DE102017217878A1 - Apparatus and method for handling pallets - Google Patents

Abstract

In the apparatus for handling pallets (P1, P2) dockable in docking casings (V) to pivoting arms (11) in a machining center (M), the docking casings (V) being provided at paired upper and lower docking positions (1a, b; ) Have locking devices (RU, RO), the docking positions (la, lb, IIa, IIb) are respectively arranged along a holding member passageway (K) for passing through the lower docking positions. In the method of handling pallets (P1, P2), the docking housings (V) travel over the lower docking positions (Ib, IIb) for docking protruding support members of the second pallet (P2) in a horizontal setup position to the upper docking positions (la , IIb).

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of patent claim 13.

Machining centers with horizontally oriented Z-axis (so-called horizontal centers) are operated with very large pallets of, for example, up to 8 m in length and 3 m in width. These pallets are prepared in a horizontal position (set-up position) (equipped with raw parts) and disassembled after processing (finished parts are removed from the pallet). For machining, the equipped pallet is swiveled into vertical position in the machining center and tightened. After processing, the pallet is loosened and returned to the horizontal position and stored.

In a horizontal position, the plates occupy a great deal of space, which in conventional pallet stations for adjacent pallets, which are moved translationally between storage, set-up and loading positions, requires very large space requirements. With a pallet size of, for example, 4 mx 2 m, a pallet station requires at least 20 m ^{2 of} floor space for two adjacent pallets, which are processed and prepared alternately. To significantly reduce this area, solutions are known in which two pallets are alternately deposited on the same surface and fed alternately to the machining center. In this case, the manipulation of the pallets between the shelf and the machining center with a special handling device forming device that is at least temporarily able to manipulate two pallets simultaneously. In this case, the change, the so-called Vertaktschritt, be performed between the to be removed from the machining center and the pallet to be supplied to the machining pallet during the change operation using turning devices. The space required for storing the pallets drops below 10 m ² .

The handling device of the machining center comprises two swivel arms forming a pivoting device, by means of which each pallet is movable between the horizontal and the vertical position, over a swivel angle of approximately 90 °, as well as turning devices arranged on the swivel arms, with which one or two, then back to back docked in Andockgehäusen the turning facilities pallets can be turned 180 ° about a horizontal axis. The handling device can assume at least three positions, namely a set-up or handling position, a turning position, and a clamping or production position in the machining center. The turning devices can be moved on the pivoting arms between at least two positions, which differ in each case from the pallet facing the working space of the machining center. The pallets are always docked in the docking housings in such a way that the functional side of the pallet is oriented away from the horizontal axis of the turning devices with any workpieces or devices clamped, if necessary.

The technical information document "Handtmann, Ideas with a Future" HBZ horizontal machining centers, the company Handtmann A-Punkt Automation GmbH, D 88255 Baienfurt, shows on pages 8, 6 and 7 for the type HBZ AeroCell the use of such a handling device at a machining center.

The basic version of automated pallet manipulation for a standalone machining center handles two pallets. These are in each case firmly connected to the machining center via energy and media feeds, that is, although they can be turned over and fed individually to the machining, they can not be removed individually from the machining center and, for example, removed from the machining center. store externally. For standalone machining centers, two pallets are needed. Given the long lifecycle of component processing in stand-alone machining centers, this is sufficient for many applications because a second pallet can be pre-equipped during runtime, which is ready at the end of the working day and can be changed.

A well-known from practice, associated with the respective turning device docking housing has at both ends of each upper and lower docking positions defining blocks on which attack at the end of the bottom of a pallet and mounted within the pallet outline wedge clamp and dock the pallet to the blocks. Only one docking position can be used for docking a pallet, which faces the wedge tensioner or the underside of the pallet on the docking housing.

In machining cells where multiple machining centers are interlinked on which a high variance of parts is produced, it is necessary to pre-equip a plurality of pallets or, if not needed, to temporarily store in storage systems, for example pallet racks. The pallets are fed to the machining centers depending on the production task and priority of the respective parts. For this purpose, it is imperative to be able to remove pallets individually from the machining centers and to be able to bring them in as well as to temporarily store them in suitable stores, for example shelves. A fixed installation of Energy and / or media supplies, as known from other systems implemented in practice, is then not possible.

The invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method which make it possible to remove pallets, especially from in linked to processing cells machining centers individually and bring in, with excessively large shelves for pallets omitted.

The stated object is achieved with the features of claim 1 and the features of claim 13.

Thanks to the support member passageway in the docking housing, along which the respective upper and lower docking positions are placed in the path of movement of the pivot arms, each pallet can be placed in the correct position in the automation or the docking housings to a finished first pallet from the machine remove and immediately bring a new second equipped palette can. This is made possible by the fact that the second pallet is docked with its above the palette-front ends projecting holding members in the upper, machine-oriented docking docking the docking, by the holding members in the movement of the docking housing on the lower, the machining center opposite docking positions away to the upper Go through docking positions and dock there. The passageway is configured and arranged such that each pallet retaining member moves from a high side of the docking case through the lower to upper docking position when the pivoting arm appropriately pivots the docking housing relative to the pallet end. Since the stored pallet lies horizontally on a support surface or transport vehicle while it is being docked, and in machining centers linked in a cell, e.g. longitudinally, in front of each other machining center must be moved, the docking housing must pivot from above partially over the pallet front ends away down until the support members are traversed in the passageways in the upper docking positions and docked there. The locking devices in the lower docking positions remain solved. With this design, the docking housing and the device forming the handling device with the pivoting function and the turning function, two pallets can be handled back to back. Furthermore, at any time a pallet can be removed or picked up individually. The possibility of driving through certain docking positions makes it possible to fulfill the urgent need for a respective correct mounting of a pallet in the docking housings, which can be achieved e.g. in machining cells from chained machining centers is of considerable advantage.

In the method, it is possible, by passing through at certain docking positions over the other docking positions, to individually pick up and place a pallet in the correct position and to remove and deposit one pallet to another machining center or, for example, in a pallet rack while a palette is being edited. It will always go through the lower to upper docking position when picking up a horizontal pallet. Passage is made possible by the holding members projecting from the pallet end faces into the swiveling range of the docking housings and the through passages open to the holding members in the docking casings moved by the swivel arms.

The upper and lower docking positions in the docking housings are, e.g. in relation to the ground on which the respective machining center stands.

In an expedient embodiment, the interlocking means located in each of the outboard pivoting outer sides and the pallet facing front sides of the docking housings are individually and / or mutually interlocked, i. e.g. in pairs, adjustable between holding and release positions. The changes are made by a central control device of the machining center using appropriate drives.

Conveniently, each locking device at the respective docking position in the docking housing synchronously in opposite directions rotatable pair of similar star-shaped, holding disks with regularly distributed arms and intervening receiving recesses for cooperation with a holding member, and a backdrop in the docking housing in the direction of the axes of rotation of the retaining disks between holding - And release positions of the locking device is displaceable. The scenery has, for example, a pair of laterally open retaining disk locking apertures adapted to the shape of the retaining washers and therebetween a retaining member retaining recess. Each retaining member is introduced by a corresponding pivotal movement of the pivot arms between the pair of retaining washers approximately in the direction of passage of the passageway. The retaining washers at the lower docking position are rotated until the support member reaches the upper docking position by the retaining discs of the upper docking position, after which the link is moved linearly, thus blocking the retaining washers and the Determines holding member in the retaining recess. This locking device is structurally simple, reliable and space saving in the docking housed.

In an expedient embodiment, each holding member in the form of a holding bolt projecting at a front end of the pallet on a, preferably cylindrical, neck portion and at the end of the neck portion in the outer diameter relative to the neck portion enlarged cylindrical or polygonal collar. In order to be able to properly insert and dock the retaining bolt during the movement of the docking housing, the pair of retaining disks in each rotational position define mutually facing receiving recesses with the arms in the passageway, e.g. a distance smaller than the diameter of the neck portion, and define the mutually facing receiving recesses a distance smaller than the diameter of the collar. The neck section moves when receiving the lying pallet between and the collar behind the retaining washers of the pair, so that the retaining bolt passes through the lower docking position between the retaining discs of the upper docking position and only there is docked in the retaining recess of the backdrop. The retaining disks thus fulfill a guiding function and are in the engaged state an extraction protection for the retaining bolt. Other versions of protruding holding members are possible.

To lock the retaining pin exactly in the docking position, it is advantageous if the retaining recess of the link in shape and size is closely matched to the collar of the retaining bolt. For example, both the collar and the retaining recess may be cylindrical or conical or polygonal.

To be able to change the scenery quickly and precisely between the holding and release positions, it is expedient if the gate on at least one outer side has an oblique groove, in which engages a movable with a push rod sliding block, which is linearly guided in the docking housing Push rod with an actuating end extends to the outside of one example external drive to be actuated. Alternatively, the drive of the push rod could also be accommodated in the docking housing.

In order to ensure a uniform force transmission to the backdrop, it is advantageous if the backdrop has on both outer sides facing away from each other in the same direction oblique grooves mounted on a pair of motion-coupled push rods sliding blocks.

In order to ensure an opposite synchronous rotational movement of the retaining disks when passing through the retaining bolt, the pair of retaining disks may be forcibly coupled via meshing, equal-sized gears. For the rotational movement of the retaining disks no drive is required, but the retaining disks are rotated during the movement of the pivot arms by the relative movement between the retaining bolt and the docking housing.

Conveniently, the push rods are e.g. operated with an electric motor serving as a drive, hydraulic cylinder or linear motor.

The turning device of each swivel arm is expediently drivable via a drive which, for example, comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a chain, or an electric motor with a gear.

The swivel arm itself can be driven, for example, via a hydraulic cylinder serving as a drive or an electric linear motor or an electric motor with a gear. Alternative drive concepts are also possible for the turning device and the swivel arm.

To ensure that the locking devices not give up their holdings uncontrolled except for the pallet recording or dispensing, so stay securely locked, the locking devices are mechanically locked in the holding position, for example via acting on the push rods Kugelverrastungen in docking.

Furthermore, it may be procedurally expedient that, when the first pallet is in the production position, the second pallet picked up is turned by approximately 180 ° in the case of partially raised pivot arms, so that its set-up side faces outward, and the overrun lower docking positions for docking the first, in FIG Point the production pallet to the first pallet, pick it up when needed, and then handle both pallets back to back at the same time.

Furthermore, in order to jointly manipulate both pallets with docked first and second pallets held back to back in the docking housings, it is desirable for the first and second pallets to be articulated on partially lowered pivot arms, i. in turning position of the pivot arms, are turned together by about 180 ° about the horizontal axis of the turning devices, then the second pallet is brought and released by pivoting the pivot arms in the clamping or production position, and finally that at partially lowered pivot arms, i. in turning position of the pivot arms, the first, already removed and processed pallet turned and stored in the horizontal position and released.

By offered as a result of the passageways in the docking housings and the protruding support members options for individual docking of one or two pallets, the device can be adapted to the particular work request use individually, which is particularly advantageous for several concatenated machining centers that optionally equipped with pallets or need to be emptied of pallets without wasting unnecessary time and floor space for these steps. However, the docking housings can also be used in a standalone machining center.

• 1 eine Vorderansicht eines Andockgehäuses einer Vorrichtung mit Schwenk-Wende-Automation zum Handhaben von Paletten,
• 2 eine Rückansicht zu 1,
• 3 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Andockgehäuses in einer Ansicht ähnlich der von 1,
• 4 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Andockgehäuses in einer Ansicht ähnlich der von 2,
• 5 eine Perspektivdarstellung eines als Haltebolzen ausgebildeten Halteglieds,
• 6 eine Perspektivdarstellung einer Kulisse als Teil des Andockgehäuses der 1 bis 4, und
• 7 bis 14 Perspektivansichten eines Bearbeitungszentrums (Horizontal-Bearbeitungszentrum, z.B. als Teil einer Zelle verketteter Bearbeitungszentren) beim Handhaben zweiter Paletten.

An embodiment of the subject invention as well as a method for handling pallets will be explained with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a front view of a docking housing of a device with swivel-turning automation for handling pallets,
• 2 a rear view too 1 .
• 3 an exploded perspective view of the docking in a view similar to that of 1 .
• 4 an exploded perspective view of the docking in a view similar to that of 2 .
• 5 a perspective view of a retaining pin designed as a retaining member,
• 6 a perspective view of a backdrop as part of the docking of the 1 to 4 , and
• 7 to 14 Perspective views of a machining center (horizontal machining center, eg as part of a cell of linked machining centers) when handling second pallets.

One in the 1 to 4 shown docking box V has a cuboid base body 1 on, in which, for example, in a central internally toothed bore 2 an externally toothed shaft 12 one in a swivel arm 11 arranged turning device 31 intervenes. The docking case V is at the turning device 31 established. A pair of swivel arms 11 is for example on a base frame of a machining center M fastened with a horizontal Z-axis (see 7 to 14 ). A drive 32 the turning device 31 in the swivel arm 11 includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder and a chain, or an electric motor and a transmission. A drive 30 of the swivel arm 11 For example, it may include a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear cylinder or linear motor or an electric motor and a transmission. The axes of rotation of the turning devices 31 the swivel arms 11 define a common horizontal axis.

On both sides of the hole 2 having central section of the housing 1 are in the docking case V upper and lower locking devices RO . RU arranged one below the other. In the 1 and 2 lower side of the case 1 points to the ground, for example. The locking devices RO . RU are the same as each other.

Each locking device RO . RU points in 1 a pair of regularly star-shaped equal-sized holding discs 3 on that in the docking case V perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in 1 lying rotary axes are rotatable and on both sides of a here, for example, to the upper and lower outer sides of the housing 1 continuously extending passageway K are placed with intermediate distances. The passageway K is on a front side of the docking case V open. Every holding disc 3 For example, has six outwardly projecting arms 7 , between these concave rounded recesses 8th lie. In the rotational position of the retaining washers 3 in 1 with mutually facing receiving recesses 8th define the arms 7 an intermediate distance 9 which is smaller than a diameter d of an in 5 shown retaining bolt B as a holding member of the pallet P1 . P2 , At each front end of the pallet P1 . P2 ( 5 ) are, for example, two protruding retaining bolts B attached. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, an approximately elliptical backdrop 4 in 1 behind the retaining washers 3 installed in detail in 6 is shown.

The four locking devices RO . RU define in the two passageways K two upper docking positions Ia . ib and two lower docking positions IIa . IIb , related to the ground (in 1 below).

In 1 Bottom right is a retaining bolt when picking up a pallet in a horizontal setup or storage position B with his neck section 10 when driving through to the upper docking position ib still at the lower docking position IIb shown. The neck section 10 sits with radial play between the receiving recesses 8th the holding disks 3 , The docking case V becomes from this intermediate phase by means of the pivot arms 11 Moved in the direction of the curved arrows until the upper docking position ib at the retaining bolt B lies.

To the locking devices RO . RU to operate individually or in pairs or alternately, are in the housing 1 perpendicular to the directions of the axes of the retaining washers 3 linear guided, parallel push rods 5 provided in the embodiment shown with actuating ends outwardly of the housing 1 extend and over a cross yoke 6 are positively coupled. At the cross yoke 6 may be a schematically indicated drive 33 attack the push rods 5 each shift between the holding and the release position back and forth. The drive 33 is for example a hydraulic cylinder or a linear electric motor. The operation of the locking devices RO . RV could also be done in other ways.

The rear view of the docking case V in 2 shows each a pair of meshing, equal sized gears 13 that with the retaining washers 3 in 1 are connected and when retracting the retaining bolt B force their synchronous counter-rotating movement. In the middle section of the housing 1 outside is the hole 2 surrounding a ring body 14 for example, with position sensors, a scanner 15 and a holder 16 installed.

In the exploded view in 3 you can see that the case front of the case 1 , except the passageways K , through cover plates, as well as the upper and lower sides of the housing 1 , Are completed. Further clarified 3 the two pairs of holding disks 3 and the two scenes 4 the left side of the case 1 ,

In the exploded view in 4 are the two pairs push rods 5 with their transverse yokes 6 recognizable. At every pushrod 5 is a sliding block 18 attached. Furthermore, ball locks 19 for mechanically locking the push rods 5 in two positions (holding and release position) indicated, for example, the circumferential grooves of the push rods 5 interact.

The basis 1 already mentioned, in 5 shown retaining bolts B at the front end of the respective pallet P1 . P2 is eg with a flange 21 attached to the pallet, such that the neck portion 10 with an end arranged, for example, cylindrical or polygonal collar 22 from the front end of the pallet P1 . P2 extends away. The Bund 22 has a diameter D bigger than the diameter d of the neck section 10 and serves to set the retaining bolt B behind the retaining washers 3 in the respective docking position in the passageway K ,

In the 6 shown scenery 4 has a solid, for example, one-piece, housing 34 on, in which on the upper and lower sides in the same direction oblique grooves 35 are formed, in which the at the push rods 5 arranged sliding blocks 18 engage, such that upon displacement of the push rods 5 , as in 1 hinted, the scenery 4 in the docking case V in the direction of an arrow 36 between the holding position 38 and the release position 37 is linearly displaceable.

The scenery 4 has on its front a central retaining recess 41 For example, cylindrical or polygonal shape, to the direction of insertion of the retaining bolt B or the federal government 22 Einführmulden 42 can lead to extensions 43 the scenery 4 are shaped. The retaining recess 41 is in shape and size close to the waistband 22 adapted, and for example cylindrical or polygonal. On both sides of the retaining recess 41 are in the scenery 4 on two at least one side open barrier openings 39 shaped, which has a contour with outward, convexly rounded hollows 40 adapted to the outer contour of each retaining disc 3 exhibit. It could only be a blocking opening 39 suffice.

In the release position 37 the scenery 4 this is from the holding disks 3 solved, which are thus freely rotatable. In the holding position 38 is the backdrop 4 over the retaining washers 3 shifted so that they are locked against rotation, and is the covenant 22 of the retaining bolt B in the retaining recess 41 recorded and the retaining bolt B or the pallet P1 . P2 docked. The push rods 5 are at least in the holding and possibly the release positions 37 . 38 the scenery 4 , as mentioned, mechanically locked.

To dock a palette, such as the palette P2 in a horizontal setup or storage position, are all locking devices RO . RU in their release positions, so that the retaining washers 3 are freely rotatable. Now the docking cases V with the swivel arms 11 and possibly oriented by the turning devices 31 Coming from above so over the two retaining bolts B moved (directions of movement by arrows in 1 shown) that their neck sections 10 first against the arms 7 the holding disks 3 butt and the retaining washers 3 continue to turn one pitch until the neck section 10 ( 1 ) first the lower (pointing to the ground) docking position IIa . IIb reached. Each retaining bolt moves B with the covenant 22 and the neck section 10 behind the lower retaining washers 3 in the respective passageway K on and to the upper docking position Ia . ib by.

To the pallet P2 in the upper docking positions Ia . ib to dock, the retaining bolts move B after leaving the lower retaining washers 3 between the upper, then rotating holding discs 3 until they are in the upper docking positions Ia . ib by actuating the upper locking devices RO be docked. To the pallet P2 from the docking cases V To solve, the retaining bolts move B at least when switched to the release orders locking devices RO from the passageways K out. The other palette P1 can, if desired, in the vertical production position in the then free bottom docking positions IIa . IIb be docked.

Based on 7 to 14 becomes a possible procedure when using the on the basis of 1 to 6 illustrated docking box V the device of the machining center M in the case of possible pallet handling, also using the example of a machining cell of linked machining centers M explained.

7 shows a machining center M as part of the cell on the floor, where eg rails 23 for a in 8th shown dolly 27 are transversely laid.

In 7 there is a first palette P1 , eg with raw or finished parts, already in their vertical production position in the machining center M , with her back 25 facing outward. A second palette P2 is horizontally, for example in the set-up position, provided, in which their at least one blank-bearing setup side 24 points upwards. The swivel arms 11 with the docking cases V are pivoted downwards and partly over the pallet front ends in an approximately horizontal position, so that the retaining bolts B of the second pallet P2 first in the lower docking positions IIa . IIb retract, but are not locked, but up in the upper docking positions Ia . ib drive through and docked there.

In the phase in 8th become the swivel arms 11 it swings up to 45 ° and becomes the docked second pallet P2 in the direction of an arrow 26 turned by about 90 °, leaving the setup side 24 facing outward. As a result, the pivot arms 11 is further pivoted to an approximately vertical position and becomes the second pallet P2 while continuing to turn until according to 9 is approximately vertical, with her set-up side 24 outward from the machining center M points, and both pallets P1 . P2 Lying back to back. Once the machining of the parts on the first pallet P1 is completed, becomes the first palette P1 with their retaining bolts B in the free lower docking positions IIa . IIb the docking case V docked.

Subsequently to the phase of 10 become the swivel arms 11 lowered to about 45 °, and both pallets P1 . P2 about the horizontal axis of the pivoting devices 31 turned, so now the set up side 24 the first pallet P1 with the finished parts to the outside, however, the set-up side 24 the second pallet P2 with the blanks to the machining center M point. The turn continues, at the same time the swivel arms 11 brought into near vertical position until finally in the phase of 11 both pallets P1 . P2 are oriented approximately vertically, ie, the second pallet P2 finally determined in the production position. During this phase, the first pallet hangs P1 at the back of the second pallet P2 until the second pallet P2 from the upper docking positions Ia . ib is released and in the machining center M remains.

In the sequence and up to the phase according to 12 become the swivel arms 11 lowered to approximately 45 °, so that the back 25 the first pallet P1 from the back 25 the tense second palette P2 triggers, and becomes the first palette P1 in the direction of the arrow 28 turned by almost 180 °, so that in the phase according to 13 the setup page 24 with the finished or semi-finished parts of the first pallet P1 obliquely upwards, before further lowering the pivot arms 11 finally the phase according to 14 is reached, in which the first pallet P1 with upturned setup side 24 in the horizontal position on the vehicle 27 or a pad is stored. Now, undoing the locking devices RU from the first pallet P1 the swivel arms 11 swung in approximately vertical positions and is the first range P1 for removal, for example, in the direction of the arrow 29 either to a pallet warehouse or for further processing of semi-finished parts to another processing center M ready.

In the phase in 14 can the docking case V the second palette P2 in the upper docking positions Ia, Ib, if the machining is completed, or can the pivot arms 11 remain in the ready position without first the second pallet P2 but then like in 7 to be used to pick up a single horizontal pallet.

The machining center M can be operated with the illustrated device in the standalone process.

Claims (15)

Device for handling pallets (P1, P2) in a machining center (M) with a substantially horizontal Z-axis, in particular in a machining center (M) of a production cell, which consists inter alia of a plurality of linked machining centers (M), for pivoting a Pallet from a horizontal set-up or storage position in a vertical production position in the machining center (M), for pivoting out of the machining center and to change between a equipped with at least one blank and a processed pallet on which at least one precast part is stretched, with turning the back-to-back in docking housings (V) of the device docked pallets about a horizontal axis in a Vertaktschritt, for which the device on both sides pivotable swivel arms (11) of the pallet ends, each with a turning device (31) and docking housings (V) with locking devices (RO, RU) attached to the axes of rotation of the turning devices (31) defining the horizontal axis, in each case at upper and lower docking positions (Ia, Ib; IIa, IIb) for on each pallet (P1, P2) provided holding members, characterized in that for driving through each over a front end of the pallet (P1, P2) projecting holding member of the lower, the machining center (M) facing away docking position (IIa, IIb ) to the upper docking position (la, lb) in the docking box (V) and docking in the upper docking position, the lower and upper docking positions are respectively placed along a tie-bar passageway (K) in the docking box (V). Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that in at least one of the lower docking position (IIa, IIb) facing outside and the pallet (P1, P2) facing the front side of the docking (V) open holding member passageway (K) arranged locking devices (RO, RU) individually and / or mutually switchable between holding and releasing positions (38, 37). Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the locking device (RU, RO) of the respective docking position (la, b; IIa, b) a synchronously in opposite directions rotatable pair of similar star-shaped, preferably equal, holding discs (3) with regularly distributed arms (7) and intermediate receiving recesses ( 8) and a link (4) which is displaceable in the direction of the axes of rotation of the retaining disks (3) between the holding and releasing positions (38, 37) of the locking device (RO, RU) and at least one, preferably a pair, laterally more open Retaining disc locking openings (39) adapted to the shape of the holding discs (3) and between a holding member holding recess (41) has. Device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that each holding member (B), preferably of at least two on the pallet (P1, P2) at the front end protruding holding members (B), a, preferably cylindrical neck portion (10) and at the end of the neck portion (10) a in the outer diameter (D) relative to the neck portion (10) enlarged, preferably cylindrical or polygonal collar (22), wherein, preferably, the pair of retaining discs (3) in each rotational position with mutually facing receiving recesses (8) with the arms (7) in the passageway (K) a distance (9) smaller than the diameter (d) of the neck portion (10) and the mutually facing receiving recesses (8) define a distance smaller than the diameter (D) of the collar (22). Device according to one of Claims 3 and 4 , characterized in that the holding recess (44) is closely matched in shape and size to the collar (22) of the retaining bolt (B). Device after Claim 3 , characterized in that the link (4) on at least one outer side an oblique groove (35) into which a with a push rod (5) transversely to the direction of the axes of rotation of the retaining discs (3) movable sliding block (18) engages, wherein the push rod (5) with an actuating end of the docking housing (V) extends outwardly. Device after Claim 6 , characterized in that the link (4) on both outer sides of the same direction oblique grooves (35) mounted on a pair of motion-coupled push rods (5) sliding blocks (18). Device after Claim 3 , characterized in that the pair of retaining washers (3) is positively coupled via meshing gears (13). Device after Claim 6 , characterized in that the push rods (5) with a drive (33) serving as hydraulic cylinder or electric motor or linear motor can be actuated. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the turning device (31) of the pivot arm (11) via a drive (32) serving as a hydraulic cylinder and a chain or an electric motor with gear can be driven. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the pivot arm (11) via a drive (30) serving as hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear motor or an electric motor with gear can be driven. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking devices (RO, RU) except the horizontal setup position and the substantially vertical clamping position of the pallet (P1, P2) corresponding pivotal positions of the pivot arms (11) in the holding positions (38) mechanically are locked, preferably on Kugelverrastungen (19, 20) of the push rods (5). Method for handling pallets (P1, P2) in a machining center (M) with a substantially horizontal Z-axis, in particular in a machining center (M) of a production cell, which consists inter alia of several linked machining centers (M), for pivoting in Pallet (P2) from a horizontal set-up or storage position in a vertical production position in the machining center (M), for swinging out of the machining center (M) and for switching between a equipped with at least one blank and a processed pallet (P1) on the at least a finished part is stretched, with turning the back-to-back in docking (V) a handling device docked pallets (P1, P2) about a horizontal axis in a Vertaktschritt, for which the device on both sides of the pallet ends pivotable pivot arms (11), each with a turning device (31) and to the horizontal axis defining axes of rotation of the turning means (31) mounted docking housings (V) with locking devices (RU) respectively at upper and lower docking positions (la, Ib, IIa, IIb) provided for each pallet holding members, characterized characterized in that preferably in one in the production position in the processing ngszentrum (M) arranged first pallet (P1) for docking the second, located in the setup or storage position pallet (P2) the docking housing (V) with the pivot arms (11) coming from above the holding members of the second pallet (P2) through the lower docking positions (IIa, IIb) to go through to the upper docking positions (Ia, IIa), and that the holding members of the second pallet P2 are subsequently docked in the upper docking positions (la, Ib). Method according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the second, with their retaining bolts (B) in the upper docking positions docked pallet (P2) is turned at 180 ° partially pivoted up pivot arms (11) until the lower docking positions (Ib, IIb) of the docking housing (V) for docking the holding members (B) of the first pallet (P1) located in the production position for this purpose. Method according to at least one of Claims 13 to 14 , characterized in that with the support members (B) in the docking housings (V) docked first and second pallets (P1, P2) with partially lowered pivot arms (11) both pallets (P1, P2) by 180 ° are turned on, that then the second pallet (P2) is brought into the production position in the machining center (M) and released, and that finally with partially lowered pivot arms (11), the first removed pallet (P1) turned by about 180 ° and is released in the substantially horizontal transport or storage position.

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