values characterize the quantity yet to be applied per sector. The control device 20 according to 1 Now this data can be sent to the nozzles 17 pass, as evidenced by the very schematic representation according to 7 each sector column is exactly one nozzle 17a to 17j assigned.

While the workpiece surface 14 under these nozzles 17 along these will be these nozzles 17 from the controller 20 controlled and give according to the record 6 For each segment an individual amount of Befettungsmittel from (the value a, b, c or 0).

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzles remain 17e and 17f then typically closed and do not give off any Befettungsmittel, since the middle corridor 42 is not greasy. The other nozzles 17a to 17d and 17g to 17j give the in 6 displayed differential values (or a Befettungsmittelmenge based thereon) per segment.

The resulting greasing picture shows 7 , 7 indicates that the actually applied lubrication now substantially according to the desired Befettungs-desired state 5 equivalent. In this sense, the nozzle has 17a For example, in the sector S ₁₁ more Befettungsmittel added (corresponding to the difference value a), as in the sector S ₁₂ (corresponding to the difference value b).

In the present embodiment, the result essentially shows three areas: the two outer areas 50 . 51 have a consistently homogeneous amount of greasing per area (the value a), the average corridor 42 no greasing agent at all.

In conclusion, based on the 8th and 9 describe how a single sector S is greased. As an example, the sector S _{92 is} selected, which in 7 therefore once completely bordered.

8th However, first shows the basic application image of three juxtaposed, exemplary nozzles, for example, the application image of the nozzles 17a to 17c with a single commissioning of a non-displaced workpiece surface. The 8th It should make clear that every nozzle 17 their order quantity in the form of an ellipse 43 applies. The ellipse has substantially a width B, which corresponds to the width of a sector S, in the present embodiment, thus substantially 10 cm. This width B is determined in particular by the use of in 2 indicated Breitstrahlaufsatzes 30 reached.

2 suggests in a hint also already that the Breitstrahlaufsätze 30 every nozzle 17 are not aligned exactly in the transverse direction Q, but have a certain angular offset to the transverse direction Q. This angular offset is in 8th denoted by α and should be between 1 and 10 °, preferably about 5 °. This angular offset α has the advantage that the ellipses 43 essentially not overlap, but nevertheless a lubrication of the intermediate areas or the edge areas of the sectors S is ensured.

As already mentioned, shows 8th an order on a non-moving workpiece surface. If the workpiece surface moves, a stretching of the ellipse would take place in the longitudinal direction or in the conveying direction F (at least in the case of continuous commissioning).

9a shows the pre-greased segment S ₉₂ , approximately in a state according to 3 , Accordingly, there is in the sector S ₉₂ so a Befettungsmittelmenge y. As shown above, it was calculated that in the sector S ₉₂ a Befettungsmittelmenge c It should be added. Basically, it is therefore conceivable, the nozzle 17i during the passage of the sector S ₉₂ to open once and apply the entire amount according to the difference value c.

However, this does not happen in practice, since this would possibly lead to an inhomogeneous commissioning within the individual sector. Rather, a pulse width modulation is used to the nozzle 17i during the passage of the sector S ₉₂ several times to open and close (exactly twice in the present embodiment).

This two-fold opening and closing results in the 9b illustrated, very schematic assignment image. It can be seen that the sector S ₉₂ is essentially greased like a strip. An initially greased strip 44 is between the times 0 and t ₁ (see. 9c ) greased, a second strip 45 is not greased in time t ₁ to t ₂ , the strip 46 is then greased again in the time t ₂ to t ₃ and the strip 47 is then no longer additionally greased in the time t ₃ to t _s .

This type of pulse width modulation has the advantage that a more homogeneous distribution within the sector S ₉₂ takes place (the application actually blurs a bit, so that essentially a uniform distribution is assumed, as in 7 is pictured).

In fact, in a sector S _92, much more stripes will be provided than just four. The example is only to be understood as an example and is owed to the overview.

In addition one can from the 9b and 9c deduce that it is in the commissioned amount, which the strip 44 and 46 was supplied, in each case by half of the order quantity according to the difference value c acts. In the sector S ₉₂ , the amount of greasing agent y was initially located after 9a , Now is according to 9b in total, the amount a of greasing agent in the sector S ₉₂ .

It should also be noted that 9b selects a simplified type of streak rendering. In fact, it is instead of the rectangular stripes 44 and 45 probably more like ellipses 8th , 9b therefore represents a greatly simplified abstraction.

It should also be noted that an illustrated command of a pulse width modulation has been selected in which the opening times (from 0 to t ₁ and from t ₂ to t ₃ ) are identical in length to the closing times (from t ₁ to t ₂ and t ₃ to t _s ). This is advantageous, but not mandatory. In particular, it should be noted that the nozzles 17 typically have a minimum switching time of about 10 ms. This means that closing times as well as opening times of less than 10 ms can not usually be selected. Should (depending on the conveying speed in conveying direction F) the switching times according to 9b The individual stripe sections in this case correspond in each case just 10 ms, and it is further desired to order with a difference value of more than c, the opening time of the nozzle would accordingly increase (which would therefore no longer correspond to the closing time), since the closing time yes not is reducible.

Conversely, would be at a desired addendum with a difference value of less than c in the embodiment according to 9b to increase the closing time, since the opening time in this case would not be reduced (reminder: in the embodiment according to 9b it was assumed that the illustrated strips result from opening times of 10 ms, which can not be exceeded). Although this is only a theoretical consideration, it should clarify a certain limit of the uniform opening and closing times.

Claims (10)

Method for greasing workpiece surfaces ( 14 ) with liquid to pasty greasing agent ( 27 ), in particular oil, characterized by the following steps: - testing a pre-greased workpiece surface ( 14 ) for determining the actual greasing state of the workpiece surface ( 14 ), location-related data representing, - comparison of the data with a desired Befettungs nominal state for the determination of location-related difference values (a, b, c), - re-greasing the workpiece surface ( 14 ) with a re-greasing device ( 10 ) taking into account the determined difference values (a, b, c). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the re-greasing device ( 10 ) separately controllable and in their delivery amount separately adjustable dispensing nozzles ( 17 ) which lubricants ( 27 ) and which in particular in a row (Q) transversely to the conveying direction (F) of the workpiece surface ( 14 ) are arranged. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test of the pre-greased workpiece surface ( 14 ) by a scanner ( 15 ), for example a laser scanner, takes place, which in particular a front side ( 24 ) of the re-greasing device ( 10 ), preferably at a distance (D) of less than 5 meters, more preferably less than 1 meter, even more preferably less than 0.5 meters. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the scanner ( 15 ) via a, in particular physical, interface of the re-greasing device ( 10 ) to the re-greasing device ( 10 ) and said said data transmitted, wherein the Nachbefettungsvorrichtung ( 10 ), in particular a control device ( 20 ) is assigned, which preferably calculates and takes into account said difference values (a, b, c). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workpiece surface ( 14 ) is subdivided, in particular grid-like, into, preferably rectangular, sectors (S), wherein for each sector (S) a difference value (a, b, c) is determined. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that for refilling a sector (S), in particular precisely, a nozzle Befettungsmittel ( 27 ) applied to the sector (S), wherein the application within the sector (S) intermittently, taking into account the determined difference value (a, b, c), in particular in the manner of a pulse width modulation, takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determined difference values (a, b, c) are the quantity or mass of the location-related, in particular in a sector (S), still nachzutragenden Befettungsmittels ( 27 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a portion of the workpiece surface ( 14 ), while at the same time another, in particular in the conveying direction (F) front, section of the workpiece surface ( 14 ) is already regreased. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the re-greasing device ( 10 ) Sensor means, such as rotary encoders ( 13 ) or photocell ( 25 ), for measuring and / or approximating the position of the workpiece surface ( 14 ) relative to the relubrication device ( 10 ), in particular their nozzles ( 17 ), having. Re-greasing device ( 10 ) for use in a method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising - controllable nozzles ( 17 ), in particular spraying, applying the Befettungsmittels ( 27 ) on a workpiece surface ( 14 ), - a transport device ( 13 ) for passing the workpiece surface ( 14 ) at the nozzles ( 17 ), - an interface for transmission of the Befettungs actual state of the workpiece surface ( 14 ), and a control device ( 20 ) for driving the nozzles ( 17 ) for the purpose of local relubrication of the workpiece surface ( 14 ) based on the data supplied via the interface.

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