Machine tool center

Abstract

A machine tool center ( 10 ) displays at least one machine tool ( 11, 12, 13 ) which has a working area ( 17 ) accessible through an operator door ( 16 ) to process workpieces ( 21 ). Furthermore, a loading/unloading station ( 14 ) for the workpieces ( 21 ) and a loading device ( 22 ) which transports the workpieces ( 21 ) between the loading/unloading station ( 14 ) and the respective machine tool ( 11, 12, 13 ) and changes these at the machine tool ( 11, 12, 13 ) are also provided. In the new machine tool center ( 10 ) the loading device ( 22 ) is arranged below the working space ( 17 ) of the machine tool ( 11, 12, 13 ) (FIG. 1 ).

1. A machine tool center, comprising:
 at least one machine tool each having a casing and a working area for processing workpieces and accessible through an operator door;  
 a loading/unloading station for the workpieces;  
 a loader space which is arranged within the casing and below the working area of the respective machine tool, said loader space being connected to the working area by a loading opening, the loading opening comprising a cover which is opened to change a workpiece; and  
 a loading device for transporting the workpieces between the loading/unloading station and the respective machine tool and for changing the workpieces at the respective machine tool, said loading device being arranged within the loader space;  
 wherein the loading device is arranged in front of a respective machine stand which supports a workpiece table arranged in the respective working area, the workpieces are clamped in workpiece holders which are fitted in fixture holders located in the respective working area of the respective machine tool, and the loading/unloading station comprises a clamping station in which the workpieces are exchanged in the workpiece holders.  
 
     
     
       2. The machine tool center of  claim 1 , wherein the loading device comprises a loader serving as a workpiece changer which moves longitudinally along a guide rail. 
     
     
       3. The machine tool center of  claim 2 , wherein the loader comprises a drive unit which automatically runs along the guide rail. 
     
     
       4. The machine tool center of  claim 3 , wherein the loader comprises an arm which is retracted when the loader is moving, and which is at least partly moved into the working space through the loading opening to change the workpiece. 
     
     
       5. The machine tool center of  claim 4 , wherein a double gripper for workpieces is arranged on the arm. 
     
     
       6. The machine tool center of  claim 4 , wherein the arm is a swivel arm that is swiveled into the working space.