EP3105006A1

EP3105006A1 - Production system comprising a plurality of machine tools, and method for operating a production system

Info

Publication number: EP3105006A1
Application number: EP15703954.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hubert Bruder; Guido Jentzsch
Original assignee: MAG IAS GmbH Eislingen
Current assignee: MAG IAS GmbH Eislingen
Priority date: 2014-02-14
Filing date: 2015-02-04
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Also published as: CN105980102A; US20170028523A1; WO2015121129A1; DE102014101867A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a production system comprising a plurality of machine tools (22) for machining workpieces, further comprising a plurality of sequentially arranged work process devices (20), each of which includes at least one machine tool (22), different workpiece machining operations being performed in different work process devices (20), and comprising an automated conveying device (44) for conveying workpieces within and between work process devices (20). A central device (16) is connected to the automated conveying device (44) via which workpieces can be delivered from work process devices (20) to the central device (16).

Description

The invention relates to a production system having a plurality of machine tools for machining workpieces, comprising a plurality of work sequence devices each having at least one machine tool, wherein the work sequence devices are arranged sequentially and different in different work sequence devices zer machining workpiece machining operations are performed, and an automated transport device for transporting workpieces in and between work sequence facilities.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a manufacturing system.

Manufacturing systems (manufacturing systems) are used to perform different machining operations on a workpiece. For example, cylinder heads or crankcases are produced in the context of manufacturing systems.

From US 2011/0000082 AI a work line module is known which comprises a plurality of machines having a plurality of processing functions. There is also provided a non-processing device such as a monitoring machine.

From WO 2007/121697 AI a linked production system for the machining of workpieces, which are arranged for transport on pallets, known. From DE 102 58 568 AI a method for all-round processing of a blank with at least one processing machine such as a milling machine is known. From DE 44 Ol 212 Cl a method for measuring, grinding and machining of green castings is known.

From 37 07 318 AI is a flexible manufacturing device with a plurality of axially parallel juxtaposed, each having a horizontal drill spindle and at least one lateral, chain-shaped tool storage processing machines known. It is a front of these machines, located perpendicular to the machine axes guideway for carriages or carriages provided with pallets carrying workpieces. Furthermore, at least one setup station for the workpieces and a setup station for the tools are provided.

From DE 32 43 335 AI a program-controlled manufacturing cell with at least two machine tools and a handling device with which tools can be handled via adapters and workpieces, known.

US Pat. No. 7,322,083 B2 discloses a system which has at least one machine line, wherein a machine line comprises a plurality of machine tools.

The invention has for its object to provide a manufacturing system of the type mentioned, which allows optimized operation.

This object is achieved in the case of the aforementioned production system

According to the invention solved in that a central device is provided, which is connected to the automated transport device and which on the automated transport device workpieces of

Work sequence facilities can be fed. Workpieces which have been processed in a work sequence device must, for example, be tested and / or measured. For example, workpieces are checked as part of a statistical process control. After inserting a new tool on a machine tool, a test or measurement of workpieces makes sense.

In the solution according to the invention, workpieces can be transported from a work sequence device to the central device and, if necessary, also transported back. It can thus be ejected workpieces and bring to the central facility. There can locally take place for workpieces from different work sequence facilities a review or measurement. As a result, the number of corresponding test stations and measuring stations in the production system can be kept low because, for example, not every work sequence device must have its own test station or measuring station.

Furthermore, the automated transport device can be used for transport. As a result, paths for an operator to bring a workpiece into a test station or measuring station are minimized. The automated

Transport device automatically provides workpieces of the central facility where the test or measurement can be performed.

It is advantageous if workpieces can be fed from the central device via the automated transport device. For example, a workpiece may then be returned to the production process after inspection at the central facility when quality control has been successful. In particular, workpieces can be fed via the automated transport device in the central device of each work sequence device and / or workpieces can be fed from the central device to each work sequence device. This can be done at the central facility. For example, perform the complete quality inspection process for the manufacturing system.

It is expedient for the central device to comprise at least one of the following: a test station, a measuring station, which in particular comprises at least one coordinate measuring machine, a workpiece setting device (workpiece setting station), a recreation room, a console device for a control device of the production system, a tool setting device. In the provision of a workpiece setting device, on which, for example, workpieces can be connected to an adapter plate, a corresponding operation and introduction can take place at a central location. Furthermore, if a console device is present at the central facility, optimized accessibility is enabled. A lounge for operators at the central facility optimizes the footprint for the manufacturing system. At a tool setting device (at a tool setting station), an operator can set tools with corresponding devices before they are exchanged for machine tools.

It is favorable if a cleaning device is provided, which is assigned to the central device and on which workpieces can be cleaned. For example, for a test process, a workpiece should be a

Cleaning, for example, be subjected to blowing air. For the use of a coordinate measuring machine a workpiece should be washed. Due to the presence of the central device, a small number of cleaning devices can be used to perform a corresponding cleaning. The transport to the cleaning device or from the cleaning device can take place via the automated transport device. The cleaning device may be wholly or partly arranged on the central device or be arranged wholly or partially spaced from the central device. In one embodiment, the cleaning device is associated with a plurality of work sequence devices, wherein workpieces from different work sequence devices on the automated

Transport device of the cleaning device can be supplied, and in particular workpieces from all work sequence devices on the automated transport device of the cleaning device can be fed. As a result, the number of individual components of the manufacturing system can be kept low. Conveniently, the cleaning device comprises at least one air cleaner (dry cleaner). About an air cleaner blown off a workpiece in particular by blowing air. It can then be checked, for example, for its quality. It is also advantageous if the cleaning device alternatively or additionally comprises at least one scrubber (wet cleaner). A scrubber can be used to wash a workpiece so that it can be measured, especially in a coordinate measuring machine. It is also advantageous if at least one transfer station is provided, starting from which workpieces can be fed via the automated transport device to the central device, and which is at a distance from the central device. It can be achieved by an optimized discharge or infiltration. In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one transfer station is assigned a test device by means of which workpieces can be tested and, in particular, it is possible to check whether a workpiece can be excluded from the machining process. It can then workpieces that are damaged for example (because, for example, in them a tool part is inserted) are excluded. These do not then have to go through the stage of testing at the central facility. Such a workpiece, which was recognized as "out of order" by the inspection device, can be moved to the central position. direction and are then taken directly from the production process.

Conveniently, the at least one transfer point is arranged at a transition of a work sequence device to the next adjacent work sequence device. This results in an optimized discharge or infiltration.

In particular, the at least one transfer point is arranged on the automated transport device. This provides easy transportation to the central facility.

It is advantageous if a work sequence device has a plurality of machine tools, a parallel machining of workpieces in the corresponding work sequence devices takes place. As a result, a high throughput of workpieces in the manufacturing system can be achieved.

The workpiece machining in the sequential work sequence devices is sequential, wherein in particular workpieces are transferred from a work sequence device into a next-nearest work sequence device.

As a result, transport times for workpieces can be kept low.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one strand is provided, in which a plurality of work sequence devices is arranged, wherein in particular at least one strand machine tools are arranged aligned in a line. The automated transport device can thereby serve all machine tools of the work sequence devices in a simple manner. This results in an optimized use of space. Transport routes can be kept low.

It is favorable if devices for non-cutting workpiece treatment are arranged outside the at least one strand. Devices for non-cutting workpiece treatment are, for example Testing equipment such as Dichtprüfeinrichtungen, cleaning equipment, mounting equipment and the like. The arrangement outside a strand results in an optimized operability for machine tools of a strand. The space required for the machine tools can be kept low. In turn, this makes it possible to easily achieve an enclosure, for example, in a climatic chamber or tempering chamber.

It is also advantageous if the at least one strand is associated with a passage. This results in a simple loadability and unloadability of machine tools.

It is advantageous if a front side of a machine tool of the at least one strand assigns the passage. It can be done through the access a loading and unloading.

In particular, one or more doors of the corresponding machine tool are arranged on the front of the machine tool, wherein the door or doors allow access to the working space of the corresponding machine tool. As a result, access to the working spaces of the machine tools can be achieved from the passage.

It is also advantageous if the automated transport device

at least partially along the front. This makes it easy to achieve loading or unloading at the front. The transport device is arranged at the front, in particular, in front of the machine tools. These can then be loaded or unloaded at the front, for example, via portals or portal robots from above.

Rear sides of the machine tools are facing away from the passage and advantageously takes place a chip disposal on the back. This results in an optimized use of space. In particular, a central chip disposal device is provided, which runs along the rear sides at least in a partial area. This makes it possible to use a chip disposal device for several work sequence devices.

It is also advantageous if the at least one strand is associated with a media guide strand through which a plurality of machine tools in the at least one strand one or more media can be provided and / or one or more media of machine tools can be discharged. As a result, for example, the coolant supply or lubricant supply can be centralized, at least to a certain extent.

In one embodiment, the passage is formed between a first strand and a second strand. This results in optimized space utilization.

Conveniently, at least a portion of the transport device, which is guided along the at least one strand, designed as a conveyor belt. As a result, workpieces can be easily transported in a large length range.

It is furthermore advantageous if at least one partial region of the transport device which effects a transport transversely to a longitudinal direction of the at least one strand is designed as a device which can be moved on a floor of the passage or as a transporting device which is spaced at a height distance from the bottom. It can thus easily bridge the passage and also keep free. A spaced at a height distance transporting device is formed for example as a high band, which elevators are assigned, or is designed as a gripper, which translates, for example, workpieces from a conveyor belt to a parallel conveyor belt. A mobile device, which can be moved on the floor of the passage (shuttle), can be designed so that when not in use, the corresponding vehicle in a through parking is not blocking parking position. For example, the vehicle is designed as an electric vehicle and in the ground induction loops are embedded. In one embodiment, the at least one strand is enclosed. For example, a plurality of work sequence devices can be tempered. The arrangement in a strand results in an optimized use of space, and the area that must then be housed, is minimized by the footprint requirements ago.

For example, the at least one strand is enclosed in a tempering chamber or climatic chamber.

Conveniently, a control device is provided which controls the manufacturing system and by which the discharge of workpieces from a work sequence device by the automated transport device to the central device and / or the introduction of workpieces from the central device is controlled in a work sequence device. As a result, an automated discharge or infiltration can be achieved.

According to the invention in the aforementioned method workpieces are discharged from a work sequence device and automatically transported by the automated transport device to the central device and / or from the central device workpieces are automatically transported by the automated transport device and in a

Work sequence device introduced.

The method according to the invention, which can be carried out on the production system according to the invention, has the advantages already explained in connection with the production system according to the invention. In particular, a workpiece inspection and / or workpiece measurement is performed on the central device. The number of test stations or measuring stations for workpieces for different work sequence devices can be minimized, since workpieces from different work sequence devices can be tested or measured at a test station or measuring station.

It is also advantageous if a cleaning of workpieces is carried out at a central cleaning device, to which the workpieces are transported by the automated transport device and in particular are transported from which workpieces to the central device. This allows the number of corresponding components of the

Keep manufacturing system low. It is particularly advantageous if work sequence devices are arranged sequentially on at least one strand, with non-cutting workpiece treatments being performed outside the at least one strand and, in particular, transporting transversely to the at least one strand for non-machining workpiece treatments. It can thereby keep space required for the machine tools of the work sequence facilities low.

In particular, workpieces of work sequence facilities are removed as part of a statistical process control (SPC) in order to carry out a quality test.

It is advantageous if a discharge of workpieces is carried out when a machine tool is loaded, which is arranged next to a transfer point. This results in a time-optimized access.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention. Show it : Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a manufacturing system according to the invention. An exemplary embodiment of a production system according to the invention, which is shown in FIG. 1 and designated there by 10, is arranged, for example, in a hall 12.

The manufacturing system 10 comprises a cutting device 14. The cutting device 14 here comprises a plurality of workpiece machines for cutting workpiece machining.

Furthermore, the manufacturing system 10 comprises a central device 16. Furthermore, the manufacturing system 10 comprises a workpiece treatment device 18 in which, in particular, a non-cutting workpiece treatment takes place.

The cutting device 14, the central device 16 and the workpiece treatment device 18 are arranged in different parts of the hall 12.

The manufacturing system 10 includes a plurality of work sequence devices 20. In the embodiment shown, the

Manufacturing system a first work sequence device 20 a, a second

Work sequence device 20b, a third work sequence device 20c, a fourth work sequence device 20d and a fifth work sequence device 20e.

A work sequence device 20 has in each case at least one machine tool 22 for machining workpieces. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each work sequence device 20 has a plurality of machine tools 22. The machine tools 22 within a work sequence device 20 usually perform a parallel processing of workpieces, that is, a plurality of workpieces is processed on the different machine tools 22 of a work sequence device 20 in the same manner, wherein the workpiece machining, which is a machining workpiece machining, at least approximately synchronously ,

In different work sequence devices 20 different types of machine tools 22 can be used or in different work sequence devices, the corresponding

Machine tools 22 may be set differently (even if they are the same).

The machine tools 22, in particular, metal parts machining spanabhend.

The work sequence devices 20 are arranged sequentially. A particular workpiece, which has been processed on a work sequence device 20, is transferred to the next work sequence device after processing (and possibly an intermediate treatment) and further processed there. In different work sequence devices 20, in particular different machining workpieces are performed, these workpieces with respect to the corresponding work sequence device 20 in particular build on each other, that is, a certain order must be met.

In the manufacturing system 10, work sequence devices 20 are arranged in a first strand 24 and in a second strand 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first strand 24 comprises the work sequence devices 20c, 20d, 20e. The second strand 26 comprises the work sequence devices 20a and 20b. The work sequence devices 20 and thus the machine tools 22 of the corresponding work sequence device 20 are respectively arranged in the first strand 24 and the second strand 26 in a row in a line 28 and 30 respectively. In particular, the machine tools 22 in the respective strand 24 or 26 are aligned at least approximately in alignment.

Between the first strand 24 and the second strand 26 and thus between the machine tools 22 of the first strand 24 and the second strand 26, a passage 32 is arranged. An operator can go through or pass through this passage.

The passage 32 has a bottom 34. This floor 34 is, for example, the floor of the hall 12 or a floor 34, which is arranged at the bottom of the hall 12.

The machine tools 22 each have a front side 36 and a back side 38. The front sides 36 of the machine tools 22 face the passage 32 and the rear sides 38 face away from the passage 32. Accordingly, the front sides 36 of the machine tools 22 can be accessed via the passage 32.

On the front sides 36 of the machine tools 22, one or more doors 40 are arranged, via which a work space 42 of the corresponding machine tool 22 can be accessed.

The front sides 36 of the machine tools 22 of the first strand 24 face the front sides of the machine tools 22 of the second strand 26. The manufacturing system 10 has an automated transport device 44. The automated transport device 44 is used for transporting workpieces in the production system and thereby for transporting workpieces within the cutting device 14, from the machining center. direction 14 to the central device 16 and the workpiece handling device 18. The automated transport device 44 has subregions 46a, 46b. These partial regions 46a, 46b extend along the first strand 24 (partial region 46a) or the second strand 26 (partial region 46b) along the front sides 36 of the corresponding machine tools 22. The machine tools 22 can be loaded or unloaded via their front sides 36 via the partial areas 46a, 46b.

For loading or unloading of the machine tools 22, for example, portals or gantry robots are provided. By this, the machine tools 22 are loaded on the respective front sides 36 from above.

The sections 46a, 46b are formed in particular by conveyor belts. A transport direction in the subregions 46a, 46b is in particular at least approximately parallel to the lines 28, 30 (the lines 28, 30 being at least approximately parallel to one another).

In particular, transport directions in the subregions 46a, 46b are parallel to one another.

The automated transport device 44 further has subregions 48a, 48b, by means of which a transport transverse to the lines 28, 30 is made possible and in particular a connection between the first strand 24 and the second strand 26 with respect to the automated transport device 44 is made possible. Through the subregions 48a, 48b of the automated transport device 44, the passage 32 can be bridged.

In one embodiment, a partial area 48a is provided, which is arranged between the first work sequence device 20a and the second work sequence device 20b and leads into the third work sequence device 20c. In one embodiment, a portion 48b is further provided, which leads from the central device 16 to the portion 46a. The portion 46b of the automated transport device 44 leads along the second strand 26 to the central device 16. As a result, the central device 16 to a portion of the transport device 44th

In one embodiment, the sub-areas 48a, 48b are formed so that a workpiece transport takes place at a height distance to the bottom 34 of the passage 32 in order not to hinder the patency. For example, for this purpose, a high band with a corresponding lift is provided on the subregions 46a, 46b. It is also possible, for example, for a gripper to translate workpieces from subregion 46a to subregion 46b or vice versa. In another embodiment, a portion 48a or 48b is formed by a vehicle which travels on the floor 34.

This vehicle takes over workpieces from the partial area 46a or 46b and leads them over to the partial area 46b or 46a. The vehicle (shuttle) is operated for example via induction loops in the ground 34. It can be driven during a non-transport phase in a parking position in which the passage 32 is not locked.

The workpiece handling device 18 is arranged outside of the strands 24, 26.

In one embodiment, the workpiece handling device 18 includes cleaning devices 50, 52, through which workpieces can be cleaned, and mounting devices 54, 56, 58. Workpiece assemblies are performed on the mounting devices. In a mounting device (such as the mounting device 54) is a cleaning device (in this case, the cleaning device 50) upstream to clean a workpiece before a mounting operation can. A cleaning device 50 is designed in particular as an air cleaning device, in which a Cleaning process is carried out by means of compressed air. The cleaning device 50 may also be designed as a scrubber or comprise such. The automated transport device 44 comprises subregions 60, via which workpieces from the subregions 46a and 46b, respectively, can be transported transversely to the lines 28 and 30 away to the workpiece handling device 18 and, if appropriate, can be introduced into the first strand 24 and / or second strand 26 again.

As mentioned above, a non-cutting workpiece treatment takes place outside the strands 24 and 26.

The manufacturing system 10 has a chip removal device 62, which is guided at least in a partial area in the strands 24, 26, in particular along the lines 28 and 30, respectively. In particular, a chip disposal takes place via the rear sides 38 of the corresponding machine tools. The chip removal device 62 is then guided at least partially spaced from the passage 32. A chip disposal device 62 can be designed such that a plurality of machine tools 22 and in particular a plurality of work sequence devices 20 are connected to them. The chip removal device 62 can thereby be designed centrally and operate a plurality of machine tools. It may further be provided that a media supply or disposal takes place centrally on a strand 24 or 26 or even on the strands 24 and 26. In particular, (at least) one media management thread can be provided; In Figure 1, media guide strands are indicated by the reference numerals 64a and 64b, through which a plurality of machine tools 22 and in particular a plurality of work sequence devices 20 one or more media such as cooling medium and

Lubricating medium can be supplied or are deductible. In one embodiment, the central device 16 is arranged in continuation of the second strand 26 opposite the first strand 24. Between the central device 16 and the first strand 24, the passage 32 is located.

Workpieces can be fed via the automated transport device 44 of the central device 16. Furthermore, workpieces can be fed from the central device 16 via the automated transport device 44 to the work sequence devices 20.

In one embodiment, the central device 16 has (at least) a testing station 66. An operator can check workpieces at this test station. The test station is preceded by a cleaning device 68 in one embodiment. The cleaning device 68 is in particular an air cleaning device (dry cleaning device), on which workpieces can be cleaned by blowing air before they reach the test station 66. The cleaning device 68 is in particular connected to the automated transport device 44. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 68 may be or include a wet cleaning device (scrubber).

The loading / unloading of the cleaning device 68 can be automatic or manual. For manual loading, a transfer station is provided, which can be approached by the transport device 44.

Via the automated transport device 44, workpieces from each work sequence device 20 can be supplied to the test station 66 in order to enable a test. This makes it possible in particular to carry out a statistical process control in order to be able to check, for example, statistically processed workpieces in the individual work sequence devices 20. The transport of the corresponding workpieces after processing A work sequence device 20 to the central device 16 and the test station 66 via the automated transport device 44th

In particular, transfer stations 70 are provided, which are located on the automated transport device 44. Workpieces which are positioned at such transfer locations 70 are then performed via the automated transport 44 of the central facility 16.

It may be provided that a transfer station 70 is assigned to a testing device 72, which is already located at the transfer station 70

performs certain examination procedures. For example, it is checked whether tool parts are located on the workpiece. Such a part can then be excluded from the processing chain and no longer needs to be tested ("NIO part"). The testing device 72 can be arranged on a machine tool 22; she recognizes one, for example

Tool breakage and "remembers" the / at the time of tool break machined workpieces.

It can additionally or alternatively be provided that a measuring station 74 for workpieces is arranged on the central device. This measuring station 74 includes, for example, (at least) a coordinate measuring machine 76.

Such a measuring station 74 is preceded by a cleaning device 78, in particular in the form of a scrubber (wet cleaning device), in order to be able to carry out a measurement on cleaned workpieces. In one embodiment, the cleaning device 78 is also used for the cleaning of workpieces prior to coupling into the test station 66 (the cleaning device 68 can then be omitted). The loading / unloading of the cleaning device 78 can be automatic or manual. For manual loading, a transfer station is provided, which can be approached by the transport device 44. In one embodiment, the central device 16 has a lounge 80 for operators.

It can also be provided that a console device 82 for a control device 84 of the manufacturing system 10 is arranged on the central device 16. The control device 84 controls the operation of the production system 10 with the individual machine tools 22 and the devices and machines of the workpiece handling device 18 and the automated transport device 44. The console device 82 can be used to operate the manufacturing system 10 as a whole or in subareas or processes can be changed.

It can also be provided that a workpiece setting device (workpiece setting station) is arranged on the central device 16, on which workpieces are adjustable, such as mounting on an adapter plate.

It is also possible that the central device 16 has a tool setting device (tool setting station). An operator can adjust tools there with corresponding devices before they are switched to machine tools 22.

In one embodiment, the work sequence devices 20 are housed in the first strand 24 and in the second strand 26 (reference number 86 in FIG. 1). About this enclosure 86 can be a climatic chamber

or tempering chamber for the machine tools 22 to be machined workpiece machining. The corresponding housing 86 has a smaller footprint than the hall 12. Basically parts of the workpiece handling device 18 must not be enclosed. The central facility 16 does not have to be enclosed.

The manufacturing system 10 may include one or more workpiece buffers 88 that are attached to the automated conveyor 44. are closed and in particular in the first strand 24 and / or in the second strand 26 are arranged. By or the buffer memory 88 workpieces can be caching, for example, to compensate for cycle times in different work sequence devices 20 can.

The manufacturing system 10 according to the invention works as follows:

Workpieces pass through the individual work sequence devices 20 and are processed there. Within a work sequence device 20 in particular a parallel workpiece machining takes place.

By means of the automated transport device 44, the workpieces are transported within the corresponding work sequence device 20 and between work sequence devices 20.

A non-cutting workpiece treatment in the workpiece treatment device 18 takes place outside the work sequence devices 20 and outside the strands 24 and 26. The machined by machining workpiece workpieces are in particular metallic workpieces. For example, in the

Manufacturing system manufactured cylinder heads or crankcase.

The workpieces to be tested, after having been processed in the corresponding work sequence device 20, are positioned at the respective transfer station 70. This positioning is automatic. They are then removed via the automated transport device 44 and transported to the central device 16. Before a test or a measurement, they are cleaned. This cleaning can be carried out on a cleaning device on the central device 16 or on a cleaning device of the workpiece treatment device 18. The testing and measuring means are centrally managed at the central facility 16. All workpieces to be tested by different work sequence devices 20 are guided to the central device 16 to the corresponding test station 66 or measuring station 74. An operator who has inspection tasks or measuring tasks can then perform them completely at the central device 16. This results in a space-saving design of the manufacturing system 10, in particular with regard to the work sequence devices 20 and in particular measuring operations and test procedures can be carried out in a simple manner. Furthermore, test stations 66 and measuring stations 74 can be assigned to a plurality of work sequence devices 20. To a certain extent, the central device 16 is responsible for all work sequence devices 20. The automated transport device 44 which is present anyway is also used to transport workpieces to be tested or measured out of the individual work sequence devices 20 and to transport them to the central device 16. After a test procedure or measuring operation, the workpieces can be fed again via the automated transport device 44 to the next work sequence device 20. In the solution according to the invention at least two work sequence devices 20 are arranged in a strand (24 or 26), in which machine tools 22 different work sequence devices 20 are arranged in particular aligned in a line 28 and 30 respectively.

The components of the workpiece treatment device 18 are arranged outside of these strands 24, 26. As a result, a separation into different sections is carried out, one section containing the cutting machine tools 22 and the other section outside the strands 24, 26 workpiece handling machines with a workpiece handling, which is non-chipping. If, for example, an enclosure of machine tools 22 is provided, then the corresponding area requirement can be minimized, since as a rule the workpiece treatment device 18 does not have to be enclosed (in a temperature chamber or climatic chamber).

Due to the strand-like arrangement of the machine tools 22, a passage 32 can be realized, which allows access to a large number of machine tools 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the passage 32 allows access via the front side 36 to all machine tools 22 with machining tool machining of the production system 10. The passage 32, which is in particular linearly aligned, effectively represents an "aorta" of the manufacturing system 10 Due to the strand formation of the work sequence devices 20, the machine tools 22 can be loaded and unloaded from the passage 32 in a simple manner. A chip disposal can be carried out via the chip removal device 62 on the rear sides 38. As a result, the passage 32 can be kept free of hurdles with corresponding good access to the working spaces 42 of the machine tools 22.

Furthermore, a media supply or removal can be realized in a simple manner. A "passage" of workpieces, in particular for testing purposes and measurement purposes can be realized in a simple manner. The anyway present automated transport device 44 can be used to automatically (controlled by the controller 84) to provide workpieces for testing purposes or measurement purposes of the central device 16.

In particular, a discharge or passage of workpieces can be carried out with optimum cycle time. For example, if the factory generating machines 22 a work sequence device 20 are loaded according to a fixed sequence, then advantageously a discharge is provided when the next available to the corresponding transfer station 70 existing machine tool 22 is loaded.

For example, the manufacturing system is operated so that controlled (on schedule) a certain number of workpieces per work sequence device 20 are passed to the central device 16. Furthermore, advantageously, a certain number of workpieces per spindle of the machine tools 22 are discharged. For example, if a new tool is used on a machine tool 22, then a certain number of parts will be ejected after initial machining by this new tool. Damaged parts, whereby the damage can be recognized in particular by the testing device 72, are likewise conveyed to the central device 16 and discarded there.

The arrangement of machine tools of different work sequence devices 20 in a strand such as the first strand 24 also results in increased variability of the manufacturing system.

It is possible in principle for machine tools (in the example of FIG. 1, by way of example, a machine tool 90 of the work sequence device 20e) to be used variably in different work sequence devices (in the example shown also in the work sequence device 20d) as required. By arranging a plurality of sequencing devices 20 in a strand 24, 26, the corresponding variability is provided.

For example, the work content per work sequence device 20 is defined so that manufacturing conditions are met and the duration per work sequence device 20 an integer multiple of the

Number of spindles in the work sequence device corresponds. By temporally variable allocation, for example, of the machine tool 90 to the work sequence direction 20d or the work sequence device 20e, opti For example, such as tool optimizations to increase the runtime of a tool change or to prevent the occurrence of a "bottleneck". For example, if at one

If the work sequence device is in greater demand, then the machine tool 90 is used variably in this work sequence device.

It can thereby achieve an optimized use of the manufacturing system. By buffer memory 88, an optimized total availability can be achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

manufacturing system

Hall

Zerspanungseinrichtung

Central facility

Workpiece handling device

Working follower

a First Work Sequence Device, Second Work Sequence Device, Third Work Sequence Device, Fourth Work Sequence Device, Fifth Work Sequence Device

machine tool

First strand

Second strand

line

passage

ground

front

back

door

working space

Automated transport devicea subarea

b subarea

a subarea

b subarea

cleaning device

mounter mounter

mounter

subregion

Chip Disposal Device a Media Guide Device b Media Guide Device

test station

cleaning device

Transfer station

test equipment

measuring Station

Coordinate Measuring Machine

cleaning device

sitting room

bracket means

control device

housing

buffer memory

machine tool

Claims

claims

1. A production system comprising a plurality of machine tools (22) for machining workpieces, comprising a plurality of work sequence devices (20) each having at least one machine tool (22), wherein the work sequence devices (20)

and an automated transport device (44) for transporting workpieces into and between work sequence devices (20), characterized by a central device (16) which is connected to the automated transport device (20). 44) is connected and to which workpieces of work sequence devices (20) can be supplied via the automated transport device (44).

2. Production system according to claim 1, characterized in that on the automated transport device (44) workpieces from the central device are work sequence devices (20) can be fed.

3. Manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the automated transport device (44) of the central device (16) of each work sequence device (20) workpieces can be fed and / or workpieces from the central device (16) each work sequence device (20 ) can be supplied.

4. Production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central device (16) comprises at least one of the following: a test station (66), a measuring station (74), which in particular comprises at least one coordinate measuring machine (76), a Werkstückeinstelleinrichtung, a lounge (80), a console device (82) for a control device (84) of the manufacturing system, a tool setting device.

5. Production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cleaning device (68; 78) which is associated with the central device (16) and on which workpieces can be cleaned.

6. Manufacturing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the cleaning device (68; 78) is arranged wholly or partly on the central device (16) or wholly or partially spaced from the central device (16) is arranged.

7. Production system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cleaning device (68; 78) is associated with a plurality of work sequence devices (20), wherein workpieces from different work sequence devices (20) via the automated transport device (44) of the cleaning device (68; 78) can be supplied, and in particular that workpieces from all work sequence devices (20) via the automated transport device (44) of the cleaning device (68, 78) can be fed.

8. Manufacturing system according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized

in that the cleaning device (68) comprises at least one air cleaner.

9. Manufacturing system according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized

in that the cleaning device (78) comprises at least one scrubber.

10. Production system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one transfer station (70) from which workpieces can be fed via the automated transport device (44) to the central device (16) and which is spaced from the central device (16).

11. Manufacturing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one transfer station (70) is associated with a testing device (72) through which workpieces can be tested and, in particular, it is possible to check whether a workpiece can be excluded from the machining process.

12. Manufacturing system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one transfer station (70) at a transition of a work sequence device (20) to the next adjacent work sequence device (20) is arranged.

13. Manufacturing system according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized

in that the at least one transfer station (20) is arranged on the automated transport device (44).

14. Production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when a work sequence device (20) comprises a plurality of machine tools (22), a parallel machining of workpieces in the corresponding work sequence device (20).

15. Production system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workpiece machining in the sequential work sequence devices (20) is sequential, in particular workpieces are transferred from a work sequence device (20) in a next adjacent work sequence device (20).

16. Production system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one strand (24; 26) in which a plurality of work sequence devices (20) is arranged, wherein in particular at the at least one strand (24; 26) machine tools (22) in a line (28; 30) are aligned ,

17. Manufacturing system according to claim 16, characterized in that means for non-cutting workpiece treatment outside of the at least one strand (24; 26) are arranged.

18. Manufacturing system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the at least one strand (24; 26) is associated with a passage (32).

19. A manufacturing system according to claim 18, characterized in that a front side (36) of machine tools (22) of the at least one strand (24, 26) assign the passage (32).

20. A manufacturing system according to claim 19, characterized in that on the front side (36) of the machine tools (22) one or more doors (40) of the corresponding machine tool (22) are arranged, wherein the door or doors (40) have access to a Allow working space (42) of the corresponding machine tool (22).

21. Production system according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the automated transport device (44) extends at least partially along the front side (36).

22. Production system according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that rear sides (38) of the machine tools (22) facing away from the passage (32) and a chip removal via the back sides (38).

23. Production system according to claim 22, characterized by a

central chip removal device (62), which runs along the rear sides (38) at least in a partial area.

24. Manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one strand (24; 26) a

Is associated with a plurality of machine tools (22) in the at least one strand (24; 26) one or more media and / or one or more media of machine tools (22) can be discharged.

25. Production system according to one of claims 18 to 24, characterized

characterized in that the passage (32) between a first strand (24) and a second strand (26) is formed.

26. Production system according to one of claims 18 to 25, characterized

in that at least one partial region (46a, 46b) of the transport device (44), which is guided along the at least one strand (24, 26), is designed as a transport belt.

27. Production system according to one of claims 18 to 26, characterized

characterized in that at least one subregion (48a, 48b) of the transport device (44), which effects a transport transversely to a longitudinal direction of the at least one strand (24; 26), as a device movable on a bottom (34) of the passage (32) is formed as at a height distance from the bottom (34) spaced transporting device.

28. Manufacturing system according to one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that the at least one strand (24; 26) is housed.

29. Production system according to claim 28, characterized in that the at least one strand (24; 26) is housed in a tempering chamber or climatic chamber.

30. Manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by control means (84) which controls the manufacturing system and by which the discharge of workpieces from a work following means (20) by the automated transport means (44) to the central means (16) and / or the introduction of workpieces from the central means (16) is controllable in a work sequence device (20).

31. A method for operating a manufacturing system according to one of the preceding claims, in which workpieces are removed from a work sequence device (20) and automatically transported by the automated transport device (44) to the central device (16) and / or workpieces from the central device the automated transport device (44) are transported automatically and are introduced into a work sequence device (20).

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that at the central device (16) a material testing and / or workpiece measurement is performed.

33. The method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that a cleaning of workpieces on a central cleaning device (68; 78) is performed, to which the workpieces are transported by the automated transport device (44) and in particular from which workpieces to the central Device (16) are transported.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that work sequence devices (20) sequentially

at least one strand (24; 26) are arranged, non-cutting workpiece treatments being performed outside the at least one strand (24; 26) and, in particular, transporting transversely to the at least one strand (24; 26) for non-cutting workpiece treatments.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that workpieces of work sequence devices (20) are discharged within the framework of a statistical process control.

36. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that a discharge of workpieces is carried out when a machine tool (22) is loaded, which is arranged next to a transfer point (70).