Chip removal device for a machine tool and manufacturing system

Abstract

Device (70) for chip removal for a machine tool (10), comprising: - a movable chip carriage (90) with a holder (110) for a chip basket (112) that can be removed from the chip carriage (90), - a chip carriage parking space (72) for the chip carriage (90) integrated into a housing (64) of the machine tool (10), in particular below a working space (24) of the machine tool (10), and - a connecting piece (94) between an opening (114) of the chip basket (112) and a chip removal opening (158) of the working space (24) for chip removal from the working space (24), wherein the connecting piece (94) is displaceable between a release position in which the chip carriage (90) can be moved out of the chip carriage parking space (72), and an operating position in which the connecting piece (94) and the chip carriage (90) are coupled for chip transfer from the working space (24) into the chip carriage (90), wherein the chip carriage (90) has a chassis (120), a coolant handling section (126) and the receptacle (110) for the chip basket (112) along its vertical extension, wherein the coolant handling section (126) is arranged between the chassis (120) and the receptacle (110), wherein the receptacle (110) tightly encloses the chip basket (112) on several sides, and wherein the coolant handling section (126) has an operating opening (130) which is accessible to an operator even when the chip trolley (90) is arranged on the chip trolley parking space (72).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chip removal device for a machine tool and to a manufacturing system comprising a machine tool and a chip removal device. According to various aspects, the present disclosure relates to compact machine tools and their integration into manufacturing systems and systems for machining. Compact machine tools are, for example, those with a workspace smaller than 250 mm x 250 mm x 250 mm.

[0002] In exemplary embodiments, the working space of the machine tool is smaller than 200 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm. In exemplary embodiments, the working space of the machine tool is smaller than 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm. In exemplary embodiments, the working space of the machine tool is smaller than 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm. In exemplary embodiments, the working space of the machine tool is smaller than 75 mm x 75 mm x 75 mm. This information relates in particular to the possible feeds (travel paths) along the X, Y and Z axes. The working space can be cube-shaped. However, cuboid-shaped installation spaces are also conceivable, the travel paths of which in X, Y and Z are not uniform. Machine tools designed in this way are suitable, for example, for precision mechanical machining, for example in the production of watches, jewelry and the like.It goes without saying that other applications are also conceivable, for example in the field of medical technology, precision technology and the like.

[0003] DE 10 2005 030 397 A1 discloses a machine tool with a movable chip carriage that can be positioned below the work area of ​​the machine tool. A lifting platform is provided to raise the chip carriage as a whole into an operating position. The chip carriage has a circumferential seal on its upper edge, which is brought into sealing contact with a housing section of the machine tool by the lifting platform.

[0004] From JP S 57 - 17 710 U a stationary chip collector for a machine tool is known, which has a removable chip basket.

[0005] Machine tools and systems for machining are known. US 2019 / 0084102 A1 discloses a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of compact machine tools arranged one above the other and side by side, which are arranged in a common housing. A robot is also provided for tool and / or workpiece changes. A system for collecting chips is also arranged in the housing.

[0006] EP 2 394 778 A1 discloses a vertical machining center having a work area in which a vertically oriented tool spindle is arranged. The work area has a funnel-shaped taper downwards with a bottom opening through which chips and the like can fall out of the work area. A (driven) chip conveyor is arranged below the bottom opening. This conveyor conveys chips falling out of the work area horizontally and vertically into an area behind the machining center, where the chips are transferred from above to a mobile chip carriage.

[0007] It has been shown that, for example, with a compactly designed machine tool, the desired components can be manufactured with high precision and efficiency, even with relatively small external dimensions of the machine tool.

[0008] However, it has also been shown that, from an automation perspective, special constraints must be considered for compact machine tools. Firstly, transfer systems, handling units, and the like cannot be designed to be as compact as desired. Even if this were technologically possible, in practice there are often certain minimum dimensions for transfer systems, handling units, robots, grippers, and the like. The same applies to the handling of chips, cooling lubricants, and the like.

[0009] This may result in the actual machine tool (or its working space) being small in relation to the automation technology (handling technology, transfer systems, chip management, coolant management and the like).

[0010] Furthermore, it has been shown that even with compact machine tools, there is often a desire for the operator to have a means of direct visual monitoring. Similar to larger machine tools, access openings (doors) with glass panels are frequently required. In an automated system, this leads to this area ("front" of the machine tool) being unavailable for automation technology and other components.

[0011] Furthermore, it has been shown that compact machine tools are often small compared to standard automation technology. This results in specific requirements for the automation of compact machine tools. Furthermore, new possibilities for automation and interlinking arise that may not have been feasible with conventional machine tools.

[0012] The present disclosure is based on the object of specifying a device for chip removal for a machine tool, which is particularly suitable for compact machine tools. The device should take into account, as far as possible, special conditions for compact machine tools. With the help of the device, manufacturing systems should be able to be implemented that enable semi-automated or even highly automated production even in a small installation space. This relates, for example, to the collection and handling of chips. The device should, if possible, provide sufficient capacity for absorbing chips, so that at least temporarily self-sufficient or autonomous operation of the machine tool is possible.

[0013] The device is intended to provide a container for holding chips, allowing for quick replacement when the container is full. Finally, the present disclosure aims to provide a manufacturing system comprising a machine tool and a chip removal device. The manufacturing system is intended to be compact and user-friendly overall.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a chip removal device for a machine tool according to independent device claim 1.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a chip removal device for a machine tool according to independent device claim 2.

[0016] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a chip removal device for a machine tool according to independent device claim 3.

[0017] The problem underlying the invention is solved in this way.

[0018] This allows for chip transfer between the work area and the chip carriage as directly as possible, ideally without the need for an additional (driven) chip conveyor. This allows for a compact design overall, even taking into account the automation technology and the machine tool's ancillary functions.

[0019] The connection between the machine tool's work area and the chip carriage is sufficiently sealed, so that the tendency for contamination during operation of the machine tool with the connecting piece in the operating position is low. In the release position, the chip carriage can be easily moved out of its storage location. For example, a chip carriage with a full chip basket can be completely replaced with a new one with an empty chip basket. However, it is also conceivable to empty the chip basket of the chip carriage and / or replace it with an empty chip basket.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting piece remains at the parking space when the chip cart has been moved out of the parking space. According to this embodiment, the connecting piece is permanently coupled to the machine tool.

[0021] In the operating position, the connecting piece is sufficiently tightly coupled to the chip carriage. This includes, for example, a chip-tight coupling and, in particular, a sufficiently coolant-tight coupling of the connecting piece to the chip carriage. This effectively reduces or prevents contamination of the machine tool and its immediate surroundings with chips and / or coolant.

[0022] The chip cart can be enclosed by the housing when the machine tool is operating for machining workpieces. This results in an integrated design. For example, the housing has a door through which the chip cart can enter the parking space when the connector is in the release position. Accordingly, the chip cart has a chassis. The chip cart is rollable / mobile.

[0023] In an exemplary design, the chip carriage is changed from the front. The chip carriage can be moved into or out of the parking space at the front of the machine tool. This is a departure from machine principles with chip conveyors and chip carriages, where chips are transported to the rear or to the side. This simplifies operation of the machine tool because key components can be operated from one and the same side (front, operator side).

[0024] The device is used for chip handling (also referred to as chip management). This includes collecting chips and, at least in part, also collecting the cooling lubricant that adheres to the chips. Both the chips and the cooling lubricant can be reused or recycled, at least in part.

[0025] Chips are transferred from the work area to the chip cart without the need for an additional chip conveyor. For example, chips can fall from the work area into the chip cart's chip basket using gravity.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the chip carriage has a column-shaped structure, with the connecting piece located above the chip carriage and below the work area. This applies at least when a chip carriage is located in the storage space. In other words, the chip carriage according to this embodiment can be placed below the work area of ​​the machine tool. This facilitates chip transfer; chips can be guided out of the work area in a falling motion and reach the chip carriage without additional drive. In an exemplary embodiment, the column-shaped structure has a height (in the Z direction) that is at least twice the width (in the X direction) and / or twice the depth (in the Y direction) of the structure.

[0027] A compact machine tool design allows the work area to be arranged at a specific height above the floor, for example, at table height or standing height from an operator's perspective. This allows the space below the work area to be used for additional functions, such as chip management.

[0028] For example, the machine tool's work area is located in the superstructure of a manufacturing system with a cabinet-like housing. For example, the chip cart's storage space is located in the substructure of a manufacturing system with a cabinet-like housing.

[0029] In an exemplary design, the parking space for the chip trolley is located - viewed from above - within the cross-section occupied by the work area.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, from the perspective of the chip removal opening of the work area, a free, gravity-assisted chip transfer toward the chip basket along a chip removal path is enabled. In exemplary embodiments, this includes a direct, free connection (without deflection) between the work area and the chip basket of the chip carriage.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment, the chip transfer between the chip removal opening and the chip basket is driveless, with the chip removal path between the work area and the chip basket extending essentially vertically. Chips can fall freely into the chip basket. A driven chip conveyor is not required.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, the connecting piece is vertically movable, with a locking element provided that secures the connecting piece in the release position as needed. This allows the connecting piece to be moved to the release position when a chip carriage or chip basket needs to be changed and / or emptied.

[0033] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the connecting piece rests in the operating position with a seal, in particular a circumferential seal, on an edge, in particular a circumferential edge, of the chip carriage, wherein the connecting piece has an opening in the direction of the chip basket, which in the operating position projects from above into the opening of the chip basket.

[0034] This further reduces the tendency for contamination. The connector, with its own weight and seal, rests sufficiently tightly against the edge of the chip trolley. At the same time, the connector can be easily decoupled from the chip trolley.

[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the chip trolley has a chassis, a coolant handling section, and the receptacle for the chip basket along its vertical extension. The coolant handling section is arranged between the chassis and the receptacle, the receptacle tightly enclosing the chip basket on multiple sides, and the coolant handling section has an access opening that is accessible to an operator even when the chip trolley is arranged on the chip trolley parking space. This may include opening a door of the enclosure.

[0036] This allows the chip cart to be easily decoupled from a coolant container, making emptying or changing it a breeze. Removing the chip cart from its storage location involves, for example, opening a door in the enclosure, moving the connector to the release position, and disconnecting a coolant discharge line in the coolant handling section.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment, a coolant discharge line with a quick-release coupling is arranged in the coolant handling section, which can be operated through the access opening. This allows the coolant fluid that was previously mixed with the chips to be collected.

[0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least the receptacle for the chip carriage is arranged above a movable cooling lubricant tray, wherein the cooling lubricant tray has at least one recess for the chip carriage, in particular for a chassis of the chip carriage. In other words, in the operational state, the chip basket of the chip carriage is arranged between the work space (or the connecting piece) and the cooling lubricant tray. The cooling lubricant tray is arranged below the chip basket. The chip basket is arranged below the work space. The at least one recess for the chip carriage in the cooling lubricant tray allows the chip carriage to be retracted and extended. Both the cooling lubricant tray and the chip carriage can be accommodated on the floor, for example via a respective chassis or frame.

[0039] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises an underground storage space for the movable cooling lubricant tray, wherein the cooling lubricant tray can be moved out of the underground storage space when the chip carriage has been moved out of the chip carriage storage space. This also allows the cooling lubricant tray to be easily replaced and / or emptied. The installation space below the work area of ​​the machine tool is efficiently utilized. The compact design of the machine tool is maintained.

[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cooling lubricant tray and the chassis of the chip carriage are arranged interlaced with each other, at least in sections. This particularly applies to the use of the space below the machine tool's work area in the floor area. The term interlacing refers to a geometric interlacing (compare interlaced fingers). This interlacing allows for the floor-side guidance and mobility of both the chip carriage and the cooling lubricant tray.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the coolant tank provides at least one guide for the chip trolley, into which the chip trolley can drive with its chassis when entering the parking space.

[0042] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the chassis of the chip carriage comprises at least three rollers, whose connection points with the chassis span a first surface. The coolant tank has a chassis with at least three rollers, whose connection points with the chassis span a second surface, and wherein the first surface and the second surface at least partially overlap in a plan view. Typically, the surfaces spanned by the at least three rollers are horizontal surfaces. The surfaces overlap at least partially, which also demonstrates that the installation space beneath the work area of ​​the machine tool is being used effectively. The plan view includes a view along the vertical (from above or from below along the Z-axis).

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cooling lubricant tank comprises a cooling lubricant container that, in a plan view, is U-shaped at least in part and is interrupted by the recess that is accessible to at least a portion of the chassis of the chip carriage. The plan view is taken along a vertical axis and accordingly shows horizontal planes of the device.

[0044] For example, the recess serves to accommodate two right or two left rollers of the chassis of the chip trolley, with the two rollers forming a track.

[0045] According to another exemplary embodiment, the coolant tank has a base area in a top view that is at least 50% larger than the base area of ​​the chip carriage (or chip basket). In another exemplary embodiment, the coolant tank has a base area in a top view that is at least 100% larger than the base area of ​​the chip carriage (or chip basket).

[0046] According to another exemplary embodiment, the chip basket has a vertical extension that is at least 50% greater than the vertical extension of the coolant tank (or the coolant container). According to another exemplary embodiment, the chip basket has a vertical extension that is at least 100% or even 200% greater than the vertical extension of the coolant tank (or the coolant container).

[0047] This allows the coolant tray to be flat yet still maintain a high capacity. The coolant can flow into the coolant tray and spread evenly. The chip trolley, on the other hand, has a larger vertical extension for the chip basket, thus ensuring a high capacity there as well. Chips can be accumulated and stored in the chip basket.

[0048] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a manufacturing system for machining, in particular for producing precision mechanical workpieces, which comprises: - at least one particularly compact machine tool which is designed for multi-axis machining and which has a tool holder and a workpiece holder which are movable relative to one another in a working space of the machine tool in at least three axes, and - a device for chip removal according to at least one of the embodiments shown herein, which is arranged at least substantially below the working space.

[0049] The problem underlying the invention is also solved in this way.

[0050] In particular, this allows chips generated in the work area to be directed directly into a chip basket on the chip trolley without the need for a chip conveyor. Chips generated during machine tool operation can be collected in the chip trolley. The chip trolley itself, or the chip basket contained within the chip trolley, can be replaced or emptied quickly and easily.

[0051] The chip carriage primarily occupies space below the machine tool's work area, where a coolant tank can also be located. Therefore, at least in exemplary designs, the front of the work area is clear and visible and accessible to the operator. The front can also be referred to as the operator side. The front is arranged opposite the rear. Sides of the work area are available for handling (workpiece changes, tool changes). This accommodates the compact design.

[0052] For example, the production system comprises several chip carts, one of which is retracted into the storage space beneath the machine tool. Changing the chip cart can then be done quickly by exchanging a full cart for an empty one. Of course, it is also conceivable to simply replace the chip basket. In this way, the machine tool's operational capability can be quickly restored when the chip basket is full.

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, the chip carriage has a cross-section in a plan view that lies within a projection of an outline of the machine tool's workspace. In this way, the chip carriage does not enlarge the floor plan of the production system, or only enlarges it insignificantly.

[0054] According to another exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing system comprises a cabinet-like enclosure surrounding an upper part and a lower part. The machine tool and its workspace are arranged in the upper part, and the chip carriage is arranged in the lower part below the workspace of the machine tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing system comprises a common housing (also called enclosure) for the machine tool and the storage space for the chip carriage.

[0055] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description and explanation of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1: a perspective view of a machine tool; Fig. 2: a perspective view of a manufacturing system with a machine tool and a chip removal device arranged in a common housing; Fig. 3: one on Fig. 2 based perspective partial view of the manufacturing system with doors of a working area of ​​the machine tool and a chip trolley parking space of the chip removal device opened from an operator's perspective; Fig. 4: one on Fig. 3 based partial view, wherein a chip trolley has been moved out of the chip trolley parking space, and wherein a chip basket has been removed from the chip trolley; Fig. 5: one on Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 based view omitting the enclosure; Fig. 6: a view of the manufacturing system from below, illustrating a nesting between a chip trolley and a cooling lubricant tank, which are arranged together within an enclosure of the manufacturing system; Fig. 7: one on Fig. 6 based view, with the chip carriage and the coolant tank moved out of the enclosure; Fig. 8: a sectional view through a connecting piece between a working space of a machine tool and a chip carriage of a chip removal device, wherein the connecting piece is in a release position; and Fig. 9: one on Fig. 8 based representation, where the connecting piece in Fig. 9 is in an operating position to functionally couple the chip cart.

[0057] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective, an exemplary embodiment of a compact machine tool 10 suitable for the production of precision mechanical components. The machine tool 10 comprises a frame 12, which in the exemplary embodiment comprises a base frame 14 on which a frame block 16 is mounted. Significant forces generated during machining are absorbed by the frame block 16. The base frame 14 serves as a support for the frame block 16. Fig. 1, a control device of the machine tool 10 is also indicated at 18. The control device 18 controls components and functions of the machine tool 10 to machine workpieces in the desired manner. Control via external devices is also conceivable.

[0058] The machine tool 10 further comprises a kinematics system 20 configured as a multi-axis kinematics system. For illustrative purposes, a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ is shown in at least some of the figures. The XYZ coordinate system comprises an X-axis (lateral direction), a Y-axis (depth direction), and a Z-direction (height direction). The X-axis and the Y-axis are horizontal axes in the exemplary embodiment. The Z-axis is a vertical axis in the exemplary embodiment. The XYZ axes are orthogonal to one another. The XYZ coordinate system primarily serves to illustrate and describe components and functions of the machine tool 10. It is understood that other coordinate systems can also be used for these purposes. The XYZ coordinate system is therefore not to be understood as limiting. Those skilled in the art can readily perform the necessary conceptual steps for conversion to other coordinate systems.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, the kinematics 20 comprises various components that are mounted directly or indirectly on the frame block 16. This ensures short force paths and high rigidity. Fig. 1, a working space 24 is also indicated in which the machining takes place with the machine tool 10.

[0060] The machine tool 10 further comprises a workpiece holder (also called a workpiece mount) 30 for holding at least one workpiece to be machined. A tool spindle 32 is also provided. The tool spindle 32 comprises a tool holder 34, which is designed to hold a tool 36. The tool 36 is rotatably driven to machine a workpiece held by the workpiece holder 30.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, the workpiece holder 30 sits on a cantilever 40, which houses a swivel drive or rotary drive 42 for the workpiece holder 30. The rotary axis provided in this way can also be referred to as the C-axis. The cantilever 40 is coupled via another swivel drive 44 to a linear drive 46, which in turn is mounted on the frame block 16. The swivel drive 44 provides a rotary axis, which can be referred to as the B-axis. The linear drive 46 provides a translational axis, which can be referred to as the Y-axis.

[0062] The tool spindle 32 is coupled to the frame block 16 via a linear drive 50 and a linear drive 52. The linear drive 50 provides a translational axis, which can also be referred to as the Z-axis. The linear drive 52 provides a translational axis, which can also be referred to as the X-axis. The two linear drives 50, 52 form a cross-slide drive. In the exemplary embodiment, two translational axes (X, Z) are assigned to the tool spindle 32 and the tool, respectively. One translational axis (Y) is assigned to the workpiece holder 30 and the workpiece, respectively. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, two rotary axes / swivel axes (B, C) are assigned to the workpiece holder 30 and the workpiece, respectively. Other types of assignment are conceivable and depend on the machine kinematics concept.

[0063] Overall, the machine tool 10 provides a compact workspace 24. This, in turn, results in a small overall size of the machine tool 10, combined with low weight and low energy consumption. Nevertheless, due to the structural rigidity, high precision and high stock removal rates can be ensured. The workspace 24 is easily accessible because the workpiece holder 30 and the tool holder 34 are each arranged and mounted on a rear side of the workspace 24, directly or indirectly on the frame block 16 and on the base frame 14 of the frame 12. This essentially provides three sides (the front and two sides) for horizontal access to the workspace 24. Furthermore, an upper side and a lower side of the workspace 24 can also be used, at least to a limited extent, for example, for handling coolant, chip management, and other purposes.

[0064] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates, by way of a perspective view, a manufacturing system designated overall by 60, which accommodates a machine tool 10 which is arranged approximately according to Fig. 1. The production system 60 comprises a frame 62 and a cabinet-like housing 64 in the exemplary embodiment. The housing 64 can also be referred to as a casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 64 is designed to be approximately man-high. In the exemplary embodiment, the production system 60 is designed to be compact, with the production system 60 having a layout comparable to a tall cabinet. This is not to be understood as limiting. The frame 62 can also be referred to as the base frame of the production system 60. On or on the frame 62, in turn, the Fig. 1 illustrated frame 12 (also: machine tool frame) of the machine tool 10 is arranged.

[0065] The Fig. The design of the manufacturing system 60 shown in Figure 2 comprises a lower part 66 and an upper part 68 arranged thereon, which accommodate, for example, various components of the manufacturing system 60 and spatially separate them from one another. In addition to the machine tool 10, the manufacturing system 60 comprises a device 70 for chip removal. The device 70 can also be referred to as a chip removal device. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower part 66 accommodates the device 70. The device 70 provides a chip carriage parking space 72 (in Fig. 2 (indicated by dashed lines) for a chip cart. The device 70 can be closed by a door 76 of the housing 64. Similarly, the machine tool 10 (or its work area 24) can be closed by a door 78 of the housing 64.

[0066] The machine tool 10, with its workspace 24, is assigned to the upper part 68 of the manufacturing system 60. Thus, the machine tool 10 is arranged at a convenient height for a standing or seated operator. The chip removal device 70 is assigned to the lower part 66 of the manufacturing system 60. The device 70 is arranged below the workspace 24 of the machine tool 10.

[0067] In Fig. 2, a front side of the manufacturing system 60 or the machine tool 10 is indicated by an arrow labeled 84. An operator operating the manufacturing system 60 at the front side 84 can, for example, observe and operate the machine tool 10 and the chip removal device 70 via the doors 76, 78. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows an operating console, designated 86, for controlling the manufacturing system 60, which also faces the front side 84. The operating console 86 is assigned to the control device 18 and / or coupled thereto. The compactness of the machine tool 10 and the manufacturing system 60 provided therewith simplifies operation. Relevant components of the manufacturing system 60 can be viewed and accessed by the operator at the front side 84.

[0068] Furthermore, the cabinet-like design with the lower part 66 and the upper part 68 allows the chip carriage parking space 72 to be arranged below the work space 24, even when viewed vertically (compare arrow Z in the XYZ coordinate system). Viewed from above, the work space 24 partially or completely obscures the chip carriage parking space 72, at least in exemplary embodiments.

[0069] The Fig. 3-5 illustrate further components of the device 70 and their interaction with the machine tool 10. The Fig. 2-5 show the manufacturing system 60 or components thereof from the same perspective (obliquely from above at the front 84). In Fig. 2, the enclosure 64 is closed. In Fig. 3, at least the doors 76 and 78 of the housing 64 are open. When the door 78 is open, the work space 24 of the machine tool 10 is accessible to an operator located at the front 84. The workpiece holder 30 and the tool holder 34 are arranged in the work space 24 and can be moved relative to one another.

[0070] When the door 76 is open, the device 70 is accessible. A chip cart 90 is located at the chip cart parking space 72 and can be moved out of the chip cart parking space 72 as needed. This is the case, for example, when the chip cart 90 is completely filled with chips and other abrasion debris. In the exemplary embodiment, the chip cart 90 is arranged at least partially above a cooling lubricant tray 92 for holding cooling lubricants and the like. This can also refer to cooling lubricants or cooling lubricants (KSS) that are mixed with chips in the chip cart 90 and flow toward the cooling lubricant tray 92.

[0071] The work area 24 of the machine tool 10 is connected to the chip carriage 90 via a connecting piece 94. In this way, chips can fall as directly as possible from the work area 24 into the chip carriage 90. This preferably occurs due to gravity and without an additional (driven) chip conveyor.

[0072] A handle 98 is formed on the chip carriage 90. The connecting piece 94 has a handle 102 and a locking element 104 for handling purposes. The chip carriage 90 can be pulled out of the chip carriage storage location 72 in the housing 64 using the handle 98. The handling elements allow for quick and easy changing or emptying of the chip carriage 90. The chip carriage 90 is arranged entirely below the work space 24. This is made possible by the raised arrangement of the machine tool 10 in the upper part 68 of the housing 64. This, in turn, is facilitated by the compact design of the machine tool 10.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows a partial view of the housing 64 with the door 76 open to further illustrate components of the device 70. In Fig. 4, the chip carriage 90 is moved out of the chip carriage parking space 72 in the housing 64. This is possible when the connecting piece 94 is in a release position. The connecting piece 94 is vertically movable between the release position and an operating position, compare a double arrow marked 106 in Fig. 4. The handle 102 is used for handling. The locking element 104 can be used to lock or latch the connecting piece 94 in the release position.

[0074] The chip carriage 90 provides a receptacle 110 for a chip basket 112. In exemplary embodiments, the chip basket 112 can be removed from the receptacle 110. Accordingly, the chip carriage 90 can be changed as a whole as needed; thus, a full chip carriage 90 can be replaced with an empty one. However, it is also possible to change or empty only the chip basket 112 when the chip carriage 90 has been moved out of the chip carriage parking space 72. The chip basket 112 has an opening 114 through which chips can fall from the work space 24 into the chip basket 112. For this purpose, the chips pass through the connecting piece 94. Furthermore, at least one handle 116 is provided on the chip basket 112 in the exemplary embodiment, so that the chip basket 112 can also be handled separately.

[0075] The chip carriage 90 has a chassis 120 at its lower end, which supports a structure 122. The structure 122 surrounds the receptacle 110. In the area of ​​the receptacle 110 for the chip basket 112, the structure 122 is approximately box-shaped and open at the top. The handle 98 is attached to the structure 122. The receptacle 110 is arranged above a coolant handling section 126. The coolant handling section 126 is arranged between the chassis 120 and the receptacle 110. A coolant discharge line 128 is arranged in the coolant handling section 126, through which excess cooling lubricant can drip or flow from the chip basket 112 toward the coolant pan 92. The coolant handling section 126 comprises an operating opening 130 through which at least the coolant discharge line 128 is accessible, which in the exemplary embodiment comprises a quick coupling 132.

[0076] In the area of ​​the coolant handling section 126, the structure 122 of the chip carriage 90 has a rear frame recess 136. This allows a favorable arrangement of the chip carriage 90 with respect to the coolant tub 92 in the housing 64 of the production system 60. In the direction of the connecting piece 94, the chip carriage 90 has a circumferential edge 140, which is delimited by the connecting piece 94 in the operating position (see Fig. 9) in order to couple the chip carriage 90 sufficiently tightly to the working space 24 for chip removal.

[0077] The KSS-Tank 92 is in Fig. 4 is arranged at an underfloor parking space 142. The coolant tray 92 is arranged, in particular, below the chip basket 112 when the chip cart 90 is placed in the chip cart parking space 72. In the exemplary embodiment, the coolant tray 92 is mounted on a chassis 144 and can therefore be moved out of the underfloor parking space 142. This is simplified by a handle 146. The coolant tray 92 has a coolant line 148 that can be coupled to the coolant discharge line 128 when the coolant tray 92 and the chip cart 90 are arranged at their respective parking spaces 72, 142. The coolant tray comprises a coolant container 150 into which the coolant line 148 opens. Compared to the chip basket 112, the coolant container 150 is flatter but has a larger footprint. This ensures that both the chip basket 112 and the coolant container 150 have sufficient storage capacity.

[0078] The representation in Fig. 5 is based on the representations according to the Fig. 2-4, where Fig. 5 the enclosure 64 is not shown. In Fig. 5, the workspace 24 of the machine tool 10 and a workspace enclosure 156 surrounding it are at least partially shown. The workspace 24 has a chip removal opening 158, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a chip funnel at a lower end of the workspace enclosure 156. The connecting piece 94 couples to the chip removal opening 158 and surrounds it at least in sections.

[0079] The connecting piece 94 carries a seal 160 at its end facing the chip carriage 90, which in the operating position (compare Fig. 9) rests on the circumferential edge 140 of the chip carriage 90. This allows a sufficiently tight connection between the connecting piece 94 and the chip carriage 90. It is understood that the seal 160 could in principle also be arranged on the chip carriage 90.

[0080] The coolant trough 92 with the coolant container 150 can be functionally connected via the coolant line 148 to the coolant discharge line 128 in the coolant handling section 126 of the chip carriage 90. The coolant container 150 is U-shaped, at least in part (in plan view), so that the coolant container 150 surrounds at least one recess 166 into which the chassis 120 of the chip carriage 90 can enter (for example, halfway along a track). For example, the chassis 120 of the chip carriage 90 is U-shaped in plan view, with the coolant container 150 also being U-shaped in plan view, but with an orientation pivoted by 180°. The two "U-shapes" can thus engage one another. This reduces the vertical installation space required.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment, the coolant tank 92 comprises guides 168 for the chassis 120 of the chip carriage 90. In other words, the coolant container 150 in the exemplary embodiment forms at least a part of the chip carriage parking space 72. Furthermore, in Fig. 5 with 170 a level indicator for the coolant reservoir is indicated. In Fig. 5 also shows lateral guides 174 for the cooling lubricant tank 92, which are fixed to the frame 62 (in Fig. 5 not shown) and form a boundary of the underfloor parking space 142 for the cooling water tank 92.

[0082] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show vertical views (from below) of the production system 60 with the chip carriage 90 and the cooling lubricant tank 92. In Fig. 6, the chip carriage 90 and the coolant tank 92 are arranged in their respective positions 72, 142. The chip carriage 90 and the coolant tank 92 are integrated into the housing 64 mounted on the frame 62 or are housed (enclosed or covered) by it. Fig. 7, with the door 76 open, the chip carriage 90 and the coolant tank 92 are moved out of their positions 72, 142. This occurs at the front of the production system 60, compare arrow 84. Fig. 2.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, the chassis 120 of the chip carriage 90 has four rollers 178, which form a surface 182, compare Fig. 6. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the carriage 144 of the coolant tank has four rollers 180 that form a surface 184. The surfaces 182, 184 are defined, for example, by the respective coupling points of the rollers 178, 180 with the carriage 120, 144. The surfaces 182, 184 are oriented horizontally. The surface 182 of the chip carriage 90 is arranged at least partially (or optionally completely) within the surface 184 of the coolant tank 92. This illustrates the interlaced (or optionally overlapping) design with favorable utilization of the available installation space (footprint of the production system 60).

[0084] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the guides 168 that the coolant tray provides for the chassis 120 of the chip carriage 90. Also shown is the recess 166 formed in the coolant container 150. Two rollers 178 of the chassis 120 of the chip carriage 90, arranged one behind the other, can be inserted there. Furthermore, Fig. 7 the guides 174 for the cooling water tank coupled to the frame 62. The guides 174 define the underfloor parking space 142. In Fig. 7, a double arrow labeled 186 illustrates the respective direction of travel of the chip carriage 90 and the coolant tank 92 when retracting and extending.

[0085] The Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrate the release position ( Fig. 8) and the operating position ( Fig. 9) of the connecting piece 94. The connecting piece 94 is arranged above the chip carriage 90 and below the working space 24, compare the vertical Z-axis in Fig. 9. The chip removal opening 158 of the working space opens into the connecting piece 94. An edge 188 of the connecting piece 94 surrounds or overlaps the chip removal opening 158. In the exemplary embodiment, an intermediate piece 190 is also provided, which is a component of the chip removal opening 158. The chip removal opening 158 is approximately funnel-shaped overall and tapers towards the chip carriage 90.

[0086] The locking element 104 is accommodated on the connecting piece 94, which Fig. 8 is engaged in a recess 192 of the chip removal opening 158 or the intermediate piece 190. In this way, the connecting piece 94 is in the Fig. 8 is secured in the release position shown. In the Fig. 9, the locking element 104 is disengaged from the recess 192. In this state, the connecting piece 94 can be moved vertically (compare the double arrow 106). Due to its own weight, the connecting piece 94 can move towards the chip carriage 90. The movement can also be carried out via the handle 102. The connecting piece 94 forms a channel 194 for the chip transfer. In the embodiment according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, a lifting guide 196 is provided to simplify the vertical adjustment movement, via which the connecting piece 94 is guided vertically displaceably on the frame side.

[0087] In the direction of the chip carriage 90, a collar 202 is provided on the connecting piece 94, in particular a circumferential collar 202. The collar 202 carries the seal 160. In the operating position according to Fig.9, the connecting piece 94 with the seal 160 rests sufficiently tightly on the circumferential edge 140 of the chip carriage 90. Likewise, a (lower) mouth 204 of the connecting piece 94 is at least partially engaged with the opening 114 of the chip basket 112. This ensures that, along a chip removal path 210 between the work space 24 and the chip carriage 90, chips are reliably guided along the channel 194 through the connecting piece 94 into the chip basket 112 of the chip carriage 90.

Claims

[1] Device (70) for chip removal for a machine tool (10), comprising: - a movable chip carriage (90) with a holder (110) for a chip basket (112) that can be removed from the chip carriage (90), - a chip carriage parking space (72) for the chip carriage (90) integrated into a housing (64) of the machine tool (10), in particular below a working space (24) of the machine tool (10), and - a connecting piece (94) between an opening (114) of the chip basket (112) and a chip removal opening (158) of the working space (24) for chip removal from the working space (24), wherein the connecting piece (94) is displaceable between a release position in which the chip carriage (90) can be moved out of the chip carriage parking space (72), and an operating position in which the connecting piece (94) and the chip carriage (90) are coupled for chip transfer from the working space (24) into the chip carriage (90), wherein the chip carriage (90) has a chassis (120), a coolant handling section (126) and the receptacle (110) for the chip basket (112) along its vertical extension, wherein the coolant handling section (126) is arranged between the chassis (120) and the receptacle (110), wherein the receptacle (110) tightly encloses the chip basket (112) on several sides, and wherein the coolant handling section (126) has an operating opening (130) which is accessible to an operator even when the chip trolley (90) is arranged on the chip trolley parking space (72). [2] Device (70) for chip removal for a machine tool (10), comprising: - a movable chip carriage (90) with a holder (110) for a chip basket (112) that can be removed from the chip carriage (90), - a chip carriage parking space (72) for the chip carriage (90) integrated into a housing (64) of the machine tool (10), in particular below a working space (24) of the machine tool (10), and - a connecting piece (94) between an opening (114) of the chip basket (112) and a chip removal opening (158) of the working space (24) for chip removal from the working space (24), wherein the connecting piece (94) is displaceable between a release position in which the chip carriage (90) can be moved out of the chip carriage parking space (72), and an operating position in which the connecting piece (94) and the chip carriage (90) are coupled for chip transfer from the working space (24) into the chip carriage (90), wherein at least the receptacle (110) of the chip carriage (90) is arranged above a movable coolant trough (92), and wherein the coolant trough (92) has at least one recess (166) for the chip carriage (90), in particular for a chassis (120) of the chip carriage (90). [3] Device (70) for chip removal for a machine tool (10), comprising: - a movable chip carriage (90) with a holder (110) for a chip basket (112) that can be removed from the chip carriage (90), - a chip carriage parking space (72) for the chip carriage (90) integrated into a housing (64) of the machine tool (10), in particular below a working space (24) of the machine tool (10), and - a connecting piece (94) between an opening (114) of the chip basket (112) and a chip removal opening (158) of the working space (24) for chip removal from the working space (24), wherein the connecting piece (94) is displaceable between a release position in which the chip carriage (90) can be moved out of the chip carriage parking space (72), and an operating position in which the connecting piece (94) and the chip carriage (90) are coupled for chip transfer from the working space (24) into the chip carriage (90), wherein the connecting piece (94) couples to the chip removal opening (158) and surrounds it at least in sections, and wherein the connecting piece (94) is decoupled from the chip carriage (90) in the release position. [4] Device (70) according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the chip carriage (90) has a column-shaped structure (122), and wherein the connecting piece (94) is located above the chip carriage (90) and below the working space (24). [5] Device (70) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein, from the perspective of the chip removal opening (158) of the working space (24), a free, gravity-assisted chip transfer in the direction of the chip basket (112) along a chip removal path (210) is enabled. [6] Device (70) according to claim 5, wherein the chip transfer between the chip removal opening (158) and the chip basket (112) takes place without a drive, and wherein in particular the chip removal path (210) between the working space (24) and the chip basket (112) extends substantially vertically. [7] Device (70) according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the connecting piece (94) is vertically movable, and wherein a locking element (104) is provided which secures the connecting piece (94) in the release position as required. [8] Device (70) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the connecting piece (94) in the operating position rests with a seal (160), in particular a circumferential seal (160), on an edge (140), in particular a circumferential edge (140), of the chip carriage (90), and wherein the connecting piece (94) has an opening (204) in the direction of the chip basket (112), which in the operating position projects from above into the opening (114) of the chip basket (112). [9] Device (70) according to one of claims 1-8, unless dependent on claim 1, wherein the chip carriage (90) has a chassis (120), a coolant handling section (126) and the receptacle (110) for the chip basket (112) along its vertical extent, wherein the coolant handling section (126) is arranged between the chassis (120) and the receptacle (110), wherein the receptacle (110) tightly encloses the chip basket (112) on several sides, and wherein the coolant handling section (126) has an operating opening (130) which is accessible to an operator even when the chip carriage (90) is arranged on the chip carriage parking space (72). [10] Device (70) according to claim 1 or 9, wherein a coolant discharge line (128) with a quick coupling (132) is arranged in the coolant handling section (126), which can be operated through the operating opening (130). [11] Device (70) according to one of claims 1-10, unless dependent on claim 2, wherein at least the receptacle (110) of the chip carriage (90) is arranged above a movable coolant trough (92), and wherein the coolant trough (92) has at least one recess (166) for the chip carriage (90), in particular for a chassis (120) of the chip carriage (90). [12] Device (70) according to one of claims 2 or 11, further comprising an underfloor parking space (142) for the movable cooling lubricant tray (92), wherein the cooling lubricant tray (92) can be moved out of the underfloor parking space (142) when the chip trolley (90) has been moved out of the chip trolley parking space (72). [13] Device (70) according to one of claims 2, 11 or 12, wherein the cooling lubricant tray (92) and the chassis (120) of the chip carriage (90) are arranged interlaced with one another at least in sections. [14] Device (70) according to claim 13, wherein the chassis (120) of the chip carriage (90) comprises at least three rollers (178), the connection points of which with the chassis (120) span a first surface (182), wherein the cooling lubricant tub (92) has a chassis (144) with at least three rollers (180), the connection points of which with the chassis (144) span a second surface (184), and wherein the first surface (182) and the second surface (184) at least partially overlap in a plan view. [15] Device (70) according to one of claims 2 or 11-14, wherein the cooling lubricant trough (92) has a cooling lubricant container (150) which, in a plan view, is at least partially U-shaped and is interrupted by the recess (166) which is accessible for at least a portion of the chassis (120) of the chip carriage (90). [16] Manufacturing system (60) for machining, in particular for the production of precision mechanical workpieces, comprising: - at least one particularly compact machine tool (10) which is designed for multi-axis machining and which has a tool holder (34) and a workpiece holder (30) which are movable relative to one another in a working space (24) of the machine tool (10) in at least three axes, and - a device (70) for chip removal according to one of claims 1-15, which is arranged at least substantially below the working space (24), wherein in particular the chip carriage (90) has a cross-section in a plan view which lies within a projection of an outline of the working space (24) of the machine tool (10). [17] Manufacturing system (60) according to claim 16, comprising a cabinet-like housing (64) which surrounds an upper part (68) and a lower part (66), wherein the machine tool (10) with its working space (24) is arranged in the upper part (68), and wherein the chip carriage (90) is arranged in the lower part (66) below the working space (24) of the machine tool (10).

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