阅读说明：本技术 用于加工工件的机床 (Machine tool for machining workpieces ) 是由 阿尔弗雷德·盖斯勒 迈克尔·特伦克勒 塞巴斯蒂安·里德尔 于 2019-08-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于加工工件(1)的机床(1000),包括：至少一个第一机床结构,其可以在基底面上自由移动并且具有至少一个机床部件,以及至少一个第二机床结构,具有至少一个另外的机床组件,其中,所述至少一个可自由移动的第一机床结构与所述至少一个第二机床结构一起形成所述机床(1000),所述机床(1000)被配置为当所述至少一个可自由移动的第一机床结构位于所述至少一个第二机床结构上时加工所述工件(1)。(A machine tool (1000) for machining a workpiece (1), comprising: at least one first machine structure that is freely movable over a base surface and has at least one machine component, and at least one second machine structure having at least one further machine component, wherein the at least one freely movable first machine structure forms the machine tool (1000) together with the at least one second machine structure, the machine tool (1000) being configured to machine the workpiece (1) when the at least one freely movable first machine structure is located on the at least one second machine structure.)

1. A machine tool for machining a workpiece, comprising:

at least one first machine tool structure which can be freely moved over the base surface and has at least one machine tool component, an

At least one second machine tool structure having at least one further machine tool component,

wherein the at least one freely movable first machine structure forms the machine tool together with the at least one second machine structure, the machine tool being configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine structure is located on the at least one second machine structure.

2. The machine tool of claim 1,

the at least one second machine structure comprises at least one stationary machine structure, which may be provided on the base surface.

3. The machine tool of claim 2,

the at least one fixed machine structure and the at least one freely movable first machine structure, which are fixable on the base surface, together form the machine tool, which is configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine structure is on the at least one fixed machine structure.

4. The machine tool of claim 1,

the at least one second machine structure includes at least one further machine structure having at least one machine component that is freely movable on the base surface.

5. The machine tool of claim 4,

the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure and the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure together form the machine tool, the machine tool being configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one further freely movable first machine tool structure is located on the at least one further movable machine tool structure and/or the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure is located on the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure.

6. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

the at least one second machine structure comprises a tool-carrying work spindle and/or the at least one first machine structure, which is freely movable on the base surface, comprises a workpiece clamping device, the machine being configured in particular for drilling and/or milling workpieces; and/or

The at least one first machine structure, which is freely movable on the base surface, comprises a working spindle carrying a tool, and/or the at least one second machine structure comprises a workpiece clamping device, which machine is configured in particular for drilling and/or milling workpieces.

7. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

said at least one second machine structure comprises a workpiece-carrying working spindle, and/or said at least one first machine structure, which is freely movable on said base surface, comprises a tool clamping device, in particular a tool tower, a tailstock associated with said workpiece-carrying working spindle of said at least one second machine structure, and/or a further workpiece-carrying working spindle being a counterpart spindle of said workpiece-carrying working spindle of said at least one second machine structure, said machine being configured in particular for turning workpiece machining; and/or

The at least one first machine structure freely movable on the base surface comprises a workpiece-carrying working spindle, and/or the at least one second machine structure comprises a tool clamping device, in particular a tool tower, a tailstock associated with the workpiece-carrying working spindle of the at least one first machine structure freely movable, and/or a further workpiece-carrying working spindle as a counterpart spindle of the workpiece-carrying working spindle of the at least one first machine structure freely movable, the machine being configured in particular for turning workpiece machining.

8. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

the machine tool is configured for workpiece processing of material application, wherein

The at least one second machine structure comprises a machining unit for applying material, and the at least one first machine structure, which is freely movable on the base surface, comprises a workpiece clamping device, and/or

The at least one first machine structure, which is freely movable on the base surface, comprises a machining unit for applying material, and the at least one second machine structure comprises a workpiece clamping device.

9. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a machine frame on which one or more machine tool components are arranged.

10. The machine tool of claim 9,

the at least one second machine structure includes one or more machine slides movable on the machine frame.

11. The machine tool of claim 10,

at least one of the one or more machine tool slides carries a work spindle or a spindle head or spindle rotating head carrying a work spindle.

12. Machine tool according to one of the claims 9 to 11,

the frame is configured in a door-type design, a mobile pole design, or a console-type design.

13. Machine tool according to claim 10 or 11,

at least one of the one or more machine tool slides carries a horizontal machining spindle and/or a vertical machining spindle.

14. Machine tool according to one of claims 10 to 13,

the one or more work spindles of at least one of the one or more machine sliders are configured to pivot or rotate about one or more axes of rotation.

15. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure and/or the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a milling robot with a working spindle.

16. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine structure comprises a workpiece clamping table, which is configured in particular as a rotary table, a rotary table and/or a rotary/rotary table.

17. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure comprises an industrial robot for handling workpieces and/or tools.

18. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine structure comprises an unmanned transport vehicle.

19. The machine tool of claim 18,

drive for moving a transport vehicle, and

a control unit for controlling the transport vehicle.

20. Machine tool according to at least one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine bed structure comprises an internal energy storage which provides energy, in particular electrical energy, to the at least one freely movable first machine bed structure and/or a sensor unit comprising one or more optical, infrared and/or radar sensors for monitoring the environment of the freely movable first machine bed structure.

21. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine structure comprises one or more drive chains and/or a plurality of wheels for moving or displacing the freely movable first machine structure; one, more or all of the wheels are individually controllable and/or steerable, in particular, one, more or all of the wheels of the transport device are configured as individually controllable mecanum wheels.

22. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is configured to communicate with an external control device, in particular with a central control device configured to be simultaneously connected with a plurality of freely movable machine tool structures, in particular by means of a wireless communication link, and in particular to control the plurality of freely movable machine tool structures by automatic remote control.

23. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims,

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is configured to communicate with a control device of the machine tool via a communication interface, the control device of the machine tool being arranged on the at least one second machine tool structure.

24. The machine tool of claim 23,

the communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface and the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is configured to communicate with the control device of the machine tool over a wireless communication link via the wireless communication interface.

25. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims,

said at least one freely movable first machine structure comprises docking means and is adapted to form said machine together with said second machine structure; the at least one freely movable first machine structure is configured to be docked to a docking station of a machine tool mounted on the base surface or to a docking station of the at least one second machine structure by means of the docking device.

26. The machine tool of claim 25,

the at least one freely movable first machine structure and the at least one second machine structure together form the machine tool, the machine tool being configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine structure is docked to the docking station of the at least one second machine structure.

27. The machine tool of claim 25 or 26,

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is further configured to be docked by means of the docking device with a docking station of a further machine tool mounted on the base surface, or with a docking station of at least one third machine tool structure, to form a further machine tool together with the third machine tool structure.

28. The machine tool of claim 27,

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure, together with the at least one third machine tool structure, is further configured to form a further machine tool configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is docked to the docking station of the further machine tool or the docking station of the at least one third machine tool structure.

29. A system comprising one or more machine tools according to one of the preceding claims.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the system further comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of the fluid

At least one third machine tool structure having at least one further machine tool component, which third machine tool structure can be positioned at a distance from the at least one second machine tool structure, and

the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure and the at least one third machine tool structure together form a further machine tool configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is located on the at least one third machine tool structure.

31. A system according to claim 29 or 30, characterised in that

At least one further freely movable machine tool structure having at least one further machine tool component,

the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure forms, together with the at least one second machine tool structure, a further machine tool configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure is located on the at least one second machine tool structure.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine tool for machining a workpiece. Still further, the present invention contemplates a system having one or more machine tools.

Background

Vehicles for picking up and transporting goods in workshops are known. The best known examples are forklifts and partially electric forklifts. The stated objective is to make such deliveries by means of the respective vehicle, in order to continue to increase the level of automation and preferably to synchronize the deliveries with the production process.

A preferred option for this purpose is an unmanned transportation system or FTS for short, which, in addition to the unmanned transportation vehicle or FTF, also has a designated place to pick up or store goods to be transported by the transportation vehicle, possibly also a specific place or stop, for example for goods to be transported in preparation for an upcoming production process.

However, it has proven to be disadvantageous to guide the transport vehicles to the FTS of the respective station by means of a rail system. Such a rail system is not only very complex in terms of manufacturing, arrangement and alignment of the rail and the rail sections with respect to each other. It is also configured only for one specific case and therefore cannot react or adapt to changes in the location of the site or the production process in a short time.

Therefore, such a system is extremely disadvantageous in terms of flexibility.

Further, the currently known FTS has the following drawbacks: FTTs typically do not have the option of machining the workpiece directly on the FTF to ensure flexible and efficient production/machining of the workpiece.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a machine tool for machining a workpiece, which avoids the above-mentioned problems.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a system with one or more machine tools.

These objects are achieved by a machine tool according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 29. The dependent claims relate to advantageous exemplary embodiments of the machine tool according to the invention and of the system according to the invention.

A machine tool for machining a workpiece according to the present invention includes: at least one first machine structure which can be freely moved over the base surface and which has at least one machine part; and at least one second machine tool structure having at least one further machine tool component, wherein the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure forms the machine tool together with the at least one second machine tool structure, the machine tool being configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is located on the at least one second machine tool structure.

The machine tool according to the invention allows to implement the concept of a modular machine tool which no longer has to be composed of a machine tool table and a spindle unit movable along a plurality of axes with respect to the machine tool table.

This has the great advantage that the existing machine concept can now be extended or supplemented by further processing options in any chosen way. In addition, since the modules can be moved relative to one another and can be positioned at any desired location, the machine tool or machining center can be present at any desired location in the workshop, so that the unique requirements of the manufacturing process and the manufacturing chain can also be met.

As a result, it is now possible to plan the processing steps flexibly and execute them independently of the location.

In particular, thanks to the configuration of the machine tool according to the invention, it is possible to position the machine tool structures freely and with respect to each other, independently of the type of rail system or the like.

The machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine structure comprises at least one stationary machine structure, which can be arranged on the base surface.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one fixed machine tool structure fixable on the base surface and the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure together form the machine tool, which machine tool is configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is positioned on the at least one fixed machine tool structure.

In this way, depending on the requirements of the production layout, some of the modules of the modular machine tool can also be configured as fixed modules, which the mobile module can access to carry out the respective manufacturing step.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine structure comprises at least one further machine structure having at least one machine component that can be freely moved on the base surface.

The machine tool according to the invention may advantageously be further improved in that the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure and the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure together form the machine tool, which machine tool is configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is located on the at least one further movable machine tool structure and/or the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure is located on the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure.

In this way, all the modules of the modular machine tool can now be freely positioned spatially with respect to one another, ensuring maximum flexibility in the completion of the manufacturing instructions and making possible any possible modular conception and combination of modular machine tools.

The machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that it is configured for drilling and/or milling workpieces.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a tool-carrying working spindle and the at least one first machine tool structure freely movable on the base surface comprises a workpiece clamping device.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one first machine structure freely movable on the base surface comprises a tool-carrying work spindle and the at least one second machine structure comprises a workpiece clamping device.

In this way, the most varied machine concepts for milling or drilling of workpieces can be realized, irrespective of which machine tool configuration comprises the working spindle and which workpiece clamping device.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that it is configured for turning work pieces.

In particular, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a workpiece-carrying working spindle, and the at least one first machine tool structure, which is freely movable on the base surface, comprises a tool clamping device, in particular a tool turret, a tailstock associated with the workpiece-carrying working spindle of the at least one second machine tool structure, and/or a further workpiece-carrying working spindle as a counter-spindle for the workpiece-carrying working spindle of the at least one second machine tool structure

In this respect, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one first machine tool structure freely movable on the base surface comprises a workpiece-carrying working spindle and the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a tool clamping device, in particular a tool tower, a tailstock associated with the workpiece-carrying working spindle of the at least one first machine tool structure freely movable and/or a further workpiece-carrying working spindle as a counter spindle of the workpiece-carrying working spindle of the at least one first machine tool structure freely movable.

As a result, a wide variety of machine concepts for turning workpieces can now be realized, irrespective of which machine tool configuration comprises a work spindle for carrying the workpiece and which tool tower or tool slide.

The machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further developed, the machine tool being configured for workpiece machining of material application.

The machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine structure comprises a machining unit for applying material, and the at least one first machine structure, which is freely movable on the base surface, comprises a workpiece clamping device.

The machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one first machine structure freely movable on the base surface comprises a machining unit for applying material and the at least one second machine structure comprises a workpiece clamping device.

In this way, material may be applied to the workpiece in addition to milling/drilling and turning for removing material from the workpiece. Other layers or regions of material may be applied directly to the workpiece at the location of the workpiece using a suitable process, such as laser build-up welding or other processes.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a machine frame on which one or more machine tool components are arranged.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one second machine tool structure comprises one or more machine tool slides movable on the machine frame.

As a result, it is now possible to move the machine tool components in different directions, preferably in the x, y and z directions, in order to allow different transport movements of the machine tool components with respect to each other and also across the respective machine tool structure.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that at least one of the one or more machine tool slides carries a work spindle or a spindle head or spindle rotating head carrying a work spindle.

In addition, however, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the machine frame is constructed in a portal design, a mobile column design or a console design.

This allows, in addition to various transport movements, the implementation of various basic types of machine tools as modular machine tools, depending on the implementation or machining required.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that at least one of the one or more machine tool slides carries a horizontal machining spindle and/or a vertical machining spindle.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the horizontal machining spindle and/or the vertical machining spindle of at least one of the one or more machine tool slides is configured to be pivotable relative to the one or more machine tool slides by means of an additional axis of rotation.

In this way, it is possible to convert a vertical machining center into a horizontal machining center in a particularly advantageous manner, which additionally increases the flexibility in the manufacture of the component/workpiece.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure and/or the at least one second machine tool structure comprises a milling robot with a working spindle.

In this way, the milling robot can now handle any machining process flexibly, since the milling robot can bring its working spindle into a variety of positions in addition to using a variety of tools, in order to machine the workpiece efficiently and precisely.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further developed in that the at least one freely movable first machine structure comprises a workpiece clamping table, which is constructed in particular as a rotary table, a rotary table and/or a rotary/rotary table.

This further improvement also provides greater flexibility in the manufacture or machining of the workpiece.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure comprises an industrial robot for handling workpieces and/or tools.

In addition to the machining-only modules, such as the machining table and/or milling robot or work spindle unit, auxiliary modules may also be carried by the machine tool structure, supporting the manufacture or machining of the workpiece and allowing more machining efficient production.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure comprises an unmanned transport vehicle.

This is particularly advantageous in that the degree of automation of the entire production is increased by many times, since the coordination and the usual control of the driverless transport vehicle or transport device can take place, for example, via a central computer/control device, so that the worker has primarily a monitoring function.

In addition, advantageous refinements of the machine tool according to the invention can be realized in the following manner: a drive for moving the transport vehicle and a control unit for controlling the transport vehicle.

The machine tool according to the invention can furthermore advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure comprises an internal energy store which supplies energy, in particular electrical energy, to the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure and/or a sensor unit comprising one or more optical, infrared and/or radar sensors for monitoring the environment of the freely movable first machine tool structure.

In addition to providing a time-limited, autonomous energy supply for the freely movable machine tool structure, this also ensures the safety of the surroundings, in particular of persons present in the workshop and who may be walking around, since the freely movable machine tool structure registers them and triggers the safety function accordingly in the event of a collision or imminent.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention may advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine structure comprises one or more drive chains and/or wheels for moving or displacing the freely movable first machine structure; one, more or all of the wheels are individually controllable and/or steerable, in particular, one, more or all of the wheels of the transport device are configured as individually controllable mecanum wheels.

As they are already well known in robotics, mecanum wheels can also be successfully used with freely movable machine tool structures to ensure an equal degree of flexibility in the movements or selection of movements of the freely movable machine tool structures.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is configured to communicate with an external control device, in particular with a central control device configured to be connected simultaneously with a plurality of freely movable machine tool structures, in particular by means of a wireless communication link, and in particular to control the plurality of freely movable machine tool structures by automatic remote control.

Due to the central control, a large number of freely movable machine tool structures and stationary machine tool structures can now be matched to one another in order to ensure a smooth production process or a smooth production chain.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is configured to communicate via a communication interface with a control device of the machine tool, which control device of the machine tool is arranged on the at least one second machine tool structure.

Here, the freely movable machine tool structure and the machine tool can also communicate directly with one another in an advantageous manner without having to rely on a central control device.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention may advantageously be further improved in that the communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface and the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is configured to communicate with the control device of the machine tool over a wireless communication link via the wireless communication interface.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure comprises a docking device and is intended to form the machine tool together with the second machine tool structure; the at least one freely movable first machine structure is configured to be docked to a docking station of a machine tool mounted on the base surface or to a docking station of the at least one second machine structure by means of the docking device.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention may advantageously be further improved in that said at least one freely movable first machine tool structure forms said machine tool together with said at least one second machine tool structure, said machine tool being configured to machine said workpiece when said at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is docked to said docking station of said at least one second machine tool structure.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is also configured to be docked with a docking station of a further machine tool mounted on the base surface, or with a docking station of at least one third machine tool structure, by means of the docking device, to form a further machine tool together with the third machine tool structure.

The freely moving machine tool structure can communicate with the machine tool and can also transmit energy through a variety of docking stations. In particular, a suitable solution is to provide a docking station on the base surface, since the freely movable machine tool structure can easily be moved there and can then be connected to the docking station on the base surface by means of its docking means.

However, in addition, the machine tool according to the invention may advantageously be further improved in that the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure together with the at least one third machine tool structure is also configured to form a further machine tool configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is docked to the docking station of the further machine tool or the docking station of the at least one third machine tool structure.

Furthermore, the machine tool according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that the docking device of the transport device is configured to raise and/or lower the transport device for docking at the docking station.

In this way, the transport device can now advantageously be placed on a docking station of the base surface and a connection can be established.

The system according to the invention comprises one or more machine tools according to the invention.

The system according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that at least one third machine tool structure has at least one further machine tool component, which third machine tool structure can be positioned at a distance from the at least one second machine tool structure, and the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure forms, together with the at least one third machine tool structure, a further machine tool which is configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one freely movable first machine tool structure is positioned on the at least one third machine tool structure.

The system according to the invention can advantageously be further improved in that at least one further freely movable machine tool structure, which has at least one further machine tool component, forms a further machine tool together with the at least one second machine tool structure, which is configured to machine the workpiece when the at least one further freely movable machine tool structure is located on the at least one second machine tool structure.

The machine tool according to the invention allows the manufacturing and machining processes of the workpiece to be configured in a significantly more flexible manner. In addition, the machine tool according to the invention can be integrated into already existing manufacturing structures and can be used for entirely new processes in the manufacture and machining of workpieces.

Hereinafter, examples of the transport device, the machine tool, and the method for handling the pallet or the workpiece, and their respective advantages will be described.

An exemplary transport device for transporting a handling device for handling pallets and/or workpieces to a machine tool for machining workpieces, wherein the machine tool comprises a work spindle for receiving a tool or workpiece and a pallet for receiving a tool or workpiece. The machine tool is further configured to position the handling device in a region in front of a working space of the tool in a spatial direction across the region.

The exemplary transport device makes it possible to dispense completely with a rail system for guiding the transport vehicles, since the transport vehicles can move freely on a plane such as the floor of a lobby.

In addition, this allows the vehicle and its "trajectory" to be individually adapted to the environment, thereby greatly increasing the flexibility of production and logistics.

Furthermore, the exemplary transporter has a large number of interfaces at which various handling devices such as pallet changers, robots, receivers, cassettes, and the like can be received, which can further increase the flexibility of the production process as well as in the field of logistics.

The exemplary transporter may advantageously be further improved in that it is further an unmanned transporter vehicle comprising a platform comprising a plurality of receivers for receiving the handling devices, a drive for moving the platform and a control unit for controlling the receivers and controlling the drive of the receivers and the platform.

To increase the degree of automation, the exemplary transporter is configured as an unmanned transporter with appropriate control and networking so that even multiple transporters/transporters can move in a coordinated manner.

The exemplary transport device can advantageously be further improved in that at least one receiving device is provided on at least one side of the transport device, preferably at least one receiving device is provided on at least two sides of the transport device, particularly preferably at least one receiving device is provided on each side of the transport device.

In this way, it is now possible to bring more technical devices and/or receivers to their respective destination with only one journey than previously known transport vehicles.

The exemplary transporter may advantageously be further improved in that the platform further comprises an internal energy store which supplies energy, in particular electrical energy, to the receiving means, the driver and the control unit of the platform.

In this way, the transport device can be moved freely in factory workshops and production or manufacturing areas without the need to provide a complex wiring system for the cables for energy and/or signal transmission.

The exemplary transporter may advantageously be further improved in that the control unit further comprises a sensor unit comprising optical, infrared and/or radar sensors for monitoring the environment of the transporter.

In order to monitor the environment and detect any obstacles, it is advantageous to arrange such sensors on the unmanned transport vehicle. This also increases the protection for workshop workers.

The exemplary transporter may be advantageously further improved in that the transporter is also configured to place the handler after positioning the handler on the machine tool.

This possibility is particularly advantageous because the transport device does not have to be held in place together with the handling device, but can transport other handling devices, for example, which are placed to perform their function on the respective machine tool.

The exemplary transportation device may advantageously be further improved in that the receiving device further comprises a connecting element configured for transmitting control signals and/or energy from the transportation device to the handling device.

In this way, energy and signals for controlling the handling device can advantageously be transmitted from the transport device to the handling device. This is particularly advantageous because the transport device can be in contact with a central host control system (via radio signals, WLAN, etc.) so that all handling devices that are moved by the transport device at the time can be controlled.

The exemplary transport device can advantageously be further improved in that, when the handling device is received, the connecting element of the receiving device of the transport device automatically establishes a connection with the handling device for the transmission of control signals and/or energy.

This eliminates manual intervention by factory workers and allows further automation of the production and logistics process.

The exemplary transport device can advantageously be further improved in that each receiving device comprises a control device for monitoring the receiving status of the respective handling device.

The exemplary transport device may advantageously be further improved in that the control device is configured to monitor the control signals, the energy transfer and/or the locking status of the handling device received at the respective receiving device.

This is particularly advantageous in order to avoid possible malfunctions of the handling device and to ensure the safety of the handling device on the transport device and the safety of workers in the vicinity of the handling device.

In addition, faulty receivers or faulty components (damaged contacts of the connection for energy and/or signal transmission, etc.) can be located faster and can therefore be replaced/repaired faster.

The exemplary transporter can be advantageously further improved in that the drive includes a plurality of wheels for moving the platform, which are individually controllable and/or steerable.

It is particularly advantageous that the wheels can be controlled or steered separately from each other as separate units, whereby the mobility and maneuverability of the transport device can be significantly improved compared to vehicles having only steerable axles.

The exemplary transport device may advantageously be further improved in that the wheels are configured as individually controllable mecanum wheels.

The great advantage of mecanum wheels is that the steering of the wheels can be dispensed with completely and the direction of travel or the direction of rotation of the transport device can be controlled solely by the direction of rotation of the individual wheels. The function of the mecanum wheels is premised on each wheel being in full contact with the ground at all times.

The exemplary transporter may be advantageously further improved in that the drive includes a large number of chains for moving the platform.

In addition to the classic wheels and mecanum wheels, chains can also be used to move the transport means. This may be advantageous when the transportation device has to carry large loads and these loads have to be/should be distributed over the largest possible area of the ground on which the transportation device is travelling.

The exemplary transport device can advantageously be further improved in that the handling device is a pallet changer for changing pallets in a machine tool, and the pallet changer is configured for changing pallets at a work space and/or at a setup station of the machine tool.

In particular, it is advantageous if the handling device which can be transported by the transport device is a pallet changer. In this way, various pallets can be transported to the various machine tools and inserted or exchanged with only one pallet changer and one transport device.

The exemplary transport device can advantageously be further developed in that the pallet changer has a receiving claw or a fork-like receiver for receiving the pallet.

The exemplary transport device may advantageously be further improved in that the handling device is an industrial robot for handling and/or processing workpieces.

However, in addition to or instead of a pallet changer, the transport device may also be particularly advantageous to receive a robot (industrial robot) and transport it to a machine tool or processing station requiring a robot. This may be used for workpiece processing tasks (e.g., mounting a workpiece on a table/pallet or work spindle, exchanging tools on a work spindle or tool post, post-processing a workpiece for burrs, etc.). The field of application of robots in the field of machining is manifold.

The exemplary transport device may advantageously be further improved in that the receiving device of the transport device is also configured to receive material carriers, in particular net cages with unfinished and/or finished components, and to receive exchange clamps.

The exemplary transport device can advantageously be further improved in that the receiving devices of the transport device are constructed uniformly.

It is particularly advantageous if the transport device can receive receiving devices, such as pallet changers, robots, material pallets, net cages, etc., in a uniform, i.e., standardized manner. In this way, all conceivable handling devices can be provided with one and the same interface, so that a connection for energy and/or signal transmission can be established automatically, regardless of which handling device is to be received.

An exemplary machine tool for machining a workpiece, comprising: a work spindle for receiving a tool or workpiece; a tray for receiving the tool or workpiece; and a handling device for handling the pallet and/or the workpiece, wherein the handling device can be positioned on the machine tool by means of an exemplary transport device.

This provides a number of advantages, since the transport device can bring any handling device required or even necessary for the respective step to be processed to the machine tool. Machine tools, in particular devices with workpieces and/or tools, can be automated to a greater extent and the autonomous working time of the machine tool can be extended.

The exemplary machine tool can advantageously be further improved in that it further comprises positioning means for spatially positioning the handling device relative to the machine tool with the handling device placed on the machine tool by the transport device.

The precise positioning of the handling device is not only advantageous but also necessary, for example, when the pallet has to be placed very precisely on the pallet rack or, for example, when the assembly operation or the post-processing of the device has to be carried out with small tolerances under the operation of a robot.

The exemplary machine tool may advantageously be further improved in that the positioning device comprises a connection element configured for transmitting control signals and/or energy from the machine tool to the placed handling device.

In this way, the energy and signals for controlling the handling device can advantageously be transmitted from the machine tool to the handling device and thus be independent of the transmission of energy or signals on a part of the transport device.

The exemplary machine tool can advantageously be further developed in such a way that, when the machine tool is placed by the transport device, the connecting elements of the positioning device of the machine tool automatically establish a connection with the handling device for the transmission of control signals and/or energy.

In this way, the degree of automation can advantageously be further increased, and manual intervention by workers can be eliminated.

An exemplary method for manipulating a pallet and/or workpiece on an exemplary machine tool includes the steps of: receiving a handling device from a storage station for handling pallets and/or workpieces by an exemplary transport device; transporting the handling device from the storage station to the machine tool by means of the transport device; positioning the handling device on the machine tool, in particular in front of the working space of the machine tool, by means of the transport device; and handling the pallet and/or the work piece on the machine tool by means of the transport device.

The exemplary method can advantageously be further improved in that during the step of receiving the handling device, a connection is established between the transport device and the handling device by means of a connecting element of the transport device, via which connection control signals and/or energy are transmitted from the transport device to the handling device.

The exemplary method may advantageously be further improved in that the following steps are performed before the step of manipulating the pallet and/or the workpiece: the handling device is placed in front of the working space of the machine tool by means of the transport device and is positioned by means of the positioning device of the machine tool.

The exemplary method can advantageously be further developed in that, when the handling device is placed, the positioning device of the machine tool establishes a connection between the machine tool and the handling device by means of a connecting element of the machine tool, through which connection signals and/or energy are transmitted from the machine tool to the handling device.

The exemplary method may advantageously be further improved in that, prior to the step of manipulating the pallet and/or the workpiece, the following steps are performed: the connection for transmitting control signals and/or energy from the transport device to the handling device is cut off and the transport device is moved further from the machine tool to a storage station or to another machine tool.

The exemplary method may advantageously be further improved in that after the step of manipulating the pallet and/or the workpiece, the following steps are performed: the handling device is received by the transport device from the positioning device of the machine tool, wherein during the reception of the handling device the connection of the transmission of control signals and/or energy from the transport device to the handling device is cut off and the transport device with the handling device is moved further from the machine tool to a storage station or to another machine tool again.

The exemplary method may advantageously be further improved in that a central computer unit is connected to the control unit of the transport appliance for controlling the individual steps, said central computer unit being configured to connect to and simultaneously control a plurality of transport appliances.

By using the exemplary transport device, flexibility in the production process can be significantly improved and production changes can be quickly responded to.

Other aspects of the above aspects and their advantages and more specific embodiments are described by the following description and illustrations of the drawings, which are not limiting in any way.