WO1991011277A1

WO1991011277A1 - Modular-construction workpiece processing centre and appropriate drive module

Info

Publication number: WO1991011277A1
Application number: PCT/EP1990/002319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heinz Finzer
Original assignee: Heinz Finzer
Priority date: 1990-02-05
Filing date: 1990-12-27
Publication date: 1991-08-08
Also published as: DE59005037D1; EP0513011A1; ES2050530T3; EP0513011B1; ATE102854T1; JPH03234447A

Abstract

The description relates to a modular-construction processing centre with various operating modules (6, 8, 10) run by a drive module and with fixed time-controlled tools (12), e.g. bending tools, feed mechanisms, welding stations, assembly units or the like. The drive unit takes the form of a separately handleable plug-in module (2) containing the main drive (4) for the processing centre and has a width (ERM) corresponding to one unit frame measurement of the operating modules (6, 8) integrated into the processing centre. The power is transmitted from the main drive (4) to the individual operating modules (6, 8, 10) via meshing cogs (19, 21, 30, 32, 34, 36) which bridge the interface planes (ES) between the plug-in module (2) and the equipped and fitted processing module (10) on the one hand and between the adjacent operating modules (6, 8) on the other.

Description

Modular workpiece machining center and associated drive module

The invention relates to a modular machining center with various work modules, each of which is inevitably time-controlled tools such. B. punching / bending tools, feeds, welding stations, assembly units and the like. According to the preamble of claim 1, and an associated drive module.

Machining centers of this type are known and are particularly distinguished by the fact that the work modules can be used in an ultimate manner, which results in extremely economical possible uses. The core element of such machining centers is conventionally a punching / bending tool unit, which has a main drive in a base, by means of which a drive wheel mounted above it in a separate housing part is driven, which drives a multiplicity of work units, such as bending slides, cutting punches, welding elements Troden drives among other things in a predetermined sequence. Other neighboring work units, such as B. (semi-finished) feeds or presses derive their drive from this main drive, for which purpose more or less extensive drive means are required in the area of the interfaces between the work units. Attempts have therefore been made to accommodate some of these drive means in an enlarged base, but this has severely restricted the possibilities of modular assembly of several work modules. Such conventional concepts are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 4,457,160 and from documents EP 0 119 599 B1 and DE-AS 27 37 442. In all the known cases, the possibilities of retrofitting the machining center are limited to the fact that a housing resting on a relatively wide base is exchanged, for which purpose relatively complex handling devices are required, which moreover require time-consuming operating handles. The retrofitting of the machining center according to EP 0 119 599 requires a separate transport trolley with a pivotable pivot axis, separate means being required to bring the unit housing to be replaced into a plane in which it can be coupled to the base. In the machining center according to DE-AS 27 37 442, the interchangeability of the bending units also requires an elongated substructure, the stub shaft connection more or less severely restricting the possibilities of exchanging work units. The modules can only be decoupled by moving them sideways.

In addition, it can be seen that the main drive often reaches its performance limit if all possible coupling points of the module are used.

Because of these conventional difficulties in the modular construction and conversion of the machining centers, it has gone over to (see DE-PS 32 34 981) to replace the central drive ring of a classic punching / bending tool unit with horizontal drive shafts and so on To connect work modules linearly one after the other, whereby a separate main drive block is provided, from which all drive movements are derived. With this concept, however, the essential advantage of the central drive ring, which in the revealing arrangement of the bending tool units with uniform force distribution can be seen. Another disadvantage of this concept can be seen in the fact that conversion measures take a relatively long time and that a relatively large amount of installation space is required for the main drive block, especially since this is regularly dimensioned large in order to be able to connect as many modules as possible in series.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a modular machining center with various work modules driven by a drive unit, in which the drive can be integrated into the machining center in a space-saving and economical manner and the possibility is given Change work modules quickly and safely without having to move the modules sideways. Another task is to create a multifunctional drive unit which can be optimally adapted to the particular structure of the processing unit.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1 and by a drive module according to claim 28.

According to the invention, the main drive of the machining center is designed as a separately manageable base module. First of all, this has the advantage that the maximum power of the drive is present at the location of the machining center where the largest power reserves are required. In the course of this embodiment according to the invention, the further work modules no longer require a separate drive, as a result of which the base of these work modules can be constructed not only more simply, but with a unit grid dimension corresponding to the base module. Due to the unit grid dimension, the base can also be used for storage and Transport purposes are used, whereby the exchange of the work modules is greatly simplified and the time required for this is shortened. The base can e.g. B. together with the module housing resting thereon are detected and handled by means of a forklift, the recesses on the base contributing to a favorable weight distribution. Due to the complete replacement of the base, no special measures are required to bring the work module into the correct working level. Due to the unit grid dimension, this is already fixed when the base is parked.

The direct transmission of power to work modules to be coupled via meshing gears still allows the work modules to be designed with a central drive ring and to exploit its advantages. The transmission of the drive movement from the press to the adjoining modules on the one hand and possibly between the individual work modules on the other hand via meshing gears enables a maximum of flexibility in the compilation and retrofitting of the machining center, it being particularly important that each work module can be replaced separately without having to handle or move the other modules. In contrast to the prior art, it is no longer necessary to dissolve the combination of the individual components when converting the machining center in order to access the individual unit to be replaced. The sequence in which the various work modules are connected in series no longer has an effect on the changeover times when converting the machining center, because due to the unit pitch, the base moves away and the modules are detached from the other modules , any one Work module can take the place of the work module to be replaced.

Due to the power transmission by means of intermeshing gearwheels, there is the advantage that the individual work modules can be removed not only in two directions, namely to the front and to the rear, but also in the lateral direction in the case of edge work modules, as a result of which the greatest possible flexibility - There is balance regarding the handling of the work modules when assembling the machining center. The construction of the drive unit according to the invention in this way opens up the possibility of placing a completely upgraded, new work module on the base from one side and moving the module to be exchanged, for example, simultaneously to the other side, which expands Possibilities regarding the automatability of the exchange process result. This exchange of the processing modules is equally possible if entire processing cells, i.e. Work modules consisting of base and structure can be replaced. The tool change takes place in this way in the manner of a pallet changing system, so that the shortest possible set-up and downtimes result.

With the design of the machining center according to the invention, an individual drive module, which can serve as a central drive unit for a machining center, is accordingly created by assembling the drive base module and the machining module resting on it. In some versions, it can be advantageous to couple the drive base module to a combined punching / bending tool unit if this unit needs the greatest torque in the overall network. In the case of machining centers of the type described at the outset, the press generally represents the machining station which has the greatest power requirement. With the development according to claim 2, the drive unit is accordingly designed as a press, which forms the main drive for the entire machining center. This has the additional advantage that in this constellation the driven gear of the press can be stopped in a precisely defined rotational position with very little effort, which greatly simplifies the coupling of the adjacent work module which is to be operated synchronously with the press becomes. Because the press has precisely defined upper and lower dead center positions of the press ram, which are used for positioning. of the driven wheel can be used. Advantageously, the adjacent work modules are equipped with locking devices with which the zero position of the tools relative to one another on the work modules in question when uncoupled can also be maintained during transport.

The development according to claim 3 enables a more flexible integration of the main drive into the machining center, with the functionality of the press being increased at the same time.

A particularly simple movement pattern when coupling and uncoupling the work modules results from the further development of claim 8. For this purpose, only locking devices in the opposite sides of the housing parts need to be released and the work module to be exchanged, e.g. B. perpendicular to the plane of the central drive ring in the horizontal direction and parallel to the central axis of the central drive ring by means of the means of transport such as the forklift. The bases of the work modules preferably have the same height as the base module which can be handled separately. With the further development of claim 5, the simplest means ensure that the cutting plane of a press housing resting on the base module is exactly aligned with the feed plane of the adjacent work module even after the re-cutting plate has been repeatedly regrinded, if necessary.

As already mentioned above, the construction of the machining center according to the invention results in a maximum of flexibility in the assembly of the components with the simultaneous preference of arranging the drive at the optimal position in the machining center. The working modules arranged next to the main drive module can be structurally simpler in this way, such as, for. B. with an empty base, are formed, with the additional advantage that the resulting space can be used for the accommodation of additional control units.

The division according to the invention between a separately manageable base module and processing module requires a novel design of the interface between these two areas. An advantageous embodiment of this interface is the subject of claim 9. The machining module is supported over a large area on the base or on the base module via the intermediate plate, so that there is increased stability. The intermediate plate can also be used as a centering, transporting and fastening element, whereby the enlarged footprint enables a pair of surfaces to be provided between the processing module and the base module, which does not wear out noticeably even when the components are frequently replaced. The intermediate plate can also be used to adapt to the drive version present in the processing module, such as. B. central wheel version or Linearver¬ version can be made.

The concept according to the invention makes it possible to detach either individual processing modules or the base module receiving the main drive or a work module consisting of base and structure on both sides. In the latter case, it is advantageous to make the base of the individual work modules slightly narrower than the processing modules resting on them, which is the subject of claim 10.

In order to be able to take full advantage of the advantages of the new construction of the machining center in terms of flexibility when assembling, it is advantageous to work with quick-change devices according to claims 16 ff. And 22 ff . However, it is also possible to design the work modules to be self-propelled overall, in which case it is advantageous to simultaneously transfer a leveling function to the rollers.

The possible uses in production can also be expanded if quick-change devices are used to replace the individual modules. Since the modular machining center is accessible from both sides, quick-change devices can be brought from both sides to the machining center and preferably put into operation at the same time. A cutting module can then be used to integrate a processing module that has already been completely set up, or a complete processing module comprising a base and a processing module attached, in synchronization with the movement of the module to be exchanged into the processing center. This results in minimal production downtimes, with the additional advantage that the quick-change devices are designed identically for both sides of the machining center and can therefore not only be handled more easily, but can also be used more cost-effectively.

With the development according to claim 17, a very easy-to-use and very light quick-change device is created, which has a long service life, especially in rough workshop operation.

The rails can be adjusted in height with simple measures - advantageously with the features of claim 18 - so that even the heaviest work modules can be transported over long distances without any problems, even if the ground has a relatively large ripple.

The height-adjustable mounting of castors on the base serves to make it even easier to remove the individual modules. With this embodiment according to claim 19, the rail arrangement in question can be easily positioned under the respective retractable rollers of the module to be replaced. By extending the support rollers, which can be supported, for example, by a hydraulic servo drive, the transport rollers come into contact with the rail arrangement, so that the module can be easily moved to the working level of the machining center.

Advantageous further developments of a quick-change device for the exchange of the individual processing modules are the subject of claims 22 to 27. In the further development according to claim 23, it is preferable that the projecting end section of the parallel to each other orderly guide rails to be supported on the upper side of the base during replacement. The guide region of the base plate is preferably formed by a step set back by the height of the projecting rail end, as a result of which a function that laterally stabilizes the machining module is transferred to the guide rails.

With the further development of claims 25 ff., There is the advantage that the module to be exchanged can be moved virtually floating on the base in the direction of the guide rails after loosening the fastening screws under the action of the support spring arrangement, so that the handles when exchanging are substantially can be increased and additional time can be saved.

Several exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a side view of a modular machining center according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 1 of a further embodiment of the modular processing center to show two variants of the counter-cutting plate holder on a press;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a machining center with a different arrangement of the work modules;

Figure 4 shows the detail "IV" in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic front view of a punch unit mounted on the press in two embodiments;

Figure 6 is a sectional view according to VI-VI in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a sectional view according to VII-VII in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a side view similar to Figure 1 of another embodiment of the modular processing center;

Figure 9 is a side view similar to Figure 8 of another embodiment of the modular machining center;

Figure 10 is a side view of a modification of the modular machining center shown in Figure 9;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a work module detached from the machining center with a first embodiment of a quick-change device;

FIG. 12 shows a view similar to FIG. 11 to show a further embodiment of an auxiliary device for quickly changing the work modules;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a work module of the modular machining center according to the invention, FIG. 14 shows a side view, partly in section, of a work module in cooperation with a quick-change device for the processing module;

Figure 15 shows the view according to "XV" in Figure 14;

Figure 16 shows the detail "XVI" in Figure 14;

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a rolling stand used in the quick-change device according to FIG. 14; and

FIG. 18 shows the view of the roll-out scaffold corresponding to "XVIII" in FIG. 17.

In the figures, the reference numeral 2 designates a separately manageable base module of a drive unit, which forms the main drive 4 of the machining center shown. The machining center is modularly constructed from three work modules 6, 8 and 10, the work modules 6 and 8 functioning as punching / bending tool units and the work module 10 being designed as a press. Each punching / bending tool unit 6, 8 carries a multiplicity of tools 12, which are designed, for example, as bending slides. Other designs are of course also available, e.g. possible as a welding station or assembly tools.

The tools 12 are inevitably controlled in time, that is to say they are actuated in a fixed cycle to one another, for which purpose a central drive ring 14 is used in the embodiment shown using a drive with the so-called “central wheel version”, which with corresponding pinions 16 of the tools in FIG Combing is available. In the event that the tool drive is provided with the aid of a drive in the “linear version”, meshing spur gears are used instead of the central drive ring, as is the case with the embodiment according to FIG. 10 to be described later.

The work modules 6, 8 do not require a separate, own drive. The driving force is derived from the main drive 4 in the manner to be described in more detail below:

The main drive 4, in the interaction of the base module 2 and a press housing 10 as an attached processing module, is part of a press which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is designed as a twin press. For this purpose, the drive force is directed upwards into the area of a press stand 20, in which a drive wheel 22, which is mounted essentially in the center, is supported via a schematically indicated gear 18. From there, the driving force is transmitted to the two eccentric shafts 26, 28 and to via two coupling gears 30, 32 and intermediate gears 24. The coupling of the adjacent work modules 6, 8 to the main drive designed as a press takes place via the coupling gearwheels 30, 32. The power transmission from the motor takes place via a translation to a transmission pinion 19 which, with its pitch circle, affects an interface plane E _s between base module 2 and processing module 10. The transmission pinion 19 is in meshing engagement with an output pinion 21, via which the main drive wheel 22 is driven. The meshing engagement of the pinions 19 and 21 accordingly bridges the interface level E _s between the base module 2 and the press processing module 10, so that in conjunction with a transmission-type coupling to be described in more detail below the further working modules create the prerequisite for the press module 10 to be able to be removed from the module assembly in a direction perpendicular to the drawing plane in FIG. 1.

For this purpose, each central drive ring 14 is assigned intermediate pinions 34, 36, which can be brought directly into engagement with the coupling gearwheels. The gearing engagement takes place at the vertical interface planes E _s between the neighboring work modules.

Because the work modules 6, 8 do not require their own drive, the housing bases 38, 40 are hollow on the inside and act as the basis for the actual work units 6, 8 located above them. This opens up the possibility of using the housing base as a transport and positioning device for the work units, so that the work unit 6, 8 concerned can be removed together with the housing base and replaced by another unit for converting the machining center.

For this purpose, two bottom recesses 42, 44 and / or two central recesses 46, 48 are provided on the working units 6, 8, into which the forks of a means of transport, such as e.g. a forklift can intervene. In particular, if the recesses 46, 48 are used, there are advantages with regard to the weight distribution, so that the transport speed can be increased.

The illustration according to FIG. 1 also shows that the housing bases 38, 40 and the base module 2 are designed in a uniform grid, ie with the same width ERM, so that the modules can be exchanged with one another without any problems. The modules have 6.8 a base height H _s , which corresponds to the height of the base module 2 of the press 10. The pinions of the individual modules are at the same axis height H _A as those of the press 10. This ensures with simple means that the new work module to be coupled automatically comes to the correct working height, which ensures the alignment of the pinions with the simplest of measures. The housing can be finely leveled by means of adjustable support feet 50.

The construction of the machining center according to the invention still allows the possibility of further. Units such as e.g. To connect feeds 52, 54 to the work modules 6, 8 or to the press 10. In the area of the interfaces to the adjoining units, centering devices 56 are preferably provided, in which slot nuts can be used. For the embodiment shown, the detail "IV" according to FIG. 4 reveals that the housing stands of adjacent work modules each have recesses 58 in the area of the meshing gears, which are closed during operation of the machining center by cover plates, not shown, which can take over the function of the centering devices 56. In order to lose as little time as possible for the coupling process, a plurality of quick-clamp locking devices 60 are preferably provided in the area of the interface levels and can be actuated by means of a hand lever 62 which carries a nut 64. The nut 64 engages with a tension bolt 66, which has a locking plate 68 at the end, which is received in a form-fitting manner and with play in a cut-out groove 70 of the adjacent work module.

With the concept according to the invention of the modular machining center, the central one can Main drive should be placed at the point where the highest power capacity is primarily required. In addition to the advantage of the favorable power distribution, this also results in new, previously unusable options for flexible compilation and the simple exchange of the processing, base and / or work modules, which thereby continue to provide a power transmission and favorable arrangement options of the tools advantageous central drive ring.

As already mentioned above, the identical structure of all housing bases results in an automatic alignment of the reference levels in the various processing and working modules. To the feed plane of the semi-finished product to be processed, e.g. of the wire or the sheet metal strip, in exact alignment with the cutting plane 72 (cf. FIG. 2), a special attachment of the counter-cutting plate 74 to the press stand 20 is provided, which will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7. In these figures, components which correspond to one another are provided with identical reference numerals, the elements of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 having an apostrophe.

The press stand 20 carries a guide part 76 for the press bear 78 on the front side. The guide part is U-shaped and has two legs 80 and 82 pointing downward, to which the counter-cutting plate 74 can be screwed directly. The two legs 80 and 82 end in the cutting plane 72 and the counter-cutting plate 74 closes the two legs to form a closed frame, which results in a favorable flow of force from the cutting plate into the press stand. In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the counter-cutting plate 74 is screwed directly onto the legs 80, 82 by means of screws 84, 86. If the counter-cutting plate should be reground, no additional precautions need to be taken to maintain the position of the cutting plane 72. This is fixed once and for all by the lower end faces of the legs 80, 82.

The design of the guide part 76, 76 'also allows the use of conventional counter-cutting plates 74' which are supported on a press table 88 'with the aid of sliding blocks 90'. In this case, the screwing between the press table and the guide part 76 'takes place with the interposition of spacer sleeves 92' and spacers 93 ', which are also to be worked off by the same amount during the finishing of the counter-cutting plate 74'.

The two variants of fastening the counter-cutting plates 74, 74 'to the press 10 are indicated in FIG. 2 on the basis of a somewhat modified embodiment of the machining center. Otherwise, the modular construction of the machining center essentially corresponds to that according to FIG. 1. Here too, the drive force is transmitted from the main drive 4 to the main drive wheel 22 via a gear 98, the drive of the press eccentric shafts again being effected via identical intermediate gears 100 , which are in meshing engagement with identically toothed coupling gears, so that a synchronized drive of the tool assemblies in the various work modules is guaranteed. The meshing engagement of the coupling gearwheels is likewise preferably in the region of the interface between the base housing 2 and the press stand 20, so that the two components are easily joined together. The embodiments described above have in common that the drive coupling of the working and machining modules to one another and to the drive base module takes place via spur gears. This coupling has the advantage that there is simple kinematics of the lifting movement of the work modules when they are arranged in a row. In the event that the work modules are to be arranged at an angle, it is advantageous to effect the drive coupling via bevel gears 94, 96, which is indicated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the press with the main drive is provided with the reference number 10 ', the adjacent work modules with the reference numbers 6' and 8 '.

The inventive concept allows for the upgrading ^"of the machining center in such a way that a complete work module 6, 8 set up at a remote point from the machining center and, if required by means of a roughly-working transport means such as ei¬ nes forklift is replaced.

Another embodiment of the machining center constructed according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. The base module receiving the central transmission is designated 102. It differs from the base module described above in that in the area of the interface level E _{s there is} a multiple coupling option for attached processing modules. For this purpose, two identical transmission sprockets 119 and 119 'are arranged adjacent to one another, it being possible for either the one or the other sprocket or both sprockets 119, 119' to simultaneously transmit the power to the processing modules located above 110 take over. The base module 102, together with the press processing module 110 resting thereon, forms a drive module, which in turn is designed as a press forming the drive unit of the machining center. The counter pinion meshing with the transmission pinions 119, 119 'is indicated by 121 in the illustration according to FIG. 8. The situation here is similar to that of the previously described exemplary embodiments, so that to avoid repetition reference is made to what has been said above. With 158 recesses are designated in the area of the meshing engagement of the gear wheels to allow the individual components to be removed. These recesses are covered by lids.

In a further modification of the exemplary embodiments described above, the processing units 106, 108 placed on the respective base 138, 140 are coupled via a base or intermediate plate 107, 109, 111, which is connected to the processing module 106, 108 or 110 gives an improved stability.

As in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7, openings 146 and 148 are provided in the area of each base 138 and 140, into which a handling device, such as a container, for transporting the individual work modules consisting of base and processing module. B. a forklift can intervene.

In a further modification of the exemplary embodiments described above, the individual bases 102, 140, 138 rest on height-adjustable feet 150, so that a gap 151 remains between the base and the underside of the individual base housings 102, 138, 140 Boom of a suitable lifting unit, such as. B. a forklift, can drive the base with the processing module resting above it out of the modular processing center in a direction that is vertical on the drawing plane according to FIG. 8. The drive coupling of the Working modules with one another are carried out in the same manner as has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Accordingly, there is an increased flexibility with regard to the assembly of the modules on the one hand and the interchangeability, with regard to the edge modules 106, 138 and 102, 110 there being the further possibility of removing these modules laterally, ie in the direction of arrow A.

A further special feature of the embodiment according to FIG. 8 is that the press module 110 is provided on both sides of the power transmission spur gear 121 with further drive openings 113, which act as a coupling point for actuating tools or slides against the Main punching direction serve HSR. In the area of the drive openings, for example, internal teeth can be provided, into which corresponding drive pinions of the slides can engage.

The embodiment according to FIG. 9 differs from that according to FIG. 8 only in that the separately manageable base 202 does not carry a press housing but a combined punching and bending unit 210. On the basis of this embodiment, it can be shown that the separately manageable base module 202 is combined with the processing module 210 which requires the greatest power consumption. In this embodiment of the drive module 202/210, the pinions 219 and 221 mesh with one another.

FIG. 9 also shows clamping devices 256 with which adjacent processing modules 210, 208, 206 can be clamped to one another in precise alignment. The double arrow H in turn indicates that the individual working modules point in a direction perpendicular to the drawing plane according to FIG. 9 can be detached from the machining center without having to change the position of the other modules. With 258 again recesses are designated, which lie in the area of the tooth heads of the meshing power transmission pinions. As soon as the cover plate of these recesses 258 is removed, the pinions in meshing engagement can be shifted laterally relative to one another, which results in the module in question being removed. possible.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG 10 that the zugrundelie¬ the structure of the machining center constricting, in the present invention concept, the inclusion of processing modules 302, 306, 308 allows, are the ^'equipped with different drive versions. Thus, the processing module 308 is designed in the so-called "central wheel version ¹¹ , while the processing module 306 is designed in the so-called" linear version ". Both drive versions are coupled via the meshing gears 336, 337, the respective rolling circles of these gears affect the relevant interface plane E _s . 319 and 321 denote those gearwheels via which the driving force is transmitted from base module 2 to press module 302.

In this embodiment too, the bases 338, 340 located under the processing modules 306 and 308 are designed as empty bases. At this point, however, it should already be emphasized that it is of course possible to provide this base with a supporting additional drive which only has a pushing function. The synchronous operation of the individual workstations is still carried out via the coupling gearwheels that mesh with one another achieved with which the respective interface levels E _{s are} bridged.

FIG. 10 furthermore shows that further possibilities of a drive and output branching can of course be provided in the area of the processing modules. It is possible to flange-mount plug-on gears onto the individual machining modules in order to assign an additional, supporting drive to the one or another machining module. For this purpose, in the embodiment according to FIG. 10, reference number 313 denotes a drive branch which lies in the lower region of the individual processing modules 306, 308 or 302. A branching gear 315 is designated by dash-dotted lines and can be used to introduce a torque to the individual drive branches 313.

Otherwise, the construction of the modular machining center corresponds to that of the previously described exemplary embodiments, so that it does not appear necessary to go into detail about the components shown.

It has already been mentioned above that the respective processing module 2, 6 and 8 rests on the associated base via an intermediate plate 107, 109 and 111, respectively. This can be seen in detail from FIG. 11, which shows a side view of an individual work module. In this embodiment, the base is designated 440, the associated intermediate plate 409 and the processing module 408. It can be seen that the intermediate plate 409 has a considerable depth to give the processing module 408 good stability. In addition, the intermediate plate 409 also serves as a transport and fastening element for the processing module 408, and as a centering element for the replacement process to be described later.

The illustration according to FIG. 11 also shows that the base 440 - which is a middle work module that does not have its own drive - is designed as an empty base. With 441 a breakthrough in the side wall 443 is designated so that the lined-up bases have a connection to one another. This makes it possible to easily accommodate the cables and other control devices required for controlling the individual units in the machining center, i.e. to wire the individual control units with the shortest paths.

To control the respective processing module 408, the intermediate plate 409 is advantageously pulled up. This has on its front and rear end faces plug-in connection devices 413 for associated control connections, into which - not shown in detail - control channels open, which lead to the connection area F _A to the processing module 408.

One can see from the illustration in FIG. 11 the power transmission gearwheel designated 436, which projects with the associated tooth head from the recess 458 - see FIG. 4.

A first embodiment of a quick-change device for the complete work module consisting of base 440 and machining module 408 will be described below with reference to FIG. 11:

The quick-change device has a pair of rails 494 which are supported on the ground via height-adjustable feet 496 which are arranged at a predetermined longitudinal distance from one another. Due to the height adjustment The feet 496 can be leveled, so that the rails 494 can be leveled, so that an exact rail course can be provided even on a wavy workshop surface. The rails 494 are pushed parallel to each other in the above-described floor space 451 between the base 440 and the floor. For this purpose, either the base has been raised slightly beforehand, or the rails 494 are displaced upwards to a certain extent after positioning below the base 440. For this purpose, hydraulic actuating devices can be provided for the height-adjustable feet 496, which can preferably be actuated centrally.

A further possibility is indicated on the basis of FIG. 11 in order to bring the rails 494 into functional engagement with wheels 498 in the front and rear lateral region of the base 440. For this purpose, the support feet denoted by 450 cooperate with a piston-cylinder arrangement 453, so that the floor clearance A _{B can be} briefly increased slightly before the rails 494 are inserted. By actuating the piston-cylinder unit 453 again, the base 440 with the processing module 408 resting thereon is lowered onto the rails 494, so that the rollers 494, which are also preferably height-adjustable - as indicated at 499 - are mounted on the base 440 , gradually come into running contact with the rail surface 494. The base 440 can now be moved on the leveled rails 494 according to FIG. 11 in the direction of the arrow, ie it can be moved out of the bandage of the individual modules forming the machining center. The rails 494 can perform a guiding function for the base movement. The movement is, however, additionally stabilized in an advantageous manner in that guides to be described in more detail laterally on the side of the intermediate plate 409 are in functional engagement with the adjacent intermediate plate. plate of the neighboring work module remain held. Of course, before the individual base 440 with associated processing module 408 is removed, the clamping device described with reference to FIG. 4 must be released.

In order to facilitate the exchange of the entire work module, it is advantageous to keep the width of the base slightly smaller than the width of the processing module resting on it.

The embodiment according to FIG. 12 differs from that according to FIG. 11 only in that the base 540 is designed to be self-propelled. For this purpose, 540 castors 598 are provided in the lateral front and rear area of the base, which are preferably deliverable, i.e. are adjustable in height. Here, the pivot axes 597 cooperate with a pressure medium cylinder 595, so that the floor clearance of the base 540 can be slightly increased for transport purposes. In this state, a support body 593, indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 12, on which the base 540 rests firmly in the installed state, can be removed, after which the exchange on both sides is made possible.

A variant of a leveling device for the work modules consisting of base 640 and processing module 608 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Support feet at the corners of the relevant base 640 are designated by 650. The shaft labeled 657 is longitudinally adjustable by screwing a spindle section into an internal thread of a piston 694 and bracing it by means of a lock nut 693. The piston 694 protrudes into a cylinder 695 which can be acted upon with hydraulic fluid. Here, an eccentric device can be used to control the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder. to build linderraum 695. When the pressure is released, the piston stage 696 strikes against the bottom 697 of the cylinder, as a result of which the preset distance from the substrate is predetermined. In the loaded state of the piston-cylinder arrangement, which is shown in FIG. 13, a forklift can be moved into the free space 651 below the base 640, after which the cylinder space 695 is relieved and the entire work module 608, 640 is lowered onto the forklift .

An embodiment of a quick-change device for exchanging the individual processing modules is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18:

The quick-change device has a roll-out scaffold 140 with stands and struts, the stands 142 each resting on height-adjustable feet 144. On the top side, the scaffold carries two rails 144, 146 which are spaced apart from one another and which can be moved with their end faces against the respective base of the processing module to be exchanged, so that a projecting end section 148 extends into the region of a guide section (not shown) of the intermediate - plate 709 can be brought. The cantilevered section 148 thus forms a pre-centering device for the exchange process. In addition - as indicated in FIG. 15 by 160 - fine centering devices can be provided on the roll-out stand in order to prevent transport-related canting of the processing module to be exchanged from the outset.

In the side cheeks of the guide rails 144, a multiplicity of rollers 145 are supported, which protrude slightly from the surface of the guide rails 144, 146. As can be seen in detail from FIG. 16, a crossmember 730 is supported in the base 740. The cross member is penetrated by a plurality of bolts 731, which are screwed at one end to a cover plate 732 of the base 740 and at their other end carry a plate washer 733, on each of which a compression spring 734 is supported, which acts on the underside of the cross member 730 acts.

The crossbeam 730 carries a plurality of bearing forks 735 for the rotatable mounting of rollers 736. The stroke of the crossbeam 730 initiated by the springs 734 is limited by means of adjustable pins 737.

A sliding plate 738 is screwed onto the cover plate 732. In the assembled state of the processing module, the intermediate plate 709 is firmly screwed to the cover plate 732, so that the individual rollers 736 are pressed down against the force of the springs 734 via a guide surface 709A of the intermediate plate 709.

If a processing module is to be replaced, the fastening screws for the intermediate plate 709 (not shown in more detail) are loosened. In this way, the processing module virtually floats by being pushed upwards by the springs 734 with a force so great that the sliding contact between the plate 738 and the guide section is virtually eliminated. With the roll-out scaffold retracted, the machining module to be exchanged can now be removed from the machining center after releasing the tensioning devices between the individual machining modules. The arrangement is such that the intermediate plate 709 always rests on at least two rollers on each side. As soon as the trailing edge of the intermediate plate 709 leaves the middle roller 736, the leading end of the comes Intermediate plate 709 in rolling contact with the foremost roller 145 of the rolling stand 140, so that a smooth and smooth movement of the processing module to be exchanged is achieved.

Of course, before the exchange of the individual processing modules, the safety cover indicated by a dash-dotted line in FIG. 14 has to be folded away.

FIGS. 17 and 18 also show details of the roll-out stand 140. It can be seen from this illustration that a centering device 143 is provided at the rear end of the roll-out stand, with which the removed machining module can be positioned on the stand 140. When the machining module has been completely pulled off, the roll-out stand 140 can be conveyed by means of a suitable conveying means, such as, for. B. by means of a fork lift truck, and the processing module can be transported to an intermediate storage location.

Finally, an alternate embodiment of the quick-change device is indicated in FIG. 18 with a dash-dotted line. In this case, a conventional pallet truck carries a transport plate on top, onto which the processing module to be exchanged can be pushed.

It is accordingly clear from the above description that the measures according to the invention can be used to assemble drive modules optimally adapted to the individual requirements, consisting of the base module receiving the main drive and the processing module resting above it. This drive module can be used as a self-sufficient unit or can be combined with other work modules to form a machining center, the unit grid width being matched to the other work modules offers the possibility of arranging the drive module at any point in the machining center and - if necessary - replacing it with another prepared drive module as part of the retrofitting of the machining center.

Accordingly, a modular machining center is described which contains various work modules driven by a drive unit with tools that are automatically controlled on the side, such as, for example, B. bending tools, drawing, welding stations, Montageeinhei¬ th or the like. The drive unit is designed as a separately manageable base module, which has the main drive for the machining center and has a width that corresponds to a unit pitch of the working modules integrated in the machining center. The power transmission from the main drive to the individual work modules takes place via intermeshing gearwheels that bridge the respective interface level between the base module and the assembled work module on the one hand and between the neighboring work modules on the other. This results in a space-saving and economical integration of the drive unit into the machining center.

Claims

Expectations

1. Modular machining center with various work modules driven by a drive unit with inevitably timed tools, such as bending tools, pull-ins, welding stations, assembly units or the like, characterized in that the drive unit is handled separately ¬ bar base module (2; 102; 202) is formed, which has the main drive (4) for the machining center and has a width (ERM) which is a unit pitch of the working modules (6, 8; 106) integrated in the machining center , 108; 206, 208, 210; 306, 308, 302) and that the power transmission from the main drive (4) to the individual work modules (6, 8; 6 ', 8'; 106, 108; 206, 208; 306 , 308) via intermeshing gears (30, 32, 34; 94, 96), which the respective interface level (E _s ) between the base module (2; 102) and the fitted processing module (10; 110; 210 ; 302) on the one hand and between the neighboring work modules (6, 8; 6 ', 8'; 106, 108; 206, 208, 210; 306, 308, 302) on the other hand.

2. Machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that the machining module placed on the base module (2) forms a press housing (10; 110; 302).

3. Machining center according to claim 2, characterized ge indicates that in the press housing (20) a Antriebs¬ branch to the vertical interface levels (E _s ) is provided.

4. Machining center according to claim 3, characterized ge indicates that the press housing (20) has a substantially centrally mounted main drive wheel (22) via intermediate wheels (30, 32) drive to adjacent work modules (6, 8th ; 52) causes.

5. Machining center according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the press housing carries a press stand (20) to which a downwardly open, U-shaped guide part (76; 76 ') for the press bear (78; 78 ') is attached, on the downward facing legs (80, 82; 80', 82 ') of which a counter-cutting plate (74; 74') can be screwed directly or, optionally, using a spacer sleeve (92 ', 93'), a press table (88 ') can be attached.

6. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the respective base (38, 40; 138, 140; 338, 340) is equipped with openings (42 to 48; 146, 148) for the engagement of a forklift are.

7. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the working modules (6, 8) are equipped with locking devices with which the zero position of the tools can be fixed to each other.

8. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the drive

The modules are coupled via preferably spur gears (30, 34; 19, 21; 336, 337) and the release direction of the modules is aligned parallel to the interface level (E _g ).

9. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that between the base or base module (2, 38, 40; 138, 140, 102; 338, 340, 2; 440; 540; 640; 740) and the respective processing module an intermediate plate (107, 109, 111; 409; 709) ¬ is ordered.

10. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base (2, 38, 40; 138, 140, 102; 338, 340, 2; 440; 540; 640; 740) of the individual work modules (6, 8; 6 ', 8') is slightly narrower than the processing modules (106, 108; 206, 208, 210; 306, 308, 302) ..

11. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the interiors of the base of the work modules (6, 8; 106, 108; 206, 208; 306, 308) are interconnected by side openings (441).

12. Machining center according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the bases of the work modules stand on leveling elements (150; 350, 450; 598) which are adjustable in height.

13. Machining center according to claim 12, characterized in that the leveling elements of hydraulically operating clamping devices are detachable or lockable.

14. Machining center according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the leveling elements are formed by preferably pivotable rollers (598), which are preferably hydraulically adjustable.

15. Machining center according to one of claims l to 14, characterized in that quick-lock clamping devices between the individual bases (60; 256) are provided which overlap the respective interface level (E _s ).

16. Machining center in particular according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by a quick-change device (494 to 498) for the exchange of the drive base module (2; 102) and / or the work modules (6, 8; 106, 108 ; 206, 208; 306, 308).

17. Machining center according to claim 16, characterized in that the quick-change device has a pair of rails (494) which can be pushed under the respective base modules (440), which on each side has at least two aligned or orientable with the associated rail (494) Wear rollers (498) which can be brought into contact with the rail (494) for transport.

18. Machining center according to claim 17, characterized in that the rails are supported on the substrate via a plurality of adjusting elements (496) which are height-adjustable.

19. Machining center according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the rollers (498) are height adjustable.

20. Machining center according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that guide elements are provided in the region of the interface between the base and the processing module, which are in functional engagement with a guide element of the adjacent work module.

21. Machining center according to claim 20, characterized in that the guide elements at an intermediate plate (109; 409) between base (2; 340; 338) and processing module (302; 306; 308) are formed.

22. Machining center in particular according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by a quick-change device (140 to 148, 730 to 738) for the exchange of the machining modules (708).

23. Machining center according to claim 22, characterized in that a roll-out stand (140) is provided which has two parallel guide rails (144, 146) which are spaced apart from one another and laterally with their projecting end sections (148) on a base plate ( 709) of the module (708) to be exchanged can be brought about such that the upper edge of the rails (144) is aligned with the lower edge of a guide region (709A) of the base plate (709).

24. Machining center according to claim 23, characterized in that the guide rails (144) one

Carrying a plurality of rollers (145) which protrude from the upper edge of the rails (144) by a small amount.

25. Machining center according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that in the base (740) on each

At least two longitudinally spaced rollers (736) are mounted on the side below the relevant guide area (709A), which are supported on the base (740) by means of a spring device (734).

26. Machining center according to claim 25, characterized in that the rollers (736) are each held on one side by a carrier element (730) which is guided in a vertical direction on a spring assembly (734).

27. Machining center according to claim 26, characterized in that the support element (730) is suspended from hanging bolts (731) screwed to the base (740), each of which carries at its end a nut on which a support spring (734) is supported .

28. Drive module, in particular for a machining center according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized by a separately manageable base module (2; 102; 202) which has the main drive (4) for a modularly buildable machining center a processing module (10, 20; 110; 210; 302), e.g. B. a press, a bending module or the like can be placed, the force being transmitted from the base module to the processing module via intermeshing toothed or spur gears (119, 119 ', 121; 219, 221; 319, 321), the meshing engagement lies in the area of the interface level (E _s ) between the base module and the processing module.

29. Drive module according to claim 28, characterized in that in the base module (102; 202; 2) a plurality of drive gears (119, 119 ') are mounted, each of which pitch and intersect the interface plane (E _s ) with their pitch circle via which the power is transferred alternately or simultaneously into the processing module.

30. Drive module according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the processing module is formed by a press module (10; 20; 110; 302), and that on both sides of the power transmission from the base module (102; 2) to Press (110; 302) effecting gear (121; 321) mounted in the press module each has at least one drive opening (113; 313) for a coupling point for actuating tools or slides against the main punching direction (HSR) .

31. Drive module according to claim 30, characterized in that the drive openings are each provided with an internal toothing.