Plant for machining workpieces made of wood, plastic, aluminum and the like, and method for machining such workpieces

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for machining workpieces made of wood, plastic, aluminum and the like according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for machining such workpieces according to claim 11.

[0002] There are systems known for machining elongated workpieces. Such systems include window machines or molding machines, on which the elongated workpieces with a square cross-section are machined on their sides. In addition to such elongated workpieces, curved or flat workpieces, such as door panels, often also need to be machined. Such flat workpieces are clamped onto workpiece carriers, which usually form a stationary system on a machining center. Therefore, if a flat workpiece is to be clamped onto the workpiece carrier, the machining center must be shut down for safety reasons.

[0003] Furthermore, clamping such flat workpieces is usually very time-consuming, especially since they are usually relatively heavy. In addition, the machining area of a machining center is usually only accessible from one side, making it difficult to load the flat workpieces onto the workpiece carrier. A crane-like loading aid is often required.

[0004] A system of this type is known from DE 20 2004 020 954 U1, which discloses the preamble of claim 1. The two clamping devices are arranged one above the other in the system. Another known system (DE 201 15 186 U1) provides a transport carriage with rubber suction cups for securing a panel. The transport carriage with the workpiece is guided past a tool, which processes the panel as the transport carriage moves past.

[0005] In another known system (DE 93 12 534 U1), a plate-shaped workpiece is clamped on a transport carriage and moved towards a machining tool in order to machine the workpiece.

[0006] Finally, another system is known (DE 10 2019 200 661 A1) in which workpieces are moved to a second machine tool structure using a freely movable first machine tool structure, positioned there and then machined with a tool on the second machine tool structure.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of designing the generic system and the method in such a way that flat or curved workpieces can be easily clamped and aligned without having to interrupt the operation of the system.

[0008] This object is achieved in the generic system according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 and in the method according to the invention with the features of claim 11.

[0009] The system according to the invention allows the flat or curved workpiece to be easily placed on the workpiece carrier outside the system. This makes it possible to process the elongated workpieces in the system during the setup process. Outside the system, the workpiece carrier can be positioned so that it is accessible from all sides. This allows even a heavy workpiece to be easily placed on it by two people, for example, eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment such as a workshop crane.

[0010] A carriage carrying the workpiece carrier can be docked to a guide system of the system so that the workpiece carrier can be transported into the system for machining the clamped flat or curved workpiece.

[0011] The workpiece carrier is advantageously mounted on a guide of the carriage. It can be moved, for example, using wheels, so that it can easily be brought into a position where the flat or curved workpiece can be conveniently positioned on the workpiece carrier. The workpiece carrier can be easily moved along the guide.

[0012] To ensure easy transport of the workpiece carrier with the clamped flat or curved workpiece into the system, it is advantageously provided that the carriage's guide, when docked, forms a continuation of the system's guide system. This allows the workpiece carrier to be conveniently transported from the carriage into the system.

[0013] To ensure easy positioning of the workpiece carrier, and thus the flat or curved workpiece, within the system, it is advantageous to have the workpiece carrier fixable within the system. For this purpose, a positive connection can be provided between the workpiece carrier and the guide system, such as fixing bolts, fixing wedges, or hooks that engage in corresponding recesses.

[0014] The second clamping device is advantageously a suction clamping device, which allows the flat or curved workpiece to be easily secured to the workpiece carrier. The suction cups operate in vacuum mode and firmly hold the flat or curved workpiece.

[0015] The suction clamping device advantageously has suction cups arranged on the workpiece carrier.

[0016] They can be advantageously positioned on the workpiece carrier so that they can be positioned individually on the workpiece carrier depending on the flat or curved workpiece to be clamped.

[0017] Positioning the suction cups is advantageously easier if the top of the workpiece carrier is divided into a checkerboard pattern and the coordinates of the suction cup positions are predefined. This allows the suction cups to be easily yet precisely adjusted to the positions required for clamping the flat or curved workpiece.

[0018] It is also possible to display the position of the suction cups on the workpiece carrier using a display device. The use of a laser is advantageous in this case, as it allows the precise location of each suction cup on the workpiece carrier to be displayed.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the suction cups for moving the flat or curved workpiece can be switched to compressed air operation at the interface with the workpiece, i.e., at the contact surface between the suction cups and the workpiece. Compressed air is then generated, forming an air cushion on which the flat or curved workpiece can be easily moved. Once the workpiece is positioned, the system switches to vacuum operation, so that the workpiece is firmly pulled and held against the suction cups.

[0020] In the method according to the invention, the elongated workpieces are machined in the system, while simultaneously the flat or curved workpiece is clamped on the workpiece carrier of the second clamping device outside the system. This eliminates the need to interrupt the system's operation during the setup process. Only once the flat or curved workpiece is clamped on the workpiece carrier is it moved into the system, positioned, and locked. Before this, the machining of the elongated workpieces is completed, so that the flat or curved workpiece can be machined in the system immediately afterward.

[0021] However, it is also possible to load and unload workpieces within the system on the locked workpiece carrier. This is particularly useful when the system is not required to produce elongated workpieces.

[0022] During the machining of the flat or curved workpiece, further elongated workpieces can be clamped with the first clamping device, which can then be machined in the system after the workpiece has been machined.

[0023] Further features of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

[0024] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a system according to the invention with a clamping device according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows an enlarged and perspective view of a clamping device according to the invention, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of part of the system according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view and partly in section of a tool changing device of the system according to the invention, Figs. 5 to 9 show different phases when clamping and aligning workpieces for processing in the system, Fig. 10 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 1 a system according to the invention with a clamping device for flat workpieces, Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 various steps when inserting the flat workpiece into the system.

[0025] The system described below is used to process elongated workpieces, which can advantageously be made of wood, but can also be made of plastic, aluminum or a similar material.

[0026] The workpieces 1 have a rectangular cross-section and are fed onto a feed device 2 perpendicular to their longitudinal direction in the y-direction. For this purpose, the feed device 2 is equipped with at least one transport unit 3, with which the workpieces 1 are transported into the system perpendicular to their longitudinal direction. The workpieces 1 to be machined can be placed onto the feed device 2 by hand. However, automatic workpiece feeding is also possible.

[0027] The transport unit 3 can be formed, for example, by transport belts that extend in the y-direction and on which the workpieces 1 rest when being fed into the system.

[0028] The feed device 2 has at least one support table 4 onto which the workpieces 1 are placed. As soon as the workpieces 1 leave the support table 4, they are grasped by the transport unit 3 and transported transversely to their longitudinal direction. The feed device can have several adjacent transport units 3, for example, to be able to transport several adjacent workpieces 1 simultaneously.

[0029] The workpieces 1 are fed to two clamping devices 5a, 5b, with which the workpieces 1 are clamped on the top and bottom.

[0030] The clamping devices 5a, 5b each have at least one, in the exemplary embodiment three, clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c, each having upper clamping jaws 8a with which the workpieces 1 are clamped against lower clamping jaws 8b in a known manner. The clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c can be individually positioned in the x-direction according to the length of the workpieces 1. Depending on the design of the system, the number of clamping devices 5a, 5b and clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c can vary. Depending on the workpiece length, a different number of clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c can form the clamping device 5a, 5b. The individual clamping device 5a, 5b is defined in the exemplary embodiment such that a single workpiece 1 is clamped in a clamping device 5a, 5b. The clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c can have different widths (in the longitudinal direction of the workpieces), so that a workpiece can only be clamped in one clamping carriage 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c.Accordingly, the clamping device 5a, 5b in this case consists of the one clamping carriage 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c.

[0031] The clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c are movable in the x-direction along a guide 9. The elongated workpieces 1 extend in the x-direction, the transport direction.

[0032] The clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c enter a transfer area 10 in which the workpieces 1 can be taken over by a second clamping device 11.

[0033] The clamping device 11 has a lower clamping jaw 12 for the workpieces 1 ( Fig. 2 ), on which the workpieces 1 rest in the clamped state. The clamping jaw 12 extends in the x-direction over approximately the length of the clamping device 11.

[0034] An upper clamping jaw 13 is used to clamp the workpieces 1, which extends in the x-direction over the length of the clamping device 11 and is connected to at least two drives 14, in the exemplary embodiment with three drives 14 arranged one behind the other in the x-direction at a distance, with which the upper clamping jaw 13 can be adjusted in the z-direction.

[0035] The drives 14 each have a support 14a to which the clamping jaw 13 is attached and which is adjustable in the z-direction along a guide (not shown). The drive 14 is preferably a piston-cylinder unit with which the clamping force is generated. The piston-cylinder unit has the cylinder 15, which is attached to a support 16. The support 14a, which is fixedly connected to the clamping jaw 13, is connected to a piston rod 17, which can be moved in the z-direction to adjust the upper clamping jaw 13 in the z-direction.

[0036] The drives 14 are parts of adjustment units 18, which have the carrier 16 and which can be moved together with the drives 14 in the z-direction.

[0037] The adjustment units 18 are provided in a further adjustment unit 19, which has z-guides 20 for the supports 16 of the drives 14.

[0038] The adjustment units 19 are movable on guides 21 extending in the y-direction. To drive the adjustment units 19, a drive 22 ( Fig. 1 ) is provided to move the adjustment units 19 in the y-direction. This travel axis is designed as a positioning axis so that the clamping jaws 12, 13 can be precisely adjusted in the y-direction for the transfer of the workpieces 1 into the clamping device 11, as described below.

[0039] The drive 22 has a drive motor 23 with a motor shaft 24 extending in the y-direction, which is connected via endless drives 25 to adjusting spindles 26 extending in the y-direction. These can be used to move the adjustment units 19 in the y-direction.

[0040] The workpieces 1 to be machined are fed via the feeding device 2 and the transport unit 3 ( Fig. 1 ) in the y-direction to the clamping devices 5a, 5b, which are located in a loading area 27 of the system. In this area, the workpiece 1 can be moved against a spring-loaded counter-stop 28 ( Fig. 5 ) in the y-direction and clamped with the clamping jaws 8a, 8b of the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c. In this case, it is not necessary to clamp the workpiece 1 precisely and in a precise position. The depth in the y-direction depends on the width of the workpiece 1, which is pushed in by means of a slider that engages behind the workpiece 1 and executes a defined stroke or path. It is limited by the maximum end position of the counter-stop 28. The workpiece 1 can also lie twisted or unevenly or diagonally on the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c.

[0041] The transport unit 3 is higher than the lower clamping jaws 8b, for example, so that the workpieces 1, such as in Fig. 5 As shown, the protruding side is tilted upward rather than downward. Therefore, the clamping device 11 can be retracted in the y-direction without prior z-stroke of the lower clamping jaws 8b.

[0042] After clamping the unmachined workpieces 1, the transport unit is decelerated slightly to release the underside of the workpiece 1. The clamping devices 5a, 5b can then be transported along the guide 9 extending in the x-direction into the transfer area 10, which also forms the processing area of the system. During this transport, the workpiece 1 is moved in its longitudinal direction, i.e., in the x-direction.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, a workpiece 1 clamped obliquely and tilted between the clamping jaws 8a, 8b of the clamping device 5a. The exact alignment of the workpiece 1 only takes place in the transfer area 10, so that it can be clamped and machined in the transfer area 10 with high precision.

[0044] The upper clamping jaw 13 of the clamping device 11 located in the transfer area 10 is raised in the z-direction so far that the workpiece 1 can be moved into the clamping device 11 in the x-direction and / or, if necessary, the clamping device 11 can be adjusted in the y-direction. If necessary, the lower clamping jaw 12 of the clamping device 11 is slightly lowered during retraction so that contact with the workpiece 1 and subsequent damage cannot occur.

[0045] During feeding, the workpieces 1 are clamped into the respective clamping device 5a, 5b such that their one longitudinal side 29 protrudes in the y-direction over the clamping jaws 8a, 8b of the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c in the direction of the clamping device 11. Since the workpiece 1 is clamped obliquely in the clamping device 5a, 5b, as shown in the example, the longitudinal side 29 of the workpiece 1 runs at a corresponding angle to the x-direction. If the workpiece 1 is also clamped tilted, as shown in the example, the longitudinal side 29 of the workpiece 1 also lies at a small acute angle to the y-direction.

[0046] As soon as the clamping device 5a, 5b is in the transfer area 10 and is opposite the clamping device 11, the upper clamping jaws 8a of the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c are raised in the z-direction ( Fig. 6 ). The workpiece is completely exposed because the clamping jaw 13 of the clamping device 11 has also been raised in the z-direction.

[0047] Each clamping carriage 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c of the clamping devices 5a, 5b has at least one counter-stop 28, which can be moved forwards and backwards in two positions by means of a pneumatic cylinder and which, in the forward position, acts as a spring-loaded counter-stop 28 due to the pressure applied. Fig. 3 the counter-stop 28 is in the retracted position, in which it is at a distance from the workpiece 1. In the exemplary embodiment, each clamping carriage 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c has a spring-loaded counter-stop 28 that can be moved forwards and backwards.

[0048] The distance measured in the y-direction between the opposing clamping devices 5a, 5b and 11 is set such that the workpiece 1 reaches the lower clamping jaw 12 of the clamping device 11 over part of its width.

[0049] Since the clamping jaws 8a, 13 are raised during the transfer or alignment of the workpiece 1, the workpiece 1 rests on the lower clamping jaws 8b, 12 without tension. It must be ensured that the lower clamping jaws 8b, 12 are at exactly the same height.

[0050] The next step involves aligning the workpiece 1 so that it is precisely positioned for subsequent machining. For this purpose, the clamping device 5a, 5b is provided with at least one spring-loaded counter-stop 28, which is movable in the y-direction. The counter-stop 28 has a stop surface 30 perpendicular to the support surface of the lower clamping jaw 8b, with which it comes into contact with the longitudinal side 31 of the workpiece 1 opposite the longitudinal side 29 when it moves the workpiece 1 in the y-direction ( Fig. 7 ).

[0051] With the counter stop 28, the workpiece 1 is pushed in the y-direction onto the lower clamping jaw 12 until the workpiece 1 rests with its long side 29 against a stop 32 of the clamping device 11 extending in the x-direction ( Fig. 7 ), the contact side of which is also perpendicular to the support surface of the lower clamping jaw 12. The stop 32 of the clamping device 11 can be positioned in the y-direction. In this way, the position of the workpiece 1 can be precisely adjusted for subsequent processing.

[0052] The workpiece 1 is advantageously positioned in such a way that, during this first clamping, it already assumes the position required in the y-direction for the subsequent machining of the longitudinal side 31. Then, the workpiece 1 does not need to be moved after machining of one longitudinal side 29 and transfer to the clamping device 11.

[0053] During the alignment process described, the workpiece 1 is brought into the exact position.

[0054] As soon as the precise positioning of the workpiece 1 has been achieved via the horizontal stops 28, 32, the upper clamping jaws 8a of the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c are lowered in the z-direction until the workpiece 1 is clamped between the upper clamping jaws 8a and the lower clamping jaws 8b. The clamping of the workpiece 1 is such that it protrudes in the y-direction towards the clamping device 11 beyond the two clamping jaws 8a, 8b. In the exemplary embodiment, the workpiece 1 protrudes approximately half its width beyond the clamping jaws 8a, 8b ( Fig. 8 und 9 ).

[0055] The clamped workpiece 1 rests with its long side 31 on the stop surface 30 of the counter stop 28 of the clamping device 5a, 5b ( Fig. 8 und 9 ).

[0056] The stop 32 can be positioned in its y-position via a separate y-axis or by means of the y-axis of the clamping device 11.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, the stop 32 is arranged on the supports 16 of the adjustment units 18 and can be adjusted to three positions in the y-direction. To push off the finished workpieces 1, the stop 32 is indexed forward in the y-direction. The two pre-indexed positions of the stop 32 serve to align and push off the workpieces 1. The stop 32 is then indexed back to the third position when the workpiece 1 is to be transferred for the second clamping for machining the longitudinal side 31 of the clamping device 11. The stop 32 is then not in contact with the workpiece 1. Fig. 6 the middle position of the stop 32 is shown.

[0058] As soon as the workpiece 1 is clamped in the clamping device 5a, 5b in the manner described, the clamping device 11 is adjusted with the described adjustment units 19 ( Fig. 2 ) is moved back in the y-direction so far that the workpiece 1 can then be machined on its end faces and its long side 29 with the appropriate tools, usually profiled or planed smooth.

[0059] In the area projecting beyond the clamping jaws 8a, 8b as well as in the areas between the upper and lower clamping jaws 8a, 8b, bores, grooves and the like can be made in the upper side 33 and / or the lower side 34 of the workpiece 1.

[0060] As soon as the workpiece 1 has been machined on one of its longitudinal sides 29 and, if applicable, on its upper side and / or its lower side 34, the clamping device 11 is moved by means of the adjustment units 19 in the y-direction back into a position relative to the clamping device 5a, 5b, in which the workpiece 1 is gripped by the clamping jaws 12, 13 of the clamping device 11. This position of the two clamping devices 5a, 5b and 11 relative to each other corresponds approximately to the position shown in Fig. 8 is shown. In this position, in which the workpiece 1 machined on one of its long sides 29 is still clamped in the clamping device 5a, 5b, the upper clamping jaw 13 of the clamping device 11 is lowered in the z-direction so far that the workpiece is clamped in the clamping device 11 in the area projecting beyond the clamping jaws 8a, 8b or in a previously machined area, for example in a fold.

[0061] During this y-movement, the clamping device 11 is moved in the direction of the clamping device 5a, 5b until the clamping device 11 has reached the optimal position for optimal clamping and for machining the workpiece 1 on the long side 31.

[0062] During the transfer process, workpiece 1 is never free. Furthermore, the position of workpiece 1 does not change, but remains stationary within the system. This ensures very precise machining of workpiece 1, since, in particular, no axial positioning of the clamping device 11 is required.

[0063] As soon as the protruding part of the workpiece 1 is clamped in the clamping device 11, the upper clamping jaws 8a of the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c are lifted in the z-direction so that the workpiece 1 is no longer clamped by the clamping device 5a, 5b. The clamping device 5a, 5b is then moved in the x-direction back to the transfer or loading area 27 to pick up the next workpiece 1 to be machined.

[0064] Before this retraction, a small z-stroke (for example 3 mm) of the clamping device 11 is advantageously carried out upwards, or the clamping device 11 moves back in the y-direction so that the underside of the workpiece 1 is not damaged when the clamping device 5a, 5b is moved.

[0065] In order to ensure a reliable transfer between the clamping device 5a, 5b and the clamping device 11, it can also be advantageous if the lower clamping jaws 8b, 12 can be slightly lowered in the z-direction when moving into or out of the transfer position, so that it is ensured that the lower clamping jaws 8b, 12 do not come into contact with the support side of the workpiece 1, where its surface could be damaged.

[0066] The workpiece 1 is clamped in the clamping device 11 such that it protrudes sufficiently far in the y-direction beyond the clamping jaws 12, 13 of the clamping device 11. The not yet machined longitudinal side 31 of the workpiece 1 can then be easily machined with the appropriate tool.

[0067] In the area of the upper side 33 or the lower side 34 of the workpiece 1, which is exposed, holes, grooves and the like can also be made using an appropriate tool.

[0068] The described process of clamping, transferring, and machining the workpiece 1 is carried out in the same way with all clamping devices 5a, 5b. When machining two or more workpieces 1 simultaneously, two or more clamping devices 5a, 5b can be used, which simultaneously and in parallel execute the corresponding movements, as shown in the Fig. 5 bis 9 has been explained.

[0069] The two clamping jaws 12, 13 of the clamping device 11 extend over the entire length of the workpiece lengths commonly used in the system's application area. The upper clamping jaw 13 is driven in the z-direction by several drives 14 as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, three drives 14 are used for the z-adjustment of the upper clamping jaw 13, which are arranged one behind the other at a distance in the x-direction. The drives 14 apply the clamping force required to clamp the workpieces 1.

[0070] The drives 14 can be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or similar. They are advantageously spaced equally apart.

[0071] In order to enable a uniform pressure distribution over the length of the clamping jaws 12, 13, at least one of the drives 14 is force-controlled.

[0072] The lower clamping jaw 12, which normally forms the reference edge or reference surface for machining workpiece 1, is designed to be sufficiently rigid. This ensures high milling accuracy during machining of the workpiece.

[0073] It is advantageous if the workpiece 1 or workpieces 1 are clamped symmetrically to the center of the clamping device 11. For this purpose, a specific force is exerted on the workpiece 1 via the clamping jaw 13 using the middle of the three drives 14. The two outer drives 14 are also jointly adjusted to a specific clamping force. In this way, the surface pressure can be kept constant over the length of the workpiece 1.

[0074] It is possible to exert a slightly higher clamping force on workpiece 1 with the two outer drives 14 than with the central drive 14. This clamps workpiece 1 more tightly at both ends than in the center. Thus, workpiece 1 as a whole can be optimally held in its position.

[0075] To generate the different forces, the clamping device 11 has several pressure circuits. In the exemplary embodiment, each drive 14 is assigned a pressure control valve 35 to 37 ( Fig. 2 ). With their help, the respective clamping pressure can be adjusted on the drives 14, so that different clamping forces can be generated with the drives 14. In particular, when the workpieces 1 are not positioned symmetrically in the clamping device 11 or when the workpieces 1 are curved more or less unevenly, the clamping force can thus be adjusted along the length of the workpiece to ensure optimal clamping. In particular, the effect of the weight of the upper clamping jaw 13 can also be taken into account.

[0076] In principle, it is also possible for the two outer drives 14 to be actuated via one pressure circuit and the middle drive 14 via another pressure circuit.

[0077] In the simplest case, the clamping device 11 has only two drives 14 for the upper clamping jaw 13. In this case, the upper clamping jaw 13 can, if necessary, be slightly curved in the longitudinal direction in order to compensate for its deflection during clamping.

[0078] By using only two or three drives 14 for long workpieces 1, a very economical workpiece clamping is achieved, whereby the workpiece 1 is nevertheless fixed with uniform clamping force on the workpiece table with the lower clamping jaw 12.

[0079] As shown by the Fig. 5 bis 9 As has been explained in detail, the clamping device 11 has the lateral stop 32, with which the clamping depth of the workpiece 1 can be determined. Since the lower clamping jaw 12, like the upper clamping jaw 13, extends over the length of the workpiece, the stop 32 can also extend over the entire length of the clamping jaws 12, 13. In this way, a high level of precision in the positioning of the workpiece 1 in the clamping device 11 or in the clamping device 5a, 5b can be achieved with simple design means. Only one drive is required to adjust the stop 32 in the y-direction, since the stop points do not have to be flexible in terms of length.

[0080] As soon as the workpieces 1 have been completely machined, ie at least on both long sides 29, 31 have been machined accordingly, they are pushed onto a receiving unit 38 ( Fig. 1 ). It has a support part 39 which extends horizontally and protrudes from a vertically upwardly adjoining side wall 40.

[0081] After the workpieces 1 have been finished, the receiving unit 38 is lowered until it is located below the clamped workpieces. Then, after the clamping is released, the workpiece 1 is pushed onto the receiving unit 38 in the y-direction by a drive (not shown) using the stop 32 of the clamping device 11.

[0082] During the machining of workpieces 1 in the transfer area 10, the receiving unit 38 is adjusted upwards to a level that does not interfere with workpiece machining. After the finished workpieces 1 are transferred to the receiving unit 38, it is adjusted upwards again in the z-direction.

[0083] The receiving unit 38 is provided on a support designed as a portal 41, which is movable in the x-direction. The portal 41 has two stands 42, 43 ( Fig. 1 ), which are movable on guides 44, 45 extending in the x-direction. The two columns 42, 43 are connected to each other at the upper end by a cross member 46. A drive 47 is provided for moving the gantry 41, which is arranged, for example, on the column 43.

[0084] On the cross member 46 there is a carriage 48 ( Fig. 1 ) for adjusting the height of the receiving unit 38. Two arms 49 are provided to support the support part 39, which are hinged at one end to the receiving unit 38 and at the other end to the carriage 48.

[0085] As soon as the finished workpieces 1 have been placed on the receiving unit 38 and it has been moved into its upper position, the receiving unit 38 is moved by the gantry 41 along the guides 44, 45 in the x-direction until the workpieces 1 can be transferred from the receiving unit 38 to a removal unit 50. This is provided in the area above the feed device 2. The receiving unit 38 is lowered in the z-direction. It has recesses 51 into which, in the exemplary embodiment, belt tracks 52 of the removal unit 50 extend when the receiving unit 38 is lowered. The workpieces 1 placed on the receiving unit 38 can thus be grasped by the belt tracks 52 and removed from the receiving unit 38. The finished workpieces 1 are removed from the removal unit 50 for further processing.

[0086] The two guides 44, 45 for the portal 41 are designed such that the guide 9 for the clamping devices 5a, 5b is located in the area between the two guides 44, 45. This allows the portal 41 to be moved in the x-direction, and simultaneously the clamping devices 5a, 5b with the clamping carriages 6a to 6c, 7a to 7c can be moved in the x-direction, thus ensuring parallel operation.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the guide 9 is provided in close proximity to the guide 44 of the gantry 41. The column 42 of the gantry 41, which is movable along the guide 44, is designed such that it does not collide with the clamping devices 5a, 5b movable along the guide 9.

[0088] The tools intended for machining the workpieces 1 are provided on the portal 41, which is moved along the guides 44, 45 for machining the workpieces 1.

[0089] A carriage 53 is arranged on the cross member 46 for movement in the y-direction. Advantageously, the carriage 53 is arranged on the side of the cross member 46 facing away from the receiving unit 38. It has guides 54 extending in the y-direction, along which the carriage 53 is movable ( Fig. 3 ). It carries a tool spindle 55, whose axis runs in the z-direction and which, in the exemplary embodiment, is a motor spindle.

[0090] A tool 56 ( Fig. 4 ) is used, which is provided in a magazine 57. For example, a linear magazine ( Fig. 1 ), which has storage locations 58 for the tools 56 arranged one behind the other in a row.

[0091] The tool spindle 55 is held on a spindle carrier 59 ( Fig. 3 ), which is movable in the z-direction relative to the carriage 53. The spindle carrier 59 can be adjusted in the z-direction by means of a drive 60 mounted on the carriage 53.

[0092] The corresponding tool 56 can be moved to the desired extent in the x, y, and z directions by means of the gantry 41, the slide 53, and the spindle carrier 59. In this way, the corresponding sides of the workpiece 1 can be machined within the transfer area 10 in the manner described.

[0093] In order to be able to remove the tools 56 from the tool magazine 57 and insert them into the tool spindle 55, the system is provided with a tool changing device 61, which is provided on the portal 41 and can be moved together with it in the x-direction.

[0094] With the tool changing device 61, the tools 56 required for machining the workpieces 1 can be removed from the magazine 57 and inserted into the tool spindle 55. Conversely, the respective tool 56 can be inserted into the magazine 57 using the tool changing device 61.

[0095] The tool changing device 61 has a plate magazine 62 with an axis 63 located in the z-direction, with which the plate magazine 62 can be rotated.

[0096] On the axis 63 there is a star carrier 64 with radially extending arms 65, which are each provided with a holder 66 for tools 56 at the free end ( Fig. 4 ).

[0097] The magazine 56 has the storage locations 58 ( Fig. 3 ), which are equipped with receptacles 67 corresponding to the receptacles 66 of the plate magazine 62.

[0098] The plate magazine 62 is part of a carriage 68 ( Fig. 3 ), which is movable in the y-direction along a cross member 69 extending in the y-direction. It is connected to the portal 41, in particular to its stand 42. As Fig. 3 As shown, the cross member 69 is provided on one side with two guides 70 extending in the y-direction, which are spaced apart in the z-direction. With the slide 68, the plate magazine 62 can be moved along the guides 70 into the respective transfer positions.

[0099] This is done by a cylinder unit 71 which is arranged above the cross member 69.

[0100] The tool changing device 61 is provided with a transfer unit 72 ( Fig. 4 ), with which the tools 56 can be transferred from the magazine 57 to the plate magazine 62. The transfer unit 72 consists of a carriage 73, a transfer part 74, and a drive 75.

[0101] The transfer unit 72 is provided on a holder 76, which is advantageously plate-shaped and extends in the y-direction. The holder 76 has a support element 77 that is attached to the carriage 68.

[0102] In a further embodiment (not shown), the transfer unit 72 can be attached to the free end of the cross member 69.

[0103] The slide 73 is movable in the y-direction along the support 76. A guide rail 78 for the slide 73 is located on the support 76. The slide 73 is adjusted via a piston-cylinder unit 79, whose housing 80 is connected to the slide 73 and whose piston rod 81 is connected to the support 76.

[0104] The transfer part 74, which is adjustable in the z-direction, is housed in the slide 73. It is advantageously bolt-shaped and can be moved from a rest position to a transfer position. A drive 75, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, is provided for this purpose, allowing the transfer part 74 to be moved axially.

[0105] Fig. 4 shows the transfer part 74 in its transfer position, in which it engages an inner contour 82 of a tool-side interface 83. This is advantageously an HSK interface. It has a fitting diameter at the cone end and at a recess in the cone base, into which the bolt-shaped transfer part 74 can be inserted, allowing a tilt-free horizontal force to be exerted on the tool 56. This makes it possible to transfer the tool 56 from the holder 67 of the magazine 57 to the holder 66 of the plate magazine 62 without tilting.

[0106] In the area of the interface 83, the tool 56 has a gripper groove 84 that extends over the circumference of the interface 83 and into which legs 85, 86 engage, which delimit the receptacles 66 in the plate magazine 62 and the receptacles 67 in the magazine 57. The legs 85, 86 are designed such that they engage positively and advantageously non-positively in the gripper groove 84. The tool 56 is thus supported in the axial direction both in the magazine 57 or the plate magazine 62 and during transfer, so that there is no risk of it falling downwards.

[0107] It is advantageous if the transfer part 74 is designed such that the inner contour 82 of the interface 83 is blown out when the transfer part 74 is retracted. The corresponding bore can be provided in the transfer part 74.

[0108] It is also possible to provide at least one blowing nozzle separately on the side of the transfer unit 72 for supplying the blowing air, through which a blowing jet passes, with which chips are blown or sucked out of the bore of the tool 56.

[0109] To retrieve the tool 56 from the magazine 57, the carriage 73 is moved in the y-direction on the cross member 69 toward the magazine 57. The plate magazine 62 is aligned in the x-direction relative to the tool 56 to be picked up by moving the gantry 41, and the star carrier 64 is rotated about the vertical axis 63 of the plate magazine 62 such that the receptacles 66, 67 of the plate magazine 62 and the magazine 57 are opposite one another. The transfer part 74 is retracted far enough that it does not come into contact with the tool 56 when the carriage 73 is moved.

[0110] In order to transfer the tool 56 from the magazine 57 into the plate magazine 62, the transfer part 74 of the transfer unit 72 is moved downwards in the z-direction until it engages the inner contour 82 of the interface 83 of the tool 56 ( Fig. 4 ).

[0111] If the carriage 73, with the transfer part 74 engaging the tool 56, is moved in the y-direction toward the gantry 41, the tool 56 is pressed into the receptacle 66 of the plate magazine 62. The carriage 68, together with the plate magazine 62 and the transfer unit 72, can now be moved along the guides 70 in the y-direction toward the gantry 41. The transfer part 74 is retracted into the transfer position before, during, or after travel so that it is released from the tool 56. The plate magazine 41 is then rotated 180° so that the tool 56 is positioned in the area below the tool spindle 55 provided on the gantry 41. The spindle is then moved downwards in the z-direction until the tool 56 is picked up by the tool spindle 55 and clamped using a known HSK clamping system.

[0112] The system can also process curved or flat workpieces 87, as is the case in the Fig. 1 and 10 bis 13 for a flat workpiece. It is positioned on a workpiece carrier 88, for example, according to the specifications of the system control. The flat workpiece 87 can be held on the workpiece carrier 88 by clamps and suction cups 89 ( Fig. 10 ).

[0113] The workpiece carrier 88 is located on a carriage 90, which can be moved toward the system by means of wheels 91. On the carriage 90, there is a guide 92, preferably one on each side, along which the workpiece carrier 88 can be moved.

[0114] Since the carriage 90 is mobile, the workpiece 87 can be clamped onto the workpiece carrier 88, for example, at a setup station. The carriage 90 with the clamped workpiece 87 is then moved to the system ( Fig. 12 ) that the guide 92 can be docked to a guide system 93 of the system after opening a machine protective cover. The guide system 93 extends in the y-direction in the transfer area 10 of the system and advantageously also consists of a guide 93 on each side. After docking, a continuous guideway is created between the workpiece carrier 88 and the system, on which the workpiece carrier 88 can be pushed into the system together with the workpiece 87.

[0115] Before the workpiece carrier 88 with the clamped workpiece 87 is moved into the system, the clamping device 11 is lowered in the z-direction so far that a free passage of the workpiece carrier 88 over the lowered clamping device is possible ( Fig. 12 ). Alternatively or additionally, the guideway 93 can be raised within the system. The moving gantry 41 and the clamping units 5a, 5b are located outside the transfer area 10, so that the workpiece carrier 88 with the clamped workpiece 87 can be introduced into the system without collision.

[0116] In the illustrated example, the workpiece carrier 88 is pushed into the system manually. However, this can also be done via a drive.

[0117] Advantageously, the workpiece carrier 88 can also be lowered onto the carriage 90 in order to enable the operator to have an ergonomically good working position when placing and aligning the workpieces 87.

[0118] After the carriage 90 has moved away and the machine's protective cover has been closed, the workpiece carrier 88 is lowered far enough for the workpiece 87 to reach the required machining position. The workpiece 87 can be positioned at a similar height to the elongated workpieces 1 for machining within the transfer area 10. With the tool inserted into the tool spindle 55, the workpiece 87 can be machined in a known manner. The gantry 41 can move collision-free over the guide system and the workpiece carrier 88 with the clamped workpiece 87.

[0119] The machining of the flat or curved workpieces 87, as well as the machining of the elongated workpieces 1, takes place in the transfer area 10 or machining area of the system.

[0120] The workpiece carrier 88 is locked in its position by index pins 95, for example, which are arranged on the long sides of the workpiece carrier 88 and project downwards from it in the z-direction. To achieve the locking of the workpiece carrier 88, the guide system 93 is indexed in the z-direction together with the workpiece carrier 88. The index pins 95 are inserted into fixed recesses 96 ( Fig. 13 ).

[0121] Separately timed locking devices would also be possible, which securely connect the workpiece carrier 88 to the machine frame at the required positions.

[0122] Additional index bolts (not shown) can enable the workpiece carrier 88 to be fixed in the y-direction. These index bolts can be provided on the clamping device 11 and / or in the area of the guideway 9 opposite it and can engage in bores in the workpiece carrier 88.

[0123] The guide system 93 is so long that the workpiece carrier 88 is in the positioned position ( Fig. 13 ) is located entirely on the guide system 93. The carriage 90 can therefore be moved away after the transfer of the workpiece carrier 88 to the guide system 93 in order to arrange the next workpiece carrier 88 on it and to clamp the next workpiece 87 on it.

[0124] The tensioners or suction cups 89 are, as shown in the example in Fig. 10 is shown, distributed over the width and length of the workpiece carrier 88. For example, the suction cups 89 can be arranged in rows at a distance from one another, as Fig. 10 shows as an example.

[0125] It is possible to operate the suction cups 89 individually, so that depending on the size of the flat workpiece 87, only the required suction cups 89 are operated.

[0126] A further advantageous embodiment consists in designing the suction cups 89 such that they are arranged displaceably on the workpiece carrier 88. The position of the suction cups 89 can then be optimally adapted to the shape of the flat workpieces 87. In particular, the workpiece 87 can also be easily positioned on the workpiece carrier 88 in this way.

[0127] Since the suction cups 89 are advantageously variably movable and can be arranged individually on the workpiece carrier 88, the worker can, for example, position the suction cups 89 precisely according to the specifications of the machine control.

[0128] This positioning can be particularly advantageous if the workpiece carrier 88 is divided into a checkerboard pattern and the coordinates of the positions of the suction cups 89 are specified. It is also possible, for example, for the positions of the suction cups 89 on the workpiece carrier 88 to be marked by a laser. In this case, the carriage 90 is located at a defined position.

[0129] During the setup of the carriage 90, the system can continue to process the cant-shaped workpieces 1 in stack processing or another workpiece on a second workpiece carrier.

[0130] In order to be able to slide a heavy, flat workpiece 87, for example, a door leaf, on the suction cups 89, the suction cups 89 can advantageously be designed such that they are operated with compressed air instead of vacuum during the sliding movement at the interface to the workpiece 87, by being switchable to compressed air operation. Compressed air is then generated, forming an air cushion on which the workpiece 87 can be easily moved. They are held in place on the side facing the workpiece carrier 88 in a manner to be described below.

[0131] Since the carriage 90 can be placed anywhere outside the system, it is possible to arrange the carriage 90 so that the workpiece carrier 88 is accessible from all sides. This allows a heavy workpiece to be easily placed on it by two people, for example. An auxiliary device such as a workshop crane is then not absolutely necessary.

[0132] Advantageously, the workpiece carrier 88 or the carriage 90 is provided with stops 94, 94a in two horizontal directions (x and y directions) to which the unmachined workpiece 87 can be placed ( Fig. 1 and 10 ).

[0133] To prevent the suction cups 89 from accidentally shifting on the workpiece carrier 88, the workpiece carrier 88, or at least its support side, can be formed from a steel plate. The suction cups 89 are equipped with magnets, which can be used to hold the suction cups firmly on the workpiece carrier 88.

[0134] However, it is also possible to apply a negative pressure to the suction cups 89 or to the workpiece carrier 88 and in this way to fix the suction cups 89 to the workpiece carrier 88.

[0135] It is fundamentally possible for the carriage 90 and the system to each have their own vacuum and / or pneumatic supply, and for the corresponding lines to be manually reconnected after the workpiece carrier 88 is inserted into the system. It is also possible for the corresponding pneumatic connections to be disconnected or connected automatically, for example, when the workpiece carrier 88 is lowered.

[0136] The processing of the curved workpieces is carried out in the same way.

Claims

1. System for machining workpieces (1) made of wood, plastic, aluminium and the like, having at least one first clamping device (11) for clamping elongate workpieces (1), the system having at least one second clamping device (89) for flat or curved workpieces (87), which is provided on at least one workpiece carrier (88) which can be assembled with the flat or curved workpiece (87), characterised in that the first clamping device (11) has clamping jaws (8a, 8b) for clamping the elongate workpieces (1), in that the workpiece carrier (88) can be assembled with the flat or curved workpiece (87) outside the system, and in that a carriage (90) carrying the workpiece carrier (88) can be docked onto a guide system (93) of the system.

2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that the workpiece carrier (88) can be positioned and locked in the system in a processing area.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the workpiece carrier (88) is arranged on a guide (92) of the carriage (90), which in the docked position forms a continuation of the guide system (93) of the system.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the workpiece carrier (88) can be fixed in the system.

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the second clamping device (89) is a suction clamping device.

6. System according to claim 5, characterised in that the suction clamping device has suction cups (89) arranged on the workpiece carrier (88).

7. System according to claim 6, characterised in that the suction cups (89) can be positioned on the workpiece carrier (88).

8. System according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the upper side of the workpiece carrier (88) is divided in a chequerboard pattern and the coordinates of the positions of the suction cups (89) are predetermined.

9. System according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the position of the suction cups (89) on the workpiece carrier (88) can be indicated by an indicator device, preferably a laser device.

10. System according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the suction cups (89) can be switched to compressed air operation.

11. Method for machining workpieces made of wood, plastic, aluminium and the like, with system according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the elongate workpieces (1) are machined in the system, while at the same time the flat or curved workpiece (87) is clamped on the workpiece carrier (88) of the second clamping device (89) outside the system, wherein the workpiece carrier (88) is then moved into the system, positioned and locked after the machining of the elongated workpiece (1) has been completed and the flat or curved workpiece (87) is machined.