Patent Application
20050141973
The invention refers to a production line comprising at least two machine tools standing on the floor where at least between the two machine tools a device for conducting rinsing or cooling fluid is provided.
In production lines, for example in transfer lines or in interlinked machining centers, it is known to provide central supply and removal systems. In a central apparatus, for example, the rinsing and cooling fluid which is needed in a cutting machining process is recycled. Here the rinsing or cooling liquid serves, on the one hand, for cooling the work piece and, on the other hand, for removing worked-off chips.
This rinsing and cooling fluid has then to be disposed of and let off from the machining tool accordingly. Conveniently here the respective machine tools have advantageous designs so that chips and other impurities can reliably be removed from the machining tool.
For that purpose devices for conducting rinsing or cooling fluids are provided.
In the state of the art it is known in this connection to arrange open rinsing channels between the machining tools.
The use of open rinsing channels allows the passing into of rinsing and cooling fluid at any place. However, it is a disadvantage in this embodiment that the rinsing channel can never be filled completely as there is the risk of the rinsing and cooling fluid to spill over as the surface of the rinsing and cooling fluid is always troubled because of the subsequently passed into rinsing and cooling fluid. This means that in these arrangements the possible flow of rinsing and cooling fluid is not used completely. The loss of fluid in the open guided channel is not small, either, as in the work halls where the production lines are set up considerable temperature can prevail and the evaporation loss may be considerable.
Furthermore it is known to build in devices for the conduction of rinsing and cooling fluids into the hall floor in specially provided grooves or channels, which may be covered, if necessary. Here the known channels are simply installed in a groove in the floor and covered by suitable floor plates. The loss of rinsing and cooling fluid because of evaporation is here already reduced, however, arrangements of this kind have several other disadvantages.
The production lines have a considerable weight and the foundation of the hall has to be built accordingly stable. However, the groove weakens the foundation and measurements have to be taken in order to compensate this, leading to considerable higher expenses in the construction of the hall where the production line has to be set up. Furthermore the arrangement of the channel installed in the floor restricts the use of the hall. If, for example, moving is planned of a corresponding production line, it can only be set up in the range of this channel which will lead unavoidably to disadvantages, as this infrastructure cannot be switched economically to the new conditions.
Another disadvantage of the arrangements of the device in a channel installed in the floor is the case of leakage. In this case the rinsing and cooling fluid passes, possibly without being noticed, into the foundation of the floor plate or into the soil and may lead to corresponding damages. In order to avoid this the channels provided in the floor are comparatively expensive and therefore also costly.
Also chip-transporting systems are known which can at least take a part of the rinsing or cooling fluid. Systems of this kind, however, are characterised by the fact that they are not built closed. This makes it possible that parts of the cooling or rinsing fluid evaporate, respectively cooling or rinsing fluid may get to the floor of the production hall by splashing during passing into the collecting channel. The known systems here are designed in such a way that a collecting channel is arranged at a level which makes an additional arrangement, respectively fastening possibility, necessary, making the matter more expensive altogether.
There are other known systems which are also characterised by a partially open channel and supply for the chips and, if necessary, the cooling or rinsing fluid. Here a graduated embodiment is provided in such a way that the connection of channel parts for the individual machine tools is designed very expensively and that, by means of that, in particular the risk of obstruction, respectively congestions, occurs in the bent region. The known device in the state of the art is additionally intended to remove chips. Therefore it is not, or only with restrictions and with considerable technical and machine effort possible to let off cooling or rinsing fluid in such a known device.
It is an object of the invention to provide a production line as described in the beginning the device of which is as flexible and efficient as possible for letting off rinsing, respectively cooling, fluid.
This problem is solved by a production line as described in the beginning where the device is essentially designed closed and sealed, which has connections in the region of the machine tool and the device is arranged on the floor or above the level of the put-up surface.
The closed, sealed embodiment of the device achieves that the filling ratio of the device can be increased considerably compared with the open channels as there is no risk of spilling over on the upper edge of the channel which would be open in the other embodiment.
The risk of spilling over is stopped by the embodiment according to the invention. The available cross-section for the duct device may be used efficiently and completely for conducting rinsing and cooling fluid without the risk to soil the floor of the hall by leaking rinsing or cooling fluid or to loose rinsing or cooling fluid. At the same time also by means of the closed embodiment the evaporation loss is reduced considerably. As the duct device is not arranged in the floor but on or above the floor, the production line designed according to the invention is also very flexible as it can be dismounted without any problems and be set up at another place, and the arrangement of a suitable infrastructure in the floor of the hall is not decisive for the operation of the production line. No additional expenses have to be provided with regard to the floor of the hall if the production line has to be reconverted as the production line comprises already the disposal ducts for rinsing and cooling fluid of the line, respectively of the machine tools provided in the line.
At the same time the device arranged above the floor and, preferably, on the machine, is easy to assemble and maintain, as it is accessible from several sides without any problem. Leakages of the device which may occur can be recognised here immediately and can be removed accordingly.
An additional effort for the installation as it is, for example, necessary for the use of known chip conveying systems in order to enable them to transport rinsing or cooling fluid at all, is completely unnecessary. Thus, for example, pumps, additional conveying ducts for the fluid and filter apparatus, respectively sieving apparatus, which guarantee a correct function of pumping, respectively removing the fluid are not necessary according to the invention. The use of chip conveying devices, respectively their use as rinsing or cooling draining system seems not suitable for the solution of this problem because of the enormous effort. Vice versa, however, it is possible to equip the device according to the invention with an additional chip conveying system.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the device is designed modular. The modular design has considerable advantages for mounting, maintaining, respectively dismounting of the device. The arrangement is chosen here in such a way that the modules can be exchanged independently, respectively the modules are assigned to the respective machine tool and therefore also the exchange of a machine tool in the production line inclusively the conduction device is possible without any problems.
Preferably at least two different types of modules are provided. First of all a linking module which is substantially closed and profile-like is provided. This linking module, which is preferably tube-like, can be used, for example, for a closed connection of the machine tools. Besides connection modules are provided which have at least one connection. At the connection the sewage duct for the rinsing or cooling fluid of the machine tool is connected. Preferably this is, for example, a chip collecting funnel or a rinsing channel. Alternatively also several connections are provided at a connection module, if, for example, several sewage ducts lead away from one machine tool, or a connection module serves for two or more machine tools set up in opposition to each other.
According to a development of the invention it is provided that the device is designed as a construction on the floor, in particular that it can be set up below the machine tool. This possibility of setting up is in particular important with regard to the efficient design of a production line and in particular for enlarging and/or moving of one. Solutions known according to the state of the art are either arranged in the floor as so-called under-floor construction or on special frames beside or above the production line. This needs a considerable higher effort for the production of such a device and such an embodiment is a disadvantage when the production line has to be enlarged or moved. Also for moving into a new production hall, for example, the effort for building the sewage channel, as they are necessary in the solutions according to the state of the art is extremely high. The empty production hall has also to be renovated, if necessary, in view of the construction which also causes considerable expenses.
Another aspect of the invention is the fact that the device is designed tube-like. In particular the embodiment with a circular, tube-like device has the advantage here that tube-like devices of this kind can be linked very easily. For that purpose simple tube couplings are used. It is, for example, also possible to provide in-line quick couplings designed very tightly by means of which single parts of the device can be assembled. Even the maintaining of such an embodiment is essentially simpler. The main advantage of a tube-like embodiment, however, is the production. Costs can be considerably reduced there, by manufacturing tube-like devices of this kind in the shape of device modules or segments.
It is an advantage if, according to a development of the production line according to the invention, a first group of several machine tools is connected with a first, in particular tube-like, device. The device is provided here as a so-called one-tube embodiment. A one-tube embodiment has to be understood here in such a way that a central collecting, respectively sewage, channel of the device is designed as a single tube. In this device of a one-tube embodiment machine tools, respectively their sewage ducts, can be integrated. Depending on the capacity of the device the diameter of the device has to be dimensioned.
If a one-tube embodiment is not sufficient anymore it is provided, according to the invention, that two or more groups of machine tools each are connected to their own device, preferably separated from the other devices, and these devices are arranged at least in segments parallel, in particular running bunched. This embodiment may also be called a one-plus-x-tube embodiment. At the beginning of the device here a one-tube embodiment may be provided which enlarges towards the end, respectively towards the center of the production line, to become a two- or more-tube embodiment. This depends on the respective machining tasks and the occurring amount of cooling, respectively, rinsing fluid. Of course, according to a modification of the invention, an enlargement module is provided for connecting two or more devices. By means of such an enlargement module there will be then the possibility to use at first smaller diameters and, after the intended rate of flow has been reached, to connect a larger diameter to the enlargement module. This enlargement module is here not restricted to the connection of two devices of this kind but can be enlarged to a multitude of integrations of devices.
It has proved to be an advantage if the enlargement module is designed bent, in particular bent segment-like. By means of that this enlargement module can be arranged at certain spots of the production line where a by-pass of the cooling or rinsing fluid is required. For example, this detour may also serve for connecting two or more devices of manufacturing or production lines arranged parallel to each other.
A development of the invention suggests that a final module is provided which receives all devices of the production line. In this final module, for example, then a removal device, respectively pumping device, into a central collecting container, respectively a recycling installation, may be provided for the cooling or rinsing fluid.
In the region of the machine tool the devices, respectively the connections of the devices, are connected by supplies to the device itself. This creates a tight connection without any problems between the machine tool and the device itself.
It is an advantage here if a collecting module is provided for connecting the device with the machine tool.
This collecting module is, according to a development of the invention, designed as basic trough into which the cooling or rinsing fluid can be passed. The design as basic trough is preferred as by means of that spilling or loss and also unnecessary evaporation of cooling or rinsing fluid can be avoided.
A preferred development of the invention provides that the basic trough is in two pieces, in particular as an embodiment with a rinsing trough in a basic trough. This achieves additional security with regard to spilling cooling or rinsing fluid. In particular cooling or rinsing fluid spilling over from the rinsing trough can then still be collected in the basic trough. According to the requirements to production technique and, in particular, the requirements with regard to environment protection it has to be avoided reliably that cooling or rinsing fluid contaminates the floor of the production hall. Therefore this double safety in the shape of the design as basic trough with an integrated rinsing trough is a particular advantage.
A development of the invention provides that the rinsing trough is designed, at least in the entry region for the cooling or rinsing fluid, respectively on the side facing the machine tool, shaped like a W. This W-shape achieves a convenient sewage of the rinsing or cooling fluid. Furthermore this results in an embodiment which is essentially sealed downwards so that cooling or rinsing fluid cannot be splashed.
The rinsing trough and the basic trough are designed inclined in the direction of the device. It is a particular advantage here if the inclination is chosen with a very small gradient. Already an extremely small gradient of the rinsing trough, respectively the basic trough, is sufficient to guarantee a regular and secure drain of the cooling or rinsing fluid.
The W-shaped entry region of the rinsing trough can also be formed, according to an embodiment of the invention, by two V-channels. The advantage is the same as described above.
According to the invention it has been found to be an advantage if the supply is provided as bent transition piece for connection with the device. This bending in particular in the direction of the drain guarantees a continuous and easy drain of the cooling or rinsing fluid, as the rinsing or cooling fluid passed into is by-passed in the sewage direction in the device.
Another aspect of the invention is given by the fact that the basic trough is provided as housing for the rinsing trough. By means of this design a double embodiment is secured and, simultaneously, it is avoided that an additional housing has to be provided for the basic trough. This lowers also the costs of production.
An advantageous development of the production line according to the invention provides that the basic trough is additionally at least partly designed as leakage trough in such a way that cooling or rinsing fluid spilling over from the rinsing trough is collected. This makes sure that the spilled cooling or rinsing liquid cannot overflow and contaminates the floor. The safety is increased further by such an arrangement.
According to the invention, in another aspect of the invention, a leakage duct is provided through which the leakage of the leakage trough can be let off. This makes sure that even the leakage can be disposed off securely and without any problems, in particular without causing soiling and contamination. Preferably the leakage duct is arranged here at a level below the supply, respectively the transition piece for connecting the collecting module and the device.
Furthermore it has been found to be an advantage to arrange a central leakage collect duct parallel to the device. Thus the leakage let-off is even then secured when the level of the cooling or rinsing fluid in the device itself is too high so that no leakage could drain. The central leakage collect duct can here be passed into an enlargement module or in the final module.
The invention is also characterised by the fact that at the basic trough a connection to the casing of the production machine is provided for letting off of fluid dripping from the casing.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the device has the cross-section of a one-piece component. According to the invention the aim is to be able to apply an economic production process for these modules. It is, for example, possible to design the modules of the device tube-like and to produce them, for example, in a rolling process.
Alternatively it is provided that the device is designed as weldment, the construction having at least a bottom part and a top part which are connected by welding. For example, the bottom and the top part consist of plate material which is suitably buckled, turned over or folded in order to reach a suitable contour of the device altogether. Top and lower part can be connected here by one, two or more weld seams which in particular, preferably, extend longitudinally. The arrangement is not determined that necessarily bottom part and top part have to be provided in a separate component. It is actually possible to design bottom part and top part each in a folding process accordingly and then to connect the already one-sided connected bottom part and top part by welding them to each other. The advantage of a weldment is in particular that a closed and sealed connection is realised through it.
Alternatively it is furthermore provided that the device comprises a bottom part and a top part which can be put on the bottom part and which can be connected tight with it. For that purpose suitable connecting means, for example screws or the like, may be provided. Such an embodiment allows in particular also a reverse of the use of a module by keeping the bottom part but exchanging the top part of a linking module for the top part of a connection module. In any case, however, here a high efficiency, that means a good use of the space available for the device in the production line, is reached, as the filling level in the device according to the invention is higher as in the open channels where, possibly, there is the risk of spilling over of the cooling or rinsing fluid. Eventually the complete region where the rinsing and cooling fluid circulate is, if possible, encapsulated.
According to the invention it is provided that the device has a tube-like cross-section, that means, if necessary, circular, oval, box-like, that is essentially rectangular, or channel-like. In particular a channel-like design which is closed in the upper region by a top part is convenient; it can be used in the lowest spot of the channel as chip conveyor in order to convey the chips deposited here. The design of the cross-section refers here, in particular, to the conditions of the production line, respectively the machine tool, in order to optimise the desired flow of rinsing or cooling fluid. Possibly this may result in other designs of the cross-section where for example reniform modifications or the like may also be possible as cross-section.
The arrangement of the design of the modules is, according to the invention, cleverly chosen so that the modules, when they are mounted to each other, have a gap, however, the modules have a seal at least at one of their longitudinal ends, and the seal closes this gap by interacting of the fastening means (which serve for connecting the modules) with the seal in the mounted condition. The result is an easy assembling, respectively dismounting, of the device of the production line according to the invention as the individual modules are slightly shorter as the available space and the seals seal the remaining gap. The result is that it becomes considerable more easy because of a flexible reaction to different requirements of the production line as the effort for removing a machine tool from the production line including the replacement of the device is carried out, according to the invention, simpler and faster. The device designed in that way also allows in a simple way the compensation of inaccuracies in longitudinal direction as this is compensated by the seal, which has to be dimensioned accordingly. The simplification of mounting and dismounting therefore corresponds with a compensation of position which can be realised easily; the effort for accuracy for the arrangement of the device therefore does not have to be so large anymore.
According to the invention a support means is provided for the device. The support means serves for supporting the device. There are several modifications for this purpose. First of all it is possible that the support means allows a support of the device at the machine tool or the machine frame. Especially in a module-like construction this is an advantage. Cleverly here, for example, the connection module is supported by the machine tool in the region of the machine tool and the connecting flanges for the connecting linking modules are arranged a bit outside the machine tool, making the mounting and dismounting of the complete machine tool, for example during the switch of the production line, easily possible. The respective module is attached here, by means of its support, to the machine tool and does not have to be dismounted separately. It is possible here that the device is suspended from or stands on or is supported by the machine tool, respectively the machine frame.
Alternatively it is, of course, possible to use set-up feet set upon the floor as support means. Such a support means can, in particular, be convenient in a surrounding where suspending from the machine is not possible.
It is an advantage that a support means is used the length, respectively the height, of which can be adjusted. On the one hand a highly accurate positioning of the device in the production line can be set. Furthermore it has to be considered that there is a small inclination of the device for simple draining of the fluid. This can be achieved without any problems by the possibility of adjustment.
According to the invention it is provided that the machining station or machine tool (as they are called equivalently in the following) are designed as cutting, forming, assembling or separating machine or the machine tool is designed as testing, mounting, adjustment, surface treatment, packing or unpacking station, identification or cleaning station. The machine tool according to the invention is not determined in any way to the machining taking place in it. All machining possibilities mentioned before need the work piece to be positioned. Basically the positioning of the work piece should be carried out as time optimised and accurately as possible, which is—independently from the actual machining—solved by the invention. Therefore the invention can be used for any purpose of a machine tool. On the one hand it is possible that the machine tool actually machines the work piece, for example cuts it, forms it, assembles or separates it. Additionally, it is, however, also an advantage that the machine tool is designed as testing station in order to check, for example, corresponding machinings of a prior machine tool. It is an advantage here to provide suitable tests as early as possible so that not to recognise during the final check when a number of machinings already has been carried out that a mistake has occurred already in an early machining and the complete work piece is waste. It is also possible to design the machine tool as mounting station. It is, for example, possible to cut a thread into a previously carried out boring, and then to mount in the machine station another component into this thread. However, it is also possible to carry out, for example, a change of work piece carriers, that means for example to mount another work piece carrier.
However, it is also convenient to provide the mounting station for an accurate positioning, respectively alignment of the work piece. Furthermore it is possible that the machine tool is designed as surface treatment station. This serves, for example, for lacquering, electroplating, printing and so on. Also packing or unpacking stations are seen as machine tools which pack, for example, the work piece after machining or unpack it before machining.
Furthermore an installation for identification of work pieces may be provided as machine tool. In an identification station it is provided that, for example, labels or other identifications, if necessary even electronically readable identifications like bar code or transponder are fastened or attached to the work piece, respectively its work piece carrier or pallet in order to identify the respective work piece for the control. As a rule first a corresponding identification step has to be carried out (however not compulsory).
It is convenient here that as machine tool a cleaning station, respectively rinsing or washing station, is provided. Often work pieces are soiled during machining, for example by lubricants, which have to be washed up just at the end of the corresponding process line. It is not convenient, either, that corresponding oily emulsions remain on the work pieces if subsequently a surface treatment, like a lacquering or other coating, has to be carried out.
The machine tools mentioned before are designed to be automatically operating systems or manual work places in the sense of the invention.
The invention is schematically shown in the drawings. In the drawings:
In
The goods 13 are moved in a conveying line in the direction of the arrow. Several different machine tools 10, 11, 12 are provided. Between the machine tools 10, 11, 12 the device 2 for conducting rinsing/cooling fluid is arranged. It is positioned in
At each of the connection modules, respectively the connection 3 of the connection module 22, a collecting module 5 is provided. The collecting module 5 is connected with the device 2, respectively 2/1, via supplies 6 which are designed preferably as bent transition pieces 61. The device 2/1 is located in the second part (left hand part of the picture) parallel to the device 2 and is included also in the enlargement module 8. The collecting module 5 is formed here by a basic trough 50, in which a rinsing trough 51 is arranged. The rinsing trough 51 has a supply region 52 which is, as can be seen, shaped bent like W. This guarantees a proper letting off of the rinsing or cooling fluid and causes at the same time that the let off rinsing or cooling fluid cannot escape, respectively spill over, from the draining circle. A contamination of the surrounding of the supply region, respectively of the surrounding of the basic trough 50 is thus safely avoided as the basic trough 50 is arranged below a supply region of the machine tool which is not shown. Additionally at the edge of the basic trough 50 seals may be provided which provide a suitable impermeability. The embodiment of the basic trough as a two pieces shape with an integrated rinsing trough 51 secures a so-called double safety for avoiding soiling, respectively contamination, of the hall floor, respectively the set-up surface. The single modules 21 and 22 as well as the lock are linked by couplings, preferably in-line quick couplings. Between the couplings 9, of course, suitable seals are provided so that here also perfect impermeability is guaranteed. The advantage of the shown embodiment according to the invention is such that it is possible to connect a first group of machine tools to a first tube-like device 2. The drawing also shows that it is possible to connect each of two or more groups to its own device, preferably separated from other devices 2, 2/1, and that these devices are arranged at least in sections parallel, in particular running bunched. This embodiment is very advantageous and considerably lowers the expenses for manufacturing of such devices.
In
The modules each have on their ends a flange 28 and a mating flange 200, the flange 28 of the first module interacting with the mating flange 200 of the second module in order to join the modules. Between the flanges a seal 25 is provided.
The shown modification of the device according to the production line of the invention has support means 4 by means of which the device is held. The support means 4 here comprises a support slab 40, which is preferably arranged, for example welded, screwed on or riveted on the device 2 on the outer surface. The support mean 4 is designed, for example, as screw element, e.g. as a threaded rod or the like, and allows to be screwed into the corresponding thread of the support slab 40. For fastening the device 2 to the machine tool 10 or other elements in
The connecting slab 41 also has, for example, a thread which interacts with the thread of the support means. Twisting the support means causes a height adjustment, respectively an adjustment, which in particular serves also for a precise adjustment of the inclination of the device.
In
The second module 24 has a mating flange 200 which is designed bent and connected to the module slightly set back towards the end of the module. This results in a circulatory U- or V-shaped groove provided for receiving the seal 25.
The mating flange 200 receives the fixing devices 26 which connect the flange 28 with the mating flange 200. The seal 25 is here dimensioned in such a way that it projects in dismounted position from the recess into which it is inserted.
During mounting the modules 23, 24 for the time being a gap 27 remains which makes the assembling of the modules rectangular to the longitudinal extension of the modules possible and easy. This gap 27 is then closed by interaction of the fixing means 26, here screws and nuts, and the seal 25. This stable connection with the fixing means 26 presses the seal 25 into the recess in such a way that it sits securely on the walls of the recess and seals them. Furthermore the flange 28 is pressed with its complete circumference to the seal 25 and closes also possible gaps here. A sealed connection occurs between the two modules 23 and 24, the manipulation gap 27 being available for mounting.
The seal 25 is selected here in such a way that even mounting tolerances, for example different angle or height positions and so on, can be compensated without risking the impermeability of the device altogether.
Besides the use of fixing devices 26 for connecting the modules it is also possible to use known lock rings, as they are known, for example, for locking steel barrels. By a clever arrangement of the flanges and the design of the flanges here for locking the lock ring the flanges are also pressed towards each other and the seal for sealing the device compressed between them.
In
In
According to the invention it is provided that the connection 3 can be designed in any way, it may be designed here funnel-like, flange-like, rectangular, circular and so on.
At the end of flange 30 a bead is provided which produces a circumferential groove into which the connecting seal 33 can be put. For sealing this region there are several possibilities. It may be provided, for example, in a first modification that the seal 33 is guided in suitable stoppers and, if the device 2 is pressed against the rinsing channel 32, the seal 33 is compressed in such a way that it seals.
In another modification, as it is shown here, the seal 33 sits, because it is elastic, sealing at the inserted tube of the rinsing channel 32. This is in particular convenient as this arrangement allows, without any problems, even a height compensation of the device 2 with regard to the rinsing channel 32.
Besides the essentially circular design of the connection 3 according to
According to the invention it is provided here that on the connection 3 a connecting seal 33 is provided, which is designed, if necessary, as continuous seal, for example as O-ring seal according to
Although the invention has been described by exact examples which are illustrated in the most extensive detail, it is pointed that this serves only for illustration and that the invention is not necessarily limited to it because alternative embodiments and methods become clear for experts in view of the disclosure. Accordingly changes can be considered which can be made without departing from the contents of the described invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103 47 913.9 | Oct 2003 | DE | national |
