阅读说明：本技术 机床，特别是车床 (Machine tool, in particular lathe ) 是由 米尔科·帕塞里尼 瓦尔特·吉纳米 于 2019-08-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种机床(100),特别是车床,其包括机架(110),该机架(110)具有上刀架支承部分(113)、下刀架支承部分(114)以及布置在上刀架支承部分和下刀架支承部分之间的心轴托架部分(112),心轴托架(120),该心轴托架(120)布置在机架(110)的心轴托架部分(112)上或位于心轴托架部分(112)上一高度处,支承被构造成接收工件W的主心轴(121),该主心轴(121)具有水平布置的心轴轴线,一个或多个刀架,刀架组件(150)支承每个刀架,该刀架组件(150)布置在机架(110)的上刀架支承部分或下刀架支承部分上,其特征在于,该下刀架支承部分(114)的其上能够安装一个或多个刀架的下侧面布置成具有悬垂的倾斜度。(The invention relates to a machine tool (100), in particular a lathe, comprising a machine frame (110), the frame (110) having an upper tool holder support portion (113), a lower tool holder support portion (114), and a spindle carrier portion (112) disposed between the upper and lower tool holder support portions, a spindle carrier (120), the spindle carrier (120) is disposed on a spindle carrier portion (112) of the frame (110) or at a height above the spindle carrier portion (112), supports a primary spindle (121) configured to receive a workpiece W, the primary mandrel (121) having a horizontally disposed mandrel axis, one or more tool holders, a tool holder assembly (150) supporting each tool holder, the blade carrier assembly (150) is disposed on either an upper blade carrier support portion or a lower blade carrier support portion of the frame (110), characterised in that the underside of the lower blade holder support portion (114) on which one or more blade holders can be mounted is arranged with a depending inclination.)

1. Machine tool, in particular lathe, comprising:

a frame having an upper toolholder support portion, a lower toolholder support portion, and a mandrel carrier portion disposed between the upper toolholder support portion and the lower toolholder support portion,

a spindle carrier disposed on or at a height on the spindle carrier portion of the frame, supporting a primary spindle configured to receive a workpiece, the primary spindle having a horizontally disposed spindle axis,

one or more tool holders, a tool holder assembly supporting each tool holder, said tool holder assembly being disposed on either said upper or lower tool holder support portion of said frame,

it is characterized in that

The underside of the lower blade holder support portion on which one or more blade holders can be mounted is arranged with a depending inclination.

2. The machine tool of claim 1, wherein:

the underside of the lower tool holder support portion is inclined at an overhang angle of inclination in the range of 300 to 330 degrees, in particular at an overhang angle of inclination of substantially 315 degrees.

3. The machine tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein:

an upper side surface of the upper blade holder support portion is arranged to have an inclination, and the one or more blade holders can be mounted to the upper side surface of the upper blade holder support portion.

4. The machine tool of claim 3, wherein:

the upper side surface of the upper tool holder support portion is inclined at an inclination angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, particularly at an inclination angle of substantially 45 degrees.

5. The machine tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

one or more or each carriage assembly is configured to independently move the respective carriage in one or more linear directions, including at least one of the following directions of movement: a Z-axis movement direction to move the tool post horizontally in a direction parallel to the spindle axis of the main spindle, an X-axis movement direction to move the tool post radially with respect to the spindle axis of the main spindle, and a Y-axis movement direction to move the tool post perpendicular to the spindle axis of the main spindle and perpendicular to the X-axis movement direction of the main spindle.

6. The machine tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

one or more or each tool-holder assembly is configured to rotate the respective tool holder about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the spindle axis of the main spindle, in particular by means of B-axis movement.

7. The machine tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

an opposing spindle carrier is disposed on the spindle carrier portion of the frame, the opposing spindle carrier supporting an opposing spindle facing the primary spindle and configured to receive a workpiece, the opposing spindle having a horizontally disposed spindle axis, the spindle axis of the opposing spindle being coaxially disposed with the spindle axis of the primary spindle.

8. The machine tool of claim 7, wherein:

the main spindle carrier and/or the counter spindle carrier are configured to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the spindle axes of the main spindle and the counter spindle along horizontal guides arranged on the spindle carrier part of the machine frame.

9. The machine tool of claim 7 or 8, wherein:

the opposing spindle carrier supports a spindle slide that supports the opposing spindle for driving movement of the opposing spindle laterally or perpendicularly relative to the spindle axis.

10. Machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a machine tool

A secondary spindle carrier is arranged on the spindle carrier portion of the machine frame, which secondary spindle carrier supports a secondary hollow spindle which is configured to receive and guide a workpiece coaxially with the spindle axis of the main spindle, in particular such that the workpiece extends out of the secondary hollow spindle on both sides of the secondary spindle carrier, in particular such that clamping of the workpiece by the secondary hollow spindle can be processed without releasing any clamped state.

11. The machine tool of claim 10, wherein:

the secondary spindle carrier is configured to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the spindle axis of the spindle along a horizontal guide disposed on the spindle carrier portion of the frame.

12. The machine tool according to any one of claims 7 to 9 and 10 or 11, wherein:

the secondary spindle carrier is disposed between the primary spindle carrier and the opposing spindle carrier.

13. The machine tool of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein:

the secondary hollow spindle comprises a clamping unit controlled electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumatically for clamping a workpiece received in the secondary hollow spindle, and a drive for driving a rotary movement of the workpiece clamped by the clamping unit.

14. The machine tool of claim 13, wherein:

the drive comprises an electrical or electromagnetic direct drive mechanism.

15. The machine tool of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein:

the secondary spindle carrier supports a spindle slide that supports the secondary hollow spindle for driving movement of the secondary hollow spindle laterally or vertically with respect to the spindle axis.

Background

A machine tool of the generic type, such as a lathe or a turret lathe, usually comprises a machine frame which can be arranged with at least two rotatably mounted working spindles which face one another and have parallel or coaxial spindle axes, wherein the working spindles can receive workpieces to be machined on the machine tool. In order to provide a tool for machining, a tool holder is provided, which is usually available on a movable tool holder slide, in particular a compound slide, which is arranged at the machine frame and can be moved relative to the working spindle by means of one or more linear axes. (i.e., it can move in three directions, such as X, Y or the Z direction). Such machine tools of this type are known, for example, from EP 2714307B 1, EP 2714308B 1, EP 2714309B 1 or EP 2714310B 1.

In general, the machine tools of this type require that they be provided in order to be able to machine a workpiece efficiently with as many tools as possible simultaneously, and, if possible, to control the relative movement between the tool received on the working spindle and the tool with as high a degree of flexibility as possible, while at the same time being compact, cost-effective and of strict design, and the machining area being accessible in an optimal manner by the handler or operator of the machine tool.

One object of the present invention is to improve a machine tool of the generic type in such a way that it is possible to machine a workpiece efficiently with as many available tools at the same time, and, if possible, to control the relative movement between the tool received on the working spindle and the tool with as high a degree of flexibility as possible, while at the same time the machine tool is compact and likewise cost-effective and is of a strict design, and the machining area is accessible in an optimum manner by the handler or operator of the machine tool.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above object, the present invention proposes a machine tool, in particular a lathe, as claimed in claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred exemplary embodiments.

According to an exemplary aspect, a machine tool, in particular a lathe, may include a frame having an upper tool holder support portion, a lower tool holder support portion, and a spindle bracket portion disposed between the upper and lower tool holder support portions, the spindle bracket disposed on or at a height on the spindle bracket portion of the frame, supporting a primary spindle configured to receive a workpiece, the primary spindle having a horizontally disposed spindle axis, and one or more tool holders, a tool holder assembly supporting each tool holder, the tool holder assembly disposed on the upper or lower tool holder support portion of the frame.

The tool holders can be equipped with different types of machining heads, and in particular different types of machining heads (e.g. turrets, grinding wheels, hobbing devices, etc.) can be mounted separately on each tool holder. One or both tool holders may be supported on the upper tool holder support portion and/or one or both tool holders may be supported on the lower tool holder support portion.

The underside of the lower blade holder support portion (to which one or more blade holders may be mounted) is illustratively arranged with a depending inclination.

Preferably, the underside of the lower tool holder support portion is inclined at a drape inclination angle in the range of 300 to 330 degrees (or in other words between-60 and-30 degrees), in particular at substantially 315 degrees (or in other words substantially-45 degrees).

Preferably, the upper side of the upper blade holder support portion, to which one or more blade holders can be mounted, is arranged with an inclination.

Preferably, the upper side of the upper blade holder support portion is inclined at an inclination angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, in particular at an inclination angle of substantially 45 degrees.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the upper side of the upper blade holder support portion (to which one or more blade holders may be mounted) is arranged with an inclination which is substantially the same with respect to a horizontal plane above the horizontal plane as with respect to the lower side of the lower blade holder support portion below the horizontal plane. In other words, the absolute value of the (negative) overhanging tilt angle of the underside of the lower toolholder support portion is preferably substantially equal to the tilt angle of the upper side of the upper toolholder support portion. This has the advantage that a complete symmetry of the machine frame can be achieved, so that the same machining performance can be achieved from the upper and lower machining heads (e.g. turret, grinding wheel, hobbing device, etc.) arranged on the upper and lower tool rest supports.

Preferably, the inclination of the upper side of the upper blade holder support portion and the overhanging inclination of the lower side of the lower blade holder support portion are arranged at substantially 90 degrees relative to each other, preferably the inclination angle of the upper side of the upper blade holder support portion is substantially 45 degrees and the inclination angle of the lower side of the lower blade holder support portion is substantially 315 degrees (or in other words-45 degrees).

Preferably, one or more or each carriage assembly is configured to independently move the respective carriage in one or more linear directions, including at least one of a Z-axis direction of movement to move the carriage horizontally in a direction parallel to the spindle axis of the primary spindle, an X-axis direction of movement to move the carriage laterally or perpendicularly, particularly preferably radially, with respect to the spindle axis of the primary spindle, and a Y-axis direction of movement to move the carriage perpendicular or transversely to the X-axis direction in a direction perpendicular or transversely to the spindle axis of the primary spindle.

Preferably, the direction of the X-axis movement direction or the Y-axis movement direction is arranged perpendicular to the spindle axis of the main spindle and parallel to the inclination of the lower side of the lower tool holder support portion and/or the inclination of the upper side of the upper tool holder support portion.

Preferably, one or more or each tool-holder assembly is configured to rotate the respective tool-holder about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the spindle axis of the main spindle, in particular by means of a B-axis movement. Preferably, the axis of rotation is arranged transverse or perpendicular to the spindle axis.

Preferably, the machine tool further comprises an opposing spindle bracket disposed on the spindle bracket portion of the frame, bearing an opposing spindle facing the main spindle and configured to receive a workpiece, the opposing spindle having a horizontally disposed spindle axis disposed coaxially with the spindle axis of the main spindle.

Preferably, the main spindle carrier and/or the counter spindle carrier are configured to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the spindle axes of the main spindle and the counter spindle along a horizontal guide arranged at the spindle carrier part of the machine frame.

Preferably, a spindle slide is supported relative to the spindle carrier, the spindle slide supporting the relative spindle for driving movement of the relative spindle transverse or perpendicular to the spindle axis.

Preferably, the machine tool further comprises a secondary spindle carrier arranged on the spindle carrier portion of the machine frame, supporting a secondary hollow spindle configured to receive and guide the workpiece coaxially with the spindle axis of the primary spindle, in particular such that the workpiece extends out of the secondary hollow spindle on both sides of the secondary spindle carrier, in particular to enable machining of the workpiece clamped by the secondary hollow spindle without releasing any clamped state.

It is to be noted that the above aspect may also be provided as a separate aspect for use with a machine tool. That is, a secondary spindle assembly for a machine tool may be independently proposed, which may include a secondary spindle carrier configured to be arranged on a spindle carrier portion of a machine frame of the machine tool, the secondary spindle carrier supporting a secondary hollow spindle configured to receive and guide a workpiece coaxially with a spindle axis of the main spindle, in particular such that the workpiece extends out of the secondary hollow spindle on both sides of the secondary spindle carrier, in particular such that a workpiece clamped by the secondary hollow spindle can be machined without releasing any clamped state. Such a secondary spindle may comprise a spindle drive, for example, i.e. a direct drive, for driving the rotation of the received workpiece. According to an exemplary aspect, a machine tool, in particular a lathe, may also be provided, which may include a machine frame, one or more spindles (e.g., a main spindle and/or an opposing spindle), and a secondary spindle assembly, which may include a secondary spindle carrier disposed on a spindle carrier portion of the machine frame of the machine tool, the secondary spindle carrier supporting a secondary hollow spindle configured to receive and guide a workpiece coaxially with a spindle axis of the main spindle. In particular, the workpiece is caused to extend out of the secondary hollow spindle on both sides of the secondary spindle carrier, in particular, it is possible to machine a workpiece clamped by the secondary hollow spindle without releasing any clamped state.

Preferably, the secondary spindle carrier is configured to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the spindle axis of the primary spindle along a horizontal guide arranged on the spindle carrier part of the machine frame.

Preferably, the secondary spindle carrier is arranged between the primary spindle carrier and the counter spindle carrier.

Preferably, the secondary hollow spindle comprises a clamping unit controlled electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumatically for clamping the workpiece received in the secondary hollow spindle, and a drive for driving a rotary movement of the workpiece clamped by the clamping unit.

Preferably, the secondary hollow spindle may clamp the workpiece in one or more clamping states, and may also be switched to a release state in which the workpiece is free to slide within the hollow spindle. The clamped state may comprise a rigid clamped state (locked) and/or a looser clamped state in which the workpiece is guided in the hollow spindle but can still slide in the spindle axis direction.

Preferably, the actuator comprises an electrical or electromagnetic direct drive mechanism. In other exemplary embodiments, the driver may be implemented as a conventional drive mechanism, i.e. including a gear mechanism.

Preferably, in some exemplary embodiments, the secondary spindle carrier supports a spindle slide that supports the secondary hollow spindle for driving the secondary hollow spindle to move transversely or perpendicularly relative to the spindle axis.

Preferably, in other exemplary embodiments, the machine tool further comprises a secondary spindle carrier arranged on the upper or lower tool head portion of the machine frame, the secondary hollow spindle being configured to receive and guide the workpiece coaxially with the spindle axis of the primary spindle. In particular, the workpiece is caused to extend out of the secondary hollow spindle on both sides of the secondary spindle carrier, in particular, it is possible to machine a workpiece clamped by the secondary hollow spindle without releasing any clamped state.

Preferably, the secondary spindle carrier is configured to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the spindle axis of the primary spindle along a horizontal guide arranged on the upper or lower tool holder part of the machine frame.

Preferably, also in such an exemplary embodiment, the secondary spindle carrier is arranged between the primary spindle carrier and the counter spindle carrier.

Preferably, also in such exemplary embodiments, the secondary spindle carrier supports a spindle slide that supports the secondary hollow spindle for driving the secondary hollow spindle to move laterally or perpendicularly relative to the spindle axis.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the machine tool may comprise two secondary hollow spindles, for example one arranged opposite the main spindle and one arranged opposite the opposite shaft, preferably two secondary hollow spindles arranged between the main spindle and the opposite spindle.

Preferably, the two secondary hollow spindles are configured to move horizontally in the direction of the spindle axis, and the two secondary hollow spindles may be arranged as discussed above for the case of one secondary hollow spindle.

In particular, the secondary spindle carriers may both be arranged on the spindle carrier portion. Also, each secondary spindle carrier may be arranged on the spindle carrier portion, the upper tool holder portion and/or the lower tool holder portion. In some exemplary aspects, one secondary spindle bracket may be disposed on the upper cutter frame portion and another secondary spindle bracket may be disposed on the lower cutter frame portion. Further, one or both of the secondary hollow spindles may also be configured to move in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the spindle axis.

In general, it is noted that workpieces may be loaded onto a machine tool by workpiece loading devices such as strip loaders, strip feeders and/or handling robots. The machined workpiece may be removed by an unloading device, for example, by a handling robot.

While certain exemplary aspects have been described above, it is to be understood that such aspects are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that exemplary aspects are not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described above, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described aspects may be configured in various adaptations, modifications, and/or combinations. It is therefore to be understood that other aspects may be included that are practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate, in view of this disclosure, that various aspects described herein can be combined to form other aspects claimed in the present disclosure.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a machine tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the machine frame of the machine tool shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the machine frame shown in fig. 2 with a workpiece spindle mounted.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a toolholder assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the machine frame of the machine tool shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a machine tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of the machine frame of the machine tool shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the machine frame of the machine tool shown in fig. 6.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of modules of a modular toolholder assembly system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustratively shows an abstract cross-sectional view of a secondary hollow mandrel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustratively shows a cross-sectional view of a secondary hollow mandrel according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred aspects and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar features in different figures and embodiments are denoted by similar reference numerals. It should be understood that the following detailed description, in connection with various preferred aspects and preferred embodiments, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a machine tool 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Machine tool 100, illustratively embodied as a turret lathe, includes a frame 110 illustratively supporting four tool post assemblies 150, a workpiece-carrying main spindle 121 supported by a main spindle carrier 120, and a workpiece-carrying opposing spindle 141 supported by an opposing spindle carrier 140.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the frame 110 of the machine tool 100 shown in fig. 1.

The frame 110 is exemplarily located on two stage portions 111a and 111b, and a bracket support portion of the frame 110 is exemplarily formed between the stage portions 111a and 111b and held by the stage portions 111a and 111 b.

The frame 110 illustratively has an upper support portion 113 and a lower support portion 114, both illustratively extending horizontally between the two machine sections 111a and 111 b. The front support part 112 of the frame 110 is formed between an upper support part 113 and a lower support part 114, wherein the front support part 112 extends horizontally between the two machine table parts 111a and 111 b.

The front support portion 112 of the frame 110 illustratively has a vertically disposed front surface. The upper side of the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 is arranged as an inclined ramp, illustratively inclined at an angle of inclination of substantially 45 degrees (e.g., relative to the work floor on which the frame 110 is located by the table portions 111a and 111 b). The underside of the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 is arranged as a depending inclined ramp, illustratively inclined at an angle of inclination of substantially 315 degrees (e.g. relative to the work floor on which the frame 110 rests via the machine sections 111a and 111 b).

In other exemplary embodiments, the inclination angle of the upper side of the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 may be in the range of 30 to 60 degrees. Also, the inclination angle of the lower side of the lower support 114 of the frame 110 may be in the range of 300 to 330 degrees. In particular, it may be preferably provided that the angle formed between the upper support portion 113 and the lower support portion 114 is substantially 90 degrees.

The upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 has horizontally extending guide rails 113a for slidably supporting the carriage assembly 150 on the upper side of the frame 110 in the machining region between the spindles. The lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 has horizontally extending guide rails 114a for slidably supporting a carriage assembly 150 on the underside of the frame 110 in the machining region between the spindles. The front side oriented front support portion 112 of the frame 110 has horizontally extending guide rails 112a for slidably supporting the opposing spindle brackets 140 and the secondary spindle bracket 130.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the machine frame 100 shown in fig. 2 with a workpiece spindle mounted.

The frame 110 carries a main spindle carrier 120, which is guided horizontally, for example, on guide rails 112a on the front support section 112, for example, at the left front side on the front surface side of the frame section 111a and for example at the height of the front support section 112. The primary spindle carrier 120 includes a primary spindle 121 carrying a workpiece, the primary spindle 121 being configured to receive an elongated workpiece, such as a rod, and drive the received workpiece in rotation about a spindle axis of the primary spindle 121. Illustratively, the main spindle 121 is arranged with its spindle axis extending in a horizontal direction.

Further illustratively, the opposing spindle carrier 140 is slidably mounted to the front support portion 112 on the guide rail 112 a. The frame 110 carries an opposing spindle carrier 140, the opposing spindle carrier 140 including an opposing spindle 141 carrying a workpiece, the opposing spindle 141 being configured to receive an elongated workpiece, such as a rod, and to drive the received workpiece in rotation about a spindle axis of the opposing spindle 141. Illustratively, the opposing spindles 141 are arranged with their spindle axes extending in a horizontal direction.

Specifically, the opposing spindle 141 is exemplarily arranged to oppose the main spindle 121 with its spindle axis extending in a horizontal direction coaxially arranged with respect to the spindle axis of the main spindle 121. Accordingly, the opposing spindle 141 may be moved horizontally toward the main spindle to receive a workpiece received in the main spindle 121 to receive the workpiece from the main spindle 121, for example, to allow for back end machining of the workpiece.

Further illustratively, an optional secondary spindle carrier 130 is slidably mounted on the front support portion 112 between the primary spindle carrier 120 and the opposing spindle carrier 140, the secondary spindle carrier 130 illustratively being horizontally guided on a guide rail 112a on the front support portion 112, i.e., illustratively on the same guide rail 112a that supports the opposing spindle carrier 140.

The frame 110 carries an optional secondary spindle carrier 130, the secondary spindle carrier 130 including (or at least supporting) a secondary hollow spindle 131, the secondary hollow spindle 131 being configured to receive an elongated workpiece, such as a rod, and to support and/or guide rotation of the received workpiece about a guide axis of rotation of the secondary hollow spindle 131. The exemplary sub hollow spindle 131 is arranged such that its guide rotation axis (sub spindle axis) extends in the horizontal direction. The sub hollow spindle 131 may be used as a spindle that clamps/holds a workpiece and drives the workpiece to rotate, and the sub hollow spindle 131 may also be used as a rotary-type guide sleeve that guides the rotation of the workpiece clamped in one or both of the main spindle and the counter spindle. .

Specifically, the optional sub-hollow spindle 131 is exemplarily disposed between the main spindle 121 and the opposite spindle 141 with its guide rotation axis coaxially disposed in the horizontal direction with respect to the spindle axes of the main spindle 121 and the opposite spindle 141 on the guide rail 112 a.

Accordingly, the secondary hollow spindle 131 can be horizontally moved within the range between the primary spindle 121 and the opposing spindle 141 to receive the workpiece received in the primary spindle 121 and guide and/or support it, for example, to prevent the workpiece from bending due to the force exerted by the tool, or to receive the workpiece received in the opposing spindle 141 and guide and/or support it, for example, to prevent the workpiece from bending due to the force exerted by the tool.

Returning again to fig. 1, four workpiece-carrying assemblies 150 are illustratively shown disposed on the upper and lower support portions of the frame 110 in the processing region between the spindles 121 and 141. Specifically, two workpiece-carrying assemblies 150 are illustratively slidably disposed on the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 on the guide rails 113a, and two workpiece-carrying assemblies 150 are illustratively slidably disposed on the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 on the guide rails 114 a.

It should be noted that the number of cutter assembly carriers 150 may vary, and other configurations may be provided. The exemplary embodiment, having four tool assembly carriers 150, two on top and two on bottom, provides a high degree of flexibility in machining, for machining different workpieces or different portions of the same workpiece simultaneously, and also provides for a number of tool types.

However, fewer than four cutter assembly carriers 150 may be provided, such as: only one upper cutter assembly carrier, two upper cutter assembly carriers, only one lower cutter assembly carrier, two lower cutter assembly carriers, an upper cutter assembly carrier and a lower cutter assembly carrier, an upper cutter assembly carrier and two lower cutter assembly carriers, or two upper cutter assembly carriers and a lower cutter assembly carrier. For example, the tool assembly carrier may be mounted according to machining process requirements, for example, according to customer preferences and requirements.

Each knife assembly carrier 150 is slidably mounted horizontally movable along the guide rail 113a or 114a of a respective one of the upper and lower support portions 113 and 114. This direction of movement is commonly referred to as the Z direction, and each knife assembly carrier 150 is movable through a corresponding digitally controllable Z axis.

Further, tool-holder assembly 150 is illustratively configured to carry tool mounts having one or more tools for machining a workpiece received at any spindle 131 or 141, and tool-holder assembly 150 is further illustratively configured to have two additional linear axes, including a vertical axis, to move the tool mounts vertically (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the coaxially arranged spindle axes). This vertical direction of movement is commonly referred to as the X direction, and each knife assembly carrier 150 is movable through a corresponding digitally controllable X axis.

For each carriage assembly 150, another third linear axis of motion may be provided as another horizontal or inclined axis to cause the tool mount to move in a third direction, which is illustratively arranged perpendicular to the direction of the coaxially arranged spindle axis and is horizontally oriented or inclined to the horizontal. In any case, such further linear axis movement direction is preferably arranged perpendicularly or transversely with respect to the vertical axis movement direction. This third direction of motion, which is horizontally or obliquely disposed, is commonly referred to as the Y direction, and each knife assembly carrier 150 is movable through a corresponding digitally controllable Y axis.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a toolholder assembly 150, according to an exemplary embodiment. By way of example, the arrangement of one, two or three or four carriage assemblies 150 on the frame 110 of the machine tool 100 can be implemented analogously.

The carriage assembly 150 includes a carriage support slide 151 configured to be slidably mounted to a guide rail 113a or 114a of the upper support portion 113 or the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110. Thus, when mounted on the top of the upper support portion 113 on the guide rail 113a, the carriage support slider 151 is configured to move horizontally along and on the guide rail 113a (Z-axis) in a horizontal direction arranged horizontally and coaxially parallel to the spindle axes of the spindles 121 and 141. On the other hand, when mounted at the guide rail 114a of the suspended lower support portion 114 in a suspended state, the carriage support slider 151 is configured to move horizontally along the guide rail 114a (Z-axis) in a horizontal direction arranged horizontally and coaxially in parallel to the spindle axes of the spindles 121 and 141.

On the front side of the carriage support slide 151 of the carriage assembly 150, facing the machining area of the machine tool 100, between the primary spindles 121 and 141, a carriage support slide 152 is slidably mounted to the carriage support slide 151. The carriage support slider 152 is configured to move vertically in the vertical direction along a vertical guide rail disposed on the front surface (X-axis) of the carriage support slider 151.

On the front side of the tool holder support slide 152 of the tool holder assembly 150, facing the machining region of the machine tool 100 between the main spindles 121 and 141, a horizontally arranged tool holder sleeve 153 (not shown in fig. 1) is exemplarily provided, which extends perpendicularly from the front side of the tool holder support slide 152 into the machining region of the machine tool 100, for mounting a tool holder at the front side end of the tool holder sleeve 153.

In an exemplary embodiment, optionally, a tool holder sleeve 153 may be mounted to the tool holder support slide 152 for controllable horizontal movement in the Y-direction (preferably perpendicular to the spindle axis of the main spindles 121 and 141) toward the front (Y-axis) of the machine tool 100. In other exemplary embodiments, the tool holder sleeve 153 may include elements configured to be horizontally movable in the Y-direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the spindle axis of the main spindles 121 and 141) toward the front (Y-axis) of the machine tool 100.

By the arrangement described above as shown in figures 1 and 4. Tool holder assembly 150 is configured to carry a tool holder, such as a tool holder, that holds one or more tools, and is further configured to controllably move the tool holder in three independent directions of motion, including an X-direction that extends, illustratively, perpendicular to the horizontally disposed direction of the spindle, a Y-direction that extends, illustratively, horizontally and perpendicular to the horizontally disposed direction of the spindle axis, and a Z-direction that extends, illustratively, horizontally and parallel to the horizontally disposed direction of the spindle axis. Thus, tool holder assembly 150 is illustratively configured to be equipped with three independently controllable linear axes: x-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis.

Further, optionally, the tool holder sleeve 153 may be configured to further include a rotatably driven B-axis so as to control the rotational movement of the tool holder, i.e., about a rotational axis extending in the X-direction. The tool holder is mounted to the tool holder assembly 150 about a horizontally disposed longitudinal axis of the tool holder sleeve 153.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view through the frame 110 of the machine tool 100 shown in fig. 1. The cross-sectional shape of the frame 110 of the machine tool 100 illustratively comprises an isosceles equiangular trapezoid, which is rotated 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the shape may be different and the angle of rotation may be different.

Fig. 5 shows that the front support portion 112 of the frame 110 illustratively has a vertically disposed front surface. The spindle carrier housing 120 is mounted to the front side of the machine tool 100 at the level of the front support portion 112. The front support portion 112 also supports a horizontally extending guide rail 112a on which the counter spindle bracket 140 and/or the secondary spindle bracket 130 may be slidably mounted (not shown in FIG. 5).

As previously mentioned, the upper side of the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 is arranged as an inclined ramp, illustratively at an angle of inclination of substantially 45 degrees (e.g., relative to the work floor on which the frame 110 is located by the stand portions 111a and 111 b). As previously described, in other exemplary embodiments, the inclination angle of the upper side of the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 may be in the range of 30 to 60 degrees.

In order to slidably support the carriage assembly 150 on the upper side of the frame 110 in the machining region between the spindles, the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 has a horizontally extending guide rail 113a, and the upper carriage assembly 150 is mounted on the guide rail 113 a. The upper carriage assembly 150 is movable horizontally (Z axis) and parallel to the direction of the spindle axis (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the drawing shown in fig. 5).

The underside of the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 is arranged as a depending inclined ramp, illustratively at an angle of inclination of substantially 315 degrees (e.g. relative to the work floor on which the frame 110 rests via the machine sections 111a and 111 b). Also, the inclination angle of the lower side of the lower support 114 of the frame 110 may be in the range of 300 to 330 degrees. In particular, it may be preferably provided that the angle formed between the upper support portion 113 and the lower support portion 114 is substantially 90 degrees.

To slidably retain the carriage assembly 150 on the underside of the frame 110 in the machining region between the spindles in a suspended condition, the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 has a horizontally extending guide rail 114a on which the lower carriage assembly 150 is mounted in a suspended condition. The lower carriage assembly 150 is movable horizontally (Z axis) and parallel to the direction of the spindle axis (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of fig. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, one advantage of the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 having its underside disposed in a depending inclined ramp for supporting and maintaining the lower carriage assembly 150 in a suspended condition is: the slides and support structure of the lower carriage assembly 150 can be hidden under the depending lower support portion 114 so as not to extend into the machining area below the spindle so that chips falling from the workpiece during machining can fall without obstruction by the support structure of the lower carriage assembly 150.

Exemplarily, in fig. 5, the upper tool holder assembly 150 carries a tool turret 1 and the lower tool holder assembly 150 carries a machining head 2, which machining head 2 holds and drives a tool, such as a grinding tool or a milling tool.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a machine tool 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of the frame 110 of the machine tool 200 shown in fig. 6.

Machine tool 200 differs from machine tool 100 described above in the different configuration of tool head assembly 150. The description will focus on the differences compared to the machine tool 100 described above, and aspects not described are or may be implemented similarly.

Also, the frame 110 is exemplarily located on two stage portions 111a and 111b, and a bracket support portion of the frame 110 is exemplarily formed between the frame portions 111a and 111b and held by the stage portions 111a and 111 b. The frame 110 illustratively has an upper support portion 113 and a lower support portion 114, both illustratively extending horizontally between the two machine sections 111a and 111 b. The front support part 112 of the frame 110 is formed between an upper support part 113 and a lower support part 114, wherein the front support part 112 extends horizontally between the two stand parts 111a and 111 b.

The front support portion 112 of the frame 110 illustratively has a vertically disposed front surface. The upper side of the upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 is arranged as an inclined ramp, illustratively at an angle of inclination of substantially 45 degrees (e.g., relative to the work floor on which the frame 110 is located by the stand portions 111a and 111 b). The underside of the lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 is arranged in a depending inclined ramp, illustratively at an angle of inclination of substantially 315 degrees (e.g. relative to the work floor on which the frame 110 rests via the machine sections 111a and 111 b).

The upper support portion 113 of the frame 110 has horizontally extending guide rails 113a for slidably supporting the carriage assembly 150 on the upper side of the frame 110 in the machining region between the spindles. The lower support portion 114 of the frame 110 has horizontally extending guide rails 114a for slidably supporting a carriage assembly 150 on the underside of the frame 110 in the machining region between the spindles. The front side oriented front support portion 112 of the frame 110 has horizontally extending guide rails 112a for slidably supporting the opposing spindle brackets 140 and the secondary spindle bracket 130.

Unlike the machine tool 100 of FIG. 1 described above, the carriage assembly 150 is also equipped with another carriage support slide 154 that is mounted to slide horizontally on the guide rail 113a or 114a on the upper support portion 113 or the lower support portion 114. On the other hand, the carriage support slider 151 is slidably mounted on the carriage support slider 154 so as to be movable as a modified X-axis on a guide rail on the carriage support slider 154 in a direction perpendicular to the spindle axis direction.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view through the frame 110 of the machine tool 200 shown in fig. 6.

Illustratively, due to the modified Y-axis, the tool holder sleeve 155 mounted on the front side of the tool holder slide 152 is a fixed structure that does not provide additional linear motion. Still alternatively, the tool holder sleeve 155 may comprise a B-axis to drive the rotation of the tool holder (exemplarily implementing the machining head 2 in fig. 8) around a rotation axis extending horizontally and perpendicular to the direction of the spindle towards the machining area.

Fig. 8 exemplarily shows that the direction of the slidably movable modified Y-axis of the carriage support slider 151 on the carriage support slider 155 exemplarily extends parallel to the respective inclinations of the upper support portion 113 and the lower support portion 114.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of modules of a modular tool holder assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment.

The carriage assembly system comprises a sliding composite module comprising a carriage support slide 151 and a carriage support slide 152 mounted on the front side of the carriage support slide 151, wherein the guide slide 152a is slidably mounted to a vertically extending guide rail 151b, the guide rail 151b being arranged on the front side of the upper carriage support slide 151, the underside of the upper carriage support slide 151 having a guide slide 151a, the guide slide 151a being configurable to be slidably mounted on a guide rail 113a or 114a on the upper support portion 113 or the lower support portion 114, or to a guide rail 154a on another carriage support slide 154 (see fig. 8).

Tool holder support slide 152 illustratively has a cylindrical through bore 152, and a tool holder module, such as a stationary sleeve 155 or an optional B-axis sleeve 153, can be mounted to the cylindrical through bore 152. The fixed sleeve 155 may be modified to further include a B-axis and/or a slidable element to provide a Y-axis. Depending on the different sleeve modules, the tool holder assembly can be equipped with a fixed sleeve, with a Z-axis sleeve, with a B-axis sleeve and with a Z-axis and a B-axis sleeve.

Furthermore, the tool-holder assembly system comprises different tool-holder modules, so that the tool-holder assembly can be equipped with different tool holders, e.g. a tool turret 1, a machining head 2, which machining head 2 is adapted to hold and drive tools such as milling tools or grinding tools GT (as exemplarily shown in fig. 9), a hobbing tool unit 3 or a steady carriage 4 or a shaping tool, etc.

Fig. 10 exemplarily shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the sub-spindle bracket 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. As previously mentioned, such a secondary spindle carrier 130 can optionally be provided, for example, the optional secondary spindle carrier 130 can be slidably mounted on the front support portion 112 between the main spindle carrier 120 and the opposite spindle carrier 140, illustratively guided horizontally on rails 112a on the front support portion 112, i.e., illustratively identical to the rails 112a supporting the opposite spindle carrier 140.

The optional secondary spindle carrier 130 includes (or at least supports) a secondary hollow spindle 131, the secondary hollow spindle 131 being configured to receive an elongated workpiece, such as a rod, and to support and/or guide rotation of the received workpiece about a guide axis of rotation of the secondary hollow spindle 131. An optional secondary hollow spindle 131 may illustratively be disposed between the primary spindle 121 and the opposing spindle 141, with its guide rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction coaxially disposed with respect to the spindle axes of the primary spindle 121 and the opposing spindle 141, on the guide rail 112 a.

Accordingly, the secondary hollow spindle 131 can be horizontally moved within the range between the primary spindle 121 and the opposing spindle 141 to receive the workpiece received in the primary spindle 121 and guide and/or support it, for example, to prevent the workpiece from bending due to the force exerted by the tool, or to receive the workpiece received in the opposing spindle 141 and guide and/or support it, for example, to prevent the workpiece from bending due to the force exerted by the tool.

The secondary hollow spindle 131 illustratively includes controllable pilot clamping units 133,134 for clamping the workpiece W, e.g., a rod, to guide rotation of the workpiece W about the spindle and the axis of rotation of the spindle of the secondary hollow spindle 131. The pilot clamping units 133,134 may be controlled by means of electrical, hydraulic and/or pneumatic control, preferably switching the pilot clamping units 133,134 between three clamping states.

In one clamped state, the sleeves of the guide clamp units 133,134 may be loosened so that the workpiece W is in an unclamped state (loosened state). In the other clamping state, the sleeves of the pilot clamping units 133,134 may be actuated to clamp the workpiece W in a first (weaker) clamping state, in which the workpiece W is loosely clamped, so that no torque can be transmitted between the workpiece W and the pilot clamping units 133,134, but the workpiece W may be supported and guided coaxially with the spindle axis, wherein movement of the workpiece W in a direction parallel to the spindle axis is still possible. In the other clamping state, the sleeves of the pilot clamping units 133,134 may be actuated to clamp the workpiece W in a second (stronger) clamping state in which the workpiece W is strongly clamped so as to be able to transmit torque between the workpieces W. The guide clamp units 133,134, in addition to supporting and guiding the workpiece W coaxially with the spindle axis, wherein movement of the workpiece W in a direction parallel to the spindle axis is not possible due to the strong clamping state.

In the latter state, i.e., in the stronger second clamping state, the workpiece W received in the secondary hollow spindle 131 may be rotationally driven by a direct drive 132 (illustratively including an electric or electromagnetic motor). Thus, in this state, the secondary hollow spindle 131 is configured to act as a through-hole additional spindle that can machine the workpiece ends W1 and W2 in one clamping state with different tool rests, providing a perfect coaxial arrangement; for example, as shown in fig. 10, in other exemplary embodiments, the driver may be implemented as a conventional drive mechanism, including, for example, a gear mechanism.

Fig. 11 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of the secondary hollow spindle 131 according to an exemplary embodiment. The secondary hollow spindle 131 comprises a direct drive arranged around a pilot clamping unit comprising a sleeve 133, which sleeve 133 can be controlled electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumatically to fixedly clamp the workpiece W coaxially with the spindle axis in the second clamping state. In which both ends of the workpiece W are extended and exposed out of the sub-hollow spindle 131 so that machining operations are simultaneously performed at both side ends of the workpiece (see also fig. 10).

In addition to the above exemplary embodiments, other exemplary embodiments are also conceivable.

For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the machine tool may further include a secondary spindle bracket disposed on the upper or lower tool rest portion of the machine frame, supporting a secondary hollow spindle configured to receive and guide the workpiece coaxially with the spindle axis of the primary spindle. In particular, the workpiece is caused to extend out of the secondary hollow spindle on both sides of the secondary spindle carrier, in particular, it is possible to machine a workpiece clamped by the secondary hollow spindle without releasing any clamped state.

For example, the secondary spindle carrier may be configured to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the spindle axis of the primary spindle along a horizontal guide rail disposed on the upper and lower tool holder portions or the lower tool holder portion of the frame.

Also in such exemplary embodiments, the secondary spindle carrier may be disposed between the primary spindle carrier and the opposing spindle carrier.

Also in such exemplary embodiments, the secondary spindle carrier may support a spindle slide that supports the secondary hollow spindle for driving the secondary hollow spindle to move laterally or vertically relative to the spindle axis.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the machine tool may comprise two secondary hollow spindles, for example one arranged opposite the main spindle and one arranged opposite the opposite shaft, preferably two secondary hollow spindles arranged between the main spindle and the opposite spindle.

For example, two secondary hollow spindles may be configured to move horizontally in the direction of the spindle axis, and the two secondary hollow spindles may be arranged as discussed above for the case of one secondary hollow spindle.

In particular, the secondary spindle carriers may both be arranged on the spindle carrier portion. Also, each secondary spindle carrier may be arranged on the spindle carrier portion, the upper tool holder portion and/or the lower tool holder portion. In some exemplary aspects, one secondary spindle bracket may be disposed on the upper cutter frame portion and another secondary spindle bracket may be disposed on the lower cutter frame portion. Further, one or both of the secondary hollow spindles may also be configured to move in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the spindle axis.

In general, it is noted that workpieces may be loaded onto a machine tool by workpiece loading devices such as strip loaders, strip feeders and/or handling robots. The machined workpiece may be removed by an unloading device, for example, by a handling robot.

While certain exemplary aspects have been described above, it is to be understood that these aspects are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the exemplary aspects are not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described above, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described aspects may be configured in various adaptations, modifications, and/or combinations. It is therefore to be understood that other aspects may be included that are practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate, in view of this disclosure, that various aspects described herein can be combined to form other aspects claimed in the present disclosure.