EP1522391A1 - Method and processing machine for fluid jet cutting of workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine tool comprises a side wall (22, 22') which can be partially lifted on a water basin (9), and sliding units arranged on further side walls (35) lying next to the side walls (22, 22') to allow extension of a frame with workpieces. An independent claim is also included for a process for operating the machine tool. Preferred Features: A frame with workpiece supports is provided outside of the side wall to which the basin is attached. An equalizing container is arranged in or under the water basin and is impinged with a compressed air source. A cleaning station is arranged above the lifted side wall.

Description

The present invention relates to a machine tool according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to claim 9.

CNC machines with high-pressure water jet machining, in particular Water jet cutting systems with one or more Nozzles are well known. For example, one shows Prospectus (BYJET, undated) of Bystronic Laser AG, CH-3362 Niederönz a universal cutting machine, suitable for pure water jet cutting and abrasive jet cutting. An over a water basin movable, CNC controlled so-called cutting carriage carries one or more Cutting heads, which by high pressure pumps with up to 4000 bar rated power are fed. Depending on the cutting means (Pure water or abrasive water jet) is above the water surface or cut under the water surface. For this purpose, expansion tanks are provided which have a level control allow the waterbed and in particular during loading and unloading of the cutting grid or grille in Function.

The disadvantage of this known machine is especially that considerable downtime during loading and unloading arise, which makes the overall performance of the system massive affect.

Water jet machining is also increasingly in use Used in mass production, this has compared to the laser processing Benefits, in contrast to this the processing point no structural changes. Various Materials, such as natural and natural materials, foods etc. also endure little or no thermal Load, giving some advantages, such as efficiency and precision in laser processing, often even do not come to fruition.

It is therefore an object of the present invention is a universal Machine tool for water jet machining too which provide an increase in performance over the previously used machines allowed. Really important it is the downtime of the machine too to reduce. The machine tool should despite facilitated Feeding and a simplified unloading no additional Occupy space, i. the one for the preparation the space provided for loading and unloading should be usable and be easily accessible. The workpieces to be processed should with existing and / or commercial Zuführstationen be positionable and the machined parts in most easily transportable and / or directly usable be available.

This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1 solved.

The corresponding method is characterized in claim 9.

The mentioned in claim 1 liftable or hinged side wall is advantageously an end wall with a lockable rectangular opening (bulkhead). These Opening is dimensioned such that a frame with workpiece support and thereon workpieces easily manually or by a known linear drive can be pushed in and out of the water basin.

As a result, entire processed batches (processing units) taken in less than two minutes and unedited Batches are loaded back into the machine. The Downtimes of the machine tool are thus a Many times shorter than, for example, when loading and Unloading on site or when using hoist for Lifting and placing the frame in the pool. Another Advantage is the small space requirement of the whole and in good accessibility during loading and positioning the workpieces.

The preparation work on the workpieces, such as placing and adjusting on the supports are off the actual ones Machine outsourced and can be comfortable, from all sides accessible, on a charging station, also called a shuttle table, respectively.

The operating method according to claim 9 is characterized its simple and easy to control process. It goes from a known water jet processing machine off, their cutting heads horizontally in the X, Y direction are controllable and the workpiece in the Z direction either a maintain constant distance or also CNC-controlled are.

In dependent claims are preferred developments of the subject invention described.

Other frames with supports (claim 2) allow a "Bunkers" of prepared batches in themselves any Amount. To retract and extend the frame is unique a lifting device is provided which surrounds the frame with each machined parts at the correct height or provides the frame with unprocessed workpieces.

An accommodated according to claim 3 compensating container allows a space-saving arrangement for setting the Water levels in the basin.

Particularly advantageous for adjusting the water level The side channel compressor mentioned in claim 4, are still its volumetric flow and pressure curve are ideal for expelling of water from the expansion tank and thus for adjustment the higher level in the pool.

Very effective is the attachment of a cleaning station above the openable side wall, since it allows the machined parts to be rinsed off and / or dried, cf. Claim 5 and claim 6.- This is particularly advantageous in the case of abrasive machining operations, since it is known that the machined parts are contaminated with solid particles (garnet sand: Fe ₃ Al ₂ (SiO ₄ ) ₃ ; olivine: (Mg, Fe) ₂ [SiO ₄ ]) are. The cleaning station allows their direct use or their packaging without further cleaning operations.

The use of to adjust the higher water level used compressed air source for blowing off and drying the machined Parts is very economical, is not it? Source with open sidewall not used, so that the Airflow generated thereon referred to in claim 7 Nozzle is divertable.

In addition to numerous possibilities for pushing in and pushing out the frame with supports and workpieces by linear drives The use of a chain drive has become special reliable; see. Claim 8. This is space saving and can on simple carriers on the frame the necessary fore- and Perform backward movement economically.

The described in claim 10 "expelling" of the water an intermediate container in the water basin can be very operate quickly and economically; commercial level switch operate a compressor, as a compressed air source serves. As soon as the compressor is switched off, this will flow Return the water back to the intermediate tank; it puts there again the level N3.

The cleaning method according to claim 11 is very economical and environmentally friendly. The rinsed and / or blown off water flows back into the pool back; as well as the possibly used solid particles, so that both components are recirculated.

Stacked frames, possibly extending to the basement, can ensure automated operation. Important is only that the height for extending and retracting the frame is approached reproducible. See claim 12. Loading and unloading the workpieces can be conventional Funds are made.

In a variant, not shown, the individual Frame one above the other, the machine tool stacked outstandingly, so that each of the lowest frame in the water basin is retracted. The finished parts will be doing so, beyond the charging station, on the same Horizontal plane led away before the next frame on lowered the same height and retracted into the pool becomes.

On the basis of a realized machine tool for optional Abrasive or pure water jet cutting is hereafter the invention discussed in detail in detail.

In all figures, the same functional parts are the same Reference numbers provided.

Fig. 1

Die vollständige Werkzeugmaschine, von ihrer Bedienungsseite her betrachtet, zusammen mit einer zugeordneten Ladestation,

Fig. 2

die Maschine nach Fig. 1 von oben gesehen,

Fig. 3

einen Teilschnitt durch das Wasserbecken und die darüber angeordneten Schneideinrichtungen der Maschine nach Fig. 1 und Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

die Ladestation Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 mit einer zusätzlichen schwenkbaren, pneumatischen Hebevorrichtung zur Zubringung von Blechtafeln,

Fig. 4a

eine erste seitliche Führung mit Rollen; eine vergrösserte Darstellung zu Fig. 4,

Fig. 4b

eine zweite seitliche Führung; vergrössert nach Fig. 4,

Fig. 5

ein Auflager für Werkstücke in Form einer Rostlatte,

Fig. 6

das für das Be- und Entladen der Maschine vorgesehene Ende des Wasserbeckens mit eingeschobenem Rahmen und einer Reinigungsstation,

Fig. 7a

einen Teilschnitt durch die Landestation Fig. 1,

Fig. 7b

Einzelheiten zur Führung und zum Linearantrieb der Rahmen in der Ladestation Fig. 7a, in Draufsicht,

Fig. 7c

eine vergrösserte Darstellung zu Fig. 7b mit Kopplung des Rahmen mit dem Linearantrieb und

Fig. 8

eine Schnittdarstellung durch die Stirnseite des Wasserbeckens Fig. 1 mit seiner aufklappbaren Seitenwand mit ihrem Hub-Schwenkzylinder

Show it:

Fig. 1

The complete machine tool, viewed from its operating side, together with an associated charging station,

Fig. 2

the machine of Fig. 1 seen from above,

Fig. 3

3 a partial section through the water basin and the cutting devices of the machine according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 arranged above it, FIG.

Fig. 4

the loading station Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with an additional pivotable, pneumatic lifting device for feeding sheet metal plates,

Fig. 4a

a first lateral guide with rollers; an enlarged view of FIG. 4,

Fig. 4b

a second lateral guidance; enlarged according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 5

a support for workpieces in the form of a grate bar,

Fig. 6

the end of the water basin with inserted frame and a cleaning station, intended for the loading and unloading of the machine,

Fig. 7a

a partial section through the landing station Fig. 1,

Fig. 7b

Details of the guide and the linear drive of the frame in the charging station Fig. 7a, in plan view,

Fig. 7c

an enlarged view of Fig. 7b with coupling of the frame with the linear drive and

Fig. 8

a sectional view through the front side of the water basin Fig. 1 with its hinged side wall with its stroke-pivot cylinder

In Figure 1, 1 with a cutting system for optional Pure water jet cutting or water abrasive cutting designated. Subsequently and in alignment is a charging station 2, also called change table, set up. One Cooling unit 3, with not shown insulated piping serves to cool the sensitive components of Annex 1, in particular the high-pressure pumping system installed next to it 4. In thin, metallic high-pressure lines 6 prevails a working pressure of up to 4000 bar. These lines 6 are to a so-called cutting bridge 5, see. Fig. 2, performed and there supply cutting heads S1 and S2 with pressurized water.

The cutting bridge 5 is in a known manner over a pool of water 9, over its length linearly movable, constructed. Behind the pool 9 are electrical cabinets 11, in addition to the power supply for all control and auxiliary device also the computer for the CNC control contain. The basin 9 is preceded by a control station 16, which on a height-adjustable stand 15 is stored and also has a screen.

In Fig. 1 can be seen also a base frame 2 'of Charging station 2 and lifting devices 14b and a discharge neck 7 for used solid particles.

The plan view Fig. 2 additionally shows a mobile Sand bunker 12, which required for Abrasivschneiden contains clean solid particles. A firmly laid High pressure line is 18 and electric channels are 19 and 20 denotes.

Aligned on the front side and to the central axis of the water basin 9 is a collecting container 8 for the sludge containing the solid particles, which is fed via a known scraping conveyor and via the discharge neck 7. The water basin itself is bordered by a base frame 9 '. Above the water surface - designated H ₂ O - is a support 10 for workpieces W1.

On the charging station 2 opposite end of the Water basin 9 is a hinged side wall 22 with associated Hub swing cylinders indicated.

The charging station 2 has, adjacent to the cutting unit 1 a chain drive 21 (geared motor with sprockets). The same to the cutting unit 1 supports 10 extend itself - like this one - over the whole surface and are in the form of known also itself Rost slats educated. Are laid on these Rostlatten for processing provided workpieces W0 placed and depending on the subject also spanned.

The actual changing table of the charging station 2 opposite are each mounted three lifting devices 14a and 14b, which in turn by three mechanical connection 14 'are coupled together.- This is through a dotted line symbolizes. In addition, the Cylinder of the lifting devices 14a and 14b hydraulically coupled, so that the frame of the supports 10 absolutely parallel are height adjustable.

FIG. 3 shows the interior of the water basin 9 of the machine 1 with its associated compensation basin 34, which separated from it by walls 33; are drawn three water levels N1 to N3.

Mounted on the base frame 9 'is the cutting bridge 5 with their known components such as compensating cylinder 26, individually controllable cutting heads S1 and S2 one Line channel 28 for power and signal supply of Cutting bridge 5 and a likewise conventional bellows 27. The balancing cylinder 26 serve, as also known is, the weight balance in the Z direction.

In pool 9, above its highest level N1, at the edge on mutually opposite fixed Side walls 35 attached slide rails 100 are indicated. Also marked are cutting nozzles 29 with notorious known Höhenabtastungen 30, here in working position shown.

On the lower left side, next to Appendix 1, is one Compressed air source, a commercial so-called side channel blower 101 (Ernst Häusermann & Co. AG, CH-8010 Zurich: Double-flow side channel blower type DORA SAP 300). Indicated by arrows are outgoing feeders N and R. The line N is connected to a terminal 31 of a Air supply 31 'out. The out of the feeder 31 ' escaping compressed air increases this in the expansion tank existing air cushion, whereby the water present here via risers 32 in the direction of the arrow over the cover 32 ' flows into the water basin 9. This allows for easy Way - with the interposition of throttle valves - the Set the water level to the selected level N1. The Cover 32 'serves as mud protection and has only lower Slits for water flow; see arrows.

To lower the water to the level N2 becomes the pressure source 101 shut off, causing the water to flood and finally adjust the levels N2 or N3. In this time, the pressure source can be switched and on the second line R on a later to be discussed Cleaning station to be performed.

FIG. 4 shows in the center the charging station 2, which by a Schwenklifter 60 with gripper 61, via vacuum bells 62 supplies the workpieces W0 to be processed. apparent Here are the chain drive 21, the base frame 2 ', guide rollers 43 and side cheeks 48. Also visible are bottom plates 17, an approximation of Allow working height of the machine tool 1.

From Figure 4a it can be seen that the rollers 43 via a Roller support 45 are rotatably mounted on the base frame 2. On the rollers 43 engages a profiled.Gleitschiene 46th a, the first side cheeks 47 a frame 42, 42 ' carries, in which Rostlatten are hung, as a support 10 serve.

On the opposite side, see Fig. 4b, was on the roles waived, the frame 42, 42 'is here to second Sidewalls 48 attached and slides on a profile 49th

The support 10, the grate bars according to FIG. 5 a hoop frame 38 with hinged wings 36 and outstanding Cam 37. The actual support is a reinforced Rubber lip 39, which is interchangeable in the frame 38 is used.

FIG. 6 simplifies the end region of the water basin 9 dar: Here you can see roles 43 and the next current frame 42, and lower guide rails 44th Above the water basin 9 is a cleaning station at the end 40 installed, which water nozzles 41 and air nozzles 50 contains.

The water nozzles 41 are connected to the fresh water; they are operated during the retraction of the frame 42 and rinse abrasive material and / or workpiece abrasions from the finished parts.

The air nozzles 50 are fed from the pressure source 101 and dry the parts off additionally. The effluent from the parts Water falls back into the water basin 9.

FIGS. 7a to 7c show details of extension and retraction the frame 42 with its supports. It is obvious here the first side cheek 47 with rollers 43 and an angled Push rod 51, which according to Fig. 7b and 7c on a recess 52 engages a driving pin 54. This drive pin 54 is attached to a chain link 55, which in turn runs over sprockets 53.

The chain links 55 form an endless chain over which Drive 21 is guided, cf. Fig. 2. The chain drive 21st moves the frame 42 with its supports in the pool 9, Fig. 2 and can this by switching the direction of rotation of the drive 21 lead out again, in the in Fig. 7a and 7b position shown.

The illustration of FIG. 8 shows the locking mechanism of FIG hinged side wall 22 and is in the manner of a "bulkhead" built up. The water basin 9 is frontally through the Side wall 22 completed (pos. 1), which in their upper Area has a bearing 22a and the part 22 ' - a flap - can tilt by 90 °. As drive serves a Hydraulic cylinder 57, the end at a lower hinge point 58 is rotatably supported and with its push rod (via a hinge pin) at an angle 22 "of Flap 22 'attacks.

The opened position of the flap 22 'is shown in a thin line and marked as Pos. 2; the corresponding layers of Pushrod are with 59 'and the hydraulic cylinder with 57' designated.

For illustrative reasons, the presentation of the necessary sealing elements omitted; in the area below the water basin you can see the very simple level adjustment with adjusting screws 13 and an adjustable Support 24.

Of course, the subject of the invention is also for multi-axis and other machining operations suitable.

name list

1

Waterjet cutting machine

2

Charging station / shuttle table

2 '

Frame to 2

3

cooling unit

4

High pressure pumping system

5

cutting bridge

6

High pressure lines

7

Discharge neck (for scraper conveyor)

8th

Collection container for sludge

9

water basin

9 '

Basic frame of 9

10

Support / Rost slats

11

Electric cabinets / CNC control

12

sand Trap

13

Adjusting screws / hexagon

14a, 14b

Lifting equipment / hydraulic lifting cylinder

14 '

Mechanical coupling between 14a and 14b

15

Stand (height adjustable)

16

Control station with screen

17

floor tiles

18

High-pressure discharge line

19, 20

electric channels

21

chain drive

22

"Bulkhead" / hinged sidewall

22 '

flap

22 "

Angle at 22 '

22a

Depository of 22

23

Lifting swivel cylinder

24

Level compensation (adjustable supports)

25

Dosing container for cutting sand

26

Balancing cylinder (weight compensation)

27

bellow

28

Duct, electric

29

cutting nozzles

30

Height scanning / linear sensors

31

connection

31 '

air supply

32

risers

32 '

Cover / mud protection

33

Wall / partition

34

surge tank

35

fixed side walls of 9

35 '

Cover (side)

36

Suspension wing of 10

37

cam

38

Ironing framework

39

Rubber lip reinforced

40

cleaning station

41

water jets

42

Frame (for support 10)

42 '

Frame connection to 42

43

guide rollers

44

guide rails

45

Roller Support

46

slide

47

first side cheek (beam deflection)

48

second side cheek (beam deflection)

49

sliding profile

50

air nozzles

51

Push rod (angled)

52

recess

53

sprockets

54

driver pin

55

Chain links / chain

56

Sliding block (sliding block / support)

57

Hydraulic cylinder (in position 1)

57 '

Hydraulic cylinder (in position 2)

58

articulation point

59

Push rod with hinge pin (in pos. 1)

59 '

Push rod (in position 2)

60

Swing lift / hoist

61

grab

62

vacuum boxes

100

Slide rails in 9

101

Compressed air source / side channel compressor

N

Air supply level settings water

N1

Level cutting

N2

Level loading and unloading

N3

Level in reservoir 34

R

Feeder to 40

S1, S2

cutting heads

W0

Workpiece (plate / board)

W1

machined workpiece (part, cut out)

X, Y, Z

Movement directions of S1, S2

Claims (12)

Machine tool for machining workpieces by means of a high-pressure water jet, wherein the workpiece to be machined is mounted on a rust or lattice-like support over or in a cuboid at least in the upper basin and is acted upon by at least one emerging from at least one nozzle water jet, said nozzle at least in a horizontal plane (X, Y) is numerically controlled in their position and the distance between the workpiece and the nozzle is kept at least approximately constant or in the vertical direction (Z) is controlled and wherein in the region of the water basin, a surge tank is provided, via which the Level is adjusted in the water basin, characterized in that at the water basin (9) at least one side wall (22,22 ') is partially lifted or hinged configured and that at least at the side wall (22,22') adjacent, fixed side walls (35th ) Arrange sliding elements (100) et are, which allows the retraction and extension of a frame (42,42 ') with on the workpiece supports (10) positioned workpieces (W0, W1). Machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that outside of the lift-off or hinged side wall (22a), the water basin (9) upstream, at least one frame (42,42 ') is provided with workpiece supports (10) via a lifting device ( 14a, 14b) is adjustable in its altitude and by a horizontal displacement on the sliding elements (43,49) in the water basin (9) can be inserted. Machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that in or below the water basin (9) a communicating with this compensating tank (34) is arranged, which by a compressed air source (101) can be acted upon. Machine tool according to claim 3, characterized in that the compressed air source (101) is a side channel compressor. Machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that above the lift-off or hinged side wall (22,22 '), a cleaning station (40) is arranged. Machine tool according to claim 3, characterized in that the cleaning station (40) contains water nozzles (41) and / or compressed air nozzles (42). Machine tool according to claim 6, characterized in that the compressed-air nozzles (42) are connected to the compressed air source (101) connected to the expansion tank (34). Machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (42,42 ') with the workpiece supports (10) by a chain drive (21) in the water basin (9) can be inserted and pulled out. Method for operating a machine tool for machining workpieces by means of a high-pressure water jet, wherein the workpiece to be machined on a grate or grid-like support stored above or in a cuboid at least in the upper basin and is acted upon by at least one emerging from at least one nozzle water jet, wherein this nozzle is numerically controlled at least in a horizontal plane (X, Y) in its position and the distance between the workpiece and the nozzle is kept at least approximately constant or in the vertical direction (Z) is controlled and wherein in the region of the water basin, a surge tank is provided via which the level is set in the water basin, characterized in that in a first process step, the water basin is filled to a lower level (N2), that with open side flap in a second step, a frame equipped with workpieces horizontally is moved in a third step, the flap is tightly closed and the water is introduced into the water basin until a higher level (N1) sets, that in a fourth step, the water jet machining is done, that in a fifth step, the water on the lowered level (N2) and then the flap is opened until it is in a horizontal position, which is moved out horizontally in a sixth step of the frame from the water basin and that in a seventh step, another, equipped with workpieces frame horizontally in the Water tank is retracted and the flap is again tightly closed. A method of operating a machine tool according to claim 9, characterized in that in the water tank, the upper level (N1) is adjusted by a compressed air source connected to a closed reservoir and that the lower level (N2) is set by switching off this source. Method for operating a machine tool according to claim 9, characterized in that the machined workpieces are passed when moving out of the frame under a cleaning station and cleaned with water and / or compressed air and / or dried. A method of operating a machine tool according to claim 9, characterized in that the prepared for machining the workpieces frame are stacked vertically displaceable with each other or one above the other.

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