EP1063031A2 - Press arrangement with automatic tool changing - Google Patents

Abstract

Each of the magazines (51) contains a press tool (16) having operation specific workpiece holding fixtures and a control system to enable the operation to proceed or not. Tools (23) are transported on a sliding table (22) to the magazines.

Description

The invention relates to a press system, in particular a large section press, such as a body press.

Press lines are facilities that last for a long time Remain in use for periods, with the change the parts to be manufactured in the press systems. E.g. at Body presses for the manufacture of body parts are at the latest when a model is changed in the Press machine to provide new tools to change the To be able to manufacture body parts. It is increasing however also required while a model series is in progress to convert the press. E.g. can be required on the same press system To manufacture body parts of different series, that require specific tools. Except the Tools are usually other facilities the press system, workpiece-specific. E.g. for transportation the workpieces from workstation to workstation Transfer devices have receptacles or grippers for the workpieces that, at least in some cases, the workpiece counter are adjusted. Such often are also known as tooling grippers or holders then switch with the tools. The tools are mostly on moving tables (so-called sliding tables) out of and into the press system. Occasionally, the sliding tables are additional provided with tooling receptacles for tool changing from the transfer device to the sliding tables handed over and with them out of the press or in this is driven back in.

It is also known from DE 19515606 A1 gripping devices provided a transfer device, if they are not required to store in busbars. The Transfer device has two arranged parallel to each other Guide rails on each other towards and from each other away and vertically movable. Both Movement directions are via appropriate drives operated. The gripping devices are on the guide rails longitudinally displaceable. The guide rail contains Stators of linear motors, while the gripping devices of which contain or form linearly movable anchors. In connection at one end of the guide rail is a lifting device arranged the several short mounting rail pieces wearing. These can, if necessary, be in direct alignment Extension to be transferred to the guide rail. In this state, all gripping devices that the contains the relevant guide rail, in a receiving rail be retracted.

This solution is based on the principle of linear motors moving gripping devices. With mechanically moving Gryphons can experience design difficulties. In addition, the mounting rails are on the input or output side to arrange the press system, which in particular then can lead to space problems if as gripping tools Suction cups are used. They also have to Gripping tools for transfer into the mounting rail over the entire length of the guide rail can be moved. To do this the corresponding path to be followed by the gripping tools be kept clear of obstacles.

So-called tools can also be used for tooling Filing templates belong. Are between two forming stages Clipboards provided, these must also mostly specially adapted to the workpieces to be machined become. This is done by the shape of the workpieces customized stencils by a corresponding Carrier of the clipboard station held and accordingly the tool contour are formed. It is from the EP 0155332 known, several templates in a clipboard to be provided on the clipboard in the vertical direction are adjustable. This allows individual stencils in an upper active position and others in a lower one Passive position are transferred, so that a sufficient Template set provided an adjustment to different workpiece contours by raising and lowering can be carried out by individual templates.

With this solution there are all possible storage templates present in the clipboard station.

DE 2124083 A1 discloses a transfer press line with a transfer device, the suction bridges to Transporting the workpieces. Like the sliding tables are the suction bridges from the side Transfer press can be pulled out. In the area between two Press stands are provided in each case, between which an intermediate space is formed through which the suction bridges can be run through.

Through the required intermediate status and thus Distances between the neighboring press stands Press stages result in an increased overall length the press system.

Based on this, it is an object of the invention to To create press system that takes up less space having.

This task is claimed by the press system 1 solved.

The press system according to the invention has several Press levels on that regarding parts transport are linked together by a transfer device. The transfer device is set up to handle the workpieces if necessary with interim filing Transport clipboards from press level to press level. The transfer device has for receiving the Workpieces workpiece-specific workpiece holding means, which are usually to be changed when changing tools. The transfer device points to the connection of the workpiece holding means Couplings that serve to secure a mechanical connection between the workpiece holding means and the rest of the transfer device. The Couplings are preferably arranged so that the essential to effect the transfer movement Drive devices on the transfer device remain while the workpiece-specific parts are replaced become. If necessary, these can still be a or have several numerically controlled drive units, however, they can also be completely passive.

Several workpiece holding devices are assigned to each coupling, which in turn are different workpieces assigned. Form the workpiece holding means a related group or sentence, this one Set at least one suitable workpiece holder for each workpiece type contains. This is especially true for applications advantageous where several fixed Product lines or products one after the other on the above Press system are to be produced. Individual elements of the If necessary, the sentence can be replaced, supplemented or be adjusted.

A control device is provided on the press system, which controls a transport and transfer device. The latter is used to automatically hold the workpiece from their operating position in the press line in to transfer the magazine. The workpiece holding device released from the transfer device by the couplings be opened, the workpiece holder to the Move the magazine and place it there. After the whole Process under control of the control device, can be changed to manual tooling, i.e. the Workpiece holding means are dispensed with. This can be one bring considerable cost advantage.

You can also use mechanical shots for storage the workpiece holding device on the sliding tables when changing tools to be dispensed with. This can cause damage of these recordings and possibly already on the recordings existing workpiece holding means avoided during the setup process become. The partially filigree workpiece holding devices can automatically move into protected positions, i.e. get into their magazines.

The basic idea of using the press system as possible otherwise unused rooms magazines to record the To provide workpiece holding means and the workpiece holding means by means of a controlled by a control device Transport and transfer device in this magazine or transferring these magazines enables one Significant space reduction when building press systems. The workpiece holding means no longer have to be outside the press system. Otherwise required additional space required by the press operator would be eliminated. It also enables the workpiece holder means move out independently of the sliding tables (Suction bridges or suction spiders) the press stages a narrower design of the sliding tables and therefore a smaller stand spacing. The total length the press can be reduced.

Another benefit is the elimination of the otherwise manual loading and unloading processes for loading the sliding table with workpiece holding means. Beyond that it is possible to set workpiece holding devices computer-controlled on the CAD and the fine adjustment in the press system yourself, so that personnel are saved can.

The fully automatic loading and unloading process as well as the Protected storage of tooling or workpiece holding devices in a magazine, achieve staff independence. The assignment of the magazine to the press system and staff independence protect tooling (the workpiece holding means) and the tooling recordings of unwanted damage.

The compact arrangement of the magazine or magazines the press saves the press operator one, as mentioned additional storage facility for the tooling, which makes the space required to operate the press system decreased.

The press system can be operated with a single magazine be provided. However, several are preferably provided. The magazines can be carried by the press stands his. A convenient location is below Head pieces. Other arrangements are possible.

The magazines or the magazine are or are preferred arranged in such a place that it is extending the sliding table from the press system is not hindered. The magazine is in a preferred embodiment the press system outside the exit window for moving the tool out of the press system arranged. E.g. it can be placed above it e.g. be on the press stands so that the tool and the sliding table can be passed under the magazine. The Magazine or magazines can also be placed under the tables to be ordered.

The transfer device is preferably a two-axis transfer device trained the rails for Carriage management. The carriages are preferred divided into two or more carriage groups, where the carriages of a group are synchronous to each other be moved. For example, you can use push rods connected to each other from a common drive source to be driven here. Between the carriages can be held trusses that the workpiece holding means form or carry workpiece holding means. E.g. suction spiders can be arranged on the traverses, the couplings between the suction spiders and the Trusses are arranged to act. In this case from the transport and transfer facility only that Suction spiders transferred to the magazines while the trusses remain in the transfer facility. Alternatively the trusses can also be replaced with the suction spiders become. The couplings are then between the carriages and arranged the trusses.

The storage movement of the suction spider or the other Workpiece holding means takes place on a path, that cannot be run through by the rest of the transfer device is. The handover and transport equipment therefore takes over the transport of the workpiece holder on this Train.

Belongs to the transport and handover facility one embodiment, a swivel unit with a a vertical swivel axis swiveling boom. This is used to remove the workpiece holder from its position of use to pivot into a storage location, which is different from the Use situation differs. This can be used For example, transversely oriented suction spiders pivoted in the longitudinal direction become all the more space-saving in sideways magazines arranged on the press temporarily stored become.

A transport lift for moving the workpiece holder on a predefined path between the magazine and the The transfer device preferably has a drive, which can be stopped in several transfer positions. The drive can be mounted in a stationary position and transmits power be connected to the receiving means or directly on the Recording means may be provided.

In a preferred embodiment are in the Magazines have as many storage spaces as there are different ones Workpiece holding means. This can, if necessary all workpiece holding devices from the press system, i.e. out the transfer device to be removed, leaving the work area the press completely in an idle state is cleared.

The magazines have storage positions that the Workpiece holding means preferably assigned individually are. The assignment can already be made in this way, for example that the control device for each storage space provides a specific workpiece holding means. Alternatively, on the workpiece holding means and / or on machine-readable markings are provided for the storage spaces be, for example, at the transport and transfer facility provided read head detected. The control device can then the corresponding workpiece holder on the place it in the magazine. Alternatively reading means can also be provided at the recording locations be, read the marks of the workpiece holding means and / or capture otherwise.

Further details of advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are from the drawing or from the associated description and / or Subject of subclaims.

Fig. 1 eine Pressenanlage in einer schematisierten ausschnittsweisen Perspektivdarstellung,

Fig. 2 die Pressenanlage nach Figur 1, in einer Ansicht mit Blickrichtung in Längsrichtung, in ausschnittsweiser Darstellung,

Fig. 3 die Pressenanlage nach den Figuren 1 und 2, in einer schematisierten ausschnittsweisen Horizontalschnittdarstellung,

Fig. 4 die Pressenanlage in einer Darstellung gemäß Figur 3, in einer anderen Arbeitsposition,

Fig. 5 die Pressenanlage nach den Figuren 1 bis 4, in einer ausschnittsweisen Darstellung ihrer Vorderansicht beim Werkzeugwechsel,

Fig. 6 die Pressenanlage nach Figur 5, in einem anderen Stadium beim Werkzeugswechsel,

Fig. 7 die Pressenanlage nach den Figuren 1 bis 6, mit vollständig im Magazin untergebrachten Tooling, und

Fig. 8 die Pressenanlage beim Toolingwechsel, in einer ausschnittsweisen Vorderansicht.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

1 shows a press system in a schematic, fragmentary perspective view,

2 shows the press system according to FIG. 1, in a view looking in the longitudinal direction, in a sectional representation,

3 shows the press system according to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a schematic partial horizontal sectional view,

4 shows the press system in a representation according to FIG. 3, in a different working position,

5 shows the press system according to FIGS. 1 to 4, in a partial representation of its front view when changing tools,

6 shows the press system according to FIG. 5, in another stage during the tool change,

7 shows the press system according to FIGS. 1 to 6, with tooling completely accommodated in the magazine, and

Fig. 8 shows the press system during tooling change, in a partial front view.

A press system 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1, which has several press stations 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The Press stations 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are essentially mutually trained equally, so the following Description of a press station representative of everyone stands. Certain deviations can occur with regard to the press station 2 be present, which is designed as a drawing stage can be. The other press stations 3, 4, 5, 6 are Forming stages, where necessary also drawing stages are provided could be.

A press table 11 belongs to the press station 2, stand on the press stand 12, which in turn is a head piece 14 wear. The head piece 14 has a drive for a hanging under the head piece 14 plunger 15, the can be moved vertically up and down by the drive. The Ram 15 carries a tool part belonging to a tool 16 17. A lower tool part 18, which too belongs to the tool part 16, is stored on a sliding table 19, which stands on the press table 11 and on Rails 21 laterally between press stands 12 is extendable from the press station 2. Next to the press system 1 there are additional sliding tables 22 with them stored tools 23 ready to move from the To be able to be retracted into the press system.

The press system 1 points between the individual Press stages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 intermediate shelves 24 on, on which the workpieces, e.g. sheet metal parts, on their way from Press level to press level temporarily stored can.

The press system 1 has for the workpiece transport from press station to press station, i.e. in detail from a tool to a subsequent clipboard and then a transfer device to the next tool 26, which emerges in particular from FIG. 2. To the Transfer device 26 belong to two on both sides of the Tools 16 arranged guide rails 27, 28, the by means not shown in height are kept movable. On the horizontally extending one Guide rails 27, 28, for example, via lifting units are mounted on the press stands 12 are carriages 31, 32 mounted longitudinally. The one from the guide rails 27, 28 guided carriages are e.g. by Push rods 33, 34 driven to a corresponding Guide the transfer drive device. With the push rods 33, 34 further carriages can be connected, which are to be moved synchronously with the carriages 31, 32. Additional push rods 35, 36 can be another group of carriages relatively independent of movements of the first car group move.

The two opposite carriages 31, 32 hold a traverse 37 between them on the two Sucker spiders 38, 39 are held. The traverse 37 is For example, a box section support element with its ends fixed, but if necessary also detachable with the carriage 31, 32 can be connected. For holding the suction spiders 38, 39 on the cross member 37 serve couplings 41, 42, 43, 44, either powered or by a targeted Relative movement between the respective suction spider 38, 39 and the cross member 37 can be coupled and uncoupled. are the clutches 41, 42, 43, 44 powered, they are the Control assumes a control device 45, the over electrical, pneumatic, not further illustrated or hydraulic signal lines, the couplings 41 to 44 operated.

The suction spiders 38, 39 are workpiece-specific educated. The positions of individual suction cups 46, 47 hang on the contour of the sheet metal parts to be transported. To the Suction spiders 38, 39, which serve as workpiece holding means, Being able to switch if necessary is at least one, however, preferably on both sides of the tool 16 in each case a transport and transfer device 50 is arranged, which serves the suction spiders 38, 39 in a magazine 51 to convict. As can be seen from Figure 2, are the transport and transfer devices 50 and the magazines 51 mirror-symmetrical to each other, so that the following description alike both on the right-hand as on the left-hand transport and Transfer device and the magazines relates.

Belongs to the transport and transfer device 50 a swivel arm 52 which is about a vertical axis of rotation 53 pivotable on the press stand 12 or the guide rail 27 or 28 is mounted. First-mentioned variant can be seen from Figure 3. The swivel arm 52 is at least 90 ° from the longitudinal position shown, in the Cantilever 54 with the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 27 matches, is pivotable about a transverse direction, in the boom 54 matches the cross member 37, such as it is illustrated in Figure 4. Serves for pivoting a symbolically illustrated swivel drive 55. If necessary the swing arm 52 can also along the Pivot axis 53 may be vertically adjustable, for which an additional Actuator serves. This has advantages, though the vertical position of the traverse 37 when changing the tool is not clearly defined.

The arm 54 is, for example, telescopic. The telescopic movement can be used, the suction spider 38 (or 39) to be removed from the traverse 37. The then passive clutches 41, 42, 43, 44 can, for example, by a Transverse movement can be engaged and disengaged.

Alternatively, the suction spiders 38, 39 with drives be provided in order to selectively along the traverse 37 moved or moved or pivoted about the cross member 37 to become. The drives are with the suction spiders 38, 39 changed. Alternatively, they can be part of the Traverse 37 be.

Another is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 Transport device 57 that leads to the transport and Transfer device 50 belongs. The transport device 57 is supported by two parallel rail guides 58, 59 formed, which, as is apparent from Figure 2, approximately The height of the swivel arm 52 extends in the horizontal direction begins and then angled in front of magazine 51 and up to the top of magazine 51, preferably up to the headpiece 14 or an overhanging one Podium 14a continues. On each rail guide 58, 59 is arranged a carriage or carriage 60, respectively carries a gripper 61. The grippers are in the pick-up position 61, as illustrated in Figure 4, with two on top of each other ends to be pointed between the press stands 12 at such a distance from each other that they are the suction spider Take over 38 (or 39) and hold between them can. The carriages 60 are assigned drives to the carriages 60 move along the rail guides 58, 59 can. The drives can be linear motors, servo motors driven belt drives or other drive means be educated. The grippers 61 are each trained like a crank and with a rotary or Swivel drive so that it is horizontal, be pivoted approximately in the longitudinal direction can.

As can be seen from FIG. 2 or also FIG. 5, the magazine 51 arranged a number of storage spaces one above the other 62, 63, 64, 65 on, at least by the stands 12 approximately horizontally projecting supports or fingers are formed are on or on which the suction spider 38 can be discarded. In the magazine 51 thus formed there are suction spiders 38a, 38b, 38c on storage spaces 62, 63, 64 arranged and can be picked up if necessary and instead of Suction spider 38 are attached to the cross member 37. The Suction spiders 38a, 38b, 38c are other tools and Workpieces assigned as the suction spider 38.

As indicated in Figure 1, the magazines 51 can be clad on the outside by means of a cover. If necessary however, they can also be left open.

The individual recording places 62, 63, 64, 65 are each individually assigned to suction spiders 38a, 38b, 38c, 38. Markings on the suction spiders 38a, 38b, 38c, 38 such as bar code markings or other machine-readable Markers can identify the individual Make suction spider easier. You can continue to do so the grippers 61 or the storage spaces 62, 63, 64, 65 provided Readers can be provided with the Control device 45 are connected.

The trays 62, 63, 64, 65 can, if necessary, by separate guides 71 may be formed on which grippers 72 run linearly. The grippers 72 are set up to to hold the respective suction spider 38 and to be moved along the guide 71. There are corresponding ones Drives provided.

The tooling change of the press system 1 runs as follows from:

The press system 1 is initially in the in Figure 7 illustrated state, all are suction spiders 38, 38a, 38b, 38c housed in the magazine 51. The Traverse 37 is empty. The desired tool 16 is already been moved into the press system 1. The lower part of the tool 18 is stored on the sliding table 19 while the upper tool part 17 is connected to the plunger 15. It is now still the suction spider 38 to the cross member 37 transport and connect to it. For this the Gripper 72 controlled so that the suction spider 38 in Direction of arrow 73 to that in the transfer position Gripper 61 is moved. The gripper 61 takes over the suction spider 18, after which the carriage 60 with the on it located suction spider 38 along the rail guide 57, 58 is moved vertically downwards. The latter is illustrated in Figure 8. By the on the rail guide The suction spider swivels 57 bows 38 inevitably from their ingested in magazine 51 Vertical position to its horizontal position. Is the Carriage 60 with the suction spider 38 on the lower stand-side Arrived at the end of the rail guides 57, 58, there is the acid spider 38, as illustrated in FIG. 6, between the stands 12. The swivel arm 52 is the takeover position illustrated in FIG. 3 between the press stands 12. Here the Gripper 61 the suction spider 38 to the boom 54. This now pivots from the position according to FIG. 3 into the position according to Figure 4, so that the suction spider 38 to the crossbar 37 is brought up. By a suitable shift in the direction of the traverse 37 (direction of displacement is indicated in Figure 4 with an arrow 74) the clutches 41, 42 closed and the suction spider 38 can thus be coupled to the traverse 37.

To change the tool again, the one described above is used Sequence for transferring a suction spider 38 from the Pass through magazine 51 to cross member 37 in reverse. Here searches for the control device 45 for depositing the suction spider 38 a free storage space 62, 63 in the magazine 51, 64, 65. An easy way to do this is when the control device the storage space allocation in magazine 51 saves and in this way without checking on site Information about the magazine assignment. Alternatively can the storage space allocation with appropriate sensors be recorded. It is also possible to use the grippers 61 or the carriage 60 provided sensors attached to the gripper spider 38 suction spider identifier to be recorded and compared with a storage location identifier. As a result, a certain suction spider 38 can be used again and again stored at a storage space 65 assigned to her alone become. The same applies to the other suction spiders and storage spaces.

If the suction spider 38 has moved into the magazine 51, the controller controls the carriages 60 to that Suction spider 38a, 38b or 38c, with which the traverse now 37 should be equipped. The transfer of the concerned Suction spider to the cross member 37 is as above described in connection with the suction spider 38. As well all other suction spiders of the transfer device 26 changed.

A press system 1 is with a transfer device 26 provided, the workpiece-specific parts 38 through a specially designed transport and transfer facility 50 can be transported to a magazine 51. The Magazine 51 is preferably part of the press system 1.

Claims (17)

Press system (1), in particular large section press, with several press stages (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), which are used for the gradual machining of workpieces, in particular body parts, with a transfer device (26) which is set up to transport workpieces and has the couplings (41, 42, 43, 44) for receiving workpiece-specific workpiece holding means (38) which are set up to hold workpieces as a function of a control signal or to release wherein each coupling (41, 42, 43, 44) is assigned a plurality of workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) and wherein the transfer device (26) moves the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) received on the couplings (41, 42, 43, 44) to transfer the workpieces, with at least one magazine (51) which is set up for receiving and storing a plurality of workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c), with a transport and transfer device (51) for transferring the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) from the transfer device (26) into the magazine and for transferring the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) from the magazine (51 ) to the transfer device (26) and with a control device (45) which controls the transfer of the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) from the transfer device (26) to the magazine (51) or from the magazine (51) to the transfer device (26) by controlling the transport - And transfer device (50) causes. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that at the press stages (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) each one or more magazines (51) are provided. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the press system (1) has multiple press stands (12) and that the magazines (51) from the press stands (12) are worn. Press system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that that the magazines (51) preferably on the Press system (1) are held at such a height, that if they are next to one in the press system (1) arranged tool (16) are arranged outside a Extension window for extending the tool laterally (16) from the press system (1) arranged or in a such position are transferable. Press system according to claim 4, characterized in that the magazine (51) above the exit window arranged or convertible into such a position are. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the press plant has scrap chutes and that the workpiece holding means on their way from the Transfer device to your magazine (51) and back through the scrap shafts are managed. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the magazine (51) is arranged below a table level on which tools are to be fastened. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer device (26) tracks (27, 28), on which carriages (31, 32) are displaceable are guided, each between a carriage (31, 32) a running rail (27, 28) and a carriage (31, 32) of the other running rail (27, 28) a traverse (37) is arranged, the one or more suction spiders which forms a tool holding means (38). Press system according to claim 8, characterized in that the suction spiders (38) by means of appropriate Drive devices movable against the crossbeams (37) are. Press system according to claim 8, characterized in that from the transportation and handover facility (50) for changing the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) only the suction spiders (38) in the magazines (51) or transported out of them, whereas the trusses (37) remain in the transfer device (50). Press system according to claim 8, characterized in that the carriage (31, 32) at least one mechanical drive in groups with are connected to a drive source. Press system according to claim 8, characterized in that the transport and transfer device (50) a receiving means (54, 61) for coupling to or for Holding the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) has the receiving means (61) a path of movement of the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c), that differs from all other railways which the transfer device (26) the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) moves. Press system according to claim 8, characterized in that to the transportation and handover facility (50) belongs to a swivel unit that preferably moves around a vertical pivot axis (53) pivotable boom (52), which for receiving and transferring the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) to a transport lift serves to hold the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) from their position of use to a storage position pivot that differs from the position of use. Press system according to claim 8, characterized in that the transport lift is a guided one Receiving means (61) by one of the Control device (45) below the drive below this path movable and in particular in several Transfer positions must be stopped. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the magazine has several storage spaces (62, 63, 64, 65) for workpiece holding means for receiving and storage of the workpiece holding means (62, 63, 64, 65) Controllably approachable by the control device (45) are, with a group of storage spaces available in the magazine is the number with the total number of workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c), which one Coupling (41, 42, 43, 44) of the transfer device (26) assigned. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (45) the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) based on the storage space (62, 63, 64, 65) identified in the magazine. Press system according to claim 1, characterized in that the workpiece holding means (38, 38a, 38b, 38c) are provided with a machine-readable marking and that the transport and transfer device (50) a Has a reading device for detecting the identification, which is connected to the control device (45).

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