Gripping unit for automated machining of parts, and machining device and process integrating such a unit

Process for machining parts using a part machining device, comprising at least one gripping unit capable of being transferred between at least one machine tool and at least one loading unloading station, to enable automated machining of at least one part, the gripping unit comprising a pallet and means of gripping the said part mounted on the pallet, in which the said unit also comprises orientation means, through which the gripping means are mounted on the pallet, control means capable of actuating orientation means in response to control signals from the machine tool, and bearing means mounted on the pallet through other orientation means, the machining device also comprising at least one machine tool capable of holding the gripping unit, at least one loading unloading station capable of holding the gripping unit and means capable of supplying energy to the gripping unit, in which each machine tool also comprises second control means capable of sending the said control signals and signal transmission means are provided to transmit the said control signals between the gripping unit control means and the second control means, when the gripping unit is held on the machine tool, the said process comprising the following phases:

• a design phase consisting of defining successive orientations of a part in the machine tool and machining sequences specific to each of these orientations:
• a manufacturing phase comprising the following steps:
• placement of the gripping unit at the loading unloading station;
• placement of gripping means on the gripping unit;
• positioning of a block of material to be machined on the gripping unit and clamping of the said block by the gripping means;
• transfer and placement of the gripping unit on the machine tool;
• orientation of the said block in a first of the predefined orientations, when acted upon by orientation means controlled by the control means of the gripping unit, at the request of the second control means;
• execution of machining sequences corresponding to this first position;
• repetition of the block orientation and machining sequence execution steps as many times as necessary, in accordance with the design phase, until the part is completed;
• transfer of the gripping unit to the loading unloading station;
• loosening and unloading the part.