Clamping element and position detection method

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping element for holding a workpiece, the clamping element comprising: a housing having a workpiece receptacle for holding a workpiece, a detection device for detecting a position marking, and a communications unit, which is designed to transmit the result detected by the detection device to a receiving unit.

Description

[0001] Clamping element and method for position detection

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a clamping element, a processing machine with at least one clamping element, a processing machine, and a method for position detection. Such a clamping element is used in particular in a processing machine with which workpieces made of wood or wood-based materials can be processed.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] From the publication DE 10 2014 012 957 A1, for example, a device for positioning a clamping element is known, wherein the device is provided for fixing a workpiece in a processing station. The device has at least one positioning element which is designed to indicate the target position for a movable clamping element. Furthermore, a position detection device is provided which is designed to provide the processing station with a signal which includes the actual position of the clamping element. The positioning element can furthermore have a deflection element in order to transmit the target position of the clamping element, which is preferably displayed via an LED, to the position detection device. Even if the clamping element described in DE 10 2014 012 957 A1 has proven itself, there are requirements for increased accuracy and reliability of the position detection.

[0006] Description of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a clamping element, a processing machine and a method for position detection with which the accuracy and reliability of detecting the position of the clamping element and / or a console and / or the positioning of the clamping element and / or a console can be increased.

[0008] Claim 1 provides such a clamping element. Further preferred embodiments are listed in the dependent claims. Furthermore, a processing machine with at least one clamping element and a method for detecting the position of a clamping element are provided. Preferred embodiments of the processing machine or of the method can be used within the scope of the clamping element or the clamping element can be suitable for this purpose. The same applies to preferred embodiments of the clamping element for the processing machine or the method, as well as devices for carrying out the method within the scope of the clamping element or the processing machine.

[0009] The clamping element is designed to hold a workpiece and comprises: a housing with a workpiece holder for holding the workpiece, a detection device for detecting a position marking, and a communications unit that is designed to transmit the result detected by the detection device to a receiver unit. The detection device can therefore determine the position and pass this on for further processing. A further benefit is that the clamping element can be detected (e.g. when the machine is switched on or during operation) and can be logged on to or off the system.

[0010] This greatly simplifies operation. For example, the operator receives feedback directly at the point where an error occurs, indicating the nature of the error and any necessary action. The risk of damaging a clamping element during operation is greatly reduced, and it is possible to monitor, for example, whether a particular clamping element is in the correct position and whether an unexpected clamping element is present.

[0011] Furthermore, in the case of multiple clamping elements, it is possible to monitor how many clamping elements are holding a workpiece. Machine operation can be analyzed in an improved manner.

[0012] The clamping element can be designed, in particular, as a vacuum suction cup (also referred to as a block suction cup) or comprise a clamping device. Such a clamping element can be used to hold a workpiece, in particular a plate-shaped one. This workpiece can be made of wood, wood-based materials, and / or composite materials.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection device is configured to detect an optical, magnetic and / or tactile-detectable position marking. In particular, the detection device according to this embodiment is an optical sensor, or the detection device comprises such an optical sensor. The position marking is provided in particular on a console along which the clamping element is movable. According to a preferred embodiment, the position marking comprises one or more lighting means. An optical position indicator element, in particular a lighting means position indicator element, more preferably an LED position indicator element, can be provided to output a position marking. The position indicator element can be configured to output a position marking.

[0014] If the position marker is a magnetic marker, the detection device can comprise a sensor for detecting a magnetic field. Furthermore, the position marker can be tactilely detectable. A touch-sensitive sensor can be provided for this purpose.

[0015] It is preferred that the communication unit be configured to wirelessly transmit the result acquired by the acquisition device to a receiver unit. For example, the result is transmitted wirelessly, via a WLAN connection, via a Bluetooth connection, via infrared, or via structure-borne sound.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the communication unit is configured to transmit the result in a frequency range of 2.2 to 4.2 GHz, in particular from 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz. This type of data transmission has proven particularly robust and reliable in the field of processing machines.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the communication unit is accommodated in the housing of the clamping element and thus protected from external influences. If the communication unit is configured for wireless data transmission, a transmitting unit, in particular an antenna, can be integrated into the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the detection device can be attached to a side section of the housing of the clamping element. In this case, the detection device extends beyond one side of the housing, which side is opposite to

[0019] Workpiece holder is provided. This is particularly advantageous if the clamping element can be moved along a console.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the communication unit is configured to transmit an identification code of the clamping element, a vacuum level, a vibration value, and / or a temperature to the receiver unit. The respective clamping element can be uniquely identified using the identification code. Furthermore, the communication unit can be configured to transmit further data of the clamping element, in particular a vacuum level, a vibration value, and / or a temperature, which can be used for operating the machine.

[0021] Once the position of the clamping element is confirmed, it can be indicated, particularly by means of a position indicator. Thus, the position of the clamping element is clearly validated.

[0022] For example, the color of the position marker changes partially (e.g., to green). This indicates that the clamping element is correctly positioned and this has been confirmed. A different color output indicates that the target-actual value comparison was negative.

[0023] The detection device may be arranged to detect the corresponding output of the correct position.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a processing machine for processing a workpiece, which is, for example, a plate-shaped workpiece. The processing machine comprises a processing unit and at least one clamping element for holding a workpiece. The clamping element can be designed according to one of the previously described embodiments.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the processing machine comprises a console position detection device for detecting a console position marking, wherein a result detected by the console position detection device can be transmitted to a receiver unit. Said receiver unit can be the receiver unit used by the clamping element or a further receiver unit.

[0026] The console position indicator element can be mounted on a machine bed of the processing machine, and / or the console position detecting device can be arranged on the console.

[0027] Preferably, a plurality of clamping elements are provided; according to a further embodiment, a plurality of brackets, each with a plurality of clamping elements, are also provided. In the case of a plurality of clamping elements, it is possible to monitor where the clamping elements are positioned on a bracket and / or how many clamping elements are holding a workpiece.

[0028] The at least one clamping element preferably comprises a housing with a workpiece holder for holding the workpiece, a position detection device for detecting a position marking, and a communication unit. The communication unit is configured to transmit the result detected by the detection device to a receiver unit. Such a receiver unit is preferably provided on or in the processing machine.

[0029] The information provided with the clamping element regarding its position enables convenient operation of the processing machine. Furthermore, downtimes are reduced through rapid error analysis, and positioning errors can be reliably avoided.

[0030] By clearly marking the position of the clamping element and / or the console and a unique identification (ID) for each clamping element and / or each console, the machine control is able to find a specific clamping element on a console and / or a specific console by means of a search run (all position markings on).

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the clamping element is movable along the console, and the position of the clamping element can be displayed. The movement of the clamping element can be manual or motor-driven.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the console can be moved along a machine bed and the position of the console can be displayed.

[0033] By confirming the position of a bracket and / or a clamping element, operational reliability can be further increased. If the position of the bracket and the clamping element are confirmed together, the position of the clamping element in space is known.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, an optical position indicator element is provided, which is configured to output a position marking. If the processing machine is equipped with a console, it is preferred that the position indicator element be provided along this console. The optical position indicator element can be designed as an LED position indicator element.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, an optical console position indicator element, in particular a luminous console position indicator element, more preferably an LED console position indicator element, is provided, which is configured to output the console position marking.

[0036] It is further preferred that the console

[0037] Position indicator element is designed as a luminous strip.

[0038] The optical position indicator element or the console position indicator element comprises in particular one or more lighting means, in particular an LED.

[0039] Furthermore, the position indicator element can comprise one or more lighting means, in particular LEDs, and can be designed as a light strip. Such a position indicator element can be attached to a console or integrated therein, so that an operator receives a specific display over the length of the console. Furthermore, the console position indicator element can comprise one or more lighting means, in particular LEDs, and can be designed as a light strip. Such a console position indicator element can be attached to the machine bed or integrated therein, so that an operator receives a specific display over the length of the machine bed.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, a machine control system of the processing machine comprises the receiver unit or is connected to the receiver unit. Such a receiver unit can be designed as a so-called "gateway." The processing machine can use the data from the gateway to generate a suggested action.

[0041] The machine control system can be configured to perform a target / actual comparison based on the information received from the receiver unit. This further increases the precision of the position monitoring of one or more clamping elements. The processing machine can perform multi-stage positioning. In particular, the processing machine is configured to return confirmation of the target / actual comparison.

[0042] A position indicator for the clamping element can display a confirmation, and / or a console position indicator can display a confirmation for the console. This can be directly perceived by the operator of the processing machine.

[0043] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for detecting the position of at least one clamping element and / or a console, wherein a clamping element is provided for holding a workpiece, wherein the clamping element is arranged on a console.

[0044] The clamping element has a detection device for detecting a position marking, and / or a console position detection device is provided for detecting a console position marking.

[0045] The method comprises the steps of: detecting a position marker by means of the detection device and / or console position marker by means of the console position detection device, and transmitting the detected result to a receiver unit.

[0046] It is preferred that the aforementioned steps be carried out in the aforementioned order. Furthermore, it is preferred that a clamping element according to one of the aforementioned aspects or a processing machine according to one of the aforementioned aspects be used within the scope of the method.

[0047] The method has the advantage that the accuracy and reliability of detecting the position of the clamping element and / or the positioning of the clamping element and / or the console can be increased.

[0048] It is preferred that the steps be performed during the switching on or operation of a processing machine equipped with such a clamping element and / or such a console. In this case, a clamping device and / or a console can be automatically recognized when the processing machine is switched on (by means of a search run) or upon manipulation by the operator, and subsequently, if necessary, an automatic registration or deregistration can take place.

[0049] According to a further development, when transmitting the result recorded by the recording device, an identification code (ID) of the respective clamping element and / or the respective console is also transmitted to the receiver unit, thus ensuring a clear assignment of the transmitted data set. Furthermore, a vacuum level, a vibration value, and / or a temperature can be transmitted.

[0050] Within the scope of the method, multi-stage positioning can be performed. In particular, a position marker can first be detected using the detection device and / or a console position marker can be detected using the console position detection device, and the result can be transmitted to a receiver unit. Subsequently, a confirmation can be returned after a target-actual comparison.

[0051] Thus, a position indicator element for the clamping element can indicate confirmation, and / or a console position indicator element can indicate confirmation for the console.

[0052] Brief description of the drawing Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing. This drawing shows:

[0053] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view of the embodiment according to the invention

[0055] Description of embodiments

[0056] A preferred embodiment is described with reference to the attached figures.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a bracket 10 on which a clamping element 20 and a clamping element 20' are arranged. Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view to illustrate adjacent brackets 10, 10'.

[0058] The consoles 10, 10' extend over a machine bed 100 of a processing machine. The additional console 10' is arranged adjacent to the console 10, and each of the consoles is movable along the machine bed 100, so that the positions of the consoles can be individually varied. Furthermore, the processing machine can have additional consoles that extend over the machine bed 100 and, like the consoles 10, 10', are movable along it.

[0059] The clamping elements 20, 20' arranged on the console 10 can be moved along the console 10 and thus positioned along the console 10 in order to change the receiving areas provided by the clamping elements 20, 20' for holding a workpiece. The same applies to clamping elements (not shown) on the console 10' or clamping elements provided on other consoles. The clamping elements 20, 20' will be described in more detail below by way of example.

[0060] The clamping elements 20, 20' are similarly designed in the illustrated embodiment. However, according to a modification, different clamping elements can be provided, for example, a clamping element designed as a vacuum suction cup and a clamping element having a clamping device.

[0061] The clamping element 20 comprises a housing 21, on the upper side of which, in the vertical direction, a workpiece holder 22 is formed. This workpiece holder 22 comprises openings and a frame in order to create a vacuum when a workpiece is placed on the workpiece holder 22 and thus hold the workpiece.

[0062] On one side of the housing 21, a detection device 25 is provided which extends beyond the lower side of the housing 21, so that the detection device 25 is arranged in sections adjacent to one side of the console 10.

[0063] The console 10 comprises a position indicator element 11 that extends along a longitudinal extent of the console 10. The detection device 25 extends beyond the housing 21 in such a way that at least a part of the detection device 25 is provided adjacent to the position indicator element 11, and the sensor arranged in this region of the detection device 25 can detect the position indicator element 11.

[0064] The clamping element 20' is designed similarly to the previously described clamping element 20 and comprises a housing 21', a workpiece holder 22', and a detection device 25'. For further information, please refer to the explanations for the previously described clamping element 20.

[0065] A console position indicator element 101 extends along the machine bed 100 in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the consoles 10, 10'. The console position indicator element 101 is designed as a light strip, in particular an LED light strip, which is configured to illuminate sections in different colors.

[0066] A console position detection device 105 is also provided on the console 10'. The console position detection device 105 is aligned toward the console position indicator element 101 in order to detect a portion of the console position indicator element 101.

[0067] Preferred procedures are described below.

[0068] In particular, the position indicator element 11 can indicate the target position of the clamping element 20 by activating the position indicator element 11 in certain areas. For example, an area of ​​the position indicator element 11 illuminates blue to indicate the target position of the clamping element 20. The clamping element 20 can be moved to the target position manually or by means of a drive.

[0069] The detection device 25 detects a signal from the position indicator element 11. This signal is decoded and transmitted to a receiver unit (particularly a gateway) along with an identification (ID) of the clamping element 20. The machine control of the processing machine (not shown) subsequently determines whether the positioning of the clamping element 20 is correct by comparing the target and actual values.

[0070] If this is the case, the position indicator element 11 can indicate correct positioning using a specific color (e.g., green) in the edge area of ​​the illuminated target position marking. However, if there is a deviation from the target position, the position indicator element 11 displays a different color (e.g., flashing red). Thus, a user can directly recognize the correct or incorrect positioning of the clamping element 20.

[0071] According to a further embodiment, the position indicator element 11 shows the target position of the clamping element. The processing machine is then started. If no clamping element is detected at this time, the position indicator element 11 signals a missing clamping element by means of a specific color (white).

[0072] If an "unexpected" clamping element is detected in an initial check when starting the processing machine, this can be indicated by the position indicator element 11 using a corresponding color (red).

[0073] In a further application, the processing machine is switched on and subsequently a so-called search run is started, during which the position indicator element 11 is activated section by section. If a clamping element 20, 20' detects the display of the position indicator element 11, this is determined accordingly and the detection result is transmitted to a

[0074] Receiver unit of the processing machine.

[0075] The position indicator element 11 sends a signal coded according to a specific color, which is transmitted from the detection element 25 (or detection element 25 ') to the clamping element 20 ( 20 '), wherein the X-axis codes the position and the Y-axis codes the console number and the position.

[0076] In addition to the positioning of the clamping element 20 (20'), the vacuum level, vibration, and / or temperature of the clamping element can be transmitted to the machine control system. Additionally, as previously described, the console position indicator 101 and the console position detection device 105 are provided. The functionality of these components is fundamentally similar to that of the previously described position indicator 11 and the detection device 25, with the console position indicator 101 and the console position detection device 105 confirming the respective position of the console.

[0077] In particular, the console position indicator element 101 displays a target position of the console 10'. The console position detection device 105 detects a signal from the console position indicator element 101. This signal is decoded and transmitted, together with an identification (ID) of the console 10', to the receiver unit (in particular, gateway) of the processing machine. The machine control of the processing machine subsequently determines, by means of a target / actual comparison, whether the positioning of the console 10' is correct. The same can be carried out for the console 10 and other consoles.

[0078] If the actual position corresponds to the target position, the console position indicator element 101 can indicate correct positioning using a specific color (e.g., green) in the edge area of ​​the illuminated target position marker. However, if there is a deviation from the target position, the console position indicator element 101 displays a different color (e.g., flashing red). This allows a user to directly identify whether the positioning is correct or incorrect.

[0079] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that individual features described in different embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment, provided they are not structurally incompatible. Likewise, various features described in a single embodiment may also be provided in multiple embodiments, individually or in any suitable subcombination.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Clamping element (20, 20') for holding a workpiece (W), comprising: a housing (21, 21') with a workpiece holder (22, 22') for holding a workpiece, a detection device (25, 25') for detecting a position marking, and a communication unit which is configured to transmit the result detected by the detection device (25, 25') to a receiver unit.

2. Clamping element (20, 20') according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece holder (22, 22') comprises a vacuum holding area or a clamping device.

3. Clamping element (20, 20') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (25, 25') is configured to detect an optical position marking, in particular provided by means of a lighting means, a magnetic position marking, and / or a tactile-detectable position marking.

4. Clamping element (20, 20') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit the result detected by the detection device (25, 25') to a receiver unit wirelessly, in particular by radio, by WLAN connection, by Bluetooth connection, by infrared or structure-borne sound.

5. Clamping element (20, 20') according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit the result in a frequency range of 2.2 to 4.2 GHz, in particular of 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz.

6. Clamping element (20, 20') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit is accommodated or provided in or on the housing (21, 21') of the clamping element (20, 20').

7. Clamping element (20, 20') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (25, 25') is attached to a side portion of the housing (21, 21') of the clamping element (20, 20') and, viewed in a side view, extends beyond a side of the housing (21, 21') opposite the workpiece holder (22, 22').

8. Clamping element (20, 20') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit is further configured to transmit an identification marking of the clamping element (20, 20'), a negative pressure level, a vibration value and / or a temperature to the receiver unit.

9. A processing machine for processing a workpiece (W), comprising a processing unit and at least one clamping element (20, 20') for holding a workpiece (W), wherein the clamping element (20, 20') is arranged on a console (10, 10'), wherein (a) the clamping element (20, 20') has a Detection device (25, 25') for detecting a position marking and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive the signal from the detection device (25, 25') to transmit the recorded result to a receiving unit, and / or (b) the processing machine has a console position detection device (105) for detecting a console position marking, wherein a result detected by the console position detection device (105) can be transmitted to a receiver unit.

10. Processing machine according to claim 9, wherein the clamping element (20, 20') is movable along the console (10) and the position of the clamping element (20, 20') is displayable, and / or the console (10, 10') is movable along a machine bed (100) and the position of the console (10, 10') is displayable.

11. Processing machine according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an optical position indicator element (11), in particular a lighting means position indicator element (11), more preferably an LED position indicator element (11), which is configured to output the position marking, wherein it is preferred that the position indicator element (11) is designed as a light strip, and / or further comprising an optical console position indicator element (101), in particular a lighting means console position indicator element, more preferably an LED console position indicator element (101), which is configured to output the console position marking, wherein it is preferred that the console position indicator element (101) is designed as a luminous strip.

12. Processing machine according to one of claims 9-11, wherein a machine control has the receiver unit or is connected to the receiver unit, wherein it is preferred that the machine control is configured to carry out a target / actual comparison based on the information received from the receiver unit.

13. Processing machine according to one of claims 9-12, wherein the console position detecting device (105) is arranged on the console (10').

14. Method for detecting the position of at least one clamping element (20, 20') and / or at least one console (10, 10'), wherein a clamping element (20, 20') is provided for holding a workpiece, wherein the clamping element (20, 20') is arranged on a console (10, 10'), wherein (a) the clamping element (20, 20') has a detection device (25, 25') for detecting a position marking, and / or (b) a console position detecting device (105) is provided for detecting a console position marker, comprising the steps of: Capturing a position marker using the Detection device (25, 25') and / or a Console position marking by means of the console position detection device (105), Transmitting the recorded result to a receiving unit.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the steps are carried out during switching on or during operation of a processing machine.

16. Method according to one of claims 14-15, wherein, when transmitting the result, an identification marking of the clamping element (20, 20') and / or the console (10, 10'), a vacuum level, a vibration value and / or a temperature is transmitted to the receiving unit is or will be transmitted.

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