MACHINE TOOL HOLDER, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR OPERATING A MACHINE TOOL HAVING SUCH A MACHINE TOOL HOLDER

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine tool cocoon (10) for receiving a workpiece, having a base element (18) on which the workpiece can be disposed, wherein the base element (18) comprises at least one receptacle (47) for receiving and fixing a workpiece (40), and a support device (11) separably connected to the base element (18). The machine tool cocoon (10) can be positioned on a tool position of a tool changing system by means of the support device (11). The invention further relates to a method and a computer program.

Claims

1. A machine tool cocoon for receiving a workpiece, comprising: a base element on which the workpiece can be disposed, wherein the base element comprises at least one receptacle for receiving and fixing a workpiece; and a support device separably connected to the base element, wherein the machine tool cocoon can be positioned on a tool position of a tool changing system by means of the support device.

2. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 1, wherein the support device is reversibly separable from the base element by a predefined relative motion between the support device and the base element.

3. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 1 wherein the support device comprises a cover element, connected to the base element.

4. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 3 wherein the support device comprises a shell element disposed between the cover element and the base element.

5. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 4, wherein the shell element substantially encloses the workpiece.

6. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 1, wherein the support device comprises a recess for receiving a clamping device.

7. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 6, wherein the clamping device is fixed on the support device.

8. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 1, wherein the support device is separably connected to the base element by a locking device.

9. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 8, characterized in that a first locking element of the locking device is disposed on the support device and at least one second locking element of the locking device is disposed on the base element, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element engage with each other for connecting the support device to the base element.

10. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 9, wherein connection and release of the first locking element and the second locking element is accomplished with a relative motion between the first locking element and the second locking element.

11. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 8 wherein the locking device is a bayonet joint.

12. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 9, wherein the first locking element is a ridge and the second locking element is a groove corresponding to the ridge.

13. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 1 further comprising a closure lock configured to prevent undesired releasing of the support device from the base element.

14. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 13, wherein the closure lock is released when the base element is clamped in a workpiece clamping system of a machining unit.

15. The machine tool cocoon according to claim 1, wherein the base element comprises on a side facing the support device a workpiece clamp for clamping a workpiece to be machined.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. A method for automatically operating a machine tool having a tool changing system and a machining unit having a tool spindle, wherein both tools tor placing in the tool spindle and workpieces to be machined are disposed in a tool store of the tool changing system, wherein the workpieces are disposed in a machine tool cocoon the machine tool cocoon comprising: a base element on which the workpiece can be disposed, wherein the base element comprises at least one receptacle for receiving and fixing a workpiece; and, a support device separably connected to the base element, wherein the machine tool cocoon can be positioned on a tool position of a tool changing system by means of the support device; the method comprising: with a tool spindle, grasping the machine tool cocoon having a workpiece disposed therein; transporting the machine tool cocoon to a workpiece clamping system of the machining unit; clamping the base element of the machine tool cocoon in the workpiece clamping system; displacing the support device of the machine tool cocoon relative to the base element for opening the machine tool cocoon; and machining the workpiece.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the displacing of the support device relative to the base element is performed by a motion of the tool spindle.

20. The method according to claim 18 comprising after the displacing of the support device relative to the base element: lifting the support device off of the base element by the tool spindle; bringing the support device to a location away from the workpiece; releasing the support device from the tool spindle; and clamping a tool from the tool changer at the tool spindle.

21. The method according to claim 18, comprising after machining the workpiece: bringing the support device to the base element; and connecting the support device and the base element.

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising: releasing the workpiece clamping system for releasing the base element; displacing the machine tool cocoon by a predefined motion; clamping a base element of the machine tool cocoon in the workpiece clamping system; displacing a support device of the machine tool cocoon relative to the base element for opening the machine tool cocoon; and machining the workpiece.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the predefined motion is a rotation, preferably in a range from greater than about 0° to about 90°.

24. The method according to claim 20, comprising: bringing the machine tool cocoon including the machined workpiece into the tool changer.

25. The method according to claim 21, comprising: grasping a further machine tool cocoon having a workpiece disposed therein by means of the tool spindle; transporting the further machine tool cocoon to the workpiece clamping system of the machining unit; clamping a further base element of the machine tool cocoon in the workpiece clamping system; displacing a further support device of the further machine tool cocoon relative to the further base element for opening the further machine tool cocoon; and machining the further workpiece.

26. A computer program comprising commands causing a control unit of a machine tool to perform at least the following steps when executing the program: obtaining a machine tool cocoon by a tool spindle, the machine tool cocoon comprising: a base element on which the workpiece can be disposed, wherein the base element comprises at least one receptacle for receiving and fixing a workpiece; and a support device separably connected to the base element, wherein the machine tool cocoon can be positioned on a tool position of a tool changing system by means of the support device; displacing the tool spindle in a Z-direction to a workpiece clamping system in the machine tool; displacing the tool spindle in a predefined manner for opening the machine tool cocoon; and displacing the tool spindle in the Z-direction away from the workpiece clamping system in the machine tool.

27. The computer program according to claim 26, wherein the predefined displacing of the tool spindle comprises one of rotating the tool spindle about the Z-axis, by about 90°, and displacing the tool spindle perpendicular to the Z-axis.

28. The computer program according to claim 26, wherein the predefined displacing of the tool spindle comprises displacing the tool spindle perpendicular to the Z-axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES IN THE DRAWING

[0068] The invention is explained in greater detail below on the basis of at least one embodiment example using the figures of the drawing. Shown are:

[0069] FIG. 1 an embodiment example of a machine tool cocoon;

[0070] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d the machine tool cocoon in the unlocked state;

[0071] FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c the machine tool cocoon in the locked state;

[0072] FIG. 4a, 4b, 4c machine tool cocoon having an example of a clamping tool in the unlocked state;

[0073] FIG. 5a, 5b, 5c machine tool cocoon having an example of a clamping tool in the locked state;

[0074] FIG. 6 second embodiment example of a machine tool cocoon in a closed state;

[0075] FIG. 7 the machine tool cocoon from FIG. 6 in an opened state;

[0076] FIG. 8 a section through a closure lock of the machine tool cocoon of the second embodiment example;

[0077] FIG. 9 the machine tool having a tool changing system; and

[0078] FIG. 10 a method for operating a machine tool.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0079] The subject-matter of the invention is described below in greater detail using the subject-matter shown in the figures. The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in conjunction with the drawings.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a schematic, transparent view of a machine tool cocoon 10 having a shell element 12, a cover element 14, and a base element 18. The cover element 14 comprises a recess 16. The shell element 12 and the cover element 14 together form a support device 11, even if said device need not necessarily comprise both the shell element 12 and the cover element 14. Depending on the embodiment, the support device 11 can also be formed differently, for example as a T, I, or L-shaped support, as a flap extending from the base element 18, or the like. The support device 11 serves for producing a connection between the base element 18 and a tool spindle and/or tool changer of a machine tool.

[0081] In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the machine tool cocoon 10 comprises only the base element 18 for positioning the workpiece 40. Workpieces 40 can thus be positioned and stocked by means of the machine tool cocoon 10 at tool positions 66 of a tool changing device or tool changing system 62 having a tool store as shown in FIG. 6.

[0082] The cover element 14 can be connected to the shell element 12 and is connected to the cover element 12 in the assembled state of the machine tool cocoon 10. The connection can be releasable in design, for example as a threaded connection. The connection can also be non-releasable in design, such as a welded, adhesive, or riveted connection.

[0083] The recess 16 serves for receiving and fixing a clamping device, not shown, as is typically used in known tool changing systems. Clamping devices 58 are shown in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c. The machine tool cocoon 10 can eb brought out of a tool position 66 in a tool changing system 62 or a tool changing device 62 to a position in a machining unit 64 of the machine tool 60 by means of the clamping device. This is described in conjunction with FIG. 6.

[0084] Alternatively, a part of the clamping device or the clamping device can be releasably or non-releasably connected to the cover element 14.

[0085] The shell element 12, the cover element 14, and the base element 18 can be made of different materials. For example, of aluminum, of steel, of plastic, and/or of wood. It can also be provided that carbon fiber material is used for the shell element 12, the cover element 14, and/or the base element 18. The selection of the material is thereby adapted to the particular application and the particular machine tool. Sufficient strength of the machine tool cocoon 10 is thereby important.

[0086] The cover element 14 is preferably disposed inside the shell element 12, particularly inside an upper segment of the shell element 12. The shell element 12 in the embodiment example shown in FIGS. 1 through 5c comprises a shell body 22 having a rotationally symmetrical design with respect to an axis of rotation 20 and a wall thickness 24. The shell body 22 can be made of solid material or of a non-solid material, such as perforated sheet metal. The strength of the shell body 22 is thereby designed so that the cover element 14 and the base element 18 can be held at a defined spacing. The shell body 22 is further designed so that an object 23 disposed inside the machine tool cocoon 10 is protected. The dimension of the shell body 22 limits the size of the object 23, particularly of the workpiece 40. The shell element 12 has an outer diameter 26 and an inner diameter 28.

[0087] The shell body 22 is preferably cylindrical in design. Said body can also, however, be designed as any arbitrary body of revolution, for example conical in shape, as a hyperboloid of revolution, or having a polygonal outer surface. One embodiment example having a non-rotationally-symmetrical shell body 22 is shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 and is described in more detail below.

[0088] The cover element 14 can be implemented integrally with the cover element 12. The cover element 14 can then be releasably connected directly to the base element 18.

[0089] A first locking element 32 of a locking device 34 is disposed on an inner wall 30 of the shell element 12. The locking element 32 is preferably disposed in a lower segment 35 of the shell body 22 in which the base element 18 is positioned in the assembled state. The base element 18 is positioned in the bottom segment 35 during operation and releasably connected to the shell element 12 and releasably fixed by means of a second locking element 36 of the locking device 34. The second locking element 36 is thereby disposed on an outer wall 38 of the base element 18.

[0090] A workpiece 40 to be machined is disposed on the base element 18. Fixation elements, not shown, are provided for fastening or fixing the workpiece 40. The base element 18 is positioned in a zero-point clamping system 76 of the machine tool for machining in the machining unit of the machine tool.

[0091] The locking device 34 is preferably implemented as a bayonet joint 34a. The bayonet joint 34a is a mechanical connection for connecting and releasing quickly between the base element 18 and the shell element 12. The base element 18 and the shell element 12 are preferably cylindrical in design. The base element 18 and the shell element 12 can be connected to each other by inserting and rotating relative to each other, and thus also separated again. The first locking element 32 and the second locking element 36 thereby engage with each other. The first locking element 32 and the second locking element 36 are operatively connected.

[0092] The locking device 34 can also be implemented as a pressure piece or as a gripper system. Any type of locking able to be opened and locked repeatedly is fundamentally suitable as a locking device. The first locking element 32 is implemented as a protrusion 42 in the embodiment example shown here, wherein two protrusions 42a and 42b disposed substantially opposite each other are shown in FIG. 1. The second locking element 36 is correspondingly shown as a recess 44, wherein two recesses 44a and 44b are shown, also substantially opposite each other. In alternative embodiments, the locking device 34 can also comprise more than two locking elements, for example three or four. The recesses 44a, 44b are implemented here as radial recesses extending about a part of the circumference. Said radial recesses 44a, 44b are bounded in the axial direction on one side by an offset 80 extending radially and on the other side by two collars 82a, 82b extending radially, so that a region for engaging behind is formed. Segments 84a, 84b are provided between the collars 82a, 82b and offset 90° with respect to FIG. 1, so that the protrusions 42a, 42b extending radially inward on the shell element 12 can be slid between the collars 82a, 82b in order to then be able to be slid in the circumferential direction in behind the collars 82a, 82b and into the recesses 44a, 44b.

[0093] The machine tool cocoon 10 having a locking device 34 implemented as a bayonet joint 34a is shown in the unlocked state in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show the machine tool cocoon 10 having the bayonet locking device 34a in the locked state.

[0094] Identical items are labeled with identical reference numerals and in this respect, reference is made to the description for FIG. 1.

[0095] FIG. 2a shows the machine tool cocoon 10 from FIG. 1 having a cover element 14 and base element 18 installed in the shell element 12, wherein the base element 18 and the shell element 12 are unlocked. The base element 18 is shown in FIG. 2b as a section per IIb from FIG. 2c. The first locking element 32 disposed on the inner wall 30 of the shell element 12 comprises two protrusions 42a and 42b disposed opposite each other.

[0096] When assembling, the shell element 12 is placed over the base element 18 or the base element 18 is inserted into the shell element 12, wherein the second locking element 36 is implemented as a recess 44a and 44b. The protrusions 42a and 42b engage in the recesses 44a and 44b of the base element 18 and then form an axially fixed connection when rotated. More than two protrusions 42 and more than two recesses 44 can also be provided in order to implement the bayonet joint 34a.

[0097] The connection thus takes place by means of an insert-rotate motion. The two parts to eb connected, the base element 18 and support device 11 or shell element 12, are place into each other. The protrusions 42a and 42b are thereby implemented nearly perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20, that is, to the insertion motion, and do not run all around but rather are interrupted, whereby placing one inside each other is made possible. The protrusions 42a and 42b can be implemented slightly beveled in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20 and thus to the direction of insertion, whereby the base element 18 and the shell element 12 are pressed against each other by a rotary motion.

[0098] The longitudinal section IIc according to FIG. 2b is shown in FIG. 2c. The section rungs through the two collars 82a, 82b, but not through the two protrusions 42a, 42b, as said features are not disposed within the recesses 44a, 44b in FIG. 2a, but rather in the region of the segments 84a, 84b. As shown in FIG. 2c in the longitudinal section IIc according to FIG. 2b, a closure lock 78, here in the form of an anti-rotation device 45, is further provided and is implemented as a latching device 45 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The latching device 45 comprises a compression spring 46, a clamping bolt 48, and closure plate 50. The closure plate 50 has a through hole 51 through which extends a first segment 48a having the small diameter of the clamping bolt 48 (cf. also FIGS. 4a, 4b). The closure plate 50 is fixed relative to the base element 18, for example by means of a screw 86. The clamping bolt 48 has a closure protrusion 48b having a larger diameter than the through hole 51, so that the clamping bolt 48 is retained between closure plate 50 and the base element 18. The compression spring 46 serves for loading the clamping bolt 48 downward with reference to FIG. 2c. In FIG. 2c, however, the clamping bolt 48 is shown in a setting displaced upward. Shifted downward, the first segment 48a having a lesser diameter extends through the through hole 51 and axially downward in front of the closure plate 50. In the position shifted downward, the closure protrusion 48b then extends into the recess 44b. The first protrusion 42a comprises a first latch recess 43a, and the second protrusion 42b comprises a second latch recess 43b (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2b). When the clamping bolt 48 is in the position shifted downward, the closure protrusion 48b engages in the latch recess 43b and thus secures the support device 11 against rotating relative to the base element 18.

[0099] If the base element 18 is then placed on a flat surface, such as in the machining unit, the clamping bolt 48 is pressed upward and the closure protrusion 48b is guided axially upward out of the latch recess 43b. The locking device 34 is released and the support device 11 can be rotated relative to the base element 18, so that the first and second protrusions 42a, 42b enter the segments 84a, 84b and thus make it possible for the support device 11 to be axially removed from the base element 18.

[0100] In the inverse case, when the support device 11 is disposed on the base element 18 and the locking device 34 is in a closed position (as shown in FIGS. 3a through 3c), and the machine tool cocoon 10 is then raised, the compression spring 46 presses the clamping bolt 48 downward and the closure protrusion 48b engages in the latch recess 43b.

[0101] A spring-loaded ball bearing can also be used as the closure lock 78 or anti-rotation device 45. Any other anti-rotation device 45 suitable for ensuring the connection between the base element 18 and shell element 12 and/or cover element 14 during a rotary motion of the working spindle 72 of the machine tool is suitable.

[0102] Alternatively to the method of rails engaging in each other (protrusion 42a, 42b and recess 44a, 44b), a correspondingly differently shaped indentation on one part and a projection on the other part (shell element 12, cover element 14, and base element 18) can be used.

[0103] FIG. 2d shows the shell element 12 and the base element 18 in the section view as a longitudinal section according to IId from FIG. 2b.

[0104] FIG. 2b shows further receptacles 47 for receiving and fixing the workpiece 40, implemented here as holes.

[0105] FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c each show the machine tool cocoon 10 having in the locked state. FIG. 3a is thereby a transparent, schematic, perspective view, FIG. 3b is a plan view having a section in the plane IIa-IIa of FIG. 3c, and FIG. 3c is a longitudinal section 11c-11c of the depiction from FIG. 3a.

[0106] FIG. 4a shows the machine tool cocoon 10 in an exploded perspective view. FIG. 4b shows an exploded side view of the machine tool cocoon 10 and FIG. 4c shows the machine tool cocoon 10 from FIG. 4b in a side view offset by 90°. The machine tool cocoon 10 is connected to a clamping device 52 in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c. The connection interface 54 between the clamping device 52 and the machine tool cocoon 10 is the recess 16 on the support device 11 or on the cover element 14 of the machine tool cocoon 10, into which a connecting element 56 (not shown) of the clamping device 52 has engaged. By rotating the connecting element 56 in the recess 16, the clamping device 52 is releasably connected to the machine tool cocoon 10 and fixed to the same.

[0107] One example for the clamping device 52 is the interface SK40. The interface between the working spindle or tool spindle 72 and the clamping device 52 is shown schematically as 58.

[0108] FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c show the machine tool cocoon 10 in perspective and side views corresponding to the depictions in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c and having the clamping device 58 in the locked state. Identical items are labeled with identical reference numerals.

[0109] In the locked state, the base element 18 and the support device 11 or shell element 12 are rotated 90° relative to each other, so that the protrusions 42a and 42b have engaged in the recesses 44a and 44b, such that when displaced parallel to the axis of rotation 20, the position of the base element 18 and the support element 12 remain unchanged.

[0110] The locking can be released again when the shell element 12 and the base element 18 are rotated relative to each other and opposite each other in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20, preferably by 90°. The recess 44a, 44b and protrusion 42a, 42b are released from the locked state.

[0111] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 illustrate a second embodiment example. Identical and similar elements are labeled with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment example, so that reference is made in full to the above description and only the differences are emphasized.

[0112] A first difference to the first embodiment example is that the support device 11 or the shell element 12 and the cover element 14 is or are not cylindrical, but rather rectangular. The base element 18 is also not disc-shaped, but rather rectangular and has beveled edges.

[0113] In order to attach the support device 11 to the base element 18, said device is not placed from above as in the first embodiment example, but rather the support device 11 is slid laterally onto the base element 18. To this end, the support device 11 comprises a side opening 90 in the shell element 12. Such lateral sliding in, however, is not exclusive to the second embodiment example, but rather could also be implemented in the first embodiment example.

[0114] In a similar manner as in the first embodiment example (FIGS. 1 through 5c), the machine tool cocoon 10 comprises a locking device 34 comprising a first locking element 32 and a second locking element 36. The first locking element 32 here comprises a first protrusion 42a and a second protrusion 42b, implemented here as first and second strips. The first and second protrusions 42a, 42 extend inward on the shell element 12 and are aligned in the insertion direction. The base element 18 comprises first and second lateral recesses 44a, 44b as the second locking element 36, implemented here as lateral grooves or slits and corresponding to the strips. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the first protrusion 42a comprises a latch recess 43a, as has been fundamentally described above with reference to the first embodiment example. A closure lock 78 is provided in turn on the base element 18 and will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0115] A receptacle 47 in the form of a machine vise 92 is provided on the base element 18 in the second embodiment example shown here. Said vise comprises a first clamping jaw 93 and a second clamping jaw 94 able to be clamped against each other by means of a screw spindle 95, in order to thus clamp a workpiece 40 (not shown in FIG. 7) between the same.

[0116] FIG. 8 illustrates a full section through the base element 18 including the receptacle 47 in the form of the machine vise 92 per second III-III from FIG. 7. The closure lock 78 can be seen in FIG. 8 and can also be referred to here as a shift lock device, following the first embodiment example. Said device comprises the same components as the closure lock 78 of the first embodiment example, namely a clamping bolt 48, a closure plate 50, and a compression spring 46. The first segment 48a having a smaller diameter of the clamping bolt 48 is shown in FIG. 8 in an intermediate position, neither all the way down in a closed position nor all the way up in a release position. When the clamping bolt 48 is displaced downward in the direction of the closed position, the closure protrusion 48b of the clamping bolt 48 enters the first recess 44a and can engage there in the latch recess 43a when the support device 11 is positioned accordingly. When the clamping bolt 48 is displaced upward against the force of the compression spring 46, for example, because the machine tool cocoon 10 is positioned on a flat surface, the closure protrusion 48b of the clamping bolt 48 is also displaced upward and releases the first recess 44a, so that the support device 11 can be placed onto the base element 18 or removed from the same unimpeded.

[0117] Embodiments can also be provided wherein the closure lock 78 can be magnetically or electromagnetically locked and released.

[0118] FIG. 9 shows the complete arrangement of a machine tool 60 having a tool changing device 62, also referred to as a tool changing system 62, and a machining unit 64 for workpieces 40. Tool positions 66 are provided in the tool changing system 62. Both tools 68 and the machine tool cocoon 10, having or not having workpieces 40 disposed therein, can be positioned at the corresponding tool positions 66. The dimensions of the machine tool cocoon 10 are thereby selected so as to correspond to the dimensions for the tool 68. Typical dimensions are: the maximum diameter for the shell element 12 is about 100 to 150 mm, and the maximum height for the shell element 12 is about 150 mm. Other dimensions for the machine tool cocoon 10 are also possible, wherein the dimensions of the machine tool cocoon 10 correspond to the dimensions of the tool used.

[0119] A transfer system 70 is disposed between the tool changing system 62 and the machining unit 64 and transfers the corresponding tool 68 from the tool position 66 into the machining unit 64. The transfer system 70 can also be implemented in that the tool spindle 72 of the machining unit 64 is transportable and travels directly to the tool positions 66 and grasps the tool 68 and/or the machine tool cocoon 19 there. The transfer system 70 thereby grasps the clamping device 52 on which the tool 68 is disposed and positions the same in a tool receptacle 72, preferably in a tool spindle 72 of the machining unit 64. The transfer system 70 correspondingly grasps the clamping device 52 disposed in the recess 16 of the machine tool cocoon 10. wherein the machine tool cocoon 10 is disposed at a position 66b, for example, transfers the same into the machining unit 64, and positions the machine tool cocoon 10 having the workpiece 40 to be machined at the machining position 74. A further machine tool cocoon 10′ is positioned at a further position. The machining position 74 thereby comprises a known zero-point clamping system 76, as is used as a standard in machine tools 60. The machining position 74 is thereby disposed approximately below the tool position in the zero-point clamping system 76. Alternatively, the machine tool cocoon 10 can be transported by means of the spindle 72 and thus brought into the machining position 74.

[0120] The machine tool cocoon 10 is opened in that the base element 18 and the shell element 12 are displaced relative to each other, the locking device 34 is opened, and the shell element 12 is removed from the machining position 74. The clamping device 52 thereby remains disposed on the cover element 14.

[0121] Said machine tools use tools 68 such as mills, drills, or indexable tip cutters. The tool 68 is thereby mounted in a main spindle 72. The machine tool cocoon 10 can thereby be used in both metal-processing machine tools and in wood-processing machines.

[0122] FIG. 10 describes a method 100 for operating a machine tool 60 wherein a machine tool 10 is used.

[0123] In the method step 102, the tool positions 66 of the tool changing unit 62 are populated both with tools 68 and with machine tool cocoons 10. The workpieces 40 to be machined are each disposed in the machine tool cocoons 10.

[0124] In method step 104, a machining program comprising the process steps to be performed in sequence is loaded. The machining program comprise both program steps for selecting the tool 68 suitable and used for a machining step, and program steps for changing out the workpiece 40 to be machined. The machining program thus comprises selecting and positioning a workpiece 40a, as well as selecting and positioning the tools 68a, 68b, etc. suitable for machining the workpiece 40a. The machining program further comprises steps for removing the workpiece 40a from the machining position 74 and for transferring into a previously programmed tool position 66 and for selecting and positioning a further workpiece 40b out of the tool position 66b into the machining position in the machining unit 64.

[0125] The machining program is started in the method step 106. The workpieces 40 positioned in the tool store of the tool changing system 62 are automatically machined in the machining process, wherein said workpieces are brought out of the tool changing unit 62 into the machining unit 64. Both the tool 68 and the machine tool cocoon 10 are thereby transferred to a machine tool spindle or work spindle 72 or connected to the same. If a transfer unit 70 is used, the same interface unit is used for transporting the machine tool cocoon 10 as for the tool 68.

[0126] After the corresponding machining step, the workpieces 40, 40a, 40b, etc. are again brought into the corresponding tool position 66, 66a, 66b, etc. by means of the machine tool cocoon 10. The workpiece 40, 40a, 40b, etc. is thereby provided in each case by a relative rotary motion between the base element 18 and by the shell element 12 of the machine tool cocoon 10 and displacing the shell element 12 out of the machining area of the machining unit 64 for machining by the corresponding chucked tool 68.