DEVICE FOR HANDLING AND/OR MACHINING A WORKPIECE, AND METHOD

Abstract

A device (10, 100) for handling and/or machining a workpiece (1) having a non-metal surface, comprising: a workpiece identification device (20) which is designed to irradiate electromagnetic radiation inside the workpiece (1) and to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected from the inside of the workpiece (1); and a data processing unit (30) which is configured to determine information from the inside of the workpiece (1) on the basis of measured data of the reflected electromagnetic radiation. Also disclosed is a method with which it is possible to determine a characteristic material parameter, preferably a component-specific reflection value of the workpiece (1), on the basis of the received electromagnetic radiation.

Claims

1. A device for handling and/or machining a workpiece having a non-metal surface, comprising: a workpiece identification device which is designed to irradiate electromagnetic radiation inside the workpiece and to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected from the inside of the workpiece, and a data processing unit which is configured to determine information from the inside of the workpiece on the basis of measured data of the reflected electromagnetic radiation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the information determined by the data processing unit depicts a characteristic internal structure of the workpiece.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the internal structure of the workpiece is retrieved in a line or plane that is perpendicular to a workpiece surface and/or in a line or plane that is parallel to a workpiece surface.

4. The device according to claim 1, comprising a conveying device which moves a workpiece at a speed, wherein the speed is set on the basis of the information determined by the data processing unit.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a machining device for machining a workpiece, wherein the machining device is designed to machine the workpiece on the basis of the information determined by the data processing unit or wherein on the basis of the information determined by the data processing unit the machining device is activated or the operation thereof is changed.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of the workpiece identification device is in the frequency range of radar radiation or terahertz radiation.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the radar radiation is outside the visible spectral range, typically between 70 and 75 GHz.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of the workpiece identification device is in the range of microwave radiation, and wherein the microwave radiation is between 1 and 300 GHz.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece identification device is designed to determine the external structure of the workpiece.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a marking device for introducing laser and/or microwave markings on the workpiece or inside the workpiece.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the marking device is preferably placed in a feed point of the device, at which the workpiece is fed to the device, and wherein the information determined by the data processing unit is based on the markings of the marking device.

12. A method for evaluating a workpiece,comprising: emitting electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the workpiece; receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from the inside of the workpiece; and determining a characteristic material parameter, preferably a component-specific reflection value of the workpiece, on the basis of the received electromagnetic radiation.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein information is introduced into the workpiece by means of a marking device, in particular by way of laser radiation or microwave radiation or ultrasound.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein information introduced by means of a marking device is read out in an additional step.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein a workpiece and a workpiece identification device are moved relative to one another for measurement, successive measurement values are detected for a plurality of measuring points inside the workpiece and a characteristic material parameter for the properties of the interior of the workpiece is determined on the basis of the measurement values.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the intensity of the radar radiation is increased, as a result of which successive measurement values are detected for a plurality of measuring points at different depths of the workpiece interior and a characteristic material parameter for the properties of the workpiece is determined on the basis of the measurement values.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the characteristic material parameter serves to identify the material and as a result information can be relayed on to the next machining step.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] In the following, embodiment examples of the invention will be described in more detail with the help of the enclosed drawings.

[0060] FIG. 1: Schematic illustration of a device for machining a workpiece having a non-metal surface, comprising a workpiece identification device according to a first embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 2: Schematic illustration of a device for machining a workpiece having a non-metal surface, comprising a workpiece identification device and a marking device according to a further embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 3: Schematic illustration of the introduction of a marking into the workpiece and the result of the workpiece identification device reading out the marking.

[0063] FIG. 4: Schematic illustration of a further embodiment in the form of a machining device comprising a marking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0064] In the following, a device for machining a workpiece having a non-metal surface will be described with the help of the schematic drawings. General examples of such devices, also known as processing machines, include CNC machining centers, through-feed machines (for example for machining the edges of plate-shaped workpieces), sanding machines and the like. Further modifications cited in this context of certain individual features can each individually be combined in order to show new embodiments.

[0065] FIG. 1 schematically shows a device 10 according to a first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the processing machine), which is suitable for machining a workpiece 1 and which comprises a workpiece identification device 20 having a sensor arrangement 21. Moreover, the processing machine 10 comprises a data processing unit 30 for determining together with the sensor arrangement 21 a characteristic material parameter of a workpiece 1. The processing machine 10 also comprises a machining device 40 for machining the workpiece. The processing machine 10 comprises a machining table 50. Alternatively, instead of a machining table 50 a support system for holding a workpiece can be provided, or one or more conveying devices.

[0066] A workpiece 1 can be positioned on the machining table 50 during the machining thereof in the processing machine 10. Furthermore, in the case of static machining, i.e. a machining process in which the workpiece is firmly clamped and a machining head of the machining device 40 moves relative thereto, it is possible to fix the workpiece 1 onto the machining table 50 by way of a fixing (not shown). As a result, it is possible to ensure an exact positioning of the workpiece 1.

[0067] In a further embodiment it is possible that for through-feed machining, i.e. a machining process in which the workpiece 1 is moved relative to the machining head of the machining device 40, the machining table 50 is moved by a conveying device. This makes it possible for the workpiece 1 to be moved with an exact position and speed by way of a conveying device. In this case the workpiece 1 is moved with a conveying device by way of stops provided on the machining table 50 and at the same time it is held in position so that it is possible for all-round machining to run smoothly.

[0068] The workpiece 1 is preferably a wooden workpiece, a plastics material workpiece or a workpiece of a comparable material that is suitable for being machined with the device 10. In addition, the workpiece 1 has a non-metal surface. There are no limitations for the geometric shape of the workpiece 1, as long as fixing can be ensured during machining.

[0069] As is described above, the device 10 comprises a workpiece identification device 20. This workpiece identification device 20 is designed to comprise a transmitter and a sensor arrangement 21 as a receiver. Moreover, the sensor arrangement 21 is connected to a data processing unit 30 which will be described in the following. The workpiece identification device is firmly connected to the device 10. However, it is also possible to fix the workpiece identification device 20 separately from the processing machine 10 to a further element, such that a modular set-up is possible for the production method having a plurality of production steps, and not every device 10 has to comprise such a workpiece identification device 20.

[0070] An arrangement of a plurality of workpiece identification devices 20 inside a processing machine 10 is also conceivable. In this way, considerably more information regarding the progress of the machining can be generated and therefore the machining process can be optimized as a result of more generated data.

[0071] As is shown in FIG. 3, the sensor arrangement 21 of the workpiece identification device 20 is able to irradiate electromagnetic radiation inside the workpiece 1 by means of the transmitter and to receive the radiation reflected from the inside of the workpiece 1. Alternatively, the transmitted radiation can be detected. Here, the radiation can be analyzed in a scanning region (A) through the profile of the workpiece and/or at different depths within the scanning region (A) of the workpiece. The arrow pictured shows the conveying direction of the workpiece.

[0072] The distinctive feature of a wood-working machine is above all that, in contrast to metal workpieces, it is actually possible to irradiate inside the workpiece and also the reflected radiation re-emerges therefrom. From an abstract perspective, this could be compared with a passage of light through frosted glass in contrast to light irradiation in a mirror.

[0073] A transmitter is provided in the sensor arrangement 21, which transmits the aforementioned electromagnetic radiation. Moreover, a detection sensor is contained in the sensor arrangement, which can detect the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the inside of the workpiece 1.

[0074] The transmitter controls the irradiation depth into the workpiece 1 by way of the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, it would also be possible to control the irradiation depth by means of a focusing device (not shown). In this way, electromagnetic radiation can be directed in a targeted manner at a specific depth of the workpiece 1. Furthermore, it is possible to determine an entire depth profile of the workpiece 1 by way of a continuous change in intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter. Further embodiments, scanning rates or scans of the workpiece interior by way of irradiating electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter 22 are conceivable.

[0075] The detection sensor detects the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the workpiece 1, which was directed by the transmitter at the workpiece interior. The degree of reflection is determined by a characteristic structure or density of the workpiece 1 and/or by the depth of penetration of the electromagnetic radiation. As a result of the characteristic structure of the workpiece, a part of the electromagnetic radiation is reflected back in the direction of the workpiece identification device or the sensor arrangement connected thereto. The data or information determined by the detection sensor (an example of this would be a layer structure or a density profile of the workpiece) is relayed on to the data processing unit 30. In an alternative embodiment, it is possible that the depth of penetration of the electromagnetic radiation is considered in the analysis.

[0076] In the case of a stationary workpiece 1, it is possible to arrange the transmitter and the detection sensor so as to be next to one another. In the case of continuous machining, the speed of movement of the workpiece 1 must be taken into account. Thus, it is necessary either to irradiate electromagnetic radiation at an angle into the workpiece 1 or to arrange the detection sensor at a sufficient distance appropriate to the speed of movement. In this regard a possible refraction of the radiation should be taken into consideration. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the detection sensor outside of the sensor arrangement 21. In a further embodiment it is also possible to completely uncouple the sensor arrangement 21 with the transmitter from a sensor arrangement 21 with the detection sensor and therefore to divide everything into a plurality of housings.

[0077] The present embodiment describes an arrangement of one transmitter and one detection sensor. However, an embodiment of a sensor arrangement 21 having a plurality of sensors or detection sensors is conceivable.

[0078] In a further embodiment, it is possible for the workpiece identification device 20 to comprise a plurality of sensor arrangements 21. Moreover, the irradiation of an entire section (a strip) of a workpiece 1 using sensors is possible, or an irradiation by means of spaced-apart sensor arrangements 21.

[0079] The data processing unit 30 is connected to the workpiece identification device 20 or is directly connected to the sensor arrangement 21. The data determined by the detection sensor is transmitted to the data processing unit 30 via a supply line, such as an Ethernet cable for example. With the data processing unit 30 it is possible to determine information regarding the component to be machined on the basis of the data determined by the detection sensor.

[0080] Moreover, with the data processing unit 30 it is possible to transfer information for the subsequent machining of the workpiece 1 from the data of the detection sensor to the machining device 40. The data processing unit 30 is connected to the machining device 40. The information for the machining as determined by the data processing unit 30 is transmitted to the machining device via a conveying cable, such as an Ethernet cable for example. With the data transmitted by way of the conveying cable it is possible to clearly identify workpieces without the influence of external factors. Alternatively, it is also possible to introduce a label to the workpiece 1 by way of microwaves, for example, in the event that identification by means of detecting the external structure is not sufficient.

[0081] Furthermore, it is possible to adapt the machining parameters (such as the speed of rotation of a milling head or the feed rate of a machining head) of the machining device 40 using the data generated. The machining device 40 is able to machine the workpiece 1. A machining head is provided in the machining device 40. The machining head is driven by a motor and is rotatably supported by a bearing. The machining head can be moved in an X axis and a Y axis via a displacement system (not shown), such that it can be moved over a workpiece 1 and therefore over the entirety of the workpiece 1. Furthermore, the machining head is able to move in the Z axis, such that it engages with the workpiece 1 and can machine said workpiece. In the case of continuous machining it is possible that not all axes have to be designed so as to be movable, since in this case the workpiece 1 is moved or conveyed relative to the machining head. This can accelerate the production process.

[0082] In a further embodiment, it is possible that a machining head can be automatically changed during the machining process by a workpiece changing device and therefore a plurality of machining steps can be performed in the same device 10.

[0083] Next, a device 100 according to a further embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0084] In the further embodiment in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 the same components are provided with the same reference numbers as in the first embodiment, and they will not be described in detail. The device 100 (also referred to as the processing machine) of the further embodiment is different in that a marking device 60 for introducing microwave markings inside the workpiece is provided in the device 10. The arrow pictured shows the conveying direction of the workpiece.

[0085] In this case the device 100 comprises a marking device 60 with which it is possible to introduce markings inside a workpiece prior to, during or after the machining thereof. These markings are introduced by changing the internal structure of the workpiece with the help of electromagnetic radiation, preferably microwave radiation, terahertz radiation or even ultrasound. To this end the marking device 60 has a marking unit 61, which preferably directs microwave radiation to the interior of the workpiece 1.

[0086] The use of the marking device results in localized heating as a consequence of the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation inside the workpiece, wherein chemical conversion processes or combustion processes in the wood bring about a permanent structural change inside the workpiece, which is not visible from the outside. These structural changes can be used as coding for the workpiece, in order to be able to later clearly identify the workpiece.

[0087] As a result of the change in the intensity of the microwave radiation or the adjustment of the focusing device it is also possible to make markings for identifying a workpiece at different depths of the workpiece. It is possible that the introduced markings will be read out by a workpiece identification device 20 later on in the machining process. Thus, information regarding the component can be transported. Such a step of reading out markings is shown in FIG. 3 in a schematic illustration of a data processing unit 30. In this regard damage to the workpiece surface has to be expected when laser radiation is used.

[0088] It is also possible to mark the workpiece 1 regardless of the machining steps and surface. This ensures a permanent and individual identification of the workpiece 1. Moreover, the markings are located inside the workpiece 1 and therefore they do not affect the external appearance of the workpiece 1 or the finished product resulting from the workpiece 1.

[0089] In the case of a processing machine 100, the introduction of binary information into the workpiece, for example, would be conceivable. For example, in this respect FIG. 3 shows a sequence of binary information regarding the profile of the workpiece 1 in the data processing unit 30 of FIG. 3. The arrow pictured in the lower part of the image signalizes the conveying direction of the workpiece 1. Moreover, information regarding the project, an individual product identification, the machining steps to be carried out and the client may be contained therein. In addition, information regarding the properties of the workpiece, such as the material composition or the material thickness, can be introduced. Further information can also be introduced without restrictions.

[0090] Even though a marking device 60 based on microwave radiation is preferably used within the scope of the present invention, in alternative embodiments other sensors or other physical effects for identifying workpieces and for marking workpieces can be used. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the sensor arrangement is arranged externally and is connected to the device (not shown). However, other arrangements and positions of the workpiece identification device 20 or the marking device 60 are also always conceivable.

[0091] In addition, the embodiments described have the advantage that as a result of a modular construction of the respective elements it is possible to subsequently equip further processing machines with the novel identification or marking technology as according to the present invention. In this regard only a connection to the data processing unit 30 of the processing machine 10 is necessary. Furthermore, the workpiece identification device 20 must be installed in a further device.

[0092] In the following, a device 200 according to a further embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0093] In the further embodiment in FIG. 4, the same components are provided with the same reference numbers as in the aforementioned embodiments and they will not be described in detail. The arrow pictured shows the conveying direction of the workpiece. The device 200 (also referred to as the processing machine) of the further embodiment of FIG. 4 is different in that a marking device 60 is provided in the device 10 for introducing microwave markings inside the workpiece and there is no workpiece identification device 20.

[0094] With such a device 200 it is possible to introduce markings inside the workpiece 1 using the marking device 60, and these markings can be used at a later point in time for the purpose of identification. Thus, subsequent handling and machining is made easier, since the introduced markings can be read out and therefore information is available regarding the material, the condition or the machining parameters.

[0095] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments are just examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions and other modifications thereof can be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not restricted to these embodiments and is only limited by the scope of the enclosed claims.

[0096] According to the device and method described above it is possible to identify a workpiece by determining a characteristic material parameter from the inside of the workpiece and thereby optimize the machining thereof. It is also possible to change the interior of a workpiece in a targeted manner by way of a marking device, and therefore introduce markings regardless of changes to the shape, color or surfaces during machining.