Apparatus and method for processing workpieces and computer program product for controlling an apparatus for processing workpieces

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a computer program product for machining a workpiece, in particular for cutting a tooth in a workpiece, the apparatus (1) comprising: - a base (2); - a workpiece spindle (4) mounted rotatable about a first axis (A) for receiving the workpiece (5); - a first machining head (11) having a first tool spindle (12) mounted rotatable about a first tool axis (18) for receiving a first machining tool (30); - a second machining head (21) for receiving a second machining tool (40); - wherein at least the first machining head (11) which can be equipped with the first machining tool (30) is designed for power skiving of the workpiece (5), and - wherein the second machining head (21) can be variably positioned and / or variably oriented relative to the first machining head (11) and independently of the first machining head (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the machining of workpieces, particularly gear cutting, such as apparatus, methods, and computer program products for multiple simultaneous gear cutting of workpieces.

[0002] background

[0003] For the production and machining of gears, so-called power scraping is widely known in the prior art. Here, a toothed workpiece, or a workpiece in which teeth must be cut, rotates together with the workpiece spindle about the workpiece axis. Then, a scraping tool or cylindrical milling cutter rotates at a predetermined angle relative to the workpiece's axis of rotation and engages with the workpiece to remove material.

[0004] During scraping, the scraping tool moves in conjunction with the workpiece. The axis of rotation of the tool and the axis of rotation of the workpiece are oriented relative to each other at a so-called axial angle. In particular, the axis of rotation of the tool extends obliquely relative to the axis of rotation of the workpiece.

[0005] Scraping combines milling and gear planing through the continuous rolling of a tool with an axially advancing axis relative to the workpiece. The intersecting or skewed arrangement of the tool and workpiece axes results in a relative velocity between the rotating tool and the rotating workpiece. This relative motion is used as the cutting motion, with its primary cutting direction along the tooth clearance of the workpiece. The cutting speed depends on the magnitude of the angle between the axes and the rotational speed of either the tool or the workpiece.

[0006] For example, if a workpiece is to be fitted with multiple potentially different gear rings, this typically requires at least two consecutive gear cutting steps, especially if the two gear rings are different. Generally, two gear rings are produced consecutively in or on the workpiece. For example, using a first tool, the first gear ring can be cut into the workpiece. After re-equipping the gear cutting machine, the second gear ring can be cut into the same workpiece in a subsequent step. If the same gear cutting machine is to be used to machine the workpiece, re-equipping is required, for example, changing the cutting tools for the appropriate gear cutting machine.

[0007] To produce multiple or different gear rings on a workpiece, it is conceivable to provide at least two gear cutting machines to cut two gear rings on the same workpiece, each equipped with a cutting tool designed for the corresponding gear ring. The first gear cutting machine can then produce the first gear ring of the workpiece. The workpiece can then be transferred from the first gear cutting machine to the second gear cutting machine. The second gear cutting machine is then used to produce the second gear ring.

[0008] In short, to produce multiple gear rings on the same workpiece through material removal, it is necessary to re-equip the gear cutting machine or machine the relevant workpiece using different gear cutting machines. This necessarily involves re-equipping the gear cutting machine and / or loosening and re-clamping the workpiece on one or more gear cutting machines. If the workpiece requires the first and second gear rings to be in a fixed relationship with each other (e.g., a predetermined relationship), this is difficult to achieve using currently available methods and equipment due to the described re-equipping of the gear cutting machine or repositioning of the workpiece, or it can only be achieved with relatively high complexity (e.g., by measuring the tooth positions) during re-equipping or re-clamping.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for cutting toothed rings on a workpiece, by which toothed workpieces, particularly workpieces with multiple toothed rings, can be produced with high quality and high precision in the shortest processing time. A particular object is to provide a method and corresponding apparatus suitable for mass production, wherein the cycle time for producing multiple toothed rings can be shortened compared to known solutions.

[0010] According to the features of the independent claim, this objective is achieved by means of an apparatus, method, and computer program. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] In a first aspect, an apparatus for machining workpieces, particularly gear cutting, is provided. The apparatus includes a base and a workpiece spindle rotatably mounted about a first axis for receiving a workpiece. The workpiece is rotatably mounted on the base about the first axis (A) by means of the workpiece spindle.

[0012] The apparatus also includes a first machining head having a first tool spindle rotatably mounted relative to a first tool axis. The first machining head or its first tool spindle is configured and set to receive a first machining tool. The first machining tool can be mounted on the machining head by means of the first tool spindle so as to be rotatable relative to the first tool axis. A first machining tool to be mounted on the tool spindle can be mounted on the machining head so as to be rotatable relative to the first tool axis.

[0013] The device also includes a second machining head for receiving a second machining tool.

[0014] At least a first machining head, which may be equipped with a first machining tool, is configured for power scraping of a workpiece, particularly for cutting teeth on the workpiece by scraping, i.e., for gear cutting of the workpiece by means of scraping. The machining tool is typically a power scraping tool, such as a scraping wheel.

[0015] The second processing head can be variably positioned and / or variably oriented relative to and independently of the first processing head. In other words, the position and / or orientation of the second processing head can be variably changed relative to the first processing head.

[0016] The variable positionability and / or orientation of the second processing head relative to the first processing head can be infinitely variable. It is also conceivable that the second processing head is variablely oriented or positionable not only relative to the first processing head but also relative to the base with respect to its position and / or orientation. Typically, both the first and second processing heads are configured to be variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to the base. In particular, each of the two processing heads can be variablely positioned and / or variablely oriented independently of the corresponding other processing head.

[0017] Therefore, when using the first machining tool for power scraping, especially with the aid of the second machining head, the second machining tool can be used for a variety of other machining steps on the workpiece. The variable positionability and / or orientation of the first and / or second machining heads can particularly allow for the simultaneous or synchronous machining of the workpiece using the first machining tool mounted on the first machining head and the second machining tool arranged on the second machining head.

[0018] Due to the variable positionability and / or variable orientation of the second machining head relative to the first machining head and / or relative to the base, the second machining head or its second machining tool can be used with extreme flexibility to machine workpieces, such as for gear cutting, deburring, or milling, while the first machining tool is engaged with the workpiece. The second machining tool can also be used for power scraping of the workpiece, and to this extent, it can engage with the workpiece simultaneously with or at least temporally overlapping with the first machining tool.

[0019] This allows for highly efficient machining of the workpiece. The cycle time or cycle length can be correspondingly shortened. Furthermore, by simultaneously machining the workpiece using both the first and second machining tools, the production accuracy of the workpiece can be improved. The first and second machining processes, performed simultaneously or at least partially overlapping in time and utilizing both the first and second machining tools, require neither equipment re-equipment nor workpiece re-clamping.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the second processing head is freely positionable and / or freely oriented relative to the first processing head. Similarly, the second processing head, as well as the first processing head, can be configured, mounted, or movably implemented to be freely positionable and / or freely oriented relative to the base. Here, free positionability and / or free orientation refers to orientation or positioning relative to all spatial axes and rotational axes in space.

[0021] The first and second machining heads can be movably arranged on the base. The base provides a common base for both the workpiece spindle and the first and second machining heads. Arranging the workpiece spindle, the first and second machining heads on the base allows the equipment for machining workpieces to have a particularly compact and space-saving construction.

[0022] Therefore, the second machining head can typically move, pivot, or rotate relative to the first machining head and / or relative to the base with three translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the second machining head can be provided with stepless positionability and / or stepless orientation relative to the first machining head, and correspondingly, the first machining head can be provided with stepless positionability and / or stepless orientation relative to the second machining head, and both machining heads can also be provided with stepless positionability and / or stepless orientation relative to the base. This provides maximum flexibility for the use of the equipment and the implementation of corresponding methods for machining workpieces or gear cutting.

[0023] Since the first and second machining heads can be freely positioned and / or freely oriented relative to each other, and since each machining head is independent of the other's positionability and / or orientationability, independent machining processes can be performed simultaneously on the workpiece by means of the machining heads and machining tools mounted thereon.

[0024] According to another embodiment, a first processing head and a second processing head are arranged on a base so that they can be independently displaced relative to each other in a first direction (x). For the displaceable arrangement of the processing heads, a dedicated sliding guide can be provided on each processing head. This sliding guide can be a continuously variable sliding guide, which is typically coupled to a driver, preferably a first electric driver. By activating or controlling the first electric driver, the associated processing head can be displaced or moved relative to the base in the first direction. Specifically, the first and second processing heads are each provided with a first dedicated driver so that corresponding displacement movements relative to each other and also relative to the base can be achieved by correspondingly activating or controlling the drivers of the first and second processing heads.

[0025] According to another embodiment, a first processing head and a second processing head are arranged on a base so that they can be independently displaced relative to each other in a second direction (y). Again, for the displaceable arrangement of the processing heads, a dedicated sliding guide can be provided on each processing head. This can be a continuously variable sliding guide, typically coupled to a driver, preferably a second electric driver. By activating or controlling the second electric driver, the associated processing head can be displaced or moved relative to the base in the second direction. Specifically, the first and second processing heads are each provided with a second dedicated driver so that corresponding displacement movements relative to each other and also relative to the base can be achieved by accordingly activating or controlling the drivers of the first and second processing heads.

[0026] According to another embodiment, a first processing head and a second processing head are arranged on a base so that they can be independently displaced relative to each other in a third direction (z). Again, for the displaceable arrangement of the processing heads, a dedicated sliding guide can be provided on each processing head. This sliding guide can be a continuously variable sliding guide, which is typically coupled to a driver, preferably a third electric driver. By activating or controlling the third electric driver, the associated processing head can be displaced or moved relative to the base in a third direction. Specifically, the first and second processing heads are each provided with a third dedicated driver so that corresponding displacement movements relative to each other and also relative to the base can be achieved by correspondingly activating or controlling the drivers of the first and second processing heads.

[0027] According to another embodiment, a first machining head is pivotally mounted relative to a first pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of a first tool. Specifically, the first machining head can be pivotally mounted relative to a base. It is also conceivable to arrange the first machining head on a first carrier movably mounted on the base. The pivot axis can be fixedly formed on the carrier such that the first machining head is mounted on the first carrier so as to be pivotable relative to the first pivot axis. This pivotable mounting of the first machining head relative to the first pivot axis, coupled with the displaceable mobility of the first machining head in a first direction, a second direction, and / or a third direction, allows for any desired orientation of the machining tool or tool axis.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the second machining head is pivotally mounted relative to a second pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second tool. Specifically, the second machining head can be pivotally mounted relative to a base. It is also conceivable to arrange the second machining head on a second carrier movably mounted on the base. The pivot axis can be fixedly formed on the carrier such that the second machining head is mounted on the second carrier so as to be pivotable relative to the second pivot axis. This pivotable mounting of the second machining head relative to the second pivot axis, coupled with its displaceable mobility in a first direction, a second direction, and / or a third direction, allows for setting any desired orientation of the machining tool or tool axis.

[0029] According to another embodiment, a first machining head with a first machining tool can be brought in and engaged with a first portion of the workpiece. A second machining head with a second machining tool can be brought in and engaged with a second portion of the workpiece simultaneously or at least overlapping in time. The first and second portions of the workpiece are offset from each other axially and / or radially relative to a first axis. In other words, the first and second machining tools of the first and second machining heads simultaneously engage with different portions of the workpiece, but there is no physical overlap. However, in this way, physically separate portions or segments of the workpiece can be machined simultaneously with the first and second machining tools.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the second machining head has a second tool spindle rotatably mounted relative to a second tool axis for receiving a second machining tool. The second machining head can be configured substantially identically to or symmetrically with the first machining head. To this extent, it is conceivable that a first machining head and a second machining head, with a first machining tool and a second machining tool rotatably mounted thereon, are configured to simultaneously perform power scraping on the same workpiece. In particular, the first machining head and the second machining head can be configured to simultaneously or concurrently perform gear cutting by scraping the same workpiece.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the device, a second machining head, which may be equipped with a second machining tool, is configured for power scraping of the workpiece, particularly for gear cutting by scraping the workpiece.

[0032] To this extent, a machining head equipped with a first machining tool for performing the first scraping process can machine the first part of the workpiece, while simultaneously or concurrently using a second machining tool of a second machining head to perform a second machining on the second part of the workpiece.

[0033] The first machining process, which can be performed by the first machining head, and the second machining process, which can be performed simultaneously or overlapping in time by the second machining head, can each be a workpiece scraping process or a power scraping process.

[0034] To this extent, according to another embodiment, a first and second machining head can be configured to simultaneously perform power scraping on the workpiece, particularly for simultaneously or overlapping in time, and in some cases for performing multiple gear cuts by means of scraping. Simultaneous or at least overlapping power scraping of the workpiece here refers to physically non-overlapping or non-overlapping first and second portions of the workpiece, which are generally spaced apart from each other in the axial and / or radial direction. However, it is also conceivable that the same gear ring of the workpiece can be produced or processed simultaneously or overlapping in time by means of a first and second machining head spaced apart from each other in different areas, for example, in the circumferential direction.

[0035] The first and second parts of the workpiece can belong to the same gear ring or different gear rings. The equipment, particularly its two machining heads and the machining tools mounted thereon, can be configured to simultaneously or concurrently machine or cut gears into the same gear ring portion or the portion to be geared from the workpiece, or to perform gear cutting accordingly. Similarly, different, physically non-overlapping geared portions or portions to be geared, or two different or separate gear rings or workpiece portions to be geared, can also be machined simultaneously.

[0036] Therefore, relative to the axis of rotation of the workpiece spindle, the two machining heads can simultaneously or overlap in time engage with different first and second parts of the workpiece, which are arranged on the workpiece offset from each other in the radial, axial and / or circumferential directions relative to the first axis.

[0037] The machining head and the machining tools mounted thereon can simultaneously engage with the same toothed portion or the portion to be toothed of the workpiece, or with different toothed portions or portions to be toothed that can be axially spaced from each other.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the device, a first machining head equipped with a first machining tool and / or a second machining head equipped with a second machining tool are configured to produce and / or process a workpiece.

[0039] The first and second processing heads can be configured to simultaneously or concurrently produce a first gear ring of the workpiece, and are actuated accordingly. Similarly, and thereafter, the first and second processing heads can also be configured to simultaneously or concurrently produce a second gear ring of the workpiece, and are actuated accordingly. The second gear ring is generally formed or configured axially offset or axially spaced from the first gear ring. However, the first and second gear rings can also be configured to physically overlap on the workpiece.

[0040] The first and second machining heads can engage with the workpiece simultaneously or concurrently in time, such that both heads produce a first gear ring in the workpiece, for example, by means of scraping. Then, the first and second machining heads can produce a second gear ring in the workpiece, for example, by means of scraping. Here, the first and second machining heads, having their respective machining tools, can engage with the same gear ring simultaneously or concurrently in time, or with the same portion of the workpiece to be toothed. The first and second machining heads can, for example, engage with regions of the workpiece spaced apart from each other in the circumferential and / or axial directions of the workpiece.

[0041] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a first machining head is brought in, or can be brought in, to engage with a first portion of the workpiece to form a first gear ring, and a second machining head is brought in, or can be brought in, to engage simultaneously or concurrently with a second portion of the workpiece to form a second gear ring. The second portion or second gear ring of the workpiece may be offset from or spaced apart from the first portion or first gear ring in the axial, circumferential, and / or radial directions. For gear cutting of the workpiece, for example for forming the first gear ring and for forming the second gear ring, machining tools disposed or rotatably mounted on the first and second machining heads may each be brought in or in scraping engagement with the workpiece.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the device has a controller for controlling the first and second machining heads. The controller enables, in particular, program-controlled positioning and / or orientation of the first and / or second machining heads. Power scraping processes are simultaneously or concurrently performed on the same workpiece rotatably mounted on a workpiece spindle using the first and second machining heads. The first and second machining processes, performed separately by the first and second machining heads, are matched or coupled together, taking into account the corresponding machining processes. The power scraping process may include cutting or stripping of the gear ring.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the device, the controller is configured to simultaneously control the first processing head and the second processing head, such that the following correlation applies to workpiece machining:

[0044] in

[0045] n c Rotational speed of the workpiece axis

[0046] n a The rotational speed of the first tool spindle

[0047] n b The rotational speed of the second tool spindle

[0048] z aThe number of teeth on the first scraper.

[0049] z b The number of teeth on the second scraper.

[0050] z1: The number of teeth on the first gear ring of the workpiece.

[0051] z2: The number of teeth on the second gear ring of the workpiece.

[0052] v z1 The forward speed of the first tool spindle along its axial axis (z)

[0053] v z2 The forward speed of the second tool spindle along its axial axis (z)

[0054] u dzi =Axial differential constant= Where i = 1, 2

[0055] Where i = 1 represents the first scraping tool or the first gear ring of the workpiece, i = 2 represents the second scraping tool or the second gear ring of the workpiece, and where

[0056] β i The angle of the teeth on workpiece i

[0057] m ni : Normal module of gear i.

[0058] The helical angle is the inclination or slope of the teeth of the corresponding gear ring relative to the workpiece axis or rotation axis. Therefore, it is a characteristic value of helical gears. The normal module of the gear ring is the quotient of the pitch circle diameter d of the corresponding gear ring and the number of teeth z.

[0059] The controller actuates the first and second machining heads, specifically the first and second tool spindles, each equipped with machining tools, according to the aforementioned correlations. This allows two scraping processes to be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping in time on the same workpiece. The dynamic control parameters of the machining heads must be adapted to, or by means of the controller, the dynamic control parameters of the first machining head, taking into account the type of gear ring to be produced or machined by the first and second machining heads, as well as the type and configuration of the corresponding machining tools.

[0060] The dynamic control parameters here are, in particular, the rotational speed of the machining tool or the corresponding tool spindle at the corresponding machining head, the forward speed of the machining tool in the axial direction relative to the corresponding tool axis, and the forward speed of the machining tool in its tangential direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the rotational speed of the tool spindle or the workpiece must also be considered. Based on the aforementioned correlation, the dynamic and simultaneous actuation of the first and second machining heads allows for the production of a first gear ring in a first region of the workpiece, and simultaneously or temporally overlapping production of the same first or second gear ring in a second region of the workpiece. The production of the first and second gear rings can be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or at least temporally overlapping. This results in a reduction in machining time and cycle time.

[0062] Because multiple parts of the same or different gear rings can be produced simultaneously or overlappingly in time using equipment, the level of precision in gear cutting can be improved. Therefore, the relative position and / or relative configuration or tooth position of the first gear ring relative to the second gear ring can achieve a higher level of precision. To produce the first and second gear rings, it is no longer necessary to re-equip the corresponding gear cutting machine and / or detach the workpiece from the first workpiece spindle of the first gear cutting machine and clamp it onto the second workpiece spindle of the second gear cutting machine. Since the re-equipping of the gear cutting machine and / or the re-clamping of the workpiece are practically associated with relatively high tolerances, all re-equipping or clamping processes are always related to component tolerances.

[0063] This geometric deviation can be largely eliminated by means of the apparatus presented herein and the methods that can be performed with it. Thus, in particular, the relative phase or position and / or orientation of the first gear ring relative to the second gear ring can be precisely matched to each other, especially because the first and second machining tools, together with the first and second machining heads, are in a fixed, system-wide known positional relationship that can be controlled or set by the controller.

[0064] In principle, for machining or gear cutting equipment, the first and second machining heads must be variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to each other. Furthermore, at least the first machining head must be configured for power scraping of the workpiece. This means that at least the first machining head can be positioned and / or oriented relative to the workpiece spindle to enable the desired power scraping process to be performed.

[0065] A wide range of configurations are possible, allowing for free positioning and orientation of the machining head and workpiece spindle.

[0066] Therefore, for example, it can be envisioned that the axis of the workpiece spindle is fixedly arranged on the base of the equipment. Then, the first machining head is variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to the workpiece spindle. Similarly, the second machining head is variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to the workpiece spindle and relative to the first machining head.

[0067] In other embodiments, for example, it may be conceivable that one of the machining heads is fixedly arranged or restricted in terms of one or more degrees of freedom of movement to facilitate the mobility and orientability of the workpiece spindle. For example, it may be conceivable that the first machining head is fixedly fixed to a base, while the workpiece spindle is variablely positionable and / or variablely orientable relative to the first machining head.

[0068] The restriction of one degree of freedom of motion in a machining head may be associated with a corresponding increase in the degree of freedom of motion of the tool spindle or another machining head.

[0069] To realize the device according to the invention, the only decisive factor is that the first machining head is variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to the workpiece spindle, so that the workpiece rotatably mounted on the workpiece spindle can be dynamically scraped using the first machining head and the first machining tool disposed thereon. Furthermore, the second machining head must be variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to and independently of the first machining head.

[0070] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for machining a workpiece, particularly gear cutting. The method includes arranging a workpiece to be machined, particularly a workpiece to be machined by gear cutting, on a workpiece spindle rotatably mounted about a first axis of an apparatus for machining the workpiece. In another step, at least a first portion of the workpiece is machined by scraping, for example by scraping gear cutting, using a first machining tool arranged on a first tool spindle of a first machining head of an apparatus for cutting teeth into the workpiece. Thus, a first power scraping process is performed on the workpiece, which can be carried out by means of the first machining tool or by the first machining head of the apparatus.

[0071] Simultaneously or concurrently, a second portion of the workpiece is machined using a second machining tool. This second machining tool is arranged on a second machining head of the same device, wherein the second machining head is variably positioned and / or variably oriented relative to and independently of the first machining head. Variable positioning and / or variable orientation of the second machining head and the second machining tool are performed during power scraping of the workpiece using either the first or second machining head. During the simultaneous machining of the first and second portions of the same workpiece using the first and second machining tools, the first and second machining tools are typically moved, displaced, and / or pivoted relative to the workpiece and / or relative to each other by means of the aforementioned controller, depending on the machining process.

[0072] According to another embodiment, the gear cutting equipment described above can be used to perform and implement the gear cutting method. To this extent, all the features, advantages, and effects described for the above equipment also apply to the method of cutting teeth into a workpiece, and vice versa.

[0073] According to another embodiment of the method, the second part of the workpiece is machined by means of a second machining tool arranged on a second tool spindle of a second machining head, through power scraping, particularly through gear cutting of scraping. To this extent, power scraping or gear cutting of the first and second parts of the workpiece can be performed simultaneously, but at least partially overlapping in time.

[0074] According to another method, the first and second portions of the workpiece are offset from each other axially and / or radially relative to a first axis. Here, axial offset refers to the workpiece spindle relative to the first axis on which it is rotatably mounted on a base. Furthermore, gear rings arranged axially offset from or axially adjacent to each other can be machined simultaneously in the workpiece. It is also possible that the first portion of the workpiece is or includes an internal gear ring, while the second portion of the workpiece is or includes an external gear ring.

[0075] It is also conceivable that two machining tools simultaneously produce or machine two different or adjacent external gear rings in or on a workpiece. Furthermore, two machining tools can each machine an internal gear ring in the workpiece simultaneously or at time offset from each other, or a first machining head and a second machining head, along with their machining tools, can simultaneously produce or machine both an internal and an external gear ring in the workpiece.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the method, by means of a controller, the first machining head, the first tool spindle, the second machining head, the second tool spindle, and the workpiece spindle are simultaneously actuated, thereby applying the following correlation:

[0077]

[0078] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a computer program product for controlling an apparatus for machining a workpiece or cutting gears, wherein the apparatus preferably includes a base and a workpiece spindle rotatably mounted about a first axis (A) for receiving a workpiece, as well as a first machining head and a second machining head. The first machining head has a first tool spindle rotatably mounted about a first tool axis for receiving a first machining tool. The second machining head is configured to receive a second machining tool, typically by means of a second tool spindle rotatably mounted relative to a second axis of rotation.

[0079] Typically, computer programs are configured to control the equipment described above for machining workpieces or cutting gears, or to perform the methods described above for machining workpieces or cutting gears.

[0080] The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed on a computer or a controller of an apparatus for machining a workpiece or cutting gears, cause the relevant computer or controller to bring a first machining head and a machining tool disposed thereon into cutting engagement with a first portion of the workpiece, thereby executing a first cutting process.

[0081] The computer program product includes further instructions that, when executed on a computer or controller, cause the latter to process a second portion of the workpiece simultaneously or over time with the first scraping process using a second machining tool, wherein the second machining head or the second machining tool is variably positioned and / or variably and / or freely oriented relative to and independently of the first machining head.

[0082] In particular, the improved configuration includes a computer program product comprising a programming device that, when executed on a computer or controller, causes a machining or gear cutting device to perform a first power scraping on at least a first portion of a workpiece using a first machining tool, and simultaneously, over time, performs a second power scraping on at least a second portion of the workpiece using a second machining tool. The simultaneous or overlapping execution of the first and second power scraping steps requires separate control of the first and second machining heads, particularly independently of each other, or controlled according to predetermined external conditions.

[0083] Therefore, according to the improvement, it is specifically configured that the computer program product includes a programming device, which, when executed on a computer or controller of an apparatus for gear cutting, causes the computer or controller to control the rotational speed of the workpiece axis, the rotational speed of the first tool spindle, the rotational speed of the second tool spindle, and the movement of the machining head, thereby applying the following correlations:

[0084] Attached Figure Description

[0085] Other objectives, features, and possible advantageous applications of the device and method will be explained below in the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0086] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for gear cutting of a workpiece, viewed from the front, is shown.

[0087] Figure 2 A schematic example of the device viewed from the side is shown.

[0088] Figure 3 A further illustrative example of the device viewed from above is shown.

[0089] Figure 4 It shows Figures 1 to 3 A perspective illustration of the device in the middle.

[0090] Figure 5 A perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment in which two machining tools simultaneously engage with a workpiece is shown.

[0091] Figure 6 Shown from the side view Figure 5 Example of

[0092] Figure 7 Shown from above Figure 5 Further examples,

[0093] Figure 8 An example of another exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the first and second machining tools simultaneously mesh with the internal gear ring of the workpiece.

[0094] Figure 9 Shown from above Figure 8 Top view of the layout in the middle.

[0095] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method for simultaneously processing workpieces using the equipment described herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0096] Figure 1 An embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for cutting teeth in a workpiece 5 is shown. The apparatus 1 is configured as a gear cutting device. It has a base 2 and a workpiece carrier 3. The workpiece carrier 3 is arranged on a fixed base 2. A workpiece spindle 4 is rotatably arranged on the workpiece carrier 3. The workpiece spindle 4 is rotatable relative to a first axis (A), particularly by means of a driver. Therefore, the first axis is also described as the workpiece axis (A). Typically, the workpiece spindle 4 is equipped with a corresponding spindle driver 9 to allow controlled rotation of the workpiece spindle 4 in an adjustable manner. To this extent, the spindle driver 9 is typically signal-transmittedly coupled to a controller 50. The workpiece 5 can be releasably attached (e.g., clamped) to the workpiece spindle 4. By means of the rotatable mounting of the workpiece spindle 4, the workpiece 5 can be rotated relative to the first axis (A) for workpiece machining purposes.

[0097] The gear cutting device 1 further includes a first machining head 11 and a second machining head 21. A first tool spindle 12 is mounted on the first machining head so as to be rotatable relative to a first tool axis 18. Similarly, a second tool spindle 22 is mounted on the second machining head 21 so as to be rotatable relative to a second tool axis 28. The first tool spindle 12 and the second tool spindle 22 are used to receive corresponding first machining tools 30 and second machining tools 40, such as... Figures 5 to 9 As shown in detail.

[0098] At least the first processing head 11 is configured to perform power scraping on the workpiece 5. Therefore, at least the first processing head 11 can be actuated by the controller 50 to perform the scraping process and move accordingly relative to the workpiece 5.

[0099] Similarly, the second machining head 21 can also be configured to perform a power scraping process on the same workpiece 5. The second machining head can also be controlled and actuated by the controller 50 with respect to its position and / or orientation. Specifically, the first machining head 11 and the second machining head 21 are, in principle, freely positionable and / or freely orientable relative to each other. In particular, the first machining head 11 and the second machining head 21 are configured to be variably positionable and / or variably orientable relative to each other. This is achieved through the independent mounting and displacement of the respective machining heads 11, 21 on the base.

[0100] The independent free positioning and / or free orientation of the two machining heads 11, 21, and the independent starting or control of the drives for rotating the corresponding tool spindles 12, 22, are particularly suitable for performing two scraping processes simultaneously on the same workpiece 5. In principle, free positioning and / or free orientation, as well as the independent actuation of the tool spindles 12, 22, can be achieved in a wide range of variations and different ways.

[0101] In this exemplary embodiment, the first processing head 11 is displaceably mounted on the carrier 10 via a positioning device 14. The second processing head 21 is also mounted on the second carrier 20 via a corresponding positioning device 24. The first carrier 10 is displaceably mounted relative to the base 2 with respect to a second direction (y). Similarly, the second carrier 20 is displaceably mounted on the base 2 with respect to a second direction (y).

[0102] The first support member 10 is typically mounted on the base 2 in the second direction (y) via a corresponding positioning device 16. Similarly, the second support member 20 is displaceably arranged on the base 2 in the second direction (y) via another positioning device 26. The positioning devices 16 and 26 can be configured as sliding guides. Corresponding and interlocking guide rails can be provided on the support members 10 and 20 and also on the base 2.

[0103] Positioning devices 16 and 26 may be specifically equipped with a drive, typically an electric drive, by means of which the carriers 10 and 20 can be moved independently of each other relative to the base 2 in a second direction (y) by means of a controller 50. The controller 50 is specifically coupled to the electric drive to achieve the corresponding desired displacement movements of the carriers 10 and 20 relative to the base 2 and also relative to each other.

[0104] In the current configuration, positioning devices 16 and 26 are configured as one-dimensional sliding guides, by means of which the carriers 10 and 20 can only move relative to the base 2 in the second direction (y). However, it is also conceivable in principle to configure positioning devices 16 and 26 as two-dimensional positioning devices, such as composite sliders.

[0105] The processing heads 11 and 21 are similarly movably or repositionably mounted on their respective carriers 10 and 20 by means of corresponding positioning devices 14 and 24. The first processing head 11 is movably mounted on the first carrier 10 by means of the positioning device 14, thereby allowing longitudinal displacement relative to the first direction (x) and the third direction (z). Similarly, the positioning device 24 is configured as a two-dimensional positioning device. By means of the positioning device 24, the second processing head 21 is movably arranged on the carrier 20 relative to the first direction (x) and the third direction (z).

[0106] Positioning devices 14 and 24 each have sliders 15 and 25, which are arranged, for example, on carriers 10 and 20. Sliders 15 and 25 can be implemented or configured as composite sliders so that the first processing head 11 is mounted on the first carrier 10, thereby being movable or displaced relative to the first direction (x) and the third direction (z). Similarly, the second processing head 21 can be mounted on the second carrier 20 by means of the slider 25 of the positioning device 24, so as to be longitudinally displaced in the first direction (x) and the third direction (z).

[0107] The signaling connection between the central controller 50 and the positioning devices 14, 16, 24, and 26 is not explicitly shown here. For clarity, the engagement of the guide rails of the slides 15 and 25 with the corresponding guide elements on the machining heads 11 and 21 is not explicitly shown. The positioning devices 14, 16, 24, and 26 are typically implemented using commercially available guide rails or electrically operated sliding guides.

[0108] Also Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As illustrated, the first machining head 11 is mounted on the carrier 10, thus being rotatable or pivotable about the first pivot axis 17 and therefore also relative to the base 2. Similarly, the second machining head 21 is mounted on the second carrier 20 so as to be rotatable or pivotable about the second pivot axis 27 and therefore also relative to the base 2. By means of the rotatable mounting about the first pivot axis 17 and the second pivot axis 27, the corresponding first tool axis 18 and second tool axis 28 of the first machining head 11 and the second machining head 21 can be variably changed as needed.

[0109] This specifically allows for free positioning or orientation of the first processing head 11 and the second processing head 21 relative to each other and also relative to the base 2. Pivot axes 17, 27 are typically each coupled to a dedicated drive, which is connected to the controller 50 for signaling purposes.

[0110] Figure 1 A first spindle driver 13 is shown, which is torque-coupled to a first tool spindle 12. Furthermore, a second machining head 21 has a second spindle driver 23, which is torque-coupled to a second tool spindle 22.

[0111] Figure 1 Another example is shown: a first drive unit 19 for the first machining head 11 and a second drive unit 29 for the second machining head 21. Drive units 19, 29 and spindle drives 13, 23 are connected to the controller 50 via signal transmission. Drive units 19, 29 represent all the drives for the carriers 10, 20 and machining heads 11, 21, thereby positioning the carriers 10, 20 and machining heads 11, 21 in any desired position or orientation during the machining process and moving them at the desired speed.

[0112] Spindle drivers 9, 13, and 23 are also connected to controller 50 via signal transmission. Therefore, controller 50 can individually adjust and control the rotational speeds of workpiece spindle 4, first tool spindle 12, and second tool spindle 22 as needed.

[0113] The actuators (not shown here) of the pivot axes 17 and 27 allow the machining heads 11 and 21 to be electrically pivoted relative to the respective pivot axes 17 and 27, which can be controlled by the controller 50.

[0114] With the help of Figures 1 to 4 The device 1 shown can process or produce different or the same gear rings simultaneously, but at least in time, on the same workpiece 5.

[0115] Figures 5 to 7 The diagram illustrates the meshing of two machining tools 30, 40 with the same workpiece 5. The first machining tool 30 is clamped in the first tool spindle 12. The first machining tool 30 has a first tool gear ring 31 and a second tool gear ring 32 offset axially therefrom. The first tool gear ring 31 and the second tool gear ring 32 are typically different gear rings. They may differ from each other in the number of teeth, the geometry of the teeth, the orientation of the teeth, and their radius or axial range. Similarly, the second machining tool 40, arranged on the second tool spindle 22, has a first tool gear ring 41 and a second tool gear ring 42. These gear rings 41, 42 are also axially offset from each other on the machining tool 40.

[0116] The workpiece 5 to be processed has a first portion 53 and a second portion 54. A first gear ring 51 is located within the region of the first portion 53, which is produced, created, and / or machined by means of a second gear ring portion 42 of a second machining tool 40. The second portion 54 of the workpiece 50 has a second gear ring 52. It is axially spaced from or adjacent to the first gear ring 51. The second gear ring 52 meshes with the first tool gear ring 31 of the first machining tool 30 and is produced and / or machined by the first machining tool 30.

[0117] Especially from Figures 5 to 7 As can be clearly seen, the two machining tools 30 and 40 are positioned radially apart from each other on the approximately radially or diametrically opposite sides of the workpiece 5, or simultaneously or overlapping in time with corresponding portions 53 and 54 of the workpiece 5. The tool gears 31 and 42, which are simultaneously engaged with the axially offset portions 54 and 53 of the workpiece 5, typically perform their own power scraping processes. The two machining tools 30 and 40 are guided by corresponding machining heads 11 and 21 under the program control of the controller 50.

[0118] Since the two cutting processes occur simultaneously, the dynamic control parameters of the corresponding machining heads 11, 21 or their tool spindles 12, 22 are matched with the variables mentioned above according to the following correlation:

[0119] For signaling purposes, the controller 50, which is connected to the driver of the workpiece spindle 4 and to all drivers of the machining heads 11, 21 and the associated tool spindles 12, 22, can realize the corresponding motion connection of the two tool spindles 12, 22 or the corresponding machining heads 11, 21.

[0120] Figure 5 The illustration further shows the axis intersection angle Σ1 or Σ2. The axis intersection angle Σ1 extends between the rotation axis of the workpiece spindle 4 and the first tool axis 18. For example... Figure 5 As indicated, the axial angle Σ2 extends between the rotation axis of the workpiece spindle 4 and the axis 28 of the second tool.

[0121] Figures 7 to 9Another exemplary embodiment is shown, in which two machining heads 11, 21 with machining tools 30, 40 arranged thereon simultaneously engage with the inner gear ring of the workpiece 5 in a rolling or scraping manner. The first portion 53 and the second portion 54 of the workpiece 5 are here separated by a radial distance. Specifically, they can be diametrically opposed to each other such that, for example, the first machining tool 30 with a first tool gear ring 31 engages with the first portion 53, and the second machining tool 40 with its second tool gear ring 41 engages with the same inner second portion 54 of the inner gear ring 55 of the workpiece 5. Here, the two portions 53, 54 can be arranged opposite each other on the inner gear ring 55.

[0122] Simultaneous engagement of two machining tools 30 and 40 with the same gear ring 55 can speed up the entire machining or processing procedure for producing the internal gear ring 55. The same applies to the external gear ring.

[0123] Figure 10 The flowchart schematically illustrates a method for simultaneously performing power scraping on the same workpiece 5. In the first step 100, the workpiece 5 to be toothed is arranged on a workpiece spindle 4, which is rotatably mounted about a first axis (A) of the device 1 described above. In the next step 102, at least a first portion 53 of the workpiece 5 is power scraped by means of a first machining tool 30. The first machining tool 30 is arranged on a first tool spindle 12 of a first machining head 11.

[0124] The first machining head 11 or the first tool spindle 12, as well as the workpiece spindle 4, are driven under program control or controlled by the controller 50. Simultaneously, in another step 104, the second portion 54 of the workpiece 5 is machined using a second machining tool 40. The second machining tool 40 is positioned on the second machining head 21.

[0125] The second processing head 21 is here variably positioned and / or variably oriented relative to and independently of the first processing head 11 in order to process the second portion 54 of the workpiece. Advantageously, in the two steps 104 and 102, the first scraping process and the second scraping process are performed simultaneously or at least overlap in time.

[0126] Reference tag list

[0127] 1. Gear cutting equipment

[0128] 2. Base

[0129] 3. Workpiece support components

[0130] 4. Workpiece spindle

[0131] 5 workpieces

[0132] 9. Spindle driver

[0133] 10. Bearing components

[0134] 11. Processing Head

[0135] 12 Tool Spindle

[0136] 13 Spindle Driver

[0137] 14. Positioning equipment

[0138] 15 Slider

[0139] 16. Positioning devices

[0140] 17 Pivot axis

[0141] 18. Tool axis

[0142] 19 Drive Units

[0143] 20 Load-bearing components

[0144] 21 Processing Head

[0145] 22 Tool Spindle

[0146] 23 Spindle Driver

[0147] 24 Positioning devices

[0148] 25 Slider

[0149] 26. Positioning equipment

[0150] 27 Pivot axis

[0151] 28. Tool axis

[0152] 29 Drive Units

[0153] 30 Machining Tools

[0154] 31 Gear Ring

[0155] 32 Gear Ring

[0156] 40 Machining tools

[0157] 41 Gear Ring

[0158] 42 Gear Ring

[0159] 50 controllers

[0160] 51 Gear Ring

[0161] 52 Gear Ring

[0162] Part 53

[0163] Part 54

[0164] 55 Gear Ring

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing a workpiece (5), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises the following components: - Base (2), - Workpiece spindle (4), which is rotatably mounted about a first axis (A) for receiving the workpiece (5). - A first machining head (11) having a first tool spindle (12) rotatably mounted relative to the first tool axis (18) for receiving a first machining tool (30). - Second machining head (21), used to receive second machining tool (40). - Wherein at least a first machining head (11) capable of being equipped with the first machining tool (30) is configured for power scraping of the workpiece (5), and - wherein the second processing head (21) is variablely positionable and / or variablely oriented relative to and independent of the first processing head (11); The device also includes a controller (50) for controlling the first processing head (11) and the second processing head (21) to make the following correlation applicable: Where i = 1 represents the first scraping tool or the first gear ring of the workpiece, i = 2 represents the second scraping tool or the second gear ring of the workpiece, and wherein... 。 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second processing head (21) is freely positionable and / or freely oriented relative to the first processing head (11).

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first processing head (11) and the second processing head (21) are arranged on the base (2) so as to be independently movable relative to each other with respect to a first direction (x).

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first processing head (11) and the second processing head (21) are arranged on the base (2) so as to be independently movable relative to each other in a second direction (y).

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first processing head (11) and the second processing head (21) are arranged on the base (2) so as to be independently movable relative to a third direction (z).

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first processing head (11) is pivotally mounted relative to a first pivot axis (17) extending substantially perpendicular to the first tool axis (18).

7. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second processing head (21) is pivotally mounted relative to a second pivot axis (27) extending substantially perpendicular to the second tool axis (28).

8. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a first machining head (11) having the first machining tool (30) is capable of being engaged with a first portion (53) of the workpiece (5), and a second machining head (21) having the second machining tool (40) is capable of being engaged with a second portion (54) of the workpiece (5) simultaneously, wherein the first portion (53) and the second portion (54) of the workpiece (5) are offset from each other axially and / or radially relative to the first axis (A).

9. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second processing head (21) has a second tool spindle rotatably mounted relative to the second tool axis (28) for receiving the second processing tool (40).

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second processing head (21) capable of being equipped with the second processing tool (40) is configured for power scraping of the workpiece (5).

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first processing head (11) and the second processing head (21) are configured to simultaneously perform power scraping on the workpiece (5).

12. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first machining head (11) capable of being equipped with or equipped with the first machining tool (30) and / or the second machining head (21) capable of being equipped with or equipped with the second machining tool (40) are configured for producing and / or machining the first gear ring (51) and / or the second gear ring (52) of the workpiece (5).

13. A method for processing a workpiece (5), comprising the following steps: - The workpiece (5) to be processed is arranged on the workpiece spindle (4) which is rotatably mounted around the first axis (A) of the equipment (1) for processing the workpiece. - Power scraping of at least a first portion (53) of the workpiece (5) is performed by means of a first machining tool (30) arranged on a first tool spindle (12) of a first machining head (11); - The second part (54) of the workpiece (5) is simultaneously machined by means of a second machining tool (40) arranged on a second machining head (21), wherein the second machining head (21) is variably positioned and / or variably oriented relative to and independently of the first machining head (11); The second portion (54) of the workpiece (5) is machined by cutting using a second machining tool (40), the second machining tool being arranged on a second tool spindle (22) of a second machining head (21), and wherein the first machining head (11), the first tool spindle (12), the second machining head (21), the second tool spindle (22), and the workpiece spindle (4) are simultaneously actuated by means of a controller (50) to make the following correlation applicable: ,in Where i = 1 represents the first scraping tool or the first gear ring of the workpiece, i = 2 represents the second scraping tool or the second gear ring of the workpiece, and wherein... 。 14. A computer program product for controlling an apparatus (1) for machining a workpiece (5) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a workpiece spindle (4) rotatably mounted about a first axis (A) for receiving the workpiece (5), a first machining head (11) and a second machining head (21), wherein the first machining head (11) has a first tool spindle (12) rotatably mounted about a first tool axis (18) for receiving a first machining tool (30), wherein the second machining head (21) is configured to receive a second machining tool (40), and wherein the computer program comprises instructions that, when executed on a computer or a controller (50) of the apparatus (1) for machining the workpiece (5), cause the computer or controller (50) to: - The first machining head (11) is engaged with the first part (53) of the workpiece (5) for scraping and a first power scraping process is performed, wherein the first machining head has a machining tool (30) arranged thereon. - And simultaneously or concurrently in time, the second part (54) of the workpiece (5) is machined by means of the second machining tool (40), and in the process, the second machining head (21) is variably positioned and / or variably oriented relative to and independently of the first machining head (11).

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