Workpiece carrier and machine tool and machining unit having such a workpiece carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a workpiece carriage (114-117) for transporting workpieces, comprising a guide unit (121) oriented in the longitudinal direction, a drive unit (123) with an electrical supply and a drive motor, and a workpiece clamping unit (141) with two clamping jaws (143, 144) that can be moved relative to one another. The invention also relates to a machine tool having at least one workpiece table, at least one tool unit that can be moved relative to the workpiece table, and at least two workpiece carriages (114-117) that can be moved individually in the longitudinal direction along a machine bed of the machine tool. The invention also relates to a machining unit having such a machine tool and a workpiece supply device. The two clamping jaws (143, 144) of the workpiece clamping unit (141) can be moved relative to one another in a height direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The invention expands the possibilities for use of the workpiece carriage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a workpiece carriage for transporting workpieces, comprising a guide unit oriented in the longitudinal direction, a drive unit with an electrical supply and a drive motor, and a workpiece clamping unit with two clamping jaws that can be moved relative to each other, a machine tool, comprising at least one workpiece table, at least one tool unit that can be moved relative to the workpiece table, and at least two workpiece carriages that can be moved individually in the longitudinal direction along the machine bed of the machine tool, and a machining unit comprising such a machine tool and a workpiece supply device. Background Art

[0002] Such a workpiece carrier for use in a machining cell with a machining robot is known from DE 10 2017 012 077 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to expand the possibilities of use of the workpiece trolley.

[0004] This object is achieved by means of the features of the independent claims. To this end, the two clamping jaws of the workpiece clamping unit are movable relative to one another in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to a transverse direction oriented perpendicularly thereto.

[0005] The workpiece trolley is designed to receive horizontally positioned plate- or sheet-like workpieces. These workpieces can be made, for example, of wood, aluminum, steel, plastic, or composite materials. The workpiece position enables both machining robots and tool gantry systems to be used for machining. The workpiece trolley can be used in a machining cell with a machine tool, which, for example, has two parallel workpiece rails. With this arrangement, workpieces can be provided to the workspace while the previous workpiece is being machined. This allows for high throughput in the machining cell.

[0006] Further details of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of the exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 : Machine tools with processing robots;

[0008] Figure 2 : Machine tools with tool gantry;

[0009] Figure 3 : Workpiece car;

[0010] Figure 4 : cross section of the workpiece car;

[0011] Figure 5 : Drive unit of the workpiece vehicle;

[0012] Figure 6 : Cross-section of the docking clutch;

[0013] Figure 7 : Block nozzle group;

[0014] Figure 8 : Bottom view of the block nozzle group;

[0015] Figure 9 : processing unit;

[0016] Figure 10 : A workpiece vehicle coupled with a block nozzle group;

[0017] Figure 11 : A workpiece car holding a workpiece;

[0018] Figure 12 : The workpiece carriage with the clamping unit moved back. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 A machine tool (61) is shown having two workpiece rails (62, 162) arranged side by side and parallel to each other and two processing robots (91, 97). The machine tool (61) can also be constructed with only a single workpiece rail (62; 162). The machine tool (61) shown has a machine bed (64), on each of whose two longitudinal sides oriented in the longitudinal direction (5) extend a workpiece trolley guide rail (65), a rack (66) and an energy and signal conductor rail (67). For example, one workpiece trolley guide rail (65), one rack (66) and one energy and signal conductor rail (67) each correspond to one workpiece rail (62; 162). Along each workpiece trolley guide rail (65), a workpiece trolley (114-117) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (5). These workpiece trolleys (114-117) are arranged on the longitudinal direction (5). Figure 1 A plate-shaped workpiece (1; 2), such as a wooden board, is held in the view.

[0020] The machine tool (61) comprises a workpiece table (63; 163) for each workpiece track (62; 162). Each workpiece table (62; 162) has at least one block suction nozzle group (71; 171) oriented in a transverse direction (6). In this embodiment, the machine tool (61) has seven block suction nozzle groups (71; 171) for each workpiece table (63; 163). Each of these block suction nozzle groups (71; 171) is movable in a longitudinal direction (5) of the machine tool (61).

[0021] In this embodiment, a processing robot (91; 97) is arranged on each longitudinal side of the machine bed (64). These processing robots (91; 97) are each capable of pivoting about a pivot axis oriented in the height direction (7). In addition, each processing robot (91; 97) has a pivot arm (92) which is configured to be pivotable relative to a base (93) about a horizontal axis. In addition, each processing robot (91; 97) has a pivot head (94) which is rotatable relative to the pivot arm (92). Each processing robot (91; 97) can additionally be moved relative to the machine bed (64) in the longitudinal direction (5) and / or in the transverse direction (6). The two processing robots (91; 97) are configured so that each processing robot (91; 97) can process workpieces (1; 2) on two workpiece rails (62; 162).

[0022] In this view, the processing robot (91) located on the right in the conveying direction (112) has a tool unit (95) for cutting processing tasks, such as milling and / or drilling. The tool unit (95) includes, for example, at least two drilling tools (96).

[0023] In this embodiment, the second processing robot (97) carries a glue application device (98) as a tool unit (98). By means of the glue application device (98), for example, a coating of the workpiece (1; 2) by means of a joining process can be carried out.

[0024] exist Figure 2 A variant of a machine tool (61) is shown in FIG. A machine bed (64) having a workpiece table (63; 163) and a workpiece carriage (114-117) is constructed as described in conjunction with the first embodiment. However, this machine tool (61) does not have a processing robot (91, 97), but instead has a tool gantry (101) that can be moved in the longitudinal direction (5). The tool gantry (101) is guided along a tool gantry guide rail (68) arranged on the machine bed (64). The tool gantry (101) spans the workpiece carriage (114-117), so that the workpiece carriage (114-117) moves inside the tool gantry (101).

[0025] The tool gantry (101) has a U-shaped gantry carrier (102). A ball circulation sleeve (103) is arranged on the free end of the gantry carrier (102), which surrounds the tool gantry guide rail (68). The central rod (104) located at the top of the gantry carrier (102) carries the tool units (105-107). To this end, the central rod (104) has a support and guide rail (108) extending in the transverse direction (6). The support and guide rail (108) is arranged on two end faces of the central rod (104) pointing in the longitudinal direction (5). Each tool unit (105-107) shown is supported on the support and guide rail (108) by means of a cross slide (109). The individual tool units (105; 106; 107) can therefore move in the transverse direction (6) and in a height direction (7) oriented perpendicular to the conveying plane. Each tool unit (105; 106; 107) can additionally be constructed to be movable relative to the tool gantry (101) in the longitudinal direction (5). All tool units (105-107) can process workpieces (1; 2) on two workpiece rails (62; 162).

[0026] The tool units ( 105 - 107 ) shown in this embodiment are, for example, a 5-axis head ( 105 ), a drilling device ( 106 ) and a gluing device ( 107 ).

[0027] Furthermore, an edge glue applicator (99) is arranged on the workpiece gantry (101), by means of which the edges of the workpiece (1; 2) can be coated.

[0028] exist Figures 3 to 6 The workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117) is shown in FIG. Figure 9 For example, all workpiece carts (114; 115; 116; 117) are configured identically. In this embodiment, two workpiece carts (114, 115) are shown corresponding to the first workpiece track (62), and two other workpiece carts (116, 117) are shown corresponding to the second workpiece track (162). A greater or lesser number of workpiece carts (114-117) than shown may also be used.

[0029] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) comprises a guide unit (121), a drive unit (123), a current and signal transmission group (131), and a workpiece clamping unit (141). The units (121, 123, 131, 141) are integrated in a two-part housing (118, 146). In this embodiment, a docking clutch (156) is arranged on the outer side of the housing (118, 146).

[0030] The guide unit (121) comprises a ball recirculation sleeve (122) which, when the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is mounted, surrounds a workpiece carriage guide rail (65) of a machine tool (61) in a vertical and lateral rolling bearing manner. The guide unit (121) is arranged, for example, approximately centrally in the height direction (7).

[0031] See also Figure 5 The drive unit (123) has a flange carrier (124) which carries a drive motor (125) and a drive wheel (126) driven by the drive motor (125). The drive motor (125) is, for example, a servo motor (125) which is independently controlled, for example, by a current and signal transmission group (131). The drive wheel (126) is coupled to the drive motor (125) by, for example, a multi-stage rolling transmission. The shaft (127) of the drive wheel (126) is rolling-supported in the flange carrier (124). In the embodiment shown, the drive wheel (126) is configured as a helical toothed wheel. When the workpiece carriage (114-117) is in operation, the drive wheel (126) meshes with the rack (66) of the machine tool (61).

[0032] A lubricating wheel (128) is rotatably supported in the flange carrier (124) at a distance from the drive wheel (126). The lubricating wheel (128) is also configured with helical teeth and meshes with the rack (66) during operation. For example, the lubricating wheel (128) is configured as a felt wheel. The lubricating wheel (128) can have a different diameter than the drive wheel (126). For example, the tooth flank of the lubricating wheel (128) is wetted with lubricant, such as oil from a lubricating device, via a lubricating wheel shaft (129) supported in the flange carrier (124). This lubricant is transferred to the rack (66) during rolling. Other configurations of the rack lubrication device are also conceivable.

[0033] In this embodiment, the current and signal transmission group (131) has two contact groups (132), each of which has seven contact elements (133) stacked on top of each other. All contact elements (133) are constructed to be similar and are held, for example, by parallelogram guides (134). They are spring-loaded in a direction away from the housing (118). During operation, the contact elements (133) rest on the energy and signal conductor rails (67) of the machine bed (64). The current and signal transmission group (131) transmits, for example, different voltages, control signals and data. The transmission of the individual contact elements (133) can be constructed to be unidirectional or bidirectional. Starting from the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117), for example, a continuous position signal is transmitted to the energy and signal conductor rails (67). If necessary, control and data signals can also be transmitted wirelessly, for example, between a central control unit and the workpiece carriages (114-117).

[0034] The workpiece clamping unit (141) is arranged above the guide unit (121). It comprises a parallel clamping device (142) with two clamping jaws (143, 144) that can be moved relative to each other, for example electrically operated, and a lateral adjustment device (152). The opening and closing directions of the parallel clamping device (142) are oriented in the height direction (7). In this embodiment, the entire workpiece clamping unit (141) is supported in a floating manner relative to the guide unit (121) in the height direction (7). For this purpose, two guide pins (145) are used, for example, which guide the upper housing (146) of the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117), including the workpiece clamping unit (141), relative to the lower housing (118). In Figure 4 In the view of FIG, the workpiece clamping unit (141) is located at the bottom. For example, the upper housing (146) rests on the lower housing (118). Other designs of the floating support are also conceivable. For example, the workpiece clamping unit (141) can be supported on a floating support. Active height adjustment of the workpiece clamping unit (141) relative to the guide unit (121) is also conceivable, for example by means of a threaded spindle or a lifting cylinder.

[0035] In this embodiment, the lower clamping jaw (143) is arranged rigidly relative to the upper housing (146) in the height direction (7). The upper clamping jaw (144) is movable relative thereto. To operate the parallel clamping device (142), a clamping motor (147) drives a threaded spindle (149) via a roller drive (148), which moves the upper clamping jaw (144) along two support columns (151).

[0036] However, it is also conceivable that the two clamping jaws (143, 144) are movable relative to the housing (118, 146) of the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117). They can be adjusted uniformly or asymmetrically. In an asymmetrical design, for example, the lower clamping jaw (143) can have a smaller stroke than the upper clamping jaw (144). The two clamping jaws (143, 144) can also be driven separately.

[0037] Furthermore, the parallel clamping device (142) can be adjusted in the transverse direction (6) relative to the upper housing (146) by means of a transverse adjustment device (152). The transverse adjustment device (152) comprises an adjustment motor (153) which drives an adjustment spindle (155) via a belt drive (154). Guide cylinders (not shown here) stabilize the transverse adjustment device (152).

[0038] In the normal operating position, the transverse adjustment device (152) is moved outward. However, for various machining steps of the workpieces (1, 2), for example, for machining the longitudinal edge (3), the transverse adjustment device (152) can be moved into a retracted preparation position. When the transverse adjustment device (152) is retracted, the parallel clamping device (142) is moved in the transverse direction (6) away from the workpieces (1, 2).

[0039] In this embodiment, the docking clutch (156) is fixed to the outer side of the upper housing (146). However, it is also conceivable to fix the docking clutch (156) to the lower housing (118). For example, it is then arranged rigidly relative to the guide element (121). In this case, the docking clutch (156) can be fixed to the lower housing (118) by means of a bracket, for example.

[0040] Figure 6 A simplified sectional view of a docking clutch (156) is shown. The docking clutch (156) has a docking housing (157) in which a tappet (158) is supported that can be moved in a transverse direction (6). The tappet (158) carries a plug (159) that can be moved together with the tappet (158). The plug (159) is designed, for example, as an angle plug (159). The output end of the plug (159) points in the direction of travel of the tappet (158). The plug (159) can be used to transmit electrical energy, data and / or media, for example compressed air for pneumatic functions. In this embodiment, a block nozzle assembly (71; 171) of a machine tool (61) can be coupled to the docking clutch (156).

[0041] exist Figure 7 An isometric view of a block nozzle group (71; 171) is shown in FIG. Figure 8 A bottom view of a block suction nozzle group (171; 71) of another workpiece rail (162; 62) that is constructed in a mirror-symmetrical manner therewith is shown. All block suction nozzle groups (71; 171) are constructed, for example, of the same type. Each block suction nozzle group (71; 171) has a support rod (72) with two guide groups (73) for guiding a block suction nozzle guide rail (69) along a machine bed (64). Each guide group (73) has two guide sleeves (74) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (5), between which a clamping device (75) that can be loosened hydraulically or pneumatically is placed. The clamping device (75), which is closed, for example, by spring loading, fixes the position of the block suction nozzle group (71; 171) relative to the machine bed (64) in the longitudinal direction (5).

[0042] The support rod (72) is oriented in the transverse direction (6). It carries, for example, three suction elements (76) arranged side by side. These suction elements have a nearly rectangular suction surface (77) with four suction cups (78). In this embodiment, the suction elements (76) are designed to be adjustable in height. However, they can also be rigid. Each suction element (76) and / or each suction cup (78) can be actuated separately with negative pressure.

[0043] A support device (81) is arranged on the support rod (72). The support device (81) has a lifting device (82) with a central lifting cylinder (83) and two guide cylinders (84). The lifting device (82) carries a transversely arranged support roller (85). The support roller (85) is rotatably supported, for example, in a U-shaped support carrier (86). A rigid arrangement of the individual support rollers (85) is also conceivable. The lifting device (82) is designed so that a support plane parallel to the conveying plane and tangential to the upper envelope of the support rollers (85) can be adjusted from a preparation position below the suction surface (77) to a support position above the suction surface (77).

[0044] A support rod clutch (79) is arranged on the end face of the support rod (72). The support rod clutch (79) is designed to be complementary to the docking clutch (156) of the workpiece carriage (114-117). The support rod clutch (79) has a tappet receptacle (88) for accommodating a tappet (158) and a socket (89) for coupling to a plug (159) of the docking clutch (156).

[0045] Figure 9 Shown with Figure 1 The machining unit (10) shown is a machine tool (61) and a workpiece supply device (21) located upstream thereof. The machining unit (10) may also have Figure 2 The machine tool (61) is shown.

[0046] In a machining unit (10), two workpiece rails (62, 162) extend into a workpiece supply device (21). The workpiece supply device (21) has a plurality of support rollers (27) for this purpose. These are arranged in two support roller rails (25, 26) arranged side by side. Laterally on the bed (24) of the workpiece supply device (21), workpiece trolley guide rails (28), electrical and signal conductor rails (29) and a rack (23) are arranged, which are aligned with corresponding components (65, 66, 67) of a machine tool (61). The workpiece trolley (114-117) can thus be moved from the workpiece supply device (21) to the machine tool (61) and back.

[0047] A transverse device (41) is arranged below the support roller rails (25, 26). In this embodiment, the transverse device (41) has a height-adjustable rake (42), the teeth (46) of which project beyond the support roller rails (25, 26) in the illustrated view. The rake (42) is oriented in the longitudinal direction (5) and is designed to be movable in the transverse direction (6). Thus, a workpiece (1; 2) placed in the workpiece supply device (21) can be moved toward a workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117) by means of the transverse device (41). The transverse device (41) can be omitted when manually aligning the workpiece (1; 2) in the machining unit (10).

[0048] A stop device (52; 53) is provided for each workpiece rail (62; 162) at the interface between the workpiece supply device (21) and the machine tool (61). Each stop device (52; 53) has, for example, two lowerable stop pins (55; 56). The respective stop device (52; 53) is also used to determine the position of the workpiece (1; 2) and to release the workpiece (1; 2) for transport to the machine tool (61).

[0049] The processing unit (10) can be part of a chain production system with multiple processing stations. For example, multiple workpiece carts (114-117) circulate. All workpiece carts (114-117) are, for example, of similar design. For example, each self-propelled workpiece cart (114-117) moves back into the workpiece supply device (21) along a return track at an output point after passing through all processing stations. The number of workpiece carts (114; 115; 116; 117) per workpiece track (62; 162) is, for example, at least three times the number of processing stations per workpiece track (62; 162). Thus, for example, at each processing unit (10), there are two identical workpiece carts (114, 115; 116, 117) per workpiece track (62; 162), each holding one workpiece (1; 2), and at least one free workpiece cart (114; 115; 116; 117).

[0050] When aligning a workpiece (1; 2), first, two workpiece carriages (114, 115; 116, 117) are positioned, for example, at any position in the longitudinal direction (5) within the workpiece supply device (21). After the workpiece (1; 2) is pushed against the workpiece carriages (114, 115; 116, 117), the workpiece clamping units (141) of the two workpiece carriages (114, 115; 116, 117) are closed. For example, the respective workpiece clamping units (141) are adapted to the workpiece (1; 2) in the height direction (7) so that the lower clamping jaws (143) lie in the upper tangential plane of the support rollers (27). The workpiece (1; 2) to be processed is oriented and positioned, for example, in the transverse direction (6). The workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117) then moves the workpiece (1; 2) in a conveying direction (112) from the workpiece supply device (21) to the machine tool (61) until the workpiece (1; 2) abuts against a stop device (52; 53) of the corresponding workpiece rail (62; 162). The current position of the workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117) determines, for example, the position of the workpiece (1; 2) relative to the workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117). The control device receives redundant information about the position of the workpiece (1; 2), for example, based on the position of the workpiece (1; 2) relative to the two workpiece carriages (114, 115; 116, 117) whose absolute positions on the bed (24) are known. For example, the signal of the workpiece carriage (115) located in front in the conveying direction (112) is processed first.

[0051] During workpiece transport, two workpiece carriages (114, 115; 116, 117) are coupled to one another, for example, by radio waves, so that they uniformly move the workpieces (1; 2). This is achieved, for example, in the form of a master-slave control system. However, it is also conceivable to decouple the drive unit (123) of one of the workpiece carriages (114; 115; 116; 117). In this case, for example, only one workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is driven to transport the workpiece (1; 2).

[0052] During the orientation of the workpiece (1; 2) and the acquisition of the workpiece position, a workpiece table (63; 163) is prepared for the workpiece in the machine tool (61). For example, the position of the block suction nozzle group (71; 171) is first adjusted. To this end, for example, a workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is first moved next to the block suction nozzle group (71; 171) to be positioned. The docking clutch (156) is aligned with the support rod clutch (79). The push rod (158) with the plug (159) is moved out of the docking housing (157) in the transverse direction (6) in the direction of the support rod (72). The push rod (158) sinks into the push rod receptacle (88) and thereby centers the position of the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) relative to the block suction nozzle group (71; 171). Here, if necessary, the position of the block nozzle group (71; 171) can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction (5) relative to the workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117) to be coupled. At the same time, the plug (159) is coupled to the socket (89) of the block nozzle group (71; 171), thereby establishing an electrical connection and / or a signal connection between the workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117) and the corresponding block nozzle group (71; 171).

[0053] Figure 10 A workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is shown with a block suction nozzle group (71; 171) coupled thereto. The viewing direction is, for example, oriented along the conveying direction (112). For example, when the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is coupled, the clamping device (75) of the block suction nozzle group (71; 171) releases the block suction nozzle guide rail (69). The workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) moves the corresponding block suction nozzle group (71; 171) along the longitudinal direction (5) to a specified position for the workpiece. This position is selected so that damage to the components of the workpiece table (63; 163) is prevented during subsequent workpiece processing. Once the block suction nozzle group (71; 171) reaches this position, the clamping device (75) of the block suction nozzle group (71; 171) is activated.

[0054] The coupling between the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) and the block nozzle assembly (71; 171) can also be configured in other ways. Thus, for example, in the coupled state, the push flange of the support rod (72) can be surrounded on both sides. Other force-fitting and / or form-fitting couplings are also conceivable.

[0055] After positioning the individual block nozzle groups (71; 171), the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) can be decoupled from the block nozzle group (71; 171). To this end, the push rod (158) together with the plug (159) is moved in the transverse direction (6) away from the block nozzle group (71; 171). The workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is separated from the block nozzle group (71; 171). It can now be used to adjust another block nozzle group (71; 171) or to be moved out of the working area (161) of the machine tool (61). The positions of the individual block nozzle groups (71; 171) are stored in the control device of the machine tool (61).

[0056] In each individual block-shaped suction nozzle group (71; 171), all suction elements (76) located within the processing area provided for the workpiece (1; 2) are lowered. Figures 10 to 12 In the view of FIG, for example, the suction surface (77) of the left suction element (76) is lower than the suction surface (77) of the right suction element (76). The suction element (76) that has sunk, for example, when processing the previous workpiece (2; 1), is also raised. This lowering can be performed when the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is coupled or when the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is decoupled. When the suction element (76) is lowered when the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is coupled, this lowering can be performed using a control signal transmitted via the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117).

[0057] Depending on the design of the machine tool (61), the workpiece carriages (114; 115; 116; 117) can be moved for positioning the block nozzle assembly (71; 171) and / or for transporting workpieces on one or both sides of the workpiece table (63; 163). In a two-sided arrangement, for example, the drive units (123) of all workpiece carriages (114; 115; 116; 117) are synchronized with one another. In this case, they, for example, follow the leading workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117).

[0058] After adjusting the block suction nozzle assembly (71; 171) of a workpiece rail (62; 162), the stop device (52; 53) of the workpiece rail (62; 162) is actuated. For example, the associated stop bolt (55; 56) is lowered. The workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117) moves the workpiece (1; 2) to be processed in the conveying direction (112) until it is located in the planned position in the longitudinal direction (5) within the working area (161) of the machine tool (61).

[0059] Now, the suction element (76) is charged with negative pressure, for example, by means of a vacuum pump. Here, for example, the lifting device (82) of the support roller (85) can also be charged with negative pressure. The support roller (85) is lowered and the workpiece (1; 2) is pulled onto the suction element (76) that has not been lowered, see Figure 11 It is also conceivable to control the lifting device (82) of the support roller (85) individually. While the workpiece (1; 2) is being sucked in by means of the suction element (76), the workpiece clamping units (141) of the workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117) remain closed. During the suctioning by the suction element (76), they are lowered relative to the guide unit (121), for example, by means of a floating bearing. After the workpiece (1; 2) has been fixed to the workpiece table (63; 163), the workpiece (1; 2) is also positioned in the height direction (7).

[0060] After the workpiece (1; 2) has reached its working position on the workpiece table (63; 163), machining begins with the tool unit (95; 98; 99; 105; 106; 107). For machining the workpiece (1; 2), all tool units (95; 98; 99; 105; 106; 107) of the machine tool (61) are used, for example. Depending on the machining process being performed, the workpiece clamping unit (141) of the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) can be kept closed or opened. If machining of the longitudinal edge (3) of the workpiece (1; 2) is being performed, for example, the workpiece clamping unit (141) is moved out of a possible collision zone with the aid of a transverse adjustment device (152).

[0061] exist Figure 12 The figure shows the position of the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) relative to the workpiece (1; 2) for machining the outer longitudinal edge (3). The workpiece clamping unit (141) is opened. The transverse adjustment device (152) moves the workpiece clamping unit (141) relative to the outer suction element (76) in the transverse direction (6) to such an extent that, for example, a finger milling cutter can be sunk into the existing intermediate space. After the edge machining is completed, the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) can clamp the workpiece (1; 2) again. In this case, the workpiece clamping unit (141) can clamp the workpiece (1; 2) at the same location as before or at another location. For example, the workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (5) for this purpose.

[0062] After the machining of the workpiece (1; 2) is completed, the pressure in the suction element (76) is increased to ambient pressure with the workpiece clamping unit (141) closed. For example, the lifting device (82) is simultaneously activated and the support rollers (85) are raised. For example, the workpiece clamping unit (141) is raised relative to the guide unit (121) along the guide pins (145). The machined workpiece (1; 2) can now be transported out of the working area (161) of the machine tool (61) using the workpiece carriage (114, 115; 116, 117).

[0063] During the processing of the first workpiece (1; 2), a second workpiece (2; 1) to be processed can be provided. For this purpose, the second workpiece (2; 1) is oriented on the second workpiece track (162; 62). For example, the block nozzle group (171; 71) of the second workpiece table (163; 63) is adjusted and the second workpiece (2; 1) is transported to the working area (161), as described above. Subsequently, the second workpiece (2; 1) is already prepared on the second workpiece table (163; 63) at the end of the processing of the first workpiece (1; 2). Therefore, the preparation time required for each workpiece (1; 2) is not included in the process time of a group of workpieces (1; 2). The machine tool (61) can thus achieve a high productivity.

[0064] Combinations of the various embodiments are also conceivable.

[0065] Description of Reference Numerals

[0066] 1 Workpiece

[0067] 2 Workpiece

[0068] 3 longitudinal edges

[0069] 5. Vertical orientation

[0070] 6 Horizontal direction

[0071] 7 Height direction

[0072] 10 processing units

[0073] 21 Workpiece supply device

[0074] 23 rack

[0075] 24 bed

[0076] 25 support roller track

[0077] 26 support roller track

[0078] 27 Support Roller

[0079] 28 Workpiece Car Guide Rail

[0080] 29 Power and signal conductor tracks

[0081] 41 Transverse movement equipment

[0082] 42 rake

[0083] 46 teeth

[0084] 52 Stop device

[0085] 53 Stop device

[0086] 55 stop bolt

[0087] 56 stop bolt

[0088] 61 Machine Tools

[0089] 62 workpiece track

[0090] 63 workpiece table

[0091] 64 Machine bed

[0092] 65 workpiece car guide rail

[0093] 66 rack

[0094] 67 Power and signal conductor rails

[0095] 68 Tool gantry guide rail

[0096] 69 Block Nozzle Guide

[0097] 71 Block nozzle set

[0098] 72 support rod

[0099] 73 guide assembly

[0100] 74 guide sleeve

[0101] 75 Clamping equipment

[0102] 76 Suction element

[0103] 77 Suction surface

[0104] 78 Suction Cup

[0105] 79 Support rod clutch

[0106] 81 Support equipment

[0107] 82 Lifting equipment

[0108] 83 Lift Cylinder

[0109] 84 guide cylinder

[0110] 85 support roller

[0111] 86 support carrier

[0112] 88 tappet accommodating portion

[0113] 89 socket

[0114] 91 Processing Robot

[0115] 92 Pivot Arm

[0116] 93 base

[0117] 94 pivoting head

[0118] 95 Tool units, drilling and milling equipment

[0119] 96 Drilling Tools

[0120] 97 Processing Robot

[0121] 98 Tool units, glue coating equipment

[0122] 99 Edge Glue Applicator

[0123] 101 Tool rack

[0124] 102 mast carrier

[0125] 103 ball circulation sleeve

[0126] 104 Central Pole

[0127] 105 tool unit, 5-axis head

[0128] 106 Tool units, drilling equipment

[0129] 107 Tool unit, glue coating equipment

[0130] 108 Support and guide rails

[0131] 109 Cross Slider

[0132] 112 Transmission direction

[0133] 114 Workpiece Car

[0134] 115 workpiece car

[0135] 116 Workpiece Car

[0136] 117 Workpiece Car

[0137] 118 housing

[0138] 121 Guidance Unit

[0139] 122 ball circulation sleeve

[0140] 123 drive unit

[0141] 124 flange carrier

[0142] 125 Drive motor, servo motor

[0143] 126 driving wheels

[0144] 127 Axis

[0145] 128 Lubrication wheel

[0146] 129 Lubricate the axle

[0147] 131 Current and Signal Transmission Group

[0148] 132 contact groups

[0149] 133 contact elements

[0150] 134 Parallelogram guide

[0151] 141 Clamping unit, workpiece clamping unit

[0152] 142 Parallel clamping equipment

[0153] 143 Clamping jaws, lower

[0154] 144 Clamping jaws, upper

[0155] 145 guide pin

[0156] 146 Shell, upper

[0157] 147 Clamping Motor

[0158] 148 Rolling actuator

[0159] 149 threaded mandrel

[0160] 151 Support Column

[0161] 152 lateral adjustment equipment

[0162] 153 Adjustment motor

[0163] 154 belt drive

[0164] 155 Adjustment mandrel

[0165] 156 Docking Clutch

[0166] 157 Docking Shell

[0167] 158 tappet

[0168] 159 Plug

[0169] 161 working area

[0170] 162 workpiece track

[0171] 163 workpiece table

[0172] 171 Block Nozzle Set

Claims

1. A workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) for transporting workpieces, comprising a guide unit (121) oriented in a longitudinal direction (5), a current and signal transmission group (131), a drive unit (123) with a drive motor (125), and a workpiece clamping unit (141) with two clamping jaws (143, 144) movable relative to one another and a transverse adjustment device (152), characterized in that The two clamping jaws (143, 144) of the workpiece clamping unit (141) are movable relative to each other along a height direction (7) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (5) and perpendicular to a transverse direction (6) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (5), wherein the workpiece clamping unit (141) is movable relative to the guide unit (121) along the transverse direction (6) by means of a transverse adjustment device (152), and the workpiece carriage has a docking clutch (156) with a push rod (158) movable along the transverse direction (6).

2. The workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117) according to claim 1, characterized in that The docking clutch (156) has at least one plug (159).

3. The workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117) according to claim 1, characterized in that The workpiece clamping unit (141) is movable or adjustable along a height direction (7) relative to the guide unit (121).

4. The workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117) according to claim 1, characterized in that The workpiece clamping unit (141) comprises an electrically operated parallel clamping device (142).

5. A machine tool (61) comprising at least one workpiece table (63; 163), at least one tool unit (95; 98; 99; 105; 106; 107) movable relative to the workpiece table, and at least two workpiece trolleys (114; 115; 116; 117) according to claim 1, the workpiece trolleys being movable individually along a machine bed (64) of the machine tool (61) in a longitudinal direction (5), characterized in that - the workpiece table (63; 163) has at least one block-shaped suction nozzle group (71; 171), - the block nozzle assembly (71; 171) has a support rod clutch (79) that complements the docking clutch (156) of the workpiece vehicle (114; 115; 116; 117), and - the block nozzle group (71; 171) is movable in the longitudinal direction (5) relative to the machine bed (64).

6. The machine tool (61) according to claim 5, characterized in that - each block nozzle group (71; 171) has at least one clamping device (75) for blocking the block nozzle group (71; 171) relative to the machine bed (64), and The clamping device (75) is closed in a current-free manner.

7. A machining unit (10), comprising a machine tool (61) and a workpiece providing device (21) according to claim 5, characterized in that: - the workpiece providing device (21) is arranged in series with the machine tool (61), and The workpiece carriage (114; 115; 116; 117) is movable along the workpiece supply device (21) and along the machine tool (61).

8. The machining unit (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The machining unit has two workpiece rails (62, 162).

Images