Machining Center

Abstract

The machining center (10) includes a machining unit (15) arranged in a machining area (11) of the machining center (10) for machining a workpiece (20), and the machining unit (15) includes a machining tool (16) for machining the workpiece (20) relative to a machining axis (BA1). The machining center (10) includes a conveying means (30) having a holding device (40) for receiving at least two workpieces (20), the conveying means (30) being movable with at least one translational degree of freedom between a first position within the machining center (10), particularly within the machining area (11), and a second position outside the machining center (10), and the conveying means (30) and / or the holding device (40) being movable with a rotational degree of freedom.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machining center for machining a workpiece, the machining center comprising a machining unit arranged in a machining area, the machining unit comprising a workpiece machining unit for machining the workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] Corresponding machining centers for machining workpieces are known from the prior art and are configured, for example, as turning and / or milling centers, thereby enabling, for example, turning and / or milling of workpieces.

[0003] For an efficient manufacturing process of machined workpieces, it is important to transport the workpieces to be machined to the machining area of ​​each machining center as quickly as possible, or to remove the machined workpieces from the machining area of ​​each machining center as quickly as possible.

[0004] In the prior art, solutions have already been proposed in which workpieces to be machined are transported by a transport unit to the machining area of ​​the respective machining center or the machined workpieces are transported from the machining area of ​​the respective machining center.

[0005] However, prior art solutions require improvement or further development in terms of efficiency, practicality, reliability, etc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Based on this, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved machining center for machining workpieces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is achieved by a machining center for machining a workpiece according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the machining center.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a machining center for machining a workpiece. The machining center is therefore configured to machine the workpiece. Metal cutting of the workpiece means in particular drilling and / or turning and / or milling. The machining center may therefore be configured as or comprise a drilling center, a turning center, a milling center, or a combination of a drilling center and / or a turning center and / or a milling center.

[0009] Workpieces that can be machined by machining centers are typically metallic workpieces. Metallic workpieces are, for example, workpieces made of ferrous metal materials. Workpieces that can be machined by machining centers can have a rotationally symmetric shape or a rotationally symmetric basic shape. Thus, the workpieces can be, for example, at least partially or optionally entirely, disk-shaped, annular disk-shaped, cylindrical, or hollow cylindrical.

[0010] A machining center includes a machining area where a workpiece is machined. The machining area, also referred to as the machining area, typically also includes the machining table or machining frame of the machining center.

[0011] The machining area is bounded or defined by a housing structure of the machining center. The housing structure may be formed by or comprise one or more housing structural elements. The housing structural elements may form walls that define the machining area. At least one housing structural element is movable with one degree of freedom of movement, i.e., for example, sliding and / or pivoting, relative to at least one other housing structural element and is movable into at least one open position and / or at least one closed position, in which the open position allows access to the machining area and the closed position does not allow access to the machining area.

[0012] At least one machining unit is arranged in the machining area, and the machining unit includes a machining tool for machining the workpiece. The machining tool may be, for example, a drilling tool and / or a turning tool and / or a milling tool. Thus, the at least one machining unit may be configured as or include a drilling unit, a turning unit, a milling unit, or a combination of a drilling unit, a turning unit, and / or a milling unit. According to specific embodiments, the machining unit and / or the machining tool may be arranged to be movable with at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom, for example, with respect to horizontal and / or vertical spatial axes, so that the workpiece to be machined can be machined in various sections and / or in various directions. This allows the machining center to completely machine the workpiece to be machined.

[0013] The machining tool is particularly configured to machine the workpiece to be machined in or around at least one machining axis. In the case of a workpiece to be machined that has a rotational or central axis, the workpiece to be machined is typically arranged coaxially or parallel to the at least one machining axis when machined by the machining unit. The at least one machining axis may be an axis arranged horizontally. In particular, the at least one machining axis is an axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machining table or machining frame. In the case of a workpiece to be machined that has a rotational or central axis, the workpiece to be machined is typically arranged coaxially or parallel to the at least one machining axis when machined by the machining unit.

[0014] As will be shown below, the work table or work frame can be optionally extended to extend not only within the work area but also outside the work area, in particular, the work table or work frame can be optionally extended to extend into an external area of ​​the housing structure of the machining center, so that the work table or work frame has sections both inside and outside the housing structure of the machining center.

[0015] The machining center further comprises at least one transport means configured to or comprising a holding device for receiving at least two workpieces, the transport means comprising, for example, a chassis or chassis-shaped base (body) structure on which the holding device for receiving at least two workpieces is arranged or formed.

[0016] The holding device is therefore basically configured to receive at least two workpieces, i.e., unmachined workpieces and / or at least partially machined workpieces, but this does not mean that the holding device always receives at least two workpieces during operation of the machining center, but rather that the holding device is only configured for this purpose in principle.

[0017] The holding of each workpiece by the holding fixture can be understood as a direct or indirect holding fixture of the workpiece. Accordingly, a corresponding active part of the holding device configured to receive at least one workpiece can directly or indirectly act on the corresponding workpiece to directly or indirectly hold the corresponding workpiece. Accordingly, the holding device can be configured to directly receive at least one workpiece, so that the corresponding workpiece can be received by the holding device without the need for an intermediate fixture system supporting the workpiece, such as a clamp or tension system. A corresponding operating part of the holding device can then engage and receive the workpiece. Alternatively or optionally, the holding device can be configured to indirectly receive at least one workpiece, so that each workpiece can be received by the holding device through a fixture system supporting the workpiece, such as a clamp or tension system. A corresponding operating part of the holding device can then engage and receive the fixture system. The corresponding fixture system can be configured as or include, for example, a chuck, particularly a power chuck, or a zero-point clamping system.

[0018] Holding each workpiece by a holding device typically means that the workpiece to be machined is received or held by the holding device and then transferred from the holding device to a clamping system in the machining center or handed over to the clamping system in the machining center. Similarly, holding each workpiece that has been machined or is to be machined by a holding device typically means that the machined workpiece is received or held by the holding device so that it can be transferred from a clamping system in the machining center to the holding device or handed over to the holding device in the machining center.

[0019] In principle, it is also conceivable that the workpiece picked up by the pick-up device can be processed as intended by a machining unit in the processing area, in which case the workpiece does not need to be transferred or handed over to the clamping system of the machining center.

[0020] Thus, the holding device is configured to receive or hold each workpiece in a particular orientation and / or position. In particular, the holding device may be configured to receive or hold each workpiece in an orientation and / or position corresponding to the orientation and / or position at which the workpiece is transferred to the clamping system of the machining center or machined by the machining unit. Thus, the holding device may be configured to receive or hold each workpiece in an orientation and / or position at which the workpiece's rotation axis or central axis is coaxial with or parallel to the machining axis, for example. By receiving the workpiece in such an orientation and / or position, the workpiece can be transferred to the clamping system of the machining center or machined by the machining unit.

[0021] The transport means, together with the holding device, is arranged to be movable with at least one translational degree of freedom between at least a first position in the machining center, in particular in the machining area, and at least a second position outside the machining center. The transport means is therefore linearly movable along a movement axis between at least a first position in the machining center, in particular in the machining area, and at least a second position outside the machining center. The movement axis of the transport means can be arranged, for example, coaxially or parallel to the machining axis.

[0022] The at least one first position may correspond to a transfer position or a processing position of the at least one workpiece received by the holding device. Thus, the at least one workpiece received by the holding device is located or arranged in a processing area of ​​the at least one first position, and the workpiece is in a transfer position where it can be transferred to a clamping system of the machining center (thus, processing of the workpiece by a machining unit or a processing tool is performed while it is clamped by the clamping system). On the other hand, the at least one workpiece received by the holding device may be located in a processing position where it can be processed by a machining unit or a processing tool, and be located or arranged in the at least one first position in the processing area.

[0023] If the machining center includes a housing structure, the at least one first location is typically located within the housing structure of the machining center, and the at least one second location is typically located outside the housing structure of the machining center. As explained, if the machining center comprises a housing structure having a housing structural element movably supported between an open position and a closed position, it may be necessary to move the movably supported housing structural element to the open position in order to move the transport means from the first position to the second position or vice versa.

[0024] Because the transport means can be moved to at least one corresponding second position outside the machining center, i.e. in particular outside the machining area, both a particularly efficient pick-up or loading of the at least one workpiece to be processed into the pick-up device and a particularly efficient removal or ejection of the at least one processed workpiece from the pick-up device can be realized outside the machining center, i.e. in particular outside the machining area. The corresponding pick-up or loading and the corresponding removal or ejection operations are performed by a handling device, for example a handling robot, and are assigned or can be assigned to the machining center.

[0025] Providing the conveying means and / or the holding device operable with a rotational degree of freedom contributes to particularly efficient removal or dismounting of the workpieces. Therefore, the conveying means and / or the holding device are arranged to be operable individually or together with a rotational degree of freedom. The corresponding rotational or rotating movement of the conveying means and / or the holding device with the rotational degree of freedom allows the workpiece receiving or removing process to be carried out more efficiently using the holding device, in particular, by moving the conveying means to a first position, i.e., in particular, a corresponding transfer or processing position, a workpiece received on one side of the holding device and to be processed, by corresponding rotation of the conveying means and / or the holding device, into a direction and / or position where it can be processed; and / or by moving the conveying means to a second position, a workpiece received on the other side of the holding device and already processed, by corresponding rotation of the conveying means and / or the holding device, into a direction and / or position where it can be removed from the holding device by a handling device, for example, a handling robot.

[0026] In principle, by appropriately rotating the conveying means and / or the holding device with the rotational degree of freedom, each receiving area of ​​the holding device can be oriented to be arranged opposite a workpiece holding device, e.g., a clamping system, of the machining center, whereby a workpiece received or held in a receiving area of ​​the holding device can be moved to the corresponding transfer or processing position by moving the conveying means to a first position.

[0027] The movement in at least one rotational degree of freedom of the conveying means and / or the holding device takes place about or around a rotation axis, which is an axis that is at an angle, i.e. in particular perpendicular, to the machining axis, and therefore an axis that is at an angle or perpendicular to the movement axis of the conveying means.

[0028] The movement by the rotational degree of freedom of the holding device typically allows the holding device to be rotated relative to the conveying means, i.e. in particular the base (body) structure described above, for example a chassis shape or chassis. The holding device is therefore movable relative to the base (body) structure with at least one rotational degree of freedom of movement, and in principle can be moved independently from the base (body) structure. For this purpose, the conveying means, i.e. in particular the base (body) structure, is provided with one or more rotational bearings, via which the holding device is arranged rotatably relative to the base (body) structure.

[0029] Overall, an improved machining center for machining a workpiece is provided.

[0030] The holding device has at least two receiving areas for at least one workpiece each, and the at least one receiving area is typically arranged and / or positioned so that when the conveying means moves to the at least one first position, the workpiece can be moved to a corresponding transfer or processing position. Each receiving area has or forms at least one flat surface or surface on which at least one workpiece can be received and stably held as described above.

[0031] At least two receiving areas of the holding device are typically arranged or formed on different sides of the holding device, and in particular, at least two receiving areas can be arranged or formed on different sides of the holding device. If the holding device has two or more receiving areas, these receiving areas can be arranged or formed on different sides of the holding device. In a possible embodiment with three receiving areas, the planes or surfaces formed by each receiving area can be arranged at an angle of 120° to each other. In a similar possible embodiment with four receiving areas, the planes or surfaces formed by each receiving area can be arranged at an angle of 90° to each other. Thus, in principle, the planes or surfaces n (n is an integer) formed by each recording area can be arranged at an angle α=360° / n to each other.

[0032] It has been mentioned that, by corresponding rotation through at least one rotational degree of freedom of the conveying means and / or the holding device, each receiving area can in principle be oriented to face a fixed workpiece holding device, e.g., a clamping system, of the machining center. The conveying means and / or the holding device are movably arranged with a rotational degree of freedom in a first position, in which a first workpiece that can be received by the holding device and in a first receiving area of ​​the holding device is positioned or arranged to face the workpiece holding device of the machining center. Alternatively or optionally, the conveying means and / or the holding device are movably arranged with a rotational degree of freedom in a second position, in which a second workpiece that can be received by the holding device and in a second receiving area of ​​the holding device is positioned or arranged to face the workpiece holding device of the machining center.

[0033] The first position of the conveying means and / or holding device is rotated by 180° relative to the vertical rotation axis of the second position or vice versa, this applies in particular to configurations of holding devices having two receiving areas arranged or formed opposite each other.

[0034] The holding device may have a receiving frame, in particular a cage- or basket-shaped receiving frame, or may have a receiving frame, in particular a cage- or basket-shaped receiving frame. The receiving frame or frame is formed by one or more frame or frame elements, which are connected to one another in one or more spatial directions or planes to form the receiving frame or frame. Corresponding receiving areas for the workpieces may be arranged or formed on the receiving frame or frame.

[0035] As mentioned above, the holding device can in principle be configured to hold the workpiece indirectly or directly. Thus, at least one first holding device, in particular a clamping or tensioning system, for holding the first workpiece or for holding an equipment system supporting the first workpiece, or at least one second holding device, in particular a clamping or tensioning system, for holding the second workpiece or for holding an equipment system supporting the second workpiece, can be arranged or configured on a receiving cage or receiving frame.

[0036] The first holding device has one or more first holding elements that can be moved to at least one holding position and at least one non-holding position. In the holding position, a holding force for holding the first workpiece or the first workpiece support system is formed, and in the non-holding position, a holding force for holding the first workpiece or the first workpiece support system is not formed. Accordingly, each first holding element can be movably arranged or formed on a receiving frame or receiving frame. The first holding device can be associated with a first receiving area of ​​the holding device. Alternatively or additionally, the second holding device has one or more second holding elements that can be moved to at least one holding position and at least one non-holding position. In the holding position, a holding force for holding the second workpiece or the second workpiece support system is formed, and in the non-holding position, a holding force for holding the second workpiece or the second workpiece support system is not formed. Each second mounting element can be movably arranged or formed on a receiving frame of the receiving space. The second holding device can be associated with a second receiving area of ​​the holding device. If the retaining device has two or more receiving areas, two or more correspondingly configured second retaining devices may be provided.

[0037] The one or more first holding elements may be configured, for example, as clamps or clamping jaws, in particular as clamps or clamping jaws which act axially and / or radially in each holding position relative to the processing axis or the central axis of the workpiece, thereby ensuring stable fixation of the workpiece. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more second holding elements may be configured, for example, as clamps or clamping jaws, in particular as clamps or clamping jaws which act axially and / or radially in each holding position relative to the processing axis or the central axis of the workpiece, thereby ensuring stable fixation of the workpiece.

[0038] Thus, the first retaining element and / or the second retaining element may be said active part of the retaining device.

[0039] The one or more first retaining elements and / or the one or more second retaining elements can be arranged or formed, for example, uniformly or non-uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction relative to the machining axis or the central axis of each workpiece.

[0040] To set the conveying means and / or the holding device in a corresponding translational and / or rotational movement, the processing center comprises a supply device for supplying energy to generate at least one drive force, which can set the conveying means and / or the holding device in a translational and / or rotational movement. In this case, the drive force for setting the conveying means and / or the holding device in a corresponding translational and / or rotational movement is generated by a drive medium which is supplied via the supply device to a drive unit, e.g., a motor, of the conveying means and / or the holding device. The drive medium is, for example, an energy carrier, such as electrical energy, hydraulic energy, or pneumatic energy. The drive unit of the conveying means and / or the holding device can be embodied as or comprise, for example, an electric, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive unit.

[0041] The energy carriers supplied via the supply device can be supplied or provided from an outlet of the supply device, which communicates with an inlet of the conveying means and / or the holding device. The supply device thus has, for example, outlets in the form of outlet connections for the corresponding energy carriers, through which the energy carriers can be removed from the machining center. The conveying means and / or the holding device thus has, for example, in the form of one inlet connection for each energy carrier, through which the energy carriers can be supplied to the conveying means and / or the holding device. The corresponding outlets and inlets can be connected to each other via linear connections or supply lines, such as cables, hoses, pipes, etc. The corresponding linear connections or supply lines can be accommodated in carriers provided for this purpose, such as trailing cables, energy guide chains, cable routes, etc. Data cables, e.g. used for transmitting control information, can also be accommodated in corresponding carriers.

[0042] Therefore, the energy for setting the conveying means and / or the holding device in a corresponding translational and / or rotational movement is supplied via a supply device of the machining center, so that the conveying means and / or the holding device do not require their own energy supply device independent of the machining center, and the energy supply required or provided for the operation of the machining center can also be used to supply the conveying means and / or the holding device. In particular, the energy supply required in every case of operation of the machining center is used to generate a corresponding drive force, which can set the conveying means and / or the holding device in a corresponding translational and / or rotational movement. The corresponding drive force is, for example, generated via a motor drive unit of the conveying means and / or the holding device and is driven or will be driven by an energy carrier supplied from the supply device.

[0043] According to the same principle, the energy for moving the attachment elements into the respective attachment and non-attachment positions, i.e. the energy supply to the respective attachment devices, can be carried out through the energy supply required or provided for the operation of the machining centre.

[0044] The specific movable storage of the transport means can be realized by various storage devices or elements. The transport means can be configured as or comprise a carriage or trolley guided on a transport track, in particular a rail, via at least one bearing element, in particular a plain, ball or roller bearing element. In principle, linear drives or units, such as slide drives or units, spindle drives or units, rack and pinion drives or units, etc., are suitable for providing the transport means with a translational degree of freedom of movement.

[0045] The conveying track thus forms a translational degree of freedom, so that the conveying means can be moved to at least one first position and at least one second position, as described above. As described above, both parts of the conveying means and parts of the conveying track are formed by the work table or work frame of the machining center, for example, where interacting guide elements are present in matching shapes, allowing a stable guiding movement of the conveying means via the translational degree of freedom. At least part of the conveying track is integrated into the work table or work frame of the machining center, and as described above, can extend to an area outside the housing structure of the machining center.

[0046] As mentioned above, the workpiece can be picked up by the pick-up device and / or removed from the pick-up device by the handling device. Therefore, the machining center comprises at least one handling device, in particular realized by an industrial robot or includes such a handling device, which is configured to load at least one workpiece onto a transport means, in particular a transport means moved to a loading position outside the machining center, or to remove at least one workpiece from a transport means moved to a non-loading position outside the machining center.

[0047] At least one handling device may be configured to transfer workpieces, in particular unmachined workpieces or at least partially machined workpieces, from the machining center to a process station such as a setup station or a conversion station and / or to a further machining center.

[0048] The machining center may include a control device implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the machining center, in particular configured to coordinately control the corresponding operations of the transport means and / or the holding device and of the holding device elements, thereby enabling, in particular automatically or in an automated manner, for example, the correct loading of at least one workpiece to be processed into the holding device, the correct transfer of the workpiece to be processed from the holding device, for example to a clamping system of the machining center, the correct processing of the at least one workpiece by a machining unit, the correct transfer of the processed workpiece to the holding device, and the correct removal of the at least one processed workpiece from the holding device.

[0049] A second aspect of the invention therefore relates to a processing arrangement for processing workpieces, comprising at least one machining center according to the first aspect of the invention, at least one process station, such as a setup station or conversion station, and / or at least one further machining center, and at least one handling device, wherein the at least one handling device is configured in particular to transfer workpieces, in particular unmachined workpieces or at least partially machined workpieces, from the at least one first machining center to the at least one process station and / or the at least one further machining center or vice versa.

[0050] All statements made regarding the machining centre according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the machining arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0051] The processing arrangement can be configured in various ways with respect to the arrangement of the associated units, i.e., with respect to the at least one first processing center, the at least one process station, and / or the at least one further processing center. For example, the at least one first processing center and the at least one process station and / or the at least one further processing center can be connected in series or at an angle to one another, in particular in parallel to one another. If the processing arrangement comprises several machining centers, at least one handling device can be arranged between them, for example to allow the transfer of workpieces from one machining center to another.

[0052] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating at least one machining center according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising at least the steps of moving a transport means having received at least one workpiece to be machined to a position (first position) within a machining area of ​​the machining center, in particular a corresponding transfer position or machining position, and moving the transport means having received at least one workpiece machined in the machining area of ​​the machining center to a position (second position) outside the machining area.

[0053] The method may further comprise a step of moving the conveying means or the holding device with a rotational degree of freedom outside or inside the processing area, thereby realizing, for example, a loading and unloading process of the holding device together with at least one workpiece. For this purpose, a corresponding handling device may be used, which is configured to directly or indirectly clamp the corresponding workpiece.

[0054] In certain embodiments, - moving the transport means with at least one workpiece to be processed into a position in the processing area where the workpiece can be processed by the machining unit, in particular a transfer position or a processing position; - transferring at least one workpiece from the holding device to a clamping system of the machining center; - machining at least one workpiece clamped by the clamping system in a machining area by a machining unit; - transferring at least one machined workpiece from a clamping system of the machining center to a holding device; - moving the transport means receiving the at least one machined workpiece to a position outside the machining center; - removing at least one processed workpiece from the conveying means.

[0055] The method further comprises: - rotating the conveying means and / or the holding device with a rotational degree of freedom; - mounting a second workpiece to be processed on the pick-up device; - moving the transport means having received the second workpiece to be processed into a transfer or processing position within the processing area, in particular a position where the second workpiece can be processed by the machining unit; - transferring at least one second workpiece to be machined from the holding device to a clamping system of the machining center; - machining at least one second workpiece to be machined by a machining unit in a machining area while clamping the workpiece with a clamping system; - transferring at least one machined second workpiece from a clamping system of the machining center to a holding device; - moving the conveying means receiving the at least one machined second workpiece to a position outside the machining center; - removing at least one processed second workpiece from the conveying means.

[0056] In a more specific embodiment, the method comprises: - moving the transport means with the two workpieces to be machined received to a position in the machining area where the first workpiece can be machined by the machining unit, in particular a transfer position or a machining position; - transferring the first workpiece to be machined from the holding device to a clamping system of the machining center in the machining area; - machining a first workpiece clamped by the clamping system with a machining unit; - transferring the machined first workpiece from the clamping system of the machining center to a holding device; - a step of moving the conveying means that has received the machined first workpiece and the (unmachined) second workpiece to a position outside the machining center; - removing the processed first workpiece from the conveying means; - if necessary, placing a third workpiece to be processed in the holding device, for example in the free receiving area of ​​the holding device in which the first workpiece was previously received; - rotating the conveying means and / or the holding device with a rotational degree of freedom to position or arrange the second workpiece opposite a workpiece holding device, e.g. a clamping system, of the machining center; - moving the transport means to a position in the processing area where the second workpiece can be processed by the machining unit, in particular to a transfer position or a processing position; - transferring the second workpiece to be machined from the holding device to a clamping system of the machining center; - machining the second workpiece clamped by the clamping system with a machining unit; - transferring the processed second workpiece from the clamping system to a holding device; - moving the conveying means receiving the machined second workpiece, together with the third workpiece as needed, to a position outside the machining center; and removing the processed second workpiece from the conveying means.

[0057] The corresponding workpiece loading and unloading processes can be carried out using corresponding handling devices, as described above.

[0058] The invention will be further explained on the basis of the following exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a machining center for machining a workpiece in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conveyance means according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conveyance means according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conveyance means according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a processing arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a processing arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a machining center according to a further exemplary embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a machining center 10 for machining a workpiece 20 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] The machining center 10 is configured to machine a workpiece 20. Metal cutting of the workpiece 20 means, for example, drilling, turning, or milling of the workpiece 20. The machining center 10 can therefore be configured as a drill center, a turning center, a milling center, or a combination of a drill center and / or a turning center and / or a milling center.

[0062] The workpiece 20 or workpiece 20 that can be machined by the machining center 10 is typically a metallic workpiece 20, for example a workpiece 20 made of a ferrous metal material. The workpiece 20 or workpiece that can be machined by the machining center 10 can have a rotationally symmetrical shape or a rotationally symmetrical basic shape. The workpiece is therefore, for example, at least partially or optionally completely, disk-shaped, annular disk-shaped, cylindrical, or hollow cylindrical. The machining center 10 comprises a machining area 11 in which machining of the workpiece 20 is carried out. The machining area 11, also referred to as a machining chamber, comprises a machining table 12 or machining frame and a clamping system 13, for example a chuck or a zero-point clamping system, for fixing the workpiece 20 to be machined.

[0063] As shown, the machining area 11 is defined and formed by a housing structure 14 of the machining center 10. The housing structure 14 is formed by one or more housing structural elements 14.1-14.4. The housing structural elements 14.1-14.4 may form walls that define the machining area 11. At least one housing structural element 14.1-14.4 is movable, e.g., by sliding and / or pivoting, relative to at least one other housing structural element 14.1-14.4 to at least one open position that allows access to the machining area 11, and / or at least one closed position that does not allow access to the machining area 11.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, for example, at least the housing structural element 14.4 is provided so as to be movable between corresponding open and closed positions, whereby the housing structural element 14.4 may form a door which is movable between corresponding open and closed positions.

[0065] In the machining area 11, a machining unit 15 is arranged, which includes a machining tool 16 for machining the workpiece 20. The machining tool 16 is, for example, a drilling tool and / or a turning tool and / or a milling tool. The machining unit 15 can therefore be configured as a drilling unit, a turning unit, a milling unit, or a combination of a drilling unit, a turning unit, and / or a milling unit. In a specific embodiment, the machining unit 15 and / or the machining tool 15 are arranged to be movable with at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement, for example, with respect to a horizontal and / or vertical spatial axis, so that the workpiece 20 to be machined can be machined in various sections and / or in various directions. The machining center 10 therefore enables complete machining of the workpiece 20 to be machined.

[0066] The machining tool 16 is configured in particular to machine the workpiece 20 to be machined in or relative to at least one machining axis BA1. Fig. 1 shows that the machining axis BA1 can be arranged horizontally, or the machining axis BA1 can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis LA1 of the machining table 12 or machining frame. When machining a workpiece 20 having a rotational or central axis, the workpiece 20 is typically arranged coaxially with or parallel to the machining axis BA1 during machining by the machining unit 15.

[0067] 1, the work table 12 or work frame is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis LA1, and the work table 12 or work frame extends not only within the work area 11 but also outside the work area 11. As shown, the work table 12 or work frame extends to an area outside the housing structure 14. Thus, the work table 12 or work frame has compartments both inside and outside the housing structure 14.

[0068] The machining center 10 further includes a conveying means 30. The conveying means 30 illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 is configured or includes a holding device 40 in each of the side view (Figure 2), perspective view (Figure 3), and front view (Figure 4), and the holding device 40 is arranged or formed to receive at least two workpieces 20. Thus, the conveying means 30 includes, for example, a chassis or a base (main body) structure 31 having a chassis shape, and the holding device 40 that receives at least two workpieces 20 is arranged or formed.

[0069] The holding device 40 is therefore basically configured to receive at least two workpieces 20, which may be unmachined workpieces 20 and / or at least partially machined workpieces 20. However, this does not mean that the holding device 40 necessarily holds at least two workpieces 20 during operation of the machining center 10. The holding device 40 is only configured for this purpose in principle.

[0070] Holding of each workpiece 20 by the holding device 40 is understood to mean direct or indirect holding of the workpiece 20. Accordingly, a corresponding active part of the holding device 40 configured to receive at least one workpiece 20 can act directly or indirectly on each workpiece 20 to directly or indirectly hold the workpiece 20. Thus, the holding device 40 is configured to directly receive at least one workpiece 20, in which case each workpiece 20 is directly received by the holding device 40 without going through a device system 50 that supports the workpiece 20, such as a clamping system or a tensioning system. The corresponding active part of the holding device 40 can then engage with the workpiece 20 to receive the workpiece 20. Alternatively or additionally, the holding device 40 is configured to indirectly receive at least one workpiece 20, such that each workpiece 20 is received by the holding device 40 through a device system 50 that supports the workpiece 20, such as a clamping system or a tensioning system. A corresponding operating part of the holding device 40 can here engage with and receive the device system 50. The corresponding device system 50 can comprise, for example, a chuck, in particular a power chuck, or a zero-point clamping system, or can be realized, for example, as a chuck, in particular a power chuck, or a zero-point clamping system.

[0071] The holder of each workpiece 20 by the holding device 40 typically includes a workpiece 20 to be received or held by the holding device 40 and processed, and each workpiece 20 can be transferred from the holding device 40 to the clamping system 13 or handed over to the clamping system 13 within the processing area 11. Similarly, holding each workpiece 20 to be processed or that has been processed by the holding device 40 typically means that the processed workpiece 20 can be received or held by the holding device 40 so as to be transferred from the clamping system 13 to the holding device 40 or handed over to the holding device 40 within the processing area 11.

[0072] In principle, it is conceivable that the workpiece 20 taken over by the holding device 40 can also be machined as intended by the machining unit 15 in the processing area 11. In this case, the workpiece 20 does not have to be transferred or handed over to the clamping system 13.

[0073] Therefore, the holding device 40 is configured to receive or hold each workpiece 20 in a specific orientation and / or position corresponding to an orientation and / or position at which each workpiece 20 can be transferred to the clamping system 13 or at which each workpiece 20 can be machined or processed by the machining unit 15. Therefore, the holding device 40 can be specifically configured to receive each workpiece 20 in an orientation and / or position at which, for example, the rotation axis or central axis of each workpiece 20 is arranged coaxially with the processing axis BA1 or arranged parallel to the processing axis BA1. By holding or receiving each workpiece 20 in such an orientation and / or position, the workpiece 20 can be transferred to the clamping system 13 or processed by the machining unit 15.

[0074] As shown by the double arrow P1 in Fig. 1, the conveying means 30, in addition to the holding device 40, is arranged to be movable with at least one degree of freedom of translational movement between at least a first position in the machining center 10, i.e., in the machining area 11, and at least a second position outside the machining center 10. The conveying means 30 therefore moves linearly along the movement axis BA2 and is movable to at least a first position in the machining center 10, i.e., in the machining area 11, and to at least a second position outside the machining center 10. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the movement axis BA2 of the conveying means 30 can be arranged coaxially with the machining axis BA1 or parallel to the machining axis BA1.

[0075] 1, at least one first position is further arranged inside the housing structure 14, and at least one second position is arranged outside the housing structure 14. As mentioned above, when the machining center 10 comprises a housing structure 14 having a housing structural element 14.4 movably arranged between an open position and a closed position, the movably arranged housing structural element 14.4 needs to be moved to the open position, so that the conveying means 30 can be moved from the first position to the second position or vice versa.

[0076] For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 shows the conveying means 30 present at both the first and second positions, but this does not mean that the machining center 10 must be equipped with two conveying means 30.

[0077] 1 shows that the at least one first position may correspond to a transfer position or a processing position of the workpiece 20 received or held by the holding device 40. Thus, the workpiece 20 received by the holding device 40 may be located or arranged within the processing area 11 such that, at the at least one first position, the workpiece 20 is in a transfer position where it can be transferred to the clamping system 13 (thus, processing of the workpiece 20 by the machining unit 15 or the processing tool 16 is carried out while it is clamped by the clamping system 13). Alternatively, the workpiece 40 received or held by the holding device 40 may be located or arranged at the at least one first position within the processing area 11, and be located in a processing position where it can be processed by the machining unit 15 or the processing tool 16.

[0078] Since the transport means 30 can be moved to at least one corresponding second position outside the machining center 10, both a particularly efficient take-off or loading of the workpiece 20 to be processed at the holding device 40 and a particularly efficient removal or detachment of the processed workpiece 20 from the holding device 40 can be realized outside the machining center 10, i.e. in particular outside the machining area 11. The corresponding take-off or loading operations and the corresponding removal or detachment operations can be carried out by a handling device 60, for example a handling robot, which can be assigned or is assigned to the machining center 10.

[0079] Arranging the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 to be operable with one rotational degree of freedom about a rotation axis A2 oriented at an angle or perpendicular to the movement axis BA2 of the conveying means 30 contributes to a particularly efficient removal or removal of the workpieces 20. Therefore, the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 are arranged to be operable with one rotational degree of freedom separately or together. In particular, the workpiece 20 to be received and processed on one side of the holding device 40 can be transported in a direction and / or position where it can be processed after the conveying means 30 has been moved to a first position, i.e., in particular, a corresponding transfer position or processing position, by corresponding rotation of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40, and / or the workpiece 20 received on the other side of the holding device 40 and already processed can be transported in a direction and / or position where it can be removed from the holding device 40, for example, by a handling device 60, by corresponding rotation of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40, after the conveying means 30 has been moved to a second position, by corresponding rotation of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40, so that the process of receiving or removing the workpiece 20 can be carried out more efficiently by the rotational movement or corresponding rotational movement of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 due to the rotational freedom.

[0080] In principle, by appropriately rotating the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 with the rotational degree of freedom, each receiving area of ​​the holding device 40 can be oriented to be arranged opposite a workpiece holding device, e.g., a clamping system 13, of the machining center 10. On this basis, by moving the conveying means 30 to a first position, the workpiece 20 received or held in the receiving area of ​​the holding device 40 can be moved to the corresponding transfer or processing position.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, a configuration of the conveying means 30 is illustrated, in which only the holding device 40 is arranged to be movable with a rotational degree of freedom. With regard to the rotational degree of freedom of the holding device 40, this allows the holding device 40 to perform a rotational movement relative to the conveying means 30, in particular relative to the base (body) structure 31 of the conveying means 30. The holding device 40 is therefore movable relative to the base (body) structure 31 and, in principle, can move independently of the base (body) structure 31 with at least one rotational degree of freedom. For this purpose, the conveying means 30, i.e. in particular the base (body) structure 31, can be provided with one or more rotational bearings (not shown), via which the holding device 40 can be arranged to be rotatable relative to the base (body) structure 31.

[0082] 2 to 4, the holding device 40 has at least two receiving areas 41 each receiving one workpiece 20, and when the conveying means 30 moves to at least one first position, the at least one receiving area 41 is typically arranged and / or positioned so that the workpiece 20 is received or can be received therein, and the workpiece 20 can be moved to a corresponding transfer or processing position. Each receiving area 41 has or forms at least one flat surface or surface and can receive and stably hold at least one workpiece 20 on that flat surface or surface.

[0083] The receiving areas 41 of the holding device 40 are located or formed on different sides of the holding device 40, and in the illustrated embodiment, the receiving areas 41 are located or formed on opposite sides of the holding device 40.

[0084] By operating the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 by a corresponding rotation in the rotational degree of freedom, each receiving area 41 can in principle be adjusted to be positioned opposite a workpiece holding device, such as the clamping system 13, of the machining center 10. Thus, the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 can be movably arranged in a first position with a rotational degree of freedom, in which case a first workpiece 20 that can be received by the holding device 40 and receivable in the first receiving area 41 of the holding device 40 faces the workpiece holding device of the machining center 10. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 can be movably arranged in a second position with a rotational degree of freedom, in which case a second workpiece 20 that can be received by the holding device 40 and receivable in the second receiving area 41 of the holding device 40 faces the workpiece holding device of the machining center 10.

[0085] The first position of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 is a position rotated by 180° about the axis of rotation A2 relative to the second position and vice versa.

[0086] 2 to 4, it can be seen that the holding device 40 has a receiving frame 42, in particular a cage-like or basket-like receiving frame, or in particular a cage-like or basket-like receiving frame. The receiving frame 42 or receiving frame is formed by one or more frame or frame elements that are connected to one another in one or more spatial directions or planes to form the receiving frame 42 or receiving frame. Corresponding receiving areas 41 for the workpieces 20 are arranged or formed on the receiving frame 42 or receiving frame.

[0087] A first holding device 43, which holds the first workpiece 20 or holds a device system, in particular a clamping or tensioning system, for supporting the first workpiece 20, and at least one second holding device 44, which holds the second workpiece 20 or holds a device system, in particular a clamping or tensioning system, for supporting the second workpiece 20, are arranged or formed on the receiving frame 42. The holding devices 43, 44 are assigned to each receiving area 41 of the holding device 40 and are therefore arranged or formed on separate, i.e. in particular opposite, sides of the receiving frame 42 or receiving frame.

[0088] 2 to 4, the first holding device 43 and the second holding device 44 each have holding elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4, which are each movable between at least one holding position and at least one non-holding position. In the holding position, a holding force for holding the workpiece 20 or a device system supporting the workpiece 20 is generated, and in the non-holding position, no holding force for holding the workpiece 20 or a device system supporting the workpiece 20 is generated. Each of the holding elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4 is movably arranged or formed on the receiving frame 42. Therefore, the holding elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4 can be active parts of the holding device 40.

[0089] The holding elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4 may each be configured as a clamp or clamping jaw, in particular as a clamp or clamping jaw acting axially and / or radially relative to the central axis or processing axis of the respective workpiece 20 in the respective holding position.

[0090] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 4, the holding elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4 can be arranged or formed uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis or processing axis of each workpiece 20.

[0091] To set the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 in the corresponding translational and / or rotational movements, the machining center 10 may comprise a supply device 100 that supplies energy to generate a drive force for setting the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 in the corresponding translational and / or rotational movements. In this case, the drive force for setting the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 in the corresponding translational and / or rotational movements is generated by a drive unit, e.g., a motor drive unit, of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40, which supplies a drive medium to the supply device 100. The drive medium is an energy carrier, e.g., electrical energy, hydraulic energy, or pneumatic energy. Thus, the drive unit of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 may be embodied as or comprise, e.g., an electric, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive unit.

[0092] As can be seen from Fig. 7, which shows an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross section of the axis of the machining center 100, the feeding device 100 is arranged as part of the machining center 10 separated from the work table 12 or work frame, to which the feeding device 100 is connected and which can further be connected to the conveying means 30 or the holding device 40, for example through a carrier 110 in the form of a cable drag or an energy guide chain for the supply line. In this embodiment, the feeding device 100 is arranged in a pedestal or pedestal-shaped operating area 17 of the machining center 10, on which a user can walk, for example.

[0093] The energy carriers supplied through the supply device 100 are therefore fed from an outlet of the supply device 100 and fed from the outlet of the supply device 100 to the inlets of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 through supply lines housed in corresponding carriers 110. The supply device 100 thus has outlets, for example in the form of an outlet connection for each energy carrier, and the energy carriers can be fed to the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 through corresponding supply lines. The conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 thus have inlets, for example in the form of an inlet connection for the corresponding energy carrier, and the energy carriers are fed to the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40. As mentioned above, corresponding outlets and corresponding inlets can therefore be connected to each other through one or more line connections or supply lines, for example cables, hoses, pipes, etc., housed in corresponding carriers 110.

[0094] Of course, instead of or in addition to at least one input on the part of the conveying means 30 and / or holding device 40, a control interface can also be provided, through which control information or signals can be sent to the conveying means 30 or holding device 40, for example to control the operation of the holding devices 43, 44. Data cables transmitting the corresponding control information can also be housed within the carrier 110.

[0095] Thus, the energy for setting the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 in the corresponding translational and / or rotational movements is supplied from the supply device 100 of the machining center 10, and the energy supply required or provided for the operation of the machining center 10 can also be used to supply the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 with energy, so that the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 do not require their own energy supply devices independent of the machining center 10. In particular, the energy supply required in every case of operation of the machining center 10 can be used to generate corresponding drive forces through which the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 can be set in the corresponding translational and / or rotational movements. The corresponding drive forces can be generated, for example, through motor drive units of the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40, which are operated by an energy carrier supplied from the supply device 100.

[0096] In a similar manner, the energy for moving the holding elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4 to their respective holding and non-holding positions and the energy supply to the holding devices 43, 44 can be carried out through the energy supply required or provided for the operation of the machining center 10.

[0097] In all embodiments, the specific movable arrangement of the transport means 30 can be realized through storage devices or elements. The transport means 30 can thus be configured as or comprise a carriage or trolley guided on a conveying track, in particular a rail, through at least one bearing element, in particular a plain, ball or roller bearing. In principle, linear drives or units, such as slide drives or units, spindle drives or units, rack-and-pinion drives or units, etc., are suitable for operatively supporting the transport means 30 with a rotational degree of freedom of movement. The reference number 45 in Figures 2 and 3 denotes, for example, a pinion 45 or gear wheel of a possible rack-and-pinion drive or rack-and-pinion unit.

[0098] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the conveying track arranged or formed on or inside the processing table 12 or processing frame forms a translational degree of freedom, and as described above, the conveying means 30 is provided so as to be movable to at least one first position and at least one second position. As described above, both the portion of the conveying means 30 and the portion of the conveying track have interacting guide elements (see, for example, the guide elements 32 of the conveying means 30 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) formed by the processing table 12 or processing frame, for example in a suitable shape, which stably guide the conveying means 30 through the translational degree of freedom.

[0099] As described above, the handling device 60 allows the workpiece 20 to be picked up and / or removed from the holding device 40. The machining center 10 therefore comprises at least one handling device 60, in particular implemented by an industrial robot or including a handling device, which is configured to load at least one workpiece 20 onto the transport means 30, in particular onto the transport means 30 that has been moved to a loading position inside the machining center 10, and / or to remove at least one workpiece 20 from the transport means 30, in particular onto the transport means 30 that has been moved to a non-loading position outside the machining center 10.

[0100] At least one handling device 60 may be configured, in particular, to transfer a workpiece 20, in particular an unmachined workpiece 20 or an at least partially machined workpiece 20, from the machining center 10 to a process station, such as a setup station or a conversion station, and / or to a further machining center (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0101] The machining center 10 may comprise a control device (not shown) implemented in hardware and / or software, configured to control the operation of the machining center 10. In particular, the control device is configured to coordinately control the corresponding operations of the transport means 30 and / or the holding device 40 and the corresponding operations of the holding device elements 43.1 to 43.4, 44.1 to 44.4, in order to, in particular automatically or in an automated manner, for example, correctly load at least one workpiece 20 to be machined onto the holding device 40, correctly transfer the workpiece 20 to be machined from the holding device 40 to the clamping system 13, correctly machine the at least one workpiece 20 by the machining unit 15, correctly transfer the machined workpiece 20 to the holding device 40, and correctly remove the at least one machined workpiece 20 from the holding device 40.

[0102] 5 and 6 illustrate, in plan view, two processing arrangements 70 for processing at least one workpiece 20. As can be seen from the figures, each processing arrangement 70 comprises at least one first machining center 10, at least one process station 80, such as a setup station or a conversion station, and / or at least one further processing center 90, and at least one handling device 60. The at least one handling device 60 is configured in particular to transfer a workpiece 20, in particular an unmachined workpiece 20 or an at least partially machined workpiece 20, from the at least one machining center 10 to the at least one further machining center 90 and / or to the at least one process station 80, or vice versa.

[0103] The processing arrangement 70 can be configured in various ways with regard to the arrangement of the associated units, i.e., the arrangement of the at least one first machining center 10, the at least one further processing center 90 and / or the at least one process station 80. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first machining center 10 and the at least one further machining center 90 can be arranged in a series connection, or as shown in Figure 6, the first machining center 10, the at least one further machining center 90 and the process station 80 can be arranged in an angled, in particular parallel, connection with one another. In both cases, at least one handling device 60 is arranged between the units of each processing arrangement 70, allowing, for example, the transfer of workpieces 20 from the first machining center 10 to the further processing center 90 and / or the process station 80.

[0104] The illustrated machining center 10 or machining arrangement 70 can be used to implement a method for operating at least one machining center 10. The method includes at least a step of moving the transport means 30, which has received at least one workpiece 20 to be machined, to a position (first position) within the machining area 11 of the machining center 10, in particular a corresponding transfer position or machining position, and a step of moving the transport means 30, which has received at least one workpiece 20 machined in the machining area 11 of the machining center 10, to a position (second position) outside the machining area 11.

[0105] The method may further comprise a step of moving the conveying means 30 or the holding device 40 with a rotational degree of freedom outside or inside the processing area 11, thereby realizing, for example, a loading and unloading process of the holding device 40 together with at least one workpiece 20.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the method comprises: - moving the transport means 30, which has received at least one workpiece 20 to be processed, into a position, in particular a transfer or processing position, in the processing area 11, where the workpiece 20 can be processed by the machining unit 15; - transferring at least one workpiece 20 from the holding device 40 to the clamping system 13 of the machining center 10; - machining at least one workpiece 20 clamped by the clamping system 13 in the machining area 11 by means of the machining unit 15; - transferring at least one machined workpiece 20 from a clamping system 13 of the machining center to a holding device 40; - moving the transport means 30, which has received at least one machined workpiece 20, to a position outside the machining center 10; - removing at least one processed workpiece 20 from the conveying means 30.

[0107] The method further comprises: - rotating the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 with a rotational degree of freedom of movement; - mounting the second workpiece 20 to be processed on the holding device 40; - moving the transport means 30 having received the second workpiece 20 to be processed to a position within the processing area 11, in particular to a transfer or processing position where the second workpiece 20 can be processed by the machining unit 15; - transferring at least one second workpiece 20 to be machined from the holding device 40 to the clamping system 13 of the machining center 10; - machining at least one second workpiece 20 clamped by the clamping system 13 in the machining area 11 by means of the machining unit 15; - transferring at least one machined second workpiece 20 from the clamping system 13 of the machining center to a holding device 40; - moving the conveying means 30 receiving at least one machined second workpiece 20 to a position outside the machining center 10; - removing at least one processed second workpiece 20 from the conveying means 30.

[0108] In a more specific embodiment, the method comprises: - moving the transport means 30 with the two workpieces 20 to be machined received into a position, in particular a transfer or processing position within the processing area 11, in which the first workpiece 20 can be machined by the machining unit 15; - transferring the first workpiece 20 to be machined from the holding device 40 to the clamping system 13 of the machining center 10 in the machining area 11; - machining the first workpiece 20 clamped by the clamping system 13 by the machining unit 15; - transferring the machined first workpiece 20 from the clamping system 13 of the machining center to a holding device 40; - moving the conveying means 30 that has received the first workpiece 20 and the (unmachined) second workpiece 20 to a position outside the machining center 10; - removing the processed first object 20 from the conveying means 30; - if necessary, placing the third workpiece 40 to be processed in the holding device 40 in a free receiving area of ​​the holding device 40, for example in the position previously occupied by the first workpiece 20 that was initially received; - rotating the conveying means 30 and / or the holding device 40 with a rotational degree of freedom to position or arrange the machined second workpiece 20 opposite a workpiece holding device, such as a clamping system 13, of the machining center 10; - moving the transport means 30 to a position, in particular a transfer or processing position, in the processing area 11, in which the second workpiece 20 can be processed by the machining unit 15; - transferring the second workpiece 20 to be machined from the holding device 40 to the clamping system 13 of the machine machining center 10; - machining the second workpiece 20 clamped by the clamping system 13 by the machining unit 15; - transferring the processed second workpiece 20 from the clamping system 13 to a holding device 40; - moving the conveying means 30 receiving the machined second workpiece 20 and, optionally, the third workpiece 20, to a position outside the machining center 10; and removing the processed second workpiece 20 from the conveying means 30.

[0109] The corresponding loading and unloading processes of the workpieces 20 can be carried out by corresponding handling devices 60, in particular automatically or in an automated manner.

[0110] Any individual, several, or all of the features disclosed in connection with one particular embodiment may be combined with any individual, several, or all of the features of at least one other embodiment.

Claims

1. A machining center for machining a workpiece, comprising a machining unit arranged in the machining area of ​​the machining center, the machining unit being equipped with a machining tool for machining the workpiece relative to the machining axis, and the machining center, The system includes a conveying means having a holding device for receiving at least two workpieces, The transport means is provided to be movable with one translational degree of freedom between at least a first position inside the machining center and a second position outside the machining center, and the transport means and / or holding device is provided to be movable with one rotational degree of freedom. The conveying means is configured as a slide or carriage guided on a conveying track via at least one bearing device or at least one bearing element, or comprises the slide or carriage. A machining center characterized in that the transport track is formed by the machining table of the machining center.

2. The conveying means and / or holding device is provided so as to be movable between a first position and a second position with a degree of freedom of one rotation, wherein at the first position, a first workpiece received by the holding device is positioned or arranged so as to face the workpiece holding device of the machining center, and at the second position, a second workpiece received by the holding device is positioned or arranged so as to face the workpiece holding device of the machining center, according to claim 1.

3. The machining center according to claim 2, wherein the first position is located relative to the second position.

4. The holding device has a receiving frame, and the receiving frame has, A first holding device that holds a first workpiece or a device system that supports a first workpiece, A machining center according to claim 1, wherein a second holding device is arranged or formed for holding a second workpiece or a device system for supporting a second workpiece.

5. The first holding device has one or more first holding elements that are movable to at least one holding position and at least one non-holding position, wherein in at least one holding position a holding force is formed to hold the first workpiece or the device system that supports the first workpiece, and in at least one non-holding position no holding force is formed to hold the first workpiece or the device system that supports the first workpiece, and / or The machining center according to claim 4, wherein the second holding device has at least one or more second holding elements that are movable to at least one holding position and at least one non-holding position, wherein in at least one holding position a holding force is formed to hold a second workpiece or to hold a device system that supports a second workpiece, and in at least one non-holding position no holding force is formed to hold a second workpiece or to hold a device system that supports a second workpiece.

6. One or more first holding elements are configured as clamps or clamp jaws that act axially and / or radially with respect to the machining axis at each holding position, and / or The machining center according to claim 5, wherein one or more second holding elements are configured as clamps or clamp jaws that act axially and / or radially with respect to the machining axis at each holding position.

7. The machining center according to claim 5, wherein one or more first retaining elements and / or one or more second retaining elements are arranged or formed so as to be distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to the machining axis.

8. A machining center according to claim 1, comprising a drive unit that generates a driving force for operating a transport means and / or a holding device, wherein the driving force for operating the transport means and / or the holding device may be generated through a driving medium supplied from a supply device of the machining center to the drive unit.

9. The machining center according to claim 8, wherein the driving medium may be supplied or supplied through an outlet of the machining center which communicates with an inlet of a conveying means.

10. The drive unit is configured as an electric, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive unit, or the machining center according to claim 8, comprising an electric, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive unit.

11. The machining center according to claim 1, wherein the translational degrees of freedom include motion along the machining axis or an axis parallel to the machining axis.

12. The machining center according to claim 1, further comprising a handling device, the handling device mounting at least one workpiece onto a transport means and / or removing at least one workpiece from the transport means to an unloading position outside the machining center.

13. A machining assembly for machining an object to be machined, A first machining center, which is a machining center according to claim 1, At least one further machining center for machining the workpiece, and / or At least one process station, and At least one handling device, A machining assembly characterized by comprising the following:

14. A method for operating at least one machining center according to claim 1, A process of moving a transport means that has received at least one workpiece to a position within the machining area where the workpiece can be machined by a machining unit, An operating method characterized by including the step of moving a transport means that has received at least one machined workpiece in the machining area of ​​a machining center to a position outside the machining area.

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