Machine tools with cable guides

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable guiding device, comprising: a guiding device, a slider movably guided in the guiding device, a deflection roller rotatably connected to the slider, a first tensioning counterweight, a cable pulling device connecting the first tensioning counterweight to the slider guided in the guiding device, a second tensioning counterweight, and a second guiding device, wherein the connecting cable has a free end and a fixed end connected to the connecting device and extends on the first deflection roller, and the first and second tensioning counterweights are both movably guided in the second guiding device, so that the connecting cable extending on the first deflection roller is preloaded by a force generated by the weight of the first tensioning counterweight in a first displacement region of the free end, and the cable is preloaded by a force generated by the sum of the weights of the first and second tensioning counterweights in a second displacement region of the free end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a machine tool, comprising a cable guiding device, a connecting cable for a cable-connected tool and a device for guiding a flexible connecting cable. Background Art

[0002] CNC machine tools known in the prior art utilize one or more controllable machining axes to position a tool and a workpiece to be machined relative to each other, wherein the tool may be a cable-connected tool that is supplied with the material required for machining via a connecting cable and / or is connected to an external power source via a connecting cable.

[0003] In the case of more complex machining centers, such a cable-connected tool often represents only one of the tools available for the machine, which is why the power supply via the connecting cable is usually carried out not via a permanently installed, rigidly designed supply line but via a connecting cable that is connected directly to the tool, where the connecting cable is often also referred to as a tracking cable.

[0004] Such connecting cables are usually configured to be flexible and have corresponding lengths and degrees of freedom of movement in order to track the movement of a tool to which the cables are connected and controlled by a machine tool during machining.

[0005] However, such long connecting cables can be cumbersome and heavy, so when moving the tool to which they are connected, they should be guided in such a way that there is no risk of kinking, which is particularly prone to occur, and that the actual machining is not impeded, for example by colliding with machine parts of the machine tool.

[0006] For this reason, the connecting cable is pre-tensioned using a device configured for this purpose, in order to ensure a certain degree of tension in the connecting cable, thereby reducing deflections due to its own weight or problems with the connecting cable when winding or unwinding.

[0007] Solutions known in the prior art use spring-based retractors, spring-tensioned rollers or tensioning weights for this purpose.

[0008] For example, patent application US2012 / 037274 A1 discloses a laser-based woodworking machine that includes a system for guiding and tensioning a flexible connecting cable. To track the movement of a tool configured as a laser head and thereby prevent the connecting cable from curling, the cable is mounted on a series of deflection rollers, some of which are configured to apply a preload to the connecting cable via spring retractors.

[0009] Outside the field of machine tools, utility model DE 20 2019 102323 U1 also encompasses a retraction guide system for connecting cables of electric vehicles, which comprises a plurality of deflecting rollers in which the connecting cables extending are pretensioned by tensioning weights designed as levers.

[0010] However, a problem with machine tools with such cable guides is that the guide rails extending over a plurality of deflecting rollers generally take up a lot of valuable installation space in the machine tool and the preload of the connecting cables can only be adjusted inadequately, in particular with regard to the deflection states or displacements associated with the respective application of the cable end connected to the tool. Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a machine tool having a space-saving device for guiding a connecting cable of a cable-connected tool and ensuring that the preload of the connecting cable is adapted to different deflection states of the tool.

[0012] To achieve this object, a numerically controlled machine tool is proposed, comprising a cable guide device according to claim 1. Furthermore, a cable guide device for guiding a flexible connecting cable according to claim 18 is proposed.

[0013] The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention, which can be provided individually or in combination.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a CNC machine tool is provided, having a cable guiding device for providing and guiding a flexible connecting cable of a cable-connected tool. The machine tool comprises at least: a processing device configured to receive the cable-connected tool; and one or more CNC machine tool axes configured to position the processing device (11) and the workpiece to be processed relative to each other. The cable guiding device of the machine tool comprises: a first guiding device; a slider movably guided in the first guiding device; a first deflection roller rotatably connected to the slider; a first tensioning counterweight G1; a cable pulling device connecting the first tensioning counterweight G1 to the slider guided in the first guiding device; wherein the connecting cable extends over the first deflection roller and connects the cable-connected tool to the connecting device of the machine tool. The cable guiding device further includes: a second tensioning weight G2; and a second guiding device in which the tensioning weights G1 and G2 are both guided in a movably manner, so that the connecting cable extending on the first deflection roller is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the weight of the first tensioning weight G1 in the first displacement area of ​​the cable-connected tool, and is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the sum of the weights of the tensioning weights G1 and G2 in the second displacement area of ​​the cable-connected tool.

[0015] A cable-connected tool can be received by a machining device of a machine tool and moved along a CNC machining axis in order to position the cable-connected tool opposite the workpiece to be machined. A flexible connecting cable is connected at its fixed end to a connecting device of the machine tool, while its free end is connected to the cable-connected tool. The flexible design of the connecting cable makes it possible to move the cable-connected tool through the machining device while maintaining the connection established by the connecting cable to the connecting device of the machine tool. A connecting cable with a flexible design can be a tracking cable used to connect two machine components that are movable relative to each other, in this case, the connecting device and the tool.

[0016] The connection device of the machine tool provides the materials and / or media and / or signals required for the operation of the cable-connected tool, which are transmitted to the cable-connected tool and / or from the cable-connected tool via a connecting cable connected to the connection device. Here, the materials and / or media and / or signals transmitted by the connecting cable can be electrical, optical or physical materials in the form of solid, liquid or gas. Preferably, the connection can be bidirectional, so that the materials and / or media and / or signals can be transmitted not only from the connection device to the cable-connected tool, but also from the tool to the connection device. Examples of this are suction devices that suck particles and / or gases generated during the machining process and transmit them to the connection device, or transmit electrical signals from a sensor device additionally attached to the tool.

[0017] A central requirement for a machine tool with a cable-connected tool according to the present invention is the provision and guidance of the connecting cable. The cable must have appropriate preload to ensure that it can be guided over the first pulley without problems, curling, or getting stuck. At the same time, appropriate preload reduces deflection caused by the connecting cable's own weight, which could unnecessarily hinder machining in some cases. Both of these issues are reliably prevented in the machine tool according to the present invention because the cable guide provides two displacement ranges in which the connecting cable is preloaded with two generally constant but different forces. In contrast to preload based on spring retraction, a preload that remains largely constant in the connecting cable is advantageously achieved. This not only improves material stress on the connecting cable but also improves the machining accuracy of the machine tool, as only the essentially constant retraction force acting on the machining device via the connecting cable needs to be considered during machine control.

[0018] By moving the tool in the first displacement area, the connecting cable is unwound over the first deflection roller and the first tensioning weight G1 is displaced in the second guide by the cable pulling device. In this area, the connecting cable is pre-tensioned by the weight of the first tensioning weight G1, which is transmitted by the cable pulling device.

[0019] The preload force generated by the first tensioning weight G1 in the first displacement range can be used as a base preload force in the initial state, for example, when the tool to which the cable is connected is in a static position and not currently being used to machine a workpiece. This base preload force ensures a consistent preload force in the connecting cable in this static position without unnecessarily loading the connecting cable with excessive preload or preventing the tool from tilting in the static position. In this position, the material stresses in the connecting cable can be kept relatively low, thereby preventing the service life of the connecting cable and / or its connection elements to the machine tool or tool from being unnecessarily reduced.

[0020] When the cable connection tool enters the second displacement range, the tool's displacement causes the connection cable to unwind on the first deflection roller. The first and second tensioning weights G1 and G2 are then moved within the second guide by the cable pulling device. Consequently, the connection cable is pre-tensioned in this range using the combined weights of the first and second tensioning weights G1 and G2, which are transmitted via the cable pulling device.

[0021] The second guide device is configured such that during the transition from the first displacement range to the second displacement range, the weight of the second tensioning weight G2 also starts to generate a pre-tensioning force acting on the connecting cable via the cable pulling device.

[0022] The additional pretensioning of the connecting cable in the second displacement region, caused by the weight of the second tensioning weight G2, can be advantageously utilized during machining operations of a tool connected to the cable, which is received by the machining apparatus. The second displacement region is thus suitable for displacements of the tool connected to the cable from its rest position, which typically occur during machining. For example, the pretensioning achieved by the two tensioning weights G1 and G2 can significantly reduce significant deflections caused by the connecting cable's own weight.

[0023] Furthermore, a machine tool with a cable guide according to the present invention has proven particularly advantageous. For cable guidance, for example, by pre-tensioning the cable only via the first deflecting roller, a significantly space-saving embodiment is possible, compared to the embodiment with multiple deflecting rollers shown in patent application US 2012 / 037274 A1. This space saving proves to be highly advantageous, particularly in industrial mass production where installation space in machine tools is limited. Furthermore, depending on the nature of the connecting cable, the weights of the two tensioning weights G1 and G2 can be easily adapted to the requirements of the connecting cable, for example by exchanging the tensioning weights, to ensure optimal guidance and pre-tensioning of the connecting cable without excessive stress on its material.

[0024] The first and / or second guide means may advantageously be configured as a linear guide with two parallel tracks, which enables a space-saving and cost-effective configuration.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second guiding device includes a first stop device AG1 for the first tensioning counterweight G1 and a second stop device AG2 for the second tensioning counterweight G2, the first stop device AG1 and the second stop device AG2 respectively defining the starting positions of the tensioning counterweights G1 and G2 relative to the second guiding device, thereby defining the first displacement area and the second displacement area.

[0026] The stops AG1 and AG2 define a starting position from which the cable-connected tool and tensioning weights G1 and G2 are moved by the cable-pulling mechanism. The stops define the two displacement ranges and their transition points. The stops can advantageously be releasably connected to the second guide device, enabling subsequent adjustment or adaptation of the first and second displacement ranges.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tool for cable connections is a laser tool for laser-based processing of cable connections.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable-connected laser tool is configured for additive laser processing, and the connecting cable of the laser tool comprises at least one or more feed lines for the powder mixture for additive laser processing and a linear optical fiber for internal laser guidance.

[0029] Cable-connected tools are particularly useful for laser-based workpiece processing, and the machine tool with cable guidance according to the present invention is particularly well-suited for laser tools used in additive laser processing. The highly sensitive supply cable, which delivers the material necessary for processing and guides the laser light, can be reliably guided from the machine tool's connection to the tool with minimal deflection. The laser light is typically guided to the laser tool via an optical fiber-based waveguide.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable guiding device is configured such that a bending radius of the connecting cable does not fall below a minimum bending radius specified for the cable.

[0031] In particular, for connecting cables of tools for additive laser processing, this embodiment is particularly advantageous, since the feed wire inside the connecting cable cannot be damaged by kinking while maintaining a minimum bending radius.

[0032] For this application, the minimum bending radius of the connecting cables is usually between 150 mm and 300 mm.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the machine tool includes a working space configured for performing processing on the workpiece and a cable guiding space adjacent to one side of the working space, wherein the cable guiding space and the working space are separated by a partition wall provided with an opening, and the cable guiding device arranged in the cable guiding space is configured to guide the connecting cable through the opening of the partition wall into the working space.

[0034] The cable guide space is preferably arranged separately from the working space on one side of the machine tool. This makes the cable guide device advantageously accessible from outside the machine tool, i.e., not via the working space, thus simplifying maintenance work, for example. The spatial separation of the machining process in the working space from the cable guide of the connecting cables in the cable guide space is advantageous because contaminants generated during machining, such as powder particles or material fragments, cannot enter the cable guide device and damage it.

[0035] Partition walls with lead-in openings should be configured so that they do not hinder the movement of connecting cables and that the possibility of dust entering the cable guidance space is minimized.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the machine tool further comprises a controllable flap, which is provided at the opening of the partition wall and is configured to close and open the opening of the partition wall.

[0037] As a supplement to the partition wall between the cable guide space and the workspace, reliable protection of the cable guide can be achieved. In this case, the aforementioned resting position of the cable-connected tool can be set within the cable guide space. When not in use, the cable-connected tool, along with the connecting cable, can be completely arranged in the cable guide space and completely separated from the workspace by closing the opening with a controllable flap.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable guiding device further comprises a second deflecting device configured to guide the connecting cable extending from the connecting device and extending on the first deflecting roller to enter the working space through the opening of the partition wall.

[0039] The second deflecting device advantageously ensures a constant contact area between the connecting cable and the first deflecting roller and, moreover, allows a certain freedom of movement of the connecting cable in the workspace. The second deflecting device is advantageously configured to allow movement of the connecting cable not only in the direction of cable extension, so that the movement of the connecting cable required for a tool connected to the cable can be performed without the risk of the connecting cable becoming twisted or jammed, in particular in the region of the first deflecting roller.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the machine tool further comprises a storage station configured to receive the cable-connected tool.

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the storage station for the cable-connected tools is configured to be movable and is configured to move through an opening in the partition wall between a storage position P0 in the cable guiding space and a transfer position P1 in the working space.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first displacement region is defined such that it extends from the storage position P0 in the cable guiding space to the transfer position P1 in the working space when the tool is in the storage station.

[0043] A movable storage station can advantageously be used to store cable-connected tools when they are not in use and are located at a processing unit. When the cable-connected tools are not in use, the storage station with the cable-connected tools inside can be moved to a storage position P0, which is completely located in the cable guide space and is preferably completely separated from the workspace by a controllable flap. In order to make the cable-connected tools available for reception by the processing unit of the machine tool, the storage station can be moved through the opening to a transfer position P1 in the workspace when the flap is open. Advantageously, a first displacement range can be defined in which, during the movement of the storage station from the storage position P0 to the transfer position P1, the connecting cable is pre-tensioned solely by the weight of the first tensioning weight. In this way, the forces acting on the tool due to the pre-tensioning force of the connecting cable can be kept low, so that it does not tilt from its rest position or become stuck.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and / or second guide arrangement of the cable guide is arranged such that the displacement direction of the slider and / or tensioning weights G1 and G2 guided in the second guide arrangement extends perpendicularly or parallel to the Earth's gravitational field.

[0045] To optimally utilize the weight of the tensioning weights G1 and G2, the two guides can be arranged parallel to the Earth's gravitational field. This minimizes the risk of the tensioning weights G1 and G2 and the slider getting stuck in the guides. Furthermore, the sections of the connecting cable extending to or from the first deflecting roller can also be oriented parallel to the Earth's gravitational field. This prevents the connecting cable from deflecting under its own weight in these areas.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable pulling device and the slide guided in the first guide device are connected via an elastic or viscoelastic element.

[0047] Since the displacements of the processing equipment of a machine tool are often jerky or rapid, additional elastic or viscoelastic elements can also reduce dynamic effects transmitted to the cable guide, such as unwanted vibrations of the tensioning weight.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in addition to the two tensioning weights G1 and G2, the cable guide device further comprises N additional tensioning weights [ZG1, ..., ZG n ,...,ZG N ], wherein N≥1 and 1≤n≤N, each of the additional tensioning weights is movably guided in the second guide device in such a way that the connecting cable extending on the first deflection roller is guided by the tensioning weights G1, G2 and ZG1 to ZG in the (n+2)th displacement zone of the N+2 displacement zones of the tool to which the cable is connected. n The force generated by the sum of the weights of the two components creates pretensioning.

[0049] Therefore, the present invention is not limited to cable guides comprising only two tensioning weights, but can be advantageously further developed by using additional tensioning weights. The number of additional tensioning weights is denoted by N. For example, if N=0, two tensioning weights are provided in the second guide; if N=1, three tensioning weights are provided in the second guide, etc. If the cable guide has a total of five tensioning weights, these are designated G1, G2, ZG1, ZG2, and ZG3.

[0050] By using multiple tensioning weights, a correspondingly large range of travel for the connecting cable with varying preload can be advantageously provided. Depending on the geometry of the machine tool or the lateral distance of the tool to which the cable is attached, held by the machining device, the necessary preload can be achieved even for relatively large distances of the freely suspended connecting cable to prevent excessive deflection due to its own weight.

[0051] According to an embodiment with N additional tensioning weights, the second guide device may have up to N additional stop devices [ZAG1, ..., ZAG n ,...,ZAG N ], which defines additional tensioning weights [ZG1,...,ZG n ,...,ZG N ] relative to the starting position of the second guiding device, thereby defining N displacement areas.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second guiding device includes a first stop device AG1 for the first tensioning counterweight G1 and a second stop device AG2 for the second tensioning counterweight G2, the first stop device AG1 and the second stop device AG2 respectively defining the starting positions of the tensioning counterweights G1 and G2 relative to the second guiding device, thereby defining the first displacement area and the second displacement area.

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the slide guided in the first guide device is further connected to the machine tool via a return spring element acting in the movement direction of the slide.

[0054] This resetting elastic element can be configured, for example, in the form of a spring, which generates a restoring force that depends on the displacement of the slider and acts on the slider itself, for additional pretensioning of the connecting cable. In addition to the force that is constant in the individual displacement areas of the cable-connected tool and is generated by the weight of the tensioning weights G1 and G2, the displacement-based restoring force also acts on the pretensioning of the connecting cable. Depending on the structure of the spring and its specific spring characteristics (for example, a linear correlation or a higher degree of multivariate correlation), any piecewise continuous multivariate pretensioning force curve can be provided for the connecting cable depending on the displacement of the cable-connected tool. As a result, the curve of the pretensioning force in the corresponding displacement area can be optimally adapted to the specific application.

[0055] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the machining device of the machine tool is configured to move along three numerically controlled machining axes configured as linear axes.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the machine tool further comprises two CNC machining axes, which are configured as rotation axes and are orthogonal or tilted to each other and are configured to be oriented toward a table of the machining equipment, which is configured to support the workpiece.

[0057] An embodiment of the machine tool according to the invention has three linear axes for moving the machining device and two rotary axes for positioning the workpiece-carrying table. The resulting ability to position and orient the workpiece to be machined relative to the machining device carrying the tool allows for complete machining of the workpiece without having to reposition the workpiece on the machine table each time.

[0058] Advantageously, the machine table can be oriented via the axis of rotation in such a way that the cable-connected tool cannot be prevented from being received and / or inserted from a movably arranged storage station provided for this purpose.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cable guide device is provided for providing and guiding a flexible connecting cable. The cable guide device includes: a first guide device; a slider movably guided in the first guide device; a first deflection roller rotatably connected to the slider; a first tensioning weight G1; and a cable pulling device connecting the first tensioning weight G1 to the slider guided in the first guide device. The connecting cable has a free end and a fixed end, the fixed end being connected to the connecting device and extending over the first deflection roller. The cable guide device further includes: a second tensioning weight G2; and a second guide device in which both tensioning weights G1 and G2 are movably guided, such that the connecting cable extending over the first deflection roller is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the weight of the first tensioning weight G1 in a first displacement region of the cable-connected tool and by the force generated by the sum of the weights of the tensioning weights G1 and G2 in a second displacement region of the cable-connected tool.

[0060] The cable guide device according to the invention is by no means limited to use on CNC machine tools. Instead, it can be used to guide and tension various types of connection cables, for which pre-tensioning the cables with different forces has proven particularly advantageous. The advantages listed below also apply to the aforementioned machine tools equipped with the cable guide device.

[0061] The cable guide device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in fixed and / or mobile supply stations, which are configured to connect a resource to a consumer via a specially formed adapter at the free end of a connecting cable. The medium transported by the connecting cable can be electrical, optical, or a material in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. Non-limiting examples include charging stations for supplying electrical energy to vehicles or vehicle-like devices, filling stations or pumping stations for supplying gaseous and / or liquid fuel to consumers, or compressed air supply systems for various tools.

[0062] The preload force generated by the first tensioning weight G1 in the first displacement range can be used as a base tension force in the initial state, for example, in the starting position of the adapter for establishing a connection. This base tension force ensures a constant position of the adapter and a consistent preload force in the connecting cable in this starting position. To keep the material stresses on the connecting cable and the various components of the cable guide low in this starting position and thus avoid unnecessarily shortening their service life, the preload force generated by the first tensioning weight G1 can be selected to be relatively low.

[0063] To establish a connection with the user, the deflection of the free end or adapter often requires adjustment of the preload of the connection cable, as the preload set for the initial position is often no longer sufficient as the deflection of the cable end or adapter increases. For example, large deflections caused by the connection cable's own weight cannot be reliably prevented by a single tensioning weight (in this case, the first tensioning weight G1), which can make use inconvenient and unnecessarily hinder the desired function.

[0064] This situation can be prevented by the additional use of a second tensioning weight G2 provided within the scope of the device according to the invention. During the connection establishment process, the connecting cable is advantageously pre-tensioned using not only the weight of the first tensioning weight G1 but also the weight of the tensioning weights G1 and G2. The second displacement range of the device according to the invention is adapted to the specific situation and follows the first displacement range after a relatively small deflection of the free end or adapter.

[0065] Compared to using a pretensioning method based on a spring return, the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous because, in the first and second displacement ranges, a constant pretensioning force is present in the connecting cable as the deflection / displacement of the free end or adapter increases. On the other hand, a spring return method, in which the pretensioning force of the connecting cable increases as the deflection increases, would only unnecessarily complicate the deflection of the free end / adapter, which is usually performed manually, especially in the case of larger displacements.

[0066] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable guiding device further comprises one or more consecutive further deflecting devices, each of the further deflecting devices being configured to deflect a connecting cable extending from a fixed end on the connecting device and extending over the first deflecting roller.

[0067] The connecting cable is deflected by a further deflection device, ensuring that the device can be used in different configurations so that the pull-out direction of the free end of the connecting cable can extend in different spatial directions relative to the cable guide device. For example, when the cable guide device according to the invention is used in a supply station as described above, a pull-out direction parallel to the base surface can prove advantageous, while when the supply station is arranged at a certain height above the base surface, a pull-out direction perpendicular to the base surface can prove advantageous.

[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in addition to the two tensioning weights G and G, the cable guide device further comprises N additional tensioning weights [ZG, ..., ZG n ,...,ZG N], wherein N≥ and ≤n≤N, each of the additional tensioning weights is movably guided in the second guide device in such a way that the connecting cable extending on the first deflection roller is guided by the tensioning weights G, G and ZG~ZG in the (n+)th displacement zone among the N+ displacement zones of the tool to which the cable is connected. n The force generated by the sum of the weights of the two components creates pretensioning.

[0069] Therefore, the cable guide according to the present invention is not limited to using only two tensioning weights, but can be advantageously further developed by using additional tensioning weights. The number of additional tensioning weights is indicated by N. For example, if N=0, two tensioning weights are provided in the second guide; if N=1, three tensioning weights are provided in the second guide, etc. If the cable guide has a total of five tensioning weights, these are designated G1, G2, ZG1, ZG2, and ZG3.

[0070] The multiple displacement regions of the connecting cable obtained in this way with different pretensioning forces can thus advantageously be adapted to the application-specific deflection of the free end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Further aspects and advantages thereof and more specific embodiments of the above aspects and features will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0072] Figure 1 A perspective view of a machine tool according to the invention, configured for laser-based machining, is shown, illustrating a workspace.

[0073] Figure 2a A part of a machine tool according to the invention is shown, showing the cable guide but not the connecting cables.

[0074] Figure 2b Another perspective view shows the structure of the cable guide device on the machine tool side. Figure 2a Same as shown.

[0075] Figure 3a This is a partial schematic diagram of a cable guiding device, in which the preload force acts on the connecting cable through the first deflection roller. The main force is marked in the force analysis diagram.

[0076] Figure 3b for Figure 3a Supplementing the schematic structural diagram shown, an exemplary curve of the preload force acting on the connecting cable via the first deflecting roller of the cable guide device is shown.

[0077] Figure 4Shown is a partially simplified view of a cable guide having a movable storage station for a tool for cable connection.

[0078] In this application, the same or similar elements in the drawings may be represented by the same reference numerals, but may sometimes be represented by different reference numerals.

[0079] It should be emphasized that the present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments described below and their implementation features. The present invention also includes improvements to the exemplary embodiments, in particular improvements resulting from improvements and / or combinations of one or more features of the exemplary embodiments described within the scope of the independent claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Figure 1 A perspective view of a machine tool 10 according to the present invention, configured for laser-based machining, is shown, illustrating a workspace.

[0081] The accompanying drawings show a CNC machine tool 10 having a machining device 11 that is movable along three linear axes and carries a cable-connected tool 12 , which in this case is configured as a laser-based machining tool with a flexible connecting cable 101 .

[0082] A machining device 11 equipped with a tool 12 is used to machine a workpiece (not shown here) fixed to a machine table 13, wherein the machine table 13 can be oriented relative to the machining device 11 via two machine tool axes R1 and R2, which are orthogonal to each other and are configured as rotation axes.

[0083] This view shows the working space of a machine tool 10, in which a workpiece placed on a machine table 13 is machined. The connection cables 101 of the cable-connected tools 12 are supplied and guided by a cable guide 100 (not shown), which is arranged behind a partition wall 20 in a cable guide space adjacent to the working space. The sensitive mechanical components of the cable guide 100 are thus protected from contamination generated by the machining process.

[0084] The connecting cable 101 is guided through an opening 21 provided in the partition wall 20, which opening 21 can be closed in the exemplary embodiment shown by means of a controllable flap 22 which can be opened at Figure 1 The middle state is open.

[0085] If the cable-connected tool 12 is not in use, it is advantageous to arrange it in a cable guide space which can be completely separated from the working space by closing the controllable flap 22 .

[0086] By utilizing the cable guide device 100 (not shown here), the connecting cable 101 is pre-tensioned in the second displacement region by a force based on the sum of the weights of the two tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 when used by the processing device 11, so that the deflection (e.g., Figure 1 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the obstruction of workpiece processing due to the connecting cable 101, or even to prevent the connecting cable 101 from colliding with other machine components of the machine tool 10, such as the machine table 13.

[0087] Furthermore, the reduction in flexing of the connection cable is advantageous because damage to the connection cable 101 itself due to excessive bending can be avoided.

[0088] Figure 2a A part of a machine tool 10 according to the invention is shown, in which the cable guide device 100 is shown, but the connecting cable 101 is not shown.

[0089] The accompanying drawings illustrate two guide devices 110 and 120, in which a slide 111 and tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 are movably guided. The two guide devices 110 and 120 are arranged vertically on one side of the machine tool 10, such that the movement directions of the tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 and the slide 111 extend parallel to the Earth's gravitational field. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the two guide devices 110 and 120 are configured as parallel guide rails to ensure optimal, resistance-free guidance of the tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 and the slide 111.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cable pulling device 130 includes a connecting cable 131 and two deflection rollers 132 , and connects the slider 111 to the first tensioning weight G1 121 .

[0091] The connecting cable 101 (not shown here) extends from the connecting device 102 across the first deflection roller 103 and is guided by the second deflection device 104 into the working space of the machine tool 10. The second deflection device 104 is configured so that the connecting cable 101 extending vertically from the first deflection roller 103 and in this section is deflected into the working space in an approximately arc-shaped path, in which case no collapse (fall) below the minimum bending radius of 200 mm of the connecting cable 101 will occur. The second deflection device 104 has a portion that tapers gradually on the upper side so that the connecting cable 101 connected at this position can be received in the most accurate position possible. The side of the second deflection device facing the working space for the power cord is open to ensure that the tool 12 connected by the cable has corresponding freedom of movement when it is guided through the processing device 11.

[0092] In contrast to the first deflecting roller 103, the second deflecting device 104 is configured to be immovable. When the connecting cable moves, it slides on the surface of the second deflecting device, which is why a material pairing with the lowest possible friction coefficient between the second deflecting device 104 and the connecting cable 101 is preferred.

[0093] Figure 2a In the structure of the cable guide device 100 shown, only the weight of the first tensioning counterweight G1121 acts on the slider 111 via the connecting cable 131 of the cable pulling device 130 and thus acts on the first deflection roller 103 to pretension the connecting cable 101 (not shown here).

[0094] The second tensioning weight G2122 abuts against a stop AG2124 provided for this purpose on one side of the second guide 120. The second tensioning weight G2122 is not connected to the connecting cable 131 of the cable pulling device 130, so its weight does not affect the preload of the connecting cable 101 in the illustrated structure.

[0095] When the end of the connecting cable 101 located at the tool 12 is gradually deflected or displaced in the direction of the working space of the machine tool, the first deflecting roller 103 is pulled vertically downward along the direction defined by the first guide device 110 .

[0096] Therefore, the cable pulling device 130 pulls the first tensioning weight G1 121 upward in the direction defined by the second guide device 120. As the displacement of the first tensioning weight G1 121 increases, it collides with the second tensioning weight G2 122 at the transition point between the first and second displacement ranges. This second tensioning weight G2 122 is also guided in the second guide device 120. The contact surfaces of the two tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 are configured so that when the first tensioning weight G1 121 is displaced upward, the second tensioning weight G2 122 is also displaced. In this case, the lower side of the second tensioning weight G2 122 rests on the upper side of the first tensioning weight G1 121. The weight of the second tensioning weight G2 122 therefore now also acts on the connecting cable 131 of the cable pulling device 130 via contact with the first tensioning weight G1 121 and therefore on the slider 111 connected to the first deflection roller 103, thereby pre-tensioning the connecting cable 101 extending thereon by a force based on the sum of the weights of the two tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122.

[0097] Therefore, during the downward movement of the first and second tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 from the second displacement range, when they reach the stop device AG2 124, the two tensioning weights 121 and 122 lose contact with each other, so that when transitioning to the first displacement range, the connecting cable 101 is pre-tensioned only by the weight of the first tensioning weight G1 121.

[0098] In the present application, the position of the stop device AG2 124 can be used to adjust the transition point between the first displacement area and the second displacement area.

[0099] At this point, it should be noted that the implementation of various displacement zones with different preload forces for the connecting cable 101, and in particular the transitions therebetween, is not limited to the direct contact between the tensioning weights 121, 122 presented in this exemplary embodiment. Preload forces by means of multiple tensioning weights 121, 122 can also be implemented by means of corresponding stops fixed at predetermined positions on the connecting cable 131 of the cable pulling device 130, wherein the connecting cable 131 is guided through the tensioning weights 121, 122 or through cutouts therein. As the deflection of the connecting cable 131 increases, the stop on the connecting cable 131 comes into contact with one of the tensioning weights 121, 122, so that the weight of the corresponding tensioning weight 121, 122 is applied to the connecting cable 131 via the fixed stop and, thus, acts on the slider 111 in the first guide device 110.

[0100] It should also be noted that the cable pulling device 130 is not limited to Figure 2a The structure shown can also be arranged in a pulley-like manner to achieve different transmission ratios between the force generated by the weight of the tensioning weights 121 , 122 and the preload force acting on the connecting cable 101 .

[0101] Figure 2a The structure of the cable guiding device 100 shown can be disposed on a side of the machine tool 10 where a smaller installation space is provided. The structure has a relatively low depth and is therefore very space-saving.

[0102] Figure 2b Another perspective view shows the structure of the cable guide device 100 on one side of the machine tool 10. Figure 2a Same as shown.

[0103] As a pair Figure 2a Supplement to the perspective shown, Figure 2b Also shown is a stop device AG1 123 for the first tensioning weight G1 121 .

[0104] The stop device AG1 123 defines the starting position of the first tensioning weight G1 121 and thus defines the first displacement range of the cable guide 100, while also preventing the first tensioning weight G1 from falling out of the first guide 110. This proves to be particularly advantageous, for example, for maintenance and / or assembly work on the cable guide, because the tensioning weight G1 121 cannot fall out of the guide even if the connecting cable 131 is not tensioned or not tightened.

[0105] There is also a detailed view of the slider 111 being guided in the first guide device 110. The slider 111 has a triangular structure, with two vertices slidably mounted in one guide rail of the first guide device 110 and one vertex slidably mounted in the other guide rail of the first guide device 110, thereby reliably preventing the slider 111 from getting stuck. Figure 3a A schematic diagram of a part of a cable guiding device 100 is shown, wherein the pre-tensioning force of the connecting cable 101 is provided by the first deflection roller 103 , wherein the active forces are indicated in the force diagram.

[0106] The connecting cable 101 extending from the connecting device 102 of the machine tool crosses the first deflection roller 103. The displacement of the connecting cable 101 point after the first deflection roller 103 is represented by x and indicates the strength of the deflection of the connecting cable 101. The deflection roller is rotatably connected to the slider 111 ( Figure 3a Not shown), and the tension F acting on the pre-tensioned connecting cable 101 is applied to the slider 111 by the tensioning weights G1 and G2 through the connecting cable 131 of the cable pulling device 130. Figure 3a The medium preload is represented by the force S (free-body force).

[0107] Figure 3a In the structure shown, the formula S=0.5*F is a function of the tension F acting on the slider and the force S, where the force S is defined as the normal force acting in the connecting cable.

[0108] A deflection x>0 causes a tensile force F to act on the first deflection roller 103 and pull the first deflection roller 103 downward, wherein, depending on the deflection x, the tensile force F is based on the weight of the first tensioning counterweight G1 121 in the first displacement area, or on the sum of the weights of the two tensioning counterweights G1 121 and G2 122 in the second displacement area.

[0109] Figure 3b for Figure 3a Supplementing the schematic structural diagram, an exemplary curve of the preload force acting on the connecting cable 101 by the first deflecting roller 103 of the cable guiding device 100 is shown.

[0110] The weights of the tension counterweights G1 121 and G2 122 are denoted by the labels m1 and m2, the universal gravitational constant of the earth's gravitational field is denoted by g, S represents the force on the connecting cable 101, which reflects the pre-tension force, and x represents the deflection or displacement state of the connecting cable 101.

[0111] In the shown piecewise continuous curve, the first displacement region is within the range of x0 < x < x1, where the gravity of m1g acts on the slider through the cable traction device 130. According to Figure 3a the described force relationship, the force S obtained by the connecting cable is S = 0.5m1g.

[0112] Starting from the deflection x = x1, a transition from the first displacement region to the second displacement region occurs. Thus, for deflections x > x1, the pre-tension force of the connecting cable 101 is based on the sum of the weights of the two tension counterweights G1 121 and G2 122: S = 0.5(m1g + m2g).

[0113] The exact position of the transition point x = x1 can be determined by the positions of the stop devices AG1 and AG2 in the second guiding device 120.

[0114] For an embodiment of the machine tool 10 with a movable storage station 140, the storage position P0 should be selected such that it is within the first displacement region of x0 < x < x1. The transfer position P1 for transferring the tool 12 connected to the cable to the processing device 11 is preferably selected such that it is adjacent to the transfer point x = x1 within the first displacement region.

[0115] It should be noted that Figure 3a and 3b the physical relationships shown are based on simplified assumptions and do not consider, for example, the effects of friction or the self-weight of the connecting cable 131, etc., because the shown diagrams are only for the functional description of the mechanism.

[0116] Even if not explicitly shown, for Figure 3b the piecewise continuous curve of the pre-tension force shown, in addition to the two shown pre-tension force stages, using N additional tension counterweights (N ≥ 1) will further generate N pre-tension force stages and corresponding displacement regions. As the deflection increases, the specified pre-tension force (which is constant within the same pre-tension region) will be greater than the pre-tension force of the previous pre-tension region. This results in a stepped pre-tension force view with N + 2 (pre-tension) levels along the direction of increasing deflection.

[0117] Figure 4 A simplified diagram showing a part of the cable guiding device 100 is shown. The cable guiding device 100 has a movable storage station 140 for the tool 12 connected to the cable. Figure 4The tensioning weights G1 121 and G2 122 and the cable pulling device 130 are not shown.

[0118] The connecting cable 101 passes over a first deflection roller 103 and a second deflection device 104 , connecting the connecting device 102 of the machine tool 10 to the tool 12 to which the cable is connected.

[0119] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated view, the cable-connected tool 12 is not housed in the processing device 11 , but is arranged in a storage station 140 of the machine tool 10 , which is configured to be movable in the direction R.

[0120] In order to accommodate the cable-connected tool 12 , the storage station 140 has a cutout on its upper side, which is adapted to the outer contour of the tool 12 and into which the tool can be inserted precisely.

[0121] The deposit station 140 is configured to be moved in a direction R from the storage position P0 to a transfer position P1 in order to be received there by the processing device 11 of the machine tool, the movement direction R advantageously extending perpendicularly to the Earth's gravitational field.

[0122] The storage station 140 is positioned so that the portion of the connecting cable 101 extending from the second deflection device 104 extends approximately parallel to the direction of movement R. Consequently, the force exerted by the connecting cable 101 on the tool 12 to which it is connected is approximately parallel to the direction of movement R, thereby preventing the tool 12 from getting stuck in the storage station. The inventive design of the cable guide device 100 for the machine tool further prevents the tool 12 from getting stuck, because when the tool 12 is in the storage position, the pretensioning force of the connecting cable 101 is preferably achieved solely by the weight of the first tensioning weight 121.

[0123] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0124] 10 Machine Tools

[0125] 11 Processing Equipment

[0126] 12 Cable-connected tools

[0127] 13 machines

[0128] 20 Partition Wall

[0129] 21 Openings in partition walls

[0130] 22 wings

[0131] 100 Cable guide

[0132] 101 Connecting Cables

[0133] 102 Connecting device

[0134] 103 First turning roller

[0135] 104 Second steering device

[0136] 110 First Guidance Device

[0137] 111 Slider

[0138] 120 Second Guidance Device

[0139] 121 First tensioning counterweight G1

[0140] 122 Second tensioning weight G2

[0141] 123 First stopper AG1 for the first tensioning weight G1

[0142] 124 Second stopper AG2 for the first tensioning counterweight G2

[0143] 130 Cable pulling device

[0144] 131 Connecting Cables

[0145] 132 Steering Roller

[0146] 140 Storage Station

[0147] S Force on connecting cables

[0148] F Tension of the cable pulling device

[0149] R Moving direction of the storage station

[0150] R1 First rotation axis

[0151] R2 Second rotation axis

Claims

1. A numerically controlled machine tool (10) having a cable guide device (100) for providing and guiding a flexible connection cable (101) of a tool (12) to which the cable is connected, the machine tool (10) comprising at least: a processing device (11) configured to receive a tool (12) connected to the cable, one or more CNC machine axes configured to position the machining device (11) and the workpiece to be machined relative to each other, The cable guiding device (100) comprises: a first guiding device (110), a slider (111), movably guided in the first guide means (110), A first turning roller (103), rotatably connected to the slider (111), The first tensioning counterweight G1 (121), a cable pulling device (130) connecting the first tensioning weight G1 (121) to a slider (111) guided in the first guide device (110), wherein the connecting cable (101) extends over the first deflection roller (103) and connects the tool (12) connected to the cable to a connecting device (102) of the machine tool (10), Characterized in that the cable guiding device (100) further comprises: a second tensioning weight G2 (122), and A second guiding device (120) in which tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122) are guided in a movable manner so that the connecting cable (101) extending on the first deflection roller (103) is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the weight of the first tensioning weight G1 (121) in the first displacement area of ​​the tool (12) connected to the cable, and is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the sum of the weights of the tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122) in the second displacement area of ​​the tool (12) connected to the cable.

2. The machine tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second guiding device (120) includes a first stopping device AG1 (123) for the first tensioning counterweight body G1 (121) and a second stopping device AG1 (124) for the second tensioning counterweight body G1 (122), wherein the first stopping device AG1 (123) and the second stopping device AG1 (124) respectively define the starting positions of the tensioning counterweight bodies G1 (121) and G1 (122) relative to the second guiding device (120), thereby defining the first displacement area and the second displacement area.

3. The machine tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cable connection tool (12) is a laser tool for cable connection based on laser processing.

4. The machine tool (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cable-connected laser tool (12) is configured for additive laser processing, and the connecting cable (101) of the laser tool (12) includes one or more feed lines for a powder mixture for additive laser processing and a linear optical fiber for internal laser guidance.

5. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The cable guiding device (100) is configured so that the bending radius of the connecting cable (101) is not less than the minimum bending radius specified for the cable.

6. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The machine tool (10) comprises a working space configured for processing the workpiece and a cable guiding space adjacent to one side of the working space, wherein the cable guiding space and the working space are separated by a partition wall (20) provided with an opening (21), and the cable guiding device (100) arranged in the cable guiding space is configured to guide the connecting cable (101) through the opening (21) of the partition wall (20) into the working space.

7. The machine tool (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The machine tool further comprises a controllable flap (22), which is arranged at the opening (21) of the partition wall (20) and is configured to close and open the opening (21) of the partition wall (20).

8. The machine tool (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The cable guiding device (100) further comprises a second steering device (104), wherein the second steering device (104) is configured to guide the connecting cable (101) extending from the connecting device (102) and extending on the first steering roller (103) to pass through the opening (21) of the partition wall (20) and enter the working space.

9. The machine tool (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The machine tool (10) also includes a storage station (140) configured to receive the cable-connected tool (12).

10. The machine tool (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that A storage station (140) for the cable-connected tool (12) is configured to be movable and to move through an opening (21) of the partition wall (20) between a storage position P0 in the cable guide space and a transfer position P1 in the working space.

11. The machine tool (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The first displacement region is defined such that, when the tool (12) is in the storage station (140), it extends from the storage position P0 in the cable guide space to the transfer position P1 in the working space.

12. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The second guide device (120) of the cable guide device (100) is arranged such that the displacement directions of the tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122) guided in the second guide device (120) extend perpendicularly or parallel to the earth's gravity field.

13. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first guide device (110) of the cable guide device (100) is arranged so that the displacement direction of the slider (111) extends perpendicularly or parallel to the earth's gravity field.

14. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The cable pulling device (130) and the slider (111) guided in the first guide device (110) are connected via an elastic or viscoelastic element.

15. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that In addition to the two tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122), the cable guide device (100) further comprises N additional tensioning weights [ZG1, ..., ZG n ,...,ZG N ], wherein N≥1 and 1≤n≤N, each of the additional tensioning weights is movably guided in the second guide device (120) in such a manner that the connecting cable (101) extending on the first deflection roller (103) is guided by the tensioning weights G1 (121), G2 (122) and ZG1 to ZG1 in the (n+2)th displacement zone among the N+2 displacement zones of the tool (12) to which the cable is connected. n The force generated by the sum of the weights of the two components creates pretensioning.

16. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The slide block (111) guided in the first guide device (110) is further connected to the machine tool (10) via a resetting elastic element acting in the moving direction of the slide block (111).

17. The machine tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The machining device (11) of the machine tool (10) is configured to move along three numerically controlled machining axes configured as linear axes.

18. The machine tool (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that The machine tool (10) further comprises two numerically controlled machining axes, which are configured as rotation axes and are orthogonal to or inclined to each other, and are configured to be oriented toward a machine table (13) of the machining device (11), and the machine table (13) is configured to support a workpiece.

19. A cable guiding device (100) for providing and guiding a flexible connecting cable (101), the cable guiding device (100) comprising: a first guiding device (110), a slider (111), movably guided in the first guide means (110), A first turning roller (103), rotatably connected to the slider (111), The first tensioning counterweight G1 (121), a cable pulling device (130) connecting the first tensioning weight G1 (121) to a slider (111) guided in the first guide device (110), The connecting cable (101) has a free end and a fixed end, the fixed end is connected to the connecting device (102) and extends on the first turning roller (103). Characterized in that the cable guiding device (100) further comprises: a second tensioning weight G2 (122), and A second guiding device (120) in which tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122) are guided in a movable manner so that the connecting cable (101) extending on the first deflection roller (103) is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the weight of the first tensioning weight G1 (121) in the first displacement area of ​​the tool (12) connected to the cable, and is pre-tensioned by the force generated by the sum of the weights of the tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122) in the second displacement area of ​​the tool (12) connected to the cable.

20. The cable guiding device (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that The cable guide device (100) further comprises one or more consecutive second deflection devices (104), each of the second deflection devices (104) being configured to deflect a connection cable (101) extending from a fixed end on the connection device (102) and extending on the first deflection roller (103).

21. The cable guiding device (100) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that In addition to the two tensioning weights G1 (121) and G2 (122), the cable guide device (100) further comprises N additional tensioning weights [ZG1, ..., ZG n ,...,ZG N ], wherein N≥1 and 1≤n≤N, each of the additional tensioning weights is movably guided in the second guide device (120) in such a manner that the connecting cable (101) extending on the first deflection roller (103) is guided by the tensioning weights G1 (121), G2 (122) and ZG1 to ZG1 in the (n+2)th displacement zone among the N+2 displacement zones of the tool (12) to which the cable is connected. n The force generated by the sum of the weights of the two components creates pretensioning.

Images