Method for preparing a workpiece for machining in a machining assembly, and such a machining assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing a workpiece for machining in a machining assembly, said method having at least the following steps: - providing the workpiece; - orienting the workpiece relative to a workpiece receiving area of the machining assembly such that the longitudinal axis of the workpiece substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the workpiece receiving area; - moving a workpiece support assembly of the machining assembly relative to the workpiece such that a coupling portion of the workpiece first contacts the workpiece receiving area and then the workpiece receiving area is moved from a starting position along a specified compensation path such that a compensation assembly generates a restoring force; - coupling the coupling portion of the workpiece to the workpiece receiving area under the influence of the restoring force; and - decoupling a workpiece handling assembly of the machining assembly from the workpiece such that the compensation assembly forces the workpiece receiving area into the starting position by means of the restoring force.

Description

[0001] Method for preparing a workpiece for machining in a machining arrangement, as well as such a machining arrangement

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for preparing a workpiece for machining in a machining arrangement, as well as a machining arrangement for carrying out such a method.

[0003] Machining arrangements designed for grinding a workpiece have been known for some time. Such a workpiece can be a blank intended for the production of a tool, or an already manufactured tool that is to be reconditioned. Such a tool can comprise cutting edges. For example, such a tool can be a rotary cutting tool, such as a drill or milling cutter. The machining arrangement can be designed as a grinding and / or erosion device, wherein the cutting edge is initially produced by means of the grinding and / or erosion machining, as in the case of the tool blank, or the cutting edge is reconditioned, for example, ground, as in the case of a previously used tool.

[0004] In order for the workpiece to be machined in the machining setup, it must be correctly clamped to the machining setup. For this purpose, the machining setup can have a rotary spindle into which the workpiece is clamped for machining. Until now, such workpieces have been manually clamped in the spindle. However, this manual clamping is time-consuming and costly.

[0005] From the related technical field of machine tools, in which a tool can be used to machine a workpiece, DE 10 2004 036 052 A1, for example, is known, which discloses a tool changing device. The tool is first fed to the workpiece changing device and coupled to it. The tool is then fed to the machine tool by means of the workpiece changing device and coupled to it. The workpiece changing device has a comparatively complex structure and requires a large number of components, some of which are movable relative to one another. Furthermore, it is necessary that a front side of the tool, on which the cutting edges of the tool are usually formed, be formed with certain coupling features in order to couple the tool to the workpiece changing device and subsequently couple the back side of the workpiece to the machine tool.

[0006] There is a need to simplify the handling of a workpiece, such as a blank for tool production or a tool that needs to be resharpened for subsequent machining. Furthermore, the workpiece should be able to be coupled to the machining system more easily. Furthermore, the workpiece should be able to be clamped as automatically as possible.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for preparing a workpiece for machining in a machining arrangement which solves at least one of the problems mentioned above.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by the method according to claim 1. Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by the processing arrangement according to claim 14. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a method for preparing a workpiece for machining, in particular grinding and / or laser and / or eroding, in a machining arrangement, wherein the workpiece comprises at least one coupling section and one machining section, wherein the machining arrangement comprises at least one workpiece handling arrangement and a workpiece carrier arrangement, wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement has a compensation arrangement, wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement carries a workpiece holder, wherein the compensation arrangement is designed to allow a displacement of the workpiece holder from an initial position along a predetermined compensation distance, in particular relative to the workpiece carrier arrangement, and to counteract this displacement with a restoring force, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0010] Providing the workpiece;

[0011] Aligning the workpiece relative to the workpiece holder such that a longitudinal axis of the workpiece substantially coincides with a longitudinal axis of the workpiece holder; relative displacement of the workpiece carrier arrangement and workpiece such that the coupling section of the workpiece initially contacts the workpiece holder and subsequently the workpiece holder is displaced from the initial position at least partially along the predetermined compensation distance, preferably relative to the workpiece carrier arrangement, particularly preferably relative to a chuck of the workpiece carrier arrangement, so that the compensation arrangement generates the restoring force;

[0012] Coupling the coupling section of the workpiece with the workpiece holder under the influence of the restoring force;

[0013] Decoupling of workpiece handling arrangement and workpiece.

[0014] The inventors have recognized that a problem often arises from the fact that the workpiece holder on the machining arrangement is rigid. Furthermore, the workpiece carrier arrangement may also be rigid. If a workpiece is to be coupled to the workpiece holder, the workpiece must be moved extremely precisely relative to the workpiece holder, especially during coupling. Furthermore, the workpiece must often assume a precise position in order to be able to be coupled to the workpiece holder at all. If the relative movement of workpiece and workpiece holder is not carried out exactly as necessary, particularly in the axial direction, the coupling may fail and / or damage may occur to the workpiece and / or the workpiece holder.This problem is now cleverly solved by the step of relative displacement and the compensation arrangement, which is designed to allow a displacement of the workpiece holder from an initial position along a predetermined compensation distance.

[0015] Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that the positioning of the workpiece in the machining arrangement, for example for subsequent machining of the workpiece, must be maintained as precisely as possible. This is achieved according to the invention by generating the restoring force. This makes it possible for the workpiece holder to leave the starting position when the workpiece is coupled. However, as soon as the workpiece is uncoupled from the workpiece handling arrangement, the restoring force enables the workpiece holder and workpiece to assume the starting position. Before the workpiece handling arrangement and workpiece are uncoupled, the workpiece carrier arrangement and the workpiece can first be displaced relative to one another, for example by displacing the workpiece handling arrangement and the workpiece carrier arrangement relative to one another, so that the workpiece holder essentially assumes the starting position.The workpiece handling arrangement and the workpiece can then be decoupled.

[0016] Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that coupling can be implemented particularly reliably when the coupling is implemented under the influence of the restoring force. Depending on the design of the coupling section, it can be ensured that the workpiece is in contact with the workpiece holder throughout the entire coupling process. Depending on the design of the coupling section, it may even be necessary or at least advantageous for a force to act between the workpiece and the workpiece holder. This force is then provided by the restoring force. The restoring force can increase or decrease proportionally with the displacement along the compensation section.

[0017] Overall, the method according to the invention enables particularly reliable and easy-to-implement preparation of the workpiece for subsequent machining in the machining arrangement. Furthermore, the method can be implemented particularly easily manually, partially automated, or fully automated, thanks to the displacement step in such a way that the workpiece holder is moved from its starting position along the specified compensation path.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that before and / or during the decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement and the workpiece, the compensation arrangement is relieved of load and / or the workpiece holder assumes the starting position. Thus, the method can comprise the following optional step: relieving the compensation arrangement by relatively displacing the workpiece holder and the workpiece carrier arrangement so that the workpiece holder assumes the starting position. Before, during, or at the end of the decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement and the workpiece, it can be provided that the compensation arrangement urges the workpiece holder into the starting position by means of the restoring force.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the alignment of the workpiece relative to the workpiece holder can be carried out by means of the workpiece handling arrangement and / or the workpiece holder. This represents a particularly simple type of alignment, since the workpiece handling arrangement and / or the workpiece holder can be mounted on the machining arrangement so as to be pivotable about at least one axis, in particular pivotable relative to a base body of the machining arrangement.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the coupling of the coupling section of the workpiece to the workpiece holder further comprises a relative rotation of the workpiece holder and the workpiece, for example in order to engage a thread formed on the coupling section with an associated thread formed on the workpiece holder. In this way, a particularly simple and at the same time reliable coupling between the workpiece holder and the workpiece can be realized. For the coupling of the threads, it is particularly advantageous that the restoring force acts during coupling. The threads are pressed against one another with the restoring force while the workpiece and workpiece holder are rotated relative to one another. This ensures that the two threads reliably engage with one another.Furthermore, the workpiece holder can realize no displacement or at least a relative displacement of some extent during coupling relative to the workpiece handling arrangement. In both cases, the compensation arrangement ensures that no damage occurs to the workpiece or workpiece holder, which could occur, for example, due to excessive relative forces. In other words, the compensation arrangement enables the relative displacement of the workpiece carrier arrangement and the workpiece, which may also be provided during coupling, to be realized with less precision. Deviations of the relative displacement from an ideal relative displacement, such as those predetermined, for example, by the thread design, in particular the thread pitch, can be tolerated thanks to the compensation arrangement, whereby a reliable coupling of the workpiece to the workpiece holder can still be achieved.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation can be carried out at least until a centering section formed on the coupling section contacts an associated centering section formed on the workpiece holder. In this way, centering of the workpiece relative to the workpiece holder can be achieved in a simple manner. For example, adjoining surfaces, a centering collar, or the like can be provided as centering sections. Centering can occur relative to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece holder. In particular, the centering can ensure that the longitudinal axis of the workpiece holder coincides exactly with the workpiece longitudinal axis when the workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the relative rotation can be continued until the workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder with a first torque value. The first torque value can be selected such that the workpiece is reliably coupled to the workpiece holder and / or clamped to the workpiece holder.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method can further comprise the following step: setting a torque with which the workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder according to a predetermined torque amount. This step can be provided before or after the decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement and workpiece, but in any case after the step of coupling the coupling section of the workpiece to the workpiece holder under the influence of the restoring force. The predetermined torque amount can be selected such that the workpiece is reliably coupled to the workpiece holder and / or is clamped to the workpiece holder. The predetermined torque amount can be selected to be greater than the first torque amount. The predetermined torque amount can be, for example, at least 30 Newton meters, at least 50 Newton meters, or at least 100 Newton meters.

[0024] According to a further development, it can be provided that the step of adjusting the torque comprises a relative rotation of the workpiece holder and the coupled workpiece, in such a way that the workpiece holder and the workpiece are rotated relative to one another until the predetermined torque amount is reached.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the torque adjustment can be implemented by incorporating a workpiece support. Thus, the torque adjustment step can comprise at least the following steps:

[0026] Coupling the workpiece with a workpiece support;

[0027] Relative rotation of the workpiece holder and the workpiece coupled in the workpiece support such that the workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder with the specified torque amount;

[0028] Decoupling the workpiece and the workpiece support. During the relative rotation, it can be provided that the workpiece holder and the workpiece are rotated relative to each other until the specified torque value is reached. The workpiece support can be a means of the machining arrangement that is different from the workpiece handling arrangement and / or is formed separately on the workpiece handling arrangement.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the workpiece can further comprise a gripping section to which the workpiece support is coupled for adjusting the torque. The gripping section can comprise a geometric feature by means of which the workpiece can be coupled to the workpiece support in a form-fitting and / or rotationally fixed manner. The geometric feature can comprise, for example, two parallel surfaces, a hexagonal shape, or the like. The gripping section can be formed, in particular, in a central region of the workpiece. Furthermore, the gripping section can be formed between the coupling section and the machining section.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that during the coupling step, the relative rotation of the workpiece holder and the coupled workpiece during the coupling step and / or during the torque adjustment step, the extent of the rotation with which the workpiece is rotated relative to the workpiece holder and / or the workpiece support is detected. In this way, the rotational position of the workpiece is reliably detected, in particular relative to the workpiece holder or the workpiece support. This can be necessary or advantageous in order to know the exact position of the workpiece for subsequent machining of the workpiece. This is particularly advantageous if the workpiece comprises cutting edges in the circumferential direction of the workpiece that are to be sharpened or resharpened.Furthermore, this can be advantageous in order to know the position of the gripping section, in particular the position of the gripping section with respect to the tool's longitudinal axis, when the workpiece is coupled and / or uncoupled to the workpiece support and / or to the workpiece handling arrangement, in particular its gripper. If it is subsequently detected that the position of the gripping section is not suitable for coupling to the workpiece support and / or the...

[0031] To be coupled to the workpiece handling arrangement, it can be provided that the workpiece is rotated by means of the workpiece carrier arrangement, in particular about the workpiece longitudinal axis, into a position which allows the workpiece to be coupled to the workpiece support and / or the workpiece handling arrangement.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the workpiece carrier arrangement, for example the compensation arrangement, comprises a chuck, in particular a hydraulic expansion chuck, which supports the workpiece holder and, in a closed state, firmly couples the workpiece holder to the workpiece carrier arrangement or the compensation arrangement. It can be provided that the chuck is in the closed state at least for the step of adjusting the torque. This prevents the workpiece holder from rotating relative to the chuck during the torque adjustment. Furthermore, it can be provided that the chuck assumes the closed state at least for the step of coupling the coupling section of the workpiece to the workpiece holder.Furthermore, it can be provided that the chuck assumes the closed state at least for one step of machining the workpiece, as will be described in more detail below.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the chuck can be opened for at least one of the steps of relatively displacing the workpiece carrier assembly and the workpiece; and coupling the coupling section of the workpiece to the workpiece holder, at least in such a way that at least the displacement of the workpiece holder along the compensation path is permitted. This displacement can be prevented when the chuck is closed. Such a chuck can be necessary to hold the workpiece in a defined position during subsequent machining of the workpiece.

[0034] According to a further development of the invention, the method may further comprise the following step:

[0035] Machining, in particular grinding and / or laser and / or eroding, the machining section of the workpiece, preferably with a grinding and / or eroding tool of the machining arrangement. In this case, the method is directed not only at preparing the machining, but also at the machining itself. Thus, the method can also be referred to as a method for machining a workpiece in a machining arrangement.

[0036] According to a further development of the method, the steps of the method can be carried out at least partially automated, partially manually, and / or fully automated. This enables particularly economical operation of the method and a high workpiece throughput. For this purpose, the machining arrangement can have a control arrangement configured to control the machining arrangement, particularly in a partially automated and / or fully automated manner, for executing the method, in particular the steps of the method.

[0037] According to a further development of the invention, the workpiece can be a blank intended for the production of a tool, or a tool to be reworked, in particular resharpened. Such a tool can comprise at least one cutting edge. Preferably, the at least one cutting edge is formed on the machining section of the tool. Thus, such a tool can be a rotary cutting tool, such as a drill or milling cutter.

[0038] According to a further development of the invention, the step of providing the workpiece can comprise gripping the workpiece by means of the workpiece handling arrangement. In this case, it can be provided that the workpiece is initially arranged in a workpiece magazine and gripped therein. The workpiece magazine can be assigned to the machining arrangement or provided separately from it.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the compensation path is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece holder. Additionally or alternatively, the compensation path can be designed as a linear path along which the workpiece holder can be displaced. Additionally or alternatively, the restoring force is proportional to the displacement of the workpiece holder from the starting position. According to a further development of the method, it can be provided that the relative displacement comprises a substantially linear displacement, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the tool holder. This represents a particularly simple type of movement that can also be easily implemented in an automated machining arrangement. During the relative displacement, the longitudinal axis of the workpiece can substantially coincide with the longitudinal axis of the workpiece holder.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the method, the compensation arrangement can be configured to permit the displacement of the workpiece holder from the starting position along the predetermined compensation path relative to the compensation arrangement, the workpiece carrier arrangement, the base body of the machining arrangement, and / or a part of the workpiece carrier arrangement, such as a chuck and / or a spindle. Accordingly, during the relative displacement, the displacement of the workpiece holder from the starting position along the predetermined compensation path relative to the compensation arrangement, the workpiece carrier arrangement, the base body of the machining arrangement, and / or a part of the workpiece carrier arrangement, such as a chuck and / or a spindle, can occur.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement and the workpiece can comprise a sub-step in which the workpiece carrier arrangement and the workpiece are displaced relative to one another in such a way that the workpiece holder is displaced toward the starting position along the predetermined compensation path, so that the restoring force decreases. The relative displacement can be carried out until the starting position is reached and / or the restoring force is essentially zero. As a subsequent sub-step, the workpiece handling arrangement and the workpiece can be decoupled from one another.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise the following step: separating the workpiece from the workpiece holder.

[0043] The separating step may provide for the workpiece to first be coupled to the workpiece support in a sub-step. It may be provided for the workpiece carrier and / or the workpiece holder to be rotated relative to the workpiece support such that the torque value drops to a predetermined lower torque value with which the workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder, and / or to be rotated such that the workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder essentially torque-free. The previously described sub-step of separating may also be omitted.

[0044] Furthermore, the separating step can provide for the workpiece to be coupled to the workpiece handling arrangement in a sub-step. Subsequently, in a further sub-step, the workpiece can be rotated relative to the workpiece handling arrangement by means of the workpiece carrier until the workpiece, in particular the gripping section, is aligned such that it can be coupled to the gripper of the workpiece handling arrangement.

[0045] Subsequently, the separation can comprise, as a further sub-step, the workpiece carrier arrangement or the workpiece carrier and the workpiece or the workpiece holder with the workpiece being displaced relative to one another in such a way that the workpiece holder is displaced from the starting position at least partially along the predetermined compensation distance, so that the compensation arrangement at least partially generates the restoring force.

[0046] Subsequently, the separation may include, as a further sub-step, the coupling section of the workpiece being decoupled from the workpiece holder, for example, under the influence of the restoring force. This can be achieved by rotating the workpiece relative to the workpiece holder, for example, in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece holder that is opposite to that used during the coupling step.

[0047] Subsequently, the separation may include, as a further sub-step, the workpiece carrier assembly and the workpiece being displaced relative to one another such that the coupling section of the workpiece and the workpiece holder are disengaged. This may include and / or be limited to a linear relative displacement.

[0048] Subsequently, the separation can comprise, as a further sub-step, the workpiece being decoupled from the workpiece handling arrangement. The workpiece can then be fed to the workpiece magazine. The method can then begin again. The invention further relates to a machining arrangement for carrying out a method according to one of the types explained above, comprising: a workpiece handling arrangement, and a workpiece carrier arrangement; wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement has a compensation arrangement and a workpiece holder, wherein the compensation arrangement is configured to permit a displacement of the workpiece holder from an initial position along a predetermined compensation distance and to counteract this displacement with a restoring force.

[0049] According to a further development of the invention, the machining arrangement can further comprise at least one grinding tool and / or an EDM tool and / or a machining laser. If the workpiece is coupled to the machining arrangement, it can be provided that the workpiece is machined with the at least one grinding tool and / or EDM tool and / or the machining laser in one machining step.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the machining arrangement comprises a base body on which at least the workpiece carrier arrangement is arranged, and an auxiliary device. The auxiliary device can be attached to the base body and / or coupled to the base body and / or formed separately from the base body. It is advantageous if the auxiliary device is arranged in a defined position relative to the base body. The workpiece handling arrangement can be provided on the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device can also be omitted, so that the workpiece handling arrangement is provided on the base body. Further components of the machining arrangement can also be formed on the base body. In this way, a particularly compact design for the machining arrangement can be realized.Furthermore, this enables particularly precise alignment of the workpiece carrier handling arrangement and the workpiece carrier arrangement, which makes it easier to carry out the method, in particular with high positioning accuracy. The grinding tool and / or the eroding tool and / or the processing laser can also be arranged on this base body or the auxiliary device, either directly or indirectly by means of a processing unit comprising the grinding and / or eroding tool and / or the processing laser, which is arranged on the base body. According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the workpiece handling arrangement comprises a robot gripper arm. The robot gripper arm is preferably arranged on the base body. The robot gripper arm can comprise at least one rotational and / or one translational degree of freedom.

[0051] It is understood that features, advantages and configurations explained in the context of the method may also apply to the processing arrangement and vice versa.

[0052] The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and / or combine them sensibly within the scope of the claims. If a reference symbol is used in a drawing that is not explicitly described for this figure, the description explained for this reference symbol in one of the other drawings applies to this reference symbol.

[0053] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0054] Fig. 1 is a simplified representation of a processing arrangement according to the invention;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a simplified sectional view of the machining arrangement according to the invention with aligned workpiece;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a simplified sectional view of the machining arrangement according to the invention after the relative displacement;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a simplified sectional view of the machining arrangement according to the invention with a coupled workpiece;

[0058] Fig. 5 is a simplified sectional view of the processing arrangement according to the invention during decoupling;

[0059] Fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of the machining arrangement according to the invention during the optional step of adjusting the torque; Fig. 7 is a sectional illustration of the machining arrangement according to the invention during the adjustment of the torque;

[0060] Fig. 8a is a sectional view of the machining arrangement according to the invention during the adjustment of the torque;

[0061] Fig. 8b shows a further sectional view of the machining arrangement according to the invention during the adjustment of the torque;

[0062] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the method according to the invention; and

[0063] Fig. 10 is a simplified representation of the processing arrangement according to the invention;

[0064] Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a machining arrangement 10 according to the invention. The machining arrangement 10 comprises a workpiece handling arrangement 12 and a workpiece carrier arrangement 14. The workpiece handling arrangement 12 comprises a gripper arm 16, at one end of which a gripper 20 is formed for gripping a workpiece 22. The gripper 20 can be mounted so as to be linearly displaceable relative to the gripper arm 16. Furthermore, the gripper 20 can be configured to assume a gripping position for gripping the workpiece and an open position for releasing the workpiece.

[0065] In the present case, the machining arrangement 10 comprises a base body 24, on which at least the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 is arranged. Furthermore, a machining unit 26 is provided on the base body 24, which is pivotable relative to the base body 24 about a pivot axis C1. The workpiece handling arrangement 12 is attached to an auxiliary device 90 (not shown in detail here), as will be explained in more detail in connection with Figure 10, wherein the workpiece handling arrangement 12 could also be attached or formed on the base body 24. In the present case, the gripping arm 16 is thus attached to the auxiliary device 90 by means of a pivot joint (not shown in detail) and is pivotable relative to the latter. The pivot joint can be pivoted about at least one pivot axis relative to the

[0066] Auxiliary device 90 or the base body 24 can be pivotable. Furthermore, the gripper arm 16 can be mounted on the auxiliary device 90 or the base body 24, in particular on the pivot joint, in a translationally displaceable manner. For this purpose, a linear guide can be provided, in particular on the auxiliary device 90 or the base body 24, as will be described, for example, below in connection with the workpiece carrier arrangement 14.

[0067] The machining unit 26 is designed with two tool carriers 28, 30. Each of the two tool carriers 28, 30 has a respective machining tool 32, 34. The first machining tool 32 is releasably clamped in the first tool carrier 28. The second machining tool 34 is releasably clamped in the second tool carrier 30. The machining tools 32, 34 have a tool axis. The first tool carrier 28 has a first tool carrier axis L1 and the second tool carrier 34 has a second tool carrier axis L2. In the illustrated assembled state of the machining tool 32, the tool axis of the first machining tool 32 coincides with the first tool carrier axis L1 and the tool axis of the second machining tool 34 coincides with the second tool carrier axis L2 in the illustrated assembled state. The two tool carrier axes L1, L2 are arranged parallel to one another.The machining tools 32, 34 are mounted for rotation about the respective tool carrier axis L1, L2. For this purpose, a rotationally drivable tool spindle is provided in each of the tool carriers 28, 30 for driving the machining tools 32, 34. Both tool carriers 28, 30, together with the machining unit 26, are pivotable about the pivot axis C1 relative to the base body 24. The machining unit 26 could also comprise only one of the two tool carriers 28, 30 and, accordingly, only one of the machining tools 32, 34. The machining tools 32, 34 are designed as grinding wheels, wherein, additionally or alternatively, an EDM tool such as an EDM wire or a laser tool could also be provided. Accordingly, the tool carriers 28, 30 comprising the tool spindle could also be omitted if no rotary drive is required.

[0068] The workpiece carrier arrangement 14 is arranged on a first linear guide 36, which is arranged on the base body 24. The first linear guide 36 enables a linear displacement of the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 relative to the base body 24 along a first guide axis X1. Furthermore, the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 is arranged on a second linear guide 38, which in turn is arranged on the first linear guide 36. The second linear guide 38 enables a linear displacement of the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 relative to the first linear guide 36 in the direction of a second guide axis Z1. The first and second guide axes X1, Z1 are aligned orthogonally to one another.

[0069] The machining unit 26 is arranged on a third linear guide 40 (not shown in detail here), which is arranged on the base body 24. The third linear guide 40 enables a linear displacement of the machining unit 26 relative to the base body 24 along a third guide axis Y1. Furthermore, the machining unit 26 is designed as a U- or C-shaped rocker which can be pivoted about the pivot axis C1 relative to the base body 24 or relative to the third linear guide 40. The third guide axis Y1 is aligned orthogonally relative to the first and second guide axes X1, Z1. The machining unit 26 is arranged on the third linear guide 40.

[0070] The workpiece carrier assembly 14 is designed in the form of a carriage with a workpiece carrier 42. The workpiece carrier 42 is designed as a rotationally drivable spindle 44 and has a workpiece carrier axis A1 about which the spindle 44 is rotationally drivable. The workpiece carrier axis A1 is aligned substantially parallel to the first guide axis X1. Furthermore, a compensation assembly 46 (not shown in detail) is arranged in the workpiece carrier 42 of the workpiece carrier assembly 14, wherein a workpiece holder 48 is arranged in the compensation assembly 46.

[0071] The machining unit 26 further comprises a workpiece support 50, which is provided on a lateral region of the rocker arm. The workpiece support 50 has a plurality of recesses 52, 52', which are intended to receive the workpiece 22 therein. One could say that the workpiece support 50 is comb-shaped.

[0072] In addition, the workpiece support 50 further comprises, in an upper region, a plurality of coolant nozzles 54, which are provided for supplying coolant to the machining tools 32, 34 as needed. A coolant collection basin may be provided in a lower region of the machining arrangement, wherein a coolant arrangement may be provided for supplying the coolant from the coolant collection basin to the coolant nozzles 54.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a simplified sectional view of a detail of the machining arrangement 10 according to the invention. Shown are a sectional view of an area of ​​the workpiece handling arrangement 12 facing the workpiece carrier arrangement and a sectional view of an area of ​​the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 facing the workpiece handling arrangement 12. The workpiece 22 is arranged in the gripper 20 of the workpiece handling arrangement 12. For this purpose, the workpiece 22 has a gripping section 56 in a central region. In addition, the workpiece 22 has a coupling section 58 on the one hand of the gripping section 56 and a machining section 60 on the other hand of the gripping section 56. The machining section 60 is intended to be machined by at least one of the tools 32, 34. The coupling section 58 is intended to be coupled to the workpiece holder 48.

[0074] In the present case, the coupling section 58 has an external thread 58a, which is intended to be screwed to an internal thread 62a provided in a front-end opening 62 of the workpiece holder 48. Furthermore, the coupling section 58 has a centering section 59, which in this case is formed at the transition to the gripping section 56. The workpiece 22 has a workpiece longitudinal axis WL, and the workpiece holder 48 has a longitudinal axis L. The centering section 59 comprises at least one circular ring surface 59a, which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the workpiece longitudinal axis WL, and a cylindrical surface 59b, which is oriented concentrically to the workpiece longitudinal axis WL. The workpiece holder 48 also comprises a centering section 63, which is formed in the region of the front-end opening 62, specifically in a region of the workpiece holder 48 that faces away from the workpiece carrier arrangement 14.The centering section 63 of the workpiece holder 48 comprises a circular surface 63a, which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48 and forms an end face of the workpiece holder 48. Furthermore, the centering section 63 comprises a cylindrical surface 63b, which is formed by an inner surface of the end opening 62. If the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 64 in such a way that the two centering sections 59, 63 contact, as shown, for example, in Figures 4, 5, and 6, then the workpiece 22 is centered relative to the workpiece holder 48. In such a state, the circular surface 59a contacts the circular surface 63a, and the cylindrical surface 59b contacts the cylindrical surface 63b. The longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48 and the workpiece longitudinal axis WL are then aligned parallel to one another and / or coincide.Of course, the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 could also be configured in reverse with regard to the coupling features. Thus, the coupling portion of the workpiece 22 could have the opening with the internal thread and the centering portion 63, and the workpiece holder 48 could have the described coupling portion 58.

[0075] The workpiece holder 48 is accommodated in the compensation assembly 46. More precisely, the compensation assembly 46 has a chuck 47, and the workpiece holder 48 is mounted in the chuck 47. Thus, the workpiece carrier axis A1 and the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48 are congruent, i.e., coincide. The chuck 47 is designed as a hydraulic expansion chuck in the present case, although another type of chuck may also be used. The chuck 47 can be operated automatically.

[0076] The compensation arrangement 46 comprises a carrier 49, which is designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis L. The compensation arrangement 46 is configured to permit a displacement of the workpiece holder 48 from an initial position along a predetermined compensation distance KS and to counteract this displacement with a restoring force. To generate the restoring force, the compensation arrangement 46 comprises an elastic element 66, which in this case is designed as a spiral spring, although other designs of the elastic element 66 can also be provided instead or in addition. This includes any elements that have an elastic property, such as springs in general, compression springs, tension springs, leg springs, leaf springs, etc. Furthermore, the elastic element 66 can be provided with a damping characteristic.The elastic element 66 is guided in a sleeve 68 which is screwed into a central thread 70 of the carrier 49. Accordingly, the sleeve 68 has an external thread 72 which is compatible with the central thread 70. Furthermore, the carrier 49 has a central opening 71 which is formed with a first diameter in a first region facing the workpiece carrier 42 and which is formed with a second diameter in a second region facing the workpiece holder 48, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The central thread 70 is formed in the region of the first diameter. The central opening 71 extends completely along a longitudinal axis of the carrier 49, wherein this longitudinal axis coincides with the workpiece carrier axis A1.

[0077] The sleeve 68 comprises a central opening 74, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned along the workpiece carrier axis A1. The elastic element 66 is received in the central opening 74. At least the side of the central opening 74 of the sleeve 68 facing away from the workpiece carrier has an internal thread 76 into which a bolt 78 is screwed, wherein a first end of the elastic element 66 contacts the head of the bolt 78. Furthermore, due to the design as a spiral spring, the elastic element 66 is arranged around the shaft of the bolt 78. Depending on the position of the bolt 78 in the sleeve 68, the position of the elastic element 66 also changes and can be displaced further towards the workpiece holder 48 or away from it. The central opening 74 of the sleeve 68 has a first inner diameter in the region in which the bolt 78 and the elastic element 66 are arranged.Furthermore, the central opening 74 of the sleeve 68 has a second inner diameter on a side of the central opening 74 facing the workpiece holder 48, wherein the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter. The extension of the second inner diameter along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 68 is significantly smaller than the area of ​​the first inner diameter. The sleeve 68 serves as a guide for the mandrel 80. The mandrel 80 is pressed towards the workpiece holder 48 by the elastic element 66. The preload force can be adjusted by the bolt 78, the position of which relative to the sleeve 68 can be adjusted, for example, by screwing it in or out.

[0078] Furthermore, a mandrel 80 of the compensation arrangement 46 is mounted in the central opening 74 of the sleeve 68, which mandrel contacts a second end of the elastic element 66. The mandrel 80 is displaceable relative to the sleeve 68 along the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48. The mandrel 80 has a mandrel head 81 and a mandrel shaft 83. In Figure 2, the mandrel head 81 is arranged in the sleeve 68 in the region of the first inner diameter, wherein the mandrel head 81 contacts the elastic element 66 and is pressed by the elastic element 66 against the region of the second inner diameter. In other words, the transition from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter forms a shoulder against which the mandrel head 81 is pressed. The mandrel shaft 83 partially protrudes from the sleeve 68. The mandrel 80 contacts the workpiece holder 48 with the mandrel shaft 83.Optionally, it can be provided that the mandrel 80 and the workpiece holder 48 are coupled or can be coupled to one another in a particularly detachable manner, for example by means of a magnet, a threaded engagement or the like.

[0079] The carrier 49 of the compensation arrangement 46 is coupled to the workpiece carrier 42 by means of bolts 82 distributed in the circumferential direction. A collar 84 is arranged on the workpiece holder 48, which is intended to compensate for the displacement of the workpiece holder 48 in the direction of the

[0080] Compensation arrangement 46 to contact an end face 86 of the compensation arrangement 46.

[0081] In the present case, the chuck 47 is opened at least to such an extent that the workpiece holder 48 is displaceable relative to the compensation arrangement 46 and / or relative to the workpiece carrier 42 and / or relative to the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 within the chuck 47. The workpiece holder 48 is shown in the starting position in Figure 2. In this position, the workpiece holder 48 contacts the mandrel 80, and the mandrel head 81 contacts the region of the second inner diameter of the sleeve 68 and / or the mandrel 80 contacts the sleeve 68 such that the mandrel 80 is displaced within the sleeve 68 to the maximum extent in the direction of the workpiece holder 48.

[0082] Figure 2 shows the step of aligning the workpiece 22 relative to the workpiece holder 48. For this purpose, the workpiece 22 is aligned such that the workpiece longitudinal axis WL essentially coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder. In the present case, this alignment is performed by means of the workpiece handling arrangement 12, although it can also be performed by moving the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 or a combined movement of the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 and the workpiece handling arrangement 12. The alignment is performed such that the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 are spaced apart from one another. Of course, at this time, no workpiece is coupled to the workpiece holder 48.

[0083] Figure 3 shows a simplified sectional view of a detail of the machining arrangement 10 according to the invention, similar to Figure 2, wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 or the workpiece carrier 42 and the workpiece 22 have now been displaced relative to one another such that the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 contacts the workpiece holder 48. Furthermore, the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 or the workpiece carrier 42 and the workpiece 22 have been displaced relative to one another such that the workpiece holder 48 is displaced from the starting position at least partially along the predetermined compensation path KS, so that the compensation arrangement 46 generates the restoring force. In the present case, a complete displacement along the compensation path KS is shown. In order for the workpiece holder 48 to be displaceable relative to the compensation arrangement 46 within the chuck 47, the chuck 47 is at least partially open.As a result of the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 and the workpiece 22 being displaced relative to one another, the coupling section 58 has contacted the end opening 62. By further such displacement, the workpiece holder 48 in the chuck 47 was also displaced in the direction of the mandrel 80, whereupon the mandrel 80 was displaced in the direction of the bolt 78. In doing so, the mandrel 80 preloaded the elastic element 66, so that the elastic element 66 exerts the restoring force on the mandrel 80. The movement of the workpiece holder 48 is limited by the collar 84 contacting the end face 86 of the compensation arrangement 46 and / or the workpiece holder 48 contacting the sleeve 68, since the mandrel 80 is fully inserted into the sleeve 68.

[0084] Figure 4 shows a simplified sectional view of a detail of the machining arrangement 10 according to the invention, similar to Figure 3, wherein the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 is now coupled to the workpiece holder 48. For this purpose, the workpiece holder 48 and workpiece 22 were rotated relative to one another such that the external thread of the coupling section 58 was screwed to the internal thread of the workpiece holder 48. This advantageously took place under the influence of the restoring force, which is particularly advantageous for the two threads to initially engage with one another. Furthermore, this coupling took place under the influence of the compensation arrangement 46. This means that the compensation arrangement 46 was able to continuously adjust the relative position of the workpiece holder 48 and the workpiece 22 using the restoring force such that the threads could be screwed together.In other words, the compensation arrangement 46 is capable of compensating for the relative movement or non-movement of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 and the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 during the coupling step. This ensures that the relative movement of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 and the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 during the coupling process does not need to be as precise. In the present case, the relative displacement was achieved by moving the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 along the first guide axis X1 in the direction of the workpiece 22 by means of the first linear guide 36. Additionally or alternatively, a displacement along the first spatial direction X1' could also be provided, as shown in Figure 10. During the coupling process, the workpiece carrier 42 was further rotated about the workpiece carrier axis A1 until the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 were fully coupled to one another, preferably with a first torque value.In order to prevent the workpiece holder 48 from rotating relative to the workpiece carrier 42 during coupling, it can be provided that the workpiece holder 48 is fixedly or at least rotationally fixedly coupled to the workpiece carrier 42 during coupling, for example by the chuck 47 assuming a closed position or a closed state.

[0085] The coupling can be provided in particular as follows: After the coupling section 58 on the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 have been brought into contact under the preload from the compensation arrangement 46, the workpiece carrier 42 with the workpiece holder 48, in particular the spindle 44, is slowly rotated to find the start of the thread. For this purpose, the chuck 47 is opened in order to maintain the contact force of the workpiece holder 48 on the workpiece 22 due to the compensation arrangement 46. So that the tool holder 48 rotates, a rotary support 51 is provided between the workpiece holder 48 and the workpiece carrier 42 (see also Fig. 3). As in the present case, it can be provided that the rotary support 51 is attached to the collar 84 and, when the workpiece carrier 42 rotates, contacts it at least in a certain relative angular position, so that the rotational movement of the workpiece carrier 42 is transmitted to the rotary support 51 and thus to the workpiece carrier 42.Furthermore, a torque support receptacle 53 for receiving the rotary support 51 can be formed on one end face of the workpiece carrier 42, as in the present case. After, for example, approximately two revolutions, it is assumed that the threads 58a, 62a have been initially coupled to one another, although the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 have not yet been fully coupled. It is understood that the number of revolutions required depends on the type of thread. Subsequently, it can be provided that the chuck 47 is at least partially closed, so that the workpiece holder 48 is coupled to the workpiece carrier 42 in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular completely fixedly.The workpiece carrier 42 continues to rotate, wherein, in particular when the chuck 47 is closed, the displacement of the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 resulting from the threaded engagement is compensated for by the infeed in the X1 axis, for example by actuating the first linear guide 36 and / or moving the workpiece handling arrangement 12. If the chuck 47 is not closed, it can be provided that the compensation takes place at least partially based on the displacement of the workpiece holder 48 by means of the compensation arrangement 46. The relative rotation of the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 continues until the coupling section 58 has been completely screwed to the workpiece holder 48, in particular the thread 58a with the thread 62a of the workpiece holder 48, and in particular with a predetermined torque, in particular a first torque amount, which can be determined, for example, by means of the drive orthe drive power of the workpiece carrier 42. If the chuck 47 is not yet completely closed, it can now be closed.

[0086] Optionally, it can be provided that the workpiece holder 48 can have a geometric feature such as at least one recess and / or a projection in order to engage with an associated geometric feature of the chuck 47 in order to block rotation of the workpiece holder 48 relative to the chuck 47 and thus relative to the workpiece carrier 42.

[0087] Figure 5 shows a simplified sectional view of the machining arrangement 10 according to the invention during the decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 and the workpiece 22. Since the workpiece 22 is now coupled to the workpiece holder 48, the workpiece handling arrangement 12 can be decoupled from the workpiece 22. According to the illustrated embodiment, the optional step is provided that for this purpose, the workpiece carrier 42 and the workpiece 22 are first displaced relative to one another - specifically along the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48 or along the workpiece longitudinal axis WL - until the workpiece holder 48 again assumes the starting position and / or the compensation arrangement 46 no longer generates a restoring force.Subsequently, for the actual decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 and the workpiece 22, the gripper 20 is decoupled from the gripping section 56 by moving the gripper 20 relative to the gripping section 56 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L or the workpiece longitudinal axis WL.

[0088] If the described optional step is omitted for the decoupling and the workpiece handling arrangement 12 and the workpiece 22 are directly decoupled, the compensation arrangement 46 would force the workpiece holder 48 together with the workpiece 22 into the starting position due to the restoring force, at the latest when the workpiece handling arrangement 12 no longer contacts or supports the workpiece 22.

[0089] For the step of decoupling the workpiece handling arrangement 12 and the workpiece 22, it can be provided that the chuck 47 is opened at least far enough to allow a displacement of the workpiece holder 48 relative to the workpiece carrier 42, in particular relative to the chuck 47.

[0090] Figures 6 to 8b show a simplified representation of the machining arrangement 10 according to the invention during the optional step of adjusting the torque, specifically by means of the workpiece support 50. Provision is made for the workpiece 22 to first be coupled to the workpiece support 50, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The recess compatible with the workpiece 22 is designated by reference numeral 52, while the remaining recesses are designated by reference numeral 52'. The workpiece support 50 has a plurality of recesses 52, 52', one of the recesses 52—in this case, the second recess 52 from the top—being of precisely the size required to receive the gripping section 56 therein in a form-fitting and thus rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, this recess 52 has two mutually parallel surfaces 87, which are spaced apart from one another by a distance A.Of course, only one recess 52 could be provided, wherein the plurality of recesses 52 allows workpieces 22 with different diameters to be coupled to the workpiece support 50 in the region of the gripping section 56. The gripping section 56 has a geometric feature by means of which the workpiece 22 can be coupled to the workpiece support 50 in a form-fitting and / or rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the geometric feature comprises two parallel surfaces 88 that are spaced apart from one another by a distance a, wherein the distance a is smaller than the diameter D of the workpiece 22 in the region of the gripping section 56. The workpiece 22 is now rotated relative to the workpiece support 50 until the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 48 with a predetermined torque amount. This state is shown in Figure 8b.For this purpose, the workpiece carrier 42 and thus the workpiece holder 48 are rotated relative to the workpiece 22 until the specified torque value is reached. To prevent the workpiece holder 48 from rotating relative to the workpiece carrier 42 during torque adjustment, the workpiece holder 48 is rigidly or at least rotationally fixedly coupled to the workpiece carrier 42 during torque adjustment, for example, by the chuck 47 assuming a closed position.

[0091] Since the distance A is selected to be at least minimally greater than the distance a so that the gripping section 56 can be easily coupled to the workpiece support 50, the workpiece 22 is rotated about the workpiece longitudinal axis WL relative to the workpiece support 50 during the adjustment of the torque, as shown in Figure 8b. It can be provided that the extent of this rotation is detected, for example by detecting the position of the workpiece 22 relative to the workpiece longitudinal axis WL using an optical device, for example a camera. Additionally or alternatively, the extent of the rotation can be detected by determining the rotational position when moving into the workpiece support 50 and after the torque is applied, for example using a drive of the workpiece carrier 42. The distances A and a can be selected such that a clearance fit or transition fit is formed.

[0092] The gripper 20 can be configured similarly to the workpiece support 50 or at least have a recess configured similarly to the recess 52 with the distance A. However, the workpiece handling assembly 12 may be less stable than the workpiece support 50, which is attached to the machining unit 26 and, in turn, to the base body 24. Therefore, the torque can optionally be adjusted with a higher torque value using the workpiece support 50.

[0093] To decouple the workpiece 22 from the workpiece support 50, it can be provided that the workpiece 22 is first rotated about the workpiece's longitudinal axis WL by the amount opposite to the workpiece's longitudinal axis WL. This enables easy decoupling of the workpiece 22 and the workpiece support 50.

[0094] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the method according to the invention, showing the steps of the method schematically and in the preferred order. The steps of the method have already been explained above, and these steps will now be summarized again.

[0095] First, the workpiece 22 is provided. This may include the workpiece handling arrangement 12 gripping the workpiece 22, in particular by means of the gripper 20. Furthermore, it may be provided that the workpiece 22 is initially arranged or provided in a workpiece magazine and is gripped therein.

[0096] Subsequently, the workpiece 22 is aligned relative to the workpiece holder 48 such that the workpiece longitudinal axis WL of the workpiece 22 essentially coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48. This

[0097] This step is also described in connection with Figure 2 above.

[0098] Subsequently, the workpiece 22 is displaced relative to the workpiece carrier assembly 14 in such a way that the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 first contacts the workpiece holder 48, and then the workpiece holder 48 is displaced from the initial position along the predetermined compensation distance KS, so that the compensation assembly 46 generates the restoring force. This step is also described above in connection with Figure 3.

[0099] Subsequently, the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 48 under the influence of the restoring force. This step is also described in connection with Figure 4.

[0100] Subsequently, it can optionally be provided that the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 46 by means of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 with the first torque amount, as also described above.

[0101] Following coupling or torque adjustment, the workpiece 22 is decoupled from the workpiece handling assembly 12. At least at the end of this decoupled operation, the workpiece holder 48 assumes its initial position. The compensation assembly 46 then urges the workpiece holder 48 into its initial position by means of the restoring force.

[0102] Subsequently, it can optionally be provided that the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 46 by means of the workpiece support 50 with the predetermined torque amount, as also described above.

[0103] Subsequently, it can be provided that the workpiece 22 is machined by means of the machining unit 26, in particular by means of at least one of the machining tools 32, 34. In this case, it can be provided that a tool is produced from the workpiece 22, if it is present as a blank. Furthermore, it can be provided that a reconditioned tool is produced from the workpiece 22, if it is already present as a used tool, for example. For this purpose, it can be provided that the cutting edges of the used tool or the blank are sharpened, in particular ground.

[0104] It can also be provided that steps of the method are carried out in parallel. For example, the step of relatively displacing the workpiece carrier assembly 14 and the workpiece 22 can be carried out parallel to the step of coupling the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 to the workpiece holder 48 under the influence of the restoring force.

[0105] It is understood that the workpiece 22 can also be separated from the workpiece holder 48 again, for example, after machining has been completed. Accordingly, the method can comprise one or more corresponding steps, which are illustrated by way of example in Figure 9 with the step of separating the tool 22 from the workpiece holder 48. In this case, it can be provided that the method according to the invention or at least individual steps of the method described above are provided in the reverse order.

[0106] The separating step may provide that the workpiece 22 is first coupled to the workpiece support 50 in a sub-step, as described in connection with Figures 6 to 8b. However, instead of coupling the workpiece 22 to the workpiece holder 48 with the predetermined torque amount, it is then provided that the workpiece carrier 42 is rotated such that the torque amount drops to a predetermined lower torque amount with which the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 48, and / or to rotate it until the workpiece 22 is coupled to the workpiece holder 48 essentially torque-free.

[0107] The previously described sub-step of separation can also be omitted, in which case the workpiece 22 is then coupled directly to the workpiece handling arrangement 12 as described below. Provision can be made for the workpiece 22 to first be rotated by means of the workpiece carrier 42 until the workpiece 22, in particular the gripping section 56, is aligned such that it can be coupled to the gripper 20.

[0108] Subsequently, the separation can comprise, as a further sub-step, the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 and workpiece 22 being displaced relative to one another in such a way that the workpiece holder 48 is displaced from the starting position at least partially along the predetermined compensation distance KS, so that the compensation arrangement 46 at least partially generates the restoring force. This relative displacement can be achieved by a relative displacement of the workpiece carrier arrangement 14 on the first linear guide 36 along the first guide axis X1 and / or a displacement of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48.

[0109] Subsequently, the separation may include, as a further sub-step, the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 being decoupled from the workpiece holder 48, for example, under the influence of the restoring force. This can be achieved by rotating the workpiece 22 relative to the workpiece holder 48, for example, in a reverse direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48 than during the coupling step.

[0110] Subsequently, the separation may comprise, as a further sub-step, the workpiece carrier assembly 14 and workpiece 22 being displaced relative to one another such that the coupling section 58 of the workpiece 22 and the workpiece holder 48 are disengaged. This relative displacement can be achieved by a relative displacement of the workpiece carrier assembly 14 on the first linear guide 36 along the first guide axis X1 and / or a displacement of the workpiece handling assembly 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the workpiece holder 48.

[0111] Subsequently, the separation may include, as a further sub-step, the uncoupling of the workpiece 22 from the workpiece handling arrangement 12. The workpiece 22 can then be fed into the workpiece magazine. The process can then begin again.

[0112] Figure 10 relates to a simplified representation of the machining arrangement 10 according to the invention, similar to that already shown in Figure 1, wherein Figure 10 offers a larger overview of the machining arrangement 10 and of the kinematics of the machining arrangement 10. In addition to Figure 1, the auxiliary device 90 is now shown, on which the workpiece handling arrangement 12 is provided. The workpiece handling arrangement 12 has an optional multiple slide arrangement 92, which is configured to move the gripper arm 16 relative to the auxiliary device 90 along at least the spatial directions XT and YT. In the present case, the first spatial direction XT corresponds to the first

[0113] Guide axis X1, the second spatial direction YT with the second guide axis Y1, and the third spatial direction ZT with the third guide axis Z1. The multiple slide arrangement 92 has a first slide arrangement 94, with which the gripper arm 16 can be displaced along the first spatial direction X1', and a second slide arrangement 96 with which the gripper arm 16 can be displaced along the second spatial direction Y1'. The second slide arrangement 96 is arranged on a frame 95 of the auxiliary device 90, and the first slide arrangement 94 is arranged on the second slide arrangement 96. Furthermore, an articulated arrangement 97 is provided on the first slide arrangement 94, which couples the gripper arm 16 to the first slide arrangement 94. The articulated arrangement 97 could also be formed between the second and the first slide arrangement 96, 94. The joint arrangement 94 is provided to pivot the gripping arm 16 about the axis of the second spatial direction Y1 '.Furthermore, an actuator 99 is formed on the gripper arm 16 in order to displace the gripper 20 relative to the gripper arm 16 in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the gripper arm 16, which axis coincides with the first spatial direction X1' in the pivoted position of the gripper arm 16 shown in Figure 10. It is understood that the direction in which the actuator 99 adjusts the gripper 20 in space depends on how the gripper arm 16 is pivoted by means of the joint arrangement 94. The pivoting can be advantageous in order to pick up and / or place the workpiece 22, for example from or into a tool magazine, or in order to align the workpiece 22 at a suitable angle relative to the workpiece carrier arrangement 14.

[0114] The frame 95 of the auxiliary device 90 is designed as a rack that is arranged next to the base body 24 and aligned in a predetermined position relative to the base body 24. Of course, the workpiece handling assembly 12 could be formed directly on the base body 24, with or without the multiple carriage assembly 92 and the joint assembly 94. The auxiliary device 90 can also be rigidly coupled to the base body 24 and / or attached thereto.

[0115] The base body 24 is designed as a supporting structure intended to be arranged on a base. If movements of the workpiece carrier 42 along one of the guide axes X1, Y1, Z1 relative to the workpiece handling arrangement 12 are described, these movements can additionally or alternatively be realized by a corresponding movement of the workpiece handling arrangement 12 along the corresponding spatial direction X1', Y1', and Z1'.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for preparing a workpiece (22) for machining, in particular grinding and / or laser and / or eroding, in a machining arrangement (10), wherein the workpiece (22) comprises at least one coupling section (58) and one machining section (60), wherein the machining arrangement (10) comprises at least one workpiece handling arrangement (12) and a workpiece carrier arrangement (14), wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) has a compensation arrangement (46), wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) carries a workpiece holder (48), wherein the compensation arrangement (46) is configured to allow a displacement of the workpiece holder (48) from an initial position along a predetermined compensation distance (KS) and to counteract this displacement with a restoring force, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: Providing the workpiece (22); Aligning the workpiece (22) relative to the workpiece holder (48) such that a workpiece longitudinal axis (WL) of the workpiece (22) substantially coincides with a longitudinal axis (L) of the workpiece holder (48); relative displacement of the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) and the workpiece (22) such that the coupling section (58) of the workpiece (22) initially contacts the workpiece holder (48) and subsequently the workpiece holder (48) is displaced from the starting position at least partially along the predetermined compensation path (KS), so that the compensation arrangement (46) generates the restoring force; Coupling the coupling section (58) of the workpiece (22) to the workpiece holder (48) under the influence of the restoring force; Decoupling of workpiece handling arrangement (12) and workpiece (22).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein coupling the coupling portion (58) of the workpiece (22) to the workpiece holder (48) further comprises relatively rotating the workpiece holder (48) and the workpiece (22) such that a thread (58a) formed on the coupling portion (58) engages an associated thread (62a) formed on the workpiece holder (48).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the relative rotation is carried out at least until a centering section (59) formed on the coupling section (58) contacts an associated centering section (63) formed on the workpiece holder (48).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises the step of: adjusting a torque with which the workpiece (22) is coupled to the workpiece holder (48) according to a predetermined torque amount.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of adjusting the torque comprises at least the following steps: Coupling the workpiece (22) to a workpiece support (50); Relative rotation of the workpiece holder (48) and the workpiece (22) coupled in the workpiece support (50) such that the workpiece (22) is coupled to the workpiece holder (48) with the predetermined torque amount; Decoupling of workpiece (22) and workpiece support (50).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the workpiece (22) further comprises a gripping portion (56) to which the workpiece (22) is coupled for adjusting the torque, wherein the gripping portion (56) has a geometric feature by means of which the workpiece (22) is coupled in a form-fitting and / or rotationally fixed manner for adjusting the torque.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) comprises a chuck (47), in particular a hydraulic expansion chuck, which supports the workpiece holder (48) and, in a closed state, firmly couples the workpiece holder (48) to the workpiece carrier arrangement (14), wherein the chuck (47) is used for at least one of the steps of relatively displacing the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) and the workpiece (22); Coupling the coupling section (58) of the workpiece (22) to the workpiece holder (48); and Decoupling of the workpiece handling arrangement (12) and the workpiece (22); is opened at least in such a way that at least the displacement of the workpiece holder (48) along the compensation path (KS) is permitted.

8. Method according to claim 7, if dependent on one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the chuck (47) for at least one of the steps Coupling the coupling section (58) of the workpiece (22) to the workpiece holder (48); Adjusting the torque; assumes the closed state.

9. Method according to one of the preceding steps, further comprising the following step: machining, in particular grinding and / or laser and / or eroding, the machining section (60) of the workpiece (22), preferably with a grinding and / or eroding tool (32; 34) of the machining arrangement (10).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps of the method are carried out automatically.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece (22) is a blank and / or a tool to be resharpened.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the provision of the workpiece (22) comprises gripping the workpiece (22) by means of the workpiece handling arrangement (12), in particular in a workpiece magazine.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compensation path (KS) is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the workpiece holder (48).

14. A machining arrangement (10) for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a workpiece handling arrangement (12), and a workpiece carrier arrangement (14); wherein the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) has a compensation arrangement (46) and a workpiece holder (48), wherein the compensation arrangement (46) is configured to permit a displacement of the workpiece holder (48) from an initial position along a predetermined compensation distance (KS) and to counteract this displacement with a restoring force.

15. Machining arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the machining arrangement (10) comprises a base body (24) on which at least the workpiece carrier arrangement (14) is arranged, wherein a machining tool (32, 34) for machining the workpiece (22) is further provided on the base body (24). LW

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