Processing centers, especially processing centers for components to be processed such as beams and sheet metal.

Abstract

A machining center comprising: a portal, optionally fixed, having a through opening through which a workpiece to be machined, such as a beam, passes; a supply member for the workpiece, along a linear supply path of the workpiece, the path being oriented along a first translational movement axis and along the insertion of the workpiece through the through opening; and a work unit equipped with an electric spindle for coupling and operating at least one tool, wherein the work unit is supported by first and second linear translational movement members, respectively, along at least first and second translational movement directions, the first and second translational movement directions being perpendicular to the supply direction, and the work unit is connected to A machining center characterized in that it is rotatable about at least two rotation axes perpendicular to the first and second linear translation members, the work unit is further held by a third linear translation member, the third linear translation member is interposed between the work unit and the first and second linear translation members, the third linear translation member is rotatable about two rotation axes perpendicular to each other with respect to the first and second linear translation members, the third linear translation member has the translation direction of the work unit, the translation direction of the work unit is perpendicular to the two rotation axes of the third linear translation member, and one of the rotation axes of the work unit is parallel to the translation direction of the third linear translation member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a processing center for a processing target member such as a beam or a plate material. The processing center is a portal, optionally a fixed type, and has a passage opening through which a processing target member such as a beam to be processed passes. And a supply member for the processing target member along a linear supply path of the processing target member. The path is oriented along a first translation axis of translation and along an insertion through the passage opening of the processing target member. A supply member, a work unit having an electric spindle for coupling and operating at least one tool, the work unit being supported by first and second linear translation members along at least first and second translation directions, respectively. The first and second translation directions are perpendicular to the supply direction, respectively. The work unit is rotatable about at least two rotation axes perpendicular to each other. The work unit is further held by a third linear translation member. The third linear translation member is interposed between the work unit and the first and second linear translation members. The third linear translation member is rotatable about two rotation axes perpendicular to each other with respect to the first and second linear translation members.

Background Art

[0002] This type of processing center is known, for example, from document IT102011901997732, but is not limited thereto.

[0003] In particular, for illustrative purposes only and without limitation, Figure 13 shows a processing center according to the known technology described above. The processing center illustrated in Figure 13 is a so-called fixed portal type processing center for processing wooden beams, and the whole is shown as 10. Such a processing center 10 comprises a loading conveyor 11, an unloading conveyor 12, a central frame 13 supporting work units 14, and a corresponding tool magazine 15. In this illustrative but non-limiting embodiment, the loading conveyor 11, the unloading conveyor 12, and the central frame 13 are pre-assembled to constitute a single block base 16.

[0004] The embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting to the present invention, but include a single block base 16 comprising horizontal longitudinal structural elements 17 to which a loading conveyor 11, a loading / unloading conveyor 12, and a central frame 13 are fixed. The longitudinal structural elements 17 are made of, for example, metal tubular profiles. The loading and unloading conveyors are provided with guides 22 and 23 for the loading clamps 24 and loading / unloading clamps 25, respectively. The loading conveyor 11 and the unloading conveyor 12 are configured to feed the workpiece, or a continuum of workpieces, along a first direction of movement in the X direction, and to supply these workpieces, or portions of workpieces, to a processing station, i.e., a fixed processing portal, in the central frame 13. The conveyors 11 and 12 are interrupted at the position of the central frame 13, which is fixed to the longitudinal structural elements 17 from the front by front mounting elements. This is to allow the passage of tools, as is known in the prior art.

[0005] In this embodiment, the work unit 14 is equipped with a dual-output electric spindle 30, with the first output for the blade (31) and the second output for the milling cutter (31a). However, a single-output electric spindle can be provided instead of the dual-output electric spindle. The electric spindle 30 is mounted on a carriage 32 that is movable in the second Y direction along a corresponding rail 33 on the central frame 13, and is further capable of vertical movement in the third Z direction via a vertical arm 34.

[0006] In particular, the example of the prior art shown demonstrates that the work unit 14 is movable in at least two directions, the Y direction and the Z direction. In this case, the horizontal Y direction is perpendicular to the supply direction of the workpiece to be processed, and the vertical Z direction is the up and down direction. On the other hand, the work unit is rotatable about the Z axis, and the electric spindle 30 is also rotatable and its orientation can be adjusted about an axis perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0007] In one embodiment, the work unit 14 may be provided to be further movable along the X-axis parallel to the supply axis of the part being machined. In this case, it is supported by a carriage structure supported on an additional X-axis oriented guide, on which a guide 33 of the carriage 32 is mounted.

[0008] In the shown configuration, it is clear that the work unit has movement along at least four axes, and possibly five axes.

[0009] With regard to dual-output electric spindles and automatic tool changing mechanisms in particular, this type of electric spindle is known in the prior art, and an example is described in reference IT102016000107750. In this example, the dual-output spindle has a circular saw blade stably fixed to one output, and the opposite output has a mandrel for fixing a tool. Particularly preferably, the tool can be automatically attached and detached by an automatic mechanism implemented according to the example described in the aforementioned reference.

[0010] As is clear from the prior art shown in Figure 13, a processing unit configured to be movable in five axes can perform processing operations on a large number of beams. However, milling cannot be performed on the side of the workpiece facing the support surface defined by the supply conveyor.

[0011] IT1270691 by the same applicant relates to a machine of the type described above. In the machine described in this document, the work surface on which the workpiece to be processed is placed is equipped with at least two crossbeams, which are movable along movable guides along directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to each other. These guides extend along a path corresponding to a processing station. The processing station is equipped with a processing head which can move and be oriented in space according to different directions of movement and / or rotation. Each crossbeam is fitted with one or more workpiece holding heads, which include a holding mechanism that cooperates with the workpiece, and in the shown embodiment are of the suction type, i.e., suction cup type. These heads are movable along each crossbeam in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the crossbeam.

[0012] As is clear, the configuration of this machine includes at least one work head that can perform work only on the side of the workpiece that does not face the crossbeam, i.e., the side that does not face the work surface.

[0013] Therefore, the aforementioned document shows a conveyor composed of multiple crossbars supporting the workpiece to be processed, these crossbars are arranged side by side along the path, oriented laterally with respect to the supply direction of the workpiece to be processed, and are arranged, or can be arranged, at predetermined intervals between adjacent crossbars. - The crossbars are movable, either in conjunction with each other or individually, along guides extending parallel to the supply direction, by actuators for moving them. -Each horizontal bar, or some of the horizontal bars, is provided with a support surface for supporting the member to be processed or multiple members to be processed. -Each crossbar is provided with at least one positioning stopper and / or holding mechanism for positioning or holding the workpiece relative to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, and these stoppers and / or holding mechanisms are movable to either an operating position that interferes with the workpiece to position and / or fix it, or a non-operating position that does not interfere with or fix the workpiece. A control unit is provided, which executes a control program, which incorporates commands for synchronizing and controlling, at least, an electric mechanism for linear translational movement and / or rotation associated with at least one work head, each actuator for moving each crossbar, and a positioning stopper and / or holding mechanism for the workpiece on the crossbar. [Overview of the project]

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a machine that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional machines in the aforementioned type of machine, and that can perform both processing of the freely exposed side surface that is not in contact with the conveyor and processing of the side surface that is in contact with the conveyor, without inverting the workpiece, that is, without requiring an inversion operation to expose the side surface facing the crossbar.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention aims to realize the aforementioned functions in a structurally simple and inexpensive manner, without requiring complex positioning operations for the workpiece, and to operate as quickly and efficiently as possible without causing downtime in the processing steps.

[0016] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, particularly with a processing center for processing target members such as beams and plate materials. The processing center is A portal, which is optionally fixed in type and has a passage opening through which a member to be processed, such as a beam, can pass, A supply member for the workpiece, along a linear supply path of the workpiece, wherein the path is oriented along a first translational movement axis (x) and along the insertion of the workpiece through the passage opening, A work unit equipped with an electric spindle for connecting and operating at least one tool, Equipped with, The work unit is supported by first and second linear translational movement members along at least first and second translational movement directions, and the first and second translational movement directions are perpendicular to the supply direction. The work unit is rotatable about at least two rotation axes perpendicular to each other, The work unit is further held by a third linear translational moving member, The third linear translational moving member is interposed between the work unit and the first and second linear translational moving members. The third linear translational moving member is rotatable about two axes perpendicular to each other with respect to the first and second linear translational moving members. Of the two axes, the first rotation axis is perpendicular to the supply direction of the workpiece and the second rotation axis. The second rotation axis of the two axes is perpendicular to the first rotation axis, parallel to the plane including the supply direction, and further perpendicular to the first and second translational movement directions. The third linear translational moving member is configured such that the translational movement direction of the work unit is perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes of the third linear translational moving member, and one of the rotation axes of the work unit is parallel to the translational movement direction of the third linear translational moving member.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the machining center of the above type is configured such that the movement directions of the first, second, and third linear moving members are all perpendicular to the supply direction of the workpiece to be machined.

[0018] In one embodiment, the parallel linear movement direction defined by the first linear translation movement member is the vertical direction, or a direction mainly having a vertical component. The supply direction of the workpiece is perpendicular to the first linear translational moving member. The second linear translation moving member is perpendicular to the first linear translation moving member and the supply direction of the workpiece, The third linear translational moving member is supported by a combination of the first and second linear translational moving members, and is rotatable about a first rotation axis parallel to the first direction of movement and a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. Furthermore, the third translational movement direction determined by the third linear translational movement member is perpendicular to the first rotation axis of the third linear translational movement member, and parallel to the plane that is parallel to the supply direction and parallel to the translational movement direction of the second linear translational movement member. The work unit is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the translational movement direction defined by the third linear translational movement member and a rotation axis perpendicular to that axis.

[0019] Another further embodiment provides that the translational direction of the first linear translational moving member is vertical, the supply direction of the workpiece is horizontal, the translational direction of the second linear translational moving member is horizontal and perpendicular to the supply direction of the workpiece, and the third translational direction can be arbitrarily oriented in a vertical plane, i.e., perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processing center according to any of the above embodiments is equipped with a supply conveyor in combination with the portal for transporting at least one workpiece or a series of workpieces, wherein the supply conveyor is arranged along a path that extends from a loading station for the workpieces, through the portal or a corresponding position thereafter, through the portal, and then to an unloading station for the workpieces after they have been processed within the portal.

[0021] In an embodiment, the supply conveyor includes a plurality of conveying members for conveying the member to be processed, the plurality of conveying members being composed of a plurality of cross beams that support the member to be processed. The plurality of cross beams are arranged side by side along the path, are oriented transversely with respect to the supply direction of the member to be processed along the path, and are positioned or can be positioned at a predetermined distance from each adjacent cross beam. The cross beams are movable together or individually along a guide extending parallel to the path by an actuator that moves them. A support surface for supporting the member to be processed is provided on each cross beam or a part of the cross beam. At least one positioning stopper and / or a member for holding the member to be processed are provided on each cross beam along the longitudinal direction of the cross beam. The positioning stopper and / or the member for holding the member to be processed are each movable between an operating position for interfering with and / or fixing the member to be processed and a non-operating position where no interference and / or fixing is performed. A control unit is provided, and the control unit executes a control program. The program is encoded with at least instructions for synchronously controlling the translational movement and / or the rotating part of the working unit and the third linear translational movement member, the actuator for moving the cross beam, and / or the positioning stopper and / or the member for holding the member to be processed on the cross beam with each other.

[0022] A machining center, particularly a structural variant of its fixed portal, provides a first support column that is oriented substantially vertically and is slidably mounted vertically within a corresponding vertical guide. The vertical guide is further attached to a carriage slidably mounted on a horizontal guide. A vertical rotating shaft is supported on the first support column, and the axis of rotation of the vertical rotating shaft is parallel or coaxial with the axis of the first support column, or the first support column itself is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A support member for a translational movement guide for a further second translational movement column is fixed to the first support column or the vertical rotating shaft. The translational movement guide is supported by the support member in such a state that it is rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis of the first support column. A rotating shaft is supported on the second translational moving column, and the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft is parallel to or coaxial with the axis of the second translational moving column, or the second translational moving column itself is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The support bracket of the processing unit is fixed to the second translational column or the rotating shaft of the second translational column, and the support bracket is fixed to the second translational column so as to move at least translationally, and is rotatable together with the second translational column or the rotating shaft in the second translational column. The electric spindle of the work unit is mounted on the support bracket so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation of the second translational column and / or the rotation shaft associated with the second translational column, The vertical translational movement of the first support column and the second support column, and / or the rotation of the first or second support column or the corresponding rotating shaft around its longitudinal axis, the translational movement of the carriage of the vertical guide of the first support column, and / or the rotation of the translational movement guide of the second support column relative to an element fixed to the first support column or the rotating shaft provided within the first support column, and furthermore, the rotation of the electric spindle relative to the bracket, are controlled independently of each other by actuation motors controlled by the control unit. The control unit executes a control program, which contains instructions for controlling at least the linear translational movement member and / or rotational movement member of the work unit and the third translational movement member, the actuators that move the crossbeam, and the positioning stopper and / or the workpiece holding member on the crossbeam in a synchronized manner.

[0023] Various moving members, rotating support parts, drive actuators for linear or angular motion, conveyors, control units, and other structural components can be constructed in any manner, including using structural forms similar to those described in the literature cited above.

[0024] For example, in one embodiment, the electric spindle may be configured in accordance with references IT102016000107750 or IT102011901997732, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] Loading and unloading conveyors can be configured to consist of a series of transverse beams that are movable along the lateral axis (y-axis) relative to the portal, supporting the workpiece to be processed and forming a so-called work surface (work plan).

[0026] The workpiece may be placed on two or more of the crossbeams by an automatic or manual system. The precise reference position of the workpiece is defined by stoppers on the crossbeams themselves, thereby defining the precise lower support surface, and side stoppers are provided that have predetermined positions relative to the crossbeams and portals, i.e., the work unit.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the crossbeam is provided with a holding portion for holding the workpiece to be processed, and the workpiece to be processed is fixed in a detachable state.

[0028] The embodiment of the detachable retaining part can be configured by means of, or in combination with, a mechanically fixed retaining part and / or a suction cup.

[0029] Therefore, the crossbeam is controlled to grasp each workpiece at a predetermined position and move it along a path defined by a guide provided on the crossbeam, thereby transporting the workpiece to the work unit.

[0030] The movement of the crossbeam is controlled by a control unit, allowing the crossbeam to be appropriately positioned and rearranged at any desired location on the workpiece, enabling machining to be performed on any part of its surface.

[0031] The portal may be associated with multiple work units, each work unit comprising at least one motorized spindle having a single output axis or two output axes. Alternatively, two or more work units may be supported by a combination of moving and rotating members along one or more axes, as described above, which may apply to each work unit or to some of the units. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the portal may be associated with at least one automated tool changing system, which includes a storage area for automatic tool storage and automatic tool retrieval by the motorized spindle itself.

[0032] Furthermore, the portal can provide different configurations for the work unit. In the first example, the work unit is single-headed, meaning it has a single motorized spindle at one end of the third column. According to one embodiment, the column constituting the third translational moving member may be equipped with one electric spindle at each end of the column. According to the third embodiment, an electric spindle is provided at one end of the column of the third translational moving member, and a cutting tool such as a circular blade and a corresponding rotary drive motor are arranged at the opposite end of the column.

[0033] In any case, at least part of the electric spindle may be of a type suitable for automatic tool changing, or one or more of the electric spindles may be fixedly coupled to the tool. The tool may be of any type, such as a milling cutter, drill bit, or other rotary-driven tool.

[0034] Other features are the subject of dependent claims.

[0035] The advantages of the present invention are clearly demonstrated from the above and the following description.

[0036] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an overall perspective view of a machining center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the processing center shown in Figure 2, viewed from opposite directions, and show the state in which the workpieces to be processed are loaded onto the loading / unloading conveyor. [Figure 3] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the processing center shown in Figure 2, viewed from opposite directions, and show the state in which the workpieces to be processed are loaded onto the loading / unloading conveyor. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a side view of the workpiece to be processed, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the supply direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view of the processing center shown in Figures 1 to 4, from a viewing direction parallel to the supply direction of the workpiece to be processed. [Figure 6] Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, and 6I show the different stages of operation performed by the work unit using the machining center of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figures 7 to 11 show various viewpoints of a work unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a three-axis movement and four-axis rotation movement system supports two work heads, one of which is composed of an electric spindle and the other of a circular cutting blade. [Figure 8] Figures 7 to 11 show various viewpoints of a work unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a three-axis movement and four-axis rotation movement system supports two work heads, one of which is composed of an electric spindle and the other of a circular cutting blade. [Figure 9]Figures 7 to 11 show various viewpoints of a work unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a three-axis movement and four-axis rotation movement system supports two work heads, one of which is composed of an electric spindle and the other of a circular cutting blade. [Figure 10] Figures 7 to 11 show various viewpoints of a work unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a three-axis movement and four-axis rotation movement system supports two work heads, one of which is composed of an electric spindle and the other of a circular cutting blade. [Figure 11] Figures 7 to 11 show various viewpoints of a work unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a three-axis movement and four-axis rotation movement system supports two work heads, one of which is composed of an electric spindle and the other of a circular cutting blade. [Figure 12] Figure 12, similar to Figure 8, shows one embodiment of the work unit 4''. This work unit is configured according to the specifications described in European Patent Application Publication No. 2799174. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a processing center according to an embodiment provided in the prior art. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Referring to Figures 1-5, a processing center according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a conveyor 2. The conveyor 2 is particularly horizontally arranged and consists of a pair of guides 201 that are parallel to each other and arranged along the supply direction of the workpiece P to be processed. The conveyor passes through a position corresponding to a processing portal 1.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the portal 1 is positioned in the middle of the longitudinal extension of the conveyor 2 along the supply direction of the workpiece to be processed, and defines the loading end of the workpiece P, the supply end to the portal, and the loading / unloading end on the opposite side.

[0040] The conveyor according to the illustrated embodiment is composed of a plurality of crossbeams 3. These crossbeams 3 are arranged perpendicular to the supply direction of the workpiece P toward and passing through the portal 1, that is, the crossbeams 3 are arranged perpendicular to the guide 201, and these crossbeams 3 are engaged to slide on the guide 201.

[0041] The crossbeam is movable along the guide 201 by a driven actuator.

[0042] It is possible to provide a single drive actuator for all the crossbeams, or for each group consisting of a portion of the crossbeams, or to provide an individual and independent drive-type moving actuator for each crossbeam 3, or for at least some of the crossbeams 3.

[0043] For example, a pair of guides may be provided with one or more racks, and the pinion of each driven moving actuator attached to each crossbeam engages with the rack at one point or two points spaced apart on the crossbeam. In one embodiment, the racks may be fixed to one or both guides, and motors with pinions on each crossbeam may be positioned to engage with either of the racks. Each motor of each driven actuator is controlled by a control unit that executes a control program that moves the workpiece to be machined according to progression steps that correspond to the planned machining operation.

[0044] The drive-type movable actuators of the crossbeams 3 are controlled by a control unit (details not shown). This control unit may be part of a control station located within the structure of portal 1, for example. The control unit can take the form of a processor such as a PLC that executes control software. In this case, the control software also includes commands that instruct the operation and stopping of the drive-type movable actuators of the crossbeams 3 in synchronization with the functions of other machining processes. For example, if each crossbeam, or some of the crossbeams, or different groups of crossbeams is provided with its own individual and dedicated drive-type movable actuator, the control software executed by the control unit also includes commands that synchronize these crossbeams and / or groups of crossbeams and execute actions such as at least one crossbeam moving relative to one or more other crossbeams, or a group of crossbeams moving relative to other crossbeams or other groups of crossbeams, or an action that moves all or part of the crossbeams together without relative movement.

[0045] The machining portal 1 can be configured in any way, and in this exemplary embodiment, it includes an upper horizontal guide 401. This upper guide 401 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the support surface of the workpiece P, which is formed by the upper support surfaces of each crossbeam 3.

[0046] Along the upper horizontal guide 401, the vertical movement guide 402 of the upper work head 4 moves on the carriage or sliding thread. That is, this work head performs machining on the side of the workpiece facing the crossbeam 3, or on a side having a directional component perpendicular to the work surface or the support surface of the crossbeam 3.

[0047] A vertical column 403 having a vertical axis is slidably attached to the vertical guide 402. The vertical column 403 has a rotating support 404 at its lower end, and the rotating support 404 is supported so as to be rotatable around a vertical rotation axis relative to the vertical column 403. The vertical rotation axis may coincide with the axis of the column 403, as shown by RV in the figure. Furthermore, a slide guide 405 that is rotatable around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis is fixed to the rotating support 404, and a column 406 that is further movable vertically is attached on this slide guide 405. The horizontal rotation axis is shown by RO in the figure.

[0048] Column 406 constitutes the third translational moving member of the work unit 4 and includes a U-shaped bracket 407 fixed to the end of column 406. This bracket 407 rotatably holds an electric spindle 409, the axis of rotation AO being perpendicular to the vertical axis of the second column 406. Furthermore, the U-shaped end bracket 407 is fixed rotatably parallel to the vertical axis of column 406 (or optionally aligned with the vertical axis), the axis of rotation being indicated by AR.

[0049] Although not shown in detail, each movement (translational and / or rotational movement) of the elements constituting the work unit 4 is controlled by a driven actuator, which is not shown in detail.

[0050] Synchronous control of each driven actuator is performed by a control station appropriately configured to operate the driven actuators of the work unit's moving system in synchronization with the control of the driven moving actuators of the crossbeam 3.

[0051] The control station may include a computer control unit, that is, one equipped with a CPU and executing a control program. This control program contains coded commands for synchronously controlling the drive actuators to advance the workpiece toward the portal and for moving the work unit in space corresponding to the desired machining operation.

[0052] In the example shown in the diagram, the portal is equipped with multiple work units, each supported by two moving systems, indicated as SM1 and SM2 in the diagram.

[0053] The specific configuration of the SM2 system will be explained in more detail below.

[0054] Figures 6A to 6I show different discrete positioning steps for the work unit 4, i.e., the electric spindle, which allows the work unit to perform machining from the lower surface of the workpiece P, i.e., the side facing the work surface or the crossbeam 3.

[0055] The initial position 6A corresponds to the position shown in Figures 1 to 5, where the work unit, i.e., the milling cutter mounted on the electric spindle 409 in this example, is in a position to machine the top surface and, if necessary, the sides and edges of the workpiece P. Column 406 is positioned parallel to the vertical column 403. Column 403 and / or column 406, or both, are moved downward as shown in Figures 6B and 6C. After reaching the lowest position, column 406 is sequentially rotated around the rotation axis AO from the vertical position to the horizontal position, taking the horizontal position as shown in Figures 6D to 6F. Figure 6G shows how column 406 moves along its longitudinal axis to position the work unit 4 relative to the workpiece P (not shown).

[0056] In step 6H, the column 406 and bracket 407 are rotated together, or only the bracket 407 is rotated around the AR axis relative to the column 406, to move the rotation axis of the work unit 4 to a horizontal position. As shown in Figure 6I, in this horizontal position, the work unit 4 can rotate upward with the machining tool facing the working position relative to the lower surface of the workpiece P (see Figure 6I).

[0057] Figures 6A to 6I do not show the yaw rotation of column 406, i.e., the possible rotation due to rotation around the longitudinal axis of column 403. Figures 7 to 11 show various views of the SM2 mobile system according to the left-hand embodiment of Figures 1 to 5. In this embodiment, the difference from the right-hand modification described in detail above (mobile system SM1 with work unit 4) is that work units are provided at both ends of column 406. In the figures, these work units are shown as 4' and 4''. Work unit 4' is substantially identical to work unit 4, whereas work unit 4'' consists of a rotary cutting blade mounted on a rotary drive motor indicated as 410 as a whole.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11, the rotary cutting blade of unit 4'' is stably coupled to column 406 and cannot be replaced or interchanged with other work units. However, it is also possible to provide an embodiment in which work unit 4'' is composed of an electric spindle that can alternately mount tools that can be selected from a number of different processing tools.

[0059] As is clear from the figure, by moving columns 403 and 406 parallel to their longitudinal axes, horizontally moving them in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the workpiece P, and rotating and oscillating them with respect to the axes RV, RO, AO, and AR defined above, it is possible to alternately use the work tool 4' or work tool 4'' and apply it to the workpiece along various inclination angles and paths, and this can be applied to the top surface, side edges, and even the bottom surface of the workpiece P.

[0060] The solutions illustrated in the embodiments should be considered merely illustrative examples to illustrate more general technical teachings of the present invention.

[0061] Alternative solutions are feasible within the scope of the basic technical knowledge possessed by engineers in the field, and can be easily understood by illustrating and describing exemplary solutions in the illustrated and described embodiments.

[0062] Therefore, for example, from Figures 7 to 11, it can be seen that, as an embodiment of axial translation of columns 403 and 406, a configuration is shown in which a pinion and a rack 411 that engage with the sliding guides 401 and 405, respectively, are provided.

[0063] With respect to the vertical axis RV and the rotation of column 406 around axis AR, columns 403 and / or 406 are composed of cylindrical tube sleeves with racks 411, within which another cylindrical member is rotatably mounted coaxially. The rotation can be driven, for example, by an electric cylindrical motor or by other means.

[0064] With respect to Figure 12, the work unit 4'' is configured as an embodiment comprising a dual-output electric spindle. This spindle includes an electric motor, with one end of its shaft rotatably coupled to a milling tool (indicated as 40) and the other end rotating a circular saw blade (indicated as 41). The dual-output electric spindle is mounted on an angled support head 42 that is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the motor axis, and the head itself rotates about axis AR. A detailed example of this type of dual-output spindle is described in European Patent Application Publication No. 2799174.

[0065] This embodiment provides even more degrees of freedom, making it possible to place milling heads at both ends of the column 406. One of the heads is configured to be interchangeable with a circular saw 41.

Claims

1. In particular, a processing center for processing target members such as beams and plate materials, - A portal (1), which is optionally fixed and has a passage opening through which a member to be processed, such as a beam, passes, - A supply member (2, 3) for the workpiece (P) along a linear supply path of the workpiece (P), wherein the path is oriented along a first translational movement axis (x) and along insertion of the workpiece through the passage opening, - A work unit (4, 4', 4'') equipped with an electric spindle (409) for connecting and operating at least one tool, Equipped with, The work unit (4, 4', 4'') is supported by first and second linear translational movement members (401, 403) along at least first and second translational movement directions (y, z), and the first and second translational movement directions are perpendicular to the supply direction (x), The work unit (4, 4', 4'') is rotatable about at least two rotation axes (AO, AR) perpendicular to each other, The work unit (4, 4', 4'') is further held by a third linear translational moving member (406), The third linear translational moving member (406) is interposed between the work unit (4, 4', 4'') and the first and second linear translational moving members (401, 403). The third linear translational moving member (406) is rotatable around two axes perpendicular to each other with respect to the first and second linear translational moving members (401, 403), Of the two axes, the first rotation axis (RV) is perpendicular to the supply direction (x) of the workpiece (P) and the second rotation axis (RO). Of the two axes, the second rotation axis (RO) is perpendicular to the first rotation axis (RV), parallel to the plane containing the supply direction (x), and further perpendicular to the first and second translational movement directions (y, z). The third linear translational moving member (406) has a translational movement direction of the work unit, and the translational movement direction of the work unit is perpendicular to the first rotation axis (RV) and the second rotation axis (RO) of the third linear translational moving member (406). One of the rotation axes (AR) of the work unit is parallel to the translational movement direction of the third linear translational moving member (406). A processing center characterized by the following features.

2. The translational movement directions (y, z) of the first and second linear translational moving members (401, 403) are perpendicular to the supply direction (x) of the workpiece to be processed. The translational direction of the third linear translational moving member (406) lies within the vertical plane, that is, it is parallel to the translational direction (y) of the first linear translational moving member (401). The processing center according to claim 1.

3. The parallel linear movement direction (z) defined by the first linear translation movement member (403) is a vertical direction, or a direction mainly having a vertical component. The supply direction (x) of the workpiece (P) is perpendicular to the first linear translational moving member (z), The second linear translation moving member (y) of the second linear translation moving member (401) is perpendicular to the first linear translation moving member (z) and the supply direction (x) of the workpiece (P), The third linear translational moving member (406) is supported by a combination of the first and second linear translational moving members (401, 403), and is rotatable about a first rotation axis (RV) parallel to the first direction of movement (z) and a second rotation axis (RO) perpendicular to the first rotation axis (RV). Furthermore, the third translational movement direction determined by the third linear translational movement member (406) is perpendicular to the first rotation axis (RV) of the third linear translational movement member (406), parallel to the supply direction (x), and parallel to the plane parallel to the translational movement direction (x) of the second linear translational movement member (401). The work unit (4, 4', 4'') is rotatable about a rotation axis (AR) parallel to the translational movement direction defined by the third linear translational movement member (406) and a rotation axis (AO) perpendicular to that axis. The processing center according to claim 1.

4. The translational movement direction (z) of the first linear translational movement member (403) is the vertical direction. The supply direction (x) of the workpiece (P) is horizontal. The translational movement direction (y) of the second linear translational movement member (401) is horizontal and perpendicular to the supply direction (x) of the workpiece (P). The third translational direction can be arbitrarily oriented in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, i.e., within the vertical plane. The processing center according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The processing center is equipped with a supply conveyor (2, 3) that transports at least one workpiece (P) or a series of workpieces (P) in combination with the portal (1), The supply conveyors (2, 3) are arranged along a path that extends from the loading station for the workpiece (P) to the loading / unloading station for the workpiece (P) after it has been processed within the portal (1), passing through the portal (1) or a corresponding position thereafter. The supply conveyor (2, 3) includes a plurality of transport members (3) for transporting the workpiece (P), the plurality of transport members (3) is composed of a plurality of crossbeams that support the workpiece (P), the plurality of crossbeams are arranged side by side along the path (2), are oriented laterally with respect to the supply direction (x) of the workpiece (P) along the path, and are positioned or can be positioned at a predetermined distance from adjacent crossbeams. - The crossbeams are movable together or individually along guides (201) that extend parallel to the path by actuators that move them, - Each crossbeam or a part of the crossbeam is provided with a support surface for supporting the member to be processed (P), - Each crossbeam (3) is provided with at least one positioning stopper and / or workpiece holder along the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam, and the positioning stopper and / or workpiece holder is movable to an operating position for interference with and / or fixing of the workpiece, and to a non-operating position where interference and / or fixing does not occur. - A control unit is provided, which executes a control program, and the program encodes instructions for synchronizing and controlling at least the translational movement and / or rotational movement of the work unit and the third linear translational movement member, the actuator for moving the crossbeam, and / or the positioning stopper and / or the member holding member for the work to be processed on the crossbeam. A processing center according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned processing center further, A first support column (403) is substantially oriented vertically and mounted to be slidable vertically within a corresponding vertical guide (402). Equipped with, The vertical guide (402) is further mounted on a carriage (401) which is slidably mounted on a horizontal guide. A vertical rotating shaft is supported on the first support column (403), and the axis of rotation (RV) of the vertical rotating shaft is parallel to or coaxial with the axis of the first support column (403), or the first support column (403) itself is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A support member (404) for a translational movement guide (405) for a further second translational movement column (406) is fixed to the first support column (403) or the vertical rotation shaft. The translational movement guide (405) is supported by the support member (404) so ​​as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (RO) perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis of the first support column (403), A rotating shaft is supported on the second translational moving column (406), and the axis of rotation (AR) of the rotating shaft is parallel to or coaxial with the axis of the second translational moving column (406), or the second translational moving column (406) itself is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The support bracket (407) of the processing unit is fixed to the second translational moving column (406) or the rotating shaft of the second translational moving column (406), and the support bracket (407) is fixed to the second translational moving column (406) so as to move at least translationally, and is rotatable together with the second translational moving column (406) or the rotating shaft within the second translational moving column (406), The electric spindle (409) of the work unit (4, 4', 4'') is mounted on the support bracket (407) so as to be rotatable about the axis (AR) of the second translational column (406) and / or the rotation axis (AO) perpendicular to the rotation shaft associated with the second translational column (406), The vertical translational movement (z) of the first support column (403) and the second translational movement column (406), and / or the rotation of the first or second support column (403, 406) or the corresponding rotating shaft around its longitudinal axis (RV, AR), the translational movement of the carriage (401) of the vertical guide (402) of the first support column (403), and / or the rotation of the translational movement guide (405) of the second support column (407) relative to an element (404) fixed to the first support column (403) or the rotating shaft provided within the first support column (403), and furthermore, the rotation of the electric spindle (409) relative to the bracket (407) are controlled independently of each other by actuation motors controlled by the control unit. The control unit executes a control program, which encodes instructions for controlling at least the linear translation members (401, 402, 403) and / or rotating members of the work unit (4, 4', 4'') and the third translational moving members (405, 406), the actuators that move the crossbeam (3), and the positioning stopper and / or the member holding member for the workpiece (P) on the crossbeam (3) in a synchronized manner. A processing center according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The work unit is equipped with a dual-output electric spindle, that is, a motor-driven spindle shaft to which different tools can be attached to both ends, or to which interchangeable tools selected from a plurality of different tools can be attached, and / or a rotating blade is stably and dynamically coupled to one end of the drive shaft. A processing center according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The bracket is configured in an angular shape with two branches perpendicular to each other, one of which is fixed to the third linear translational moving member (406), and the other of which supports the electric spindle. The bracket is rotatable around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third linear translational member (406), and the spindle (409) is fixed to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the other branch of the bracket. A processing center according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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