EP1990151B1 - Machining unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (1) has a machine bed (10) comprising a work piece supporting surface (12) for supporting and/or holding work pieces (2) to be processed. A cantilever arm (20) and a portal (30) extend in a direction and are movable in another direction independent from each other. Gripping devices (22, 32) are arranged at and movable along the respective cantilever arm and portal in one of the directions for gripping the work pieces, which are made of wood or plastic. A processing unit is arranged at and movable along the portal in the direction. An independent claim is also included for a method for processing plate-shaped work pieces.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a processing machine for processing plate-shaped workpieces, which consist at least partially of wood, wood materials, plastic or the like, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a processing method using the processing machine according to the invention.

State of the art

For example, in the furniture industry, plate-shaped workpieces are machined and refined in various ways, e.g. Furniture fronts, carcass parts and the like produce. For these operations, a variety of processing machines is known, which can be roughly different in continuous and stationary machines. For stationary machines in which the respective workpieces are substantially stationary during processing, the workpieces must be placed on a chuck table of the machine either manually or by suitable loading means.

A processing machine with such a coating device is for example in the EP 0 512 126 B1 disclosed. In this case, the workpieces are picked up by means of a suction cross-beam from a stack, moved into the area of a clamping table and stored there for processing. Such devices have proven themselves in practice. However, it has been shown that the well-known Device brings a comparatively high design effort and is associated with significant non-productive time.

Another prior art is the document DE 295 08 458 U1 on which the preamble of claim 1 is based. In this document, a machine for processing plate-shaped workpieces is disclosed, in which machine the workpieces are passed from one clamping table to another clamping table, by means of workpiece grippers which are perpendicular to the supports X to the direction of travel, ie in the Y direction, are movable. The positioning of the workpiece grippers in the X-direction takes place via the supports, which are mounted on a common guide. The workpiece grippers have suction cups for the plate-shaped workpieces suspended from a crosshead.

Next is the document WO 2006/024058 A1 known, which relates to a processing device, in particular plate-Aufteilsägeeinrichtung. In one embodiment 88 further units are provided on a carriage, for. B. an identification device.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is based on the finding that considerable idle times occur in known devices in that the processing unit remains unused during the charging process. Against this background, the invention provides that the processing machine further comprises a second gripping device for gripping workpieces, which is arranged on the second guide means and can be moved along this in the first direction. In this way, the first gripping device or the associated first guide means are equipped with a significantly shorter travel, since the first gripping device must pass the respective workpiece only to the second gripping device and does not have to put down in its final position. This results in a simplified construction of the device.

Furthermore, the operation is rationalized, since the second guide device together with processing equipment when loading does not have to be "out of the way" must be driven, but can actively participate in the loading process. In this way, in turn, the first guide device is free to perform after transfer of a workpiece to the first guide device further tasks, such as to collect workpieces, align, print, etc. In this way, finally, the capacity of the overall device is increased.

Against this background, it is further provided that the processing machine further comprises a first printing device or a second printing device, wherein the first printing device is arranged on the first guide device and can be moved along it in the first direction. In this way, the processing machine according to the invention can perform completely novel functions and in particular provided in advance to the machine to be machined workpieces with a suitable marking or sampling.

It is further provided according to the present invention that the processing machine comprises a second printing device alternatively, or in a further embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned first printing device, which is arranged such that with her workpieces can be printed on the underside or pasted. The skilled person will recognize that the term "printing device" both a printing device in classic meaning, but also labeling of different types may be meant.

According to a development of the invention, it is provided that the processing device and the second gripping device are arranged on opposite sides of the second guide device and are preferably movable independently of one another. This results in a simple construction, a particularly efficient and versatile operation of the processing machine according to the invention.

Due to the construction of the invention

Processing machine is, as explained above, the first guide device free to perform after transfer of a workpiece to the first guide device further tasks.

It is particularly preferred that the first printing device is set up to print labels and applied to the respective workpieces. As a result, the workpieces can be easily and clearly identified without the first printing device would have to be adapted to changing surface properties of the workpieces.

Alternatively, according to a development of the invention, it is provided that the first printing device is set up to directly print the respective workpieces, preferably by means of at least one inkjet print head. In this way it is possible not only to identify the workpieces, but optionally also to provide them with a desired sampling.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the first printing device and the processing device are connected to a common control device. This allows the on the Workpieces to be applied marking or patterning are precisely matched to the workpieces or the work to be performed on the workpieces. For example, the marking or patterning can be based on the later contour of the machined workpieces or part workpieces. It is particularly preferred that, according to a development of the invention, the control device is set up to control the first printing device in such a way that the respective workpiece receives at least two captions associated with partial workpieces which are created by the machining device from the respective workpiece. This means that, for example, a plurality of partial workpieces that are created from a workpiece, can be quickly marked or patterned as part of a common printing process, so that a subsequent marking or patterning numerous part workpieces is no longer necessary, whereby the operation of the processing machine is extremely simplified and possible Sources of error are eliminated.

The machined in the processing machine workpieces or part workpieces can be removed in principle by hand from the machine. With regard to a rapid and trouble-free operation of the processing machine, it has proven to be advantageous that it has a push-off device for pushing away workpieces such as part workpieces from the workpiece support surface according to an embodiment of the invention. It is particularly preferred that the removal device is coupled to the second guide means, so that no separate drive is required for the removal device, so that there is a simple construction of the processing machine. Alternatively or additionally, the push-off device may comprise a preferably air-permeable, circulating conveyor belt, which for a secure Extraction of the machined workpieces or partial workpieces ensures.

Furthermore, it is provided according to a development of the invention that the processing machine further comprises a suction device for sucking dirt from at least the workpiece support surface. This not only prevents contamination of the machine in the course of most machining operations, but it is also ensured that the workpieces can be safely positioned and not be damaged or scratched by possible contamination in the area of the workpiece support surface.

The second printing device can additionally be arranged such that the first gripping device can convey workpieces at least in sections over the second printing device. Thus, an extremely favorable combination of functions is realized, namely the printing or labeling while conveying. Consequently, by integrating the printing / labeling device, space can be saved by integrating the printing / labeling process. Printing / labeling the workpieces in the stressed way from the underside makes it possible for the printing / labeling device with respect to the moving Safely house workpiece. Thus, a constant distance between the workpiece and the print head can be guaranteed.

In the case of labeling results in the advantage that the workpiece by its own weight the necessary counter-holding force applies. Thus, a high quality of the applied labels can be guaranteed even over larger areas. Furthermore, as the conveyed workpieces are conveyed via a support roller system, labels are additionally pressed immediately after the workpieces have been stuck to the workpieces. This results in a high surface quality and good adhesion.

In the case of printing, there is the special advantage that excess printing ink can be picked up again by the printing device due to the lower-side arrangement of the second printing device. Also, a bearing roller system is provided in the region of the printing device, via which the workpiece to be conveyed is guided. Thus, the pad roller system can serve to assist the drying of the ink.

Preferably, said second printing device is arranged between the machine bed and a workpiece supply unit, in particular a scissor lift table. This has, among other things, the advantages mentioned above. But there are also other places for attaching a second printing unit conceivable to realize the advantages mentioned.

A particularly advantageous and efficient method for processing preferably plate-shaped workpieces using the processing machine according to the invention is the subject of claim 11. This allows a speedy and trouble-free machining of the workpieces, without an elaborate processing machine would be required.

In addition, a further step during the step of the method and before the placement of the workpiece can occur in the named method. In this additional step, the workpiece is printed and pasted during conveyance along the second printing device.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

as a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 2

schematically shows a plan view of in Fig. 1 shown processing machine;

Fig. 3

schematically shows a perspective view of a processing machine of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with a second printing device.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A processing machine 12 as a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown schematically in a perspective view. In the present embodiment, the machine is for machining workpieces that are at least partially made of wood, wood-based materials, plastic or the like, as commonly used in the furniture industry, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

The machine tool 1 initially has a machine bed 10 with a workpiece support surface 12 for supporting and optionally clamping the workpieces 2 to be machined. Although the tool support surface 12 is shown as a continuous surface in the present embodiment, it may also be formed by a plurality of supports, belts or the like be. In the present embodiment, air discharge openings (not shown) which communicate with a pressure or suction air source are also arranged in the workpiece support surface 12. By means of these openings, the respective workpiece can be clamped on the workpiece support surface or released from it. It should be noted that, of course, other clamping means can be used, such as mechanical tensioner or the like.

In addition to the machine bed 10, a scissor lift 40 is provided, on which a stack of workpieces 2 to be machined is arranged. Between the scissor lift 40 and the machine bed 10 is also a transfer table 42, which facilitates the transfer of the workpieces from the scissor lift 40 to the workpiece support surface 12.

On the opposite side of the machine bed 10 is finally a storage table 50, on which the respective workpieces 2 can be stored after their processing, wherein the storage table 50 is configured in the present embodiment as a conveyor table with a circulating conveyor belt.

In the region of the scissor lift table 40 and the transfer table 42, a first guide device 20 is arranged, which in the present embodiment is constructed as a boom which extends in the Y direction and can be moved along the scissor lift table in the X direction. Instead of the boom construction shown here, the first Guide device 20, for example, as a portal or configured in other ways.

At the first guide means 20, a first gripping means 22 is arranged for gripping workpieces, which is movable along the boom 20 in the Y direction. As in Fig. 1 is best seen, the first gripping device 20 is formed in the present embodiment by a plurality of vacuum suction, although a different type of gripping device can be used.

The processing machine 1 further has a second guide means 30, which is designed in the present embodiment as a portal, which also extends in the Y direction and is movable in the X direction, regardless of the boom 20. At the portal 30 is a Machining device 34 arranged only in Fig. 2 shown schematically and is movable along the portal 30 in the Y direction. The processing device 34 may, for example, be a spindle unit, into which processing tools or processing units can be loaded as required, for example, by removing them from a suitable magazine or placing them back there again. However, it is also possible to provide one or more fixedly constructed, ie unchangeable in their configuration processing means 34. In this case, the processing device 34 may be designed, for example, to perform machining operations such as milling, drilling, sawing or the like. Likewise, it may be an edge banding device or another processing device.

On the opposite side of the portal 30, a second gripping device 32 is arranged for gripping workpieces, which is also movable along the portal 30 in the Y direction. The second gripping device 32 is in the present embodiment by a single Vacuum suction formed. This is sufficient since picking up and moving of workpieces 2 using the second gripping device 32 in the area of the workpiece support surface 12 can be assisted by an "air cushion" which can be generated by the air outlet openings (not shown).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the processing machine 1 has a first printing device 24, which is arranged on the boom 20, opposite to the first gripping device 22, and can be moved along the boom 20 in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the first printing device 24 is a label printer which can print labels and apply them to the respective workpieces 2. The labels may be provided, for example, with a suitable identifier such as bar codes or the like. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to provide, for example, an inkjet printing device which can directly print the respective workpieces.

Regardless of this, the first printing device 24 is connected to a control device not shown in detail, and in the present embodiment, the processing device 34 and optionally the entire machine control is connected to this control device. In this case, the control device is designed to control the first printing device 24 such that the respective workpieces 2 contains a plurality of labels which are arranged such that they correspond to partial workpieces, which are later created by the processing device 34 and optionally processed. For example, if five part workpieces are to be created from a workpiece 2 by the processing device 34, the first printing device 24 will usually apply five labels or other inscriptions to the workpiece 2, in such a way that each subsequent part workpiece is assigned a label. However, it should be noted that the operation of the first printing device is not limited to the attachment of labels or labels, but that the first printing device can also be used for a large-scale or partial area sampling or other finishing of the workpieces 2.

Finally, in the region of the workpiece support surface 12, the processing machine has a push-off device 14 for pushing off workpieces or partial workpieces from the workpiece support surface. In this case, the push-off device 14 is coupled in the present embodiment with the portal 30 or attached to it, so that the removal device 14 does not require its own drive, but a deportation of the workpieces or partial workpieces from the workpiece support surface in the course of a movement movement of the portal 30 in X- Direction can be done. In addition, although not shown in detail in the figures, a suction device (or optionally blow-off device) for sucking dirt from the workpiece support surface 12 is disposed on the push-off device 14, wherein the suction device is preferably arranged on the push-off device 14 that they when pushing Workpieces or partial workpieces with respect to the push-off device 14 is trailing.

The operation of the processing machine according to the invention will be described below by way of example. First, the scissor lift 40 conveys the stack of workpieces 2 to such a level that the bottom of the topmost workpiece 2 is approximately flush with the top of the transfer table 42. Now, the first printing device 24 prints a number of labels and applies them to the workpiece 2, taking into account the later processing to be performed on the workpiece 2 by the processing unit 34. In the course of this process, the first printing device 24 is moved along the boom 20, and the boom 20 is optionally moved in the X direction.

After completion of the labeling process, the uppermost, finished labeled workpiece is picked up by means of the first gripping device 22 and pulled by a traversing movement of the boom 20 in the X direction over the tray table 50 in a takeover position in the area of the workpiece support surface 12.

After the first gripping device 22 has deposited the workpiece 2, the boom 20 moves back into the area of the scissor lift table 40, and the second gripping device 32 picks up the workpiece 2 in the transfer position. Subsequently, the portal 30 is moved in the X direction until the workpiece 2 abuts on extendable and retractable stops 16 and is brought into a corresponding reference position.

After the second gripping device 32 has deposited the workpiece 2, the processing unit 34 carries out the desired machining operations on the workpiece 2 and divides this, for example, into a so-called "nest" of partial workpieces. In this case, each of the part workpieces is provided with a label that was previously applied by the printing unit 34.

After completion of the workpieces or part workpieces the entire nest is transported by means of the Abschiebevorrichtung 14 by a movement of the portal 30 on the storage table 50. In the course of this movement, the suction device performs a cleaning process of the workpiece support surface, although this can also be done in a separate cleaning drive.

Simultaneously with these machining, pushing-out and cleaning processes, the next workpiece is up-cycled and labeled in the region of the scissor-type lifting table 40 and, if appropriate, moved to the take-over position. To this Way, after pushing out of the nest and the cleaning process, the portal 30 with the second gripping device 32 directly and without interruption record the next workpiece 2 and transfer to the reference position on the workpiece support surface. Now the processes described above, both in the area of the workpiece support surface 12 and in the area of the scissor lift 40 can begin again.

In FIG. 3 another preferred embodiment of the present invention with a second printing device 25 is shown. The illustrated embodiment may have all the aforementioned features, but is additionally or alternatively equipped with a second pressure device 25. This second printing device 25 is arranged in such a way that it can print on or glue onto workpieces on the undersides. Furthermore, the second pressure device 25 is arranged such that the first gripping device 22 can convey workpieces at least in sections via the second pressure device 25. In order to convey workpieces away by means of the first gripping device 22 via the second printing device 25, the second printing device 25 is equipped with a bearing roller system 5 in the present embodiments. In this case, the second pressure device 25 is arranged between the machine bed and a workpiece supply unit, in particular a scissor lift table.

When the processing machine 1 is configured according to the second preferred embodiment, the aforementioned method comprises a further step during the step of the method and before the placing of the workpiece. In this case, the workpiece is printed during the conveyance along the second printing device 25 or, for example, covered with labels.

Claims (12)

1. Processing machine (1) for processing panel-like workpieces (2) which consist at least partly of wood, derived timber products, plastic or the like, having:

   a machine bed (10), which has a workpiece supporting surface (12) for supporting and optionally holding the workpieces (2) to be processed,

   a first guide device (20) which extends in a first direction (Y) and can be moved in a second direction (X), wherein the second direction (X) is the conveying direction,

   a second guide device (30) which extends in the first direction (Y) and can be moved in the second direction (X) independently of the first guide device (20),

   a first gripping device (22) for gripping workpieces, which is arranged on the first guide device (20) and can be moved preferably along the latter in the first direction (Y), and

   a processing device (34) which is arranged on the second guide device (30) and can be moved preferably along the latter in the first direction (Y),

   wherein the processing machine (1) also has a second gripping device (32) for gripping workpieces, which is arranged on the second guide device (30) and can be moved along the latter in the first direction (Y),

   characterised in that

   (a) the processing machine also has a first printing device (24) which is arranged on the first guide device (20) and can be moved along the latter in the first direction (Y), or in that

   (b) a second printing device (25) is provided alternatively to the first printing device which is arranged so as to print or to label workpieces on the underside thereof, wherein the first gripping device (22) may convey workpieces away at least in some sections via the second printing device (25).
2. Processing machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the processing device (34) and the second gripping device (32) are arranged on opposite sides of the second guide device (30) and can be moved preferably independently of one another.
3. Processing machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the first printing device (24) is equipped to print labels and to apply them to the particular workpieces.
4. Processing machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the first printing device (24) is equipped to print the particular workpieces directly, preferably by means of at least one ink-jet printing head.
5. Processing machine according to one of claims 1, 3 or 4, characterised in that the first printing device (24) and the processing device (34) are connected to a common control device.
6. Processing machine according to claim 5, characterised in that the control device is equipped to control the first printing device (24) such that the particular workpiece has at least two labels which are assigned to part workpieces which are constructed from the particular workpiece by the processing device (34).
7. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it also has a pushing device (14) for pushing workpieces or part workpieces from the workpiece supporting surface (12).
8. Processing machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the pushing device (14) is coupled to the second guide device (30) and/or has a preferably air-permeable, revolving transport belt.
9. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it also has a suction device to draw off dirt at least from the workpiece supporting surface which is preferably coupled to the pushing device (14).
10. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims if dependent on alternative (a) of claim 1, characterised in that it also has a second printing device (25) in addition to the first printing device which is arranged so as to print or to label the workpieces on the underside thereof.
11. Processing machine according to claim 1 or 10, characterised in that the second printing device (25) is arranged between the machine bed and a workpiece preparation unit, in particular a scissor elevating platform.
12. Method for processing panel-like workpieces which consist at least partly of wood, derived timber products, plastic or the like, using a processing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having the steps:

    receiving a workpiece (2) by means of the first gripping device (22),

    moving the workpiece and setting down the workpiece in a transfer region which is located at least in some sections on the workpiece supporting surface (12),

    printing or labelling the workpiece during the movement of the workpiece,

    receiving the workpiece by means of the second gripping device (32) and aligning the workpiece on the workpiece supporting surface (12).

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