TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND PROCESSING MACHINE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a transport means, a transport system, a processing machine, and the use of a transport means. The invention further relates to a method for identifying contaminants in the immediate vicinity of a transport means and a method for adjusting the flow characteristics of a transport means. State of the art

[0002] Machine tools can be configured to perform various machining operations, such as cutting or separating, on continuously fed workpieces. For this purpose, the workpieces to be machined can be transported through the machining area of ​​a machine tool using one or more transport devices. Machine tools in which the workpieces continuously pass through one or more machining areas are also called throughfeed machines.

[0003] A means of transport which can be used to transport the workpieces to be processed through the processing area of ​​a through-feed machine is disclosed, for example, in EP 2377786 A1.

[0004] For the purpose of workpiece transport, a transport device can have transport structures that are in direct contact with the workpiece during transport. The connection between the transport device and the workpiece necessary for transporting the workpieces can be generated, for example, by the static friction between the workpiece and the transport structure resulting from gravity, or by drive elements. Additionally, overhead pressure belts can be used. Within a machine tool, such a transport device is typically arranged in a transport device housing. This housing may have an opening from which the transport structures protrude in such a way that they can be brought into contact with the workpieces for the purpose of transport.

[0005] Particularly during machining operations, contaminants can penetrate the transport mechanism housing through gaps between the transport structures and the housing, negatively impacting its function. Specifically, contamination can lead to wear of the transport mechanism or its components.

[0006] To counteract contamination of the transport vehicle, an overpressure (relative to atmospheric pressure) is typically created inside the transport vehicle housing. Pump systems, such as radial compressors, can be used for this purpose. These pump systems are designed to introduce air into the transport vehicle housing via a piping system, causing it to escape through the aforementioned gaps. The escaping airflow counteracts the ingress of contaminants into the transport vehicle housing. To achieve this effect across as much of the transport vehicle as possible, the piping system can be designed to introduce air at numerous different points.

[0007] Undesirable contamination in the area of ​​a transport device can occur not only in processing machines like the continuous flow machines described above. Other examples include drive chains of bicycles, tracks of tracked vehicles, or conveyor belts. To prevent wear and tear caused by contamination in such transport devices, manual cleaning can be carried out at regular intervals.

[0008] EP 0 569 071 A1 discloses a conveyor chain with fork-shaped links, the opening of which is closed by a plate. The chain has ribs (fins) to improve engagement and guidance. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a means for the simple, efficient and cost-effective reduction of impurities in the area of ​​a means of transport.

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a transport means according to claim 1, a transport system according to claim 11 or 12, a processing machine according to claim 13, a method according to claim 14, and a use according to claim 16. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] The combination of a transport means with a flow guide element is advantageous insofar as no external flow source is required to move a fluid surrounding the transport means in such a way that it is more difficult for contaminants to enter the area of ​​the transport means.

[0012] Contaminants can be solid or liquid particles of various sizes. Examples include dust, shavings, lubricants, or adhesives.

[0013] The at least one flow-guiding element of the transport means is further designed in such a way that a fluid in the immediate vicinity of the flow-guiding element is accelerated as soon as the flow-guiding element is moved and that the pathlines of the fluid elements resulting from the acceleration are simultaneously given an essentially (preferred) orientation.

[0014] The fluid in the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element can be a gas or a liquid. A mixture of a gas and a liquid, a mixture of a solid and a liquid, or a mixture of a solid and a gas is also conceivable. Examples include air, smoke, steam, water, or oil.

[0015] The movement of the flow guide element is accompanied by the movement of the transport vehicle.

[0016] The immediate surroundings of a flow-guiding element can be defined as a space in whose center the flow-guiding element is located, and whose extent in all spatial directions does not exceed a certain multiple, preferably three times, of the longest extent of the flow-guiding element.

[0017] The term (preferred) orientation refers to a continuously connected, yet clearly defined range of directions. In other words, the flow-guiding element is designed such that a significant proportion of the trajectories of the fluid elements accelerated by the flow-guiding element can be assigned directions that lie within a defined, continuously connected, yet clearly defined range of directions.

[0018] It should be noted that not all fluid element pathlines in the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element need to be assigned to the (preferred) orientation. Rather, it is sufficient if the directions of at least 30%, preferably at least 60%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the relevant pathlines fall within the region of the (preferred) orientation.

[0019] Since the paths of fluid elements, especially in turbulent flows, are not necessarily straight, the direction of a path is defined within the scope of the present invention as a straight line connecting the start and end points of the path in question in the area of ​​the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element.

[0020] A (preferred) orientation includes all directions that form an angle between 10° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 90° and particularly preferably between 45° and 90° with respect to the direction of movement of the flow-guiding element.

[0021] The transport device is designed to execute a movement parallel to a motion path curve. If the transport device is flexible with respect to only one bending axis, this motion path curve lies in a plane of motion. The bending axis intersects the plane of motion perpendicularly.

[0022] In addition to the directional range described above, the (preferred) orientation can also be restricted in the third spatial direction, for example with the angle range of -45° to 45° or from -30° to 30° relative to the plane of movement of the means of transport.

[0023] The examples mentioned above regarding (preferred) orientation can sometimes be advantageous if there is a high level of contamination in the specified directions. By directing the fluid outwards in these directions, the ingress of contaminants can be effectively prevented. Such a choice of (preferred) orientation can also be advantageous if the transport vehicle is protected from contamination in all directions other than the (preferred) orientation, for example, by a transport vehicle housing.

[0024] The directions of the pathlines of the fluid elements in the immediate vicinity of a flow guide element can be determined, for example, by means of a numerical flow simulation (CFD simulation) or experimentally in a wind tunnel.

[0025] The movement of a fluid is usually based on a specific pressure profile within the fluid. For this reason, the relationship described above can also be described as follows: the flow-guiding element of the transport medium is preferably designed to generate a pressure gradient in the immediate vicinity of the fluid in the direction of a (preferred) orientation as soon as it is moved.

[0026] In this case as well, the (preferred) orientation denotes a continuously connected, yet clearly defined range of directions. In other words, the flow-guiding element is preferably designed such that the pressure gradient within the fluid in the immediate vicinity of the flow-guiding element can be assigned one or more directions that lie within a defined, continuously connected, yet clearly defined range of directions. A (preferred) orientation can, for example, include all directions that form an angle between 10° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 90°, and particularly preferably between 45° and 90°, with respect to the direction of movement of the flow-guiding element.

[0027] Furthermore, the direction range described above, defined as the (preferred) orientation, can be further restricted to include only an angular range of, for example, -45° to 45°, or -30° to 30° relative to the plane of movement of the means of transport.

[0028] The means of transport is preferably designed as an enclosed transport device. This results in its advantageous suitability for continuous movement of the means of transport.

[0029] The following section details the characteristics of at least one flow-guiding element of the transport vehicle.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one flow-guiding element of the transport means has a shape essentially formed by the parallel displacement of a planar cross-section, wherein the parallel displacement is perpendicular to the plane of the cross-section. However, the flow-guiding element can also have a shape essentially formed by the displacement of a planar cross-section, wherein the displacement can occur along any path and wherein the cross-section can be changed during the displacement. The displacement along any path also includes a displacement operation in which the cross-section undergoes a rotation about the respective path during the displacement. The geometric shape resulting from the respective displacement operations can be advantageous with respect to the flow properties of the flow-guiding element.This is the case, for example, when a flow-guiding element created by one of the above-mentioned displacement operations generates a flow profile in the direction of a (preferred) orientation.

[0031] The planar cross-section to which the displacement operation is applied preferably has one of the following shapes: airfoil shape; rectangular shape; rhombus shape; kite shape; trapezoidal shape; shell shape; ellipse shape; circular segment shape; circular sector shape; ring segment shape; ogive shape. The airfoil shape, also called teardrop shape or streamlined shape, has a rounded area and a substantially opposite pointed area. The shapes described above are considered advantageous due to their particular suitability for influencing flow velocity. However, it is noted that the present invention is not limited to the shapes mentioned and that the flow-guiding element can be formed by displacing any cross-section.

[0032] Preferably, the planar cross-section has a larger extent in one principal direction than in a second direction, preferably perpendicular to the principal direction. Cross-sections that have a larger extent in one direction than in a second direction are particularly suitable for deflecting a flow. Accordingly, they can be advantageously used within the scope of the present invention to impose a (preferred) orientation on a flow.

[0033] The principal direction of extension is defined below. If the planar cross-section has a first point and a second point that are as far apart as possible, and the planar cross-section has no other points at the same distance, the principal direction of extension runs in the direction of the line defined by the first and second points. However, if there are several points that are each the same distance apart as the first and second points, the planar cross-section is inscribed in a rectangle with the smallest possible area. The principal direction of extension then runs parallel to the longer side of the rectangle. The latter case occurs, for example, when the planar cross-section has the shape of an isosceles acute triangle.

[0034] The transport device is designed to execute a movement parallel to a trajectory curve. If the transport device is flexible relative to only one bending axis, this trajectory curve lies, for example, in a plane of motion. However, the transport device can also be flexible relative to multiple bending axes, so that the trajectory curve can lie three-dimensionally in space. In the case of a closed transport device, the trajectory curve is also closed. In other words, the trajectory curve can be described by the path that a point on the transport device traces during a complete revolution.

[0035] Preferably, the transport means is designed such that the main extension direction of the at least one flow-guiding element, relative to the tangent of the motion path curve, at the point of the motion path curve that is closest to the at least one flow-guiding element, assumes an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 10° and 80° and particularly preferably between 45° and 55°.

[0036] This inclination of the flow guide element relative to its direction of movement can be used to deflect the flow and thus impose a (preferred) orientation on the fluid's path or the pressure gradient within the fluid in the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element.

[0037] The transport device comprises, in addition to at least one flow guide element, a plurality of rollers, at least one guide roller, and a plurality of transport structures for transporting preferably plate-shaped products. Each transport structure has a transport surface designed to make contact with the workpiece being transported. The at least one flow guide element in such a transport device can, for example, be attached to the transport structure or within a recess in the transport structure. The attachment can be friction-fit, for example by press-fitting, or form-fit. Likewise, a one-piece, material-bonded construction of the transport structure and the flow guide element is conceivable.

[0038] A one-piece design offers the advantage over a multi-component design that assembly steps are eliminated. For example, an integral transport structure with a flow guide element can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, which also allows for the simultaneous integration of complex flow channel geometries into the transport device.

[0039] Within the scope of the invention, the transport means can further be designed such that the at least one flow guide element is rotatably mounted relative to the transport means. In the case of a segmented transport means, the at least one flow guide element is associated with a transport means segment and is preferably rotatably mounted relative to this transport means segment. In this way, for example, the angle of attack relative to the direction of movement can be changed so that the flow characteristics are adapted to the ambient conditions. In addition, one or more locking elements can be provided so that the rotatably mounted flow guide element can be locked in several orientations.

[0040] Adjusting the angle of attack can sometimes be advantageous when the speed or direction of travel of the transport vehicle changes. For example, this can ensure that the trajectories of the streamlines in the immediate vicinity of the flow-guiding element have the same or a similar (preferred) orientation at different speeds or directions of travel.

[0041] According to the invention, the transport means can further include at least one spring element. This spring element can be configured to influence the orientation of the rotatably mounted flow guide element. The transport means with the rotatably mounted flow guide element and the spring element can be configured such that the flow guide element assumes different orientations relative to the transport means depending on its speed of movement or depending on the speed at which it is subjected to the flow. Preferably, the angle between the main direction of extension of the flow guide element and the direction of movement of the flow guide element decreases or increases with increasing speed of the flow guide element. In this way, the (preferred) orientation of the pathlines of the fluid elements can be determined.The (preferred) orientation of the pressure gradient in the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element can be selectively changed depending on the velocity of the flow guide element. Such a transport device can also be described as self-regulating.

[0042] According to the invention, a transport system is also provided, comprising at least one of the previously described transport means with a rotatably mounted flow guide element and at least one external actuator. The transport system is designed such that the orientation of the at least one flow guide element can be influenced by the external actuator. The external actuator can, for example, be configured as a magnet, a compressed air nozzle, a heat source, an electrical voltage source, a motor, or a guide cam.

[0043] In the latter case, the orientation of the flow guide element can be changed, for example, by having a section of the flow guide element engage in a rail system of the guide during a relative movement between the flow guide element and the guide track, thus forcing it onto a trajectory curve.

[0044] If the external actuator is configured as a magnet, the flow guide element of the transport medium preferably has a magnetic region. If the external actuator is configured as a heat source, the flow guide element of the transport medium preferably consists, at least in part, of a bimetal configured to assume different shapes depending on its temperature. If the external actuator is configured as a voltage source, the flow guide element of the transport medium preferably has a piezoelectric element configured to assume different shapes depending on an applied voltage. An advantage of such a transport system can be, for example, that the orientation of a plurality of flow guide elements of a transport medium can be changed quickly and automatically.

[0045] According to the invention, a transport system is further specified, comprising at least one of the transport means described above and at least one transport means disc. The transport means disc is configured to drive the at least one transport means and / or to be encircled by the at least one transport means. The term "encircled" also includes an arrangement in which a straight section of the transport means runs tangentially to the transport means disc. The transport system according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one transport means disc has at least one recess configured to receive the at least one flow guide element during encircling and / or driving. In this way, the advantageous effect of preventing collisions between the transport means and the at least one flow guide element is achieved.

[0046] Furthermore, the invention also includes a processing machine for machining preferably plate-shaped workpieces, wherein the preferably plate-shaped workpieces preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-containing material, composite material, or plastic. A processing machine according to the invention comprises one of the transport means and / or one of the transport systems described above, as well as a transport means housing and a filter unit. The transport means and / or the transport system is arranged in the transport means housing. The filter unit is in fluidic communication with the transport means housing. A processing machine according to the invention is characterized in that the flow guide element is designed to generate an overpressure in a specific area of ​​the transport means housing.Furthermore, the flow guide element is designed to create a negative pressure in other areas of the transport element housing. This is particularly advantageous when the positive pressure is generated in the area of ​​the transport element housing facing a machining area of ​​the machine tool. This prevents contaminants from entering the transport element housing by creating an airflow through gaps between the transport element and the housing. Conversely, the negative pressure draws air into the transport element housing. Preferably, air flows into the transport element housing through the filter unit. Most preferably, air flows exclusively into the transport element housing through the filter unit.

[0047] According to the invention, a method for identifying contaminants in the filter unit of a previously described processing machine is further specified. In addition to the elements mentioned, the processing machine has at least one sensor configured to detect a measurement in specific areas of the transport housing. The method comprises at least the following steps: Determining a reference measurement profile in a region of the transport device housing; defining at least one tolerance band, preferably an upper tolerance band and a lower tolerance band, based on the reference measurement profile; determining an operating measurement profile in a region of the transport device housing; comparing the operating measurement profile with the values ​​of the tolerance band or bands.

[0048] Preferably, the method further includes the step of outputting information regarding the filter status via an output unit. The information can be, for example, "Change filter" / "Filter OK" or "Contamination" / "No contamination". The information output is also based on a comparison of the operational measurement profile with the values ​​of the tolerance band(s).

[0049] Such a procedure is advantageous at least insofar as it eliminates the need for regular filter checks and the associated machine downtime.

[0050] According to the invention, a method for adapting the flow characteristics of a transport element of a previously described machine tool is further specified. In addition to the elements mentioned, the machine tool has at least one sensor configured to measure a variable within the transport element housing. The method comprises at least the following steps: Determining the measured quantity; changing the orientation of at least one flow guide element based on the measured quantity;

[0051] Examples of measured variables for the above-described method for identifying contaminants in the filter unit and / or the above-described method for adjusting flow characteristics include flow velocity, vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, fluid pressure, sound pressure, temperature, particle concentration, and particle size. It is also possible that different measured variables are used in the two methods.

[0052] Such a procedure can, for example, ensure that optimal conditions are maintained at all times to counteract contamination of the means of transport and / or the transport vehicle housing.

[0053] In addition to the described devices and methods, the invention also specifies the use of a previously described means of transport for the transmission of forces, for the transport of workpieces and for the machining of workpieces.

[0054] The use for transmitting power includes, for example, drive chains for two-wheelers. The use for machining workpieces includes, for example, chains for chainsaws.

[0055] In the aforementioned uses, at least the advantage can be realized that the corresponding means of transport is protected to some extent against the ingress of contamination. Brief description of the characters

[0056] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and further developments and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a transport means not according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows a section of the transport means from Fig. 1 in enlarged view; Fig. 3 shows the section of the means of transport from Fig. 2 in a top view; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a section of a second embodiment of a transport means not according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows the section of the transport means from Fig. 4 in a top view; Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the means of transport. Fig. 3 along the section line AA; Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the means of transport. Fig. 5along the section line BB; Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a transport means according to the invention; Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a transport means not according to the invention; Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a transport system not according to the invention; Figs. 11a) to j) show preferred cross-sections for a flow guide element of a transport means according to the invention; Fig. 12 shows a preferred embodiment of a transport system according to the invention; Figs. 13a) to f) show preferred shapes of flow guide elements of a transport means according to the invention; Fig. 14 shows a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention for identifying contaminants in the filter unit of a machine tool; Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0057] in Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a transport means 1 not according to the invention in a perspective view. The transport means is designed as a linkage transport means and has transport means 2a and 2b arranged alternately. Each of the transport means also contains a flow guide element 4. All transport means 2a are connected at two ends to transport means 2b. All transport means 2a, 2b together form a closed transport means. By means of the joints 3, any two connected transport means 2a and 2b can be rotated relative to each other about a bending axis. As in Fig. 1As shown, the enclosed transport device can have straight and curved sections. In the present example, the curved sections are curved around a first deflection axis 5a and a second deflection axis 5b; however, a series of numerous straight, concave, and convex curved sections is also possible. The transport device 1 is designed to perform a movement parallel to a motion path curve K. An incomplete part of the motion path curve K is shown in Fig. 1 denoted by R. Each of the train members 2a, 2b has a flow-guiding element that can be formed by shifting a planar cross-section parallel to the plane of the cross-section perpendicular to that plane. In this case, the planar cross-section has a shape that can be described as airfoil-like, streamlined, or teardrop-shaped.

[0058] Unlike in Fig. 1For example, every second, third, or nth transport element can also be shown to have a flow guide element.

[0059] In Fig. 2 is an enlarged representation of a section of the means of transport from Fig. 1 shown. Fig. 3 shows a top view of the in Fig. 2 Perspective view of a section of the first embodiment of a transport means not according to the invention. In Fig. 3 The section line AA is also shown, which corresponds to the section representation in Fig. 6 can be assigned.

[0060] From the sectional view in Fig. 6It is evident that the main direction of extension of the flow guide element assumes an angle β of approximately 45° relative to the trajectory curve K, or relative to a part R of the trajectory curve K. This inclination, in particular, causes the fluid elements in the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element to accelerate as soon as the flow guide element, together with the transport medium, is moved parallel to the trajectory curve K. A fluid element trajectory group B resulting from the acceleration and a (preferred) orientation V in the form of a two-dimensional directional region are also shown in Fig. 6 The diagram shows that the directions of the pathlines fall within the area of ​​the (preferred) orientation V. The (preferred) orientation V has an angle α relative to the direction of movement R of the flow-guiding element 4.

[0061] In the Figures 4, 5 and 7A second embodiment of a transport means 1 not according to the invention is shown.

[0062] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that each transport element 2a, 2b has three flow guide elements 4. The shape and orientation of the flow guide elements 4, however, correspond to the shape and orientation of the flow guide element 4 of the first embodiment described above. By assigning several flow guide elements to a transport element 2a, 2b, the magnitude of the generated pressure gradient and / or the volume flow rate of the fluid directed in the preferred direction V can be reduced compared to the flow rate in the first embodiment. Figure 1 , 2 , 3 and 6 The first embodiment shown is increased.

[0063] In Fig. 8 Three transport element components 2 of a third embodiment of a transport element according to the invention are shown. Furthermore, the figure shows Fig. 8a portion of the motion path curve R, the direction of a right side RS, the direction of a left side LS, the direction of a top OS, and the direction of a bottom US of the illustrated transport element members 2. Each transport element member 2 of this embodiment has rollers 8 and flow guide elements 4 on its left side LS and its right side RS, a guide roller 9 on its bottom US, and a transport structure 6 with a transport surface 7 on its top OS. The transport structure 6 is designed to come into contact with a workpiece. The rollers 8 are designed to roll on designated running surfaces (not shown) and to transmit forces to these running surfaces, which are introduced, for example, from a workpiece (also not shown) via the transport plane 7 of the transport structure 6 into the transport element.The guide rollers 9 are designed to make contact with a guide rail (not shown) on at least one side, thus ensuring that the transport element members do not deviate from their path towards the left side LS or the right side RS. The flow guide elements 4 have a shape that can be formed by the parallel displacement of a planar, airfoil-shaped cross-section. The main direction of extension of the flow guide elements is oriented such that a fluid in the immediate vicinity of the flow guide element 4 is accelerated substantially towards the upper surface OS when the transport element moves along the trajectory curve K (or the part R).If parts of the underside US, the right side RS, and the left side LS of the transport vehicle are enclosed by a transport vehicle housing (not shown), the fluid accelerated by the flow-guiding elements 4 can escape, for example, through gaps between the transport structures 6 and the transport vehicle housing towards the top OS, towards the left side LS, or towards the right side RS. In this way, it counteracts the ingress of contaminants into the transport vehicle housing (not shown).

[0064] A fourth embodiment of a means of transport not according to the invention is shown in part in Fig. 9 The fourth embodiment essentially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 8In the third embodiment shown, however, the flow guide elements 4 are not arranged laterally on the transport element members 2, but rather within the transport structures 6. The transport structures 6, or the transport planes 7, have openings through which a fluid can flow in or out. The transport element members 2 are designed such that each opening is in fluidic contact with the underside US of the associated transport element member 2.

[0065] Not shown is a fifth embodiment in which the flow guide elements 4 are arranged both laterally on the transport element members 2 and within the transport structures 6.

[0066] In Fig. 10Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a transport system not according to the invention. The transport system comprises a transport element 1 designed as a belt and a transport element pulley 12, which is encircled by the transport element 1. The transport element 1 has at least one flow guide element 4, which in this case is bonded to the transport element. The transport element pulley 12 is designed to rotate around a deflection axis 5. Furthermore, the transport element pulley 12 has at least one recess 14 designed to receive the at least one flow guide element 4 during encirclement and / or drive. In this way, collisions during encirclement are avoided.

[0067] In the Figures 11a to 11j Preferred cross-sections 21 of the flow-guiding element 4 are shown together with the associated principal extension directions 15 and a portion of the motion path curve R. Figures 11a to 11c They show various variations of the airfoil shape, also called streamlined or teardrop shape. This shape is characterized in particular by its low drag and also produces a comparatively homogeneous and directed airflow profile. Figures 11d and 11e show a (rounded) rectangular shape, Fig. 11f shows a kite shape and Fig. 11g It shows a diamond shape. Fig. 11h A kink shape is depicted, which Figures 11i and 11j They exhibit a (rounded) ring segment shape. The ones in the Figures 11h to 11j The shapes depicted can also be described as variations of the shell shape due to their convex contour. All of them in the Figures 11a to 11j The forms shown have in common that their main extension direction 15 takes an acute angle β relative to the nearest part of the motion path curve R.

[0068] In Fig. 12Figure 1 shows an exemplary section of a preferred embodiment of a further transport system according to the invention. The transport system comprises a transport means having at least one flow guide element 4 rotatably mounted on a flow guide element joint 18 and at least two locking elements 20. The transport means is designed as a link transport means, wherein the transport means links 2 are each connected to one another by joints 3. The flow guide element 4 shown has a magnetic section 19. Furthermore, the transport system comprises at least one external actuator, designed as a positioning magnet 16. The positioning magnet 16 is rotatably mounted about a positioning magnet joint 17, so that, among other things, the north pole N or the south pole S of the positioning magnet 16 can face the transport means. Also in Fig. 12 Shown is a portion of the trajectory curve R of the means of transport. Fig. 12Figure 1 shows a state in which the magnetic section 19 of the flow guide element 4 is facing away from the actuating magnet 16. The flow guide element 4 is also held in this position by a locking element 20. The locking element is designed to release the position as soon as a certain force in the direction of rotation of the flow guide element 4 is exceeded. Since the south pole S of the actuating magnet and the north pole N of the magnetic section 19 of the flow guide element 4 are facing each other, the state of the transport system changes in the next (not shown) step such that the magnetic section 19 of the flow guide element 4 moves towards the actuating magnet 16. During the associated rotational movement, the flow guide element releases from the locking element 20 and, after the movement is complete, engages in another locking element 20.In this way, the orientation of the principal extension direction of the flow guide element 4 can be changed simply by moving the relevant transport element 2 past the actuating magnet 17. The change in the orientation of the principal extension direction of the flow guide element 4 is reversible. With such a transport system, the orientation of the principal extension direction of a very large number of flow guide elements can be changed efficiently. In the illustrated case, this effect is used to ensure that, even when the direction of movement of the transport element changes, the directions of the pathlines of the fluid elements are assigned the same (preferred) orientation V.

[0069] In the embodiments of the Figures 1 to 9 and in Fig. 12The flow guide element 4 is arranged between the respective joints 3. Rather, the flow guide element 4 can be arranged at any position of the transport means and thus also in the area of ​​a joint 3.

[0070] In the Figures 13a to 13f Preferred embodiments of a flow guide element 4 are shown. For visualization purposes, each embodiment of the flow guide element 4 is inscribed in a cuboid. Three faces of the cuboid lie in the coordinate planes of a Cartesian coordinate system with the axes X, Y, and Z oriented orthogonally to each other. All in the Figures 13a to 13f The illustrated embodiments are essentially created by shifting a planar cross-section 21. In all illustrated embodiments, the planar cross-section 21 lies in the XZ plane of the Cartesian coordinate system. The shape of the flow guide element 4 in Fig. 13aThis is created by the parallel displacement of the planar cross-section 21 perpendicular to the XZ surface. The shape of the flow guide element 4 in Fig. 13b This is created by the parallel displacement of the planar cross-section 21 along a path that is not perpendicular to the XZ plane. The shape of the flow guide element 4 in Fig. 13c This is created by parallel displacement of the planar cross-section 21 perpendicular to the XZ-plane, whereby the cross-section undergoes a rotation about the displacement path during the parallel displacement. The shape of the flow guide element 4 in Fig. 13d This is created by the parallel displacement of the planar cross-section 21 perpendicular to the XZ surface, whereby the cross-section changes during the parallel displacement. The shape of the flow guide element 4 in Fig. 13e This is created by parallel displacement of the planar cross-section 21 along a curved path. The shape of the flow-guiding element 4 in Fig. 13fThis is created by the displacement of the planar cross-section 21 along an arbitrary path, whereby the cross-section changes during the displacement. Specifically, the displacement begins essentially perpendicular to the XZ plane and then undergoes a deflection of approximately 90°, so that the cross-section subsequently moves essentially parallel to the XY plane.

[0071] In Fig. 14Figure 1 shows a flowchart visualizing a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention for identifying contaminants in the filter unit of a machine tool with a transport means. After starting the method, the time course of a reference pressure (reference pressure profile) pR(t) is first determined in a section of the transport means housing within the machining area of ​​the machine tool. No contaminants are present in the filter unit during the determination of the reference pressure profile. Based on the reference pressure profile, an upper tolerance band To(t) and a lower tolerance band Tu(t) are defined in the next step. Subsequently, the machining operation of the machine tool begins. During machining, the operating pressure profile pB(t) is determined over a defined period within a section of the transport means housing.After the specified period, the system checks whether the operating pressure profile exhibits only values ​​greater than the lower but less than the upper tolerance band. If this criterion is met, the information "No contamination" is output, and the operating pressure profile pB(t) is again determined over a specified period within a section of the transport vehicle housing. However, if the criterion Tu(t) < pB(t) < To(t) is not met, the information "Contamination" is output, and the process then terminates. Reference sign

[0072] 1 Transport means 2 Transport means element 2a Transport means element A 2b Transport means element B 3 Joint 4 Flow guide element 5 Deflection axis 5a First deflection axis 5b Second deflection axis 6 Transport structure 7 Transport surface 8 Roller 9 Guide roller 11 Transport system 12 Transport means disc 14 Recess 15 Main extension direction 16 Actuating magnet 17 Actuating magnet joint 18 Flow guide element joint 19 Magnetic section 20 Locking element 21 Cross section B Exemplary fluid element path line group K Trajectory curve LS Left side N Magnetic north pole OS Top side R Part of a trajectory curve RS Right side S Magnetic south pole US Bottom side V Preferred orientation XX Coordinate of a Cartesian coordinate system YY Coordinate of a Cartesian coordinate system ZZ Coordinate of a Cartesian coordinate system α Angle between trajectory curve of a Flow guiding element and preferred orientation of the pressure gradient orFluid element path line βAngle between main extension direction and motion path curve of a flow guiding element.

Claims

1. Transport means, which is configured as linked transport means, with transport means members (2) for transporting workpieces, and which comprises a roller (8), configured to roll on running surfaces, on a left side (LS) and on a right side (RS) of each of the transport means members (2), and a guide roller (9), configured to make contact with a guide rail at least on one side, on an underside (US) of each of the transport means members (2), wherein the transport means is configured to perform a movement parallel to a motion path curve (K), and wherein the transport means has a plurality of transport structures (6) for transporting workpieces, wherein a transport structure (6) has at least one transport surface (7) on a surface of each of the transport means members (2), wherein each of the transport means members (2) of the transport means contains, on the left side (LS) and on the right side (RS), at least one flow guide element (4), which is configured to accelerate a fluid in its immediate surroundings, as soon as it is moved, and to impose an orientation (V) on the path lines of the fluid elements essentially resulting from the acceleration, wherein the orientation (V) denotes a continuously connected and limited range of directions, wherein the orientation (V), relative to the direction of movement of the flow guide element, assumes an angle (α) between 10° and 90°, and wherein a principal extension direction (15) of the at least one flow guide element (4), relative to a tangent of the motion path curve (K) at that point of the motion path curve (K), which is closest to the at least one flow guide element (4), assumes an angle (β) between 0° and 90°.

2. The transport means according to claim 1, characterized in that the orientation (V), relative to the direction of movement of the flow guide element, assumes an angle (α) between 30° and 90° and preferably between 45° and 90°.

3. The transport means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport means is configured as a closed transport means.

4. The transport means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flow guide element (4) has a shape which: is essentially formed by the parallel displacement of a planar cross-section, wherein the parallel displacement is perpendicular to the plane of the cross-section; or is essentially formed by the displacement of a planar cross-section, whereby the displacement can take place along any path and the cross-section can be changed during the displacement.

5. The transport means according to claim 4, characterized in that the cross-section of the flow guide element (4) has one of the following shapes: airfoil shape, preferably with a rounded and a substantially opposite pointed area; rectangular shape; rhombus shape; kite shape; trapezoidal shape; shell shape; elliptical shape; circular segment shape; circular sector shape; ring segment shape; ogive shape; wherein the planar cross-section preferably has a larger extent in the main extension direction than in a second direction, preferably perpendicular to the main extension direction.

6. The transport means according to claim 5, characterized in that the main extension direction of the at least one flow guide element (4), relative to the tangent of the motion path curve (K) at that point of the motion path curve (K) that is closest to the at least one flow guide element (4), assumes an angle between 10° and 80° and particularly preferably between 30° and 60°.

7. The transport means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flow guide element (4) is preferably by means of a form-fit, force-fit or material-fit connection attached to a transport structure (6) or within a recess in the transport structure (6).

8. The transport means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that at least one flow guide element (4) is rotatably mounted relative to the transport means.

9. The transport means according to claim 8, further comprising at least one locking element (20), characterized in that the at least one locking element (20) is configured to fix the rotatably mounted flow guide element (4) in at least one orientation.

10. The transport means according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising at least one spring element, characterized in that the rotatably mounted flow guide element (4) is configured, depending on its speed of movement, or depending on the flow velocity at which it is approached, to assume different orientations relative to the transport means.

11. Transport system, comprising at least a transport means according to any one of claims 8 to 10, and at least one external actuator, characterized in that the orientation of the at least one flow guide element (4) can be influenced by the external actuator, wherein the external actuator is preferably configured as a magnet, compressed air nozzle, heat source or electrical voltage source.

12. Transport system, having at least one transport means according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and at least one transport means disc (12), wherein the at least one transport means disc (12) is configured to drive the at least one transport means and / or is configured to be wrapped by the at least one transport means, characterized in that the at least one transport means disc (12) has at least one recess (14) which is configured to receive at least one flow guide element (4) during wrapping and / or driving.

13. Processing machine for processing preferably plate-shaped workpieces, which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-containing material, composite material or plastic, having: a transport means according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a transport system according to any one of claims 11 or 12; a transport means housing, wherein the transport means and / or the transport system is arranged in the transport means housing; a filter unit which is in fluidic communication with the transport means housing, characterized in that the flow guide element is configured to generate an overpressure in an area of the transport means housing as soon as it is moved.

14. Method for identifying contaminants in the filter unit of a processing machine according to claim 13, wherein the processing machine further has at least one measurement parameter sensor, configured to detect a measurement parameter in certain areas of the transport means housing, with the steps: 1) determining a reference measurement parameter profile in an area of the transport means housing; 2) establishing a tolerance band; 3) determining an operational measurement parameter profile in an area of the transport means housing; 4) comparing the operational measurement parameter profile and the tolerance band;15. Method for adapting flow characteristics of a transport means of a processing machine according to claim 13, wherein the processing machine further has at least one measuring parameter sensor, configured to measure a measurement parameter within the transport means housing, with the steps: 1) determining the measurement parameter; 2) changing the orientation of at least one flow guide element based on the measurement parameter.

16. Use of a transport means according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or of a transport system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, for the transmission of forces, for the transport of workpieces and / or for the machining of workpieces.