DE19826507A1 - Flexible finishing module for processing workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The module has structural units with separate completely differently functioning tool side and workpiece side which fit together to form one or more finishing modules, finishing lines or workshop. Vertical alignment in the y-axis and horizontal alignment in the x-axis can be executed by attaching several independent work spindles (2) and workpiece supports which can process the same or different workpieces simultaneously. A tool changer can supply all the spindle units with tools.

Description

The invention relates to processing modules according to the preamble of claim 1.

Machines for processing workpieces are known, such as turning, milling, drilling, grinding and others. Machines that according to the state of the art have been further developed and numerically controlled, right down to machining centers with automatic tool and workpiece change, all the way to production systems put together for Come into play. Likewise, there are special machines and cycle lines for workpieces with large ones Numbers that are also designed to be more flexible and convertible in line with the trend.

From this historical development there are limits and disadvantages, which increase faster productivity, flexibility and a wider use of standardization and unification not, or only partially allow. Many development and automation variants are known, all of them serve the same purpose and only need to adapt to the different Ensure initial conditions.

The object of the invention is to leave this path as far as possible and to achieve the following advantages:

• - More workpieces per unit of time and per operator by simultaneously processing several identical or different workpieces up to the machining of one workpiece at the same time
• - Several, independently operating work spindles, in a processing module that is designed in such a way that the production area and height can be fully used by flexible work areas (x and y area) (some examples, for example, shown in Fig. 3).
• - The greatest possible universality based on the number of workpieces by the inventive design of the Machining module, so that from machining a single workpiece to cycle machining large Quantities everything is possible.
• - by structuring the processing modules and their components strictly divided and separated according to:

Tool side

• - with one or more work spindles of the same or different design
• - with separate tool change module
• - With separate tool storage of different sizes, for example shown in Fig. 1 for drilling, milling, etc. with 4 work spindles

Workpiece side

• - with one or more workstations adjustable in one axis in the form of Workpiece carriers
• - Configured with adjustable workpiece change frames from single piece frames to multi-station cycle frames, for example shown in Fig. 2 for 4 processing stations for processing prismatic parts.

This structure, which is continued in the control section, allows the expansion stages e.g. automation depending on Need from manual tool or workpiece change to automated in the processing module to Transfer to a next module (whether processing or storage module) to upgrade, convert or downgrade. This means that module components can be implemented within or above production areas are also interchangeable between companies in the loan process.

Another advantage is that the processing module can also be used with just a few changes and additions Horizontal execution of its tool and workpiece side can be carried out. With that further workpiece ranges and processing methods opened up.

All advantages of the machining module described below using the example of drilling and milling, etc. can also be reached with rotating parts (turning, grinding, etc. in one or separate processing modules) The work spindles are used against corresponding supports, and the workpiece round tables against chuck Drive replaced. Non-cutting processes can also be included in principle, that is the term Complete processing on a much higher level than can be realized.

Another advantage of the invention is the change in the control hierarchy.

In the processing module e.g. the individual workpiece machining programs entered accordingly the current range.

The machine control takes over all control including all changes that arise in the operative phase from the summary and sequence determination of the tool change preparation preparation up to the possible nesting of the machining processes according to given economic criteria using collision and simulation programs. For example, work spindle 1 frame milling, No. 2 can start drilling the core hole immediately after the space is cleared and then No. 3 with thread cutting etc. (if still manageable, the operator can also specify certain machining strategies and carry out nesting).

The technological preparation of production changes in so far as it meets the economic criteria Determines and specifies the processing module or module-related, as well as the module's maxing out oriented specification of the processing values as a kind of machine standard.

The workpiece program is therefore limited to geometry and work sequence.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described below. Show it:
Fig. 1: the tool side of a processing module

• - In a side view, the stand with 4 work spindle units
• - in a front view the same plus a tool changer and a tool storage
• - A top view of a work spindle unit

Fig.

2: the workpiece side of a processing module

• - In a perspective view, a workpiece carrier frame, two interchangeable fork frames, once as Lift frame with two forks and a cycle frame with five forks.

Figure 3: some examples of flexible workspaces in the y-plane with vertical design, which are analogous Also apply to the x-plane of a horizontal version of a processing module.

The tool side of a processing module according to FIG. 1 consists of a stand 1 of the 4 work spindle units 2 guided in the y direction on a continuous path. The y movement takes place via driven nuts 4 per work spindle unit on a fixed common spindle 3 . The x and z movement of the work spindle units is carried out using known means. The tool change could be done manually per work spindle unit, but also automatically, namely all spindle units of the machining module by a tool changer 5 . If required, a tool store 6 with, for example, 1-4 storage chains can be used as a module of the module.

The workpiece side of a processing module according to FIG. 2 consists of the components workpiece carrier frame 7, for example as a column frame with workpiece carriers 8 equipped for prismatic workpieces with a rotary table 9 on which the workpieces are placed, centered and clamped on workpiece change pallets 10 . The workpiece carriers 8 can be moved and locked in different height positions on the workpiece carrier frame 7 according to the assortment to be processed. Some of these positions are shown in connection with the work areas of the work spindle units 2 in FIG. 3. The workpieces can be changed on the workpiece carriers 8 including the workpiece pallet 10 directly by hand, but also automatically by means of an interchangeable fork frame 11 with two interchangeable forks 12 and 13 . One fork removes the finished workpiece with workpiece pallet 10 from the workpiece carrier 8 in question , the other fork transfers the new workpiece clamped onto the workpiece change pallet 10 in the interchangeable fork frame 11 at operating height.

If cycle machining is to be carried out in large quantities, a further interchangeable fork frame 14 with, for example, five forks with four workpiece carriers 8 is required, and an additional interchangeable position 15 and a transfer position 16 in the workpiece carrier frame 7 . In the cycle sequence, the changeable fork frame 11 passes to the changeable position 15 . When clocking, the interchangeable fork frame 14 takes over, for example, 5 workpieces and transfers it to the next workpiece carrier 8 and the finished workpiece to the transfer position 16 from which it takes over the interchangeable fork frame 11 .

The individual workpiece change can be accelerated if the changeable fork frame 14 is present when the changeable fork frame 11 transfers to the change position 15 and takes over the changeable fork frame 14 and holds it in the position of the workpiece carrier in question and transfers it immediately when the change is called.

Only one fork is required for this, the others are stopped at the transfer position 16 . This is achieved by locking the threaded nut 17 to the spindle 18 and releasing the lock on the interchangeable fork. In this way, the adjustment of the changeable forks into the respective position of the workpiece carriers 8 is also achieved .

Claims (5)

1. Flexible machining module for machining workpieces by means of known methods, characterized in that a tool side such as FIG. 1 and a workpiece side as shown in FIG. 2 and their automation modules function completely separately from one another as structural units, and thus their compilation into one or more machining modules, into a machining line, to a workshop and beyond, freely selectable and changeable depending on the order situation, range, technical and automation-related conditions 2. Flexible machining module according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical version in the y-axis and the horizontal version in the x-axis by attaching several independent work spindles ( 2 ) and workpiece carrier ( 8 ) the simultaneous processing of the same or different workpieces from each other independently or in the interleaved sequence with multiple spindles or in cycles. 3. Flexible machining module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a separately arranged tool changer ( 5 ) supplies all spindle units ( 2 ) with tools. 4. Flexible processing module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the workpiece carriers ( 8 ) in the workpiece carrier frame ( 7 ) by the workpiece change fork frames ( 11 ) and ( 14 ), the workpieces can be changed independently or simultaneously. 5. Flexible processing module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be converted as a vertical or horizontal version with little effort.