GB1363503A - Machining installation - Google Patents

Abstract

1363503 Machining installations HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG 20 Aug 1971 [20 Aug 1970] 39193/71 Heading B3B A numerically controlled machining installation comprises a plurality of machining stations to which a workpiece is transferred cyclically and in tuned step by step sequence by workpiece conveyer means 1, each machining station consisting of a stop and cam controlled machine tools 2, 3 having a plurality of tools one or more of which are selectively brought into operation for machining a workpiece, the stop and cam control means being operable to position a selected tool and control its operation and an identifying device 6 positioned upstream of the first machining station to identify the workpiece and a single numerically controlled system 7 coupled to the stop and cam means of each machine tool and wherein the numerically controlled system is operable in response to signals received from the identifying device to automatically re-set the position of each tool in each machine tool in succession and in advance of the leading workpiece of a batch being transferred to each machining station and each time a different form of workpiece is fed into the installation. The identifying device is adapted to read identity marks on the workpiece or the pallet on which it is supported. Turning stations 8 are provided between the various machining stations to turn the workpiece into a correct orientation and a washing station 9 is provided to remove dirt and machining material prior to the removal of the workpiece from the installation. The tools on each machine tool are mounted in an indexable tool turret 4, the tools being supported in sleeves arranged in one or more pitch circles disposed concentrically with respect to the axis of indexing of the turret. Additionally the conveyer system may incorporate a waiting line 11 and a storage rack 13 capable of receiving a group of pallets may be connected to the waiting line. Loading at a clamping station 5 may be automated wherein a loading device 15 is positioned upstream of the clamping station, workpieces being fed in containers 17 to the loading device via a loading line 16. The loading line may be provided with a storage rack 19 with automatic feeding means 20 for supplying the workpieces from the storage rack to the loading line. In addition a further identifying device may be located downstream of each machining station for checking the outgoing workpiece.