DE1602895B2 - Machine tool system with a central control unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a machine tool system with a central control device, several numerically controlled machine tools for simultaneous processing of several different Workpieces, at least some of which can only be machined by individual machine tools need, with each machine tool having multiple programs and multiple tools to run these programs has and program changing devices controlled by the central control unit and tool changing devices are provided, and with a conveyor, along which Pallets carrying workpieces can be fed to the various machine tools.

For some time now, numerically controlled machine tools, especially for simultaneous production of relatively small groups of different workpieces, used. It has Proven to be particularly advantageous, different, each other in their processing options supplementary, possibly also overlapping, so-called complementary machine tools use - where z. B. a single machine tool can perform operations, the other used machines cannot or not in the same way - and that to be processed The workpiece is only fed to the machine tool or machines that actually work on it take part.

ίο In a known computer-controlled machine tool system of the type described above (Metal Working Production, June 12, 1958, p. 1039 ff), the pallets on which a Loading station workpieces are attached either from this loading station one after the other as required fed only to some or all of the machine tools in the system for the purpose of machining the workpiece. For this purpose, a conveyor is provided, which transports the pallets along a fixed, promote the path that goes past all machine tools and one along the way Feed in the machine tool or lead it past it. Has a pallet all the way run through, it is fed to a pallet unloading station when the workpiece is finished. Otherwise it - in a closed loop - goes back to the beginning of the machine tool system conveyed back in order to be fed back to individual machine tools in this system to be able to.

In this known machine tool system, only a small number of pallets can be in the Otherwise the pallets interfere with each other. The path of the conveyor It is not possible to completely fill it with pallets in order to have a larger number of pallets ready for use practicable, since then all pallets would have to be moved uneconomically to a specific one To be able to supply a pallet to a specific machine tool at a specific time.

The invention is based on the object of providing a machine tool system of the type described at the outset Kind to train so that it can accommodate a variety of workpieces mounted on pallets, with however, every single pallet at any time on any machine tool that is ready to receive can be supplied without having to move other pallets because of this.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a machine tool system of the type specified at the beginning solved in that the machine tools through the conveyor with a supply store for storing the pallets carrying the workpieces are connected in such a way that the pallets are dependent on from the program entered in the central control unit in any order and direction can be moved independently of one another between the supply store and any machine tool are.

The use of storage facilities is already known in connection with transfer lines (Workshop and company, 90th year, 1957, issue 5, p. 280 ff). In this case, the supply stores are used but only as a buffer store, which keeps a workpiece jam between two series-connected To catch machine tools. In contrast, in the machine tool system according to the invention the storage facility serves as a kind of "core storage",

in which the workpiece pallets are kept ready and depending on the control of the central control device of any machine tool in the desired order can. It is crucial that the workpieces after machining from the relevant Machine tool can be returned directly to the storage facility.

The machining operations to be carried out by the machine tools and the Transport operations to be carried out by the conveyor are coordinated so that all Machine tools are optimally used. This also offers the possibility of practically any large number of pallets carrying workpieces - according to the capacity of the Storage facility - is entered into the machine tool system. That to be done by human hand Clamping the workpieces on the pallets can thus be limited to a certain part of the day remain, whereas the machine tool system itself remains one for the entire 24 hours Is in operation during the day. Another major advantage of the system according to the invention is that every pallet, as soon as it is placed in the pallet storage facility, under constant control of the central Control unit is and is subject to access by the conveyor at any time, independently whether it is still in the warehouse or already in one of the machine tools. So can Any workpieces can be processed at any time with priority over all others.

Advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Two embodiments of machine tool systems according to the invention are based on the Drawings described, namely represents

F i g. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a machine tool system,

2 shows a perspective view of part of a second embodiment of a machine tool system,

Fi g. 3 shows a schematic representation of part of the system according to FIG. 2,

4 and 5 together are a schematic representation of control devices and connecting channels in the system according to FIG. 2,

F i g. 6 is a schematic representation of an example of the path of workpieces through the system according to Fig. 2,

7 is a perspective view of a pair connected pallets,

F i g. 8 a perspective view of a tool magazine;

9 is a perspective view of a container,

10 shows a section through a loading unit in a machine tool with a pallet loader and a tool magazine loader,

F i g. 11 is a perspective view of a single spindle Six-axis machine tool with assigned loading unit with pallet loader and tool magazine loader,

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a workpiece setting table;

13 shows a schematic representation of the movement the pallets over the workpiece setting table according to Fig. 12,

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the pallets across a workpiece reloading table and

15 is a front view of a trolley.

In Fig. 1 shelves 1 and 2 are shown, of which the first is used for stacking pallets, on each of which one or more workpieces are attached, and the second for stacking pallets with finished workpieces. The shelves 1 and 2 can consist of angle iron 3, which form the compartments for the pallets. Between the shelves 1 and 2 three numerically controlled machine tools 4, 5 and 6 are arranged, each of which has its own control unit 4 a, 5 a or 6 a and an immersion tank 7 for cleaning finished or semi-finished parts of any chips adhering to them. The units 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are arranged in a straight line that runs along the rails. A pallet trolley 9 with four wheels 10 can move along the rails, the trolley being driven by an electric motor which is housed in the trolley and which is supplied with power by electrical conductors. Neither the electric motor nor the electrical conductors are shown in FIG. 1 shown.

The trolley 9 corresponds essentially to a forklift truck and has a pair of arms 11 and 12 with parts 31 and 32. The arms 11 and 12 are carried by guides 13 and 14, opposite which they can be displaced in the directions shown by the double-headed arrows 15, namely by means of horizontal T-slots in the guides 13 and 14, the rollers on the arms 11 and 12 record. The guides 13 and 14 are of perpendicular legs 16 and 17 of the U-shaped transport trolley 9 and can be moved relative to the same in the directions which are indicated by the double arrow 18, specifically by means of vertical slots in the legs 16 and 17, which receive rollers mounted on the guides 13 and 14. The relative movements in the directions of arrows 15 and 18 are effected by electro-hydraulic means, the are housed in the trolley 19.

Furthermore, a programmed control unit 19 with an output connection 20 and a return connection 21 is provided, both connections having signal connections to the transport carriage 9 and to the three machine tools 4, 5 and 6. Each of the control units 4 a, Sa and 6 a operates its own machine tool and is programmed by means of a tape to cause control mechanisms in the machine tool to carry out the information contained on the tape in order to select the tool, remove metal from the workpiece, etc. Preferably the control system is designed in the manner shown, but it would also be possible to combine the units 4 a, Sa, 6 a with the unit 19, which would then be a single, but much larger control unit.

Each of the machine tools is provided with an extension 22. The extensions 22 are identical, although the machine tools to which they are attached may be different; every Extension has a short horizontal roller conveyor 23 on the side recesses 24 and 25 are arranged. The arms 11 and 12 of the

Trolleys 9 fit into the recesses 24 and 25. Each extension 22 is also with an end frame 26 and 27 provided. The shaft of a rotatable pallet holder 28 is located in the end frames 26 and 27 pivotally mounted with four wings 29 which are arranged around the shaft at angular intervals of 90 °. Each wing 29 has holding guides 30 between which a pallet can be inserted. the Wings 29 act as storage buffers for both incoming and outgoing pallets.

The machine tools 4, 5 and 6 are different and perform different functions; but each of the machine tools is equipped with a device for arranging a pallet in the exact Position provided for the purpose of processing the workpiece clamped on it.

The mode of operation of the machine tool system as shown in FIG. 1 will now be described.

Pallets that are loaded with workpieces for processing are in the compartments of shelf 1 arranged, each compartment has its own name and each pallet has a number that corresponds to the part that is to be manufactured from the clamped workpiece, so that all pallets, which are loaded with workpieces from which the same parts are to be manufactured, the same Wear number. The control unit 19 is programmed with a tape that the parts to be produced is equivalent to. The program includes information indicating the corresponding names of the compartments of the shelf 1 carries, which contain the numbered pallets on which the workpieces from which the parts to be manufactured are clamped. The program also contains one for each part Selection of one or more of the machine tools 4, 5 and 6 required to produce the perform the necessary machining operations to produce this part and for each machine tool in This selection allows you to choose a program that is suitable for the required machining operations is.

The control device 19 controls not only the operation of the three machine tools 4, 5 and 6, but by means of a separate comparator and separate circuits contained in it, it also controls the movements and operation of the dolly 9. As an example and for illustration only the cycle of the transport processes is described, which are carried out by the transport carriage 9 are executed when a part is machined by machining a workpiece on the machine tools 4 and 6 is produced.

For the sake of simplicity, movement along the rails is viewed as movement along an X- axis, movements in the directions of arrow 18 as movements along a Y-axis, and movements in the directions of arrow 15 as movements along a Z-axis.

1. The control unit 19 delivers a command to the trolley 9 to move along the .Y-axis until it is with a selected storage location on the shelf 1, which is determined by the control unit and which contains a pallet that is loaded with a workpiece , from which the mentioned part is to be made, is aligned. In the position of the trolley 9 or its arms 11 and 12, no extreme accuracy is required; z. For example, a system similar to that used for arranging the pallets in machine tools can be used. Position indicators D can be arranged at suitable locations, or switches (not shown) can be used which are mounted on the rails and which are actuated by wheels 10 in order to display the position of the transport trolley 9.

2. While the trolley 9 is moving along the .Y-axis, another command signal from the comparator of the controller 19 causes the guides 13 and 14 to move along the Y-axis so that the arms 11 and 12 along the same axis be aligned with the selected supply point. As soon as the trolley 9 is aligned with the selected storage location, it reads the number of the pallet contained therein. As soon as the trolley has read this number, it is transmitted to the control unit 19 as a check that the correct program has been selected by the control unit Aa of the machine tool 4.

3. After the trolley 9 and the guides 13 and 14 have come to rest the arms 11 and 12 are moved along the Z-axis until they are below the pallet provided with a workpiece are at the selected supply point.

4. Another command signal for guides 13 and 14 to move a little upwards now lifts the Pallets over the angle iron 3 on which they were previously resting and causes the arms 11 and 12 retracted along the Z-axis.

5. Further combined signals now cause the trolley 9 to move along the X-axis aligns the machine tool 4 and that the guides 13 and 14 along the Y-axis just above the plane of the roller conveyor 23 are aligned.

6. As soon as the trolley 9 and the guides 13 and 14 have come to rest, move arms 11 and 12 move along the Z-axis until the pallets are above roller conveyor 23. The guides 13 and 14 then move downwardly so that the pallets are removed from the roller conveyor 23 are supported, the arms 11 and 12 in the recesses 24 and 25 come to rest.

7. The arms 11 and 12 move along the Z-axis until they are free from the machine tool 4 are. The trolley 9 is now free and can be used by the control unit to control another Perform a transport operation such as the following:

I. Selecting a pallet with a completely different workpiece from shelf 1 for transport to the machine tool 5 for the production of another part or

II. Return to shelf 1 to another selected supply location for transportation a further pallet with a workpiece corresponding to the first, the further Transport process is carried out depending on the program.

8. To return to the pallet on the roller conveyor 23 of the machine tool 4: means that the Are not shown for the sake of simplicity, such. B. a hydraulically operated piston, convey the pallet between the guides 30 of a wing 29 of the pallet holder 28.

9. The pallet holder 28 rotates counterclockwise when viewing the drawing by 90 °.

409582/18

10. Another piston, which is not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity, removes the pallet from the wing of the holder 28 and conveyed them to a vertical surface on the actual machine tool 4th

11. The machine tool 4 accepts the pallet and then brings it into the correct position.

12. The machine tool 4 carries out its machining operations.

13. The pallet with a partially finished workpiece is in the same wing 29 of the Retainer 28 conveyed back from which it was removed by the second piston.

14. When step 7 (II) mentioned above is carried out, the pallet holder 28 turns over another 90 ° counterclockwise. The new pallet becomes the machine tool 4 for processing and return conveyed into the pallet holder, after which the pallet holder 28 another Turns 180 ° in the same direction (usually in 90 ° steps, with a new Pallet is fed into the machine at each step). As the pallet holder 28 is rotated, the accumulated metal waste from the recesses in the machined parts into a collecting container dropped in the machine frame 22. The wing arrangement is suitable for waste disposal, as each pallet is turned over after it leaves the machine tool. If no new palette is ready for processing [e.g. B. because the program uses the transport trolley with stage 7 (I) keeps busy], the pallet holder 28 can rotate counterclockwise by 270 °.

15. At the same time that step 14 is being carried out, the trolley is again aligned with the machine tool 4 along the X, Y and Z axes with the arms 11 and 12 coming to rest in the recesses 24 and 25 .

16. Now the reverse process of step 8 is carried out, and the piston, which is not shown, the pallet hits the roller conveyor 23.

17. Guides 13 and 14 move up along the F-axis causing lifting the pallet, the arms 11 and 12 move away from the machine tool 4 along the Z-axis, and the trolley moves to the tank 7 along the Af axis.

18. The trolley 9 comes to rest along the tank 7. This contains a liquid in which partially machined workpieces with the pallet for the purpose of removing metal chips or the like, which on the workpiece or hang onto the pallet, be immersed. This is done by aligning arms 31 and 32 carried out with the edges of the tank 7 and then by lowering the guides 13 and 14.

19. After cleaning the workpiece in the tank 7, the transport carriage 9 moves along the Af-axis, until it is aligned with the machine tool 6, while the guides 13 and 14 are again above the level of the roller conveyor 23 are located.

20. The sequence of steps 6 to 18 is now repeated for the machine tool 6. The workpiece on The end of the repeated stage 12 is then machined into a finished part.

21. After the second cleaning in the tank 7, the part can e.g. B. dried in a hot air dryer will. This drying device is not shown, but would be along the rails next to the Tank 7 be arranged, wherein the trolley 9 would move the pallet to the dryer as this has been described with respect to the tank 7.

22. After the finished part has dried, the transport carriage 9 moves along the Z-axis, until it is aligned with a supply point in the shelf 2, which is precisely indicated by the control unit 19 will. The guides 13 and 14 move along the y-axis and the arms 11 and 12 along the ίο Z-axis until the pallet with the finished part is in the corresponding angle iron 3 is inserted.

23. The trolley 9 is now ready to carry out further transport operations, for. B. a half-finished one Workpiece of the same type in the machine tool 4 or another workpiece in the two machine tools 5 to include. The program selects the task of the transport trolley 9 for this, and the dolly then performs this task.

The final operations on finished parts that are stacked on shelf 2 can include the acceptance of the pallet, an inspection and the removal of clamping devices that are used to secure the workpiece used on the pallet.

According to the description above, each pallet is only loaded with a single workpiece. This is stacked on shelves 1 and 2, transported to and from the machine tools individually and individually supplied and discharged. In some cases each

however, a pallet can be covered with more than one workpiece, and the pallets can be stacked are transported to and from the machine tools in related phases are supplied and discharged in a manner that is later described on the basis of another exemplary embodiment is, the machine tool or some of the same in the case then double-spindle machines are.

Would one of the machine tools fail during the described operations? no longer work for any other reason, then the control unit 19 would be provided with the possibility to modify the program of operations. The control unit would then ensure that the trolley 9 does not accept pallets that are intended for the faulty or non-working Machine tool to be brought.

F i g. Figure 1 shows only a row of machine tools on one side of the rails; but it can a second row of units can also be arranged opposite the row shown. If this happened, then the trolley 9 would have to be modified so that he pallets on each side of the Could take up and release rails.

In the shelf 1 programs for the control unit 19 could be stored on tape, which programs would then have to be arranged in a row with the other units or with magazines for tools for the machine tools 4, 5 and 6 in addition to the supply of pallets. The transports by means of the transport carriage 9 would indeed differ somewhat from the process described, but proceed essentially on the same principle.
Before the system described in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 is described in detail with reference to the drawings, a general overview of its design and mode of operation is given:

11 12

The system comprises a number of numerical works in the machining and pallet areas,

, expensive machine tools, each of which corresponds to factory, and which also by the control device

, receives problems that are stretched on pallets is remotely controlled. This trolley carries containers

jnd machining operations on the workpieces instead of pallets. This third transport

leads; The system also includes associated equipment wagons, hereinafter referred to as the container transport wagons

ungen to handle the work pieces, and one is called, carries containers between a shelf

Equipment for controlling the operations of the with compartments for receiving one container at a time

Facility to keep the machine tools full of work and a container conveyor that holds the containers between

so that as much as possible of the preparation area and the workpiece

The machine time available for the io parking space is transported. In the prep area

Machine tools is exploited. material including workpieces and clamping

The system can be composed of two special parts that are used to fasten the workpieces

to be viewed confessingly; Firstly, a processing on the pallets are required, in and out of the

area in which all operations are mechanized by the operating personnel and put in and out of the containers

, ind and which runs continuously, and secondly 15 unloaded.

; in a feed area where human operator- As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be seen, the management personnel perform essential functions, the system shown has six machine tools 101, ind who works discontinuously, e.g. B. during only 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106. These can also • iner Shift per day. Every machine tool is to carry out those machining operations together that Coupled to a numerical control unit, the 20 required to produce a plurality of parts the machine tool in one. In other words, each of the above-mentioned ways controls how they can be carried out by data stored on tape by feeding a workpiece are stored is defined. The tape can simply be machined to produce the part, can be read on a tape reader with a predetermined selection of one or more errors Unit is connected, whereas the introduction 25 reren the machine tools 101 to 106 and Ausedes Machining process and the selection of one of the machining processes on the workpiece lead to Jandes or a section of tape with the corresponding. Each of the machine tools 101 to len processing data through a central control unit 106 has an associated loading unit 107, 108, 109, it is controlled. Workpieces are placed on pallets 110, 111 and 112. This has a pallet loader -Only machine transported to and from this one. The 30 or pallet holder, i.e. H. a device that has a Machine tools can accommodate the pallets, can hold multiple pallets, and means for Correctly arrange, hold, release and release, and feeding of pallets from the device into the was in automatic sequence passed by the control machine tool and from the machine tool ierät is initiated. Within the processing back to the device, on, and thus forms a puffy area is a transport trolley through the 35 control supply for pallets on the machine tool. the '.device controlled remotely. The trolley transports the loading unit furthermore has a tool magazine pallet between the machine tools and a loader or holder, d. H. a facility that is a Shelf od. The like. That a compartment for each pair of pallets can carry a plurality of tool magazines, and luf shows. Means for feeding tool magazines from

This shelf od. The like. Forms an intermediate surface 40 of the device to the machine tool and of the • Has a connection or a buffer between the loading machine tool back to the facility and processing area and the feeding area. In the process of keeping a stock of machine tools at the In addition, machining operations are automatic machine tool forms, so that a plurality of is carried out continuously. Easy to use in feeding tools for the May oak the operations are discontinuous. 45 machine is available. The pallet loader and ) he feed area is in a pallet area and the tool magazine loader has rotatable links ■ divided into a preparation area. In the pallet with wings on, the pallets or tool magazines area is another dolly similar to being able to carry zine. Any of the machine tools learning in the processing area provided to pallet 101 to 106 is with a mechanism for autogenous between the shelf or the like and a work- 50 matic setting of a pallet in a precise position .to transport the gap setting station from a tank that is clamped onto the pallet for the purpose of processing provided with a number of tables with operated workpiece. The machine tool has jersonen exists. At some of these tables that also means to automatically select one Workpiece setting, workpiece clamping or work tool from a tool magazine in the workpiece fastening stations are mentioned, tensioning 55 machine.

Operators put blanks on empty pallets. The machine tools 101 to 106 are in one

luf and take machined workpieces from the Pa row along one side of a shelf 113 arranged.

kill off. The remaining tables are workpiece net, which has pass-through compartments for pallets, i. H.

y reloading or reattaching compartments into or out of which pallets are attached to both

called ions. At these points, the operator changes the 60 sides of the shelf to be inserted or removed

the position of the workpieces on the can. A trolley 114 is between

Pallets or re-fasten them in another way, arranged on the shelf and the machine tools,

lamit all the desired machining processes through pallets with workpieces for machining

', can be carried out (e.g. if recesses are to be transported on the shelf to the machine tools

11 all six surfaces of a certain blank and around pallets with machined workpieces

have to rest). from the machine tools back to the shelf too

In the preparation area there is a third transport. The pallets are in with each other

) handcart provided, which is generally used to stack and transport those connected couples. Of the

Trolley 114 is movable along shelf 113 and has pallet support members that are vertically movable are. The pallet support elements can be placed at any point on the shelf for the purpose of delivering a pair of pallets into the shelf or removal of a pair of pallets from the shelf or compartment of the shelf be aligned. Furthermore, the pallet support members can be connected to the pallet loader of any of the machine tools 101 to 106 are aligned in order to deliver a pair of pallets to them or from them to record. At one end of the pallet rack 113, another shelf 115 is provided, which is a Forms tool magazine storage and has compartments, each of which can accommodate a tool magazine. The transport carriage 114 can also move along the tool magazine shelf and is provided with tool magazine organs which are vertically movable and can therefore be aligned with each compartment in order to insert a tool magazine into the To give up or to take a compartment out of it.

Furthermore, the tool magazine support members with the tool magazine loaders can each of the machine tools 101 to 106 are aligned in order to deliver a tool magazine to them or from them to decrease.

Each pair of linked pallets has a number that is attached to the pallet, and a compartment in the pallet rack 113 belonging only to this pair of pallets, so that a pair of pallets cannot enter another compartment on the shelf. Each tool magazine has a number accordingly and an associated compartment in the tool magazine shelf 115 into which only this tool magazine enters. At a distance from the end of the tool magazine rack that is away from the pallet rack, two transition sections 116 and 117 are provided, each of which consists of a single vertical row consists of pass-through compartments for tool magazines. These sections are also within of the work area of the trolley 114 and are arranged so that an operator a tool magazine with tools that are required for the machining operations in one compartment one of the transition sections 116, 117 can slide in from one side thereof. The dolly 114 carries the magazine from the transition section (from the other side of the same her) to the associated compartment in the tool magazine shelf (for the purpose of further transport to the corresponding Machine tool for which it is required).

A tool magazine with tools that will not be needed for machining operations for some time can then from the trolley 114 from its compartment in the tool magazine shelf 115 (or taken directly from the machine tool on which this tool magazine was last used) and are set in the other transition section 117 (from the other Side of the same) for the purpose of removal from said first side of the same by an operator. The trolley 114 is provided with reading heads to the number of the pallets or to read tool magazines and to output signals corresponding to these numbers.

Along the side of the pallet rack 113 opposite the side on which the machine tools are arranged, a workpiece clamping area is arranged, which consists of a number of workpiece clamping positions 118 to 133 exists, on which workpieces are clamped for processing on the pallets and workpieces, the machining of which has been completed, are removed from the pallets. Next is a number of separate workpiece changeover stations 134 to 137 are provided on the workpieces that have been partially processed, removed from the pallet and in a different position again or

ίο otherwise re-attached to the pallets (e.g. by using different mounting brackets without changing the position of the workpiece).

The workpiece loading and unloading stations are arranged in a single row and a transport trolley 138, corresponding to the transport trolley 114, with pallet support elements, but not with tool magazine elements, is provided between the pallet rack and the workpiece mounting positions in order to remove empty Pallets for loading with workpieces and pallets with processed workpieces to the workpiece clamping positions to transport and to transport such pallets to the panel rack that with Workpieces have been loaded for machining, and empty pallets from which machined workpieces have been removed have been. The trolley 138 also transports from the panel rack to the workpiece changing locations Pallets that have been partially machined for reattachment or readjustment Workpieces are loaded and it is transported from the workpiece changing stations to the pallet rack Pallets that are loaded with newly fastened workpieces for further processing. As As previously described with respect to the trolley 114, the trolley 138 can have its pallet supports with each compartment of the pallet rack and with each of the workpiece mounting and clamping positions Align for the purpose of delivering or picking up pallets.

Each of the workpiece changing stations is equipped with a mechanism for automatically setting the pallets provided in exact position.

A two-way conveyor belt 139 extends along the workpiece setting area. The conveyor belt consists of two horizontal runs in different levels, of which the upper run is material to the Workpiece clamping positions transported and the lower run returns from the workpiece clamping positions. The material that is made from workpieces, from holding means for securing the workpieces to the Pallets and consisting of gauges and instructions for such workpiece fastening is transported in containers, carried by the conveyor to and from a container preparation area 140. in the Container preparation area 140, containers with the required material for delivery to load the workpiece clamping positions and containers that return from the workpiece clamping positions, unload.

The conveyor belt 139 conveys from the container preparation area 140 to the workpiece mounting positions 118 to 133 Containers with workpieces and holding means, gauges and instructions for fastening the workpieces on the pallets and also

empty containers for filling with machined workpieces and holding devices that have been removed from pallets have been. The conveyor belt 139 conveys further from the workpiece mounting positions 118 to 133

15 16

The container preparation area Containers, each containing a single vertical series of instructions and instructions, which consists of attaching pass-through compartments. The first workpiece-to-pallet transition section 143 is intended for empty containers that are, as well as containers that contain machined workpieces by the operator for loading, and holding means that are removed from pallets. The second transition section 144 have been taken. The conveyor belt 139 is intended for containers that have been loaded with material from the container preparation area 140 and that are set by the operators of the workpiece clamping positions 118 to 133 containers. The third transition section 145 with holding means, gauges and instructions that contain containers that are partially machined on the conveyor belt 139 to be reattached or readjusted ίο withdrawn and unloaded and which are also required for processed workpieces on pallets, are set by operators,
and from the workpiece clamping positions to the container a trolley 146 which essentially has the container preparation area, which holding means corresponds to trolleys 114 and 138 , but which contain trolleys that have been removed from pallets, container carrying means in place of the pallet carrying means and which have during a reattachment or 15 , is located between the two mutually counter-re-setting process no longer used parts 141 and 142 of the container rack that or have become vacant, and gauges and instructions, are arranged to remove empty containers from the main section, which are during re- setting or refastening 141 and 142 for the first Transition section 143, generation operations were used. Each of the further loaded bins from the second transitional work station setup has automatic diverter sections 144 to main sections 141 and 142 means to unload a bin from the conveyor belt and eventually empty bin from the third recycle designated for that table. Each aisle section 145 to the main section 141 and 142 has to transport the workpiece mounting or workpiece changing station. The transport trolley 146 takes a reading head for the number of a pallet and container for the purpose of delivery to the workpiece pairs, which is loaded with workpieces for processing from the main section 141 and for transport from the table to the pallet 142 and releases them Container on the upper strand shelf 113 by means of the trolley 138 ready of the conveyor belt 139, which is then opened by an open. opening in the container shelf.

The workpiece clamping positions 118 to 133 are with The compartments in the transition sections 143 to

ßedienungs Personen occupied the fastening front 30 145 are all provided with a switch that goes through

perform courses at each table. Reattachment- the insertion of a container into the section loading

or readjustment operations are carried out by the same and a signal is given that the presence

ßedienungs Personen carried out. If a container is newly set up in the first transition section or

conditions are required, the operators go to the presence of a container in the second or

/ u the respective substation and take the 35 third transition section. The signals the-

in the case of containers with them that they pick up on their workpiece to inform the trolley 146,

Spannplatz received, and the necessary holding that transport processes depending on others

means, a teaching and instructions for the work requirements must be carried out in order to achieve the

Piece reattachment included. At the workpiece- first transition section as full as possible with

substation, the operators guide the 40 empty containers and around the second and third

necessary readjustment operations and transition section as empty of loaded ones as possible

then go with the containers to hold the unnecessarily created or unloaded containers. The Trans

dene holding means and the teaching and instructions trolley 146 is provided with a read head to

contain the number of a container carried by him back to their workpiece clamping station

where the container on the lower run of the conveyor belt 45 read and give a signal that this number

of the 139 for the purpose of returning to the container preparation.

area 140 can be deposited. An indicator on The system's control connections are in the

each workpiece informs the operator, F i g. 4 and 5 shown schematically, in which the

when they go to a workpiece changing station, for the sake of simplicity, only one machine tool 106 needs to be able to carry out a reset operation. 50 and their associated equipment and three

Each container has a number, and reading heads are provided in the container workpiece clamping positions 131 to 133 and a work preparation area 140. piece Umspannplatz 137 are shown. The display-these emit a signal that reproduces the number of a bed facilities are also with other tool containers and that assigns the container to its in-machine and workpiece mounting and releasing stations when the container is loaded. Any 55 applicable.

The workpiece clamping station also has a reading. The machine tool 106 has an associated one

head to get the number of a container, which on this numerical control unit 147, the relative movement

Table is delivered by conveyor belt 139 to read conditions between the tool spindle and the work-

and to emit a signal that divides this number that is currently being processed, controls (through speaks. 60 Control of slides that control the spindle or the

The container preparation area 140 has a workpiece moving), and a function control shelf with a main section (consisting of two units 148, all of the other functions of the tool parts 141 and 142 facing each other) machine, such as. B. the selection of the cutting speed with compartments, each of which can accommodate a container, the tool change, the tool change. Each container is controlled by a specific shutdown process, etc., the function control part being assigned and only this one compartment unit being able to enter into a connection with the numerical control in the main section. Furthermore, there are three units. The control units 147 and 148 are provided with input sections 143, 144 and 145 , which are programmed by a tape reader 149. the

17 18

Arrangement of the tape readers 149 to 154 with the tape 139). The control unit 173 can

Numerical control units 147 and 155 to 159 receive feedback signals from the trolley 146

among them and the arrangement of the associated genes, which indicate the number of the container it carries.

Function control units 148 and 160 through 164 for show. Point 180 is with a facility in

each of the machine tools are shown in FIG. 3 shown 5 connected to the container preparation area, their

represents. The tape reader 149 reads in cassettes. Function includes the return of signals,

sensitive tapes from a tape supply 165 Points 182, 183 and 184 are each marked with the

to be selected. Such a band supply (165 to workpiece clamping positions 133, 132 and 131 connected

170 in Fig. 3) is for each tape reader 149 to the, so that the controller 173 of these places 154 provided. The machine tool further- io can receive feedback signals, the numbers of as already mentioned, a pallet loader for containers that are received at these locations

171 and a tool magazine loader 172, the ones of which, or of loaded pallets, which are ready to go by the function control 148, show transport from the places. The control unit be controlled. 173 can also issue instructions that contain parts of the

Let the work control of the system including the 15 aforementioned display area light up in order to Control of the transport operations by which to inform the operator which ar transport carts 114, 138 and 146 are required to run. Point 181 is with the, the control of the machining operations, which is connected to the workpiece changing station 137, so that are executed by the machine tools, and the control unit from this place feedback signals the control of the pallet and tool magazine 20 can receive the number of loaded Loaders 171 and 172 are displayed by a control unit 173 pallets, which are carried out for removal from the, which by a main control unit 174 pro-sem space is ready.

is programmed. The control unit 173 controls the processing points 185 in FIG. 5 and 186 in FIG. 4 are processing operations by controlling the function control unit with the trolleys 138 and 114, respectively 148 so that they have a predetermined band from 25 den, so that the control unit 173 the trolley can inform the tape supply 165 for use on the tape to perform transport operations reading device 149 selects, and the control device 173 (z. B. a pair of pallets from one precisely taxed also the pallet loader 171 and the work-drawn compartment of the pallet rack 113 for a tool magazine loader 172 by the function control marked workpiece clamping station or to a unit 148. The control unit 173 also exercises over a 30 drawn machine tool to transport). Multiplexer 175 from a controller that is controlled by the controller 173 can receive feedback signals from the three connection channels 176, 177, 178 that receive to AID trolleys carrying the numbers of (Address, instruction, data) points 179 to 188 indicate which pallets are carrying them (and in the case of lead, creates an interconnection. The points of the trolley 114 of tool magazines). 179 to 188 are connected to positions in the system. 35 Point 187 in FIG. 4 is with the functional den which must be asked or instructed, control unit 148 of the machine tool 106 connected in this way a communication link is established so that the controller 173 has the function control between can instruct the control unit 173 and these points unit, a specific designated will create. Select tape from tape supply 165 and the

Each of these channels 176 to 178 has sixteen 40 pallet loaders 171 and magazine loaders 172 to wire, so that coded signals are sent. The pallet and magazine loaders are by providing impulses through various combination read heads in order to transmit signals to the control unit sent by wires. tracing the numbers of the pallets and

The channel 176 is an address channel to indicate a magazine which is about to be called to or from the called location, the channel 177 an instruction 45 of the machine tool are being moved,
The point 188 with the coding and decoding channel 178 is a data channel through which the data (control devices connected by the above-mentioned feedback signals) are operated by the security personnel 189, who at un-AID -Points to control unit 173 are transmitted foreseen events in the program or the. The control unit 173 monitors the entire system 50 in which data storage is not provided, or operates continuously by repeated successive in rare occurrences that are expressly excluded from connecting with all AID points in the program. If in the system. Transmissions between the control unit indicate data received from control unit 173, 173 and the AID points that something is wrong in the system can be effected very quickly, and the control unit can control the unit Inform the response cycle with all AIDs, who then, if necessary, complete the control points in the system one after the other in about one second for precise information on the fault. The decoding of the transmitting and the control device can instruct its program th instruction signals in a form to change a follow.

To effect these instructions can be found at 60 Points 179 to 188 and their connections AID points or at the points with which they represent a means of continuously bridging the system are to take place. and the control unit via the respective access

As shown in Fig. 5, point 179 is to be kept up to date with the status of the system,
connected to the container trolley 146 so that F i g. 4 also shows a central hydraulic unit, the control unit 173 instructing the transport trolley 65 190, which can carry out transport processes via a line 191 with the tool (e.g. a machine 106 and via lines 192 and 193 with containers from a compartment of the main container rack - the pallet loader 171 or the tool magazine section 141 and transfer it to the loader 172 and via line 194 with a hydraulic

19 20

ical motor 195, which combines the trolleys 114 and main control unit 174) the machining

138 drives, also via a line 196 with one of the operations of the machine tools 101 to

Hydraulic motor 197 running the container trolley 106 can be controlled directly, rather than just

146 drives, and finally via a line 198 such a control by a numerical control

■ is connected to the substation 137. 5 unit and a function control unit, which

The mode of operation of the system according to FIGS. 2, units assigned to each machine tool, i, 4 and 5 will now be described. This is to cause; but this would again mean that the arrangement of a system would require a corresponding control device. According to the invention, such large control devices as well as the way of working flexibly are possible, but can under certain circumstances, so that the system shown and its working conditions are less economical than are only an exemplary embodiment. separated control units and control units, such as those at

The production plan will be used on a weekly of the plant described.
) the longer base from the main control unit 174- Each work, that is, each set of individual identical ones, which is fed with a weekly list of parts (the present system is for the production of the quantity of parts that is better during 15 of smaller series The main production, although the latter is also possible, expensive device 174 then takes from punch cards or is), is planned in such a way that it can be transmitted through the system in magnetic tape or its stored information. goes through a day or two. On the first day, the information required for the workpieces, holding devices, etc. are required in the Bel'eile (including the selection of container preparation area 140 loaded into containers: one or more machine tools and the and the full containers are loaded into The container ^shelf: processing operations that have to be carried out are transferred; on the second day the containers are removed from the Loaded onto pallets. Tune of the machine utilization and the transport, which are then via the pallet rack 113 for the; jorts and other operations, in order to be able to carry out his program necessary machining operations for the tool / oll. The weekly pro machines arrive. If necessary, the ram, which the main control unit 174 works out, pallets are also routed to the workpiece changing positions daily to the control unit 173, so that the control unit 173 from the main control unit to migrate and back to the machine tools every day for the purpose of further Editing. A pallet with a; device 174 receives a program that contains the workpiece that is to be guided by more than one tool. The control unit 173 controls the machine that must be processed, according to the operations that are carried out in the system by a machine tool and before the • len must be in order to follow this program. The processing by someone else can always be carried out in the pallet control unit 173, although it is returned to the program. Each two-day cycle follows as closely as possible, this according to the overlaps the previous and the following conditions, which result from the signals, which cycle by one day, so that while containers with the test units in the system Workpieces are loaded back to him on one day, which are carried out on the day, or, depending on the instructions, workpieces loaded into containers on pallet 1 ions, which are e.g. B. can be loaded and processed by the supervisor,
holds, such as B. Instructions that a job is The operators in the container preparation area is particularly urgent and has priority over the service area and other normally programmed jobs at the workshop mounting stations work out 8 hours a day, whereas the tools must be carried out , modify. At the end of each machine (apart from the maintenance time) page, the control unit 173 gives the main control unit 45 working 24 hours a day, with the pallet rack 174 returning a record of all incidents, 113 a memory between the discontinuous human workings that occurred during the work of that day and the continuous> ind. The next day's program then has to make machine work. The overall average output may be changed depending on this schedule of operators and tools. For example, if the on-machines (measured as the amount of individual pallet positions the program as it was determined by the main control device and workpieces that were processed) 174 will not be natural to open the system for that day Could end the current, the control unit 173 to be able to hold the main control, but the current output is to inform device 174 accordingly, which then such different. The operators have to work in operations that have not yet been completed at a ratio of about 3: 1 and at the beginning of the next day's program they have to carry out the operations that are required for 8 hours. that are to the machine tool 24 hours

While in the drawings two separate keep in action. In general, therefore

Control devices 173 and 174 are shown, it would also be pallets that are used by the operators during

possible to use only one control unit that was both loaded with workpieces for 60 of an 8-hour day.

Combined functions, i.e. those of the main control unit, of the machine tools during this

174 executed planning and the control of the 8 hours and the following 16 hours,

position carried out by control unit 173. In practice, of course, there must be a certain overlap

only control device would then necessarily be available to power the machine tools in

Be greater than one of the two described and 65 to hold activity while the operators

would have to remain in action the entire time, remove machined workpieces from the pallets

to control the system. Furthermore, the (with these operations being scheduled so that

Control unit 173 (whether it is now separate or with which it is operated at the beginning of the 8-hour day

21 22

person) and their workpieces one to after 8 a.m. the next day in his compartment

Start job activity. During the initial part (262).

During the day shift, the machine tools are used. On the second day, the container transporter processes workpieces that were clamped onto the pallet on the upper run of the conveyor belt 139 (263) during the fore-wagon 146 and places the day shift on the pallets . Correspondingly, in the container in front of the container in the designated workpiece preparation area, containers are placed which are brought onto the conveyor belt by clamping positions 118 to 133 (264). Return on arrival 139 and the processed workpieces at the clamping station are read, the container number is read, the pallets are held by the operators and the signal that is returned, at the beginning of the io the trolley 138 the first pair of empty pallets -8 hour shift of operators from the ten of a group unloading the program of these Ar containers. working part group, from their department in

In order to avoid unnecessarily long transport routes, pallet rack 113 is to be used to attach it to the workpiece

The program is designed in such a way that the pallets are released from clamping positions 118 to 133 (265). To-

part of the pallet rack 113 to the workpiece on which the pair of pallets has arrived at the clamping station.

and transfer stations are transported, which is this men, the adjuster loads the pallets with the

Part is closest. So z. B. the work-workpieces and then brings the loaded pallets

Clamping points 131 to 133 and the substation to a collection point, where their number is read off

Place 137 generally with pallets from which it is removed. The returned signal causes the

distant end part of the pallet rack 113 in FIGS. 2 20 trolleys 138, the loaded pallets from

and 3 supplies. Pick up the workpiece clamping area and place them in it

As an example of the path of a pair of work-related compartments in the pallet rack 113 to be brought back through the system, this will now be described with reference to (266). When the adjuster contains the amounts in the container of FIG. 6 described. In this figure, the workpieces contained are all loaded on pallets, different positions and devices along the 25 so the container, the gauge and the ordinate axis are represented by their respective reference numerals, which are used for the workpiece setting. The abscissa represents a time scale, contains, on the lower run of the conveyor belt during which part of the day and on which of the 139 , from which it is returned to the container preparation day of a two-day period, the operations area 140 ( 267). To be guided. The distance along the abscissa 30 container is then projected by an operator onto a line, which represents a transport operation of its remaining contents and is not equal to the time actually set for aisle section 145 from which he removes this operation from the container is needed. The time scale is taken from trolley 145 , which then divides its 8-hour periods, reading the numbers and taking it back to its compartment in the main abbey actual time of day on a 24-hour clock 35 cut 141 and 142 of the bin shelf based, and the rectangles the working periods of (268).

different institutions and bodies. When the workpiece is machined for the first time

A thin dashed line represents the movement to be made when the loaded pallet is made

of an empty container and a thick dashed line - your compartment in the pallet rack 113 through the trans-

Never stops the movement of a container, the material 40 being removed from the cart 114 and sent to the pallet loader

contains, represents. A thin dash-dotted line represents 107 to 112 of the machine tools 101 to 106.

the movement of an empty pair of pallets. Given that perform the first machining (269).

The workpieces, the movement of which in FIG. They are then placed in the machine tool for the purpose of being those that are introduced before a workpiece is processed, after which they are returned to two workloaders in the pallet re-setting for processing (270). The transport machine tool and after the re-adjustment to cart 114 collects the pallets from the pallets of a machine tool require. loaders 107 to 112 and bring them to their compartments in the

Starting at 8 o'clock on the first day when the loading pallet rack 113 (271) is back, where they begin their 8-hour shift up to their servants with the container loading and processing on the second machine tool lead workpiece setting. They are then by the trolley, an empty container is brought from its compartment in 114 to the pallet loader of the second main tool section 141 and 142 of the container rack by machine (272), inserted into the machine, removed from the container trolley 146 and processed on The transition section 143 of the container preparation (273) is returned to the pallet loader, from which it is brought by the transport carriage 114 to the processing area 140 (260). After removal 55, they can be brought back loaded into their respective compartment of the pallet rack 113 of the container from the transition section 143 (274).

an operator moves the container with work pieces before they are

ken, holding devices, workpiece setting template or ten times, a readjustment

- Lessons and instructions, being subject to the number of the gang.

Container and the number of the working parts group, 60 from F i g. 6 it can be seen that the first two that are invited are read and sent back to control processing during the 8-hour shift from device 173 ; then the will be guided while the operator loaded container is working into the transition section 144 so that the workpieces are inserted before the end thereof. The container trolley 146 picks up shift on the second day for repositioning the container from the transition section 144 , 65 are ready by an operator. This reads its number and puts it in the appropriate position, so that the workpieces including the compartment of the main section 141 and 142 of the Behäl- processing after the readjustment on a terregals (261). The loaded container then remains fully processed 24 hours a day. By training

23 24

form the program can be achieved that the transition section 145 is made, from which the

those workpieces that need to be readjusted

the main section 141 and 142 of the container rack, which will be processed for the first time during the day

the. However, you can reinstate and succeed (284).

processing also as a separate work plan. The work carried out by the operator

courses are viewed and dealt with, those on the day of entry before the end of the 8-hour

after the first set-up and processing takes place- shift that operator works, d. H. before

Find. 4 p.m., executed. In Fig. 6 the last is described

As again from FIG. 6, the quirky takes the work of an operator, namely the

holding trolley 146, while the workpieces io unloading of the container, as happened after this time

set and edited for the first time are displayed; but this is only for the purpose of

that they are ready for reinstatement, a clarity of the drawings so shown. In practice

empty container from its compartment in the main section, the container would either be used for container preparation

141 and 142 of the container rack and put it back in the processing area 140 and before 4 p.m. ent-transition section 143 of the container prep 15, or it would be loaded into prep area 140 (275). The container will be brought back from this area and there the ent transition section wait for an operator to discharge the next morning if the dazed, with a reinstatement gauge, instruction service personnel start the next day shift, The machining of the workpieces after reloading and placed in the transition section 144, can set from 2 ° after 4 p.m. and during the following It then takes place by the container trolley 146 for the 16 hours since the processing was done who then takes him to his compartment in the corridor and transports the pallets to and from the Main portion of the container rack 141 and 142 a machine tools are automatic and not the sets (276). The container could be required for the activities of operators. The PA reinstatement The necessary material, even up to 25 pallets, therefore remain in their compartment in the pallet one different time than shelf 113 (285) displayed in FIG. 6, until the program requires that will load, e.g. B. the workpieces are machined at the same time as the loading. Then the container that moves the workpieces and the material for the trolleys 114, so that he the pallets contains the first workpiece setting and on the first to the pallet loader 107 to 112 of the respective Days is loaded. 30 machine tool 101 to 106 brings (286). the

When the time for the re-adjustment of the factory pallets are then put into the machine tool

pieces come, the container transport car 146 is given, processed and returned to the pallet loader.

the loaded container is moved (287) with the restoring material, from which it is carried by the trolley

rial can be removed from its compartment in main section 141 and 114 and into their respective compartment

142 of the container rack can be placed on the upper run of the form 35 in the pallet rack 113 (288).
derbandes 139 from (277), which conveys the container to the The pallets with completely processed work for certain workpiece clamping position 118 to pieces remain in the pallet rack (289) until the next 133 (278). As far as possible, this first morning the transport carriage 138 brings you to the workstation according to the program the same as the workpiece clamping position 118 to 133, where you are 40 unloaded (290) at which the first workpiece setting took place. At this time, the operator is operating both the container trolleys 146 to empty as well as resetting on the same container from its compartment in the main section 141 of the workpiece. When arriving at the workbench and 142 of the container rack on the upper run of the piece mounting position 118 to 133, the container conveyor belt 139 is delivered (291), which reads the container number and brings the returned signal 45 to the mounting position 118 to 133 (292). This initiates the movement of the trolley 138, automatic operations of the delivery of the first of a pair of pallets from its compartment in the pallet pallet and the empty container to the clamping shelf 113 and it can be carried out at the specified space before the operating workpiece transfer station 134 to 137 surrender (279). The operator starts their shift at 8 o'clock, so that the operator brings the container from the 50, the containers and pallets are already waiting when the clamping station 118 to 133 at the transformer station 134 operator begins to work. An operator 137 (280) then carries out the necessary repeater unloads the workpieces and the holding adjustment processes and brings the pallets that are loaded with medium from the pallets and places the empty pallets with the restored workpieces »to the delivery point of the workpiece clamping station Collection point at the transformer station, where your 55 118 to 133, where your number is read, where your number is read. The returned signal initiated by the movement of the trolley 138 then directs the movement of the trolley 138 and the pallets into their compartment in the pallet, where the pallet collects the pallets and they are brought to shelf 113 (293). The workpieces are placed in their compartment in the pallet rack 113 (281). After the storage and holding means are placed in the container, the end of the reset operations, the operator then brings the container with the conveyor belt 139 from the operator to the lower strand and so in the order template, the instructions and the container preparation area 140 returned (294). On arrival there, the container is unloaded and the empty container is moved to the workpiece clamping position 118 to 133 (282) in the transition section 145 and the container is placed on the lower run of the for- 65, from which it is carried by the container transport trolley derband 139, which removes it to the container preparation 146, which then returns it to its compartment in area 140 (283). The container is then placed in main section 141 and 142 of the container rack and unloaded by an operator (295). The unloaded workpieces become yours

next destination supplied, e.g. B. a finished parts store (296).

Some of the containers unloaded in the container preparation area can simply be moved into a Row are set up, from the operators remove empty containers for loading again, whereby bypassing the transition sections 143 and 145 and the main section 141 and 142 of the container rack and the number of transportation operations performed by the container trolley 146 need to be reduced.

The automatic operations described above are carried out depending on the program of the Control unit 173 executed. When a reading signal is fed back and it is said that this initiates an operation, this means that the control unit 173 receives the signal and the Carrying out the operation at a time caused by other requirements and obligations depends on the facility that will perform this operation.

In order to avoid unnecessarily long transport processes of the transport carriage 114, the program is designed as far as possible so that workpieces are placed on pallets are loaded, the associated compartments in the pallet rack 113 are close to the machine tools, the operations are to be carried out on those workpieces.

Machines 101 and 102 (see Figs. 2 through 7) are high-speed milling machines, each of which has two spindles. The machines 103 and 104 are double-spindle drilling machines. The machines 105 and 106 are single-spindle, six-axis milling machines that perform all metal removal operations including turning, Drilling, etc., can perform on five surfaces of a workpiece, with the six axes of motion will be described later. The machines are especially used to manufacture parts from light metal suitable. If desired, corresponding machines could be used for processing of steel or other metals are suitable.

Since four of the machine tools are two-spindle machines (i.e., identical machining operations at the same time on two workpieces arranged next to each other), the pallets, on which the workpieces are clamped and transported, stacked and to the machine tools are conveyed, arranged in corresponding pairs, the two single spindle machines are provided with means for separating and reuniting the two pallets of each pair.

A pair of linked pallets 301 and 302 are shown in FIG. The pallet 301 is with side extensions 303 and 304, and the pallet 302 has respective side tabs 305 and 306, where the pallets are united by engagement of the lugs 304, 305 and then a connected pair with the lugs 303 and 306 which protrude at the ends. Each pallet has a number (the Numbers of the two pallets of a pair are the same) on one side (namely the pages 307 or 307). 308) in the form of thirteen holes 309, each of which contains either a magnetic or a non-magnetic plug. Different numbers are made by inserting magnetic plugs in various combinations into one or more Holes created, in other words, the numbers are converted into binary code, with a magnetic code Plug the number 1 and a non-magnetic plug the number 0 represents. When the pair of pallets is arranged opposite a reading head (for example on the transport carriage 114), the number read and a corresponding signal can be fed to the control unit 173. The pallets are relative to the reading head always stationary when reading the numbers, in order to avoid the difficulty that the read number depends on the direction of movement of the pallet relative to the reading head. the Pallets 301 and 302 must be linked in one of two ways to connect sides 307 and 308 to the To keep numbers 309 on the same page, i.e. H. either by connecting lugs 304 and 305, as shown, or the lugs 303 and 306. The pallets are allowed to engage with the lugs 303 and 305 or the lugs 304 and 306 are not connected.

Each pallet 301, 302 has a reference surface 310 at a corner for precise location of one Tool. It also has a square matrix of mounting holes in its upper surface for the purpose of Attachment of holding devices. Each pallet also has T-slots 311 in its base and grooves 312 at their sides.

The pallet loader (see Fig. 10) has a horizontal one rotatable shaft 403 on the four approximately radially arranged wing members 404 to 407 at angular intervals of 90 °, each of which can carry a pair of pallets. In Fig. 10 are the pallets provided with the reference number 408 and the workpieces thereon (shown in dashed lines) with the reference numeral 409. Each wing 404 to 407 has protruding rollers 410 which are in T-sections of the Base of the pallets run, and further protruding end rollers 411 that fit into grooves in the sides of the pallets to run. The rollers 410 and 411 are arranged in lines parallel to the axis of the shaft 403 so that Pallets moved on and off the wings

can be made by running the slots and grooves in the pallets along the rollers. The rollers 410 and 411 also serve to hold a pair of pallets on the wing while the loader rotates will.

Each wing 404-407 has a pulley 412 mounted on one side near its outer end is. In the upper vertical position (as shown for wing 407) a hook member 413 is provided, that can take on this role. The member 413 is pivotable about a shaft 414, with a Rubber sleeve 415 is provided and can be moved upward by a rod 416. The rod 416 is connected to the link 413 and is operated by a hydraulic cylinder 417. This contains a spring which urges rod 416 and thus link 413 downward.

Also adjacent to the upper vertical position of a wing 404 to 407 is a read head 418, which can be moved up and down by means of a rod 419. The rod 419 is connected to the read head 418 tied together. It is moved by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 420. In your In the lower position (shown in Fig. 10) the reading head 418 can display the number on the sides of the pair of pallets read on the upper vertical wing 407. With the shaft 403 is to rotate the same Hub 421 connected with four circumferential incisions 422. A roller 423 which is on a microswitch 424

27 28

η a fixed housing 425 is mounted, 435 and 437 and the brushes 436 are cleaned. A plate tender 424 released from the right horizontal wing can then enter these recesses. The housing 425 also carries four pairs läuft'durch three 270 ° increments before it are disposed in the micro switch .veitere 426-429, the vertical in various upper position for delivery into the tool ■ len distances from the shaft 403 5 machine machine arrives. Starting out operated by the all brings in jnd by small protrusions 430 to 433 on FIG. Wing positions shown 10 therefore Jer side of the wing 404-407 kön- the first 270 ° rotation of the vane 404, the second • ien in respective Distances from the shaft 270 ° rotation the wing 405 and the third 270 ° - 403 are arranged. Which of the switches 426 is actuated until the wing 406 is turned to the upper vertical position 429 therefore depends on which io treatment. During this run, the pallets and bars 404 to 407 run through the cleaning area of the air duct in the left-hand horizontal workpieces in the illustration in FIG. 10. nozzles 435 etc, and the back of the pallets will

Between the left horizontal position, which is cleaned by the brush 440 on the wing when the wing 404 is taken, and the lower pallet is moved into the machine tool. By vertical position, be assisted by the wing 405 15, this arrangement is will be taken between the transport car, a lid 434 is provided 114 and the machine tool transmits a buffer stock of compressed air tubes 435, from which nozzles pressurized air two pallet pairs to be machined Immediately against the pallets and workpieces on pieces and created from a pair of pallets with the wing in the left horizontal position and workpieces machined so that the operation of the machine during the run of the pallets and workpieces does not direct the lower vertical position through other work obligations. Brushes 436 are the dolly can be delayed
also provided in these two positions, and a movement by 90 ° steps is effected as follows further air nozzles 437 are next to the brushes 436 : The hook 413 is raised, in the lower vertical position is present. The activates the switch 441 and brings the clutch air nozzles and brushes are used to engage chips and 25 of the drive motor, so that the loader with foreign parts from the pallets, the workpieces and its higher speed (about 15 rpm) to the wings eliminate, turning the chips, etc. in. When the reel 423 falls into a cut-out channel 438 from which it falls through a mung 422 , the microswitch 424 reduces rotating auger 439 to a waste area in the rotary drive to a lower speed of the machine tool. Each vane 30 (about 2V2 rev / min) and switches the pressure fluid gel 404 to 407 is provided with a brush 440 , power supply line to the cylinder 417 , so that the Hawie is shown on the vane 405 , the ken 413 of the spring is pressed down again. Brushes the back of a pair of pallets when they act. The lower surface of the hook member 413 is then moved over the wing. as a brake against the roller 412 on the wing, the

Next to the hook member 413 is a switch 441 35 approaching the upper vertical position. The role

attached which is actuated when the link 412 lifts the hook member 413 until the latter the

is lifted. The switch is of such a type that switch 441 is actuated, whereby the coupling of the

When it is first depressed, a coupling motor is released so that the wing is still

ment in the drive to shaft 403 engages, and continues to rotate freely until it is through the engagement of the hook

when it is pressed again, this coupling 4 ° 413 with the roller 412 is fixed. The switches

solves. 426 to 429 then feed back a signal that the

Pairs of pallets are given to the wings 404 to 407 the position of the wings and that depends on it, supplied by means of the transport carriage 114 and by which switch is actuated; when the wing removed in this, when the wings resting, and the top vertical position is not the one of true horizontal in the right position during loading 45 where the next pair of pallets into the Werkzeugmatrachtung of Fig. 10 as a from the wing 406 - machine is to be transported, ie when the 90 ° - is shown taken. Normally, the step that has just been completed does not take a 270 ° transport carriage 114 first from the wing to the step, so the control actuates the Hyser position from a pair of pallets, the one with machined hydraulic cylinder 417, by another 90 ° - Workpieces is loaded, and then gives the Flü- 50 step to initiate.

gel a pair of pallets that have to be machined at the end of each 270 ° step, i. H. after three 90 ° -

Workpieces is loaded. Pallet pairs are in the steps, the control actuates the hydraulic cylinder

upper vertical position in which the wing 407 meets the 420 to lower the reading head 418 , which then

shows, in the machine tool for machining, the number of the pallet pair that is in the machine

is introduced and conveyed by the machine tool after the 55, can read and this

Processing accepted, whereby the wing can read this number again when the pallets are out

Position remains during the machining operations. of the machine tool after machining

The loader is counter-clockwise when Received. Such readings are used to

10 rotated by 270 ° to initiate the further operations. The read head

in 90 ° steps. This moves every 270 ° - 60 is then raised before the next 270 ° step

Rotation of the pairs of pallets that just started.

Carrying workpieces and moving them from the top vertical instead of rotating the loader in 90 ° increments,

Wings are included, in the right horizontal the switch 424 could be overrun as long as

Position where it has not ended a 270 ° rotation for removal by the transport. Furthermore, whether

car 114 are ready. During this movement 65 the loader normally equals through 270 ° steps

the pallets and workpieces run through the left one, he also through any desired number

horizontal and the lower vertical position and rotated by 90 ° steps if special

are therefore reversed and the air nozzles make it necessary for pallets to

which can be released or removed from a certain wing as a 270 ° turn. In particular, the pallet loaders of single-spindle six-axis machine tools can get through rotated in steps other than 270 °.

The tool magazine loader 402 corresponds essentially to the pallet loader 401, but has five, approximately radial wing members 442 to 446 which are arranged on a horizontal rotatable shaft 447. Each wing can carry a tool magazine 448. A tool magazine is shown in FIG. 8 shown. It consists of a plate-like base 449 with two grooves 450 and 28 protruding sockets 451, each of which can hold a tool 452. The magazine 448 has on one side of the base 449 shown in FIG. 8 is not visible, a number is formed in the same way as was previously described for the pallets. Each of the wings 442 to 446 has rollers 453 which are arranged in lines parallel to the shaft 447 and which engage the side grooves 450 of the magazine 448 so that the magazine can travel between the rollers 453 when it is brought onto or off the wing is removed, the rollers continue to serve to hold the magazine.

The shaft 447 carries a hub 454 with five recesses 455 into which a roller 456 on a microswitch 457 can enter to operate the switch in a manner which corresponds to that of the pallet loader 401 and which also serves the same purpose. The switch 457 is mounted in a stationary housing 458, 459 transmits the five other switch to 463, which are arranged at different distances from the shaft 447 and each of which is operated by projections 464 to 468 on the sides of the wings 442-446. These further switches 459 to 463 correspond to switches 426 and 429 on the pallet loader and also serve the same purpose.

The mechanism for holding the tool magazine loader in place is different from the hook 413 provided for the pallet loader and comprises a piston rod 469, the piston of which is actuated by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 470. The piston rod 469 can be inserted into circumferential grooves 417 in a hub 472 which is connected to the shaft 447 in a rotationally fixed manner.

The mode of operation of the tool magazine loader is as follows: Tool magazines are conveyed into the machine tool and received by it in the lower vertical wing position in which the wing 445 is shown. Machine tools are also removed from the magazine loader and delivered to it by the transport carriage 114 in this lower vertical wing position.

The magazine loader is rotated counterclockwise by means of a drive motor which can operate at two speeds (when looking at FIG. 10) in 270 ° steps. A step is started by acting on the cylinder 470 , so that the latter pulls the piston rod 469 back from its position shown in FIG. The piston rod 469 actuates a microswitch, not shown, which corresponds to the switch 441 on the pallet loader 401 and which actuates a clutch of the drive. This causes the loader to rotate at a speed of about 15 rpm. When roller 456 enters recess 455 , it actuates switch 457 and reduces the speed to approximately 2V2 RPM. As the wings approach the end of the 270 ° step (ie, as they approach the position shown in FIG. 10), one of them actuates a microswitch, not shown, which actuates the hydraulic cylinder 470 around the piston rod 469 lower. When the piston rod 469 is lowered, it actuates the microswitch so that it releases the clutch. The piston rod 469 then enters a slot 471 in the hub 472 to hold the loader 402 in place. The hydraulic cylinder 420 is then actuated to raise the read head 418 to a position adjacent the tool magazine on the lower vertical wing (shown as 445 ), with the read head reading the magazine number. If the number is not that of the tool magazine required by the machine tool, the control unit will actuate the hydraulic cylinder 470 via the control upon receipt of the signal supplied to it, which indicates the number read, so that a further 72 ° rotation step begins. Such steps are carried out until the required tool magazine is in the lower vertical position. If the number read by the reading head 418 is that of the magazine to be inserted into the machine tool, the signal sent to the control unit will cause the mechanism to operate the magazine inserting into the machine tool. The wing from which the magazine is fed then remains in the lower vertical position until it receives the magazine back from the machine tool, at which point the magazine number is read again to indicate that the loader 402 can be rotated again (after lowering of the read head 418) to bring the next desired magazine into the lower vertical position.

The switches 459 to 463 give signals that indicate the position of the wings. If desired, these signals can be used in the manner previously described with reference to the pallet loader to initiate rotary steps until the wing with the desired magazine is in the lower vertical position, the magazine number then being read as a second check, and to initiate the feeding of the magazine into the machine tool. In this case, provision can be made that, as has also been described with reference to the pallet loader, the switch 457 is overrun so that the loader only comes to rest when the desired wing is in the lower vertical position.

The arrangement of a magazine loader, which can carry five tool magazines, each of which holds 28 tools, enables 140 tools to be available on the machine tool, ie in the case of twin-spindle machines 70 tools for each spindle. The tool magazines on the loader can, if necessary, be changed automatically by means of the trolley 114 , the loader being rotated if necessary to bring a tool magazine to be removed into the lower vertical position for acceptance by the trolley. The trolley 114 then delivers this magazine to the magazine rack, from which it also removes the new desired magazine and delivers it to the empty wing of the magazine holder.

After one rotation of the pallet loader 401 through

31 32

. ■ a 270 ° step, which is the wing on which the pair of pallets is in position. After the number you want

protrudes, arranges in the upper vertical position, is read at this point, the new one

■ The pallet number was read. The tool magazine inserted into the machine tool for the control unit

173 applied signal, which indicates this number, leads. The tape then starts again so that the

causes the control unit to include the number of the required machine tool with its machining operations

borrowed tool magazine and the tape cassette tools from the newly supplied tool

number that continues in the magazine for machining the workpieces.

: is orderly to determine. The signal causes the above-described work cycle to also modify the pair of pallets into the control. The control then waits until the machine tool is introduced. The required tool magazine is in the tool magazine in the lower machine, ■ the pallets are automatically in their vertical position. The pair of pallets and light position brought. Upon receipt of the tool magazine, the desired tool magazine number is simultaneously inserted from the control machine. Correspondingly, the control unit 173 causes the control to rotate the pair and the pallet already in this position, if the abutment does not indicate after the end of the processing operations and the read head that the required magazine is already in this position when the "end of tape" signal is received Tool magazine at the same time on their tool magazine loader 402, so that the wing with the respective wing back.

The required tool magazine is in the lower. If there is an error during the pre-vertical machining position in which the tool turns occurs (eg if a tool breaks), the magazine number is read. If the signal 20 gives the machine tool a machine error signal indicating this number is fed back, the control unit 173, which has a printed report, controls that the tool magazine is inserted into the machine tool in the signal and the time of occurrence of the error. On receipt to the supervisor 189 gives. The control guard 189 will then select the required tape cassette number for the removal of the device 173 and the control will send the required tape 25 fault repair personnel. The tool from the tape supply and brings it to the tape machine has a display board showing the type of machine. If signals that can indicate both the correct figsten error, so that a mechanic pallet arrangement in the machine tool and od. The like. Immediately take the correct action, the correct tape arrangement on the tape reading machine By pressing a switch he can receive the measurements , lets the controller disconnect the machine from the controller so that it starts up as required, and the machine tool can also perform its tests if necessary. If the processing operations are of the opinion, according to the tape pro mechanic, that the repair program is finished until a "tape end" signal is returned to the reader for more than a certain period of time (e.g. 30 minutes). Upon receipt of this claim, he can press a push button signal causes the control to press the pair of pallets 35, and thus give a signal to the control unit, which is returned to the pallet loader wing that the machine did not arrive at least for this time before the pallets . The tool can then be processed so that the control unit returns the magazine program to the magazine loader wing, from which it can revise the remaining machine. To make the best possible use of the number of pallets and capacity. If the tool magazine errors are read after 40 is eliminated, the mechanic can do another one they have returned to the respective wing. Press the switch or push button to inform the control unit of a signal that shows these numbers that the machine is again able to lead the control to turn the pallet loader, so that the control unit as far as possible a further 270 ° to the pair of pallets, loaned to return to the original program, whose workpieces have just been machined, in which 45 can.

10, from The six-axis machines 105 and 106, from which this pair of pallets can then be removed by the transporter, the machine 106 with its associated carriages 114 , and to the lathe loader and tool magazine loader in Fig 11 next pair of pallets, which is shown in the machine tool, both have only a single spindle to be inserted, in the upper vertical position so 601 in a spindle head 602, which can be brought along one in which there is for the start of another arcuate guide 603 is ready on a compound slide duty cycle. 604 is movable. A more recorded with a to be processed if the machining operations, the loaded on a pair of workpiece pallet is to be executed by a vertical workpieces as support plate 60S, which plate 60S need a tool magazine so there to the 55 from a carriage 606 is carried to provide the vertically necessary tools, the tape is movable. The support plate 60S can be rotated relative to its slide 606 in a vertical program at the desired time on a magazine change plane. Upper signal and then stops. This signal causes half of the support plate 605 to have a holder 607 for controlling the tool magazine from the machine tool magazine, from which a tool machine on the wing of the magazine loader, from which 60 was selected for use in the spindle 601 , brings. The signal also works to ensure that it can. The six axes of movement are requested by control unit 173 for the number of the next tool magazine required by horizontal movement of compound slide 604. After the retracted magazine is on the loader 402 in the direction indicated by the arrow X , by vertical movement of the slide 606 and there, the control, after having received the new 65 with the support plate 605 according to the arrow Y, by the desired magazine number from the control unit 173 he horizontal movement of the compound slide 604 has to hold the magazine loader until the new direction indicated by the arrow Z , through Beliche the tool magazine is in the lower vertical movement of the head 602 relative to the guide 603 in

33 34

a horizontal arch, as indicated by the arrow U , to the left of the partition 6356

indicated, is directed by rotating movement of the support plate 605. Because of this distance between the platforms

in a vertical plane relative to its carriage can, if necessary, a pair of pallets from one

606 as indicated by arrow V and received by compartment in a row on a platform

Axial movement of the spindle 601 so that they become more or 5 while another pair of pallets is simultaneously

protrudes less from the head 602, as through the into a compartment in the next but one row from the

Arrow W indicated, reached. can be given to another platform.

The pallet loader leading to the single-spindle six-axis machine. The platform member 643 can be moved vertically belongs to, differs from the ones around the platforms 644 and 645 with each horidenen the other machine tools in that io zontal row of compartments in the pallet rack 113 the wings of a single spindle machine pallet loader or carrier 646 with each horizontal compartment two halves are divided and half closer to align the row in the tool magazine shelf 115. Machine tool with a mechanism for separating each vertical row in the pallet and the plant and recombining the pallets of a tool magazine rack containing eight compartments. Therefore must Pair is provided so that the pallets are individually in Fig. 15 the link 643 each of eight different vertically the machine tool can be introduced. can assume staggered positions

The trolley 114 is in Fig. 15 in front of the NEN.

Pallet rack 113 and the tool magazine 115 Either the platforms 644 and 645 or the shown. The pallet rack 113 has the same carrier 646 so can have any desired vertical spacing vertical partitions 635, the horizontal 20 kalen row of compartments in the pallet rack or in the magazine angle iron 636 carry which pass-through compartments by suitable horizontal movement of the shelf Limit, each of which is a pair of pallets in horizontal trolleys 114 along the rails auszontaler Position, lying on the angle iron, can be aligned with the platform or the carrier may contain. The tool magazine shelf 115 has to align with the desired vertical row, at the same intervals as the partition walls 635. By vertically moving the member 643, the speaking vertical partitions 637 and horizontal platform 644 or 645 or the carrier 646 with the valley support plates 638 defining compartments whose desired compartment will be aligned in the row, each corresponding to a tool magazine in a vertical position. Correspondingly, either the platforms 644 can hold. On the support plates 638 are guide and 645 or the carrier 646 with the pallet delivery 639 mounted, between which the sides of a 3 ° position of the pallet loader or the tool magazine tool magazine can pass through, with zinabgabeestellung the magazine loader each of the work rolls 640 are arranged, which are aligned in side grooves in machine tools. The pallet ends Tool magazines are running. and tool magazine dispensing positions are the work-on pallet rack 113 and the machine tool tool pallet and magazine loader magazine 115, rails 641 and 642 are mounted. 35 directly opposite vertical rows of compartments These extend over the transition sections in the pallet and tool magazine rack and 117 (Figures 2, 3 and 4). Arranges along the rails so that the trolley is only opposite 641 and 642, the trolley can be aligned by means of non-vertical dividing walls of the shelves shown wheels are running. The trolley 114 needs to be around the platform or carrier will also align with the delivery position along the rails by means of an endless 40. The Trä chain 251, which is connected to the trolley 114, 646 can also be used with any of the compartments in the and which are driven by a hydraulic motor 195, transition sections 116 and 117 is moved. the (Figs. 3 and 4).

As can be seen from Fig. 15, the trans- Each of the platforms 644 and 645 is a mecha-

trolley 114 has a platform member 643 with two hori- zons for pulling off a pair of pallets

zontal, pallet-bearing platforms 644 and 645 the platform or for dispensing a pair of

and a vertical tool magazine carrier 646 associated with the platform.

on. Each of the platforms 644 and 645 can have a construction and operation of the pair of transport pallets 647 or 648 in the horizontal position carriage 138 essentially correspond to that of the wear. The carrier 646 can be a tool magazine 50, transport carriage 114, but its platform member 643 649 in a vertical position. The platform does not have a tool magazine carrier 646, since the transformers 644 and 645 are with guides 650 transport trolleys 138 not for the transport of work pieces, between which a pair of pallets recorded tool magazines is required. The dolly and can be held, as well as with reading heads 651 138 running on rails that are on the pallet rack 113 or 652, which are the number of a pair of pallets on 55 and the magazine rack 115 are arranged. Along the platform can read. The carrier 646 has these rails, it is driven by means of a Guides 653, so that a tool magazine between chain wheel 253 moves (F i g. 2 and 5), which is in a see these guides can be held, as well as endless chain 254 that engages with the transporter Read head 654, which is linked to the number of the tool trolley, and an idle wheel 255 magazines that are worn can read. 60 runs around. The sprocket 253 is from the hydraulic die Platforms 644 and 645 are so far driven by one motor 195, that of two separate moander removed that if there is one with a vertical gate, the independent drives for the Series of compartments in the pallet rack aligned sprockets 250 (Fig. 4) and 253 represent. Of the the other with the next but one row of compartments - trolley 138 transports pallets between is directed. In this way, as in FIG. 15, there is the pallet rack 113 and the work setting and placed, the platform 644 with the series of storage and retrieval stations, the pallet pick-up and share aligned to the right of the partition 635 a, have pallet delivery points, which directly whereas the platform 645 with the row of ab- opposite vertical rows of compartments in the pa-

35 36

may contain letten- and containers arranged in the tool magazine shelf. On the container transport

are so that the transport carriage is opposite the carriage 146, a read head is arranged to read the number

removed from these points by aligning them with the partition walls of a container carried on the platform.

that the shelves can align. and to send a signal to control unit 173

The control unit 173 maintains a “pallet 5 about the beginning or end of a container transfer status record”, which continuously gives the space for each pallet porting process, whereby the control unit can thus indicate in the system and also whether the pallet also maintains a “container status record”,
is empty or loaded, and if loaded, in which The reading heads in the system are not used to state the workpiece is on the pallet. The control unit is further informed about the work time, a pair of pallets, a work number of each of the workpieces carried by the pallet tool magazine or a container at a certain location, as its program each reaches or leaves, but also to enable a check that has been connected by reading the individual pallet number with each work number. The pallet numbers are also taken from the correct pair of pallets, the correct work reading, after the pallets are loaded and ready for the tool magazine or the correct container on the respective receptacle from a workpiece placement station, that is the point.

that the "pallet status record" then the work- A workpiece clamping position 118 to 133 and the number with the number of the pallets are associated with the conveyor belt 139 in FIG. 12 on which workpieces are shown for this work. The table has a movable door link are excited. The pallet numbers are read, 20 801, which is automatically opened by the control unit, when the finished workpieces from the around on the upper run of the conveyor belt 139 Pallets are unloaded and the empty pallets stretched on, if one destined for the table The pick-up at the workpiece storage locations was the container from the container transport trolley 146 to the so that the "pallet status act" is then sent to the conveyor belt. The door link 801 steers binding between pallet number and work number 25 the container from the conveyor belt 139 to the worker deletes. The “pallet status act” is terminated and the door closes of course kept up to date, if that is then automatically. The container slides an inclined Read heads in the system deliver signals that go down ramp 802, at the lower end of which is a compartment Changes to the arrangement of pallets and the 804 arrangement in which a container rests, changes the condition of the workpieces on the 30 rend the operator is working with. The field of expertise Show pallets. The control unit is so continuous 804 has a bottom surface 805 which informs about a pivot which pallets are empty, which pallet axis 803 is movable and which the operator are loaded with unprocessed workpieces, which can be opened by means of a handle 806 to a the first processing waiting to release which pallets with containers that are no longer available for work partially machined workpieces are loaded, which is required 35, so that he then over an inclined, Expect further processing, which pallets have a ramp, not shown, on the lower run of the Workpieces are loaded on a reinsertion conveyor belt 139 that takes the container to the container position wait, and which pallet returns with complete preparation area, slides. A read-finished workpieces are loaded that are upside down, which is not shown, is provided to waiting for a removal from the pallets. 4 ° the number of a container in the compartment 804

Beginning and ending of a pallet transport read.

Process by one of the transport carriages 114 or the workpiece clamping station receives at one

138 pallets are transferred from the trolley to the control unit via a reading head at the receiving point 807

displayed on the dolly, number 138, and has devices including chains

of a pair of pallets reads when the pair is picked up to move the pallets on a horizontal path

men and while the pair is being carried, and through the work station via a platen

who no longer reads the number when the pallet 809 on which the setting process is carried out,

couple is given. Beginning and termination of and to a collection point, which is shown in F i g. 2 not visible

Transport processes of machine tools are cash and on which the transport carriage 138 the pa-

by the read head 654 on the trolley 5 «can pick up the letters again. The way

114 displayed to the control unit, and the control unit of a pair of pallets A and B from the transport

173 also maintains a »tool magazine carriage 138 through the workpiece clamping station and

state act «. back to trolley 138 is shown schematically in FIG

The container transport carriage 146 corresponds to FIG. 13, in the solid arrows the

sentlichen the trolleys 114 and 138, but 55 movement of a pallet A and broken arrows

its platform link, which corresponds to link 643, represents the movement of a pallet B ,

forms a single horizontal platform that supports the pair of interconnected pallets A

Can carry container. The platform member has and B is from a platform of the trolley

a mechanism as described above with respect to the factory (the left of which is shown in Fig. 13)

tool magazine carrier 646 was described and the 60 the receiving point 807 on the workpiece clamping

for pulling a container onto the platform and place where pallets A and B each place

for dispensing a container from the platform on hung 810 and 811 take, dispensed. the

serves on each side of the trolley. The container pallets A and B are then linked as one

Trolley 146 runs along the rails, pair to the right when looking at Fig. 13.

which are arranged on the container shelf that moves 65 until they occupy the positions 812 and 813,

corresponds to the tool magazine rack and vertical and then forward (further as a connected pair),

Has partitions, the horizontal base plates until they occupy the positions 814 and 815, respectively. the

wear. These delimit compartments, each of which has a latter position 815, which at that time was covered by the pa-

37 38

Lette B is taken is provided on the. A holder 827 carries interchangeable tools, plate 809, and the operator can then use the ones in the screwdriver 826. Carry out the required workpiece setting processes on this work pallet carried out at the workpiece clamping station. After this work the pa- gages are as follows:

The pallet B is moved to the right (with the pallets from- 5 If a workpiece setting for a part is loosened from one another) until the position 816 group or lot size is required, the pallet is occupied and pallet A is forwarded into the container containing the Workpieces, holding means, template position 815 is moved, at which the operator NEN, etc. contains for this work (controlled by the required workpiece setting operations on the control unit 173), on the upper run of the conveyor pallet A makes. The pallet B is then placed in the io bandes 139, and the door member 801 of the work position 817 is moved back, and the pallet Λ is moved to the piece clamping area, which is indicated by the control unit in the position 816 (where the panel is opened, around the container from the conveyor Lettering A bit is raised while moving ribbon deflect on the table. upon arrival of the, in order to allow so that its approach to the container in the tray 804 is moved his number abgeüber approach the range B and then i ₅ read and transmitted back to the control unit 173, is lowered again in order to bind the pallets again. The control unit 173 has to bind a group of pallets). The pallets Λ and B are then assigned as this work and instructs the trans-connected pair to move back until they remove the trolleys 138, the first pair of pallets of this group, 818 and 819 at the collection point 820 from the pallet rack and take them to take, from which the connected pair of pallets then take 20 pick-up point 807 of the setting table, on the right platform of the trolley 138. The control unit 173 also lets the signal "einkann" be picked up depending on the reading of the container number (when looking at FIG. 13). The two platforms on the transport positions on the display panel of the workpiece clamping carriage 138 are so far apart that a position is lit up. The operator can read pairs of pallets at the receiving point 807 of the 25 then the setting instructions in the container and workpiece clamping station can be delivered, the workpiece setting template in the guide 824 while another pair of pallets simultaneously insert while they are on the delivery of the pallets from the collecting point 820 is recorded. waiting.

As a result of this formation of the workpiece clamping When the arrival of the first pair of pallets at the

there is 30 acceptance point 807 for two pairs of incoming pallets (if the transport trolley 139

(at positions 810, 811 and 812, 813) and for one at the same time the last pair of pallets from the previous

Pair of outgoing pallets (at points 818 of the work aisle, if one is available,

and 819) a buffer zone between the transport and collection point 820 takes away) begins

car 138 and the digits (814, 815, 816 and 817), the control unit 173 the countdown on the clock 823

actually used by the part setter 35 and operates the devices (including the

be created. The plate 809 is equipped with bearings, chains 808) to move the pair of pallets up

preferably air bearings 821 (see Fig. 12), both pallets reach positions 814 and 815,

to allow the operator to control the movement of the pallets While a pair of pallets is on the transport

about the plate to facilitate. dare is, its presence becomes continuous

Read heads are provided to signal the numbers of 40 back to control unit 173 because its Pallets of a pair (these numbers being the numbers in front of the read head of the same transport) at the delivery station 820. are located in the car. The control unit therefore knows when

In front of the operator, d. H. above and the pallets leave the trolley, slightly back of the plate 809, is a display The operator guides on the leading Board provided, the indicator 822 carries, the, 45 pallet and then on the second pallet of the controls from the control unit 173, can light up, pair then the necessary workpiece settings the operator works out the type of work using the screwdriver 826. Piece setting operation to be carried out while the operator is performing these operations to inform. In this way, an indicator shows, on the first pair of pallets, the transport can if it lights up, e.g. B. the word "adjust", 50 dare 138 bring two more pairs of pallets, "New" or "discharged". Below the indicator is where the first of the other pairs is at its Aneine Digital clock 823. This is also automatically set to position 812 and 813 by the controller 173 actuated. It possesses plus and minus ways.

Signs which indicate the time to the operator When the operator is doing the work show that remains to complete a task, 55 finished and the two pallets of the first pair by rejoining the 823 watch with a countdown to begin, they become the there and on by moving between the works collection point 820, where their number is deposited cumulative difference between the time norm and read is, and the controller 173 then effects in the time actually consumed for the setting, depending on the fact that the first further pallet processes, executed during the day, 60 pairs from positions 812 and 813 forward in indicates. positions 814 and 815 are moved (so that the

In addition to the display and the 823 clock, a workpiece setter is able to work with the pallets)

Support guide 824 for a workpiece template in front and that the second further pair of pallets sideways

seen and next to it again an intercom from positions 810 and 811 into positions

system 825, which connects to the 65 812 and 813 moves. The control unit instructs

security guard 189 establishes. A pneumatic also the transport trolley 138, the next pallet

Torque wrench 826 is used to fasten the pair of the group assigned to this work from the

Pick up workpieces on the pallets by means of the pallet rack holding means and on the pickup

39 40

to deliver parts 807 and at the same time remove the paper with the necessary holding means, the template and the pair of chains from the collection point 820 . Instructions for re-setting the group of parts Initiated in this way during the setting, fed to the setting table. Reading his work on a group of parts and the presence of a PA number on his arrival causes the control chain pair at the collection point 820 to light up the delivery 5, the "reset" symbol on the display of a new pallet pair to the workpiece mounting display board and the delivery of with olatz and the successive movement of the workpieces loaded pallets, which again-; ^J alette pairs through the workpiece settings. If the group of parts is placed in a plurality of carriages from the plate rack to the workpiece clamps, the containers are arranged via the container transport carriage 146 and the conveyor belt 139 assigned to the workpiece clamping position (Each transformation station is assigned to a plurality of workpiece clamping stations at intervals of pulling workpiece clamping stations). Those that are affected by the speed with which the paramedic carries when they see the sign “etten are being loaded by the workpiece setter,” “reload”, the container can be moved. In this way, the arrival causes 15 clamping space.

• Every last pair of pallets at the acceptance point 807 The passage of the pallets through the Umspann-'jie delivery of a further container, the number of which is slightly different from the one read on its arrival and that in the clamping position and is shown schematically in Fig. 14 dar-Fach 804 is added after the operator. A pair of pallets A and B have been returned by the operator to the previous container on the left platform (when viewing FIG. 14) of the conveyor belt 139 . Transport trolley 138 to a pick-up point 828 As a check, 830 is taken when the number of a pallet is handed over at which the pallets are read at positions 829 and pairs of pallets at the pick-up point. The pallets A and B are then also read off the container number (in compartment 804) in the positions 831 and 832 moved forward. Forwarded to and back to the control unit 183 (a turntable is arranged with a 25 of the position 832 , the address signal that lifts the respective workpiece - first the pallet on it, ■, breakdown location). The loaded pallets, which have to be released from the other pallet and then removed from the workpiece clamping station, the pallet counter-clockwise when the trolley comes on top, which also rotates its number by 90 ° to read it for the next position number align their respective compartments in the pallet 30 correctly. Pallet B, which has been brought back on a shelf by 90 °. was rotated, is then to the right in the position When the workpiece ^{setter moves the loading of the 833} , on which a horizontal platform last pair of pallets of a group belonging to this parts group has ended and it is to the collection point. is located. These devices serve the automatic 820 has moved, so reading the number, 35 see correct setting of the pallet in its exact position, that the control unit starts the countdown at the clock position relative to the axis of movement of micro-

823 ends and the next parts scopes are fed in, which initiate the movement axes of the tool group to the workpiece clamping station. Corresponding to the selection spindle in a machine tool, in which the workpiece setter waits for the arrival of the container in the same way as the pallet in the toolter and the pallets for the next group of parts are automatically in their correct position, he removes the template from the guide will. The pallet is placed at 832

824 and puts them and other instructions that have been rotated 90 ° to get the same orientation of the card into the container in compartment 804 before reaching position 833 as the one you put the container on Conveyor belt 139 back-occupies the machine tool. After the moves. 45 Pallet B has been set correctly, it will then be turned on

When the workpiece setter unloads pallets (usually at the beginning of an 8-hour period in 833, the necessary workpiece re-day), which are subject to adjustment operations. These consist of machined workpieces or contain parts, so the position of the workpiece (for example, by being moved around the workpiece clamping position) relative to the pallet has to be changed and / holders are empty and the pallets are loaded. The "unload" - 5 ° or otherwise reattach the workpiece (e.g. part of the display board is made by the control unit by using other clamps), which lights up, and the workpiece instal- lation microscopes are used to ensure straightener takes the workpieces and the holding means that the fastening of the newly set workpiece from the pallets and places them in empty containers, where in a certain position to its position before the then empty pallets from the trolley 55 is readjusted. According to ^ 138 Wiedereinstell- collected and in their relevant parts work transitions to the pallet B this is right parts are returned to the pallet rack. The moves to the position 834 , where there is another filled container on the lower strand of the turntable, which turns the pallet clockwise of the conveyor belt 139 for the purpose of delivering the container by 90 °, so that it is again placed in its original preparation area. In practice 60 borrowed alignment is achieved. The pallet B is then moved back to position 835. The pallet A is carried out if the first empty container and the loaded one from position 831 to position 832 pallets on the workpiece clamping station, moved, rotated counterclockwise by 90 °, before the workpiece setters arrive, to their right in the position 833 and automatically start the 8-hour shift, so that you don't have to wait automatically at 65 in the exact position for the workpiece to start work again. adjustment processes, after which they are in the position

When the workpiece setter arrives at the workpiece again, 834 lifted it clockwise by 90 °

to make settings, the container is rotated and then lowered and so again with the

41 42

Pallet A is connected. The pair share part 202 of the bank when looking at FIG. 3

bound pallets A and B are then moved backwards in. Containers with tools and / or shells

positions 836 and 837 moved which together become work attachment instructions

Form a collection point 838 from which the pallets are placed on the conveyor belt 203 and left on

moves part 201 of the bank onto the right platform of the transport trolley 138 5,

can be taken over. The lifting mechanism mentioned above

Apart from these differences in the run, it has a read head to read the number of a path that corresponds to the passage of the pallets through the incoming container and to feed these to the workpiece changing station generally to the signal to the control unit 173 , run through the workpiece clamping station. Accordingly, as a result of his knowledge of the container, reading heads are provided in order to be able to determine the number assigned content, whether the number of a pair of pallets at the container collection point contains a processed workpiece or to read 838. The arrival of the first pair of pallets does not and that controls the lifting mechanism to a group of parts at the pick-up point triggers the container on the correct one of the conveyor belts 203 countdown on a clock at the substation, and 15 and 204 to move.

this countdown is when reading the number of the Am right part 202 when looking at the Fig. 3, 4 last pair of plates, the workpieces of a certain and 5 of the container loading and unloading bank is a th group, ended at the collection point. This device 205 is provided which is connected to the point 180 the latter reading also serves to dispense a. The device 205 has a reading further group of parts to the workpiece clamping station 20 head in order to initiate reading of the number of a container. The transformer station, unlike the and a signal indicating this number to the clamping station, is not provided with means for supplying loading control device 173. At the instruction of the container to be picked up by the conveyor belt 139 or to the control unit 173 , the device 205 can issue a ticket because the workpiece setter prints the information, including the container, from his clamping position or transfers it back to the next determination of the processed workpieces. or carries parts in the containers. For example,

After completion of the workpiece re-setting up the work pieces or parts to an anodizing process, the workpiece setter goes to the machining or etching department or to a finished parts storage container in which the re-setting template is located. When the container is unloaded, instructions and, if necessary, the processed workpieces or parts from the pallets are placed in a holder container that has been removed during the re-adjustment and in which they are located for their means of destination, to the clamping station from which they are supplied. wherein the further container returns the container to the conveyor belt 139 . has no number, so that the containers with num-

If desired, the workpiece mores could also only be used in the system according to the invention.

transformer stations with other 35 operating staff and do not leave this system. In

people are occupied, and precaution could be taken to ensure that the ticket is included with this additional container

It must be ensured that the containers are placed on the transformer with the imprint of the destination. the

burst in the same way as for the up-device 205 also has another read head,

Spannplatz was described, delivered and taken away to the number of the working group that was included in a

be guided. 4 ° container is loaded, read and sent to the control

Furthermore, workpiece re-setting device 173 can be fed back. The workgroup number

steps that do not require the workpiece to appear relatively on the template, which is

to move to the pallet (e.g. who just need to do the setting work for this group of parts on the pallets

Require attaching different clamps) is turned. The number of the container is indicated by

and therefore the use of microscopes 45 the aforementioned reading head in the device 205

not necessary, read out at the clamping station so that the control unit then

leads to be. In this case it can be assigned to the container on the display working group number,

On the left-hand part 201 (when looking at FIGS. 3

seen in the event that the readjustment on and 5) the container unloading bank is a read head

Clamping station is to be carried out, and a line 50 is provided which shows the number of a container from the

“microscope re-adjustment” if the tools and / or templates and setting instruc-

The settings at the substation are carried out, read and unloaded the control unit

target. can display, so that the controller 173 then the

As can be seen from Fig. 3, the container connection of this number of the container with the preparation area 140 has a container shelf, a number of the parts group can be deleted,
Container unloading and loading bench in two parts 201 A container as it is used in the plant and 202 and two conveyor belts 203 and 204 are shown in FIG. It comprises a box-shaped member 206 which moves in opposite directions and has an open top and an inclined front (as indicated by arrows) and a partially open inclined face with a transverse bar 207 leading to the container preparation area 60. The number of the container is indicated on return on conveyor 139. Not arranged on the outside of an edge 208 and provided mechanisms lift a loading holes 209 , which comes back as a magnetic and non-magnetic stopper in strand of the conveyor belt 139 , to a number with a container and place it on one of the conveyor belts binary system to build. It could also be any on 203 and 204 off. Containers with machined work- 65 dere system are used. The numbers can pieces or parts that were removed from pallets at the work- piece also on the container near the front of the piece mounting positions will be arranged,
deposited on the conveyor belt 204 and corresponds to the accounting-A container transport carriage 146 in GR

, are released from the pallet transport car 138, but the size of a group of parts (ie the number of workpieces on a single platform that only has one piece at a time) requires the group to be able to carry into a multi-container. The trolley 146 also has an additional number of containers to be loaded, so the part-related means is used to place a container on the plate group number with the numbers of each of these loads ^. Orm to pull or dispense from it, namely 5 containers connected, and the workpiece setting template on each side of the trolley, and also with the parts group number is inserted in the first case read head to the number of one of the holder that the control unit 173 communicated trolley carried To be able to read the container, which then this first container to the ien. The trolley 146 travels along a workpiece set table first. Each rail, the container above part 141 and the container loaded above, is run by the operator from sections 143, 144 and 145 of the container shelf into the second transition section 144 of the container shelf. It is set along the rail by a shelf, from which it is then moved by the BeKette 210, which is connected to it, holding trolley 146 into its associated compartment, which is set around idle rollers 211 and a hy- in main section 141 and 142 ,
■ Hydraulic motor 197 driven chain wheel 212 is running. 15 The readjustment of a workpiece and its

The control unit 173 carries out a »container status - subsequent processing is carried out as separate work- : ikt «, which makes it possible to view the space, the content and the work. When the printed information that ■ Yes, all containers are available at all times in the material preparation area of the control unit ascertain. This "act" is issued on the basis of Si-174, on a day a parts analyst which includes the reading heads in the container group with workpieces which are a re-preparation area and require the workpiece setting, the printed information will be issued, continuously on information that will be issued the next day -Keeped up to date. the (if those work pieces namely the first work

The main control unit 174 issues printed instructions to a material / piece setting and processing subject preparation area (not shown), which is assigned to the loader), the necessary holding means, templates and container preparation area, for the re-setting of the work information that is contained in the Have containers loaded into a container in one day, showing the parts groups to be loaded (for the purpose of the factory container number and the part number read off, piece setting and processing on the next day). when the container is loaded.
This printed information contains the necessary holding means, templates and tools in the main section Container shelves where they remain piece setting instructions for this work on this until the next day. On the next group of parts to collect and prepare and the 35 days brings the trolley 146, controlled by the necessary work pieces to prepare. The controller 173, the loaded containers are cut off from the main light metal supplies. Required section of the container rack on the conveyor belt 139, if necessary, an area is processed. Holes are drilled into the work pieces for transport to the work piece mounting positions, which are actuated for the work piece (the controller 173 requires the deflector to be attached to the piece if the control unit only allows this area to be set using the numbers of parts that containers are placed on the conveyor belt 139),
be compelled to inform. The material preparation area has a file for each part number, sweeping containers with templates and instructors the necessary information including 45 functions that the workpiece setters can use to attach a drawing of the workpiece blank, a hole or card or the workpieces contained in the containers a template for use with goods on pallets are received on drilling the required workpiece mounting left part 201 of the container unloading bench, holes and workpiece mounting instructions such as where to unload them, the container numbers e.g. B. a workpiece drawing or a photo 50 can be read so that the control unit can bring its "terminology of a workpiece setting template with a container status file" up to date. If the workpiece is separated by a re-number and requires an empty setting as the number, the file will also be registered as a container. The empty container is readjusted drawing or photograph, a 55 is then placed on the container shelf, from which it is transferred from the reinstallation template and a list of the holding means required for the container trolleys to its associated compartment in the reinstallation - main section 141 and 142. The keeper gives the templates and unloaded

The operators in the container preparation area give instructions to the material preparation area

area take back empty containers from the first over 6 °. Returned containers that also

Aisle section 143 of the bin rack and load rend a workpiece readjustment superfluous

they are placed on the container loading bench 202, each of which contains holding means,

container with the material that is treated for a specific chend.

Part group number is required, is loaded. When, usually at the beginning of a day, the The part number and the container number will be 65 workpiece setters or machined workpieces By means of the device 205 to the control unit 173, parts of the pallets are supposed to be unloaded, brings the issue for the purpose of subsequent connection of this holding trolley 146, controlled by the control unit Numbers in the "container status file". When the 173, empty containers from main section 141 and 142

45 46

of the container rack is placed on the conveyor belt 139 for the purpose of container racking after it has been loaded Delivery to the workpiece clamping stations. The tax is to make the delivery to the corresponding factory device 173 supplements its "container status file" and piece clamping area at the instruction of the control unit: · connects the number of the container, which is delivered 173 to be awaited.

becomes, with the number of the work parts group, the 5 The tool magazine preparation, ie the unloading is to be carried out. These containers are, when loading tools from magazines and loading with the processed workpieces or parts from magazines with tools, takes place (and the holding means with which they are attached to the pallets of a tool magazine loading bank 220 (Fig.?) be received, on the right and 5). If the machining operations that are to be carried out in front of part 202 of the container unloading bank, with a machine tool, require the parts together with a printed ticket in tools that are placed in a magazine, the other containers and with the holding on the tool magazine loader the tool is returned to the material preparation area or in the tool magazine shelf 11. The empty containers are located in the, are currently not available, so the third transition section 145 of the container rack 15 instructs the control unit 173 the transport trolley 114, eir for the purpose of transfer by means of the transport trolley magazine with tools that are currently not 146 needed in the associated compartments of the main section this magazine is set, whereby the control unit updates its "container - its compartment in the tool magazine shelf or direct state file" and the connection between the container number and its 20 last required this magazine from the magazine loader of the machine tool, to take and delete content. this magazine in a compartment in the transition section to put the number of transports from the 117. The operator then takes the container trolley 146 must be carried out magazine from the transition section 117 to the banl · sen, to reduce some of the unloaded 220, where all tools or some of them are in containers instead of being taken out by the operator in the 25 of the magazine and required tools to be replaced by the net transition section 145 of the container shelf set. To be placed on a separate support, the operator then lays the reloaded magazine to form a row of empty containers, from which the operator instead of the transition section of the trolley 114 is instructed to do so in a compartment of the transition section 116 can remove from 143 containers for loading. 30 control unit 173 removes, in order to make it part of the above description, the re-compartment in the tool magazine 115 or the setting of a workpiece and the subsequent processing directly to the magazine loader of the machine tool are viewed as a separate operation for which the magazine is intended The compartments in the transition section 116 or 11 'have been set for the first time and have a switch that was operated by the delivery for the first time . However, the tool magazine in the compartment could be actuated and the control unit could also set up the program in such a way that the control unit 173 and the tool as far as this is practicable, such a work magazine preparation bank indicates that a magazine items that require readjustment so is available for collection early in the compartment. When on as possible on the day set for the first time and the take of a magazine from the transition section for the first time, so that on the same 116 the trolley 114 reads the number of the days before the end of the 8-hour shift of the tool magazine and forwards it to the control unit setters 173 at the workplaces to enable the control unit to be sent to be readjusted. the trolley with regard to the destination. ¹ · The processing of the reset workpieces 45 in the magazine is instructed. The control unit 17 can then take place during the 16 hours that it maintains a “tool magazine status record”, which follows the 8-hour shift. In this way, the information relating to the tools in the machining of the workpieces can ent both before magazines contained tools at any time as well as after resetting at the same, which information on a change of vo; 24 hours a day. In this case, the 5 ° tools in a magazine can be changed according to the container, the template, the instructions. This "act" also forms a continuous and, if necessary, contains the information source with regard to the respective Ver required for the readjustment, at the same time a tool magazine remains in the system, i. h be loaded like the container that is the work- whether a magazine in its compartment of the magazine shelf pieces, the templates and the instructions and 55 or on a magazine loader, and if, bt holding means for the initial workpiece setting of which machine tool, these data depending on contains, ie on the day before the workpiece files are updated, whom; setting and the first processing steps are performed by the control unit 173 to the transport carriage 114. Alternatively, the bin may instruct to change the location of a magazine that is required for workpiece readjustment. The controller 174 reports a daily printed loan during the early part of the night that the tool magazine prep is being loaded during the day Workpiece worker is informed of the tool change and who will be subjected to the first machining steps. Such are required in certain magazines. Whatever alternative one takes, in each case (the printed report detailing the positions of each tool in each magazine in the loaded container via the transition section 144 specified with the workpiece resetting material 65), and in this report The numbers of the tape cassettes are contained in the container transport trolley 146, the associated compartment in the main section 141 and 142 of the tape supply in each machine tool

47 48

are required. The tape cartridge numbers can be in the form of 13 digits (these 13 digits

must then be checked according to this list, and holes are required in the exemplary embodiment), where

Borrowed change of tapes in the supply can be different combinations of these holes elements

are executed. included (in the exemplary embodiment as magnetic

The tool magazine preparation bench 220 can have 5 stoppers described) in order to represent numbers based on a binary not only for changing the types or dimensions. The actual number of tools used in a magazine can be indicated by ten of these holes, if necessary, in the manner described above, and the remaining three can be used to replace one Module examination for used or broken tools in an ao loan.
Magazine. The series of machine tools 101 through 106 is

The tool magazines, which in the case of the six-axis - neither with regard to the type of machine nor

Single-spindle machine tools 105 and 106 using the number of the same are set. The machines

are basically of the same shape 101 and 102 can also be used for machining iron

and size, such as that which od on the two-spindle machine 15. Like. Be adapted. The spindle speed is then

nen 101 to 104 are used, but carry less, considerably less, with the turbine drive through

ger tools. The tool magazines for the six are driven by a hydraulic motor.

axis single-spindle machine tools have 13 Sok- is set, or with a corresponding sub-

kel 451 (see Fig. 8), which is arranged in two rows and provided for the setting of the turbine drive. It

each base can hold a tool. 20 lathes can also be added to the machine series

In this way, 65 tools are available for single-spindle insertion, if these machines are numerical,

machines are available because their tool magazines. H. data-driven, are. In this case, the

zinlader five tool magazines (one each to be suitable on each data-controlled lathes

Wing) with 13 tools each. to pick up a workpiece fastened on a plate,

The supervisor 189 has a display 25 with the pallet attached to the workpiece holding portion of the turntable, which would have a display of the added machine attached. Correspondingly, time differences between the norm and the actual one - if so desired, grinding machines or every high time needed for workpiece setting - another type of machine tool in the plant, showing gears that are provided during the day for anyone who is extremely flexible, could accordingly will.
Workpiece clamping stations have been carried out. From this 30 the number of machines does not need to be six, the supervisor can see whether the progress is limited. There can be as much machine progress of the workpiece setting operations as it is necessary to carry out the work program and can be carried out in one step; However, the intercom system would then of course have to come into contact with each workpiece clamping system of the larger number of machine tools. The 35 to be customized.

Scoreboard also contains a number of scoreboards, programming the controller 173 on

which reflect the compartments in the pallet rack. A daily basis can have an even occupancy rate

Surveillance person has a five-way switch. of the system and as a result of the connection between

This can cause the control unit 173 to see the control unit 173 and the control unit 174

its "pallet status act" the numbers and 4 ° a continuous flow of workpieces through the

Display positions of empty pallets, with the corre- sponding system maintained, whereby the program

appropriate indicators light up. Further can be changed by each day to avoid deviations

the switch pallets that are loaded with workpieces from the planning of the previous program

and that are waiting to be processed.

as well as pallets with partially processed work- 45 The connection between the two control units pieces that are waiting for further processing, further 173 and 174 is in FIG. 4 as a broken line Pallets with workpieces that are presented on a re-entry; this is to indicate that the connection wait, and pallets with processed work of various kinds are created that are waiting to be unloaded. can.

In addition, the monitoring person 189 can control device 173 Printed messages received from controller 173 are straightforward. There must be control signals via the rings, the errors or abnormal deviations, which trunk line and data connections to the various occur in the system. those elements of the system in correct order

The system can be an automatic testing machine, and it must be returned to it

which is not shown in the drawings, can check for 55 data to determine whether a correct

point. When the first pair of pallets in a partial and complete response to every control signal

group or the workpieces mounted on it is received ready before another, possibly

are processed, this pair of pallets is canceled from the previous contradicting signal.

Control unit 173 directed to the testing machine, where will give. If the returned data is a

Check the accuracy of the work carried out 60 identify incorrect or incomplete answers

is, while the workpiece is still in it, then the controller 173 must in some

Position on the plate. This process can kind of give an indication of an error. Preferably owns

be executed before the other parts of the same control unit 173 but some data processing

Chen group edited, or this exam skills and is programmed to do so in the event

A routine process in the system 65 of an error display can also carry out logical processes

be. can. Such abilities can be so extensive

As previously described, the numbers are on the order that they allow it to be in the originally planned form

Change pallets, tool magazines and containers in operations of the plant, if these

16 20

Result is disturbed while the work is being carried out. Such an opportunity is valuable because it is a mutual dependence of the machine tools, the transport trolleys (their working hours with a predictable high levels of accuracy) and the human operators doing their jobs can only be foreseen on a statistical basis.

Such a change in the sequence of operations can, however, be reserved for the main control unit 174 be; the latter can be permanently coupled to the control unit 173 and as an extension of the latter can be used, in which case the controller 173 can be relatively simple. this however, it can only be economical if the main controller 174 can perform a job while it is not connected to the machine tool installation at all, and if there is one

can interrupt such external work for periods of time.

In the description of the operation of the system it was stated that the workpiece setter and Container preparation staff work 8 hours a day. This was said on the premise that that the machining operations required for the parts to be manufactured are of such a nature, that the machine tools 101 to 106 can handle the amount of work in 24 hours that the Operators master in 8 hours. However, if the operators are more than 8 hours need to keep the machine tools fully occupied then the operators could accordingly work longer. For example, there could even be two 8-hour shifts for the operators to be provided in every 24 hour period if necessary.

In addition 11 sheets of drawings

Claims (23)

Patent claims: 1. Machine tool system with a central control unit, several numerically controlled Machine tools for the simultaneous processing of several different workpieces, from at least some of which only need to be processed by individual machine tools, each machine tool having multiple programs and multiple tools to execute these programs has and program changing devices controlled by the central control unit and tool changing devices are provided, and with a conveyor device, Pallets carrying the workpieces can be fed to the various machine tools are, characterized in that the machine tools (4, 5, 6; 101 to 106) by the conveyor device (9; 114) with a supply store (1, 2; 113) for storing the workpieces supporting pallets (301, 302) are connected so that the pallets (301, 302, 647, 648) depending on the program entered in the central control unit (19) in any Sequence and direction independently of one another between the supply store (1, 2; 113) and any machine tool (4, 5, 6; 101 to 106) are movable. 2. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage facility (1, 2; 113) from a shelf with separating elements (635, 636) which can be controlled by the conveyor device (9, 114) Form shelves for the pallets (301, 302, 647, 648). 3. Plant according to claim 2, characterized in that the shelves of the shelf (113) are continuous and open on both sides. 4. Plant according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each of the pallets (301, 302, 647, 648) is only assigned to a specific shelf in the shelf (113). 5. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conveyor device (9, 114) consists of a transport carriage (114) running in a known manner on rails, which has a vertically movable platform (643) which is used to transfer the pallets (301, 302, 647, 648) can be aligned with the shelves of the storage facility (1, 2, 113). 6. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each pallet (301, 302, 647, 648) in a known manner an identification mark, e.g. B. carries a code number (309), the known reading heads from the central control unit arranged on the transport trolley (114) (19; 173) are detectable. 7. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the central control device (173) is provided with a memory for displaying the point at which the workpieces are are located within the system. 8. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pallet storage facility (113) between the machine tools (101 to 106) and one or more, preferably Workpiece clamping positions (118 to 133) arranged in a row along this warehouse is arranged and that a further trolley (138) for the transport of pallets of the workpiece clamping positions to the supply store and vice versa is provided. 9. Plant according to claim 8, characterized by at least one of the trolley (138) attainable workpiece changing station (134 to 137) at the partially machined workpieces be reattached to a pallet. 10. Plant according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by a conveyor belt (139) for conveying of workpieces to or from the workpiece clamping positions (118 to 133), the Workpieces are preferably housed in containers (206). 11. Plant according to claim 10, characterized in that that the conveyor belt at each workpiece clamping station (118 to 133) has a deflection device controlled by the central control device (19, 173) (801). 12. Plant according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the conveyor belt (139) between the workpiece clamping positions (118 to 133) and a container preparation area (140) with a container supply store (141, 142) for loaded containers and that in the container preparation area (140) a container transport carriage (146) is provided which Containers transported from the container supply store onto the conveyor belt (139). 13. Plant according to claim 12, characterized in that the container preparation area (140) from a container loading section (202) and a container unloading section (201) consists in that the container storage facility (141, 142) has a first transition section (143), are removed from the empty container (206) for loading, a second transition section (144) into which containers loaded in the container loading section (202) are set, a third transition section (145) into which empty containers are placed in the container unloading section (201) and a main section (141, 142) from which the containers are transported to the conveyor belt (139) and that the container trolley (146) with each compartment in each of these sections is alignable. 14. Plant according to claim 13, characterized by a display device known per se for the presence of a container (206) in the first (143), in the second (144) or in the third (145) Transitional section. 15. Plant according to claim 9 or one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the Scanning heads assigned to workpiece clamping and re-clamping positions (118 to 137) for delivery of signals indicating the completion of workpiece fastening operations for the central Control unit (173). 16. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that between the conveyor (114) and each machine tool (4 to 6; 101 to 106) a buffer store (22; 107 to 112) for the temporary accommodation of several Pallets with workpieces to be machined or already machined are arranged by which the pallets are delivered to the machine tool or picked up by the latter. 17. System according to claim 16, characterized by reading heads associated with the buffer store (22; 107 to 112) for reading the identification of a pallet. 18. Plant according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the transport carriage (114) and the buffer store (22; 107 to 112) are dimensioned to accommodate two pallets that are coupled to one another. 19. Installation according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that the depth of each shelf of the pallet supply store (113) corresponds to the length of two pallets coupled to one another. 20. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a storage facility (115) for tool magazines (649) in a manner analogous to how the supply store (113) for the pallets is connected to the machine tools (101 to 106) . 21. Plant according to claim 20, characterized in that the supply store (115) for the tool magazines consists of a shelf with separating elements (637, 638) which form shelves for tool magazines (649). 22. Plant according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the supply store (115) for the tool magazines is arranged next to and aligned with the supply store (113) for the pallets. 23. System according to claim 16 and one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that a buffer store (107 to 112) for temporarily receiving several magazines (649) for tools is arranged between the transport carriage (114) and each machine tool (101 to 106) is, which is optionally connected to the buffer store (107 to 112) for pallets to form a unit and is preferably used for the direct delivery or reception of tool magazines to or from the machine tool.