Machining station comprising a numerically controlled machine tool and a digital caliper

Abstract

Machining station (1), comprising a numerically controlled machine tool (3) with a base structure (4), a tool (8) actuated by a drive unit, a numerical machine control (9) controlling the drive unit, and a manually operated digital caliper (10) communicating with the base structure and used to detect a linear dimension of the workpiece to be machined by the tool (8). The caliper (10) has a release button (15), the actuation of which initiates the transmission of the currently detected measured value to the machine control (9). Characterized in that the caliper (10) is connected to the machine tool (3) via a coupling structure (16) in such a way that its position can be changed between a first position and a second position, and in that the machine tool (3) or the coupling structure (16) has an actuating projection (21) suitable for acting on the release button (15) of the caliper (10).wherein in the first position of the caliper (10) the actuating projection (21) does not act on the release button (15) of the caliper (10), whereas in the second position of the caliper (10) the actuating projection (21) acts on the release button (15) of the caliper (10) to actuate it.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a machining station for machining a workpiece, comprising a numerically controlled machine tool with a basic structure, a tool actuated by means of a drive unit and a numerical machine control controlling the drive unit, as well as a manually operated digital caliper communicating with the drive unit and used to record a linear dimension of the workpiece to be machined by the tool, which has a trigger button, the actuation of which initiates the transmission of the currently recorded measured value to the machine control.

[0002] Machining stations of the type described above are known in the art and are in use, for example, with machine tools in the form of radial presses. The direct (wireless or wired) transmission of actual linear dimension values, which are recorded using the digital caliper—typically located on a support surface of the machine tool—to the machine control system is of great benefit to the respective machining process. Compared to manual input based on conventional reading of the digital caliper display, it results in significant time savings and also reduces the risk of input errors.

[0003] The present invention aims to further optimize machining stations of the type in question. This particularly means improving the machining station to the extent that its practical use enables a further improvement in the machining quality of the respective workpiece compared to the prior art.

[0004] The above-mentioned problem is solved in that, in a machining station of the type specified at the outset, the caliper is connected to the machine tool via a coupling structure in such a way that its position can be changed between a first position and a second position, and in that the machine tool or the coupling structure has an actuating projection suitable for acting on the release button of the caliper, wherein in the first position of the caliper, the actuating projection does not act on the release button of the caliper, whereas in the second position of the caliper, the actuating projection acts on the release button of the caliper to actuate it.

[0005] When using conventional calipers in which the release button is located on the slide, the present invention can avoid an effect that has a negative impact on measuring accuracy, namely the risk of a - slight, but not insignificant given high demands on workpiece quality - "wobbling" or "torn apart" of the slide and the measuring rail when changing grips. This occurs when the index finger, which initially grips the measuring rail during the measuring process - namely while the slide is being moved with the thumb on the measuring rail until it rests on the workpiece - is lifted from the measuring rail and moved to the release button. Such a change of grip is unnecessary with machining stations according to the invention because the index finger does not have to be lifted from the measuring rail during the measurement, but rather - together with the other fingers gripping the measuring rail - can remain there.This benefits the reproducibility of the measurement. It becomes more accurate, which in turn has a positive effect on the dimensional stability of the workpiece and thus on its quality.

[0006] In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coupling structure connecting the caliper to the machine tool is designed such that it predetermines a single, clearly defined path of movement for the caliper relative to the machine tool between precisely one first position and precisely one second position. From a structural point of view, the path of movement is preferably either rectilinear or curved along a circular path, which can be achieved by the coupling structure comprising either a linear guide or a pivot joint (with only one degree of freedom, not a ball joint!).However, in individual cases, depending on the installation conditions and other spatial requirements, other, even more complex, clearly defined trajectories—with only one degree of freedom—may prove advantageous, for example, when connecting the caliper to the machine tool via a coupling structure designed as a parallel link or other multi-joint suspension. Even coupling structures that do not specify a single, defined trajectory of the caliper between exactly one first position and exactly one second position, as is the case with a ball joint, for example, can prove very useful in individual cases; this provides significantly greater flexibility in handling the workpiece to be measured during the measuring process, which is particularly advantageous with regard to workpieces with widely varying geometries.The same applies in particular to a connection of caliper and machine tool via the coupling structure, which is very advantageous from a practical and technical application-related point of view, in such a way that a displacement (precisely one translational degree of freedom) and a pivoting (precisely one rotational degree of freedom) are possible in a superimposed manner. In this respect, in order to emphasize this as a precautionary measure to avoid misconceptions about the scope of the present invention, the present invention also covers, in particular, those machining stations in which the caliper can assume several defined first positions and / or several defined second positions (in the sense of a second set of points) with respect to the machine tool, and the actuating projection is designed such that it interacts with the release button of the caliper in the various second positions of the caliper to actuate these.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slide of the caliper is connected to the machine tool via the coupling structure. This applies in particular to calipers in which the release button is arranged on the slide of the caliper.

[0008] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the caliper is preloaded into its first position, for example, by spring force. Such preload requires a defined force to initiate the movement of the caliper from its first to its second position, which—within a certain range of the preload force—can have a positive effect in the sense that "tearing" is counteracted.

[0009] Regarding the design of the coupling structure, it is particularly advantageous—in the sense of the relationships already explained above—if the coupling structure has a joint that enables the caliper to pivot relative to the machine tool, wherein the joint is particularly preferably designed with only one rotational degree of freedom. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the coupling structure comprises a linear guide that enables the caliper to be moved in a straight line relative to the machine tool, wherein the linear guide is particularly preferably oriented with a substantially vertical axis of movement.

[0010] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital caliper communicates wirelessly, in particular via Bluetooth, with the machine control system. This is advantageous simply because a cable leading from the caliper to the machine control system cannot interfere with the measurement. However, in individual cases, it may also prove advantageous for the digital caliper to communicate with the machine control system via a cable. This is particularly true under environmental conditions where secure, uninterrupted wireless data transmission cannot be guaranteed.

[0011] Although not mandatory within the scope of the present invention, it is nevertheless advantageous for practical use if, according to a preferred development of the machining station according to the invention, the coupling structure connects the caliper to the base structure or to an element of the machine tool that is stationary relative to this structure, and the actuating projection is formed on the base structure or on an element of the machine tool that is stationary relative to this structure, or on the coupling structure itself. This is particularly true because, in various machine tools that are particularly suitable for implementing the present invention (e.g. presses, in particular radial presses), the moving parts of the tool are often located behind a cover or other protection to prevent reaching into the tool, which makes attaching the coupling structure to a moving part of the machine tool more difficult.

[0012] In the following, the present invention is explained in more detail with reference to two preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 in front view a first embodiment of a machining station according to the invention with a machine tool designed as a radial press and Fig. 2 again in front view a second embodiment of a machining station according to the invention with a machine tool also designed as a radial press.

[0013] The Fig. The machining station 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises, on the one hand, a numerically controlled machine tool 3 designed as a radial press 2. This is a commercially available radial press (type HM 220) from Uniflex-Hydraulik GmbH, DE-61184 Karben, which is widely used, in particular, for pressing connection fittings onto high-pressure hydraulic hoses. In this respect, and also because the design details of the machine tool 3 are not relevant here, a detailed explanation is unnecessary. Rather, it is sufficient for understanding the present invention that the radial press 2, as essential components and functional groups, - a basic structure 4, which essentially consists of a base 5 and a press attachment 6 arranged thereon, - a (radial pressing) tool 8 accommodated in the pressing attachment 6 and having eight pressing jaws 7, - a housing 5, concealed by the base 5 and therefore in Fig. 1 not visible hydraulic drive unit operating the tool 8 and - a numerical machine control 9 controlling the drive unit.

[0014] Furthermore, processing station 1 demonstrates Fig. 1, a manually operated digital caliper 10 is used to measure a linear dimension of the workpiece to be machined by the tool 8. This comprises, in a known manner, a measuring rail 11 with a first jaw 12 arranged at one end thereof and a slider 13 with a second jaw 14, which is guided on the measuring rail 11 and displaceable relative thereto. The caliper 10 is equipped (in a known manner) with a Bluetooth communication module, so that it can communicate wirelessly with the machine control 9 - which is also equipped with a Bluetooth communication module - in particular in order to transmit measured values to it. The caliper 10 has a trigger button 15 arranged on the slider 13, the actuation of which initiates the transmission of the currently recorded measured value to the machine control 9.

[0015] The caliper 10 is connected to the radial press 2 via a coupling structure 16. This comprises a guide block 18 arranged laterally on the right-hand frame 17 of the press attachment 6 and a carriage 19 guided vertically displaceably therein, at the lower end of which the slide 13 of the caliper 10 is fixed. The guide block-carriage arrangement allows a straight, linear vertical displacement (see double arrow A) of the caliper 10 relative to the press attachment 6 between a lower first position defined by the stop 20 of the carriage 19 and a raised second position, in which an actuating projection 21 provided on the guide block 18 of the coupling structure 16 acts on the release button 15 of the caliper 10, actuating it.

[0016] In a variation of the Fig. 1, the guide block 18, instead of being rigidly connected to the frame 17 of the press attachment 6, can be connected to the latter in a positionally adjustable manner, in particular pivotable about a vertical axis and / or - via a horizontal linear guide - displaceable forwards or backwards relative to the press attachment. In this way, the caliper 10 can be brought into an optimal position for handling depending on the workpiece to be measured. The same applies if the possibility of pivoting about a vertical axis or displacing in a horizontal direction, i.e. the further degree(s) of freedom, is implemented in the - accordingly multi-element - coupling structure 16 itself. In another very advantageous modification, the guide block 18 is such (e.g.by 90°) about a horizontal axis, so that the guide block-slide arrangement allows a straight, linear horizontal displacement of the caliper 10 relative to the press attachment 6. This design is particularly useful when measuring the crimping diameter of hydraulic hose fittings, which can hang straight down during the measuring process; moreover, the workpiece does not have to be lifted during the measuring process, which can also have a positive effect on the measuring process and the accuracy of the measurement result. These advantages are also evident when the guide block is rigidly connected to the frame 17 of the press attachment 6 in the very position in which the guide block-slide arrangement allows a horizontal displacement of the caliper 10 relative to the press attachment 6.In particular, in this embodiment it is further advantageous if the caliper 10 is preloaded into its first position.

[0017] The Fig. The second embodiment shown in Figure 2 differs from the one according to Fig. 1 only with regard to the coupling structure 16 (connecting the caliper 10 to the radial press 2) and the design of the actuating projection 21. Specifically, the coupling structure 16 here has a joint 22 (with only one rotational degree of freedom) that enables the pivoting of the caliper 10 relative to the radial press 2. This joint connects a holding part 23—fixedly connected to the slide 13 of the caliper 10—pivotable about a horizontal axis X to a supporting part 24—fixedly connected to the right-hand frame 17 of the press attachment 6. As a result, the caliper 10 is pivotable about the axis X relative to the radial press 2 (see double arrow B).

[0018] The actuating projection 21 is illustrated here by way of example as part of an isolated component 25 to be attached separately to the frame 17 of the pressing attachment 6. In a modification of this embodiment, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, the actuating projection 21 can also be an integral part of a modified support part 24. Such an embodiment is particularly preferable if, according to a further modification, the support part 24, instead of being rigidly connected to the frame 17 of the pressing attachment 6, is connected to the latter in a positionally adjustable manner, in particular pivotable about a vertical axis and / or rotatable about a horizontal axis and / or - via a horizontal linear guide - displaceable forwards or backwards relative to the pressing attachment, so that the caliper 10 can again be brought into an optimal position for handling depending on the workpiece to be measured (see above).The same applies if the possibility of pivoting about a vertical axis or shifting in a horizontal direction is implemented in the coupling structure 16 itself, which is accordingly designed in several elements. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE-61184

[0013]

Claims

[1] Machining station (1), comprising a numerically controlled machine tool (3) with a basic structure (4), a tool (8) actuated by means of a drive unit and a numerical machine control (9) controlling the drive unit, as well as a manually operated digital caliper (10) communicating with the drive unit and used to record a linear dimension of the workpiece to be machined by the tool (8), which has a trigger button (15) whose actuation initiates the transmission of the currently recorded measured value to the machine control (9), characterized bythat the caliper (10) is connected to the machine tool (3) via a coupling structure (16) in such a way that its position can be changed between a first position and a second position, and that the machine tool (3) or the coupling structure (16) has an actuating projection (21) suitable for acting on the release button (15) of the caliper (10), wherein in the first position of the caliper (10) the actuating projection (21) does not act on the release button (15) of the caliper (10), whereas in the second position of the caliper (10) the actuating projection (21) acts on the release button (15) of the caliper (10) to actuate it. [2] Processing station (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the coupling structure (16) has a joint (22) which enables the pivoting of the caliper (10) relative to the machine tool (3). [3] Processing station according to claim 2, characterized bythat the joint (22) is designed with only one rotational degree of freedom. [4] Processing station according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized by that the coupling structure (16) comprises a supporting part (24) which is mounted on the base structure (4) of the machine tool (3) so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, pivotable about a vertical axis or displaceable along an axis. [5] Processing station according to claim 1, characterized by that the coupling structure (16) comprises a linear guide which enables a rectilinear displacement (A) of the caliper (10) relative to the machine tool (3). [6] Processing station according to claim 5, characterized by that the linear guide is oriented with a substantially vertical axis of movement. [7] Processing station according to claim 5, characterized by that the linear guide is oriented with a substantially vertical axis of movement. [8] Processing station according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the coupling structure (16) comprises a guide block (18) which is mounted on the base structure (4) of the machine tool (3) so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, pivotable about a vertical axis or displaceable along an axis. [9] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the digital caliper (10) communicates wirelessly, in particular via Bluetooth, with the machine control (9). [10] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the digital caliper (10) communicates with the machine control (9) via cable. [11] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the actuating projection (21) is formed on the basic structure (4) or on an element of the machine tool (3) which is fixed to the base structure. [12] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the actuating projection (21) is formed on the coupling structure (16). [13] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the machine tool (3) is designed as a press, in particular as a radial press (2). [14] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the release button (15) is arranged on the slide (13) of the caliper (10) and the slide (13) of the caliper (10) is connected to the machine tool (3) via the coupling structure (16). [15] Processing station according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the caliper (10) is preloaded into its first position.

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