DE102011000107A1 - Processing apparatus e.g. numerical controlled or computerized numerical controlled lathe, for processing workpiece, has feeding device for directly loading and/or unloading tool in tool retainer that is provided in processing station - Google Patents

Abstract

The processing apparatus has a load side provided for a workpiece (8) and/or a tool (7), and a feeding device (9) for directly loading and/or unloading the tool in a tool retainer that is provided in a processing station. A tool magazine directly loads the tool using the feeding device or indirectly loads the tool using a loading device, where the loading device is connected between the feeding device and the tool magazine. The processing station supplies the tool to the tool magazine through a transfer station.

Description

The invention relates to a processing device with a housing according to the preamble of claim 1 and the independent use claim 8.

State of the art

From the prior art is particularly to the EP 0 355 455 A1 directed. In addition, is also on the US 7,547,270 B1 and the EP 1 754 568 A1 as well as the EP 1 733 840 A1 pointed.

In addition, various processing devices are known from the prior art. These processing devices are equipped by workers with machined workpieces or tools. In this case, the workpieces are loaded from a front side into the processing device. The loading with workpieces can also be done via a supply device.

In addition, it is also known from the prior art that the processing device, in particular a tool magazine located in the processing device, is manually loaded by a worker.

The disadvantage here is that a high personnel deployment is necessary and the machining process not only for equipping the processing device with workpieces must be stopped, but also for equipping with tools. This results in a loss of time, which, coupled with the use of labor leads to increase the cost of processing.

Various processing devices are known from the prior art, which contain a tool magazine for processing tools. These tool magazines allow automatic and self-sufficient machining of workpieces. In particular, this is the case when several different processing tools for complete machining are needed. Examples include CNC or NC controlled milling or turning machines used in many metal cutting production companies.

In addition, on the DE 10236342 A1 pointed. There, a method for loading tools in tool magazines and apparatus for performing such a method is known.

Also known are systems in which one or more processing devices are automated with respect to the workpiece feed. Examples of this are robot cells in which the provision of the workpieces, that is, the loading and unloading in / from the processing device is done automatically by an industrial robot. In special cases, the industrial robot is also able to load tools in spindle of the processing device or remove tools from the spindle.

State of the art are also systems in which machining tools are provided from a central memory in the local memory of the processing devices. In this case, separate handling devices are used, which are designed especially for the transport of processing tools.

Furthermore, plants are state of the art in which processing tools and workpieces are provided by separate handling devices the processing devices automatically. Examples include complex flexible manufacturing systems with automated tool flow.

The production of different workpiece variants in automatic mode and the increasing complexity of the workpieces to be machined on the processing devices requires a large number of tools. The capacity of the local tool storage integrated in the processing device is limited. When automating the workpiece delivery, therefore, the limitation of the local, close-to-machine tool storage is a barrier or even blockade for the realization of such flexible automation systems. An automated workpiece and tool feed by a handling device would be a significant advantage because a separate automation takes up a large amount of space and brings increased costs.

task

The object of the invention is to provide a processing device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and thereby ensures with existing means a complete supply of the processing device with workpieces and tools, thereby reducing personnel, money and time use. This applies both to the workpiece currently being processed and to a machining sequence of workpieces that is to take place without an interruption triggered by a tooling.

Solution of the task

To achieve the object leads, the characterizing part of claim 1 and the independent use claim. 8

A processing device according to the invention is either an NC (Numerical Control) or CNC machine. The abbreviation "CNC" stands for "Computerized Numerical Control". This means in more detail that the numerical control contains one or more microprocessors. External features include the screen, the keyboard and the ability to save, correct and automatically read in or read programs or correction data. As a rule, all common NC systems have at least one microprocessor, with which the terms can be regarded as synonyms. An advantage of using such processing devices is the fact that these machines can be easily controlled and operated automatically.

Preferably, the processing device has a housing. This housing serves to protect the surrounding field of the machining device during machining of a workpiece.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing device comprises a tool holder. The tool holder can accommodate one or more tools. The tool holder can be designed to rotate, so that the tool to be used by a partial rotation to a drive or a spindle can be moved, coupled, decoupled and operable. In addition, the tool holder cooperates with a supply device. The supply device can load tools directly into the tool holder or unload from the tool holder. In a tool holder, which can accommodate two tools, there is the advantage that a just unused slot of the tool holder during use of the tool in another slot, loadable and / or dischargeable.

Preferably, an opening is made in the housing, which is closable. It is advantageous here that the opening for the assembly of the processing device with workpieces or tools can be used. After the assembly, the opening can be closed and thus the protective function of the housing can be produced.

A preferred embodiment is designed in such a way that the processing device is loaded through the opening with tools or workpieces. The shape and size of the opening depends on the shape and size of the tools used or incorporated workpieces. The advantage here is that the processing device can be equipped by the same robot with tools, as he comes for the assembly of workpieces used.

Another preferred embodiment, in addition to the one opening for equipping the processing device with workpieces on another opening for mounting with tools. The advantage here is the fact that the provision of tools by the supply device to the processing device is decoupled from the processing process by the tool exchange takes place directly in the local tool magazine of the processing device or via a separate transfer point. This leads to the fact that there is no interruption of the machining process or the workpiece change process due to the tool provision.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing has at least three loading sides, wherein the at least one opening or the second opening is mounted on the same loading side of the housing. The at least one opening is preferably mounted on the loading side of the housing, which is approached by a supply device in order to load a workpiece into the processing device. The advantage here is the fact that existing systems can be automated with utilities after replacement of the processing device for assembly with tools.

In a preferred embodiment, the supply device is a robot for equipping the processing device. The utility is able to transport tools and workpieces together or separately. This supply device makes use of a memory for tools or workpieces and equips the processing device according to the specifications of a user. The advantage here is the fact that a full automation takes place and thereby costs are saved.

The memory represent shelves in a preferred embodiment. In this case, however, the workpieces and / or tools can also be on transport pallets. The supply device has a mobile storage that is designed so that one or more workpieces and one or more tools can be picked and transported therein while the provisioning process begins at the processing device. In this case, the transfer areas of the processing devices are to be designed so that the supply and removal of the workpieces and tools can be done from the same loading side. Workpieces are provided to the processing device directly on the processing station or on an additional buffer space. Tools are either exchanged directly via the machine tool magazine or via one or more transfer points. The processing device is designed so that the transfer of the tools can be decoupled from the processing process. The provisioning processes are controlled by a central cell computer, which is connected to the processing devices and the supply device and implements different provisioning strategies by means of a production control program.

A preferred embodiment has at least one transfer station. The transfer station is a transfer station, with tools being exchanged between the tool magazine and a processing station via the transfer station. It is advantageous that this leads to a smooth and rapid exchange of tools at the processing station.

A further loading unit according to the invention is suitable for removing the tool of the supply device brought from the supply device through the opening and for equipping the tool magazine. The advantage here is that the time that the supply device for equipping the processing device is shortened and thus capacities for the assembly of workpieces or the removal of machined workpieces or tools no longer used is shortened.

In a preferred embodiment, the control of the processing device, the supply device and the respective components takes place centrally via a controller. The controller is a calculator. The advantage here is that the central controller controls the process sequences in such a way that an uninterrupted machining process is ensured and the machining sequence of several workpieces is not interrupted by the tool preparation process

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the supply device can have a mobile storage in order to pick tools and workpieces. The advantage here is a faster reaction time of the supply device.

The invention described enables automated machining of different workpieces requiring a large number of tools for machining, with the economic advantage of a longer service life of the machining devices and, associated therewith, higher added value of the production line. The ability to provide on a processing device from a loading side and in spatial accessibility with a handling tools and workpieces, such systems require a smaller footprint, have cost advantages through the use of twice the handling device and allow better accessibility of the processing devices, as these only on the loading side has difficult access.

The loading into the tool magazine, either directly or via a transfer station, allows a tool exchange without interrupting the machining process. This increases the service life of the processing devices. Through the handling device and the central tool and workpiece storage, a continuous exchange of tools on the processing device can take place while the processing process is running. This allows an automated, unmanned production of extensive workpiece variants over longer periods and at economically optimal conditions.

The tool magazine is in an embodiment of the invention on the back of the processing device, so the opening facing the loading side. It is therefore advantageous if a device is present, which decreases the tools, which are spent by the supply device in the machine on or in the opening and transported into the tool magazine. It is advantageous here that the supply device is only briefly claimed and can then continue with another activity. It is also advantageous that already in use processing devices can be used by introducing an opening and the use of the device to remove the tools. The advantage here is that previously only partially automated processing devices could be fully automated by small investment use.

Brief description of the figures

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in

1 a front view of a processing device according to the invention;

2 a side view of a supply device according to the invention

3 a front view of a memory;

4 a plan view of an arrangement of a processing device according to the invention, a supply device and a memory.

In 1 is a processing device 1 shown. This has a housing 2 which in turn is a loading side 3 shows. On the loading side 3 of the housing 2 is a bigger opening 4 to recognize, being behind the opening 4 a processing station 5 is disclosed. This workstation 5 usually represents a spindle, which with a in 2 shown tool 7 together a likewise in 2 shown workpiece 8th can edit.

The processing station 5 may include a tool holder not shown in detail, which one or more slots for tools 7 offers, which, for example, by rotation with the spindle in operative connection can be brought / are.

On the loading side 3 is next to one in relation to the opening 4 smaller opening 6 shown. This opening 6 serves to accommodate the tool 7 , The workpiece 8th turn into the opening 4 spent.

In 2 is a utility 9 to recognize. This supply device 9 consists of a floor element 10 and an arm articulated to the floor member 11 , The arm 11 turn is articulated with another arm 12 connected. Both arms 11 . 12 are telescopically extendable. Besides, are on the arm 12 again two decreases 13 . 14 attached, which are also telescopically extendable. On the arm 13 is the workpiece 8th and on the arm 14 the tool 7 to recognize.

3 shows a memory 15 , This store 15 is shown here as a shelf. However, it is also conceivable that the memory 15 is designed as a pallet, box, high rack or fully automatic logistics shelf. The memory 15 has a receiving surface 16 , which are used to hold workpieces 8th suitable is. There is also a recording area 17 shown which the inclusion of tools 7 serves. It is also conceivable that two memory 15 are used, with one of the memory 15 then only tools 7 and the other storage could then only pick up workpieces.

In 4 is a sectional plan view of a processing device according to the invention 1 shown. In the processing device 1 It's easy to see how the tool works 7 through the arm 14 over the opening 6 in the processing device 1 was spent. The workpiece 8th , which now through the opening 4 to the processing station 5 is available in 4 still on his arm 13 shown. Moreover, in 4 a memory 15 shown from which the utility 9 other workpieces 8th and tools 7 remove and the processing device 1 could lead to.

Moreover, in 4 shown as inside the processing device 1 a loading device 18 a tool magazine 19 can equip. It is also conceivable that the tool magazine 19 attached in the way that it passes through the utility 9 directly and without the intermediary loading device 18 could be equipped. For this it is conceivable that the tool magazine 19 directly at the opening 6 is appropriate. The tool magazine 19 could in this embodiment also from the housing 2 Be movable.

Besides that is in the processing device 1 a transfer station 20 shown which the workstation 5 with tools 7 from the Wekzeugmagazin 19 provided. This happens over two arms 22 . 21 , It is also conceivable that more than one transfer station 20 is used.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0355455 A1 [0002]
• US 7547270 B1 [0002]
• EP 1754568 A1 [0002]
• EP 1733840 A1 [0002]
• DE 10236342 A1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Processing device with a loading side ( 3 ) for a workpiece ( 8th ) and / or a tool ( 7 ), characterized in that the provision of the tool ( 7 ) and / or the workpiece ( 8th ) from the loading side ( 3 ) and in spatial accessibility of a care facility ( 9 ), wherein the tool ( 8th ) can be loaded directly into a tool holder and / or can be unloaded directly from the tool holder, wherein the tool supply without interrupting a continuous processing of the workpiece ( 8th ) he follows. Machining device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply device ( 9 ) a memory ( 15 ). Machining device according to claim 2, characterized in that the supply device ( 9 ) a tool memory ( 16 ). Machining device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supply device ( 9 ) a workpiece storage ( 17 ). Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tool magazine ( 19 ), suitable for direct loading by the supply device ( 9 ) or for indirect loading via a loading device ( 18 ), wherein the loading device ( 18 ) between the supply device ( 9 ) and the tool magazine ( 19 ) is switched. Machining device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tool magazine ( 19 ) a processing station ( 5 ) via at least one transfer station ( 20 ) provided. Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a central control. Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a processing station comprises a tool holder. Use of a processing device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the following steps: - the workpiece is replaced by the supply device ( 9 ) through the opening, - the tool is connected via the supply device ( 9 ) through one opening or another opening, - the tool is either via a loading unit or directly through the supply device ( 9 ) loaded into the tool magazine, - the processing device removes the tool from the tool magazine and equipped a processing station with the tool. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that the workpiece after processing by the supply device ( 9 ) is taken.

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