Device for positioning workpieces, processing machine and method for positioning workpieces

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for positioning workpieces (11) in a working area of ​​a processing machine (20), in particular a woodworking machine, comprising: a conveying device (12) for bringing about a conveying movement of a workpiece (11) to be processed, a deceleration device (13) which is configured to decelerate the workpiece (11) from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a low conveying speed at which a processing operation can be carried out, and / or an acceleration device (17) which is configured to remove the workpiece (11) from the working area by accelerating it from standstill or from the low conveying speed back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement, in particular the original conveying speed.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for positioning workpieces in a working area of ​​a machine tool, a machine tool and a method for positioning workpieces in a working area of ​​a machine tool. State of the art

[0002] Machine tools, particularly CNC-controlled machine tools, are known for machining workpieces and are designed as through-feed machines. In these machines, the workpieces are fed into a working area of ​​the machine by a conveyor system, machined there, and then removed from the working area after the machining process is complete. The machining capacity of these machines is largely determined by the speed of the machining process and the feed rate of the workpieces. To meet the demand for ever shorter process times and thus lower machining costs, continuous optimization of these machine parameters is necessary. Description of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a device for positioning workpieces in the working area of ​​a machine tool, thereby reducing the processing time for machining a workpiece. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a machine tool that enables time- and cost-efficient machining of workpieces. Finally, the invention aims to propose a method for achieving time- and cost-efficient machining of workpieces.

[0004] A device for positioning workpieces is defined in claim 1. A machining center is defined in claim 9. A method for positioning workpieces is defined in claim 13. Dependent claims relate to specific embodiments.

[0005] The problem is solved by a device for positioning workpieces in a working area of ​​a processing machine, in particular a woodworking machine, wherein a conveying device is provided for bringing about a conveying movement of a workpiece to be processed, a deceleration device which is configured to decelerate the workpiece from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a low conveying speed at which a processing operation can be carried out, and / or an acceleration device which is configured to remove the workpiece from the working area by accelerating it from standstill or from the low conveying speed back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement, in particular the original conveying speed.

[0006] With such a device, the workpieces to be processed can be conveyed into the working area of ​​the processing machine at a high conveying speed, positioned in this area and then removed from the working area, so that a short processing time can be achieved in this way.

[0007] The deceleration device enables the workpiece to be slowed from a high conveying speed to a standstill or to a low conveying speed for machining shortly before it reaches the working area of ​​the processing machine. Since the deceleration device is provided for this purpose, and in one exemplary embodiment the deceleration device is located at the leading edge of the workpiece, the workpiece can be decelerated over a particularly short distance.

[0008] Due to the action of the deceleration device, for example, its contact with the leading edge of the workpiece, slippage of the workpiece on the conveying device, such as a belt or roller conveyor, can be prevented during strong deceleration. In this way, the time required to feed and position the workpiece in the work area can be significantly reduced.

[0009] After the machining process, the acceleration device allows the workpiece to be accelerated from standstill or from the low conveyor speed used for machining to a high conveyor speed and thus removed from the work area. Since the acceleration device is positioned at the trailing edge of the workpiece, according to one exemplary embodiment, the workpiece can be accelerated over a particularly short distance. Due to the action of the deceleration device, for example, the acceleration device being positioned at the trailing edge of the workpiece, slippage of the workpiece on the conveyor can be prevented even during strong acceleration. In this way, the time required to remove the workpiece from the work area can be significantly reduced.

[0010] In a further training of the facility, a synchronization device may be provided which is set up to synchronize the conveying movement of the conveying device with the deceleration of the deceleration device and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device.

[0011] Such a synchronization device allows the conveying motion of the conveyor to be precisely adjusted to the deceleration of the deceleration device and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device. In this way, damage to the workpieces caused by the conveyor can be avoided, and trouble-free operation of the conveyor can be achieved.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the device may provide that the deceleration device and the acceleration device are configured to clamp the workpiece during the deceleration of the conveying movement and / or during the acceleration of the conveying movement and / or during the machining operation, for example by placing the deceleration device against its front edge and the acceleration device against its rear edge.

[0013] CNC-controlled machine tools have a defined machine zero point, which is used to control a machining tool or unit. Therefore, precise positioning of the workpiece within the working area is essential for such a machine, typically achieved through workpiece stops. However, these workpiece stops can damage the workpiece surfaces, especially during rapid workpiece transport.

[0014] By clamping the workpiece between the deceleration and acceleration units during deceleration, acceleration, and / or machining, the workpiece can be automatically fixed and securely held, and precisely positioned within the work area. Additional workpiece stops for positioning the workpiece within the work area are not required.

[0015] In an advantageous further development of the device, a drive device may be provided which is configured to control the deceleration of the deceleration device and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device, wherein the drive device preferably comprises a linear motor.

[0016] By using a linear motor for the drive, the deceleration and / or acceleration device can be controlled by a direct translational movement. The drive unit can therefore be designed as a direct drive. The linear motor enables high deceleration and acceleration values ​​and high movement speeds for the deceleration and / or acceleration device.

[0017] One embodiment of the device may also provide that the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device each comprise stop elements spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the stop elements of the deceleration device engage the front edge of the workpiece and / or the stop elements of the acceleration device engage the rear edge of the workpiece, and wherein the position of the stop elements relative to each other is adjustable for clamping the workpiece.

[0018] The use of the stop elements of the deceleration and acceleration devices, which clamp the workpiece, ensures that the workpiece is fixed and does not slip during deceleration, during the machining process and / or during acceleration.

[0019] By making the stop elements adjustable relative to each other, independent movement of the stop elements can be achieved. This allows the stop elements to be positioned relative to the workpiece being clamped. Furthermore, this enables workpiece alignment.

[0020] The deceleration device and the acceleration device can each comprise several stop elements configured to clamp multiple workpieces sequentially, or possibly simultaneously. This allows the cycle time of the device to be increased.

[0021] An advantageous further development of the device may also provide that the stop elements of the deceleration device and / or the stop elements of the acceleration device are movable all around or can be moved back and forth along the conveying direction.

[0022] Because the stop elements are movable in a continuous loop, they do not need to be moved back to their original position along the same path after deceleration and / or acceleration. Instead, they are moved back along a circular path outside the conveying path of the workpieces. This enables continuous and therefore efficient conveying, deceleration, and / or acceleration, especially when conveying several consecutive workpieces.

[0023] If the stop elements of the deceleration and / or acceleration device are moved back and forth along the conveying direction, they must be moved back to their original position along the same path after the deceleration and / or acceleration. Workpieces can therefore only be decelerated and / or accelerated successively, i.e., one after the other. This allows for a simplified design of the deceleration and / or acceleration device.

[0024] In one embodiment of the device, a positioning device may also be provided which is designed to position the stop elements of the deceleration device and / or the stop elements of the acceleration device transversely to the conveying direction.

[0025] By providing for the adjustment of the stop elements transversely to the conveying direction of the workpieces, the positioning device allows workpieces with different dimensions to be clamped using the deceleration device and the acceleration device.

[0026] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device may provide that the device is configured to decelerate the workpiece from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to a standstill or to a processing speed, to clamp the workpiece at least during the processing operation and to accelerate the workpiece to the conveying speed after the processing operation.

[0027] Preferably, the workpiece is clamped between the deceleration device and the acceleration device during deceleration, machining, and acceleration. This ensures that the workpiece is always securely held, allowing for high deceleration and acceleration values.

[0028] By clamping the workpiece during the machining process, both secure workpiece fixation and precise positioning of the workpiece within the working area relative to the machining tool can be ensured. Additional positioning of the workpiece using, for example, workpiece stops is unnecessary. This significantly reduces the process time, i.e., the time required to feed (decelerate) and remove (accelerate) the workpiece, as well as the time for the machining operation itself.

[0029] The problem is further solved by a processing machine for machining workpieces, which are preferably at least partially made of wood, wood-based material, plastic, composite material and / or the like, wherein at least one processing tool is provided for carrying out a machining operation on a workpiece and a device for positioning workpieces in a working area of ​​the processing machine according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0030] Preferably, the processing machine is designed as a CNC-controlled processing machine or a CNC-controlled machining center.

[0031] With a machine tool that has such a device for positioning workpieces in the working area of ​​the machine tool, a significant reduction in process time can be achieved, i.e. the time to feed a workpiece into the working area, the time to position the workpiece and the time to remove the workpiece from the working area, and thus a higher machining cycle can be achieved.

[0032] The device allows the workpiece to be conveyed into the working area of ​​the processing machine at a high conveying speed and, by means of the deceleration device, to be decelerated within a short distance from the high conveying speed to a standstill or to a low conveying speed for processing the workpiece.

[0033] The acceleration device enables the workpiece to be accelerated from standstill or low conveying speed back to high conveying speed within a short distance after the machining process and to be quickly removed from the working area.

[0034] During the machining process, the workpiece can be clamped between the deceleration device and the acceleration device, which allows the workpiece to be fixed and precisely positioned in the working area.

[0035] A further development of the machine tool may provide that the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device are set up to move at least one machining tool and / or at least one other machine component from a non-use position to a use position, whereby in the use position a machining operation can be carried out on the workpiece clamped by the device using the machining tool.

[0036] In this way, the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device can serve as an actuating device for positioning the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component within the working area.

[0037] In the non-use position, at least one machining tool and / or at least one other machine component can be arranged in a position in which, for example, a setup or maintenance operation can be carried out.

[0038] In the operating position, the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component can be arranged in an individual position within the working area of ​​the machine tool in order to perform a machining operation on the workpiece and / or a process step relating to the machining operation.

[0039] The at least one machining tool can be, for example, a drill, milling cutter, saw, or a similar machining tool. Likewise, the at least one machining tool can be part of a machining unit, such as a drilling unit, fitting unit, or the like.

[0040] At least one other machine component can be, for example, a workpiece guiding device (e.g. workpiece support, additional transports), a workpiece clamping device (e.g. clamping elements, counter supports, wear counter supports), an extraction device or the like.

[0041] In one embodiment of the machine tool, it may also be provided that the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one further machine component can be positioned within a working area of ​​the machine tool relative to the workpiece by means of the positioning movement of the deceleration device and / or by means of the positioning movement of the acceleration device and / or by means of the positioning of the stop elements.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component can be movably arranged on a console, so that a positioning movement between the unused position and the working position relative to the workpiece can be controlled by the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device. In this way, it is not necessary for the machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component to require its own actuator for positioning.

[0043] Preferably, a positioning movement of the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one further machine component in an XY plane within the working area (i.e., longitudinally and / or transversely to the conveying direction of the workpieces) can be carried out by means of the positioning movement of the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device and / or by means of the positioning of the stop elements.

[0044] An advantageous further development of the machine tool may also provide that the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device are set up to transfer the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component between the non-use position, the use position and / or a buffer position.

[0045] Preferably, the buffer position can be designed so that a setup or maintenance operation can be performed on the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component.

[0046] If the machine tool has several machining tools and / or machine components, the buffer position may be specifically designed to arrange a machining tool and / or machine component in a ready position (to park it) in the buffer position and to perform a machining operation on the workpiece with another machining tool and / or another machine component.

[0047] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for positioning workpieces in a working area of ​​a machine tool, in particular a machine tool according to one of the embodiments described above, comprising the steps of: initiating a conveying movement of a workpiece to be machined by means of a conveying device, feeding the workpiece to a working area of ​​the machine tool, wherein a deceleration device decelerates the workpiece (11) from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a low conveying speed at which a machining operation can be carried out, and / or removing the workpiece from the working area by means of an acceleration device (17), by accelerating it from standstill or from the low conveying speed back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement, in particular the original conveying speed.

[0048] This method enables time- and cost-efficient machining of workpieces by a machine tool, by significantly optimizing the process time for feeding a workpiece into the working area of ​​the machine tool, for positioning the workpiece and for removing the workpiece from the working area.

[0049] In this process, the workpiece can be decelerated from a high conveying speed to a standstill or to a low conveying speed for machining within a short distance just before reaching the working area of ​​the processing machine, especially if the deceleration device is brought into contact with the front edge of the workpiece and thereby prevents slippage of the workpiece with respect to a workpiece support due to the strong deceleration.

[0050] By clamping the workpiece between the deceleration device and the acceleration device during the machining process, it is possible, on the one hand, to position the workpiece exactly within the working area and, on the other hand, to fix the workpiece in position for the machining process.

[0051] If the acceleration device is positioned at the rear edge of the workpiece, the workpiece can be accelerated from standstill or low conveying speed back to high conveying speed within a short distance after the machining process without slippage, and thus quickly removed from the working area.

[0052] A preferred further development of the method may provide that the conveying movement is synchronized with the deceleration of the deceleration device when feeding the workpiece to the working area, and that the conveying movement is synchronized with the acceleration of the acceleration device when removing the workpiece from the working area.

[0053] In particular, during deceleration, the conveying speed of the conveyor is slowed down in sync with the deceleration of the deceleration device. Similarly, during acceleration, the conveying speed of the conveyor is increased in sync with the acceleration direction. This ensures that the workpiece is securely clamped between the deceleration and acceleration devices, preventing damage and guaranteeing trouble-free operation.

[0054] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, at least one machining tool and / or at least one further machine component can be moved from a non-use position to a use position by the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device, and a machining operation can be carried out on the workpiece clamped between the deceleration device and the acceleration device by the machining tool.

[0055] In this way, the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device can perform a positioning movement of the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one other machine component relative to the workpiece. Preferably, the positioning movement can be performed in an XY plane within the working area of ​​the machining center.

[0056] A preferred embodiment of the method may also provide that the at least one machining tool and / or the at least one further machine component is positioned relative to the workpiece by means of an actuating movement of the deceleration device and / or by means of an actuating movement of the acceleration device and / or by means of a positioning of the stop elements of the deceleration device and / or the acceleration device.

[0057] This allows at least one machining tool and / or at least one other machine component to be positioned within the working area of ​​the machining machine relative to the workpiece in order to perform a corresponding machining operation on the workpiece. Brief description of the drawings

[0058] Further features and advantages of a device, a use, and / or a method will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for positioning workpieces in a working area of ​​a machine tool before the workpiece is fed into the working area; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the device during the feeding of the workpiece into the working area; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the device during the removal of the workpiece from the working area; Fig. 4 a schematic view of the device in a first step for positioning the workpiece in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig. 5 a schematic view of the device in a second step for positioning the workpiece in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig. 6 a schematic view of the device in a third step for positioning the workpiece in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig.Fig. 7 a schematic view of the device in a fourth step for positioning the workpiece in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig. 8 a schematic view of the device in a fifth step for positioning the workpiece in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig. 9 a schematic view of the device in a sixth step for positioning the workpiece in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig. 10 a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the device for positioning workpieces in the working area of ​​the machine tool; Fig. 11 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a machine tool according to the invention with a device according to . Fig. 1 ; Fig. 12 a schematic side view of the machining center in Fig. 11 ; Description of embodiments

[0059] Identical reference symbols listed in different figures name identical, corresponding, or functionally similar elements.

[0060] In the Figs. 1 to 3 Each figure shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for positioning workpieces 11 in a working area of ​​a machine tool 20. Fig. 1 the device 10 before the workpiece 11 is fed into the work area, Fig. 2 the device 10 during the feeding of the workpiece 11 into the work area and Fig. 3 the device 10 during the removal of the workpiece 11 from the work area.

[0061] The processing machine 20 is preferably a CNC-controlled processing machine or a CNC-controlled machining center. Preferably, the processing machine 20 is a woodworking machine. The processing machine 20 is described in relation to the Fig. 11 and 12 discussed in more detail.

[0062] The workpieces 11 are preferably made at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic, a composite material, or the like. The workpieces 11 may be in the form of sheets. These workpieces 11 may, for example, be intended for the manufacture of furniture or building components, e.g., in the form of solid wood panels, particleboard, lightweight panels, sandwich panels, or the like.

[0063] To feed a workpiece 11 into the working area of ​​the machine tool, the device 10 has a conveying device 12 for initiating a conveying movement in a conveying unit F. The conveying unit 12 can, for example, be designed as a roller conveyor or belt conveyor.

[0064] The machining center 20 can be configured as a through-feed machine in which the workpieces 11 are successively conveyed into the working area for a machining operation and then removed from the working area after the machining operation. The machining operation can be performed either on a workpiece 11 that is stopped in the working area or on a workpiece 11 that is moved in the working area at a significantly slower conveying speed than the conveying movement. In particular, the workpieces 11 rest on the conveying device 12 during the machining operation.

[0065] The processing machine 20 and the device 10 have a control device which controls or regulates the processing operation, the conveying movement as well as a deceleration and acceleration of the workpiece 11 by the device 10 as described below.

[0066] To feed a workpiece 11 into the working area of ​​the machine tool, the device 10 includes a deceleration device 13. The deceleration device 13 is configured to decelerate the workpiece 11 in the working area from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a low conveying speed at which the machining operation can be carried out, whereupon the following with regard to the Figs. 4 to 9 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0067] The delay device 13 comprises two stop elements 14 spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction F. The position of the stop elements 14 is adjustable relative to each other, so that the delay device 13 can be adapted to different geometries or dimensions of workpieces 11.

[0068] The delay device 13 is provided to be movable in the conveying direction F of the workpiece 11, wherein, as in Fig. 2As shown, to decelerate the workpiece 11, the stop elements 14 of the deceleration device 13 are initially moved in the conveying direction F with the conveying movement of the workpiece 11 and are brought into contact with a front edge 16 of the workpiece 11, and to decelerate the workpiece 11 a braking force of the deceleration device 13 is transferred to the workpiece 11 via the stop elements 14.

[0069] To control the movement of the deceleration device 13 and to generate the braking force for decelerating the workpiece 11, the deceleration device 13 is driven by a drive unit. The drive unit is, in particular, designed as a linear motor.

[0070] To remove the workpiece 11 from the working area of ​​the processing machine 20, the device 10 has an acceleration device 17. The acceleration device 17 is configured to remove the workpiece 11 from the working area by accelerating it from standstill or from a low conveying speed back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement, for example, the original conveying speed, whereupon the following also applies with regard to the Figs. 4 to 9 will be discussed in more detail.

[0071] The acceleration device 17 comprises two stop elements 18 spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction F. The position of the stop elements 18 is adjustable relative to each other, so that the acceleration device 17 can also be adapted to different geometries or dimensions of workpieces 11.

[0072] The acceleration device 17 is provided to be movable in the conveying direction F of the workpiece 11, wherein, as in Fig. 3 As shown, to accelerate the workpiece 11, the stop elements 18 of the acceleration device 17 are brought into contact with a rear edge 19 of the workpiece 11, and to accelerate the workpiece 11, an acceleration force of the acceleration device 17 is transferred to the workpiece 11 via the stop elements 18.

[0073] To control the acceleration of the acceleration device 17, i.e. to generate the acceleration force, the acceleration device 17 is driven by the drive device, which is in particular designed as the linear motor.

[0074] The positioning movement of the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 13 can be controlled independently of each other or coupled together.

[0075] The device 10 includes a synchronization device by which the conveying movement of the conveying device 12, the deceleration of the deceleration device 13, and the acceleration of the acceleration device 17 are synchronized with one another. In this way, the conveying movement of the conveying device 12, the deceleration of the deceleration device 13, and the acceleration of the acceleration device 17 are precisely coordinated so that the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 can be brought into contact with the workpiece 11 without damaging the workpiece 11.

[0076] The synchronization device can be designed by electronic control or regulation of the drives of the deceleration device 13, acceleration device 17, and conveyor device 12. The synchronization device can be part of the control device that controls or regulates the device 10 and the processing machine 20.

[0077] Preferably, the workpiece 11 is clamped between the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 during deceleration by the deceleration device 13, during acceleration by the acceleration device 17, and during the machining operation by the machining machine 20, with the stop elements 14 bearing against the front edge 16 of the workpiece 11 and the stop elements 18 bearing against the rear edge 19 of the workpiece 11. In particular, during the machining operation, the workpiece 11 is thereby fixed to the conveyor device 12.

[0078] Based on the Figs. 4 to 9 The procedure for positioning the workpiece 11 in the working area of ​​the machine tool 20 is described below.

[0079] As in Fig. 4As shown, the workpiece 11 is first conveyed by a conveyor 12 in the conveying direction F to the working area of ​​the machine tool 20. In particular, the workpiece 11 is conveyed at a comparatively high conveying speed. Preferably, the conveying speed of the conveyor 12 can be 2 m / s or more.

[0080] The stop elements 14 of the delay device 13 are arranged in a stop position 21, in which the stop elements 14 are arranged in such a way that they are brought into contact with the front edge 16 of the workpiece 11.

[0081] The stop elements 18 of the acceleration device 17, on the other hand, are arranged in a ready position 22, from which the stop elements 18 can also be moved into a stop position 21 as soon as the rear edge 19 of the workpiece 11 has passed the stop elements 18 in the conveying direction F.

[0082] As in Fig. 5 As shown, the workpiece 11 is conveyed by the transport device 12 until just before the stop elements 14 of the deceleration device 13, until the rear edge 19 of the workpiece 11 has passed the stop elements 18 of the acceleration device 17. At this point, the stop elements 14 of the deceleration device 13 are not yet in contact with the front edge 16 of the workpiece 11.

[0083] In the next step, the stop elements 14, 18 are moved with the workpiece 11 in the direction of the conveying device F, preferably at essentially the same conveying speed as the workpiece 11. The stop elements 18 of the acceleration device 17 are moved from the ready position 22 to the stop position 21, and the stop elements 14, 18 are brought into contact with the front edge 16 and rear edge 19 of the workpiece 11 by a corresponding positioning relative to the workpiece 11, as shown in Fig. 6The workpiece 11 is clamped between the stop elements 14, 18 of the deceleration device 13 and acceleration device 17.

[0084] By taking the step of Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 is the delay of workpiece 11 from the conveying speed ( Fig. 6 ) until standstill or low conveying speed for carrying out the processing operation is illustrated by the delay device 13 ( Fig. 7 ).

[0085] Because the stop elements 14 bear against the leading edge 16 of the workpiece 11 during deceleration, the workpiece 11 can be decelerated from a high conveying speed to a standstill or to a low conveying speed for executing the machining operation within a very short deceleration path. The deceleration of the workpiece 11 by the deceleration device 13 can preferably be 2.5 m / s² or more.

[0086] In Fig. 7 The workpiece 11 is at rest or is conveyed at low speed to perform the machining operation and is positioned in the working area of ​​the machine tool 20 to perform the machining operation by being clamped between the stop elements 14, 18 of the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17, which are brought into contact with its front edge 16 and rear edge 19.

[0087] In Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows the removal of the workpiece 11 from the work area after the machining operation has been completed. The workpiece 11 is accelerated back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement by the stop elements 18 of the acceleration device 17. Simultaneously, the stop elements 14 of the deceleration device 13 are released from the leading edge 16 of the workpiece 11 and moved into the ready position 22, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 9depicted.

[0088] In Fig. 9 The workpiece 11 is accelerated back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement by the acceleration device 17 and can be removed from the working area by the conveying device 12.

[0089] Because the stop elements 18 bear against the trailing edge 16 of the workpiece 11 during acceleration, the workpiece 11 can be accelerated from standstill or from the low conveying speed required for the machining operation to the high conveying speed of the conveying movement within a very short acceleration path. The acceleration of the workpiece 11 by the acceleration device 17 can preferably be 2.5 m / s² or more.

[0090] During the deceleration of the workpiece 11, during the machining process, and during the acceleration of the workpiece 11, the conveying movement of the conveying device 12 is synchronized with the deceleration and acceleration, as well as with the standstill of the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17.

[0091] In the Figs. 1 to 9 Each embodiment of the device 10 is shown in which the stop elements 14 of the deceleration device 13 and the stop elements 18 of the acceleration device 17 are moved back and forth along an axis. In this way, only one workpiece 11 can be positioned by the device 10 at a time until the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 have returned to their initial positions.

[0092] Fig. 10Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment of the device 10 in which the stop elements 14, 18 of the deceleration device 13 and acceleration device 17 are moved in a continuous rotation. In this way, the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 can be designed by several stop elements 14, 18 arranged one behind the other, so that several workpieces 11 can be decelerated, positioned and accelerated sequentially in a continuous rotation of the device 10.

[0093] The Fig. 11 and 12 Figure 1 shows a highly schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a machining machine 20 according to the invention, which is a machine according to the Figs. 1 to 10 described device 10 for positioning workpieces 11 in the working area of ​​the machine tool 20 comprises, wherein Fig. 11 the processing machine 20 in a top view and Fig. 12The machining machine 20 is shown in a side view.

[0094] As already described, the processing machine 20 is preferably a CNC-controlled processing machine or a CNC-controlled machining center. Preferably, the processing machine 20 is a woodworking machine.

[0095] The processing machine 20 comprises at least one processing tool 21 for processing the workpieces 11, for example a drilling tool, milling tool, sawing tool or the like, and at least one processing unit 22, for example a drilling drive, fitting unit or the like.

[0096] In this machining machine 20, the device 10 is set up to position the workpieces 11 in the working area of ​​the machining machine 20 and also to position the machining tool 21 and / or the machining unit 22 within the working area relative to the workpiece 11 in order to carry out a corresponding machining operation by the machining tool 21 and / or the machining unit 22.

[0097] Preferably, the device 10 can also be designed to control further machine components and position them within the working area of ​​the processing machine 20. These further machine components can be, for example, a workpiece guiding device (e.g., workpiece support, additional transports), a workpiece clamping device (e.g., clamping elements, counter supports, wear counter supports), an extraction device, or the like.

[0098] The positioning of the machining tool 21, the machining unit 22 or the other machine component is carried out by the device 10 before or after the positioning of a workpiece 11 in the working area of ​​the machining machine 20 or between the positioning of two workpieces 11 to be positioned successively.

[0099] To position the machining tool 21, the machining unit 22, or the other machine component, these are adjustably arranged on a guide device 23, for example, on a console or on guide rails. The guide device 23 allows the machining tool 21, the machining unit 22, or the other machine component to be adjustably positioned in an XY plane within the working area of ​​the machining machine 20.

[0100] To position the machining tool 21, the machining unit 22 or the other machine component within the working area of ​​the machining machine 20, the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 of the device 10 can also be positioned in the XY plane within the working area of ​​the machining machine 20.

[0101] A positioning device 24 is provided for adjusting the device 10 along the Y-axis. This positioning device 24 allows the device 10 to be adjusted transversely to the conveying direction F.

[0102] The deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 are adjustable along the conveying direction F (i.e. the X-axis) in the manner already described above.

[0103] To position the machining tool 21, the machining unit 22, or the other machine component, the deceleration device 13 and the acceleration device 17 are moved in the XY plane toward the machining tool 21, machining unit 22, or machine component. By appropriately positioning the stop elements 14, 18 of the deceleration device 13 and acceleration device 17, they can engage the machining tool 21, machining unit 22, or machine component. This can preferably be achieved by clamping the machining tool 21, machining unit 22, or machine component between them by appropriately positioning the stop elements 14, 18. The stop elements 14, 18 thus act together as a gripping device, enabling engagement of the machining tool 21, machining unit 22, or machine component.

[0104] Preferably, the machining tool 21, machining unit 22, or machine component is initially arranged in a non-use position 26 and, after coupling with the deceleration device 13 and acceleration device 17 and actuation of the positioning movement of the deceleration device 13 and acceleration device 17, is moved into a use position 27, i.e., positioned within the working area relative to the workpiece 11 to be machined. In the use position 27, the machining operation can be carried out on the workpiece 11 clamped by the device 10 using the machining tool 21 or machining unit 22.

[0105] In addition to the non-use position 26 and the use position 27, a buffer position 28 may be provided in which at least one machining tool 21, machining unit 22 or a machine component can be temporarily parked.

[0106] In particular, if different machining operations are performed on a workpiece 11, for example by different machining tools 21 and / or machining units 22, for a first machining operation a corresponding machining tool 21 and / or machining unit 22 can be moved from its non-use position 26 to the use position 27, perform the corresponding machining operation on the workpiece 11 and then be moved to the buffer position 28. Subsequently, for a further machining operation, another machining tool 21 and / or machining unit 22 can be moved from its non-use position 26 to the use position 27 and perform the corresponding further machining operation on the workpiece 11.

[0107] It may be provided that the processing machine 20 has at least one device 10 for positioning the workpieces 11 and at least one further device 10 for positioning the processing tool 21, processing unit 22 or the further machine component.

[0108] It can also be provided that the processing machine 20 has one or more devices 10, each individual device 10 being set up to first position the processing tool 21, processing unit 22 or the machine component for the processing operation in the working area and subsequently to position the workpiece 11 to be processed in the working area.

[0109] Preferably, several machining tools 21, machining units 22 and / or machine components can be arranged along the conveyor F and form several machining stations arranged one behind the other, as shown in the Fig. 11and 12 as shown. Each machining station is assigned at least one device 10 for positioning the machining tools 21, machining units 22 and / or machine components, as well as a device 10 for positioning the workpieces 11.

[0110] Additionally, it may preferably be provided that the machining tools 21, machining units 22 and / or machine components are arranged above the workpiece 11 to perform a machining operation on the top of the workpiece 11, below the workpiece 11 to perform a machining operation on the underside of the workpiece 11, and / or to a side area of ​​the workpiece 11 to perform a machining operation on the side, for example, a narrow surface, of the workpiece 11. Each of the machining tools 21, machining units 22 and / or machine components arranged above, below, and / or laterally may be assigned a corresponding positioning device 10.

[0111] Additionally, the device 10 can be configured to perform a setup operation on the machining tools 21, machining units 22, and / or machine components, in addition to positioning. The device 10 can be configured to remove one or more tools from a machining tool 21 or machining unit 22, for example, worn tools, and replace them with other tools, for example, new tools, with the stop elements 14, 18 also serving as gripping elements for gripping the tools.

[0112] Regarding the positioning of the other machine components, the device 10 can be configured, for example, to accommodate an extraction device (not shown) and to clean the work area of ​​contaminants, such as chips, by moving the extraction device within the work area. For this purpose, a sensor device, such as a camera system, can be provided that detects contaminants and controls the cleaning process based on the detection results. The sensor device can be based on machine learning, which monitors the degree of contamination of the machine tool.

[0113] It is evident to a person skilled in the art that individual features described in different embodiments can also be implemented in a single embodiment, provided they are not structurally incompatible. Likewise, various features described within a single embodiment can also be provided individually or in any suitable subcombination in several embodiments. Preferred embodiments

[0114] Item 1: Device (10) for positioning workpieces (11) in a working area of ​​a processing machine (20), in particular a woodworking machine, comprising: a conveying device (12) for bringing about a conveying movement of a workpiece (11) to be processed, a deceleration device (13) which is movable in the conveying direction (F) of the workpiece (11) and is configured to decelerate the conveying movement of the workpiece (11) for feeding into the working area by the deceleration device (13) bearing against a front edge (16) of the workpiece (11), and / or an acceleration device (17) which is movable in the conveying direction (F) of the workpiece (11) and is configured to accelerate the conveying movement of the workpiece (11) for removal from the working area by the acceleration device (17) bearing against a rear edge (19) of the workpiece (11).

[0115] Point 2: Device according to point 1, further comprising a synchronization device which is designed to synchronize the conveying movement of the conveying device (12) with the deceleration of the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device (17).

[0116] Point 3: Device according to point 1 or 2, in which the deceleration device (13) and the acceleration device (17) are further arranged to clamp the workpiece (11) during the deceleration of the conveying movement and / or during the acceleration of the conveying movement and / or during a machining operation, by the deceleration device (13) being located at its front edge (16) and the acceleration device (17) being located at its rear edge (19).

[0117] Point 4: Device according to one of the preceding points, further comprising a drive device which is configured to control the deceleration of the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device (17), wherein the drive device preferably comprises a linear motor.

[0118] Point 5: Device according to one of the preceding points, wherein the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17) each comprise stop elements (14, 18) spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction (F), wherein the stop elements (14) of the deceleration device (13) engage the front edge (16) of the workpiece (11) and / or the stop elements (18) of the acceleration device (17) engage the rear edge (19) of the workpiece (11), and wherein the position of the stop elements (14, 18) relative to each other is adjustable for clamping the workpiece (11).

[0119] Point 6: Device according to point 5, in which the stop elements (14) of the deceleration device (13) and / or the stop elements (18) of the acceleration device (17) are movable around the circumference or can be moved back and forth along the conveying direction (F).

[0120] Point 7: Device according to point 5 or 6, further comprising a positioning device (24) which is configured to position the stop elements (14) of the deceleration device (13) and / or the stop elements (18) of the acceleration device (17) transversely to the conveying direction (F).

[0121] Point 8: Device according to one of the preceding points, wherein the device (10) is configured to decelerate the workpiece (11) from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a processing speed, to clamp the workpiece (11) at least during the processing operation and to accelerate the workpiece (11) to the conveying speed after the processing operation.

[0122] Item 9: Processing machine (20) for processing workpieces (11), which are preferably at least partially made of wood, wood-based material, plastic, composite material and / or the like, comprising: at least one machining tool (21, 22) for performing a machining operation on a workpiece (11), and a device (10) according to one of points 1 to 8.

[0123] Point 10: Machine tool according to point 9, in which the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17) are arranged to move the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or at least one further machine component from a non-use position (26) to a use position (27), wherein in the use position (27) a machining operation can be carried out on the workpiece (11) clamped by the device (10) by the machining tool (21, 22).

[0124] Point 11: Machine tool according to point 9 or 10, in which the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or the at least one further machine component can be positioned within a working area of ​​the machine tool (20) relative to the workpiece (11) by the positioning movement of the deceleration device (13) and / or by the positioning movement of the acceleration device (17) and / or by the positioning of the stop elements (14, 18).

[0125] Point 12: Machining machine according to one of points 9 to 11, in which the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17) are further arranged to transfer the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or the at least one further machine component between the non-use position (26), the use position (27) and / or a buffer position (28).

[0126] Item 13: Method for positioning workpieces (11) in a working area of ​​a machine tool (20), in particular a machine tool (20) according to one of items 9 to 12, comprising the steps: Bringing about a conveying movement of a workpiece (11) to be machined by means of a conveying device (12), feeding the workpiece (11) to a working area of ​​the machine tool (20), wherein a deceleration device (13) is brought into contact with a front edge (16) of the workpiece (11) and the conveying movement of the workpiece (11) is decelerated by the deceleration device (13), positioning the workpiece (11) in the working area by clamping the workpiece (11) between the deceleration device (13) and an acceleration device (17) which is brought into contact with its rear edge (19), removing the workpiece (11) from the working area after the execution of a machining operation on the workpiece (11) by accelerating the workpiece (11) to a conveying speed of the conveying movement by the acceleration device (17).

[0127] Point 14: Method according to point 13, wherein the conveying movement when feeding the workpiece (11) to the working area is synchronized with the deceleration of the deceleration device (13) and the conveying movement when removing the workpiece (11) from the working area is synchronized with the acceleration of the acceleration device (17).

[0128] Point 15: Method according to point 13 or 14, in which at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or at least one further machine component is moved from a non-use position (26) to a use position (27) by the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17), and a machining operation is carried out on the workpiece (11) clamped between the deceleration device (13) and the acceleration device (17) by the machining tool (21, 22).

[0129] Point 16: Method according to point 15, wherein the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or the at least one further machine component is positioned relative to the workpiece (11) by an actuating movement of the deceleration device (13) and / or by an actuating movement of the acceleration device (17) and / or by a positioning of the stop elements (14, 18) of the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17).

Claims

1. Device (10) for positioning workpieces (11) in a working area of ​​a processing machine (20), in particular a woodworking machine, comprising: a conveying device (12) for bringing about a conveying movement of a workpiece (11) to be processed, a deceleration device (13) which is configured to decelerate the workpiece (11) from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a low conveying speed at which a processing operation can be carried out, and / or an acceleration device (17) which is configured to remove the workpiece (11) from the working area by accelerating it from standstill or from the low conveying speed back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement, in particular the original conveying speed.

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a synchronization device which is configured to synchronize the conveying movement of the conveying device (12) with the deceleration of the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device (17).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deceleration device (13) and the acceleration device (17) are further configured to clamp the workpiece (11) during the deceleration of the conveying movement and / or during the acceleration of the conveying movement and / or during the machining operation, in particular by the deceleration device (13) bearing against a front edge (16) of the workpiece (11) and the acceleration device (17) bearing against a rear edge (19) of the workpiece (11).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive device which is configured to control the deceleration of the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration of the acceleration device (17), wherein the drive device preferably comprises a linear motor.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17) each comprise stop elements (14, 18) spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction (F), wherein the stop elements (14) of the deceleration device (13) engage the front edge (16) of the workpiece (11) and / or the stop elements (18) of the acceleration device (17) engage the rear edge (19) of the workpiece (11), and wherein the position of the stop elements (14, 18) relative to each other is adjustable for clamping the workpiece (11).

6. Device according to claim 5, in which the stop elements (14) of the deceleration device (13) and / or the stop elements (18) of the acceleration device (17) are movable around the circumference or are movable back and forth along the conveying direction (F).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a positioning device (24) which is configured to position the stop elements (14) of the deceleration device (13) and / or the stop elements (18) of the acceleration device (17) transversely to the conveying direction (F).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is configured to decelerate the workpiece (11) from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a processing speed, to clamp the workpiece (11) at least during the processing operation and to accelerate the workpiece (11) to the conveying speed after the processing operation.

9. Machining machine (20) for machining workpieces (11), which are preferably at least partially made of wood, wood-based material, plastic, composite material and / or the like, comprising: a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and at least one machining tool (21, 22) for carrying out the machining operation on a workpiece (11).

10. Machining machine according to claim 9, in which the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17) are configured to move the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or at least one further machine component from a non-use position (26) to a use position (27), wherein in the use position (27) the machining operation can be carried out on the workpiece (11) clamped by the device (10) by the machining tool (21, 22).

11. Machining machine according to claim 9 or 10, in which the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or the at least one further machine component can be positioned within a working area of ​​the machining machine (20) relative to the workpiece (11) by the positioning movement of the deceleration device (13) and / or by the positioning movement of the acceleration device (17) and / or by the positioning of the stop elements (14, 18).

12. Machining machine according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which the delay device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17) are further arranged to transfer the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or the at least one further machine component between the non-use position (26), the use position (27) and / or a buffer position (28).

13. Method for positioning workpieces (11) in a working area of ​​a machine tool (20), in particular a machine tool (20) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising the steps of: initiating a conveying movement of a workpiece (11) to be machined by means of a conveying device (12), feeding the workpiece (11) to a working area of ​​the machine tool (20), wherein a deceleration device (13) decelerates the workpiece (11) from a conveying speed of the conveying movement to standstill or to a low conveying speed at which a machining operation can be carried out, and / or removing the workpiece from the working area by means of an acceleration device (17) by accelerating it from standstill or from the low conveying speed back to the conveying speed of the conveying movement, in particular the original conveying speed.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the conveying movement when feeding the workpiece (11) to the working area is synchronized with the deceleration of the deceleration device (13) and the conveying movement when removing the workpiece (11) from the working area is synchronized with the acceleration of the acceleration device (17).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, in which at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or at least one further machine component is transferred from a non-use position (26) to a use position (27) by the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17), and the machining operation is carried out on the workpiece (11) clamped between the deceleration device (13) and the acceleration device (17) by the machining tool (21, 22).

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the at least one machining tool (21, 22) and / or the at least one further machine component is positioned relative to the workpiece (11) by an actuating movement of the deceleration device (13) and / or by an actuating movement of the acceleration device (17) and / or by a positioning of the stop elements (14, 18) of the deceleration device (13) and / or the acceleration device (17).

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