DE102012201044A1 - Machine tool for use with exchange system for rotating or milling operation of workpieces, has carrier elements fixed at machine frame in pivoted manner along curved paths between operating space and loading or unloading area - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine tool has a machine frame (1,2,3), and a traversable tool holder (9) for accommodating a tool. Two vertical carrier elements are provided in form of working spindles (22,32) or rotary retainers. The carrier elements are moved between an operating space (200) and a loading or unloading area. The carrier elements are fixed at the machine frame in pivoted manner along curved paths between the operating space and the loading or unloading area.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a machine tool with two work spindles for turning, for example, metallic workpieces and a method.

State of the art

As state of the art is the WO 01/53033 A1 known. Therein is disclosed a multifunctional machine tool having a machine unit. This comprises a work spindle which is displaceably mounted in a pivotally mounted carrier for carrying out the so-called "pick-up principle" in the spindle axis direction. The machine unit is arranged via a transport system for the workpieces or workpieces and processing facilities. The processing devices are designed such that they can be used in a functional area of the work spindle.

As a further prior art is the WO 2005/110674 A1 to name a vertical lathe with two movable spindles. The tool carrier is designed for a multi-axial feed or lifting movement in any direction, and the work spindles are arranged on at least one reciprocating sliding carriage. The sliding carriage leads in a first holding position, the first spindle in a first loading / unloading device and guides the second spindle in the processing space, while in the second holding position, the first spindle in the processing space and the second spindle is guided in a second loading / unloading device ,

However, this arrangement has the disadvantage that two spatially separate feed / removal areas are provided laterally of the lathe. For this reason, two separate pick / place devices must be provided in these areas to effect feeding and removal of a workpiece to and from the respective spindle.

As a further prior art is the DE 10 2009 033 220 A1 to name a machine tool with two vertical spindles. The in the DE 10 2009 033 220 A1 listed device sets itself the goal of the required structural space in a as in the WO 2005/110674 A1 to reduce said machine tool and to optimize the non-productive times in which no workpiece machining takes place. For this purpose, a machine tool is provided with a machine frame with two vertical spindles, which, inter alia, has a loading / unloading device, wherein a tool carrier is arranged on a cross slide in two mutually perpendicular directions on the machine frame movable.

The work spindles are fixedly arranged on the machine frame. The loading / unloading device according to one embodiment is arranged on opposite sides of an imaginary plane through the spindle axis of the work spindles. Furthermore, the loading / unloading device may comprise a gripper, openings may be provided in a partition wall of the machine tool, through which workpieces machined by means of the gripper in the work spindles can be exchanged for unprocessed workpieces.

Subject of the invention

Against the background of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a machine tool with at least two vertical spindles, in which the non-productive times are low, but at the same time the loading / unloading of workpieces can be carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The object of the invention is achieved by a machine tool according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11. Further preferred embodiments can be found in the attached dependent claims. The method can be carried out particularly preferably with a machine tool listed in claim 1.

The core idea of the present invention is to design a machine tool having two work spindles in such a way that the two work spindles can be pivoted from a preferably common loading / unloading area into a preferably common processing space. In the processing room, the work spindles should be positionable so that the respective picked up by the work spindles workpiece can be edited with one or two editing tools. During the processing of the first workpiece, the other work spindle is in the loading / unloading area, so that a workpiece can be removed from this work spindle.

The present invention relates to a machine tool for turning workpieces, which has a machine frame, at least one movable tool holder, which can receive a tool, and at least two preferably vertical work spindles. The work spindles are between a processing room and a Loading / unloading area movable. Further, the work spindles are pivotally attached to the machine frame along curved paths between a processing space and a loading / unloading area.

As a result of the construction mentioned, a comparatively inexpensive machine tool can be provided whose non-productive times are low. Furthermore, the loading / unloading of workpieces can be carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner. The pivotal movement of the work spindles along curved paths offers a very low-wear. Mechanism. Also, the machine tool according to the invention can be made compact.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the curved tracks are circular paths that run in particular in a substantially horizontal plane. Accordingly, each work spindle each has a pivot axis. The horizontal plane is parallel to a plane spanned by the X and Y axes in the embodiment described later. A vertical plane is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

Further, the curved tracks can be mirror images of each other and intersect in an area that lies in the processing space, wherein the curved tracks are preferably mirror images of a vertical first plane. Thereby, it is possible that the work spindles can be aligned in the processing space in a substantially same position, and thus the position of the tools for both the first and the second work spindle can be the same. For example, the intersection of the curved webs could represent the end region of the curved webs. The position of the respective work spindle in the processing space is substantially the same. Possible tolerances of the exact position can be detected, for example, for each work spindle before the start of processing, and be deposited in the controller so that the tools are tuned to the position of the respective work spindle.

The work spindles are preferably pivotable over a specific pivot angle α, β, which pivot angle is between 50-130 °, preferably between 70-110 °, more preferably between 80-100 ° and particularly preferably substantially 90 °.

The work spindles may be rotatably attached to a portion of the machine frame via the work spindle holders. In this way, the curved tracks can be realized, for example, on which the work spindles are moved.

The tool holders can be moved along three translational directions, and in this way bring a tool to the workpiece located in the work spindle. Independent movability of the tool holders makes it possible to machine a workpiece from two sides.

In a preferred embodiment, the work spindles are pivotally mounted on two opposite uprights of the machine frame of the machine tool. This ensures that the work spindles can be alternately swiveled into the processing space without interfering with each other.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the curved paths of the first and second working spindles intersect in two areas, which two areas lie in a first plane perpendicular to a second plane, in which second plane are the pivot axes of the work spindles. This allows an extremely compact design for the machine tool according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the machine tool according to the invention each partition walls are provided on the work spindle holders, which are dimensioned and aligned so that a vertical edge of the partition of a work spindle holder, which is located in the processing room, located near a side wall of the other work spindle holder and the processing space and can separate the loading / unloading area.

Alternatively or in addition to this embodiment, a partition can be moved from above or below, when the one work spindle has entered the processing space, and the other work spindle is in the loading / unloading area.

In this way, the work spindle holders with their partitions provide a possibility of separation between the processing space and the loading / unloading area. An additional separator is therefore not required. The pendulum movement of the work spindle holder and thus the work spindles is not hindered by the partitions. In particular, the said vertical edge of the respective one partition of the side wall of the opposite working spindle holder comes so close that no chips or the like can get from the processing space into the loading / unloading area.

Further, the side walls of the work spindle holder may be curved such that the vertical edge of the partition wall of each opposite working spindle holder already slides during the pendulum movement close to the side wall. Thus, a separation between the processing space and the loading / unloading area is already provided during the pendulum motion.

Brief description of the drawings

1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention

2 shows a plan view of in 1 illustrated preferred embodiment

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In the attached 1 and 2 a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Other modifications mentioned in connection with this preferred embodiment may each be combined with each other to form new embodiments.

The lathe shown in the figures comprises a first stand 2 and a second stand 3 extending in a vertical direction (Z-direction) and spaced apart in a horizontal direction (Y-direction) but over a base bed 1 connected to each other. Between the first stand 2 and the second stand 3 becomes a editing room 200 educated. Adjacent to this is a common loading / unloading area 100 provided (see 2 ). The editing room 200 thus extends between the first stand 2 and the second stand 3 ,

In the editing room 200 are two tool holders 9 and 16 so mobile on the stands 2 . 3 provided that they can be moved along three translational axes. The mobility along three axes is realized as follows.

In the Y-direction run between the stands 2 . 3 parallel to each other two Y-rails 11a . 11b , Along the Y-rails 11a . 11b can in the area of the first stator, a first Y-slide 4 be guided. On the first Y-carriage, which is movable in the Y-direction 4 is a first Z-rail pair 5 provided (only one rail is shown in the figures). Along the first Z-rail pair can be a first Z-slide 6 in a vertical direction (Z direction) are guided. The first Z-sleigh 6 again has a first X-rail pair 7 (only one rail is shown in the figures), along which a first X-carriage 8th can be performed.

At the first X-sled 8th is the first tool holder 9 attached. The first tool holder 9 is executed in the present embodiment as a turret tool holder, the multiple tool holders 10 in a circumferential direction. In 1 is in one of the tool holders 10 a tool 40 added.

According to the first stand 2 are on the second stand 3 similar element added to the flexibility of the second tool holder 16 along three translational axes. Accordingly, a second Y-carriage 12 along the Y-rails 11a . 11b movable in Y direction. Furthermore, a second Z-slide 14 and a second X-slide 15 provided.

In one above the first tool holder 9 located section of the first stator 2 is a first boom 20 provided, on which a first pivot 21 is appropriate. About the hinge 21 having a Z-axis extending axis of rotation is a first work spindle holder 22 on the first stand 2 attached pivotally by an angle β. On the work spindle holder 22 is a first work spindle extending in the Z direction 23 attached. The work spindle holder 22 includes a curved sidewall 24 towards the second stand 3 has. Furthermore, the work spindle holder 22 a partition 25 provided, the - as described below - the processing space from the loading / unloading area 100 can separate. Above the boom 20 and the work spindle holder 22 is a cover 26 provided, inter alia, the hinge 21 and the first work spindle 23 protects against chips and the like.

At the second stand 3 is a second boom 30 provided a second pivot 31 having. The second hinge 31 has an axis of rotation extending in the Z direction, over which a second work spindle holder 32 by an angle α pivotally on the second arm 30 is appropriate. At the second work spindle holder 32 is a second work spindle 33 attached, which extends in the Z direction. The second work spindle holder 32 includes a curved sidewall 34 moving in the direction of the first stand 2 has. Further, on the second work spindle holder 32 a partition 35 provided that the processing space from the loading / unloading area 100 can separate. In addition, above the second boom 30 and the second work spindle holder 32 a second cover 36 provided, inter alia, the second pivot 31 and the first work spindle 33 protects against chips and the like.

The swivel joints 21 . 31 are arranged such that their axes of rotation lie in a second vertical plane L2, which lies between the first stand 2 and the second stand 3 runs. Perpendicular to the second level L2, there is also a first vertical plane L1, which is substantially halfway between the first stand 2 and the second stand 3 located. In this first level L1 is a section of the respective work spindle 23 . 33 when in the editing room 200 was panned. In the loading / unloading area 100 the positions of the work spindles are essentially mirror images of the first plane L1.

As in 2 are the first work spindle holder 22 and the second work spindle holder 32 so pivotally in a horizontal direction, that curved tracks of the first work spindle holder 22 and the second work spindle holder 32 essentially in the first plane L1. An intersection is the working position of the work spindles.

The first work spindle 23 and the second work spindle 33 are, as in 2 represented by the loading / unloading area 100 in the processing room and swing out. In the in 2 shown working position is the second work spindle 33 in the editing room, while the first work spindle 23 in the loading / unloading area 100 located.

The first and second tool holder 9 . 16 are positioned so that, for example, a machining of a workpiece can be done from two sides. The second work spindle 33 is located as in 2 shown in the editing room 200 , and the tool holder 9 . 16 be delivered individually or if necessary both such that in the second work spindle 33 located workpiece can be machined rotating. Machining can be done simultaneously or sequentially with one tool or with two tools.

Is the processing on this in the second work spindle 33 finished workpiece, become the first tool holder 9 and the second tool holder 16 so removed from the workpiece that the in 2 shown pivoting movement of the second work spindle 33 can be executed. Is the second work spindle 33 in the loading / unloading area 100 , may be the first work spindle 23 be guided over a pivoting movement in the processing room. The following will be in the first work spindle 23 located workpiece processed rotating.

While working in the first work spindle 23 located workpiece can be located in the second work spindle 33 be removed workpiece. If necessary, this workpiece is again in reverse orientation in the first or second work spindle 23 . 33 introduced so that it can also be edited from this page. For example, the work spindle 23 . 33 be equipped with different jaws, so that a workpiece in a first clamping in the first work spindle 23 , and then in a different orientation in a second setting in the second work spindle 33 is processed.

Alternatively, a new workpiece is inserted into the respective work spindle for exchanging a workpiece from one work spindle to the other work spindle. These could in this case be equipped with the same intake jaws.

For example, a robot can be used to change the workpiece or to realign the workpiece. Because the positions of the first and second work spindle 23 . 33 in the loading / unloading area 100 the lathe adjacent to each other, the robot has only short trajectories travel, and can for the first and second work spindle 23 . 33 be used. Also, a simple transfer of a workpiece from the first to the second work spindle is possible in this way. For example, this could include a turntable in the loading / unloading area 100 be provided.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 01/53033 A1 [0002]
• WO 2005/110674 A1 [0003, 0005]
• DE 102009033220 A1 [0005, 0005]

Claims (15)

Machine tool for turning workpieces, comprising: - a machine frame ( 1 . 2 . 3 ), - at least one movable tool holder ( 9 . 16 ), which can receive a tool, - at least two on work spindle holders ( 23 . 33 ), preferably vertical work spindles ( 23 . 33 ) between a processing room ( 200 ) and a loading / unloading area ( 100 ) are movable, characterized in that the work spindles ( 23 . 33 ) along curved paths between the processing space and the loading / unloading area ( 100 ) are pivotally mounted on the machine frame. Machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved tracks are circular paths, which preferably extend in a substantially horizontal plane. Machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the curved tracks are mirror images of each other and intersect in an area in the processing space ( 200 ), wherein the curved tracks are preferably mirror-inverted on a first vertical plane (L1). Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working spindles ( 23 . 33 ) are pivotable over a certain pivot angle (α, β), which pivot angle (α, β) is between 50-130 °, preferably between 70-110 °, more preferably between 80-100 °, and particularly preferably substantially 90 °. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work spindle holders ( 22 . 32 ) rotatable on a section ( 20 . 30 ) of the machine frame ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) are attached. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool holders ( 9 . 16 ) are movable along three translational directions. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work spindle holders ( 23 . 33 ) with the work spindles ( 22 . 32 ) on two opposite stands ( 2 . 3 ) of the machine frame of the machine tool are pivotally mounted. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curved tracks of the first and second working spindles ( 23 . 33 ) in two areas, which extend two areas in a first plane (L1) perpendicular to a second plane (L2), in which second plane (L2) the pivot axes of the work spindles ( 23 . 33 ) lie. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the work spindle holders ( 22 . 32 ) each partitions ( 25 . 35 ) are provided, which are dimensioned and aligned such that the partition wall of a work spindle holder, which is located in the processing space, a side wall ( 24 . 34 ) of the other work spindle holder ( 22 . 32 ) and the processing space and the loading / unloading area ( 100 ) can be separated from each other. Machine tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that working spindle holders ( 22 . 32 ) each have a curved side wall ( 24 . 34 ) exhibit. Method for the alternate turning of workpieces with a two working spindles ( 23 . 33 ), comprising the steps of: conveying one in a first work spindle ( 23 ) received workpiece into a processing space ( 200 ) by a pivoting movement of the first work spindle along a curved path, working in a first work spindle ( 23 ) received workpiece, conveying the in a first work spindle ( 23 ) received workpiece by a pivoting movement of the first work spindle along the curved path, conveying one in a second work spindle ( 33 ) received workpiece into the processing space ( 200 ) by a pivoting movement of the second work spindle ( 33 ) along another curved path. A method according to claim 11, wherein the curved tracks are circular tracks which preferably extend in a substantially horizontal plane. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the curved path of the first work spindle ( 23 ) mirror image of the curved path of the second work spindle ( 33 ), wherein as a mirror plane preferably a vertical first plane (L1) is used. Method according to one of Claims 11-13, in which the conveying-in of the respective one work spindle ( 23 . 33 ) starts in the processing space, if or before the feeding out of the other work spindle ( 23 . 33 ) ends from the editing room. Method according to one of claims 11-14, wherein the work spindles ( 23 . 33 ) are pivoted over a certain pivot angle (α, β), which pivot angle (α, β) is between 50-130 °, preferably between 70-110 °, more preferably between 80-100 °, and particularly preferably substantially 90 °.

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