Sheet metal processing systems and related devices and methods

摘要

In some aspects, a sheet metal processing system includes a machine tool with a processing station at which metal sheets can be processed by a processing tool, a tool carrier for receiving a processing tool, a transfer device by which the processing tool can be moved to or from the tool carrier, and a tool change apparatus which, due to a controlled positioning movement, can be arranged in a tool change position. The processing tool is exchangeable between the tool carrier and the transfer device by the tool change apparatus. The positioning movement is controllable on the basis of a position of the transfer device and/or a position of the tool carrier.

主权项

1. A sheet metal processing system comprising:
a machine tool with a processing station at which metal sheets can be processed by a processing tool; a tool carrier for receiving the processing tool; a transfer device by which the processing tool can be moved towards or away from the tool carrier; a tool change apparatus coupled to the transfer device and that can be, according to a controlled positioning movement performed by a positioning drive of the transfer device, arranged in a tool change position in which the tool change apparatus can exchange the processing tool between the tool carrier and the transfer device; and a detection device having a first detection element provided on the tool change apparatus and a second detection element provided on or coupled to the tool carrier, wherein a position of the tool change apparatus relative to the tool carrier is detectable by the detection device before a tool change, wherein, based on a detected position of the tool change apparatus relative to the tool carrier, the positioning drive of the transfer device is controllable to arrange the tool change apparatus in the tool change position, wherein the transfer device is movable with respect to the tool change apparatus while the tool change apparatus remains in the tool change position, and wherein the tool change apparatus is coupled to the transfer device by a pivotable connection, the pivotable connection enabling the transfer device to be movable vertically with respect to the tool change apparatus while the tool change apparatus remains in the tool change position.