U.S. patent application number 14/969494 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for grinding machine having a grinding tool for generating grinding of two workpieces.
The applicant listed for this patent is Klingelnberg AG. Invention is credited to Christian Brieden, Felix Bucksch, Isabell Gleixner, Leif Heckes.
Application Number | 20160176010 14/969494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52292631 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160176010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bucksch; Felix ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
GRINDING MACHINE HAVING A GRINDING TOOL FOR GENERATING GRINDING OF
TWO WORKPIECES
Abstract
Grinding machine having a tool spindle for receiving and
rotationally driving a grinding tool about a tool axis of rotation,
having a first workpiece spindle for receiving a first workpiece,
and having a second workpiece spindle for receiving a second
workpiece, wherein the first workpiece spindle and the second
workpiece spindle are arranged on one longitudinal side of the
grinding tool received on the tool spindle, and both workpiece
spindles are arranged parallel to one another.
Inventors: |
Bucksch; Felix; (Malsch,
DE) ; Gleixner; Isabell; (Ettlingen, DE) ;
Brieden; Christian; (Huckeswagen, DE) ; Heckes;
Leif; (Hattingen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Klingelnberg AG |
Zurich |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
52292631 |
Appl. No.: |
14/969494 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23F 5/04 20130101; B23F
23/04 20130101; B24B 27/0023 20130101; B23Q 1/623 20130101; B23Q
1/60 20130101; B24B 37/20 20130101; B23Q 39/028 20130101; B24B
41/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24B 37/20 20060101
B24B037/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 17, 2014 |
EP |
14198671.1 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a grinding machine having a tool
spindle adapted to receive and rotationally drive a grinding tool
about a tool axis of rotation, a first workpiece spindle adapted to
receive a first workpiece, and a second workpiece spindle adapted
to receive a second workpiece, wherein the first workpiece spindle
and the second workpiece spindle are arranged on one longitudinal
side of the grinding tool received on the tool spindle, both
workpiece spindles are arranged parallel to one another, the tool
spindle is mounted so it is displaceable along a first linear
guide, which extends in parallel to a horizontal inclined axis, and
the first workpiece spindle and the second workpiece spindle are
spaced apart at a same perpendicular horizontal distance from the
horizontal inclined axis, wherein the tool axis of rotation forms,
together with the horizontal inclined axis in a horizontal
projection, an acute angle, which is greater than 0.degree..
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a machine
bed, and a first linear guide, wherein the first linear guide and
the two workpiece spindles are stationarily arranged.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first
linear carriage, which is mounted so it is movable horizontally
along the first linear guide, and a second linear carriage, which
is mounted so it is horizontally movable on the first linear
carriage, wherein the second linear carriage is movable in parallel
to a first horizontal axis, which, viewed in a horizontal
projection, extends inclined to the horizontal inclined axis.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a third
linear carriage, which is mounted so it is movable on the second
linear carriage, wherein the third linear carriage is movable in
parallel to a first vertical axis extending perpendicular to one or
more of the first horizontal axis or the horizontal inclined
axis.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a pivot
table, which is mounted so it is pivotable about a horizontal pivot
axis and which carries the tool spindle, wherein the horizontal
pivot axis, projected in a horizontal plane containing the first
horizontal axis, extends perpendicularly to the tool axis of
rotation.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pivot table
carries a fourth linear carriage configured to enable a linear
displacement of the tool spindle in parallel to the tool axis of
rotation in a lateral plane that is perpendicular to a machine
bed.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a machine
bed, wherein the tool spindle is mounted on the machine bed by four
linear guides and pivotable about a pivot axis so that the tool
spindle is movable on the machine bed, wherein the pivot axis
extends perpendicularly to a first axis of rotation of the first
workpiece spindle and perpendicularly to a second axis of rotation
of the second workpiece spindle, and the first axis of rotation and
the second axis of rotation are stationarily arranged on the
machine bed.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a handling
device configured to one or more of introducing or removing
workpieces in the grinding machine.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the handling device
is arranged equidistantly to the first and second workpiece
spindles, and the handling device is configured to alternately
perform the handling of a first workpiece and then the handling of
a second workpiece.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(a)-(d) to European application no. EP 14 198 671.1 filed
Dec. 17, 2014, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference
as part of the present disclosure.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter of the invention is a device for
generating grinding, which comprises two workpiece spindles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are various concepts for the arrangement of the
individual axes in machines, which are designed for machining
workpieces. In this case, one attempts, on the one hand, to achieve
an optimum cost-usage ratio. On the other hand, above all in mass
production, value is frequently laid on the productivity, or the
throughput of such a machine.
[0004] Machines are known which are based on a tool exchange, to be
able to provide the suitable tool in each case for machining a
workpiece depending on the machining phase. Such machines can have
a tool revolver, for example, which is rotatable. Other machines
operate with workpiece axes which are arranged so they are
pivotable. For example, a machine according to EP 2305409 B1
comprises two workpiece spindles, which are pivoted about a
respective pivot axis for the purpose of movement from a grinding
position to a loading position and vice versa. Another type of
machine has one grinding tool and at least two workpiece spindles,
which are mounted so they are rotatable on a carrier. Depending on
the rotational position of the carrier, either a first or a second
workpiece can be machined using the grinding tool. Such a machine
is known, for example, from EP 1146983 B1.
[0005] Another machine has at least one tool spindle having
grinding tool and two workpiece spindles, which can be moved
individually toward the tool spindle for the interaction of the
respective workpiece with the grinding tool. For this purpose, each
of the tool spindles is movable in a translational manner along a
separate linear guide from a grinding position to a loading
position and vice versa. Such a machine can be inferred from
document DE 202009013263 U1.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to develop a machine
configuration for a grinding machine for machining gearwheels,
which, with a simple technical/mechanical structure, has a
reproducible high precision of the grinding machining and
nonetheless a high throughput.
[0007] In particular, it relates to providing a grinding machine
for the generating grinding of spur gears, which enables a uniform
high precision of the alternating grinding machining of multiple
workpieces.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows the elements of an exemplary grinding machine
10, wherein in this illustration only the essential elements are
identified, specifically these are the tool spindle 1 together with
a grinding tool 2, a workpiece spindle 3 having a workpiece W1, and
a workpiece spindle 4 having a workpiece W2. In addition, the six
axes which are required for the generating grinding of the
workpiece W1 or the workpiece W2 are shown in this illustration.
Three linear axes X, Y, and Z are used here. In addition, there is
an axis of rotation B, to be able to rotationally drive the
grinding tool 2 in one direction. The tool spindle 1 together with
the grinding tool 2 can be pivoted about a pivot axis A.
Furthermore, there is an axis of rotation C1, to be able to
rotationally drive the workpiece W1, and an axis of rotation C2, to
be able to rotationally drive the workpiece W2. It can be
recognized on the basis of FIG. 1 that an entire array of
coordinated linear, rotational, and pivot movements are required to
be able to perform generating grinding of a workpiece W1 or a
workpiece W2 using a grinding tool 2.
[0009] Above all in mass production it is important that in
machines in which two workpieces are successively machined using
the same tool, the quality of the machining of the two workpieces
is identical.
[0010] In generating grinding, a strong spindle drive is required
for rotationally driving the grinding tool 2 about the tool axis of
rotation B. The motor which is used as the spindle drive is seated
coaxially to the tool axis of rotation B, directly in the region of
the grinding tool 2, as shown in FIG. 1. If one wished to arrange
this motor differently, for example, an angular gear would have to
be provided between the motor and the spindle axis B. The occurring
rolling deviations typically result in vibrations, which finally
results in inaccuracies on the workpiece.
[0011] The structural size of the motor for rotationally driving
the grinding tool 2 is accompanied by spatial restrictions, since a
collision of the motor with the workpiece has to be avoided in
every case. For example, if one wished to arrange the workpiece W2
on the right adjacent to the first workpiece W1 in the machine 10
according to FIG. 1, as shown here solely as an example, the
grinding tool 2 together with spindle 1 could hardly still be moved
toward the first workpiece W1, without the spindle 1 colliding with
the second workpiece W2.
[0012] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a
grinding machine is used, which is equipped with a tool spindle for
receiving and rotationally driving a grinding tool about a tool
axis of rotation and with a first workpiece spindle for receiving a
first workpiece and with a second workpiece spindle for receiving a
second workpiece. In this grinding machine, the first workpiece
spindle and the second workpiece spindle are arranged on one
longitudinal side of the grinding tool received on the tool
spindle. Both workpiece spindles are arranged parallel to one
another (and vertically in relation to a machine bed). The tool
spindle is mounted so it is displaceable along a first linear
guide, wherein this guide extends in parallel to a horizontal
inclined axis. The first workpiece spindle and the second workpiece
spindle are spaced apart with the same perpendicular horizontal
distance from this horizontal inclined axis. The tool axis of
rotation forms, according to certain embodiments, together with the
horizontal inclined axis in a horizontal projection, an acute angle
which is greater than 0.degree..
[0013] The acute angle is in the angle range between 10 and
60.degree. in various embodiments.
[0014] In contrast to known machines, which are designed for
machining two workpieces using one tool, the grinding machine
according to certain embodiments has a first horizontally extending
linear axis (also called the horizontal inclined axis) which is set
inclined in relation to the other (horizontal) axes of the machine.
In addition, the two workpiece spindles are also accordingly
arranged inclined. The first horizontally extending linear axis and
the shared perpendicular of the two workpiece spindles are parallel
to one another. It is an advantage of this unusual arrangement and
axis configuration that in both machining positions, the cantilever
arm length, which results by way of the infeed of the tool in
parallel to the infeed axis in the direction of the workpiece, is
equal. It is thus ensured that the manufacturing accuracy during
the machining of the two workpieces is equal. In addition, this
configuration may offer more space for the drive of the tool
spindle.
[0015] According to certain embodiments, a first workpiece is
machined on a first workpiece spindle and subsequently another
workpiece is machined on a second workpiece spindle using a single
(grinding) tool. After a first workpiece has been machined, a
movable part of the machine together with the (grinding) tool
mounted thereon executes a linear displacement, to move the
(grinding) tool from a first machining position on the first
workpiece into a second machining position on the second
workpiece.
[0016] The machine may be designed in certain embodiments so that
the machine can be automatically or semiautomatically charged with
the workpieces. After the first workpiece has been machined, the
tool carries out the machining of the second workpiece. In this
time, the first workpiece can be removed and replaced by another
workpiece (which is still to be machined). Similarly, the second
workpiece can be removed and chucked again, while the first
workpiece is machined.
[0017] As a result of this configuration, there may be sufficient
space for a gripper, which is used for the automatic or
semiautomatic handling of the workpieces. Optionally, the machine
according to various embodiments is equipped with a handling device
for introducing and/or removing workpieces
[0018] In such embodiments of the machine configuration, the
(grinding) tool does not have to be re-chucked.
[0019] In further embodiments, the first workpiece spindle and the
second workpiece spindle are designed to be stationary in relation
to the grinding machine. In this case, the machine may include
handling means for each of the workpiece spindles, to be able to
execute the corresponding handling movements in conjunction with
the introduction (charging) and/or removal of the workpieces.
[0020] The term stationary, as it is used here, permits only
movements in or on the workpiece spindles, which are required in
conjunction with the handling of the workpieces. Each workpiece
spindle, in the scope of the handling, can chuck a workpiece (i.e.,
the workpiece spindle can open and close) and it can rotate the
tool about the workpiece axis, for example. The workpiece spindles
are fixed in relation to the machine bed in various embodiments, so
that no displacement or shifting of the workpiece spindles in a
horizontal plane is possible.
[0021] To relate the grinding tool to the respective workpiece
during the grinding machining, infeed movements are required, and
to move the grinding tool into an interaction with the respective
workpiece and to create the desired (tooth) geometry, engagement
and machining movements are necessary. These infeed, engagement,
and machining movements are primarily executed by the tool and the
axes which are associated with the tool, wherein the workpiece is
rotationally driven about the workpiece axis of rotation.
[0022] With respect to quality and cost-effectiveness, the machine
configuration may be suitable for the alternating continuous
generating grinding of two workpieces. Continuous generating
grinding is a generating method, in which a worm grinding wheel is
used.
[0023] The machine configuration may offer the possibility of
achieving good accuracy in the grinding machining, since the
grinding machining is performed on both workpieces using the same
grinding conditions.
[0024] Depending on the embodiment, the workpieces can be ground in
synchronization or counter-rotation.
[0025] The grinding machines can be equipped in various embodiments
with digital drive technology, both for the spindles and also the
linear axes. Extremely high repetitive accuracies thus result.
[0026] A chronologically alternating workpiece change may be
performed in various embodiments. The corresponding handling time
is to be shorter in this case than the total time which is required
for the movement of the tool from the first workpiece to the second
workpiece and for machining the second workpiece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Further details and advantages of the invention are
described hereafter on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with
reference to the drawing.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a conventional
grinding machine, which is designed to perform grinding machining
of a workpiece using a grinding tool;
[0029] FIG. 2A shows a schematic top view of a first grinding
machine, which is designed to machine a first workpiece and
subsequently a second workpiece using one grinding tool, wherein at
the moment shown, the grinding tool is located in the region of the
first workpiece (referred to as first machining position);
[0030] FIG. 2B shows a schematic top view of the first grinding
machine, wherein at the moment shown, the grinding tool is located
in the region of the second workpiece (referred to as second
machining position);
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a schematic horizontal projection of the
relevant axes of a grinding machine;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a schematic front view of a second grinding
machine, which is constructed similarly as the grinding machine
according to FIGS. 2A and 2B;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of a further grinding
machine, wherein the grinding machine comprises a handling
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Terms are used in conjunction with the present description
which are also used in relevant publications and patents. However,
it is to be noted that the use of these terms is only to serve for
better comprehension. The concept of the invention and the scope of
protection of the patent claims are not to be restricted in the
interpretation by the specific selection of the terms. The
invention may be readily transferred to other term systems and/or
technical fields. The terms are to be applied accordingly in other
technical fields.
[0035] A grinding machine 100 is equipped with a tool spindle 1 for
receiving and rotationally driving a grinding tool 2 about a tool
axis of rotation B (also referred to as tool axis in short).
Furthermore, the grinding machine 100 comprises a first stationary
workpiece spindle 3 for receiving a first workpiece W1 and a second
stationary workpiece spindle 4 for receiving a second workpiece W2.
The first axis of rotation C1, with which the first workpiece W1 is
associated, and the second axis of rotation C2, with which the
second workpiece W2 is associated, are perpendicular to the plane
of the drawing of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0036] The structure in various embodiments can also be such that
the workpiece axes are arranged horizontally instead of vertically
(as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B).
[0037] The first workpiece spindle 3 is designed for receiving a
first workpiece W1 and the second workpiece spindle 4 is designed
for receiving a second workpiece W2. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
the first workpiece spindle 3 and the second workpiece spindle 4
are arranged on a shared longitudinal side of the grinding tool 2
received on the tool spindle 1. This longitudinal side is to the
right of the cylindrical grinding tool 2 in the top view shown. On
the opposite longitudinal side of the cylindrical grinding tool 2,
carriages and other elements of the machine 100 are located, which
mount and move the grinding tool 2.
[0038] The two workpiece spindles 3, 4 are arranged vertically. The
axes of rotation C1 and C2 may extend in parallel to one another in
various embodiments, as can be seen well in FIG. 4.
[0039] To be able to execute the infeed, engagement, and machining
movements, which are required for generating grinding, for example,
the tool spindle 1 is mounted so it is displaceable along a first
linear guide 5. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, two guide structures extending
in parallel are shown. In various embodiments, for example, rails
or grooves can be used as linear guides in a known manner. The
first linear guide 5 extends in parallel to a first horizontal axis
Y. The horizontal inclined axis Y is arranged inclined to other
horizontal axis, however (see also FIG. 3), or is arranged inclined
in relation to axes which have been projected in a shared
horizontal plane, respectively.
[0040] The machine 100 comprises a tool axis of rotation B, about
which the (grinding) tool 2 is rotationally driven during the
generating grinding. This tool axis B forms, together with the
first horizontal axis Y in a horizontal projection, an acute angle
W which is greater than 0.degree.. A corresponding illustration of
the relevant axes is shown in FIG. 3. The mentioned acute angle W
is defined at the point of intersection of the two axes B and Y in
a horizontal projection (the plane of the drawing here).
[0041] In various embodiments, the acute angle may be in the angle
range between 10 and 60.degree.. In the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, the acute angle W is approximately
15.degree..
[0042] The first workpiece spindle 3 and the second workpiece
spindle 4 are both spaced apart at the same perpendicular
horizontal distance al from the first horizontal axis Y (see also
FIG. 3).
[0043] The shared perpendicular between the axes of rotation C1 and
C2 extends in parallel to the first horizontal axis Y. In FIGS. 2A,
2B, and 3, the orientation of the shared perpendicular is shown by
a dashed straight line, which connects the two parallel axes of
rotation C1 and C2 to one another on the shortest path. The
corresponding dashed straight line is identified with the reference
sign YII, to indicate that it extends in parallel to Y. The shared
perpendicular between the axes of rotation C1 and C2 defines the
distance Ab, which is shown in FIG. 3.
[0044] The distance Ab of the two axes of rotation C1 and C2
(measured along the straight line YII, as shown in FIG. 3) may
fulfill the specification in various embodiments that it is at
least two times as great as the workpiece diameter of the
workpieces W1, W2 viewed in the top view.
[0045] As can be seen on the basis of FIG. 1, especially for
generating grinding, an entire array of further axes are required
to be able to execute the necessary infeed, engagement, and
machining movements.
[0046] The axis arrangement of an exemplary embodiment will now be
explained on the basis of FIGS. 2A and 2B. A differentiation is
made between a main axis and secondary axes. An axis which bears
all other axes is referred to as the main axis. In the embodiments
according to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and according to FIG. 3, the Y axis is
used as the main axis in each case. This axis is also referred to
as the horizontal inclined axis Y.
[0047] The machine 100 can be transferred from a first machining
position into a second machining position by a linear movement
along the horizontal inclined axis Y. The machine 100 is shown in
the first machining position in FIG. 2A and in the second machining
position in FIG. 2B. It can be seen in the direct comparison of the
two FIGS. 2A and 2B that these two machining positions are
identical, except for the different location in relation to the Y
axis. That is to say, no other axial movements have to be executed.
Therefore, the cantilever arm is the same in both machining
positions. Therefore, inter alia, the torques, which act as a
result of the heavy motor of the tool spindle 1 on the overall
structure of the machine 100, are also equal.
[0048] The machine 100 comprises a machine bed 6, on which the
first linear guide 5 and the two workpiece spindles 3, 4 are
arranged so they are stationary. A fixed machine substructure or
column is referred to as the machine bed 6 in various embodiments,
as is well known.
[0049] The grinding machine 100 furthermore comprises a first
linear carriage 7, which is mounted so it is movable along the
first linear guide 5 in parallel to the horizontal inclined axis Y.
In FIGS. 2A, 2B, the first linear guide 5 comprises two guide
structures shown as examples, which are marked with the reference
sign 5. Guide shoes can be arranged on the lower side of the first
linear carriage 7, to enable sliding of the first linear carriage 7
along the guide structures. These guide structures extend in
parallel to the above-mentioned horizontal inclined axis Y. This
horizontal inclined axis Y is used as the main axis of the grinding
machine 100.
[0050] The grinding machine 100 furthermore comprises a second
(e.g., tower-like or column-like) linear carriage 8, which is
mounted so it is horizontally movable on the first linear carriage
7. The second linear carriage 8 is movable in parallel to a second
horizontal axis X. This second horizontal axis X is also referred
to as the infeed axis and it extends, viewed in a horizontal
projection, inclined in relation to the first horizontal axis Y.
The second linear carriage 8 can be guided, for example, along
guide structures, which are identified here with the reference sign
12. Guide shoes can be arranged on the lower side of the second
linear carriage 8, to enable sliding of the second linear carriage
8 along the guide structures 12.
[0051] The grinding machine 100 furthermore comprises a third
linear carriage 9, which is mounted so it is movable on the second
linear carriage 8 in the exemplary embodiment shown. The third
linear carriage 9 is movable in parallel to a first vertical axis
Z, which stands vertically in space. The first vertical axis Z is
also referred to as the stroke axis. The third linear carriage 9 is
seated here in the exemplary embodiment shown on a front lateral
surface of the second linear carriage 8. A view of this front
lateral surface of the second linear carriage 8 is shown in the
front view of FIG. 4.
[0052] The grinding machine 100 furthermore comprises a pivot table
10, which is mounted so it is pivotable about a third horizontal
axis A. The third horizontal axis A is also referred to as the tool
pivot axis. The pivot table 10 directly or indirectly carries the
tool spindle 1. The third horizontal axis A is perpendicular,
projected in a shared horizontal plane, to the tool axis of
rotation B. In the position shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, the end face 2.1
of the cylindrical tool 2 shown as an example points diagonally
upward. The tool 2 shown as an example is a worm grinding wheel,
which is not shown in greater detail in the figures, however.
[0053] The pivot table 10 may carry a fourth linear carriage 11 in
various embodiments. The corresponding axis is referred to as the
shift axis or as the Y1 shift axis. This Y1 shift axis is located
on the pivot axis A and carries the tool spindle 1. In various
embodiments, the Y axis is only used for the horizontal movement
between the two working positions and only the Y1 shift axis
(having lesser mass) has to be used for so-called shift movements.
This fourth linear carriage 11 enables a linear displacement (shift
movement) of the tool spindle 1 together with tool 2 in parallel to
the tool axis B in a lateral plane. A plane which is perpendicular
to the machine bed 6 or to the plane of the drawing is referred to
as a lateral plane. This lateral plane is in the plane of the
drawing in FIG. 4.
[0054] The previous description may also be transferred to the
embodiment of FIG. 4. The embodiment of FIG. 4 differs from the
embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B primarily by way of the structure of the
secondary axes, which are carried by the pivot table 10.
[0055] The staggering of the various axes can also be implemented
in another sequence. Thus, for example, the carriage 8 can be
vertically movable in a lateral plane and can carry a carriage 9,
which is movable on the carriage 8 in the horizontal direction.
[0056] The fourth linear carriage 11 can also have a configuration
as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the fourth linear carriage 11 can
have a basic shape (for example, rectangular) or can have a base
body 11.1 which, as shown in FIG. 4, is located in a lateral plane
of the machine 100. In FIG. 4, this lateral plane corresponds to
the plane of the drawing. Guide structures can be arranged on the
basic shape or the base body 11.1 on the front side, which faces
toward the workpieces W1, W2. In the embodiment according to FIG.
4, two guide structures 14 extending in parallel to the B axis are
used. The Y1 shift axis is therefore parallel to the B axis
here.
[0057] Guide shoes can be arranged on the lower side of the tool
spindle 1, to enable sliding of the tool spindle 1 along the guide
structures 14.
[0058] The machine 100 is thus distinguished in that the tool
spindle 1 is mounted via four linear guides 5, 12, 13, 14 and a
pivot axis A so it is movable on the machine bed 6. The mentioned
pivot axis A is perpendicular in this case to the first axis of
rotation RA1 of the first workpiece spindle 3 and to the second
axis of rotation RA2 of the second workpiece spindle 4.
[0059] It is an advantage of these unconventional arrangements and
axis configurations of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4 that in both machining
positions, the cantilever arm which results due to the infeed of
the tool 2 in the direction of workpiece C1 or C2, is equal. It is
thus ensured that the manufacturing accuracy during the machining
of the two workpieces C1, C2 is equal. In addition, this special
configuration offers more space for the drive of the tool spindle
1. It can be seen well above all in FIG. 4 that the tool spindle 1,
together with the motor 1.1 arranged coaxially thereto, are
protruding. If the second workpiece spindle 4 and the workpiece C2
were not arranged offset in relation to the first workpiece spindle
3, collisions of the tool spindle 1 or the motor 1.1 would thus
occur with the second workpiece spindle 4 or with the workpiece
C2.
[0060] In various embodiments, the machine 100 may comprise a
handling device 20, which is designed for introducing and/or
removing workpieces C1/C2. Since alternately first a workpiece C1
is machined on the workpiece spindle 3 and then subsequently a
workpiece C2 is machined on the workpiece spindle 4 using the tool
2, there is sufficient time to remove a finished machined workpiece
and to introduce a new workpiece (for example, a blank) and to
chuck it on the corresponding spindle
[0061] Therefore, handling device 20 may be designed in various
embodiments for alternately removing and introducing a workpiece on
a first of the two workpiece spindles 3 and then for removing and
introducing a workpiece on a second of the two workpiece spindles
4. For this purpose, this handling device 20 may be arranged
equidistantly (at equal distance viewed in the horizontal
direction) to the two workpiece spindles 3 and 4 in various
embodiments.
[0062] A schematic example of a machine 100 is shown in FIG. 5,
which is equipped with an exemplary handling device 20. This
handling device 20 can have a gantry structure, for example, as
shown in FIG. 5. This gantry structure may extend in parallel to
the main axis Y, which extends at an incline, in various
embodiments.
[0063] In various embodiments, the handling device 20 can comprise
inner lock gates 21, 22, which can be displaced upward and downward
in parallel to the x axis. In FIG. 5, these two lock gates 21, 22
have a trapezoid shape in the top view. The outlines thereof are
shown by dashed lines. The lock gate 21 is associated with the
workpiece C1 and the spindle 3. The lock gate 22 is associated with
the workpiece C2 and the spindle 4. The lock gate 22 can be closed
while the lock gate 21 is open during the machining of the
workpiece C1 using the tool 2, and vice versa. Thus, for example, a
gripper of the handling device 20 can be protected from flying
chips and coolant.
[0064] In various embodiments, the handling device 20 can
additionally or alternatively also comprise outer lock gates (not
shown), which can be displaced upward and downward in parallel to
the x axis. These outer lock gates may be moved up and down in
differential mode to the inner lock gates 21, 22.
[0065] In various embodiments, the handling device 20 can comprise
counter holders (not shown), which can be displaced upward and
downward in parallel to the x axis, to be able to hold the
respective workpieces C1, C2 from above in the axial direction.
[0066] In various embodiments, the handling device 20 can comprise
a column or tower structure 23, which is arranged equidistantly to
the two workpiece spindles 3, 4, and which carries a gripper 24 on
a pivotable boom 25. A snapshot is shown in FIG. 5, in which the
boom 25 together with gripper 24 is concerned with the introduction
of a workpiece C2 into the workpiece spindle 4. After the machining
of the workpiece C1 using the tool 2 is ended, the boom 25 together
with gripper 24 is pivoted about a vertical axis VA of the handling
device 20 into another position. The vertical axis VA may extend in
parallel to the x axis. In FIG. 5, the boom is identified in this
other position with the reference sign 25* and the boom 25 is
indicated by dotted outlines.
[0067] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and
modifications may be made to the above-described and other
embodiments of the present invention without departing from the
spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, this
detailed description of embodiments is to be taken in an
illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.
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