Apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material

1. An apparatus for machining workpieces ( 35 ) containing plastic material by a process selected from the group consisting of welding, stamping, cutting, adhesive bonding, and a combination thereof, comprising: a basic frame ( 1 ) having a machining station with a free space ( 2 ) for machining the workpieces ( 35 ) and at least one interchangeable module ( 15 ) insertable into the free space and fixable therein and adapted to a selected machining task, provided for this purpose with at least one workpiece mount ( 34 ) and at least one machining tool ( 37 ), wherein the basic frame ( 1 ) is provided with a loading and unloading station for loading and unloading the workpieces ( 35 ) and the interchangeable module ( 15 ) is formed such that the mount ( 34 ), after its introduction into the free space ( 2 ), is movable to and fro between the machining station and the loading and unloading station, with the interchangeable module ( 15 ) comprising a frame ( 16 ) supported on running wheels ( 17 ) and receiving the mount ( 34 ) and the machining tool ( 37 ) together and moveable with the mount ( 34 ) and the machining tool ( 37 ) into and out of the free space ( 2 ), with a relative position of the mount ( 34 ) and of the machining tool ( 37 ) being determined in the machining station by their fastening in a frame ( 16 ) of the interchangeable module ( 15 ), with the loading and unloading station and the interchangeable module ( 15 ) comprising guides ( 28 a , 28 b ) which are aligned with one another in a latched state of the interchangeable module ( 15 ), and with the mount ( 34 ) being provided on a slide table ( 30 ) having guide elements cooperating with the guides ( 28 a , 28 b ), by which the slide table ( 30 ) is moveable to and fro between the interchangeable module ( 15 ) and the loading and unloading station in an inserted state of the interchangeable module ( 15 ).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the basic frame ( 1 ) comprises first latching means ( 14 ) for latching the interchangeable module ( 15 ) in the free space ( 2 ).

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the basic frame ( 1 ) is provided with guides ( 10 ) adjacent to the free space ( 2 ) for correct positioning of the interchangeable module ( 15 ) in the machining station; and the interchangeable module ( 15 ) comprises guide elements ( 25 ) attached at a side and associated with the guides ( 10 ).

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the guides ( 10 ) have rails provided with guide grooves ( 11 ) and the guide elements ( 25 ) have rotatable rollers which are introduceable into the guide grooves ( 11 ).

5. An apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the guides ( 10 ) are formed such that the interchangeable module ( 15 ) is raised slightly on moving into the basic frame ( 1 ).

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the free space ( 2 ) is provided at a rear side of the basic frame ( 1 ).

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least the interchangeable module ( 15 ) is provided with latching means ( 31 ) for the slide table ( 30 ).

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the machining tool ( 37 ) is fixed rigidly at the interchangeable module ( 15 ).

9. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the machining tool ( 37 ) is mounted on a feed unit ( 38 ) rigidly connected to the interchangeable module ( 15 ).

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein one of the elements selected from the group consisting of the machining tool ( 37 ) and the feed unit ( 38 ) is fastened to a carrier ( 36 ) mounted displaceable in the interchangeable module ( 15 ).

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the carrier ( 36 ) consists of a plate arranged parallel to the slide table ( 30 ) and is movable perpendicular to a plate plane.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the carrier ( 36 ) is fastened to columns ( 39 a , 39 b ) mounted displaceably in the interchangeable module ( 15 ).

13. An apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the carrier ( 36 ) is fastened to a coupling element ( 44 ) which is coupled to a first drive ( 41 ) mounted on the basic frame ( 1 ).

14. An apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the coupling element ( 44 ) and the drive ( 41 ) are provided with means for automatic coupling and decoupling of the coupling element ( 44 ) on moving the interchangeable module ( 15 ) in and out respectively.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein a third guide ( 45 ) arranged parallel to a direction of insertion and withdrawal (v, x) is provided at the carrier ( 36 ) and a third guide element ( 43 ) is provided at the first drive unit ( 41 ) and cooperates therewith.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the third guide ( 45 ) has a third guide groove ( 46 ) and the third guide element ( 43 ) is a roller which is introduceable into the third guide groove ( 46 ).

17. An apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein a second drive ( 48 ) is mounted on the basic frame ( 1 ) and move the slide table ( 30 ) which is coupleable to displace the slide table ( 30 ) drive-wise in an inserted state of the interchangeable module ( 15 ).

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the slide table ( 30 ) is provided with a guide ( 51 ) arranged transversely to its direction of displacement and the drive ( 48 ) is provided with a guide element ( 50 ) cooperating with this guide ( 51 ).

19. An apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the guide ( 51 ) has a guide groove and the guide element ( 51 ) is a roller which is introduceable into the guide groove.

20. An apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the drive ( 41 , 48 ) is an electric geared motor.

21. An apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the drive ( 41 , 48 ) is a sinusoidal drive.

22. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a withdrawal safety device preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the interchangeable module ( 15 ) from the basic frame ( 1 ).

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the withdrawal safety device includes at least one of two columns ( 39 b ) and an abutment ( 47 ) cooperating therewith and provided on the basic frame ( 1 ).