Manufacturing cell for machining bar stock

Abstract

The invention relates to a manufacturing cell (10) used to machine bar stock. The manufacturing cell (10) comprises a machine bed (14), a workpiece holder (22), a loading station (74), a palletising station (106), and a handling device (122). The tool spindle (40) and the workpiece holder (22) can be moved relative to one another in at least two linear axes (66, 68) and at least one pivot axis (32) in order to machine a workpiece (24) clamped in the workpiece holder (22). The loading station (74) comprises a magazine (76) and a transfer unit (86) for supplying bars (80) at a supply position (88). The palletising station (106) is used to palletise machined workpieces (24). The handling device (122) is used to transport workpieces (24) between the supply position (88), the workpiece holder (22) and the palletising station (106).

Description

WITTEWELLER. Applicant: December 18, 2025 ATE Tools GmbH 2703P1000WQ - Sl / Sl Am Bangraben 22 72336 Balingen Germany Manufacturing cell for machining bar stock

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing cell for processing bar stock. At least in exemplary embodiments, the manufacturing cell includes a machine tool in the form of a grinding machine. In general, the present disclosure relates to manufacturing cells for the automated processing of bar stock with a high degree of automation and simultaneously a small footprint.

[0002] One exemplary application of such a manufacturing cell is the automated production of carbide blanks for carbide tools, which are then subjected to further processing. This includes, for example, cutting to length from a bar, creating chamfers, inserting cooling channels, producing a Weldon surface, marking (labeling), and similar operations. It does not necessarily involve grinding the working contour of the tool, including the cutting edges. This is typically performed on separate, specialized tool grinding machines. Finally, other applications for manufacturing cells as described are also conceivable.

[0003] German patent DE 10308292 A1 discloses a grinding machine for producing carbide blanks for tool manufacturing. The grinding machine processes carbide rods, which are fed into the working chamber through the workpiece spindle. Workpieces (carbide blanks) are cut to length from the rods by a cutting wheel. Machining is carried out with another grinding wheel; several tool spindles are provided. The workpieces are handled (held) by steady rests.

[0004] From DE 102009011 933 A1, a grinding machine is known, comprising a machine bed, a tool spindle movable horizontally in two linear axes with a grinding tool, and a workpiece spindle with a workpiece holder rotatable about a horizontal axis, wherein the workpiece spindle stock is furthermore pivotable about a vertical axis. DE 102009011 933 A1 does not disclose any approaches to automation.

[0005] From WO 2005 / 035189 A1, a grinding machine with a grinding wheel having several sections is known, in particular a profiling section and a cutting section. In this way, workpieces can be profiled and cut from a bar using only one grinding tool.

[0006] One exemplary application is the production of blanks for the manufacture of carbide tools. The production of these blanks includes, for example, cutting a bar to length, various machining operations (such as grinding), marking / labeling, and palletizing. These steps are often performed sequentially on separate machines, requiring part handling and workpiece transfer for each step. This increases the workload, particularly personnel costs. Furthermore, the large number of required machines and fixtures increases the space requirement. The part handling between individual machining steps also increases the effort required to ensure the necessary accuracy. Autonomous operation is only possible to a limited extent because the individual machines must be loaded one after the other.

[0007] Against this background, the present disclosure aims to provide a manufacturing cell for processing bar stock, enabling the highly automated production of workpieces from bar stock. The manufacturing cell should be particularly suitable for processing carbide bars. Machining should primarily be carried out by grinding. The manufacturing cell should be compact and require little space. Furthermore, various manufacturing steps should be integrated into a single cell, if possible. The manufacturing cell should enable automated workpiece handling. The manufacturing cell should allow for the autonomous production of substantial batch sizes. For example, the manufacturing cell should allow for autonomous production overnight or over the weekend. The manufacturing cell should be operable with comparatively little personnel.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a manufacturing cell for machining bar stock, in particular for machining hard metal blanks, which has the following features: a machine bed, a workpiece holder a tool spindle, wherein the tool spindle and the tool holder are movable relative to each other in at least two linear axes and at least one swivel axis in order to machine a workpiece clamped in the workpiece holder, a loading station, in particular a bar loader for bar material, with a magazine and a transfer unit for providing bars at a staging position, a palletizing station for palletizing machined workpieces, and a handling device, in particular in the form of a robot, for transporting workpieces between the staging position, the tool holder and the palletizing station.

[0009] The problem solved by the invention is thus resolved.

[0010] As disclosed, the manufacturing cell integrates, in addition to the machining unit (machine tool), further components for feeding and handling workpieces. This can include loading and unloading. Further processes, such as marking, can also be integrated. Measuring tasks and the like are also conceivable. The integration of the handling device (usually a robot) allows for the automated handling of workpieces within the manufacturing cell. In this way, series production can be carried out efficiently and automatically.

[0011] The production cell allows for a high degree of automation. Due to the sufficient capacity of both the charging and palletizing stations, autonomous production over a comparatively long period (e.g., overnight or over a weekend) is conceivable, depending on the specific configuration chosen. The overall footprint of the production system is small because various stations and parts handling are integrated into the production cell.

[0012] Because parts handling within the production cell is automated across multiple stations, personnel costs are reduced. At the same time, automated handling ensures increased accuracy. Errors that typically occur during manual loading or part transfer are avoided. Production processes can be optimized.

[0013] The workpieces could, for example, be carbide blanks for the production of machining tools. These are typically produced from bars. Handling the bars and blanks is relatively difficult because carbide is very brittle. A manufacturing cell as described is not necessarily intended to produce the final contour of such a tool. This is usually done in a separate machine that creates the cutting geometry. However, the manufacturing cell is particularly well-suited for producing suitable blanks / semi-finished products for this purpose. In general, the manufacturing cell is suitable for shank machining.

[0014] The manufacturing cell is fundamentally also usable for other machining tasks involving the production of workpieces from bar stock. In particular, the manufacturing cell is suitable for the abrasive machining of relatively hard materials by grinding. With the concept shown, the manufacturing cell is especially well-suited for end machining.

[0015] The manufacturing cell is suitable for processing bar stock, especially short bars. Short bars are comparatively short compared to (long) bars; for example, their length is less than 1.0 m, less than 0.75 m, or even less than 0.5 m. Using short bars ensures that the footprint of the manufacturing cell (including the charging station) is relatively small.

[0016] The bar stock can be round or non-round (for example, bars with a polygonal cross-section). The material can be solid, and the processing of hollow profiles is also conceivable.

[0017] Within the scope of this disclosure, a manufacturing cell is an automated machine tool with integrated workpiece handling, which may optionally implement further automated functions. Such an integrated manufacturing cell does not require any additional external handling devices for the implemented functions.

[0018] The machine bed forms the basis for the kinematics of the manufacturing cell. The machine bed can be placed on the floor. At least in exemplary configurations, the manufacturing cell as a whole is relatively compact, so the machine bed can stand on a base / cabinet.

[0019] According to one exemplary embodiment, the tool spindle is movable along two linear guides and two horizontal linear axes relative to the machine bed, with the tool spindle being mounted on the machine bed, in particular via a cross slide. In this way, the translational movements for infeed and machining are provided via the tool spindle, i.e., via the tool.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment, the workpiece holder is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis relative to the machine bed, and is rotatable about a horizontal longitudinal axis, in particular by a workpiece spindle. This enables machining in three axes, provided that two translational axes are also available. The pivot axis is provided by the workpiece holder or the workpiece itself; for this purpose, the workpiece holder is arranged directly or indirectly on a swiveling / rotary table. If the workpiece can be driven rotationally by a workpiece spindle, cylindrical grinding operations and similar processes can be performed.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing cell further comprises a frame which in particular supports the handling device, wherein the machine bed and the frame define a working space, and wherein the workpiece holder, the tool spindle, the at least two linear axes, the at least one swivel axis, the loading station, the palletizing station and the handling device are arranged within the working space.

[0022] In other words, the main components of the manufacturing cell are arranged within the footprint (the base area) of the frame (or machine bed). This can also include the loading station, the palletizing station, and similar components. For example, if a marking station is located at least partially above the frame, this component does not increase the base area.

[0023] The frame typically includes an enclosure that surrounds the work area. The compact arrangement of essential components within the work area reduces the space requirement. If workpiece handling takes place primarily within the work area, the workpieces are well protected from external influences.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment, the handling device is designed as a suspended robot, in particular as a suspended articulated robot. This makes optimal use of the available installation space. In a suspended arrangement, the robot can, for example, assume a retracted position in which it occupies no space on the floor of the machine bed. When the robot is mounted at the top of the frame, the transfer positions to be approached at the bottom of the machine bed are easily accessible. Good robot mobility is ensured.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, the robot carries an effector in the form of a gripper, which is designed to grasp a workpiece, hold it during transfer, and release it afterward. This allows the robot to both load and unload the workpieces. Loading can occur, for example, after cutting the workpiece to length from a bar. Unloading can be performed, for example, by palletizing it. It goes without saying that further stations can be accessed. This includes, for example, marking the processed workpiece at a marking station.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment, the gripper has a fixed leg and a holding jaw that is movable relative to the leg, wherein the fixed leg preferably has a thickness adapted to the spacing between workpieces palletized on a pallet. In this way, workpieces can be gripped and placed precisely. In one exemplary embodiment, the fixed leg is particularly thin, so that a large number of machined workpieces (for example, blanks for subsequent tool grinding) can be placed upright on a pallet with a comparatively small grid spacing.

[0027] The gripper is designed so that the workpieces are easily accessible and / or positionable at the various stations and locations. For example, the thickness of the fixed leg is only a few millimeters, in particular a maximum of 5.0 mm, preferably a maximum of 3.0 mm or a maximum of 2.0 mm.

[0028] According to another exemplary configuration, the palletizing station has several palletizing positions for handling workpieces. This allows for the loading of multiple pallets arranged side by side. This offers a variety of applications. For example, it can increase capacity and enable automated processing of a large number of workpieces. Furthermore, different processing tasks can be performed, with the workpieces being palletized separately by type. Finally, workpieces can be guided through multiple stations and temporarily stored at a palletizing position, which then serves as intermediate storage.

[0029] In one exemplary configuration, the manufacturing cell is used in such a way that the semi-finished products are fed in via pallets and not via the loading station. In other words, one palletizing station can provide raw parts. Another palletizing station can then be used to receive the machined workpieces. In other words, machining "from the pallet" is possible.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the palletizing stations is tiltable; preferably, this applies to all palletizing stations. In this way, the pallets can be brought into a favorable inclined position. This allows, for example, highly precise positioning of the workpieces in corresponding fixtures. This increases the accuracy when gripping and placing workpieces / semi-finished products. Handling can be simplified.

[0031] In another embodiment, the magazine is a short-bar magazine with an inclined material tray, allowing bars to be inserted into a singulation position. This enables the magazine to hold a large number of bars. Loading the magazine can be particularly easy.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, the loading station further comprises a singulation slide designed to move a bar from the short bar magazine towards the transfer unit. This occurs, for example, towards a guide channel to which a bar slide is assigned. The singulation slide serves to precisely separate the bars in the magazine.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the transfer unit of the charging station comprises a bar pusher that moves along a transfer direction and is designed to move bars along a guide channel towards the staging position. In this way, the bar material can be precisely transferred to the processing position, where, for example, cutting to length can take place.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment, the rod slide has a first driver and a second driver mounted on a common transfer carriage and offset from each other in the transfer direction, wherein at least one of the two drivers is displaceable between an active position, in which the driver projects into the guide channel, and an inactive position, in which the driver is extended from the guide channel. For example, the second driver can be displaced between the active and inactive positions.

[0035] In this way, the bar feeder can be used with both relatively short and relatively long bars without significantly increasing the machine's installation space. The first driver can, for example, be called a drive finger. The second driver can, for example, be called a drive arm. In one exemplary embodiment, the guide channel for the bar material has a recess that is passable for the second driver when the second driver is moved between the active and inactive positions. According to this embodiment, there is a specific position along the transfer direction in which such movement of the second driver is possible.

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second driver is positioned upstream of the first driver in the transfer direction to allow the handling of offcuts or short bars when in its active position. In other words, according to this embodiment, the first driver is used for long (short) bars. When the bars have been sufficiently used / cut to length, the second driver can be moved into the active position, allowing even comparatively short bars to be moved by the bar pusher towards the staging position. This enables the processing of bars in two length ranges.

[0037] In other words, the second driver increases the stroke (i.e., the possible reach) of the rod slide. A particularly large travel distance is not required for the transfer carriage. Furthermore, a telescopic design of the rod slide is not necessary. Both of these factors have a positive impact on the installation space.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, the transfer unit comprises a clamping unit for clamping bars in the staging position, wherein the clamping unit has at least one clamping jaw that can be moved between a clamping position and a release position. The clamping unit serves to fix bars staging in the staging position so that they can be cut to length to obtain suitable semi-finished products for further processing. The at least one clamping jaw can immerse in the guide channel in the clamping position to secure a bar there.

[0039] According to another exemplary embodiment, the clamping unit has two independently activatable clamping jaws that are offset from each other in the transfer direction. In this way, for example, comparatively short and comparatively long bars (short bars) can be optimally clamped.

[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment, the palletizing station and the loading station are arranged on a common longitudinal side of the machine bed, in particular on a longitudinal side facing away from an opposite longitudinal side where the workpiece holder is located. In this way, both the loading (e.g., providing bars at the loading station) and the unloading (e.g., removing loaded pallets) of the production cell can take place on a common side.

[0041] The workpiece holder and the tool spindle can be located on the opposite side. This creates a functional separation on the machine bed. The transfer unit for individual bars can extend between the first and second longitudinal sides—that is, between the loading and palletizing stations on one side and the workpiece holder and tool spindle on the other. There, the bars can be moved to the staging position and cut to length. The tool spindle can move to this staging position for this purpose.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, the two sides of the machine bed are oriented parallel to the spindle axis of the tool spindle.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment, a remnant removal system is located below the palletizing station. This allows for the removal of remnants on the side where loading / unloading takes place. The space below the palletizing station is thus used efficiently.

[0044] According to another exemplary embodiment, the tool spindle carries a tool carrier that is rotatably driven about a spindle axis and holds several spaced-apart tools, in particular grinding tools, which are offset from one another along the spindle axis. In this way, one and the same tool carrier can hold several tools, so that changing or replacing tools is not necessary or at least occurs less frequently.

[0045] During machining, a quick change between different machining tools (grinding wheels) is possible. This allows for the efficient execution of a wide variety of machining tasks. The assembly consisting of the tools and the tool holder can also be referred to as a grinding wheel assembly.

[0046] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the tools mounted on the tool holder is a cutting tool for cutting the bars to length in the staging position. In other words, the tool holder can carry a cutting disc with which a bar positioned in the staging position can be cut to length. The tool spindle is movable along the two linear axes accordingly.

[0047] According to another exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing cell further comprises a marking station, which is arranged, in particular, on the ceiling of the workspace. The marking station has a marking fixture that is movable between a handling position, in which a workpiece change is possible by the handling device, and a marking position, in which the marking can be generated. The marking station is accessible within the workspace for workpieces that the handling device can place there.

[0048] If workpieces can be marked / labeled within the production cell before (potentially final) palletizing, handling effort is further reduced. Marking can be carried out with minimal errors and without human intervention. The marking fixture is movable, allowing workpieces with different dimensions (diameter, cross-section, etc.) to be marked at the station without requiring time-consuming retooling.

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment, the marking station has a cover that can be moved within the workspace and is movable between an open position in which the marking fixture is accessible and a closed position in which a workpiece held in the marking fixture is separated from the workspace.

[0050] This effectively reduces the ingress of coolant and similar substances into the marking station (especially one of its marking chambers). The production cell can be controlled in such a way that the coolant supply is interrupted when the marking station cover is opened.

[0051] According to another exemplary embodiment, the marking station comprises a marking laser whose laser beam source is located outside the work area, and a marking chamber, which can be closed, in particular by a cover, in which the marking is produced and which has an opening through which a laser beam from the marking laser is guided into the marking chamber. In this way, the laser beam can be generated outside the work area and guided through the opening into the marking chamber. Furthermore, the manufacturing cell can be controlled so that the supply of coolant is interrupted when the laser is active.

[0052] According to another exemplary embodiment, the marking chamber is pressurized, at least temporarily. This can be achieved, for example, by pressurizing it with a gas (air). When pressurized, the risk of cooling lubricants and other contaminants from the work area entering the marking chamber is reduced.

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing cell also features a base that supports the machine bed and houses other components of the manufacturing cell. The base can also be referred to as a base cabinet. If the work area has relatively compact dimensions, the machine bed can be elevated on a base cabinet. The resulting space can be used, for example, for coolant cleaning, control systems, electronic components, and similar items. Overall, this can result in an extremely compact design for the manufacturing cell. At the same time, the elevated design ensures convenient access.

[0054] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and explanation of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 : a perspective view of an embodiment of a manufacturing cell for machining bar stock, in a first orientation; Fig. 2: another perspective view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1 in a second orientation, omitting the frame; Fig. 3: a view of an operator side of the manufacturing cell; Fig. 4: a top view of the workspace of the manufacturing cell according to Figures 1-3; Fig. 5: a perspective, cutaway partial view to illustrate a singulation slide of a charging station; Fig. 6: a perspective partial view to illustrate a transfer unit with rod slider; Fig. 7: another perspective partial view based on Fig. 6 to illustrate the transfer unit; Fig. 8: a partial side view to illustrate the transfer unit; Fig. 9: a partial rear view to illustrate the transfer unit; Fig. 10: a view of a gripper held by a robot; Fig. 11: a perspective partial view of a marking station in an open state; and Fig. 12: another perspective partial view of the marking station according to Fig. 11 in a partially closed state.

[0056] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a manufacturing cell 10 using a perspective view. In the exemplary embodiment, the manufacturing cell 10 comprises a grinding machine 12 and other components, in particular for the automation of the machining in the manufacturing cell 10.

[0057] Manufacturing cell 10 serves as an example for the automated production of blanks based on carbide bars for the manufacture of carbide tools. Other applications are conceivable.

[0058] In at least some of the figures, a Cartesian coordinate system with the XYZ axes is shown, serving to illustrate directions, positions, and orientations. Together, the X and Y axes define a horizontal plane. The Z axis is vertically oriented and perpendicular to the X and Y planes. In this embodiment, the X axis describes a depth extent, and the Y axis a length extent. A B axis describes rotational movements about the Y axis. A C axis describes rotational movements about the Z axis. Similarly, an A axis describes rotational movements about the X axis. Such coordinate systems are familiar to those skilled in the art. Other configurations are conceivable, and those skilled in the art can readily perform the corresponding transformations. The orientation of the XYZ coordinate system should therefore not be interpreted as restrictive.

[0059] The manufacturing cell 10 comprises a machine bed 14, which serves as a base for various components. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a frame 16 is also provided. Together, the machine bed 14 and the frame 16 define a work area 18. The work area 18 is typically enclosed / enclosed. Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the manufacturing cell 10, although for clarity, the frame 16 is not shown. Figures 1 and 2 show opposite sides of the manufacturing cell 10.

[0060] The grinding machine 12, as part of the manufacturing cell 10, comprises a workpiece spindle 20 with a workpiece holder 22 for receiving a workpiece 24. The workpiece 24 can be rotated by the workpiece spindle 20 about a longitudinal axis 26. See Fig. 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis 26 is parallel to the XY plane. The longitudinal axis 26 is oriented horizontally. In the position of the workpiece spindle 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal axis 26 is parallel to the Y-axis. This degree of freedom (rotational movements about the longitudinal axis 26 by the workpiece spindle 20) is referred to as the B-axis.

[0061] The workpiece spindle 20 is mounted on a swivel table 30, which can be pivoted about a swivel axis 32. In the exemplary embodiment, the swivel axis 32 is parallel to the Z-axis. The swivel axis 32 is vertically oriented. This degree of freedom (pivoting movement of the workpiece spindles 20 about the swivel axis 32 through the swivel table 30) is referred to as the C-axis.

[0062] The tool spindle 40 comprises a tool holder 42, which carries a tool carrier 44. The tool holder 42, together with the tool carrier 44, can be rotated about a spindle axis 46 by the tool spindle 40. The spindle axis 46 is oriented horizontally and parallel to the Y-axis. In the exemplary embodiment, several tools 48, 50, 52 are mounted on the tool carrier 44. The tools 48, 50, 52 are, in particular, grinding tools. For example, tool 48 is a cutting disc. Tools 50, 52 serve as grinding wheels for producing desired contours on the workpiece 24.

[0063] The tool spindle 40 sits on a slide 60, which in this embodiment is designed as a cross slide. In this way, the tool spindle 40 can be moved translationally along two linear axes 66, 68 along mutually orthogonal linear guides 62, 64. The axis 66 (see also the linear guide 62) is parallel to the X-direction and can therefore also be referred to as the X-axis. The axis 68 (see also the linear guide 64) is parallel to the Y-direction and can therefore also be referred to as the Y-axis. Fig. 2 shows the design of the slide 60 as a cross slide with the intersecting linear guides 62, 64.

[0064] Fig. 1 illustrates a loading side of the production cell 10. A loading station 74 is provided there, which in the exemplary embodiment comprises a magazine 76 with an inclined material tray 78. The magazine 76 can also be referred to as a short bar magazine. The magazine 76 serves to hold bar stock in the form of several bars 80, see also Fig. 2. The bars 80 can also be referred to as short bars. In the exemplary embodiment, the loading station 74 with the magazine 76 is arranged within the working area 18, i.e., within the system boundary defined by the machine bed 14 and the frame 16.

[0065] The loading station 74 serves to receive a large number of bars 80, which are processed in the production cell 10 to produce workpieces 24. The loading station 74 separates the bars 80 and makes them available in the work area 18 for further steps. In the exemplary embodiment, this includes transferring the bars 80 with a transfer unit 86 towards a staging position 88. In the staging position 88, the bars 80 can be cut to length. In other words, several workpieces 24 can be produced from one bar 80, at least in exemplary embodiments. The cutting to length can be carried out using the tool 48 of the tool carrier 44 of the tool spindle 40, which is designed as a cutting disc. For this purpose, the tool spindle 40 with the tool carrier 44 can be moved in a suitable manner along the linear axes 66, 68 towards the staging position 88.

[0066] In the provision position 88, the bars 80 can be fixed (clamped) for cutting to length by means of a clamping unit 90. In the exemplary embodiment, the clamping unit 90 comprises two clamping jaws 92, 94 arranged side by side in the Y-direction, see Fig. 2. Each of the clamping jaws 92, 94 is coupled to a drive 96, 98, see Fig. 1.

[0067] Fig. 1 further shows that a palletizing station 106 is arranged next to the charging station 74 on the side of the production cell 10 shown there. In the exemplary embodiment, the clamping unit 96 is located between the charging station 94 and the palletizing station 106.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the palletizing station 106 comprises three palletizing positions 108. This is not to be understood as a limitation. The palletizing station 106 has a base frame 110 that supports the palletizing positions 108. Each of the palletizing positions 108 serves to hold a pallet 112. The pallets 112 can each serve to hold a plurality or multiple of workpieces 24. In the case of shaft-shaped workpieces 24 (for example, blanks for toolmaking), a plurality of workpieces 24 can be held upright with a comparatively small grid dimension on at least one of the pallets 112.

[0069] The pallets 112 can generally be used to hold finished parts (processing completed within production cell 10). It is understood that further processing of such parts can take place in other production cells / machine tools. However, the pallets 112 can also be used for the temporary storage of semi-finished parts or even for providing unprocessed raw parts. Equipping the palletizing station 106 with multiple palletizing positions 108 increases the flexibility of production cell 10. The palletizing positions 108 can also be used to hold different workpieces 24, for example, when different types are manufactured based on uniform bars 80. It is understood that all palletizing positions 108 can also be used to hold identical workpieces 24. In such a case, the capacity of the palletizing station 106 increases.This is advantageous, for example, if the manufacturing cell 10 is to be operated autonomously (or semi-autonomously) overnight or for several days.

[0070] Fig. 2 illustrates, in addition to Fig. 1, that in the exemplary embodiment the base frame 110 of the palletizing station 106 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 114. A pivot guide 116 is provided for this purpose. In other words, the base frame 110 can be moved into an inclined position. This can simplify the placement and precise alignment of the workpieces 24 in the pallets 112.

[0071] Figure 1 also indicates a remnant discharge 120. The remnant discharge 120 serves to remove and, if necessary, collect so-called remnants. These are, for example, remnants of bars 80 that can no longer be processed after being cut to length. Similarly, defective parts can also be removed via the remnant discharge 120. Remnants can be fed to the remnant discharge 120 via the transfer unit 86 or via a handling device 122. The remnant discharge 120 is also shown from different perspectives in Figures 3-6. The remnant discharge 120 can include a collection container.

[0072] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the handling device 122 of the production cell 10 is designed, by way of example, as a robot 124. In this embodiment, the robot 124 is designed as a suspended articulated robot. The robot 124 is suspended by its base 126 from the frame 16 above the machine bed 14. In this way, the robot 124 can reach various components and areas of the production cell 10 within the workspace 18.

[0073] The handling device 122 has an effector in the form of a gripper 128, which is designed to grasp and place workpieces 24 (and optionally also bars 80) in a defined manner. In this way, the handling device 122 can flexibly transfer workpieces 24 within the work area 18. This includes, for example, a transfer of workpieces 24 between the staging position 88 and the workpiece holder 22 of the workpiece spindles 20. Similarly, a transfer of workpieces 24 between the workpiece holder 22 and the palletizing station 106 is conceivable. However, the workpieces 24 can also be transferred to other assemblies / components. This includes, for example, a transfer to a marking station 132.

[0074] The marking station 132 is shown in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 3; compare also the associated detail views in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. The marking station 132 has a marking laser 134, which in the exemplary embodiment is partially located outside the working area 18.

[0075] Fig. 1 further shows a control unit 140 for the production cell 10, which includes, by way of example, an operator panel 142. It is understood that additional operating elements may be provided. Likewise, the control unit 140 can be integrated into the production cell 10. The control unit 140 is designed, by way of example, to control the grinding machine 12, the loading station 74, the transfer unit 86, the clamping unit 90, the handling device 122, and the marking station 132. Control via external controllers is also conceivable in principle, for example, in linked systems. Similarly, a distributed control system is conceivable, in which different components are controlled locally and different components are controlled via external systems.

[0076] Fig. 1 further illustrates two opposing longitudinal sides of the production cell 10 and the machine bed 14, respectively, with references 146 and 148. In this exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal side 146 facing the viewer in Fig. 1 can also be referred to as the operator side. For example, the loading station 74 and the palletizing station 106 are accessible from the longitudinal side 146. The same applies, by way of example, to the offcut discharge 120 and the control panel 142.

[0077] The charging station 74 and the palletizing station 106 are arranged together on the longitudinal side 146. On the opposite longitudinal side 148, the workpiece spindle 20 and (at least during the machining of the workpieces 24) the tool spindle 40 are arranged. In this way, the installation space of the manufacturing cell 10 is used efficiently. The suspended arrangement of the handling device 122 results in more free installation space on the machine bed 14. The robot 124, for example, can be positioned significantly away from the machine bed 14 in a retracted position, so that the space there can be used for other components of the manufacturing cell 10.

[0078] Fig. 3 illustrates a frontal view of the longitudinal side 146. In the embodiment according to Fig. 10, the machine bed 14 or the frame 16 sits on a base 150. This is advantageous, for example, when the production cell 10 requires a compact design. In this way, the work area 18 can be positioned conveniently for an operator. Interfaces with the production cell 10 (for example, for control, loading, or unloading) are easily accessible. The base 150 can house further components of the production cell 10, such as those for coolant preparation, auxiliary units, components of the control system 140, and the like.

[0079] Fig. 3 further shows that the handling device 122, with its base 126, is mounted on a ceiling 156 at the top of the frame 16. This ensures a favorable arrangement of the handling device 122 in the work area 18. Various assemblies of the production cell 10 can be conveniently accessed from above with the gripper 128.

[0080] The marking station 132 extends partly outside / above the workspace 18 and partly inside the workspace 18. For example, the marking laser 134 with its laser beam source is mounted on the ceiling 156 outside the workspace 18. A marking chamber 160 is formed inside the workspace 18, which can be closed off from the workspace 18 by a cover 162 if required. A marking fixture 164 for receiving workpieces 24 to be marked is arranged in the marking chamber 160. The cover 162 protects the marking chamber 160 from excessive ingress of coolant or other contaminants from the workspace 18 when closed.

[0081] In addition to Figures 1-3, Fig. 4 shows a top view of the machine bed 14 with the components arranged thereon. The handling device 122, the marking station 132, and the operating panel 142 are not shown in Fig. 4. Figure 4 further shows, using dashed lines, that the workpiece spindle 40 can be moved translationally along the machine bed 14 (X-axis and Y-axis), and that the tool spindle 20 can be pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the plane of view relative to the machine bed 14 (so-called C-axis).

[0082] Taken together, Figures 4-9 illustrate the transfer of bars 80 towards the staging position 88. At the staging position 88, the bars 80 can be cut to length; compare also Fig. 4 with the dashed representation of the tool spindle 40. In this way, the workpieces 24 are obtained, which can be transferred between the staging position 88 and the workpiece spindle 40 by the transfer device 122. After machining, the workpieces 24 can be transferred by the transfer device 122 between the workpiece spindle 40 and the palletizing station 106 for placement on one of the palletizing positions 108.

[0083] Fig. 4 further illustrates that the transfer unit 86 includes a singulation position 170, in which individual bars 80 are provided for further handling from the quantity of bars 80 in the magazine 76. The bars 80 are placed in a guide channel 172. Transport between the singulation position 170 and the staging position 88 can be carried out by a bar pusher 176. The bars 80 can be made of round material or non-round material (polygonal cross-section). Oval cross-sections or the like are also conceivable. The bars 80 can be designed as solid material or hollow profiles.

[0084] Fig. 5 illustrates, using a sectional perspective view, the singulation of bars 80 from the magazine 76 of the loading station 74. A plurality of bars 80 can be placed and made available in the magazine 76 on the inclined material tray 78. A singulation slide 180 with a groove 182 is arranged below the material tray 78. One bar 80 at a time can engage in the groove 182. The singulation slide 180 can be moved in a transport direction (arrow 188) to transfer the bar 80 received in the groove 182 from the magazine 76 to the singulation position 170 in the guide channel 172. In the exemplary embodiment, the singulation slide 180 has a toothing in the vicinity of the groove 182, which corresponds to a toothing on a (stationary) cam 184 adjacent to the guide channel 172.

[0085] Through these interlocking toothed sections, the rods 80 are pushed towards the guide channel 182 via the cam 184. Due to the raised design of the cam 184, the rods 80 can be lifted out of the groove 182 of the singulation slide 180 at the tip of the cam 184. The rods 80 then slide or roll into the singulation position 170 in the guide channel 172.

[0086] Figures 6-9 further illustrate the design and functionality of the rod slide 176, which serves to move the rods 80 in the guide channel 172. The rod slide 176 includes a transfer carriage 194, which is movable in a transfer direction 196.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, a first driver 200 and a second driver 202 are arranged on the transfer carriage 194, see also Fig. 9. The drivers 200, 202 serve to transport rods 80, for example between the singulation position 170 and the staging position 88. On the side of the staging position 88 opposite the transfer carriage 194, a support 208 is arranged, which serves as a continuation of the guide channel 172.

[0088] In this way, bars 80 can be moved into the staging position 88 such that one section of the bar 80 rests on the support 208 and another section rests on or in the guide channel 172. At the staging position 88, there is a gap between the support 208 and the guide channel 172. The bar 80 can be cut there (for example, with the tool 48 of the tool holder 44 of the tool spindle 40) to obtain sections of the bar 80 for further processing.

[0089] The clamping unit 90 serves to fix the rod 80 during the cutting process. In the embodiment according to Figures 6, 7 and 9, the clamping unit 90 has two clamping jaws 92, 94 arranged side by side in the transfer direction 196, each of which can be actuated individually by a drive 96, 98. The clamping jaws 92, 94 can each be moved between a release position and a clamping position. In the clamping position, the respective clamping jaw 92, 94 is engaged in the guide channel 172 to clamp the rod 80. In this way, the rod 80 is securely held during cutting.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment, the clamping unit 90 comprises two clamping jaws 92, 94 arranged side by side; this is not to be understood as a limitation. The design with two clamping jaws 92, 94 has the advantage that both comparatively long and comparatively short bars 80 can be securely fixed for the cutting process. Accordingly, one of the clamping jaws 92, 94 is selectively activated (clamping position) or deactivated (release position). It is understood that both clamping jaws 92, 94 can also be actuated synchronously.

[0091] In this embodiment, no clamping jaw is assigned to the support 208. During cutting, the tool 48 acts on the rod 80 in such a way that the section to be cut off is securely pressed into the support 208. After cutting, this section can be removed by the handling device 122 with the gripper 128; see also Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0092] The design of the rod slider 176 with the two drivers 200 and 202 simplifies the handling of both relatively short and relatively long rods 80. Driver 200 can also be referred to as a driving finger. Driver 202 can also be referred to as a driving arm. Driver 202 is positioned upstream of driver 200 in the transfer direction. This refers to the effective / driving surface with which drivers 200 and 202 act on the rods 80.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment, the driver 202 can be moved between an active position and an inactive position. This movement can be achieved using the recess 212 in the guide channel 172 shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9. The recess 212 allows the driver 202 to move between the active and inactive positions. In Figure 8, the movement of the driver 202 is illustrated by a double arrow labeled 214. This movement can be a pivoting motion. In the active position, the driver 202 is located in the guide channel 172. In the inactive position, the driver 202 is extended from the guide channel 172.

[0094] In the active position of the driver 202, the rod pusher 176 can transfer relatively short rods 80 far enough towards the staging position 88. In the inactive position of the driver 202, the rod pusher 176, with the driver 200, can handle relatively long rods 80 and transfer them towards the staging position 88. In this way, the rod pusher 176 has a relatively small installation space in the transfer direction 196. Nevertheless, rods 80 of different lengths can be handled effectively.

[0095] Any remaining pieces of the bars 80 that are no longer processed can be pushed towards the offcut discharge 120 via the bar pusher 176. Such offcuts can also be discharged to the offcut discharge 120 by the handling device 122 with the robot 124; see again Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0096] Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the gripper 128 of the robot 124 of the handling device 122. In this embodiment, the gripper 128 has a fixed leg 220 and a holding jaw 222 that is movable relative to it. In this embodiment, the holding jaw 222 has a contour adapted to the workpiece 24. The holding jaw 222 is movable, for example, by means of a cylinder, see the double arrow 224. In this way, workpieces 24 (and optionally also rods 80) can be gripped, held, and released as needed in a defined manner.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment, the fixed leg 220 is designed to be comparatively thin. The thickness 226 of the leg 220 is, for example, only a few millimeters, for example less than 5.0 mm, for example less than 3.0 mm, for example less than 2.0 mm. In this way, the workpiece 24 can be gripped and placed securely even under unfavorable space conditions. This is advantageous, for example, when a plurality or large number of workpieces 24 with a small grid dimension are to be placed on a pallet 112 (see Fig. 1) at the palletizing station 106.

[0098] The gripper 128 can also be used to feed workpieces 24 to the marking station 132 or to remove them from the marking station 132 after marking has taken place.

[0099] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate, using enlarged partial views, one design of the marking station 132; compare also Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.

[0100] The marking station 132 is located partly outside and partly inside the work area 18. For example, the marking laser 134 is located above the ceiling 156 (see also Fig. 1 and Fig. 3). Workpieces 24 can be inserted into the marking chamber 160 by the handling device 132 and placed on the marking holder 164. This state is shown in Fig. 11. The marking holder 164 is movable; see the double arrow 166 in Fig. 11.

[0101] In this way, the workpieces 24 can be conveniently positioned relative to an opening 230 through which the marking is made, as shown schematically in Fig. 12 by a laser beam 132. The movable marking holder 164 allows for convenient positioning even with different dimensions of the workpieces 24. Fig. 11 illustrates a handling position of the marking holder 164, in which loading and unloading with the workpieces 24 can take place.

[0102] Fig. 12 illustrates a marking position of the marking fixture 164. The workpiece 24 has been moved closer to the opening 230 to be marked by the laser beam 232. Furthermore, Fig. 12 shows the cover 132 in a position that is at least partially closed. The cover 162 is movable, as indicated by the double arrow 168. In this way, the cover 162 can open or close the marking chamber 160 as needed. In particular, the cover 162 is completely closed during the marking process.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment, the cover 162 is only open when a workpiece 24 is inserted into or removed from the marking chamber 160. Otherwise, the marking chamber 160 is preferably closed by the cover 162 to minimize the ingress of dirt or coolant.

[0104] In exemplary configurations, the marking chamber 160 is pressurized, at least temporarily. This can be achieved, for example, by introducing compressed air. This minimizes the ingress of foreign matter, abrasion, dust, and the like.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Manufacturing cell (10) for machining bar stock, in particular for machining blanks for carbide tools, comprising: a machine bed (14), a workpiece holder (22), a tool spindle (40), wherein the tool spindle (40) and the workpiece holder (22) are movable relative to each other in at least two linear axes (66, 68) and at least one swivel axis (32) in order to machine a workpiece (24) clamped in the workpiece holder (22), a loading station (74), in particular a bar loader for bar material (80), with a magazine (76) and a transfer unit (86) for providing bars (80) at a staging position (88), a palletizing station (106) for palletizing machined workpieces (24), and a handling device (122), in particular in the form of a robot (124) for transporting workpieces (24) between the staging position (88), the workpiece holder (22) and the palletizing station (106).

2. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein the tool spindle (40) is movable along two linear guides (62, 64) along two horizontal linear axes (66, 68) relative to the machine bed (14), and wherein the tool spindle (40) is in particular mounted on the machine bed (14) via a cross slide.

3. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the workpiece holder (22) is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis (32) relative to the machine bed (14), and wherein the workpiece holder (22) is rotatable about a horizontal longitudinal axis (26) in particular by means of a workpiece spindle (20).

4. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-3, further comprising a frame (16) which in particular supports the handling device (122), wherein the machine bed (14) and the frame (16) define a working space (18), and wherein the workpiece holder (22), the tool spindle (40), the at least two linear axes (66, 68), the at least one pivot axis (32), the loading station (74), the palletizing station (106) and the handling device (122) are arranged within the working space (18).

5. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the handling device (122) is designed as a suspended robot (124), in particular as a suspended articulated robot.

6. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the robot (124) carries an effector in the form of a gripper (128) which is designed to grasp a workpiece (24) at a time, hold it during transfer and release it after transfer.

7. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 6, wherein the gripper (128) has a fixed leg (220) and a holding jaw (222) movable relative to the leg (220), and wherein the fixed leg (220) preferably has a thickness (226) which is adapted to a distance between workpieces (24) palletized in a pallet (112).

8. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the palletizing station (106) has several palletizing positions (108) for handling workpieces (24).

9. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the palletizing places (108), preferably all palletizing places (108), is / are tiltable.

10. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the magazine (76) is a short bar magazine with inclined material storage (78) via which bars (80) can be inserted into a singulation position (170).

11. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the loading station (74) further comprises a singulation slide (180) designed to move a rod (80) from the magazine (76) towards the transfer unit (86).

12. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-11, wherein the transfer unit (86) of the charging station (74) comprises a rod slider (176) movable along a transfer direction (196) which is configured to move rods (80) along a guide channel (172) in the direction of the provision position (88).

13. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 12, wherein the rod slide (176) has a first driver (200) and a second driver (202) which are mounted on a common transfer slide (194) and are offset from each other in the transfer direction (196), and wherein at least one of the two drivers (202) is displaceable between an active position in which the driver (202) projects into the guide channel (172) and an inactive position in which the driver (202) is extended out of the guide channel (172).

14. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 13, wherein the second driver (202) is positioned upstream of the second driver (200) in the transfer direction (196) to allow handling of remnants or short bars (80) in its active position.

15. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 12-14, wherein the transfer unit (86) comprises a clamping unit (90) for clamping bars (80) in the provision position (88), and wherein the clamping unit (90) has at least one clamping jaw (92, 94) which is displaceable between a clamping position and a release position.

16. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 15, wherein the clamping unit (90) has two independently activatable clamping jaws (92, 94) which are offset from each other in the transfer direction (196).

17. Manufacturing cell (10) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the palletizing station (106) and the loading station (74) are arranged on a common longitudinal side (146) of the machine bed (14), in particular on a longitudinal side (146) that faces away from an opposite longitudinal side (148) on which the workpiece holder (22) is arranged.

18. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 17, wherein a residual piece discharge (120) is arranged below the palletizing station (106).

19. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-18, wherein the tool spindle (40) carries a tool carrier (44) which can be driven rotatorily about a spindle axis (46) and which carries several spaced-apart tools (48, 50, 52), in particular grinding tools, which are offset from each other along the spindle axis (46).

20. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the tools (48, 50, 52) mounted on the tool carrier (44) is a cutting tool for cutting the bars (80) to length in the provision position (88).

21. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-20, further comprising a marking station (132) which is arranged in particular on a ceiling (156) of the work space (18), wherein the marking station (132) has a marking receptacle (164) which is movable between a handling position in which a workpiece change is made possible by the handling device (122) and a marking position in which the marking can be produced.

22. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 21, wherein the marking station (132) has a cover (162) movable within the work space (18), which can be moved between an open position in which the marking receptacle (164) is accessible and a closed position in which a workpiece (24) received at the marking receptacle (164) is separated from the work space (18).

23. Manufacturing cell (10) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the marking station (132) has a marking laser (134) whose laser beam source is arranged outside the working space (18), and a marking chamber (160) which can be closed, in particular by the cover (164), in which the marking can be produced and which has an opening (230) through which a laser beam (232) of the marking laser (134) is guided into the marking chamber (160), and in particular wherein the marking chamber (160) is pressurized at least temporarily.

24. Manufacturing cell (10) according to one of claims 1-23, further comprising a substructure (150) which supports the machine bed (14), wherein the substructure (150) accommodates further components of the manufacturing cell (10).

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