Method and system for switching workpieces

Abstract

In a method for switching a workpiece (W) fixed to a pallet (P1), after one surface (14) of the workpiece has been machined in a horizontal machine tool (M), the machined surface (14) of the workpiece (W) is brought to a transfer position (AP) facing the direction with respect to the pallet support (T) by the pallet (P1), an additional pallet (P2) is provided to the pallet support (T), and the workpiece is first transferred with the machined surface (14) onto the clamping devices (9, 10) of the additional pallet (P2) and is again induced into the tool (M) together with the additional pallet. In a system (S) for switching, the pallet support (T) has a positioning device (11), by which the semi-machined workpiece (W) can be transferred with the machined surface (14) first to the clamping device (9) of the additional pallet (P2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a system according to the preamble of claim 12.

Background Art

[0002] In the method known from International Publication No. 2021 / 047838, a semi-machined workpiece is removed from a support provided at the bottom, for example, to a setup station, by a conveying device, together with a pallet that supports the workpiece during machining, with the machining surface facing upward, from a horizontal (horizontal) machining center. At the setup station, the workpiece is manually transferred on the pallet from the front side to the rear side with the assistance of auxiliary devices such as personnel and a lifting device. Thereafter, the workpiece is returned to the horizontal machining center, for example, for finishing. This is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0003] When this relates to workpieces made of light metals or light metal alloys and used, for example, as aircraft parts, they can have B:L dimensions of about 4 to 6 meters and a weight of several tons as blanks. After the first machining step, the workpiece may still have a weight exceeding 1 ton, and accordingly, it may be difficult to operate. And this completed workpiece still has a weight of several hundred kilograms. The blanks may not be machined at this point, or they may already show partial machining.

[0004] Machining is performed, for example, in two steps on a pallet in a horizontal machining center (stand-alone operation), and the second step is performed after switching and re-clamping the workpiece, or is performed in a cell composed of a plurality of horizontal machining centers. The re-clamped workpiece is finish-machined in different horizontal machining centers in the second step.

[0005] In a horizontal machining center, the workpiece to be machined can be quickly moved according to the machining position on the horizontal machining center. During this time, the workpiece that has just been machined can be removed and moved along with its pallet. For example, two pallets can be temporarily held back-to-back on the pivot arm and pallet support. Alternatively, in a horizontal machining center, only one pallet can be operated, regardless of whether a workpiece is present or not.

[0006] Further prior art can be found in International Publication Nos. 2021 / 047837 and International Publication Nos. 2021 / 047836. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The fundamental objective of the present invention is to provide a method and system of the type described at the beginning, thereby at least simplifying the necessary switching or reclamping of semi-machined workpieces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by the method described in claim 1 and the system described in claim 13.

[0009] In this method, the pallet containing the semi-machined workpiece is first moved to a rotated transfer position when it is repositioned relative to the pallet support in the horizontal machining center, pivoting and rotating in particular so that the machined surface of the semi-machined workpiece faces outward from the machine, and then moved to an additional empty pallet with a workpiece clamping device for the workpiece. At the pallet transfer position, the semi-machined workpiece is transferred to the clamping device on the other pallet and later returned to the machining position, or it is first removed together with the other pallet, and then the transferred workpiece is already positioned and clamped again on the other pallet, so this time-consuming and laborious step, which was previously done manually, is no longer necessary.

[0010] Therefore, the essential advantage of this method is that workpiece switching can be performed quickly, and moreover, automatically and unattended.

[0011] In this system, multiple movement options for the pivot arm and the pallet support that can rotate on it are also used to prepare and execute automated transfers without manual intervention.

[0012] In this method and system, transport can be performed on workpieces and pallets in a horizontal or at least essentially vertical position, with the horizontal position being preferred.

[0013] With the assistance of the positioning device on the pallet support, an additional pallet, preferably positioned horizontally therein, can be aligned with the clamping abutments of the semi-machined workpiece, along with its clamping device. The semi-machined workpiece, together with the pallet, is in a horizontal transport position such that the machined surface of the workpiece faces the additional pallet on the pallet transport device. The workpiece is then transported onto the clamping device of the additional pallet and released from the pallet by relative upward and / or downward movements between the additional pallet and the pallet. Thus, after transport, the semi-machined workpiece lies in a re-clamped position on the additional pallet, where it does not require external intervention. Relative upward and / or downward movements can be linearly generated by the positioning device on the pallet support to linearly engage the clamping abutments with the clamping device of the additional pallet by raising the additional pallet, and to return the additional pallet with the transported workpiece back onto the support. Alternatively, a pallet with a semi-machined workpiece can be lowered from the machining position to the transport position using a pivot arm and pallet support, thereby bringing together the clamping device of the other pallet and the clamping joint of the workpiece in an arc motion around the pivot axis of the pivot arm.

[0014] However, it is preferable to initially maintain one pallet in a horizontal transport position at a certain distance above the other pallet. To transport the workpiece, the other pallet is aligned with the workpiece and, only at that time or while doing so, is raised in the direction of the pallet's transport position. Subsequently, the workpiece clamping device of the other pallet engages with the clamping joint of the workpiece, releasing the workpiece from its attachment to the pallet. The workpiece is transported, and the pallet becomes empty. The upward movement is linear to ensure secure engagement of the clamping device with the clamping joint. This modification is preferred.

[0015] Alternatively, a rotating pallet having a semi-machined workpiece, with its machined surface facing downward relative to the other pallet, can be lowered by a pivot arm and pallet support to a lower transfer position until the workpiece is transferred to the clamping device of the other pallet. In this case, the clamping device of the other pallet is joined to the clamping device on the workpiece by an arc motion around the pivot axis of the pivot arm, provided that the clamping device and the clamping joint can engage with each other appropriately in this manner.

[0016] Furthermore, before the other pallet is removed, it is preferable to pivot the empty pallet on the horizontal machining center upward so that it is out of the movement path of the other pallet containing the workpiece, in order to avoid a collision.

[0017] After additional pallets containing workpieces are removed, for example, by a bottom-side transport device combined with a support, the empty pallets are rotated and stacked (deposited) until their setup surface faces upward. The empty pallets can then be transported away, for example, by a pallet transport device, to a setup station that can preferably be equipped with new blanks, or to a pallet stock.

[0018] The removed additional pallets may be returned to the horizontal machining center along with the workpiece for machining the opposite side of the workpiece, or to another horizontal machining center, or to a pallet stock, such as a pallet rack. In principle, blanks, finished parts, and, if necessary, semi-machined parts are always moved with the pallets in variations of this method.

[0019] According to this method, it is preferable that the switching of workpieces, as well as the supply and removal of blanks and finished parts as needed, be performed in an automatically controlled manner within the system, so that each step is performed quickly and unattended, without the need for auxiliary equipment.

[0020] In another variation of the method, blanks and finished parts are supplied and removed separately, i.e., from top to bottom and without pallets.

[0021] In this case, you simply need to use the two palettes alternately.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the system, a fixed distance between the pallet and an additional pallet is adjustable in the horizontal transport position, and this distance is traversed by the additional pallet, which is aligned for the transport of the workpiece during the linear upward movement of the support. In this way, the clamping device is securely engaged with the clamping joint. However, the system can also be adapted so that the workpiece comes into contact with the additional pallet and is transported in a further lowered transport position.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device for the additional pallet has a hydraulically operated bore clamp. The clamping joint of the workpiece is a bore or blind bore in the workpiece, which is manufactured, for example, during machining and used to engage with the bore clamp. Such a bore clamp has, for example, an expandable mandrel and a stopper for the workpiece. However, other types of clamping devices can also be used if they can handle large masses and ensure high precision.

[0024] It is preferable for the system to have at least one control system, preferably a programmable control system, connected to the pivot arm, the pallet support, and the positioning device of the pallet support, or further to the drive of the support device (drive), so that the workpiece can be automatically switched.

[0025] In one embodiment, the pallet support can be combined with a conveying device for operating only the pallet, for example, a roller conveyor equipped with drive rollers, or a rail-carriage unit on the bottom side.

[0026] Particularly important is the configuration of the system with a conveying device for separate supply and removal of blanks and finished parts from the upper and external parts of the machine, as well as to the upper and external parts. This conveying device may be, for example, a lifting device, a robot, or a movable conveying frame.

[0027] Whether or not there is a pallet on the bottom-side conveying device, when the workpiece is supplied and removed in a vertical or almost vertical (slightly inclined) position with the surface of the workpiece parallel to the machining area in the machine, it is preferable to provide a horizontal positioning device on the conveying device or the support to facilitate the loading of the workpiece into the machine and the unloading of the workpiece from the machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The subject matter of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of a horizontal machining center equipped with a pallet operation system for workpiece switching at the stage where the workpiece is currently being machined or has just been machined. [Figure 2] It is another stage at the start of workpiece switching. [Figure 3] This is another stage before the workpiece change. [Figure 4] This is the stage when the workpiece switchover is complete. [Figure 5] This is the stage after the workpiece has been switched. [Figure 6] This is another stage before removing the switched workpiece. [Figure 7] This involves removing the switched workpiece. [Figure 8] This is the stage before removing the empty pallets. [Figure 9] This is the stage in which the empty pallets are being removed. [Figure 10] This involves removing the empty pallets. [Figure 11] This involves the supply of new or replaced workpieces. [Figure 12] This is another embodiment of the system. [Figure 13] This is another embodiment of the system for carrying out further modifications of the method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] In Figure 1, a workpiece, not shown in Figure 1 but fixed on a pallet P1, is machined, for example, by metal cutting, in the machining area 1 of a horizontal machining center M. The pallet P1 is fixed in the machining area 1 at the approximately vertical working position shown. Since the workpiece is machined on both sides, after machining one side, it must be switched or reclamped so that the other side can also be machined.

[0031] A horizontal machining center M is provided with a system S used to operate a pallet, for example, P1. The system S comprises two parallel, synchronous, pivotable pivot arms 4, each having a drive unit 5, to which a pallet support 2 is rotatably attached and driven by the drive unit 3. The pallet support 2 holds each pallet P1 at both front ends by engaging elements (not shown) and rotates the pallet P1 on the pivot arms 4, while the pivot arms 4 are provided to rotate the pallet by approximately 90°. The pivot arms are connected to each other in a torque-proof manner, for example, via a transverse shaft 6.

[0032] System S also includes a pallet support T positioned in front of a horizontal machining center M. In the non-limiting case shown, this is a rail carriage unit having a rail section 7 on which, for example, a carriage 8 can be moved. In the pallet support T, for example, on or near the carriage 8, a positioning device 11 is provided, which plays a role in horizontally aligning an additional pallet P2 lying horizontally on the carriage 8, i.e., aligning it in the direction corresponding to the travel distance 7 and in the direction perpendicular thereto, and also raising and lowering it vertically in a linear fashion (arrow 11'). On the additional pallet P2, a clamping device 9 is provided, which has, for example, a plurality of bore clamps 10 that can be hydraulically actuated to fix and hold workpieces. The drive units 3, 5 and the positioning device 11 are connected, for example, to separate, preferably programmable, control systems CU1, CU2, or a common control system to perform at least one unmanned automatic workpiece switching by System S, as shown in the following figures.

[0033] In Figure 1, a fixed pallet P1 is shown in the machining area 1. The pallet support 2 is configured to hold two pallets back-to-back simultaneously, for example, to reduce the time required to change from one machined workpiece to the next to be machined. The pallet support 2 engages with devices (Figure 11, engaging elements 16, 17), shown in two ways here, but not in more detail, on the front side of the pallet being operated, so that each pallet can be individually placed in and removed from the horizontal machining center M.

[0034] The second pallet P2 shown in Figure 1 is provided on a support T, for example, a table, to receive at least one semi-machined workpiece W from pallet P1.

[0035] In Figure 2, the pallet P1 on which the workpiece W is fixed is pivoted by the pivot arm 4 towards the pallet support T or the other pallet P2 after machining is complete. The workpiece W still has its machined surface facing the horizontal machining center M.

[0036] In the next stage, as shown in Figure 3, the pallet P1 reaches a rotated horizontal transport position AP, that is, according to a non-limiting modification of the process, the pivot arm 4 is pivoted and the pallet support 2 is rotated on the pivot arm 4 (arrow 19) and fixed in place. At this transport position AP, the machined surface of the workpiece W facing the other pallet P2 is at a perpendicular distance from the clamping device 9 of the other pallet P2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the additional pallet P2 is positioned by the positioning device 11 of the carriage 8 so that the clamping device 9 is aligned with an engaging element 10 in the form of a bore clamp that can be actuated by the hydraulics of the additional pallet P2 on, for example, the clamp joint 18 of the workpiece W (shown by a dashed line in Figure 6, which is drilled during machining or as a blind hole). Furthermore, the additional pallet P2 is lifted vertically in the direction of arrow 11' until the clamping device 9 of the additional pallet P2 engages with the clamp joint 18 of the workpiece W, thereby releasing the fixation of the workpiece W to the pallet P1 and transferring the workpiece to the additional pallet P2 so that the machined surface faces the set-up side of the additional pallet P2 without contacting the additional pallet P2.

[0038] In the next stage, as shown in Figure 5, the additional pallet P2 with the transported workpiece W is lowered onto the support T, thereby allowing the empty free pallet P1 (its setup surface indicated by 12) to remove the additional pallet P2. However, the pivot arm 4 still obstructs the movement path of the other pallet 2, and therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the pivot arm 4, along with pallet P1, is first moved upward from the movement path of the other pallet P2 in the pallet transport device P. Only then, as shown in Figure 7, the additional pallet P2 with the workpiece W fixed on top (its unmachined surface identified by 13) is removed to, for example, the setup station R or pallet stock, or again to the same or another horizontal machining center M, so that the surface 13 of the workpiece W can also be machined. The machined surface of the workpiece W facing the additional pallet P2 is indicated by 14, which is at a certain distance 15 from the additional pallet P2, i.e., on a clamping device 9 of the additional pallet, for example, an engaging bore clamp 10, the clamping device 9 may also have a clamp joint 18, for example, a stop for the workpiece W that is hydraulically expanded into a bore or blind bore in the workpiece W and supports the clamped workpiece.

[0039] The process between transferring the workpiece W to an additional pallet P2 and temporarily removing the additional pallet P2, as described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5, is a modification of the non-limiting method as previously stated. One advantage of this modification is that the clamping device 9 can engage with the clamping joint 18 of the workpiece W with linear vertical movement.

[0040] However, if the additional pallet clamping devices 9, 10 and the workpiece clamping joints 18 do not allow precisely linear converging movements, the pallet P1 does not need to be stopped at the transport position AP shown in Figures 3 to 5. Instead, the pivot arm 4 can further lower the pallet P1 until the workpiece W comes into contact with the clamping devices 9, 10 of the other pallet P2 at this lower transport position (not shown) and is thereby held horizontally by the pallet support 2. The convergence of the clamping devices 9, 10 and the clamping joints 18 is then performed by an arc motion about a pivot axis defined by the pivot arm 4 in the system S.

[0041] After the stage shown in Figure 7, a new additional pallet P2 containing either unmachined or semi-finished workpieces may be supplied and transported, secured (not shown), and / or subsequently removed while the previously empty pallet P1 is being switched over, as shown in Figures 8-10, or stacked on a support T, as shown in Figure 12.

[0042] In other words, the empty pallet P1 can be removed from the horizontal machining center M via the carriage 8, as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10. The removed and empty pallet P1 can be transported to a setup station (not shown) to re-clamp the blank as a workpiece, or to the pallet stock. According to Figure 10, the pivot arm 4 pivots upward to a ready position, so to speak, and the pallet support 2 can also be positioned to take over a pallet to be delivered later. A new machining cycle can then be started.

[0043] As shown in Figure 11, the additional pallet P2 on the carriage 8 is, for example, the additional pallet P2 that was previously removed, on which the workpiece W is fixed with the unmachined surface 13 facing upward. However, it may also be another additional pallet P2' on which another workpiece W' that has not yet been machined on surface 13 is fixed, or it may be blank.

[0044] In the methods shown in Figures 1 to 11, blanks, semi-finished parts, and finished parts are transported on pallets P1, P2, and P1'.

[0045] The additional pallet P2, transported to a separate location along with the semi-machined workpiece W according to Figure 7, may alternatively be transported to another horizontal machining center (not shown) for further machining.

[0046] The bore clamp 10 and the clamp joint 18 on the workpiece W, described as clamping device 9, are merely one non-limiting option for configuring additional clamping devices on the pallet P2. Any other clamping devices can be provided on the pallet P2, which can support the relatively heavy weight of the workpiece W and, if necessary, stably support the workpiece W during machining in the horizontal machining center M.

[0047] In this technology, the system S described for operating pallets P1 and P2 is referred to as "automation" of the horizontal machining center M.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the system shown in Figure 12, blanks and finished parts are functionally assigned to a horizontal machining center M, and are supplied and removed separately, for example, in vertical movement (arrow 21'), by a transport device 21 (e.g., a lifting device, robot, or transport frame) equipped with gripping elements 22 for holding the blanks and finished parts, in which only two pallets P1, P2 are used alternately, onto which blanks are supplied from above and from which finished parts are removed upward. The transport device 21 is shown schematicly only and may actually be configured differently from that shown, for example, with clamping devices similar to those on pallets P1, P2.

[0049] The support section T may be a table equipped with a positioning device 11, and a transport device 7 can be assigned to this table to facilitate the handling of pallets P1 and P2. The pivot arm 4 may be supported by the bottom bracket 20 shown in Figure 12.

[0050] In Figure 12, a pallet P1 with blanks is pivoted and fixed in the machining area 1. An additional pallet P2 is ready for the transfer described on the support T. After the transfer, the empty pallet P1 remains fixed in the machining area 1 until both pallets are hung on the pallet support 2 and rotated together. The additional pallet P2 is picked up, rotated so that its back is facing the back of pallet P1, and as a result, the additional pallet P2 can be brought into the machining area 1 and fixed. Then the empty pallet P1 is rotated alone and stacked on the support T to receive new blanks from the transport device 21. Similarly, the second pallet P2 is operated for the transfer of semi-finished parts and the pickup of finished parts, and then removed from the transport device 21. This is a non-limiting example of the cycle process when using the transport device 21. Alternatively, the transport device 21 can handle the blank and the finished part in the case of a cubic or plate-shaped workpiece W, respectively, in a vertical or nearly vertical position, i.e., with the surface of the workpiece essentially parallel to the machining area 1 of the machine M.

[0051] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of system S, which allows the method to supply and remove semi-machined workpieces W in at least an essentially vertical position, and, if necessary, transfer them to additional pallets P2. The shown workpiece W is, for example, positioned vertically on a carriage 8 and supported by an L-shaped frame 26 or L-shaped pallets P1, P2, as shown, during supply and removal by the transport device 7, and during supply, is transferred separately to a pallet positioned vertically on a pivot arm 4, held on a pallet support 2, or transferred together with the pallet from support T to pallet support 2. For removal, the semi-finished or finished part is handed over in a vertical position to either the frame 26 or the L-shaped pallets P1, P2. Transfer of the workpiece to the machine M, or transfer of the workpiece from the machine M to support T, can, in each case, be supported by a horizontal positioning device 24, for example, the carriage 8 of the transport device 7 at support T that causes horizontal movement (double arrow 25).

[0052] Pallet P1 may have a holding and clamping device 24 (e.g., a lever gripper) for blanks, provided if necessary, with a vacuum support, while an additional pallet P2 may have the aforementioned clamping device 9, which fits semi-finished and finished parts with their clamped joints 18.

Claims

1. A method for switching at least one workpiece (W) to be machined on both sides, wherein one workpiece surface (14) is machined on a horizontal machining center (M), and the workpiece is fixed on a pallet (P1), the system (S) is used to move the pallet (P1) from a substantially vertical machining position toward a pallet support (T) in order to switch the workpiece with a semi-machined workpiece (W), and during the movement toward the transfer position (AP), the pallet (P1) moves until the machined surface (14) of the semi-machined workpiece (W) faces toward the pallet support (T). An additional pallet (P2) is provided on the pallet support (T), The pallet (P1) is equipped with a clamping device (24) for workpiece blanks, and the additional pallet (P2) is equipped with a clamping device (9) for semi-machined workpieces (W). The semi-machined workpiece (W) is transferred to the clamping device (9) of the additional pallet (P2), at which point the machined workpiece surface (14) of the semi-machined workpiece (W) faces the setup surface of the additional pallet (P2) without making contact. A method characterized in that the semi-machined workpiece (W) is returned to the machining position together with the additional pallet (P2) or removed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the system (S) is used together with two pivot arms that can pivot vertically, a pallet support (2) that can rotate on the pivot arms (4) to rotate the pallets (P1, P2), and a pallet support (T) in front of the horizontal machining center (M).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pallet (P1) for switching the semi-machined workpiece (W) is brought to a transport position (AP) where the semi-machined workpiece (W) lies horizontally with the machined workpiece surface (14) of the semi-machined workpiece (W) facing downward, relative to an additional pallet (P2) provided on the support (T) that lies horizontally, or is brought to a transport position where the semi-machined workpiece (W) lies at least substantially vertically with the machined surface (14) of the semi-machined workpiece (W) facing outward, relative to the additional pallet (P2) provided that stands at least substantially vertically.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein each of the workpieces (W) configured as a blank and / or semi-finished workpiece part and / or finished workpiece part is supplied and / or removed from the bottom of the horizontal machining center (M) or supplied and / or removed from the top of the horizontal machining center (M) at a position at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of each of the workpieces, which is positioned substantially parallel to the machining area (1) of the horizontal machining center (M).

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the pallet (P1) in the horizontal transfer position (AP) is initially held at a certain distance above the additional pallet (P2), the additional pallet (P2) for transferring the semi-machined workpiece (W) is aligned with the semi-machined workpiece (W), and the additional pallet (P2) is lifted together with the pallet (P1) in the direction of the transfer position (AP) with the workpiece clamping device (9) of the additional pallet (P2) engaged with the clamping joint (18) of the workpiece (W).

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the pallet (P1) lies horizontally on the pallet support and is lowered to the transfer position (AP) in order to transfer the semi-machined workpiece (W) to the clamping device (9) of the additional pallet (P2) which is aligned with the semi-machined workpiece (W).

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional pallet (P2) having the semi-machined workpiece (W) is removed from the machine (M), and before the additional pallet (P2) is removed, the empty pallet (P1) is pivoted upward from the detached travel path of the additional pallet (P2).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, after the additional pallet (P2) having the semi-machined workpiece (W) is removed, the empty pallet (P1) is rotated until its setup surface (12) faces upward, then stacked on the pallet support (T), and transported away to a setup station (R) or pallet rack.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a blank workpiece (W) is supplied separately from above by a transport device (21) functionally assigned to the horizontal machining center (M), and is lifted upward and removed separately as a finished workpiece part or a semi-finished workpiece part.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the machining is performed using only two pallets (P1, P2) alternately, the pallet (P1) is equipped with a clamping device (24) that fits a blank, and the pallet (P2) is equipped with a clamping device (9) that fits a semi-finished and a finished workpiece (W).

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the removed additional pallet (P2) is transported again to the horizontal machining center (M), or to another horizontal machining center, or to a pallet stock, or to a pallet rack, for machining the opposite side of the workpiece.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switching of the workpiece, the supply and removal of the pallet, and / or the separate supply of blanks and removal of finished parts are performed in a manner automatically controlled by the system (S).

13. A system (S) for carrying out at least the method according to claim 1, wherein the system is capable of moving a pallet (P1) on which the semi-machined workpiece (W) is placed from a substantially vertical machining position within the machining area of ​​a horizontal machining center (M) toward a pallet support (T) for workpiece switching, the pallet (P1) is moved to a transfer position (AP) such that the machined surface (14) of the semi-machined workpiece (W) faces toward the pallet support (T), and semi-machined A system (S) comprising an additional pallet (P2) having a workpiece clamping device (9) for machined workpieces (W), provided to the pallet support (T), wherein the semi-machined workpieces (W) can be transferred to the workpiece clamping device (9) on the additional pallet (P2) in the horizontal machining center (M), characterized in that the machined workpiece surface (14) of the semi-machined workpieces (W) faces the setup side of the additional pallet (P2) without contact.

14. The system (S) is used in conjunction with two pivot arms that can pivot vertically, a pallet support (2) that can rotate on the pivot arms (4) to rotate the pallets (P1, P2), and a pallet support (T) in front of the horizontal machining center (M), as described in claim 13.

15. The system according to claim 13, characterized by a horizontal or at least substantially vertical transport position (AP) of the pallet (P1), and a horizontal or at least substantially vertical position of the additional pallet (P2) on the support (T).

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the pallet support portion (T) has a positioning device (11), the positioning device (11) can align the additional pallet (P2) with respect to the clamping device (9) with respect to the clamping joint portion (18) of the semi-machined workpiece (W), and the semi-machined workpiece (W) can be transferred to the clamping device (9) by relative upward and / or downward movement between the additional pallet (P2) and the pallet (P1).

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that a certain distance can be set at the horizontal transfer position (AP) between the pallet (P1) and the additional pallet (P2) on the pallet support (T), and the aligned additional pallet (P2) passes through the space formed by the set distance for the transfer of the semi-machined workpiece (W) by the linear movement of the positioning device (11).

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein the clamping device (9) of the additional pallet (P2) comprises a bore clamp (10) that can be operated by hydraulics, and a bore or blind bore formed during machining of the semi-machined workpiece (W) is provided as a clamping joint (18) for the bore clamp (10) to engage.

19. The system (S) is characterized by having at least one control system (CU1, CU2) connected to the drive devices (2, 3) of the pivot arm (4) and the positioning device (11) of the pallet support (T) in order to automatically switch the workpiece, as described in claim 17 or 18, as referenced to claim 16.

20. The system according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the pallet support (T) is combined with a transport device (7).

21. The system (S) comprises a transport device (21), e.g., a lifting device, a robot, or a transport frame for separate feeding and stacking of workpiece blanks from above, and for lifting and removing finished parts, wherein the transport device (21) is functionally related to the horizontal machining center (M) and is located in front of and / or above the horizontal machining center (M), as described in any one of claims 13 to 18.

22. The system according to claim 15, wherein the pallet support (T), which is combined with the bottom transport device (7), has a horizontal positioning device (24) for moving the vertically positioned workpiece (W) to be supplied to or removed from the horizontal machining center (M) substantially horizontally.

23. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the control systems (CU1, CU2) are programmable.

24. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the conveying device (7) is a roller conveyor or a rail carriage unit.

25. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that a blank workpiece (W) is lifted upward and removed separately as a finished workpiece part or a semi-finished workpiece part using the pallet (P1) placed on the pallet support (T) or the additional pallets (P2) that are stacked.

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