CNC machining center

Abstract

This invention discloses a CNC machining center. The machining center includes an additive manufacturing unit and a subtractive manufacturing unit, as well as a subtractive configuration and an additive configuration. The additive manufacturing unit forms an unprocessed workpiece through additive manufacturing and includes an operating member with a rotational axis. The subtractive manufacturing unit removes material from the unprocessed workpiece formed by the additive manufacturing unit and includes a tool holding spindle having an electric spindle axis. In the subtractive configuration, the spindle axis of the subtractive manufacturing unit carries a tool for removing material. In the additive configuration, the spindle axis of the subtractive manufacturing unit is connected to a rotational axis to drive the operating member of the additive manufacturing unit, and a major portion of the tool holding spindle is aligned side-by-side with at least a portion of the operating member, wherein "side-by-side" means in a horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining center, and more particularly to a machining center with multiple CNC operating axes that is suitable for machining unprocessed workpieces obtained through additive manufacturing processes. Background Technology

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a machining center comprising at least one additive manufacturing unit and at least one subtractive manufacturing unit. The additive manufacturing unit is configured to form an unprocessed workpiece through additive manufacturing. The subtractive manufacturing unit is electrified and configured to remove material from the workpiece formed by the additive manufacturing unit. The machining center may employ a subtractive configuration and at least one additive configuration. In the subtractive configuration, the subtractive unit does not drive the additive manufacturing unit but may instead carry a tool for removing material. In the additive configuration, an electrically powered subtractive unit is connected to the additive manufacturing unit to drive the additive manufacturing unit.

[0003] The machining centers of the type disclosed above are known, but their disadvantage lies in the fact that, in additive manufacturing, the components formed by additive and subtractive manufacturing units have a relatively high overall vertical dimension. This means that, in addition to requiring sufficient height space to place the operating units, there is also a certain height limitation on the travel of the vertical operating axis (Z-axis) of the machining center's CNC system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a machining center that can overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution to address the problem of driving additive manufacturing units by electrifying subtractive manufacturing units in the case of CNC machining centers.

[0006] One advantage is that it provides a machining center capable of employing additive manufacturing. In additive manufacturing, the additive and subtractive units together have a relatively reduced overall vertical dimension.

[0007] One advantage is that it allows for a relatively high travel on the vertical linear operating axis (Z-axis) of the CNC machining center, where the additive manufacturing unit is removably connected to the subtractive manufacturing unit, which in turn is connected to the operating axis of the machining center.

[0008] One advantage is that it provides a simple and inexpensive CNC machining center.

[0009] One advantage is that it provides a CNC machining center with an additive manufacturing unit. This additive manufacturing unit does not have its own electrification for driving at least one operating component. This operating component can be driven by the electrification of a subtractive manufacturing unit.

[0010] These objects and advantages, as well as other objects, are achieved by a CNC machining center and / or by a machining method in the context of a CNC machining center, according to one or more embodiments set forth below.

[0011] In one embodiment, a CNC machining center includes: at least one additive manufacturing unit configured to form an unprocessed workpiece by additive manufacturing; and at least one subtractive manufacturing unit configured to remove material from the unprocessed workpiece formed by the additive manufacturing unit. The additive manufacturing unit includes at least one operating member with a rotational axis. The subtractive manufacturing unit includes at least one tool-holding spindle with an electric spindle. At least one subtractive configuration and at least one additive manufacturing configuration are provided. In the subtractive configuration, the spindle axis of the tool-holding spindle of the subtractive manufacturing unit is connected to the rotational axis of the operating member of the additive manufacturing unit and can carry a tool for removing material. In the additive manufacturing configuration, the spindle axis is connected to the rotational axis and can drive the operating member of the additive manufacturing unit, and a major portion of the vertical overall dimension of the tool-holding spindle is parallel to at least a portion of the vertical overall dimension of the operating member, wherein parallel means along a horizontal direction. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The invention can be better understood and practiced by referring to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one embodiment by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a subtractive manufacturing process center manufactured according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged image.

[0015] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The machining center is an additive manufacturing facility.

[0016] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Enlarged image.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An elevation perspective view of the machining center, in which the spindle axis is facing downwards in a position suitable for subtractive processing.

[0018] Figure 6 It shows relative to Figure 5 Rotating subtractive manufacturing unit, spindle axis is used to connect to Figure 1 The appropriate position of the additive manufacturing unit in the machining center is facing upwards.

[0019] Figure 7 It shows in Figure 6The subtractive unit is located near the additive unit in the position.

[0020] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 7 Another perspective view of the 3D model;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Elevation side view of the subtractive and additive manufacturing units of the machining center, wherein the spindle axis of the subtractive unit is coaxial with the power output device and is not yet connected to it.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional front view of the subtractive and additive manufacturing units in the aforementioned figures, wherein the main shaft axis is connected to the power output device to form an additive structure.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A bottom-view perspective view of the power output device of the machining center. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Referring to the aforementioned figures, CNC machining centers are generally represented by 1, especially CNC machining centers suitable for machining workpieces using additive manufacturing techniques (e.g., 3D printing).

[0025] The machining center 1 may include at least one machining area 2. The machining area 2 may include at least one machining plane, particularly a horizontal plane. The machining plane is configured to support at least one workpiece being machined. The machining area 2 may be provided with clamping devices for clamping at least one workpiece in the machining position.

[0026] Machining center 1 may include at least two CNC operating axes, such as two linear operating axes (e.g., at least one horizontal axis and at least one vertical axis). Machining center 1 may include at least one vertical linear axis (Z-axis). Machining center 1 may include at least three CNC operating axes. Machining center 1 may include at least two or three linear axes and at least one or two rotary axes. In particular, as in certain embodiments, machining center 1 may be of the type having five CNC operating axes, particularly three linear axes (X, Y, Z axes) and two rotary axes.

[0027] The machining center 1 may include, in particular, an operating device suitable for moving one or more operating units within the machining area 2, for example, controlled by CNC operating axes. This operating device may include, in particular, support devices and / or conveying devices and / or guiding devices and / or actuating devices and / or sensor devices and / or tool storage devices, etc. This operating device may include, in particular, known types of operating devices commonly used in CNC machining centers 1. Such operating devices will not be explained in further detail in this specification.

[0028] The machining center 1 may include, in particular, at least one additive manufacturing unit 3. The additive manufacturing unit 3 is configured to form an unprocessed workpiece in the machining area 2 by additive manufacturing. The additive manufacturing unit 3 may be arranged and movable above a horizontal machining plane. The additive manufacturing unit 3 may be coupled, in particular, to a support, transport, and guide device for supporting, transporting, and guiding the machining center 1. The additive manufacturing unit 3 may be configured, in particular, to perform movement in one or more operating axes (e.g., linear operating axes X, Y, Z and rotary axes) of the machining center by controlling CNC operating axes.

[0029] The additive manufacturing unit 3 may particularly include a 3D printing unit. The additive manufacturing unit 3 may particularly include at least one operating member 30 with a rotation axis. The additive manufacturing unit 3 may particularly include an extrusion apparatus for extruding materials suitable for additive manufacturing. This extrusion apparatus may particularly include the aforementioned operating member 30 with a rotation axis. As in certain embodiments, the operating member 30 with a rotation axis may include the extrusion screw of the extrusion apparatus. The additive manufacturing unit 3 may particularly be configured to receive drive energy from the operating member 30 with a rotation axis from an electric tool holding spindle, as will be further explained in the specification.

[0030] The machining center 1 may include, in particular, at least one power output device 4. The power output device 4 is connected to the rotation axis of the operating member 30 of the additive manufacturing unit 3. The machining center 1 may also include, in particular, a motion transmission device 5. The motion transmission device 5 is configured to connect the power output device 4 to the rotation axis. The power output device 4 may include, in particular, an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the operating member 30.

[0031] The power output device 4 may be offset relative to the axis of rotation of the operating member 30. The power output device 4 may be positioned above the horizontal machining plane. The power output device 4 may face downwards (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal machining plane). The power output device 4 may have a vertical axis. The power output device 4 may include suitable connectors, such as tapered or similar connectors, for maintaining the spindle axis with the tool.

[0032] The motion transmission device 5 may particularly include a speed reduction device. This speed reduction device is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the axis of rotation of the operating member 30 from the power output device 4 to the additive unit 3, thereby allowing the operating member 30 to rotate at a different (especially lower) speed relative to the main shaft axis to which it will be connected to the power output device 4. This speed reduction device may particularly include a gear reduction device. The motion transmission device 5 may particularly include at least one transmission device. This transmission device has a closed-loop transmission device flexible member (e.g., belt and / or cable and / or chain type) wound around a wheel assembly (pulley).

[0033] The machining center 1 may include, in particular, a support device 6 for supporting the additive manufacturing unit 3, the power output device 4, and the motion transmission device 5. The support device 6 may include, in particular, at least one horizontally arranged support plate. The power output device 4 may be at least partially arranged in a cavity obtained in the support plate 6. The rotating operating member 30 of the additive manufacturing unit 3 may include, generally in a vertically oriented integral dimension (at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90%) or completely below the support plate. The motion transmission device 5 may be arranged above the support plate.

[0034] The machining center 1 may include, in particular, at least one subtractive processing unit 7. The subtractive processing unit 7 is configured to remove material from a workpiece formed in the machining zone 2 by the additive processing unit 3. The subtractive processing unit 7 may include, in particular, at least one tool holding spindle 70 with an electric spindle axis 8. The subtractive processing unit 7 may be arranged, in particular, above a horizontal machining plane.

[0035] Machining center 1 can be specifically configured to employ at least one subtractive construction (see...) Figure 1 In the subtractive manufacturing configuration, the spindle axis 8 is not engaged with the power output device 4 and therefore not connected to the rotation axis to drive the operating member 30 of the additive manufacturing unit 3. In the subtractive manufacturing configuration, the electric spindle axis 8 can carry the tool used for material removal.

[0036] Machining center 1 can be specifically configured to employ at least one additive manufacturing process (see...) Figure 3 In the additive manufacturing configuration, the spindle axis 8 is removably coupled to the power output device 4 to drive the rotation axis of the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3. (See also: [link to additive manufacturing configuration]) Figure 4 or Figure 10 The cutting tool of the subtractive unit 7 holds at least a portion of the spindle 70 and at least a portion of the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3 side by side with each other, where side by side means in the horizontal direction.

[0037] In particular, in additive manufacturing, at least 50%, 75%, or 90% of the vertical total dimension of the tool spindle 70 can be parallel to the vertical total dimension of the operating member 30, where parallel means along the horizontal direction, i.e. at the same height.

[0038] In particular, in the additive construction, at least 50% or 75% or 90% of the vertical total dimension of the rotating operating member 30 of the additive unit 3 can be parallel to the vertical total dimension of the tool spindle 70, where parallel means along the horizontal direction, i.e. at the same height.

[0039] In particular, in the additive manufacturing process, at least 50%, 75%, or 90% of the total vertical dimension of the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3 may be located at a vertical position or height lower than the lower end (in the lower position) of the power output device 4. In particular, in the additive manufacturing process, at least 50%, 75%, or 90% of the total vertical dimension of the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3 may be located at a vertical position or height lower than the plate of the support device 6.

[0040] In particular, in the additive manufacturing process, the spindle axis 8 can face upwards, while in the subtractive manufacturing process, the spindle axis 8 can face downwards (e.g., tilted 180°). Movement between the additive and subtractive manufacturing processes can include rotation of the tool-holding spindle 70 of the subtractive unit 7 about an axis of rotation, particularly about a horizontal axis of rotation. This rotation can, in particular, include a 180° rotation.

[0041] In the additive manufacturing process, the additive unit 3 and the subtractive unit 7 can be connected together in a removable manner and can be moved together by at least a portion or all of the CNC operating axes of the machining center 1.

[0042] At least one CNC rotary axis of machining center 1 is particularly capable of being configured to control the aforementioned rotation of subtractive unit 7 (especially tool holding spindle 70) during movement between subtractive and additive manufacturing processes.

[0043] The support device 6 may include, in particular, an anti-rotation device 9. The anti-rotation device 9 is configured to prevent relative rotation between the support device 6 and the subtractive unit 7 in the additive manufacturing process, especially rotation caused by the spindle axis 8 of the tool that drives the rotation axis of the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3. In particular, in the additive manufacturing process, the support device 6 can be removably coupled to the subtractive unit 7 via the anti-rotation device 9. The anti-rotation device 9 may include, in particular, one or more pins or nails (see...). Figure 9 or Figure 11 These pins or nails can be inserted axially (vertically) into or withdrawn from corresponding recesses or slots (see...). Figure 6 or Figure 9 To prevent the support device 6 from rotating. These nails or pins may protrude downward from the plate of the support device 6. Recesses or slots may be arranged on the sides of the subtractive unit 7 (e.g., two opposite sides) and have lateral openings on the outer side.

[0044] The support device 6 may include, in particular, a braking device. This braking device is used to lock the additive unit 3 relative to the subtractive unit 7 in the additive construction. The braking device may include a locking actuator (e.g., a fluid-driven or electrically driven actuator) to lock and unlock the braking device upon command.

[0045] The support device 6 may include, in particular, a resting device 10 (especially in cooperation with an anti-rotation device 9, which can also be used as a support device). The resting device 10 is configured to release at least a portion of the weight of the additive manufacturing unit 3 on the subtractive manufacturing unit 7, in such a way that when the machining center 1 is in additive manufacturing, at least a portion of the weight of the additive manufacturing unit 3 does not exert pressure on the power take-off device 4. The resting device 10 may include, for example, at least one end of the tool holding spindle 70 (see...). Figure 6 or Figure 9 At least one end protrudes upward and is configured to engage with a corresponding rest portion arranged on the underside of the support device 6 in a resting manner (see...). Figure 9 or Figure 11 ).

[0046] In particular, the support device 6 can be removably connected to the subtractive unit 7 via the resting device 10 so that the power output device 4 can at least partially bear the weight of the additive unit 3 (and the motion transmission device 5).

[0047] The operation of the CNC machining center 1 includes a machining method that actuates the machining process by removing material from an unprocessed workpiece obtained by additive manufacturing technology.

[0048] This processing method may specifically include the following steps: connecting the electric spindle axis 8 of the tool holding spindle 70 of the subtractive unit 7 to a power output device 4 connected to the rotation axis of the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3. As described above, the operating member 30 may include an extrusion device for processing extrudable materials to perform additive manufacturing. As described above, the power output device 4 may be offset, in particular, relative to the rotation axis of the operating member 30.

[0049] This processing method may specifically include the following steps: forming an unprocessed workpiece in the processing zone 2 by additive manufacturing performed by an additive unit 3 driven by an electric tool holding spindle 70 of a subtractive unit 7. During the forming step, the operating member 30 of the additive unit 3 can be rotated by an electric spindle axis 8 engaged with a power output device 4, while the additive unit 3 connected to the subtractive unit 7 can be moved by at least a portion of the CNC operating axes (especially linear axes X, Y, Z) of the machining center 1.

[0050] Following the forming step, the machining method may include, in particular, the following steps: disconnecting the spindle axis 8 from the power output device 4 (e.g., by axially withdrawing the spindle axis 8 from the power output device 4 in the vertical direction), and thus connecting the spindle axis 8 to the tool for removing material. The connection of the tool may, in particular, include automatically picking up a tool from a tool magazine.

[0051] Prior to the disengagement step, the processing method may specifically include the following steps: unlocking the braking device to allow the subtractive unit 7 to be moved without moving the additive unit 3. The additive unit 3 may remain stationary during the subtractive processing step.

[0052] The processing method may include, in particular, the following steps: performing a processing task to remove material using the subtractive unit 7, removing material from an unprocessed workpiece previously formed by additive manufacturing by the additive unit 3.

[0053] As described above, in the forming steps, at least a portion of the tool holding spindle 70 and at least a portion of the operating member 30 can be placed side-by-side, where side-by-side means in the horizontal direction. In particular, in the forming step achieved by additive manufacturing, at least 50%, 75%, or 90% of the total vertical dimension of the tool holding spindle 70 can be placed side-by-side with the operating member 30 (an extrusion device with an extrusion screw). Specifically, during the forming step, at least 50%, 75%, or 90% of the total vertical dimension of the operating member 30 can be located close to the tool holding spindle 70.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the vertical total dimension of the additive unit 3 is greater than the vertical total dimension of the tool holding spindle 70, and all vertical total dimensions of the tool holding spindle 70 are parallel to at least a portion of the additive unit 3 (in the same vertical position).

Claims

1. A CNC machining center (1) comprising: at least one work area (2); at least one additive unit (3) configured to form a raw workpiece in the work area (2) by additive manufacturing and comprising at least one operating member (30) with a rotational axis; at least one power take-off (4) connected to the rotational axis by a motion transmission (5) and offset with respect to the rotational axis; at least one subtractive unit (7) configured to remove material from a workpiece formed in the work area (2) and comprising at least one tool holding spindle (70) with an electric spindle axis (8); the machining center (1) is configured to adopt at least one subtractive configuration in which the spindle axis (8) is not connected to the rotational axis and can carry a tool for removing material, and at least one additive configuration in which the spindle axis (8) is removably connected to the power take-off (4) to drive the rotational axis, wherein the spindle carries a tool facing downward along the axis (8) in the subtractive configuration and carries a tool facing upward along the axis (8) in the additive configuration.

2. The machining center according to claim 1, wherein, In the additive configuration, at least one portion of the tool holding spindle (70) and at least one portion of the operating member (30) are placed side by side with each other, wherein side by side means in a horizontal direction.

3. - The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the additive configuration, at least 50% or 75% or 90% of the vertical dimension of the tool holding spindle (70) is side by side with the vertical dimension of the operating member (30), wherein side by side means in a horizontal direction.

4. - The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the additive configuration, at least 50% or 75% or 90% of the vertical dimension of the operating member (30) is side by side with the vertical dimension of the tool holding spindle (70), wherein side by side means in a horizontal direction.

5. - The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power take-off (4) faces downward and at least 50% or 75% or 90% of the vertical dimension of the operating member (30) is located at a lower vertical height with respect to the lower end of the power take-off (4), the spindle axis (8) being turned upward in the additive configuration.

6. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least two numerically controlled operating axes, at least one of which is a vertical linear axis, the subtractive unit (7) being movable by the at least two operating axes and, in the additive configuration, the additive unit (3) and the subtractive unit (7) being removably coupled together and being movable together by the at least two operating axes.

7. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The motion between the additive configuration and the subtractive configuration comprises a rotation of the subtractive unit (7) about a rotational axis.

8. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least three numerically controlled operating axes, of which at least two are linear axes and at least one is a rotary axis, the subtractive unit (7) being movable by means of the at least three operating axes, the rotary axis being configured to control the rotation in the movement of the subtractive unit (7) between the subtractive configuration and the additive configuration.

9. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The additive unit (3) comprises an extrusion device for extruding a material suitable for additive manufacturing, the extrusion device comprising the operating member (30) with a rotary axis.

10. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The motion transmission device (5) is configured to vary the rotational speed from the power output device (4) to the rotary axis.

11. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, comprising support means (6) for supporting the additive unit (3) and / or the power output device (4) and / or the motion transmission device (5), and in the additive configuration, the support means (6) are removably coupled with the subtractive unit (7) by means of anti-rotation means (9) configured to prevent the relative rotation between the support means (6) and the subtractive unit (7) and to prevent the rotation due to the spindle axis (8) driving the rotary axis.

12. The machining center according to claim 1 or 2, comprising support means (6) for supporting the additive unit (3) and / or the power output device (4) and / or the motion transmission device (5), and in the additive configuration, the support means (6) are removably coupled with the subtractive unit (7) by means of resting means (10) configured to release at least part of the weight of the additive unit (3) so that at least part of the weight of the additive unit (3) is not exerted on the power output device (4).

13. A machining method comprising the steps of: coupling an electric spindle axis (8) of a tool holding spindle (70) of a subtractive unit (7) with a power output device (4) connected to a rotary axis of an operating member (30) of an additive unit (3), the power output device (4) being offset with respect to the rotary axis; forming a raw workpiece by additive manufacturing by the additive unit (3) driven by the subtractive unit (7); uncoupling the spindle axis (8) from the power output device (4) and then coupling the spindle axis (8) with a tool to remove material; performing a process of removing material from the raw workpiece formed by additive manufacturing by using the subtractive unit (7); wherein the spindle carries a tool facing down along the axis (8) in a subtractive configuration, in which the spindle axis (8) is not connected to the rotary axis and can carry a tool for removing material, and facing up along the axis (8) in an additive configuration, in which the spindle axis (8) is removably connected to the power output device (4) to drive the rotary axis.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, In the step of forming the unfinished workpiece, at least a portion of the tool holding spindle (70) and at least a portion of the handling member (30) are placed next to each other, wherein next to each other means in a horizontal direction, and, during the step of forming the unfinished workpiece, at least 50% or 75% or 90% of the vertical dimension of the tool holding spindle (70) is next to the handling member (30) and / or at least 50% or 75% or 90% of the vertical dimension of the handling member (30) is next to the tool holding spindle (70).

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