DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR A LADDISH SHOE ASSEMBLY, HANDLING UNIT, MACHINING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR GUIDING AND POSITIONING WORKPIECES

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (12) for guiding and positioning workpieces, comprising a supporting structure (10) and guide means (14, 16) which are arranged on the supporting structure (10) for positioning and guiding the workpieces, wherein the guide means (14, 16) can be configured in such a manner that workpieces of differing width and / or height can be positioned and guided with the guide means (14, 16). The invention furthermore relates to an associated handling unit, an associated machine tool and an associated method.

Description

[0001] Device, in particular slat shoe assembly, handling unit, processing machine and method for guiding and positioning workpieces

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a device, in particular a lath shoe assembly, a handling unit, a processing machine, and a method for guiding and positioning workpieces. The device comprises a support structure, in particular in the form of a base plate, and guide means arranged on the support structure, in particular a pair of identical guide rails for guiding and positioning the workpieces.

[0004] Such lath shoe assemblies are used in machine tools, particularly for the production of building components. In particular, the lath shoe assemblies are used to attach roof battens of different heights and widths using fasteners such as nails and / or staples.

[0005] In particular, when roof battens of different widths or heights have to be attached, it was previously necessary to laboriously convert a batten shoe assembly, because the batten shoe assembly is arranged directly on a portal of the machine tool that can be moved above and along a support table.

[0006] The object of the following invention is to provide a device, in particular a slat shoe assembly, a handling unit, a processing machine and a method with which the interchangeable parts of the slat shoe assembly that must be kept in stock can be reduced to a minimum and at the same time a simple and quick changeover is possible.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device for guiding and positioning workpieces, wherein the device comprises a support structure and guide means arranged on the support structure for positioning and guiding the workpieces. The guide means are designed or configurable in such a way that workpieces of different widths and / or heights can be positioned and guided using the guide means. Depending on the width and / or height of the workpieces to be handled, the guide means can thus be positioned on the support structure in a suitable arrangement based on the width and / or height of the workpieces, such that the workpieces can be securely received between the guide means and safely guided by them during handling and positioning.

[0008] The guide means preferably comprise at least two contact surfaces, wherein at least a first of the at least two contact surfaces can be brought into contact with a first surface of a workpiece and at least a second of the at least two contact surfaces can be brought into contact with a second surface of the workpiece opposite the first surface. By means of such an arrangement, it is possible to ensure that the workpieces can be guided and positioned with high precision in directions transverse or perpendicular to the contact surfaces. The guide means can be designed, for example, as two guide rails arranged next to one another or as two groups of at least two linearly arranged guide pins, e.g. in the form of cylinders.

[0009] The supporting structure can be designed, for example, as a base plate or an arrangement of two or four struts, on which the guide means are arranged detachably or non-detachably. Two parallel guide rails could be arranged perpendicular to two struts, or four

[0010] Confirmation copy| Struts could be arranged in a square or rectangle, with two of the four struts, arranged parallel to each other, accommodating the guide means.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one drive device, wherein the guide means can be adjusted by means of the at least one drive device to match a width of a workpiece and / or a height of a workpiece. This makes it possible to automatically adapt the device to handling another workpiece with a different width than the previous workpiece and / or a different height than the previous workpiece, without manual intervention by an operator. This can save time and significantly increase the throughput of a corresponding processing machine.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the support structure is a base plate, and the guide means are a pair of, in particular, similar guide rails. In this embodiment, at least one of the guide rails is detachably fastened to the base plate. Preferably, both guide rails are detachably fastened to the base plate. For this purpose, the base plate has at least two fastening means next to one another, in particular in the form of bores, each with an internal thread, via which at least one of the guide rails can be fastened to the base plate in at least two positions such that the distance between the pair of guide rails, and thus the contact surface of the guide rails, can be variably adjusted to the width of the respective workpiece.According to the invention, the object is achieved in particular by a slatted shoe assembly comprising the base plate and at least one pair of identical guide rails that can be releasably attached to the base plate at different distances from one another. The base plate has several fastening means arranged side by side, by means of which the guide rails can be attached in different positions. The guide rails can, in particular, be screwed to the base plate.

[0013] Depending on the width of the workpieces to be handled and, in particular, fastened after positioning, in particular roof battens, the guide rails can be mounted on the base plate at a suitable distance from one another, adapted to the width of a workpiece or roof batten. This means that the workpiece or roof batten can be held between the guide rails and guided by them during handling and, in particular, during fastening to a framework. In order to be able to process workpieces or roof battens of different widths, the guide rails can be fastened to the base plate at different distances from one another. For this reason, several fastening elements are provided next to one another on the base plate, which allow the guide rails to be fastened to the base plate at different distances from one another.

[0014] The guide rails can be attached to the base plate in a particularly simple manner if rows of holes are provided on the base plate as fastening means.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least two groups of identically arranged holes with a predefined spacing are provided on the base plate as fastening means for the guide rails. This can increase the stability of the arrangement of the guide rails on the base plate.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, for a group of holes on the base plate, holes of a first row of holes are offset relative to holes of a second row of holes in a longitudinal direction of the base plate perpendicular to the at least two contact surfaces. The two offset rows of holes allow for a smaller hole pattern, particularly compared to a single row of holes, so that the positions of the guide rails on the base plate can be more precisely adapted to the width of the workpieces or roof battens.

[0017] This makes it possible to arrange the rows of holes closer together, as the hole in one row can partially overlap the gap between two holes in the adjacent row. This allows the guide rails to be mounted closer together. The rows of holes can essentially overlap. This increases overall handling accuracy, especially in guiding and positioning the workpieces or roof battens.

[0018] Markings, in particular parallel lines, for the positioning of the guide rails can preferably be provided on the base plate. Further preferably, numbers can be arranged on the markings to indicate the workpiece width or slat width for which the respective marking is intended.

[0019] In a special embodiment, the guide rails comprise a guide leg and a fastening leg, wherein the fastening leg has fastening openings and the guide leg has one of the contact surfaces. The fastening leg is preferably arranged parallel to the surface of the base plate in order to detachably connect, and in particular screw, a guide rail to the base plate via the fastening openings of the fastening leg. The guide legs preferably protrude perpendicularly from the base plate.

[0020] The mounting holes are preferably spaced the same distance apart as the base plate's hole rows. This arrangement allows the guide rail mounting holes to be located at all times, allowing the guide rails to be mounted so that they are preferably flush with an edge of the base plate, regardless of which base plate's hole row a guide rail is mounted in.

[0021] Further advantages arise when the guide rails have a U-shaped cross-section and the leg opposite the fastening leg has tool openings corresponding to the fastening openings. Due to their U-shaped design, the guide rails are, on the one hand, very stable. On the other hand, the tool openings allow a tool to be inserted through the tool openings, thus tightening or loosening fasteners, especially screws, that pass through the fastening openings.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device can be provided with several pairs of guide rails of different heights, which can be mounted on the base plate depending on the height of the workpiece to be handled. This ensures that workpieces or roof battens of different heights can be guided safely.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the device of the support structure is designed to be inserted into guide rails of a handling unit. In particular, the support structure can be designed at opposite edges to match the spacing of the guide rails and the shape of the guide rails. This allows the device to be pushed out of the handling unit very easily to the side without the handling unit having to be moved vertically upwards. This saves time when adapting the handling unit to the changing widths and / or heights of the workpieces to be handled. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide means of various such devices are preferably each designed for a predefined width and a predefined height of the workpieces. In a further preferred embodiment, a recess for a locking means of the handling unit is provided on the support structure.This ensures that the device is held securely in the handling unit when handling the workpieces.

[0024] Preferably, an opening is provided in the support structure between the guide means and is designed such that fastening means can pass through the support structure in order to fasten the workpieces to a modular system, in particular a framework. This opening allows the fastening device to be arranged above the device in a space-saving manner, so that the extension of the handling unit can be reduced, at least in a horizontal plane.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises a rolling device at least between the at least two contact surfaces on the contact surface with the workpiece to be guided and positioned. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two contact surfaces of the guide means can comprise such a rolling device. The rolling device preferably comprises rollers or balls mounted in the support structure and / or in the contact surfaces. This allows the friction between the device and the workpiece to be guided and positioned to be reduced, thus preventing the workpieces from jamming.

[0026] More preferably, the support structure and / or the guide means comprise a compressed air supply for the balls, so that an air cushion is created between the support structure and / or the guide means and thus the friction between the device and the workpiece to be guided and positioned can be reduced even further.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the support structure consists at least between the at least two contact surfaces, at least on the contact surface to the workpiece to be guided and positioned, of at least one of the following materials: polytetrafluoroethylene (abbreviated PTFE, colloquially also referred to as Teflon), polyimide-based materials such as polyetheretherketone (commonly abbreviated PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (commonly abbreviated PPS), PA material (polyamide, also known as nylon), thermoplastic plastic such as polyoxymethylene (commonly abbreviated POM, also known as acetal), polyester (in particular PET - polyethylene terephthalate) and polished stainless steel. Alternatively or additionally, at least the at least two contact surfaces of the guide means consist of at least one of the aforementioned materials.

[0028] These selected materials are considered to be low-friction and can therefore be used as an alternative to the above-mentioned rolling device or in addition to it in order to reduce the friction between the device and the workpiece to be guided and positioned, so that the workpieces cannot become jammed.

[0029] The object is further achieved according to the invention by a handling unit for guiding and positioning workpieces, wherein the handling unit comprises one of the devices described above.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a locking device for securing the device to the handling unit. This ensures that the device cannot fall out of the handling unit or slip within the handling unit during use, so that precise positioning can be carried out with the handling unit. In a further preferred embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a receptacle for the device, wherein the support structure of the device can be releasably fastened to the receptacle. The receptacle is preferably designed such that the device can be pushed or pivoted into the receptacle. In particular, the handling unit can have a receptacle for a base plate of the support structure.On the one hand, this allows the device to be very easily removed from the holder, reconfigured, and reinserted into the holder. On the other hand, the existing device can be very easily replaced with another device that is designed to match the width and / or height of the next workpiece to be handled. If the guide means of the device are designed such that the guide means can be automatically adjusted to the width and / or height of a workpiece by means of at least one drive device, in a further preferred embodiment, the device is permanently arranged on the handling unit, in particular welded, glued, or riveted to the handling unit.In this context and for the following description, “permanent” means that the device cannot be repeatedly removed from the handling unit and reinserted into the handling unit without damaging a connection between the device and the handling unit.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a holder, wherein the receptacle is arranged on the holder and pivotable relative to the holder. Alternatively, the holder can be part of a processing machine, in particular a machine tool, which is used to fasten roof battens. Because the receptacle is pivotable relative to the holder, staples in particular can be driven as fastening means into a wooden part to which the respective workpiece is to be fastened at a predefined angle with respect to a preferred direction of a wood grain. In particular, guides can be provided on the receptacle, along which guides the receptacle can be pivoted relative to the holder. In particular, the receptacle can be arranged so as to be pivotable relative to the holder to a limited extent.

[0032] Further preferably, the receptacle is arranged so that it can be locked in at least two, in particular three, positions relative to the holder. Thus, the receptacle can, for example, assume three defined positions relative to the holder. For example, the receptacle can be pivoted from a central position by +30° or -30°, in particular horizontally, into one of the other two positions.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the handling unit, the device is mounted in the receptacle so that it can be pushed in and out. As already mentioned above, this allows the device to be very easily pushed out of the handling unit to the side and another device can be inserted that matches the width and / or height of the next workpiece to be handled, without the handling unit having to be moved vertically upwards.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a fastening device for fastening the workpieces, wherein the support structure of the device comprises an opening between the guide means and wherein the fastening device is arranged above the device in such a way that fastening means issued, in particular ejected, by the fastening device can impinge on the workpieces through the opening. This allows not only the positioning of the workpieces but also fastening of the workpieces on a modular system, in particular a framework, in particular consisting of a predefined arrangement of beams. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fastening device is arranged with respect to the device in such a way that an outlet opening of the fastening device for the fastening means points towards the opening of the support structure. As already mentioned above, this arrangement allows the

[0035] Fastening device can be arranged in a space-saving manner above the device in the handling unit, so that the extension of the handling unit can be reduced at least in one horizontal plane.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the handling unit further comprises an indicator, detachable from the handling unit, for aligning the outlet opening of the fastening device with respect to the device, and in particular with respect to the opening in the support structure of the device. This ensures, in particular, that the respective workpiece can be precisely fastened to the modular system at the predetermined position by means of the fastening means.

[0037] Preferably, the handling unit further comprises a quick-change coupling for arranging the handling unit on a tool carrier of a processing machine. This allows the handling unit to be automatically swapped in and out of the processing machine within a very short time, thereby reducing downtime and increasing the throughput of the processing machine.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a sensor device for monitoring the presence of a workpiece between the guide means of the device, and in particular the presence of a workpiece at the exit opening of the fastening device. This prevents fasteners from being dispensed from the fastening device when no workpiece is located between the guide means. This also increases safety for operators of a machine tool in which the handling unit is used.

[0039] The scope of the invention also includes a processing machine, in particular a machine tool, with one of the devices described above, in particular a slat shoe assembly or with one of the handling units described above.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the processing machine further comprises at least one support table for a modular system, in particular a frame element, and in particular an adjustment device for the device or the handling unit, wherein the adjustment device is configured such that workpieces can be guided and positioned on the modular system by means of the device or guided and positioned and in particular fastened by means of the handling unit.

[0041] The adjustment device is preferably a gantry system that can be moved along the at least one support table. Alternatively, a multi-axis robot can also be used. The multi-axis robot is preferably mounted on a rail system for movement.

[0042] Such a processing machine allows the production of very large or very long modular systems, as the adjustment device can be moved along an elongated support table or along several support tables arranged one behind the other on which the modular system rests. The workpieces can thus be guided, positioned, and especially secured while lying on the modular system.

[0043] The object is further achieved according to the invention by a method for guiding and positioning workpieces comprising the following steps:

[0044] - feeding a first workpiece having a first width and / or a first height to a modular system, so that contact surfaces of guide means of a first device of a handling unit are brought into contact with a first surface of the first workpiece and with a second surface of the first workpiece opposite the first surface, in accordance with the first width and / or the first height,

[0045] - Guiding and positioning the first workpiece on the module system,

[0046] - carrying out an adaptation measure on the handling unit or the first device for guiding and positioning a second workpiece with a second width and / or a second height,

[0047] - feeding the second workpiece so that contact surfaces of the guide means or of further guide means of the first device or a second device of the handling unit are brought into contact with a first surface of the second workpiece and with a second surface of the second workpiece opposite the first surface, in accordance with the second width and / or the second height, and

[0048] - Guiding and positioning the second workpiece on the module system.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0050] - machining the first workpiece at at least one first predefined position in relation to the module system, and

[0051] - Machining the second workpiece at at least a second predefined position relative to the module system.

[0052] In this preferred embodiment, the guiding and positioning of the workpieces according to the invention is used as preparation for processing the workpieces with respect to the modular system. Processing is, for example and preferably, fastening the workpieces to the modular system using fastening means such as nails or staples.

[0053] Preferably, the step of carrying out an adaptation measure on the handling unit is carried out by one of the following variants a) to d) with the following sub-steps: a) removing the first device with the guide means from the handling unit or the processing machine; detaching at least one of the guide means from the support structure of the first device; displacing at least one of the guide means on the support structure according to the second width of the second workpiece; fastening the at least one guide means to the support structure, installing the first device in the handling unit, b) removing the first device with first guide means from the handling unit or the processing machine; detaching the first guide means from the support structure of the first device; selecting second guide means suitable for the height of the second workpiece;Fastening the second guide means to the support structure to match the second width of the second workpiece, installing the first device in the handling unit; c) removing a first device with first guide means from the handling unit or the processing machine, selecting a second device with second guide means to match the second width of the second workpiece and / or the second height of the second workpiece; installing the second device in the handling unit or the processing machine;d) Moving, in particular controlled by guide means of the first device, to match the second width of the second workpiece, and in particular moving, in particular controlled by guide means of the first device, to match the second height of the second workpiece. In variants a), b), and d), the same device can be used in the handling unit for different workpiece heights and / or workpiece widths. In variant c), at least the same handling unit can continue to be used after replacing the first device, without the handling unit having to be removed from the processing machine.

[0054] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, based on the figures of the drawing, which illustrate details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are presented in such a way that the special features of the invention can be clearly seen. The various features can be implemented individually or in combinations in variants of the invention.

[0055] The schematic drawing shows exemplary embodiments of the invention in various stages of use and is explained in more detail in the following description.

[0056] They show:

[0057] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a partial section of an underside of a base plate with two guide rails of a first device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0058] Fig. 2 a): a perspective view of the base plate with several alternatively usable guide rails of the first device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0059] Fig. 2 b): a side view of a base plate of the first device for guiding and positioning workpieces with a first pair of guide rails and a first workpiece arranged between the guide rails;

[0060] Fig. 2 c): a side view of the base plate of the first device for guiding and positioning workpieces with a second pair of guide rails and a second workpiece arranged between the guide rails, which is both wider and higher than the first workpiece;

[0061] Fig. 3: a perspective view of an intermediate step in the assembly of the base plate to a holder of a handling unit;

[0062] Fig. 4 a): a perspective view obliquely from above of a partial section of the handling unit with the device for guiding and positioning workpieces and with a fastening device;

[0063] Fig. 4 b): a perspective view obliquely from above of a partial section of the handling unit with the device for guiding and positioning workpieces and with an indicator for positioning the fastening device;

[0064] Fig. 4 c): a schematic representation of how staples are preferably driven into wooden parts as fastening means in order to fasten workpieces to these wooden parts by means of the staples;

[0065] Fig. 5 a): a perspective view obliquely from above of the handling unit with the device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0066] Fig. 5 b): another perspective view obliquely from below of the handling unit with the device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0067] Fig. 5 c): a schematic view for the fastening of slats in two different orientations to a wooden frame structure using the fastening device of the handling unit; Fig. 6 a): a side view of an underside of a base plate with two guide rails of a second device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0068] Fig. 6 b): a side view of the narrow side of a base plate with two guide rails of a third device for guiding and positioning workpieces and a workpiece arranged and brought into contact between the guide rails;

[0069] Fig. 6 c): a side view of the underside of the base plate with two guide rails of the third device for guiding and positioning workpieces and the workpiece arranged and brought into contact between the guide rails;

[0070] Fig. 7 a): a perspective view obliquely from above of a second handling unit for a fourth device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0071] Fig. 7 b): a perspective view obliquely from above of the fourth device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0072] Fig. 7 c): a side view of a first embodiment of the fourth device for guiding and positioning workpieces, which is adapted to a first predefined workpiece width and a first predefined workpiece height;

[0073] Fig. 7 d): a side view of a second embodiment of the fourth device for guiding and positioning workpieces, which is adapted to a second predefined workpiece width and the first predefined workpiece height;

[0074] Fig. 7 e): a side view of a third embodiment of the fourth device for guiding and positioning workpieces, which is adapted to the second predefined workpiece width and a second predefined workpiece height;

[0075] Fig. 8 a): a side view of an underside of a base plate with two guide rails of a fifth device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0076] Fig. 8 b): a side view on an underside of a base plate with two guide rails of a sixth device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0077] Fig. 8 c): a perspective view of a guide rail of the fifth and sixth device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0078] Fig. 8 d): a side view of the guide rail of the fifth and sixth device for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0079] Fig. 9: a perspective view obliquely from above of a processing machine with various handling units;

[0080] Fig. 10: a first flow chart for a method for guiding and positioning workpieces;

[0081] Fig. 1 1 : a second flow diagram for a method for guiding and positioning and in particular fastening workpieces;

[0082] Fig. 12 a): a first partial flow diagram for a first alternative for the step of executing an adaptation measure on a handling unit or a processing machine for guiding and positioning workpieces of different widths and / or heights; Fig. 12 b): a second partial flow diagram for a second alternative for the step of executing an adaptation measure on a handling unit or a processing machine for guiding and positioning workpieces of different widths and / or heights;

[0083] Fig. 12 c): a third partial flow diagram for a third alternative for the step of carrying out an adaptation measure on a handling unit or a processing machine for guiding and positioning workpieces of different width and / or height;

[0084] Fig. 12 d): a fourth partial flow diagram for a fourth alternative for the step of carrying out an adaptation measure on a handling unit or a processing machine for guiding and positioning workpieces of different width and / or height.

[0085] Although the following description is provided in detail with reference to specific configurations, the descriptions and figures are illustrative and not limiting the scope of the present invention. Various changes may be made to the illustrated configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For clarity, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals in the various accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 shows a base plate 10 as the supporting structure of a first embodiment of a device 12 for guiding and positioning workpieces, to which guide rails 14, 16 are releasably attached as guide means. Such a device 12 is also referred to in technical jargon as a slatted shoe assembly.

[0087] The base plate 10 has, at least in a first section, a plurality of fastening means 18, 20 configured as first rows of holes. The first rows of holes form a first hole row group 24. L. The guide rails 14, 16 can be fastened to the base plate 10 via the fastening means 18, 20. In particular, the guide rails 14, 16 can be releasably fastened by screwing them to the base plate 10. A screw 22 is shown only as an example.

[0088] Preferably, the base plate 10 has, in a second section at a predefined distance from the first hole row group 24.L, intended second hole rows, which form a second hole row group (not visible in Fig. 1 due to the partial section of the device 12 shown). Preferably, the first section is located near a first edge 40 of the base plate 10, at which the guide strips 14, 16 end. Likewise preferably, the second section is located near a second edge of the base plate 10 opposite the first edge, at which the guide strips 14, 16 also end.

[0089] Adjacent fastening means or rows of holes 18, 20 preferably have holes 24 arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction, so that the rows of holes can be arranged closer together.

[0090] The guide rails 14, 16 are essentially U-shaped in cross-section. A fastening leg 28 has the fastening means formed as holes 26. Perpendicular to the web 28, a guide web 30 with a contact surface 30.1, 30.2 for a workpiece is provided. Opposite the web 28, a further web 32 is provided, which has tool openings 34 corresponding to the holes 26.

[0091] To facilitate the positioning of the guide rails 16, 18, markings 36, 38 can be provided on the base plate 10. Adjacent to the markings 36, 38, numbers are preferably shown (not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity), which indicate the distance between the guide rails 16, 18 from one another, for example, in millimeters. Preferably, the holes 24 in the base plate and the holes 26 in the fastening legs are arranged such that the guide rails 14, 16 can always be positioned so that they are flush with an edge 40 of the guide plate 10.

[0092] Figure 2 a) illustrates that guide rails 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 of different heights can be provided on the base plate 10, whereby preferably only one pair of guide rails 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, which have the same height, is mounted on the base plate 10, as shown in Figures 2 b) and 2 c) described below. "Height" is to be understood as a length, the distance vertically extending downwards from the base plate 10 from the respective guide rail 42, 44, 46, 48, 50.

[0093] Fig. 2 a) also shows an opening 11 in the base plate 10, which is arranged in particular between the guide rails 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 in the base plate. The function of this opening 11 will be explained later with reference to a fastening device 99 (see Fig. 4 a)).

[0094] Fig. 2 b) shows how a first workpiece W.l with a first width WB.l and a first height WH.l is arranged between a first pair of guide rails 50 with a first height FH.l. In the situation shown, the pair of guide rails 50 is fastened to a pair of holes 24.1 which have the smallest distance from one another, so that the first workpiece Wl can rest on the contact surfaces of the pair of guide rails 50. Fig. 2 c) shows how a second workpiece W.2 with a second width WB.2 and a second height WH.2 is arranged between a second pair of guide rails 46 with a second height FH.2. In the situation shown, the pair of guide rails 46 is fastened to a pair of holes 24.3 which have the third smallest distance from one another, so that the second workpiece W.2 can rest on the contact surfaces of the pair of guide rails 46.

[0095] When wooden slats are to be guided and positioned as workpieces, they are usually available on the market with a specific grid of widths and heights. The hole pairs 24.1, ..., 24.N are therefore preferably arranged on the base plate so that a hole pair can always be found, allowing the side surfaces of a wooden slat with a specific width to rest against the contact surfaces of a pair of guide rails 42, 44, 46, 48, 50. This can also be done for other types of workpieces.

[0096] From Figure 3 it can be seen that the base plate 10 with attached guide rails 14, 16 can be mounted on a holder 52 of a handling unit 100, of which only a lower section is shown in Fig. 3. The base plate 10 can be inserted with one end into a groove 54 of the holder 52. At the opposite end, the base plate 10 can be locked by fastening means, in particular spring-loaded bolts 56, 58, after it has been pivoted in the direction of arrow 60. It can be seen that the base plate 10 can be easily removed from the holder 52 by loosening the bolts 56, 58. The holder 52 is in turn arranged on a holder 62 of the handling unit 100 and can be pivoted relative to this holder 62. The holder 62 has, for example, the shape of a plate, as shown in Fig. 3. Analogous to the base plate 10, the receptacle 52 has an opening 52.1, which is better visible in Fig. 4 a).

[0097] Fig. 4 a) shows the lower section of the handling unit 100 without the holder 62, but with a fastening device 99 preferably used, which is known to those skilled in the art and is preferably arranged vertically above the receptacle 52. The fastening device 99 is intended to dispense fastening means with which workpieces guided and positioned by the device 12, such as slats and in particular wooden slats, can be fastened to a modular system, such as a framework and in particular a wooden framework for house construction. Nails, staples, screws, or pins can serve as fastening means, with nails and staples being preferred. The fastening device 99 has an outlet opening 99.1, which is preferably arranged between the fastening device 99 and the device 12 and preferably extends through the opening 52.1 of the receptacle 52 in order to end as close as possible to the opening 11 of the base plate 10.

[0098] Not shown in Fig. 4 a) is a magazine for the fastening means, which can be arranged either within the fastening device 99 or laterally next to the fastening device 99. In Fig. 4 a) it can be seen that the receptacle 52 has, in particular, arc-shaped guides 64, 66, in which guide elements 68, 70 of the holder 62 (not shown in Fig. 4 a) are guided. It can thus be seen that the receptacle 52 can be pivoted to a limited extent relative to the holder 62 and in particular to the fastening device 99 located above it, in particular about a vertical pivot axis that is oriented perpendicular to the plane of extension of the holder 62. From a zero position, the receptacle 52 can preferably be pivoted to +30° and -30°. Other angular limit values ​​such as +25° and -25° or +35° and -35° are also conceivable for the pivoting.

[0099] Such a pivoting device is used in particular when staples are used as fastening devices. The selection of a pivot position depends on which fastening device is used. If the fastening devices are, in particular, nails that are rotationally symmetrical along their longitudinal axis, the zero position is preferably used as the pivot position. If the fastening devices are conventional staples Kl, K.2, K.3 (see Fig. 4 c)) with two tips Sl, S.2 that are connected at the upper ends of the tips via a bridge B (see Fig. 4 c) on the left), a pivot position different from the zero position is preferably used as the pivot position so that the staples Kl, K.2, K.3 are not driven into the wooden parts to which the workpieces are to be fastened with a longitudinal extension of the bridge B parallel to the grain.Otherwise, in the zero position, the longitudinal extension of the bridge B of the clamps K. 1, K.2, K.3 would be aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rails 14, 16.

[0100] Fig. 4 c) shows in the center a workpiece W.3 which is fastened to a wooden part H.1 by means of the clamps Kl., K.2, K.3. The wooden part Hl is, for example and preferably, a wooden beam and the workpiece W.3 is, for example and preferably, a wooden slat. The wooden part Hl, like any wooden part, has a grain Ml, whereby the grain M.l preferably runs along the longest dimension of the wooden part H.l, which corresponds to a longitudinal axis Ll. The clamps Kl, K.2, K3 are preferably driven into the workpiece W.3 and the wooden part Hl with the longitudinal dimension of the bridge B at an angle greater than 0° or less than 0°, in particular +30° or -30°, to the grain M.l of the wooden part H.l (shown on the right in Fig. 4 c) as a section and example for the angle -30°). Without a suitable and defined pivoting of the holder 52 relative to the bracket 62, it can otherwise lead to the wooden part Hl moving along the grain where the tips Sl, S.2 of the clamps Kl, K.2, K.3 were driven in, and thus the clamps Kl, K.2, K.3 and thus the workpiece W.3 could become detached from the wooden part H. l, in particular due to vibrations or mechanical stresses.

[0101] Indicators 78, 80 can be provided on the receptacle 52, which can be engraved to easily detect the relative position of the receptacle 52 to the holder 62 and to check whether the predefined pivot position has been reached. The indicators 78, 80 preferably comprise straight lines 78.1, 80.1, against which the edges of the holder 62 rest when the predefined pivot position is reached.

[0102] The receptacle 52 has locking positions 72, 74 designed as openings, in particular bores, via which the receptacle 52 can be locked in different positions relative to the holder 62 by means of locking bolts 76 arranged on the holder 62.

[0103] An indicator 82 is preferably provided on the receptacle 52, which serves to align the outlet opening 99.1 of the fastening device 99. Once the outlet opening 99.1 and thus the fastening device 99 are aligned, the indicator 82 is removed so that the fastening means can exit the fastening device 99 without obstruction and, in particular, can be ejected by means of air pressure in order to independently penetrate the workpiece to be fastened and the underlying module system. The outlet opening 99.1 is preferably located at a distance of 3 to 10 mm and more preferably at a distance of 4 to 5 mm above the surface of the workpiece W1, W2, W3 to be fastened.

[0104] Fig. 4 b) shows further details of the lower section of the handling unit 100 and in particular of the holder 62. In the illustrated situation, the holder 52 is pivoted, for example, by -30° relative to the holder 62. The two preferred pivot positions +30° and -30° are assigned, for example, the letters X and Y as indicators 78, 80 for an operator. The operator must pivot the holder 52 to the letter X if slats need to be positioned in the X direction on a wooden frame (see also the following description of Fig. 5 c)). Analogously, the operator must pivot the holder 52 to the letter Y if slats need to be positioned in the Y direction on a wooden frame. Instead of an operator, the pivoting can also be carried out fully automatically by means of a drive and a corresponding control device.

[0105] The locking bolts 76 are arranged on the holder 62 and engage in invisible openings in the holder 62. Furthermore, a positioning block 77 is provided on the holder 62 and is used to park the handling unit 100 in a rack of a processing machine (see Fig. 9) as precisely as possible so that, for example, a portal of the processing machine can safely pick up the handling unit 100 for further use. Above the holder 62 there is a type of cage 90 for the fastening device 99 (not visible in Fig. 4 b). The cage 90 is preferably formed by a first threaded rod 91, a second threaded rod 92, a first guide rod 93 and a second guide rod 94, which each extend preferably perpendicularly from the holder 62 and thus vertically upwards. The threaded rods 91, 92 and guide rods 93, 94, in addition to their actual main functions (space orFastening and adjustment options for the fastening device 99 provide a certain protective effect for the fastening device 99 arranged between them, so that the precise arrangement of the fastening device 99 in the handling unit 100 is not changed due to unintentional contact or impact. The threaded rods 91, 92 serve to adjust the height of a holder 104 for the fastening device 99 depending on the size, in particular the respective longitudinal extent, of the fastening device 99 to be used (see Fig. 5 a) and the following description). The guide rods 93, 94 serve to clamp the holder 104 of the fastening device 99 (see Fig. 5 a) and the following description).

[0106] Fig. 5 a) and Fig. 5 b) show the handling unit 100 in full size, but without a fastening device arranged in the cage 90. The handling unit 100 preferably comprises a

[0107] Quick-change device 101 is preferably located vertically at the upper end of handling unit 100, in order to establish a connection to a tool holder of a processing machine. Quick-change device 101 is preferably arranged on an upper, particularly plate-shaped, holder 103. The upper ends of threaded rods 91, 92 and guide rods 93, 94, preferably viewed vertically, terminate at the holder 103.

[0108] The handling unit 100 further preferably comprises a sensor device 102, which is known to those skilled in the art and is preferably arranged on the holder 62. The sensor device 102 is preferably a light sensor, in which an optical transmitter and an optical receiver are preferably accommodated in a housing. The use of such a light sensor has the advantage that no reflector needs to be provided for the rear reflection. The sensor device 102 is intended to check and determine whether a part of a workpiece is located in the device 12 and thus the handling unit 100 can be released for dispensing fastening means by means of a control device of the handling unit 100 or a processing machine. If a workpiece is located in the device 12, light from the workpiece is reflected and detected, and the fastening device 99 is released for dispensing fastening means.If there is no workpiece in the fixture 12, no light can be reflected and detected and the fastening device 99 is blocked from dispensing fasteners.

[0109] The handling unit 100 further preferably comprises a further, in particular plate-shaped, central holder 104 for the fastening device 99. The holder 104 is preferably arranged on an upper half of the threaded rods 91, 92 and the guide rods 93, 94, wherein the threaded rods 91, 92 and the guide rods 93, 94 preferably penetrate the holder 104. The fastening device 99 is preferably releasably and alignably fastened, viewed vertically, to a lower side of the holder 104. Two lock nuts KM.1, KM.2, KM.3, KM.4 are screwed onto each of the threaded rods 91, 92 (only one of the lock nuts is visible in Fig. 5 a), three lock nuts are visible in Fig. 5 b), between which the holder 104 is screwed. The holder 104 preferably comprises, in addition to bores for the guide rods, an elongated through opening directly adjacent to each other.A hole runs transversely to each of the openings to an end face of the bracket 104, and another threaded hole is directly opposite. A clamping screw KS.l is screwed into each of these holes, securing the bracket 104 to one of the guide rods 93, 94.

[0110] The handling unit 100 preferably further comprises a housing 105 for accommodating electronic and electrical components of the handling unit 100 and a pneumatic device 106, whose compressed air serves as a drive for the fastening device 99 in order to eject the fastening means from the fastening device 99. For reasons of clarity, only a few components of the pneumatic device for the compressed air supply are shown in Fig. 5 a). The pneumatic device 106 can also be used to supply compressed air to balls of a device for guiding and positioning workpieces, which is described below with reference to Fig. 8 b).

[0111] Fig. 5 c) shows a schematic view of an exemplary modular system 120 in which wooden slats L1, L2 and L3, L4 are fastened to a wooden frame structure 120 consisting of wooden beams B1, ..., B.7 by means of the fastening device 99 of the handling unit 100. The wooden beams B1, ..., B.7 are arranged such that they form, for example, a wall of a wooden house to be finished, with a beam B1 defining the underside of the wall. In a first alternative, the wooden slats L1, L2 are fastened to the modular system 120 with a so-called X-alignment. In a second alternative, the wooden slats L3, L4 (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 5 c)) are fastened to the modular system 120 with a so-called Y-alignment. In order to emphasize the difference in thickness between the wooden beams B. 1, ... , B.7 and the wooden slats L. l , L.4, the wooden beams B. l, ... , B.7 are shown with thicker lines in Fig. 5 c).The X-alignment or Y-alignment of the wooden slats L.1, L.2 or L.3, L.4 is achieved by pivoting the handling unit 100, when installed in a processing machine, by 90° about a so-called C-axis, in particular a vertical axis. The pivoting of the receptacle 52 relative to the holder 62 described above, on the other hand, serves to align the staples to be driven into the wooden slats L.1, L.2, L.3, L.4 and the beams B.1, ..., B.7, in particular with respect to the grain of the beams B.1, ..., B.7.

[0112] Fig. 6 a) schematically shows another preferred embodiment of a device 12.1 for guiding and positioning workpieces W. 1, W. 2. Instead of rows of holes in a base plate 10.1 as the supporting structure of the device 12.1 and holes in guide rails 14.1, 16.1 for the releasable attachment of the guide rails 14.1, 16.1 to the base plate 10.1, the device 12.1 comprises drive devices 90.1, 90.2 for the automated adjustment of the guide rails 14.1, 16.1 and thus of a distance between the guide rails 14.1, 16.1. Pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or electric linear drives, for example, can function as drive devices 90.1, 90.2. The drive devices 90.1, 90.2 move the guide rails 14.1,

[0113] 16.1 preferably in opposite directions Rl, R.2 perpendicular to contact surfaces 31_1, 31_2 of the guide rails 14.1, 16.1.

[0114] The drive devices 90.1, 90.2 are controlled by a control device 95 via control lines 95.1, 95.2. The control device 95 is, for example, housed in the housing 105 of the handling unit 100 or is part of a processing machine on which the handling unit 100 is arranged. If the control device 95 is housed in the housing 105 of the handling unit 100, there is preferably an additional control line from the control device 95 to a higher-level control device of the processing machine.

[0115] The device 12.1 further preferably comprises an opening 11.1 in the base plate 10.1 for the outlet orifice

[0116] 99.1 of the fastening device 99, wherein the opening 1 1.1 is preferably arranged centrally between the guide rails.

[0117] The base plate 10.1 may include an opening (not shown) into which a locking pin of the handling unit 100 engages when the device 12.1 is inserted into the handling unit 100 (see Fig. 7 b). This allows the device 12.1 to be locked in the handling unit 100.

[0118] The base plate 10.1, for example, has the same shape as the base plate 10 in order to be inserted into the receptacle 54. Alternatively, the base plate 10.1 can also be a permanent component of the handling unit 100, so that the entire device 12.1 cannot be easily removed, but only parts of it, such as the drive devices 90.1, 90.2 or the guide rails 14.1, 16.1. In this case, the base plate 10.1 can be welded or riveted to the handling unit 100, for example.

[0119] Fig. 6 b) and Fig. 6 c) schematically show a further preferred embodiment of a device 12.2 for guiding and positioning a workpiece W.3. The device 12.2 comprises, analogously to the device 12.1, the drive devices 90.1, 90.2 for the automated adjustment of guide rails 14.2, 14.2 to adapt to the width of the workpiece W.3. The device 12.2 further comprises additional drive devices 90.3, 90.4, which are preferably integrated in the guide rails 14.2, 14.3 and with which the height of the guide rails 14.2, 14.3 can be automatically adapted to the height of the respective workpiece W.3. Pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or electric linear drives, for example, can function as drive devices 90.3, 90.4. The drive devices 90.3, 90.4 can in particular be designed to be telescopically extendable and retractable.

[0120] The drive devices 90.3, 90.4 can reduce or increase the height of the guide rails 14.1, 16.1, preferably in opposite directions R.3, R.4 perpendicular to the main surface 10.2.1 of the base plate 10.2. For example, for this purpose - as shown in Fig. 6 b) - a type of cylinder is extended from a respective base structure of one of the guide rails 14.2, 16.2 or retracted into the respective base structure of one of the guide rails 14.2, 16.2. The height of the guide rails 14.1, 16.1 is preferably set in a defined manner such that the height is smaller than the height of the workpiece W.3, so that the guide rails do not abut the support surface on which the workpiece W.3 rests. The guide rails 14.1, 16.1 therefore preferably do not extend down to the side of the workpiece W.3 with which the workpiece W.3 rests on the support surface. Fig. 6 c) shows, analogous to Fig. 6 a), a side view of the underside of the base plate 10.2, where the guide rails 14.2, 16.1 are located.2. It can be clearly seen there that the guide rails 14.2, 16.2, which can be moved in the directions R1, R2 by means of the drive devices 90.1, 90.2, are preferably constructed in two parts. The guide rail 14.2 comprises a first guide part 14.2.1, which engages around a second guide part 14.2.2, for example in a horseshoe shape. The first guide part 14.2.1 therefore only offers a contact surface for the respective workpiece W.3 at each of its two ends. The second guide part 14.2.2 is, for example, rectangular in design in this side view and offers a further contact surface for the respective workpiece W.3 along the longer side. The drive device 90.3 is arranged on the second guide part 14.2.2 to move the second guide part 14.2.2 in the directions R.3, R.4, preferably perpendicular to the base plate 10.2, and to adapt it to the height of the respective workpiece W.3. The guide rail 16.2 also includes a first guide part 16.2.1, which encompasses a second guide part 16.2.2 in a horseshoe shape. The first guide part 16.2.1 thus only offers a contact surface for the respective workpiece W.3 at each of its two ends. The second guide part 16.2.2, for example, is rectangular in design in this side view and offers a further contact surface for the respective workpiece W.3 along the longer side. The drive device 90.4 is arranged on the second guide part 16.2.2 in order to move the second guide part 16.2.2 in the directions R.3, R.4, preferably perpendicular to the base plate 10.2, and to adapt it to the height of the respective workpiece W.3.

[0121] The base plate 10.1, 10.2 may include an opening (not shown) into which a locking pin of the handling unit 100 engages when the device 12.1 is inserted into the handling unit 100 (see Fig. 7 b). This allows the device 12.1, 12.2 to be locked in the handling unit 100.

[0122] The base plate 10.2, for example, has the same shape as the base plate 10 in order to be inserted into the receptacle 54. Alternatively, the base plate 10.2, like the base plate 10.1, can also be a permanent component of the handling unit 100, so that the entire device 12.2 cannot be easily removed, but only parts of it, such as the drive devices 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4 or the guide rails 14.1, 14.2, 16.1, 16.2.

[0123] Fig. 7 a) shows a further embodiment of a handling unit 100.1. The handling unit 100.1 is constructed identically to the handling unit 100 described with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5, except for the use of a different receptacle 52.1. The receptacle 52.1, which is preferably arranged on the holder 62 in a pivotable manner analogous to the handling unit 100, comprises a - viewed vertically - downward-facing cavity 52.1.1, which is formed by a base plate 52.1.2 and two guide devices 52.1.3, 52.1.4 of the receptacle 52.1, into which devices 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 for guiding and positioning workpieces according to Figures 7 b) - 7 e) can be pushed in and out manually or by means of a robot.

[0124] The device 12.3 shown in Fig. 7 b) comprises a base plate 10.3 as a supporting structure with an opening 11.3, which projects from an edge of the base plate 10.3, preferably parallel to guide rails 14.3a, 14.3b, to beyond a center point of the base plate 10.3. The outlet opening 99.1 of the fastening device 99 projects into the opening 11.3 when the device 12.3 is inserted into the handling unit 100.1 with the fastening device 99. The base plate 10.3 preferably further comprises a further opening

[0125] 11.4, into which a locking pin of the handling unit 100.1 (not visible in Fig. 7 a) engages when the device 12.3 is inserted into the handling unit 100.1. This allows the device 12.3 to be locked in the handling unit 100.1. The base plate 10.3 further preferably comprises two further bores 11.5, 11.6, which are arranged, for example, in an end face of the base plate 10.3 at opposite ends of the end face, into which rod-shaped centering devices (not shown) of the handling unit 100.1 engage when the device 12.3 is inserted into the handling unit 100.1. This allows the device 12.3 to be centered in the handling unit 100.1 with repeatable accuracy in a predefined position. The bores 1 1.5, 1 1.6 preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal extension of contact surfaces 32.3,

[0126] 32.4 of the guide rails 14.3a, 14.3b. Such centering devices can also be provided for all other described devices for guiding and positioning workpieces.

[0127] Fig. 7 c) shows the device 12.3 in a side view of the front surface of the base plate with the holes

[0128] 11.5, 11.6. The guide rails 14.3a, 16.3a are designed as webs protruding from the base plate 10.3, wherein the webs have a predefined distance FW.3 and a predefined height FH.3, each of which is adapted to the specified dimensions of the workpieces to be guided and positioned. Similarly, in the devices 12.4, 12.5 for guiding and positioning workpieces shown in Figs. 7 d) and 7 e), the distances FW.4, FW.5 of the webs 14.3b, 16.3b, 14.3c, 16.3c and the heights FH.4, FH.5 of the webs 14.3b, 16.3b, 14.3c, 16.3c are adapted to further specified dimensions of other workpieces to be guided and positioned.

[0129] Fig. 8 a) shows a further embodiment of a device 12.6 for guiding and positioning workpieces. Shown is a side view of the underside of a base plate 10.4 with two guide rails 14.4, 16.4. The spacing of the guide rails 14.4, 16.4 can be adjusted manually by an operator, analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, or automatically by means of a drive device, analogous to the embodiments according to Figs. 6 a) to 6 c), to the width and / or height of a workpiece to be guided and positioned. The base plate 10.4 comprises a preferably elongated opening 11.4 centrally between the guide rails 14.4, 16.4 in order to convey or preferably shoot the fastening means of the fastening device 99 through the base plate 10.4. At least one rolling device 15.1, 15.2 is arranged adjacent to each long side of the elongated opening 11.4. The rolling device 15.1 comprises a number N of rollers 15.1.1, 15.1.2, ..., 15.1.N with projecting axes (one of these rollers is shown in Fig. 8 a) top left enlarged in a perspective view), which fit into matching recesses of the base plate 10.4 in series in the base plate.

[0130] 10.4 are inserted. Along the row-like arrangement of the rollers 15.1.1, 15.1.2, ... , 15.1.N, two strips

[0131] 15.1.K, 15.1.L are inserted and arranged in the corresponding recesses of the base plate 10.4 so that the rollers

[0132] 15.1 .1, 15.1.2, . . , 15. LN cannot fall out of the base plate 10.4 when the device 12.6 is used as intended. The rolling device 15.2 also comprises a number N of rollers 15.2.1, 15.2.2, ... , 15.2.N with protruding axles, which are inserted in series into suitable recesses in the base plate 10.4. Along the row-like arrangement of the rollers 15.2.1, 15.2.2, ... , 15.2. N there are also two strips 15.2.K, 15.2. L is inserted and arranged in corresponding recesses of the base plate 10.4 so that the rollers 15.2.1, 15.2.2, ..., 15.2.N cannot fall out of the base plate 10.4 during the intended use of the device 12.6. In an alternative embodiment not shown, it can be arranged on both sides of the elongated opening 11.4 two or more of the described rolling devices in order to further reduce the friction between the workpieces and the underside of the base plate 10.4, particularly in the case of wider guided workpieces.

[0133] Fig. 8 b) shows a further embodiment of a device 12.7 for guiding and positioning workpieces. Also shown is a side view of the underside of a base plate 10.5 with the two guide rails 14.4, 16.4. The distance between the guide rails 14.4, 16.4 can be adjusted manually by an operator, analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, or automatically by means of a drive device, analogous to the embodiments according to Figs. 6 a) to 6 c), to the width and / or height of a workpiece to be guided and positioned. The base plate 10.5 comprises, centrally between the guide rails 14.4, 16.4, the preferably elongated opening 11.4 in order to convey or preferably shoot the fastening means of the fastening device 99 through the base plate 10.5. A rolling device 15.3, 15.4 is arranged on each of the two longitudinal sides of the elongated opening 11.4. The rolling device 15.3 comprises a number M of balls 15.3.1, 15.3.2, ... , 15.3. M, which are inserted into matching recesses in the base plate 10.5 in one row or in several rows (three rows are shown in Fig. 8 b). Each ball is fastened, for example, by means of a circular perforated disc, so that the balls 15.3.1, 15.3.2, ... , 15 3. M cannot fall out of the base plate 10.5 during the intended use of the device 12.7. The rolling device 15.4 also comprises a number M of balls 15.4.1, 15.4.2, ... , 15.4. M, which are inserted into matching recesses in the base plate 10.5 in one row or in several rows (three rows are again shown in Fig. 8 b)) in the base plate 10.5. Each ball is also secured by means of a circular perforated disc, for example, so that the balls 15.4.1, 15.4.2, ... , 15.4. M cannot fall out of the base plate 10.5 when the device 12.6 is used as intended.

[0134] In a further alternative embodiment, the balls 15.3.1, 15.3.2, ... , 15.3.M, 15.4.1 , 15.4.2, ... ,

[0135] 15.4.M can be designed as ball nozzles, which are known from air cushion tables. In this case, a duct system 19 for compressed air is integrated into the base plate 10.5 to supply the ball nozzles with compressed air. The duct system 19 comprises, for example, bores 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 running perpendicular to an end face of the base plate 10.5, which each coincide with the bores for the placement of the balls. These bores 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 are closed at the end face of the base plate 10.5. Perpendicular to the bores 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, another bore runs from another end face of the base plate 10.5.

[0136] 19.5, which connects holes 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, and 19.4. At the opening of hole 19.5, for example, there is a connection 19.6 for a compressed air hose. The resulting air cushion can further reduce friction between the workpiece to be guided and positioned and the base plate 10.5.

[0137] Instead of the roller devices 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, and 15.4, the respective base plate 10.4, 10.5, or even just the underside of the respective base plate 10.4, 10.5, can be made of a low-friction material or a low-friction coating to reduce friction between the respective base plate 10.4, 10.5 and the workpiece to be guided and positioned. Examples of low-friction coatings include a polymer coating, a diamond-like carbon coating (known as DLC), or a Teflon coating.Examples of low-friction materials that can be used are: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE for short, also known colloquially as Teflon), polyimide-based materials such as polyetheretherketone (commonly abbreviated PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (commonly abbreviated PPS), PA material (polyamide, also known as nylon), thermoplastics such as polyoxymethylene (commonly abbreviated POM, also known as acetal), polyester (especially PET - polyethylene terephthalate) and polished stainless steel.

[0138] The guide rails 14.4, 16.4 preferably comprise, for example, two groups 17.1, 17.2 of preferably a number X of through bores 17.1.1, ... , 17.1.X and 17.2.1, ... , 17.2.X, respectively, which run perpendicular to a contact surface 30.3, along which the workpieces to be positioned are guided (see Fig. 8 c) and Fig. 8 d)). Rollers or balls can be integrated into these bores 17.1.1, ... , 17.1.X and 17.2.1, ... , 17.2.X, analogous to the base plates 10.4, 10.5, in order to reduce the friction between the contact surface 30.3 and the workpiece to be guided and positioned.

[0139] The contact surface 30.3 is preferably angled backwards at the two ends of the respective guide rail 14.4, 16.4 in areas 30.4, 30.5 (towards the rearwards means that the distance between the contact surfaces of the two opposing guide rails 14.4, 16.4 is greater in these areas), preferably with an angle in the range between 20° and 40°, so that the workpieces to be guided and positioned can be inserted more easily between the guide rails 14.4, 16.4.

[0140] The guide rails 14.4, 16.4 are preferably made of a low-friction solid material, as already listed above for the base plate 10.4, 10.5. The low-friction solid material also serves to minimize friction between the respective workpiece and the respective guide rail 14.4, 16.4. As an alternative to the solid material and the two groups 17.1, 17.2 of through holes 17.1.1, ..., 17.1.X or

[0141] 17.2.1, ... , 17.2. X, the guide rails 14.4, 16.4 can also be U-shaped analogously to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0142] Fig. 8 d) shows that the bores 17.1.1, ... , 17 1 , and 17.2.1, ... , 17.2.X are continuous and extend from the contact surface 30.3 to the opposite surface 30.4. A compressed air supply for balls can be provided there, similar to the base plate 10.5 shown in Fig. 8 b).

[0143] Fig. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of a processing machine 110 with various handling units 100.x, 101, 102, 103, 104 for processing the modular system 120, in particular a framework that is preferably made of wood materials. The processing machine 110 is, for example, a CNC-controlled multifunctional bridge. The handling unit 100.x is one of the previously described handling units 100, 100.1 for guiding, positioning, and more preferably for fastening workpieces on the modular system 120. The additional handling units 101, 102, 103, 104 comprise processing devices, for example, for drilling, sawing, marking, gluing, or formatting. The processing machine 110 comprises an aggregate carrier 130 for two or more than two of the handling aggregates 100.x, 101, 102, 103, 104. The handling aggregates 100 arranged on the aggregate carrier 130.x, 101, 102 can be used directly for machining the modular system 120. The unit carrier 130 preferably comprises at least one drive spindle for those machining devices that require such a drive spindle, such as drilling devices or sawing devices. At least one of the handling units 101, 102, 103, 104 preferably comprises a tool changer for various machining functions.

[0144] Those handling units 103, 104 that cannot be accommodated on the unit carrier 130 can be parked on a rack 140 of the processing machine 110, which is preferably arranged on a front side of a support table 150 of the processing machine 110, preferably on a support surface of the processing machine 110. The rack 140 preferably comprises a first vertical support 141 anchored to the support surface and a second vertical support 142 anchored to the support surface. The rack 140 further comprises a horizontal support 143 arranged and fastened on the upper ends of the two vertical supports 141, 142. The rack 140 further comprises at least one holder 144 arranged on the horizontal support 143 for one of the handling units 100.x, 101, 102, 103, 104. Preferably, several holders 144, 145, 146 are arranged on the horizontal support 143.

[0145] The assembly carrier 130 is preferably arranged on a gantry system 160 of the processing machine 110 so that it can be moved horizontally and vertically by means of appropriate drive devices. The gantry system 160 comprises a first vertical carrier 161, a second vertical carrier (not visible in Fig. 9), and a horizontal carrier 162 arranged and fastened to the upper ends of the vertical carriers 161, on which the assembly carrier 130 is arranged so that it can be moved to the processing positions required for processing the modular system 120.

[0146] The gantry system 160 is arranged on a transport device 170, which can be moved horizontally along a non-visible support table by means of a drive device. The transport device 170 is preferably a rail system comprising a first rail 171 and a second rail 172. The rails 171, 172 are preferably arranged laterally of the support table for the modular system 120. Depending on the size of the modular system 120, the processing machine 110 can also comprise two or more support tables arranged one behind the other, along which the gantry system 160 can be moved. The rails 171, 172 preferably have a length such that the portal system 160 can be moved above the rack 140 in order to exchange, preferably in an automated manner, at least one of the handling units 100.x, 101, 102 of the unit carrier 130 for at least one of the handling units 103, 104 for an upcoming processing of the module system 120.As an alternative to the gantry system 160, a multi-axis robot can also be used, which is preferably also arranged on a rail system so that it can move along the support table.

[0147] The processing machine 110 further preferably comprises a protection system 180 for operators of the processing machine 110. The protection system 180 comprises, for example and preferably, a first protective wall 181, which is arranged parallel to the first rail 171 on the first vertical support 161 of the gantry system 160, and a second protective wall 182, which is arranged parallel to the second rail 172 on the second vertical support 162 of the gantry system 160. In this way, the protection system 180 moves with the gantry system 160 and provides protection wherever processing is currently taking place using the processing machine 110.

[0148] The processing machine 110 further comprises a control device 190, schematically shown in Fig. 9, and an operating center 200, schematically shown in Fig. 9. The operating center 200 is, for example, a touch-sensitive screen or a computer with a keyboard and / or mouse as input devices. Information can be exchanged between the control device 190 and the operating center 200 via a first control line 210. Information can be exchanged between the control device 190 and the assembly carrier 130 via a second control line 220 in order to control the assembly carrier 130 itself and, in particular, the handling units 100.x, 101, 102.An exchange of information between the control device 190 and the portal system 160 can take place via a third control line 230, in particular to move the portal system 160 to the predefined position and preferably also to report back the reaching of the predefined position.

[0149] The processing machine 110 preferably exchanges information with a higher-level production control system, which may be located, for example, in a cloud 300, via a fourth control line 240. The cloud 300 may, for example, be a central server of a production site. The cloud 300 preferably provides production data to the processing machine 110, which the processing machine uses to produce the modular system 120 to be produced, preferably in a largely automated or fully automated manner.

[0150] The processing of a modular system 120, preferably by means of the processing machine 110, is described below. Fig. 10 schematically shows a basic method 500 for guiding and positioning workpieces of different widths and / or heights. In a first step 510, a first device 12, 12.1, 12.2,

[0151] 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 a first workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3 having a first width and a first height is fed manually by an operator or by a robot in such a way that one of the guide means described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 of one of the devices 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 is brought into contact with the side surfaces of the first workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3. The first workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3 can in particular be an elongated wooden slat, wherein the guide means are brought into contact with the elongated side surfaces. Other workpiece formats such as plates or cylindrical formats and other workpiece materials such as plastic or metal are also conceivable.

[0152] In a next step 520, the first workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3 is guided and pre-positioned on the module system 120 by means of the respective configured or selected first device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7.

[0153] In a next step 540, it is checked whether the next second workpiece W1, W2, W3 has the same dimensions or sizes in terms of width and height as the first workpiece W1, W2, W3. If this is not the case, the method continues with a step 550. If this is the case, the method continues with a step 560.

[0154] In step 550, an adaptation measure is carried out on the handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x or the processing machine HO, so that subsequently the guide means of the first device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3,

[0155] 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 or a second device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 can be brought into contact with the side surfaces of the second workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3, or the second workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3 can be safely guided and positioned. The various possible adaptation measures are described with reference to Fig. 12.

[0156] In step 560, the second workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3 having a second width and / or a second height is fed manually by the operator or by the robot to the first or second device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 in such a way that the guide means of the first or second device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 are brought into contact with the side surfaces of the second workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3.

[0157] In a next step 570, the second workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3 is guided and pre-positioned on the modular system 120 by means of the respective configured or selected first or second device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7. In a first alternative, steps 540 and 550 of the method 500 are performed manually by an operator. In a second alternative, steps 540 and 550 and preferably the entire method

[0158] 500 is carried out fully automatically and handling steps of an operator of the first alternative are taken over by a robot, for example.

[0159] Fig. 11 schematically shows a further method 501 for guiding and positioning workpieces of different widths and / or heights. The steps of Fig. 10 reproduced in Fig. 11 have the same function as described with reference to Fig. 10. The method 501 preferably comprises, after step 520, a further step 530 in which the first workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3 is first machined at a first predefined position in relation to the modular system 120. This machining process is, for example, fastening the first workpiece W1, W.2, W.3 to the modular system 120 by means of fastening means such as nails or staples. If the first workpiece W1, W.2, W.3 is to be machined at further first predefined positions, the method 501 runs through steps 520 and 530 several times until the machining process for the first workpiece W1, W.2, W.3 is completed.The method 501 preferably further comprises, after step 570, a further step 580 in which the second workpiece W.l, W.2, W.3 is first machined at a second predefined position relative to the modular system 120. This machining process is, for example, fastening the second workpiece to the modular system 120 by means of fastening means such as nails or staples. If the second workpiece Wl, W.2, W.3 is also to be machined at further second predefined positions, the method 501 runs through steps 570 and 580 several times until the machining process for the second workpiece W.l, W.2, W.3 is also completed.

[0160] In a first alternative, steps 540 and 550 of method 501 are performed manually by an operator. In a second alternative, steps 540 and 550 and preferably the entire method

[0161] 501 is carried out fully automatically and handling steps of an operator of the first alternative are taken over by a robot.

[0162] Finally, Fig. 12 shows several variants for implementing step 550, which is preferably carried out between steps 540 and 560.

[0163] The variant according to Fig. 12 a) relates to a procedure with regard to the handling unit 100 described above, on which the device 12 according to Fig. 1 is arranged, or to the processing machine 110 described above, on which the device 12 according to Fig. 1 is arranged. In a first sub-step 551a, the device 12 is removed from the handling unit 100 or the processing machine 110. In a next sub-step 552a, at least one of the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 is detached from the base plate 10 of the device 12. In principle, it is sufficient to detach only one of the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 if the second workpiece W. 1, W. 2, W. 3 has a different width but the same height as the first workpiece W. 1, W. 2, W. 3. In this case, however, it is preferable to loosen both guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 so that the center point between the side surfaces of the workpieces W. 1, W. 2, W.3 does not change with respect to the device 12 when a different workpiece is guided and positioned. In a further sub-step 553a, at least one of the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 is offset with respect to the base plate 10 to match the width of the second workpiece W. 1, W. 2, W. 3. In a next sub-step 554a, at least one of the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 is fastened to the base plate 10. In a final sub-step 555a, the device 12 is again arranged on the handling unit 100 and preferably fixed, or the device 12 is again arranged directly on the processing machine HO and preferably fixed.

[0164] The variant according to Fig. 12 b) relates to an alternative procedure in which the device 12 according to Fig. 2 is arranged on the handling unit 100 or directly on the processing machine 110. In the first sub-step 551a, the device 12 is removed from the handling unit 100 or the processing machine 110. In a next sub-step 552b, the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 are detached from the base plate 10 of the device 12. In a further sub-step 553b, other guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 are selected to match the height of the second workpiece W1, W2, W3. In a next sub-step 554b, the selected guide rails 14, 16, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 are attached to the base plate 10 to match the width of the second workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3.In the last sub-step 555a, the device 12 is again arranged in the handling unit 100 and preferably fixed, or the device 12 is again arranged directly in the processing machine 110 and preferably fixed.

[0165] The variant according to Fig. 12 c) relates to a procedure for a device 12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7 according to Fig. 6 or Fig. 8. In a sub-step 551c, the distance between the guide rails 14.1, 14.4, 16.1, 14.2, 16.2, 16.4 is automatically adjusted to the width of the second workpiece W.l, W.2, W.3. Optionally, in a further sub-step 552c, the height of the guide rails 14.2, 14.4, 16.2, 16.4 is automatically adjusted to the height of the second workpiece W.l, W.2, W.3.

[0166] The variant according to Fig. 12 d) relates to a procedure for a device 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 according to Fig. 7 b), 7 c), 7 d). In a first sub-step 55 1d, the device 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 is removed from the handling unit 100.1 or from the processing machine 110. In a further sub-step 552d, a device 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 is selected to match the width and height of the second workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3. In a final sub-step 553d, the selected device 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 is again arranged in the handling unit 100.1 and preferably fixed, or arranged directly in the processing machine 110 and preferably fixed.

[0167] In a particular embodiment, the method 501 is carried out, for example, as follows:

[0168] In a first step, an operator opens a data record on the control center 200 and selects the function “Attach battens (X) longitudinally or (Y) transversely”.

[0169] In a further step, the required handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x is activated or first inserted into the unit carrier 120 of the processing machine 1 10 and then activated.

[0170] In the next step, the operator presses a start button on the control center 200.

[0171] In a further step, the gantry system 160 moves to the first predefined position and lowers the handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x to the underlying module system 120 until the device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 is only, for example, 10 mm away from the top of the module system 120.

[0172] In a next step, the operator inserts the first workpiece W1, W.2, W.3, in particular the first slat into the device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7.

[0173] In a further step, the operator presses the start button on the control center 200 again.

[0174] In a next step, the handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x lowers until the first workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3 rests on the modular system 120. In a further step, the fastening device 99 of the handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x fastens the first workpiece W.1, W.2, W.3 to the modular system 120 by means of a fastening means at the first predefined position.

[0175] In a next step, the processing device 100, 100.1, 100.x is automatically moved to a second predefined position, whereby the first workpiece W.l, W.2, W.3 is guided and positioned.

[0176] In a further step, the fastening device 99 of the handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x fastens the first workpiece W1, W.2, W.3 by means of a fastening means also at this second predefined position on the module system 120.

[0177] In further steps, the guiding, positioning and fastening are repeated until the first workpiece W.l, W.2, W.3 is completely fastened to the module system 120 as predefined.

[0178] In a next step, the handling unit 100, 100.1, 100.x is raised by, for example, 150 mm and moved to another predefined position where a second workpiece W1, W.2, W.3 is to be attached to the module system 120.

[0179] If the intended second workpiece W1, W.2, W.3 has a different width and / or height, one of the adaptation measures described in more detail above is carried out in a further step depending on the device 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 used.

[0180] The above steps are then repeated until the module system 120 is completely processed.

[0181] In a further embodiment, all of these steps described by way of example are carried out automatically, with handling steps of an operator being taken over by a robot.

[0182] In a further embodiment, a slatted shoe assembly 12 comprises a base plate 10 and at least one pair of similar guide rails 14, 16, 42, 46, 48, 50, which can be releasably fastened to the base plate 10 at different distances from one another. The base plate 10 has several fastening means 18, 20 arranged side by side, via which the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 46, 48, 50 can be fastened in different positions.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, several rows of holes arranged next to one another are provided on the base plate 10 as fastening means 18, 20.

[0184] In a further preferred embodiment, the holes 24 are arranged offset from adjacent rows of holes in a longitudinal direction of the base plate 10.

[0185] Preferably, markings 36, 38 are provided on the base plate 10 for the positioning of the guide rails 14, 16, 42, 46, 48, 50.

[0186] Further preferably, the guide strips 14, 16, 42, 46, 48, 50 have a guide leg 30 and a fastening leg 28, wherein the fastening leg 28 has fastening openings.

[0187] Likewise further preferred, the fastening openings have a smaller distance from each other than the holes 24 of the rows of holes of the base plate 10.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rails are U-shaped in cross section and the leg 32 opposite the fastening leg 28 has tool openings 34 corresponding to the fastening openings.

[0189] Further preferably, the device 12 is provided with several pairs of guide rails 14, 16, 42, 46, 48, 50, which have different heights. In a further preferred embodiment, the slatted shoe assembly 12 has a receptacle 52 to which the base plate 10 can be attached.

[0190] Preferably, the receptacle 52 is arranged on a holder 62 and is pivotable relative to the holder 62.

[0191] Further preferably, the receptacle 52 can be locked in several, in particular three, positions relative to the holder 62.

[0192] In preferred embodiments, a machine tool comprises one of the above-mentioned embodiments of the lath shoe assembly 12.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7), in particular a lath shoe assembly for guiding and positioning workpieces (Wl, W.2, W.3) comprising - a support structure (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.4, 10.5) and - guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) arranged on the support structure (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.4, 10.5) for guiding and positioning the workpieces (Wl, W.2, W.3), characterized in that the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 14.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) are configurable in such a way that with the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 14.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) workpieces (Wl, W.2, W.3) of different widths (WB. l, WB.2) and / or heights (WH.l, WH.2) can be positioned and guided.

2. Device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) have at least two contact surfaces (30.2, 30.3, 32.1, 32.2) and that at least a first of the at least two contact surfaces (30.2, 30.3, 32.1, 32.2) can be brought into contact with a first surface of a workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) and at least a second of the at least two contact surfaces (30.2, 30.3, 32.1, 32.2) can be brought into contact with a second surface of the workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) opposite the first surface.

3. Device (12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7) further comprises at least one drive device (90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4) and that the guide means (14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16.1, 16.2, 16.4) can be adjusted by means of the at least one drive device (90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4) to suit a width of a or the workpiece (W.3) and / or to suit a height of a or the workpiece (W.3).

4. Device (12, 12.6, 12.7) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support structure (10, 10.4, 10.5) is a base plate, that the guide means (14, 16, 42, 46, 48, 50) are at least one pair of in particular similar guide rails (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50), wherein at least one of the guide rails (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) is detachably fastened to the base plate (10, 10.4, 10.5), wherein the base plate (10) has at least two fastening means (18, 20) next to one another, via which at least one of the guide rails (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) is fastened in at least two positions such that a distance between the pair of guide rails (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) is variably adjustable.

5. Device (12, 12.6, 12.7) according to claim 4, characterized in that on the base plate (10, 10.4, 10.5) at least two groups of rows of holes (24.1) with, in particular, identically arranged holes in a longitudinal direction of the base plate (10, 10.4, 10.5) perpendicular to the at least two contact surfaces (30.2, 30.3) are provided as fastening means (18, 20).

6. Device (12, 12.6, 12.7) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that for a group of the rows of holes (24.1) on the base plate (10, 10.4, 10.5), holes (24) of a first row of holes are arranged offset in a longitudinal direction of the base plate (10, 10.4, 10.5) with respect to holes (24) of a second row of holes.

7. Device (12, 12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that markings (36, 38) for the positioning of the guide strips (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) are provided on the base plate (10, 10.4, 10.5).

8. Device (12, 12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the guide strips (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) have a guide leg (30) and a fastening leg (28), wherein the fastening leg (28) has fastening openings and the guide leg (30) has one of the contact surfaces (30.2, 30.3).

9. Device (12, 12.6, 12.7) according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide strips (14, 14.4, 16, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) are U-shaped in cross section and the leg (32) opposite the fastening leg (28) has tool openings (34) corresponding to the fastening openings.

10. Device (12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.4, 10.5) on the contact surface to the workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) to be guided and positioned and / or the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) comprises or comprise a rolling device (15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4).

11. Device (12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.4, 10.5) at least on the contact surface to the workpiece (W1, W2, W3) to be guided and positioned and / or the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) consists or consist of at least one of the following materials: polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, polyester, diamond-like carbon layers, polished stainless steel.

12. Handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) for positioning and guiding workpieces (W.l, W.2, W.3) comprising a device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 or comprising a device (12.3, 12.4, 12.5) with a support structure (10.3) and guide means (14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, 16.3a, 16.3b, 16.3c) arranged on the support structure (10.3) for positioning and guiding the workpieces (W.l, W.2, W.3), wherein the guide means (14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, 16.3a, 16.3b, 16.3c,) are designed for a predefined width (WB.l, WB.2) and / or a predefined height (WH.l, WH.2) of the workpieces (W.l, W.2, W.3, W.4).

13. Handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) according to claim 12, characterized in that the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) further comprises a locking device (56, 58) for securing the device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) to the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x).

14. Handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) further comprises a receptacle (52, 52.1) for the device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7), to which the support structure (10) of the device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) can be detachably fastened.

15. Handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) according to claim 14, characterized in that the handling unit (100, 100.1) further comprises a holder (62), wherein the receptacle (52) is arranged on the holder (62) and pivotably relative to the holder (62) and that in particular the receptacle (52) is lockable in at least two, preferably three, positions relative to the holder (62).

16. Handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) further comprises a fastening device (99) for fastening the workpieces (Wl, W.2, W.3), that the support structure (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3) has an opening (11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3) between the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 42, 46, 48, 50, 14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, 16.3a, 16.3b, 16.3c), and that the fastening device (99) is arranged above the device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3) in such a way that fastening means ejected from the fastening device (99) can impinge on the workpieces (W.1, W.2, W.3) through the opening (11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3).

17. Processing machine (110) comprising a device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15 or a handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 16.

18. Processing machine (110) according to claim 17, characterized in that the processing machine (110) further comprises: - at least one support table for a modular system (120), in particular a frame element, and - an adjustment device (150) for the device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) or the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x), which is set up in such a way that workpieces (W.1, W.2) can be guided and positioned on the module system (120) by means of the device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) or can be guided and positioned and in particular fastened by means of the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x).

19. Method (500, 501) for guiding and positioning workpieces (Wl, W.2) comprising the following steps: - feeding (510) a first workpiece (W l, W.2, W.3) with a first width (WB. l, WB.2) and / or a first height (WH.1 , WH.2) to a module system ( 120), so that contact surfaces (30.2, 32.1 , 32.2, 32.3, 32.4) of guidance means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3a, 16.3b, 16.3c, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) of a first device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) of a handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) corresponding to the first width (WB.1, WB.2) and / or the first height (WH.1, WH.2) are brought into contact with a first surface of the first workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) and with a second surface of the first workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) opposite the first surface, - guiding and positioning (520) the first workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) to or at least one first predefined position on the module system (120), - carrying out (550) an adaptation measure on the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) for guiding and positioning a second workpiece (W.l, W.2, W.3) with a second width (WB.l, WB.2) and / or a second height (WH.l, WH.2), - feeding (560) the second workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) so that contact surfaces (30.2, 30.3, 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, 32.4) of the guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3a, 16.3b, 16.3c, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) or of further guide means (14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, 14.4, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3a, 16.3b, 16.3c, 16.4, 42, 46, 48, 50) of the first device (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7) or a second device (12.3, 12.4, 12.5) of the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) are brought into contact with a first surface of the second workpiece (W.1, W.2, W.3) and with a second surface of the second workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) opposite the first surface, according to the second width (WB.1, WB.2) and / or the second height (WH.1, WH.2), and - guiding and positioning (570) the second workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3) to or at least one second predefined position on the module system (120).

20. The method (501) according to claim 19, characterized in that the method (501) further comprises the following steps: - machining (530) the first workpiece (W.1, W.2) at the at least one first predefined position with respect to the module system (120) after guiding and positioning (520) the first workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3), and - machining (580) the second workpiece (Wl, W.2) at the at least one second predefined position with respect to the module system (120) after guiding and positioning (570) the second workpiece (Wl, W.2, W.3).

21. Method (500, 501) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the step of carrying out (550) an adaptation measure on the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) is carried out by one of the following variants with the following sub-steps: a) removing (551a) the first device (12) with the guide means (14, 16) from the handling unit (100) or a processing machine (110); detaching (552a) at least one of the guide means (14, 16) from the first device (12); displacing (553a) at least one of the guide means (14, 16) with respect to the first device (12) according to the second width (WB.1, WB.2) of the second workpiece (W.1, W.2, W.3); Fastening (554a) the at least one guide means (14, 16) to the first device (12), and installing (555a) the first device (12) in the handling unit (100) or the processing machine (110), b) removing (551a) the first device (12) with first guide means (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) from the handling unit (100, 100.1, 100.x) or the processing machine (110); detaching (552b) the first guide means (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) from the first device (12); selecting (553b) second guide means (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) to match the height (WH.1, WH.2) of the second workpiece (W1, W.2, W.3); Fastening (554b) the second guide means (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) to the first device (12) to match the second width (WB.l, WB.2) of the second workpiece (W.l, W.2, W.3), and installing (555a) the first device (12) in the handling unit (100.1, 100.x) or the processing machine (HO); c) moving (551c), in particular controlled by guide means (14.1, 16.1, 14.2, 16.2), the first device (12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.7) matching the second width (WB.l, WB.2) of the second workpiece (W.l, W.2, W.3) and in particular displacement (552c) in particular controlled by guide means (14.2, 16.2) of the first device (12.2, 12.6, 12..7) matching the second height (WH.l, WH.2) of the second workpiece (W.l, W.2, W.3); d) removing (55 Id) the first device (12.3, 12.4, 12.5) with first guide means (14.3a, 16.3a, 14.3b, 16.3b, 14.3c, 16.3c) from the handling unit (100.1) or the processing machine (110), selecting (552d) a second device (12.3, 12.4, 12.5) with second guide means (14.3b, 14.3c, 16.3b, 16.3c) matching the second width (WB.l, WB.2) of the second workpiece (W.l, W.2, W.3) and / or the second height (WH.l, WH.2) of the second workpiece (W.l, W.2, W.3); and installing (553d) the second device (12.3) in the handling unit (100.1, 100.x) or the processing machine (HO).