Method of preforming a grinding tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of pre-forming a grinding tool. In a method for preforming a grinding tool, a device, in particular a gear grinder (1), is provided for fine hard machining of a workpiece and for preforming a grinding tool, comprising: a workpiece spindle (2) for rotating the workpiece; a grinding spindle (3) which can be fed at least along a grinding spindle transverse feed axis X in order to rotate a grinding tool, in particular a grinding worm (4) or a grinding wheel; and a forming device (5) with a fixed first forming plate (6). A grinding tool blank, in particular a grinding worm blank, is arranged on a grinding spindle (3) of the device. The apparatus is placed in a shaped configuration. The grinding spindle (3) is fed until the grinding tool blank is operatively connected to the first forming plate (6). And finally, pre-forming the grinding tool blank.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preforming a grinding tool and a device for precision hard machining of workpieces and for forming a grinding tool. Background Art

[0002] In the case of precision hard machining of workpieces (such as gear blanks), these workpieces are machined with grinding tools (such as grinding wheels or grinding worms). An advantageous method is to generate grinding by means of a gear grinding machine. Here, it is important that the grinding tool used has a profile that precisely fits the desired profile shape of the workpiece. This is particularly achieved by correspondingly forming the tool blank. The forming includes preforming to obtain the required rough profile and dressing for fine forming. The preforming of the grinding tool blank is usually carried out once on a forming machine specified for this purpose (such as, for example, a circular grinding machine), while the dressing is carried out on a gear grinding machine (such as, for example, a generating grinding machine) and is periodically repeated after a certain period of use. For example, for preforming, line dressing is carried out with a radius profile roll, which, although providing relatively high flexibility, means a large amount of time. In particular, rotary dressing tools also have disadvantages, such as being prone to damage the grinding tool blank in case of improper use.

[0003] Therefore, preforming is usually not carried out by the user of the grinding machine, especially a generating grinding machine, himself, but by the supplier with the corresponding machine. The user obtains the preformed grinding tool and stores it for future use. This limits the flexibility of the user and means an economic burden, because the customer has to estimate his demand for the formed grinding tool in advance.

[0004] It is known from the prior art to use a so-called dressing master for preforming. The dressing master is in particular a diamond tool, the shape of which corresponds to the desired profile shape of the workpiece to be machined. Then, such a dressing master can also be clamped in the grinding machine, in particular like the workpiece, and operatively connected to the grinding tool blank. Thus, a profile is introduced into the grinding tool blank, which corresponds to the negative of the profile of the dressing master.

[0005] However, this type of method again has the disadvantage of being relatively inflexible. Each workpiece shape requires a corresponding dressing master. In addition, there are also problems in producing profiles corresponding to relatively small workpieces (such as having a modulus of <1 mm). Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method belonging to the technical field mentioned at the beginning, and the method allows for flexible and demand-oriented preforming of a grinding tool using a device that is also suitable for precision hard machining of workpieces.

[0007] The solution to this object is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a method for preforming a grinding tool comprises the following steps:

[0008] a) providing a device, in particular a gear grinding machine, for precision hard machining of a workpiece and for preforming a grinding tool, the device comprising:

[0009] a. a workpiece spindle for rotating the workpiece;

[0010] b. a grinding spindle which is movable at least along a transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle for rotating a grinding tool, in particular a grinding worm or a grinding wheel, and

[0011] c. a forming device having a fixed first forming plate.

[0012] b) providing a grinding tool blank on the grinding spindle of the device, in particular a grinding worm blank.

[0013] c) placing the device in a forming configuration.

[0014] d) feeding the grinding spindle until the grinding tool blank is operatively connected to the first forming plate.

[0015] e) preforming the grinding tool blank.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a device, in particular a gear grinding machine, for precision hard machining of a workpiece and for forming a grinding tool, in particular for precision hard machining of a workpiece and for forming a grinding tool by means of the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising:

[0017] a) a workpiece spindle for rotating the workpiece;

[0018] b) a grinding spindle which is movable at least along a transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle for rotating a grinding tool, in particular a grinding worm or a grinding wheel, wherein the device has a workpiece machining configuration in which the grinding spindle is movable along the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle towards the workpiece spindle until the grinding tool located on the grinding spindle is operatively connected to the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle; and

[0019] c) a forming device comprising a fixed first forming plate, wherein the device has a first forming configuration in which the grinding spindle is movable towards the forming device until the grinding tool located on the grinding spindle is operatively connected to the first forming plate.

[0020] The workpieces here particularly refer to gear blanks, which still have to be machined by fine hard machining such as generating grinding in order to be usable as gears in, for example, gear mechanisms. Usually, such workpieces are made of metal, for example hardened steel.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, grinding tools, in particular grinding worms or grinding wheels, are tools suitable for the fine hard machining of workpieces. In particular, such grinding tools consist of a forming and bonding medium and particles bonded in the medium, and the particles are generally harder than the material of the workpiece to be machined. The medium can be ceramic, and the particles are, for example, composed of fused or sintered corundum.

[0022] In order to perform suitable fine hard machining on the workpiece, the grinding tool has a profile that corresponds to the negative of the desired profile shape of the workpiece. In the case of a grinding worm, the profile spirally winds around the outer side of the grinding worm, such that the grinding worm has a plurality of teeth similar to a gear in cross-section. Conversely, in the case of a grinding wheel, the profile only corresponds to the shape of the pitch profile of the finished gear, that is, the left flank, the root region, and the right flank or their negative-shaped parts.

[0023] A grinding tool blank is a blank of a grinding tool and becomes a suitable tool only by introducing a profile.

[0024] By providing a corresponding device, in particular a gear grinding machine, preferably a generating grinding machine, the device can be used for the rest of the method. According to the present invention, this is a device having the above-mentioned features:

[0025] A workpiece spindle is used to rotate the workpiece during hard finishing. During generating grinding, the rotation of the workpiece is carried out continuously, at which time the workpiece is operatively connected to the grinding worm, which is similar to a worm gear mechanism. If a grinding wheel is used, for example during pitch profile grinding, the workpiece only rotates further when the grinding wheel and the workpiece are not engaged.

[0026] A grinding spindle holds and rotates the grinding tool. Usually, the axis of rotation of its grinding spindle is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the workpiece of the workpiece spindle, in particular at an angle of 90°, but is deflectable during the process. The grinding spindle rotates the grinding tool at a rotational speed suitable for the corresponding grinding operation or forming operation.

[0027] During the process, the grinding spindle can be fed at least along the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle. In other words, the grinding spindle can thus be moved to the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle in order to operatively connect the grinding tool to the workpiece. For this purpose, the grinding spindle is particularly arranged on a movably mounted grinding slide.

[0028] The transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle is a movement axis that extends particularly perpendicular to the rotational axis of the grinding spindle and also perpendicular to the rotational axis of the workpiece spindle. The transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle preferably extends horizontally.

[0029] The forming device according to the invention is suitable for pre-forming a blank of a grinding tool. For this purpose, the forming device must include at least one fixed first forming plate. The fact that the first forming plate is fixed means that the first forming plate is fixed in a non-rotating manner during the forming operation and at the same time cannot rotate about a rotational axis, particularly a rotational axis that extends parallel and / or perpendicular to the rotational axis of the grinding spindle. In this case, the first forming plate is plate-shaped. In the direction extending parallel to the rotational axis of the grinding spindle, the width of the first forming plate in the engagement area is particularly smaller than the tooth thickness of the gear for which the blank of the grinding tool is suitable. In particular, the forming plate has a maximum length that is, for example, smaller than the minimum diameter of the workpiece spindle.

[0030] Unlike, for example, a grinding wheel, the first forming plate is also not rotationally symmetric, especially during rotation about an axis perpendicular to one of its main surfaces and passing through the first forming plate. In particular, the first forming plate is arrow-shaped or triangular in the distal region, which points towards the grinding spindle during pre-forming (see below), and the first forming plate has a tip that points towards the grinding spindle. At least in the forming configuration state of the device, the first forming plate is preferably oriented such that its main surface is horizontal.

[0031] The first forming plate is particularly composed of a material that is harder than hardened steel or includes a material that is harder than hardened steel, such as diamond (see below).

[0032] When a blank of a grinding tool is provided on the grinding spindle, the blank of the grinding tool is arranged on the grinding spindle such that the grinding spindle can rotate the blank of the grinding tool. In particular, the blank of the grinding tool is thus attached in the same manner as a finished formed grinding tool will also be attached to the device for machining the workpiece.

[0033] Placing the device in the forming configuration state includes all steps of placing the device in a configuration state (first forming configuration state) in which the grinding spindle can be fed to the forming device until the grinding tool blank is operatively connected to the first forming plate. This particularly means that the first forming plate is aligned relative to the grinding spindle. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the specific device, this can also mean that the grinding spindle is moved, for example, along the grinding spindle axis Z to a suitable vertical height, in particular the vertical height of the forming device. This can also include removing protection from the forming device, for example, opening the protective cover or folding out the forming device. Similarly, being in the forming configuration state means that the first forming plate is fixed (if it was not the case beforehand) such that the first forming plate cannot move freely and / or rotate freely. Specifically, for example, in a device in which the workpiece spindle is arranged on a movable base, in particular adjacent to the carrier tower, placing the device in the forming configuration state also includes appropriate rotation or alignment of this base (see below).

[0034] During this process, the feed can be carried out along the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle. It is also possible that the transverse feed axis for feeding to the forming device deviates from the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle and is, for example, perpendicular to the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle, and the feed is carried out, for example, vertically upwards. In particular, the feed can also be carried out along the grinding spindle axis Y parallel to the grinding spindle axis. In this case, the grinding tool blank is first positioned relative to the first forming plate, for example, by moving along the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle such that there is a straight line parallel to the grinding spindle axis that extends through the tip of the first forming plate and through the outer region of the grinding tool blank.

[0035] Preforming the grinding tool blank includes feeding the grinding spindle together with the grinding tool blank to the forming device until the grinding tool blank is operatively connected to the first forming plate. In addition, preforming the grinding tool blank includes rotating the grinding tool blank with the grinding spindle. During the rotation of the grinding tool blank, material removal occurs due to the interaction between the grinding tool blank and the first forming plate. This results in the forming of the grinding tool blank, in particular preforming. Preferably, the preforming also includes further movement of the grinding spindle, for example, movement along the grinding spindle axis Y parallel to the rotation axis of the grinding spindle. For example, in the case of grinding a worm blank, the grinding spindle is also moved appropriately according to the rotational speed, in particular along the grinding spindle axis Y along the forming device such that the removed material spirally winds around the grinding tool blank in a desired manner. Further details of this variant are described further below.

[0036] Conversely, in the case of grinding a grinding wheel blank, the grinding spindle (if any) is also moved only such that the removal produces a desired contour shape.

[0037] The advantages of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are that the blank of the grinding tool can be preformed with the same device and then the workpiece can also be finely and hard machined with this device. Thus, the user of the device can, for example, provide the blank of the grinding tool and preform the blank of the grinding tool as required so as to use the preformed blank of the grinding tool as a grinding tool in subsequent fine hard machining. In addition, there is no need for a dressing master for each gear shape. This allows for particularly flexible and demand-oriented preforming.

[0038] In addition, by using the first forming plate, forming can be carried out more quickly because this results in a high level of wear. Forming can also be carried out in the dry state, that is, in particular, without adding cooling oil. Thus, the method becomes particularly simple.

[0039] Another advantage is that by using this method and / or device, it is possible to produce a grinding tool capable of grinding relatively fine tooth profiles. In particular, a grinding tool suitable for grinding gears with a modulus of <1, especially up to a modulus of 0.5, can thus be preformed in a simple, flexible and demand-oriented manner. This results in a particularly flexible and versatile method and also a particularly flexible and versatile device.

[0040] Placing the device in the forming configuration preferably includes moving the first forming plate along a circular path to the grinding tool machining position, in particular pivoting the first forming plate along a circular path to the grinding tool machining position. In this case, the grinding tool machining position is the position that the first forming plate has in the forming configuration and is, in particular, the position maintained during the entire forming operation. In this case, the movement can be carried out, for example, along a horizontal straight line or, for example, along a vertical straight line. The movement is preferably carried out horizontally along a circular path. In this case, the first forming plate can, for example, pivot along a vertical pivot axis that is outside the first forming plate and, particularly preferably, also outside the forming device. However, the forming plate can also be pivoted to the grinding tool machining position along a horizontally extending pivot axis. Moving the first forming plate to the grinding tool machining position allows the device to be placed in the forming configuration in a simple and very quick manner. The forming device and the first forming plate can have a relatively compact design relative to the other components of the device, and thus the movement of the first forming plate can be easily achieved and can be carried out particularly quickly.

[0041] Alternatively, the device can also be placed in the forming configuration without moving the first forming plate, for example, by moving the grinding spindle to place the device in the forming configuration or, for example, by feeding to the forming device along a transverse feed axis other than the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle.

[0042] In a preferred variant of the above-described variant of the present invention, placing the device in the forming configuration state includes moving the grinding spindle along a grinding spindle axis Z extending parallel to the workpiece rotation axis to a grinding spindle forming height. This means moving the grinding spindle before feeding it to the forming device. This provides a method that can also be used in a forming device that is, for example, arranged at a different height on the device than the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle. In particular, a device can thus be used in which the forming device is located above or below the clamping area of the workpiece spindle. This method also allows a forming device that is fixedly arranged, i.e., immovably arranged, and is only spaced apart from the workpiece spindle in the vertical height. Thus, the method becomes particularly flexible.

[0043] Alternatively, the method can also be carried out without moving along the grinding spindle axis Z, for example, if the forming device in the forming configuration state is located at the same height as the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle, or if the cross-feed axis fed to the forming device is an axis different from the grinding spindle cross-feed axis X.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of all the above-described variants of the present invention, after the preforming is completed, the first forming plate is moved to a waiting position, in which the first forming plate is located outside the feed area between the grinding spindle and the workpiece spindle.

[0045] The waiting position is in particular a position in which the first forming plate does not obstruct the feeding of the grinding spindle to the workpiece spindle, and the first forming plate can also be maintained in this position during the grinding operation. The feed area includes, for example, in particular a minimum spatial area that includes all the positions of the grinding tool during the feeding to the workpiece spindle and in particular also during the grinding operation of the workpiece. By moving the forming plate to the waiting position, the device for completing the method according to the present invention can be used particularly quickly for the precision hard machining of the workpiece. Thus, the method becomes particularly easy to integrate into a sequence that provides both the preforming of the grinding tool and the fine hard machining of the workpiece.

[0046] Alternatively, the first forming plate can also remain stationary after the preforming is completed. For example, this can be used in a method in which the heights of the forming device and the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle are different along the grinding spindle axis Z.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during the preforming, the grinding spindle moves along a grinding spindle axis Y in an operatively connected movement area Y, where the grinding tool blank located on the grinding spindle remains operatively connected to the first forming plate within the operatively connected movement area Y, and the grinding spindle axis Y extends parallel to the grinding spindle rotation axis of the grinding spindle.

[0048] In other words, the operatively connected movement region Y represents a movement region within which, after the feed, the grinding spindle can move along the grinding spindle axis Y to the forming device without the grinding tool and the first forming plate becoming disengaged from the operative connection. This can be a region that is wider than the width of the desired profile along the grinding spindle axis Y, or the width of this region corresponds to the width of the desired profile. Since the grinding spindle moves together with the grinding tool blank, a helical profile can be produced, in particular on a worm blank. This movement is also referred to as shifting. In particular, in this case, the width of the desired profile is completely traversed once from one side to the other, and then the grinding spindle returns and again moves along the grinding spindle axis Y and in particular also along the grinding spindle axis X to the starting position. This can be repeated several times. In particular, after the return, it can also be in a position offset from the starting position, in order to, for example, form the second side opposite the first side of the profile during a new pass. In this case, the movement speed along the grinding spindle axis Y is coordinated in particular with the rotational speed of the grinding spindle in order to obtain the desired profile.

[0049] This allows for a flexible preforming, in particular of worms, using the conventional movement possibilities of gear grinding machines, in particular generating grinding machines, and the usual grinding and shifting carriages. Even in the case of preforming the grinding wheel, it is possible to move along the grinding spindle axis Y in order to obtain the desired profile.

[0050] As a result, the method becomes particularly simple and generally applicable, and also particularly flexible and demand-oriented.

[0051] Alternatively, the grinding spindle can remain stationary, and, for example, the forming device or the first forming plate can move, for example, parallel to the grinding spindle rotation axis. This is used in particular for variants of gear grinding machines that do not allow any movement of the grinding spindle along the grinding spindle axis Y.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, during the preforming, the clamping feet of the forming plate holder contact and support one side of the first forming plate, and this side generally has a surface normal that points in the same direction as the rotational direction of the grinding tool blank in the local operative connection region between the grinding tool blank and the forming plate.

[0053] The clamping feet of the forming plate holder serve as supports for the forming plate, which in particular prevents the forming plate from breaking under stress during forming (see below). The locally operable connection area is in particular the area of the grinding tool blank that is operably connected to the first forming plate. Thus, the corresponding direction of rotation is in particular the direction of the force exerted by the grinding tool blank on the forming plate. In particular, the side to be supported is the main surface of the first forming plate. Thus, the support on this side (whose surface normal points in the same direction) counteracts the effect of this force and in particular prevents the first forming plate from bending or breaking during the forming operation.

[0054] Thus, the method becomes particularly reliable and sustainable.

[0055] Alternatively, the method can also be carried out without clamping feet, or the clamping feet can be oriented differently. Here, it is necessary to use a first forming plate that has the necessary stability even without support.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first forming plate is measured before the device is placed in the forming configuration state, wherein, for the measurement, the first forming plate is brought into contact with a probe, in particular in sequence at at least two contact points of the forming plate with the probe.

[0057] A key factor that affects the quality of the result and thus the quality of the method is the precise knowledge of the geometry of the forming plate. In particular, this knowledge is required so that the movements involved, such as advancement and displacement for example, can be correctly planned. However, due to wear, the geometry of the forming plate changes from its initial geometry during each forming operation.

[0058] The measurement here is in particular a method that collects knowledge about the geometry of the first forming plate, in particular about the geometry of the part of the forming plate that is operably connected to the grinding tool blank. A probe, in particular a measuring cuboid, contacts the first forming plate with its particularly well-known geometry and alignment in the device, for example via movements that are also recorded. For example, the geometry of the first forming plate can then be scanned by knowing the exact position of the probe during contact. In particular, in this case, the probe moves while the first forming plate remains stationary. The probe can include, for example, a contact sensor (such as, for example, a capacitance sensor) or a laser measurement system, and the contact is recorded by the contact sensor or the laser measurement system. The contact can also be established via the operator's observation, for example via a camera. The probe preferably contacts the first forming plate sequentially at multiple positions. In particular, the probe contacts the outermost tip of the first forming plate, especially when the probe points to the grinding spindle in the forming configuration state, and for example contacts two opposite points on these sides of the first forming plate. Of course, the probe can contact even more positions on the first forming plate to improve the resolution. However, tests have shown that, especially with three contact parts, in this case preferably the contact parts on the outermost tip of the first forming plate and one contact part on each of the opposite sides of the first forming plate in each case, a particularly effective and precise method is achieved.

[0059] Then, the geometry of the first forming plate can be reconstructed from the various contact positions or orientations of the probe. The measurement result is preferably used as an input in the preforming planning, in particular for planning the movement of the grinding spindle, for example by means of the grinding slide and / or the shifting slide. The result can also be used to decide whether the first forming plate should be replaced.

[0060] This additional step provides an efficient and particularly reliable and high-quality method.

[0061] In a particularly preferred variant of the above method, before measuring the first forming plate, the probe is fed to the forming device until the probe and the first forming plate are in contact with each other. In particular, in this case, the probe is fed along the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle.

[0062] The advantage of this is that existing moving parts in the gear grinding machine, such as the grinding slide, are also used to move the probe. In particular, for this purpose, the probe is placed in the measurement configuration state before feeding, in which the probe is, for example, located in front of the grinding spindle and the grinding tool blank. Then, the probe can be fed in the same way as the grinding spindle in the forming configuration state.

[0063] Therefore, a particularly simple and effective method is provided. Alternatively, the probe can also contact the first forming plate in a different way, for example, by moving the forming device or pivoting the probe onto the forming device.

[0064] Alternatively, the measurement can also be omitted. A possible alternative method is further explained below. If there is sufficient wear experience, the first forming plate can also be replaced, for example, after a predetermined number of forming operations, and then start with a new known geometry.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before the device is placed in the forming configuration or before preforming, for the purpose of planning the preforming, a digital twin of the first forming plate is called, which represents the previous wear state of the first forming plate. During or after the preforming, the digital twin is particularly updated by simulation so that it represents the updated wear state of the first forming plate. In particular, the digital twin can be used as an alternative to the probe for measurement, but can also be used as a supplement, for example. Therefore, the planning of the preforming particularly includes determining the necessary movements performed before and during the forming, particularly the feed distance, but also includes, for example, the shift distance.

[0066] The digital twin is a digital representation of the first forming plate, which is stored, for example, on the hard disk of a personal computer or a control unit. In particular, the digital twin represents the geometry of the forming plate and / or the wear state of the forming plate. However, the digital twin can represent additional factors, such as the service life of the first forming plate and the composition of the first forming plate, for example, the material constituting the first forming plate, particularly the material of the cutting elements constituting the first forming plate. By calling the digital twin, the geometry corresponding to the geometry of the first forming plate can particularly be read out. This can be used for planning the preforming.

[0067] In this case, the update of the digital twin particularly includes simulation, such as simulation using the finite element method (FEM). In this case, for example, the movement data or recorded values from the planned preforming are used as the input for the simulation. Therefore, the updated digital twin represents the changed geometry of the first forming plate after the forming operation and can be used for further forming operations.

[0068] Therefore, a particularly effective and precise method is provided, which also takes into account the wear of the forming plate without considering the measured values. Alternatively, for example, in the case of the above measurement, the digital twin can also be omitted.

[0069] In a variant of the device according to the invention, the grinding spindle in the first forming configuration can be fed to the forming device along the grinding spindle cross-feed axis X. This simplifies the structure of the device, since the same cross-feed axis is used both for feeding the finished formed grinding tool to the workpiece and for feeding the grinding tool blank to the forming device.

[0070] Alternatively, if the forming device is arranged, for example, above the grinding spindle, the feed can also be carried out along, for example, the vertical grinding spindle axis Z.

[0071] In particular for preforming a grinding worm, the grinding spindle in the grinding worm forming configuration can be fed to the forming device along the grinding spindle cross-feed axis Y. For this purpose, the grinding tool blank can be positioned relative to the first forming plate, for example by moving along the grinding spindle cross-feed axis X relative to the first forming plate, such that there is a straight line parallel to the grinding spindle axis which passes through the tip of the first forming plate and through the outer region of the grinding tool blank.

[0072] In a preferred variant of the device, the first forming plate is movable, in particular pivotable, to a waiting position, in which the first forming plate is located outside the feed region along the grinding spindle cross-feed axis X between the grinding spindle and the workpiece spindle. The waiting position can, for example, be located in a spatial region opposite the grinding spindle relative to the workpiece spindle. If the device includes a carrier tower (see below), the waiting position can in particular be located on the side of the carrier tower opposite the workpiece spindle.

[0073] By moving to the waiting position, the device according to the invention for carrying out the method can be used particularly quickly for precision hard machining of workpieces. The device is thus particularly flexible and allows a simple, reliable and rapid transition from the first forming configuration to the workpiece machining configuration.

[0074] Alternatively, the first forming plate can also be, for example, stationary. This can be used in particular in solutions in which the height of the forming device and the height of the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle differ along the grinding spindle axis Z.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the forming device includes a pivotably mounted pivot arm, wherein the first forming plate is arranged at the distal end of the pivot arm.

[0076] In this case, the pivot arm is pivotable, in particular, about an axis which extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece spindle, in particular, in the vertical direction. In particular, the pivot arm is substantially cuboid, and the vertical height of the pivot arm corresponds to more than 50% of the horizontal length of the pivot arm, while the width of the pivot arm corresponds to more than 40% of its length. This ensures sufficient stability of the pivot arm, even during force-intensive forming operations. The length of the pivot arm, measured, for example, from the free end of the pivot arm to the pivotable mounting of the pivot arm, is in particular less than 20 times the maximum length of the first forming plate.

[0077] For mounting the pivot arm, the forming device may also particularly include a pivot arm base on which the pivot arm is pivotably mounted.

[0078] The forming device having a pivot arm has the following advantages: The first forming plate can be arranged on the device such that the first forming plate can be easily folded out and folded in, so that the forming device can be arranged in a less exposed position in the device. This prevents damage to the first forming plate, for example, during secondary processing or during pivoting of the entire forming device. This enables a more compact device to be constructed overall. In addition, by pivoting the pivot arm, the first forming plate can be flexibly aligned relative to the grinding worm, or the alignment can be adjusted so that different forming flank geometries can be produced in a simple manner.

[0079] Alternatively, if, for example, sufficient space is available, the forming device can also be designed without a pivot arm.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the grinding spindle is movable along a grinding spindle axis Y which extends parallel to the grinding spindle axis of rotation of the grinding spindle and, in particular, perpendicular to the grinding spindle cross-feed axis X. In this case, in the first forming configuration state, there is an operative connection movement region Y within which a grinding tool located on the grinding spindle is operatively connected to the first forming plate. In particular, the grinding spindle axis Y extends horizontally. The grinding spindle can preferably be arranged, for example, on a displacement slide which is movably mounted along the grinding spindle axis Y. The advantages of the operative connection movement region Y have been further discussed above with reference to the corresponding method. Thus, a particularly simple device is provided which is simultaneously suitable for fine hard machining of workpieces and pre-forming of grinding worm blanks. Alternatively, the forming device can be designed to be displaceable, that is to say movable parallel to the grinding spindle axis of rotation.

[0081] The grinding spindle is preferably movable along a grinding spindle axis Z, which extends parallel to the workpiece rotation axis of the workpiece spindle and, in particular, perpendicular to the cross-feed axis X of the grinding cross-spindle. In this case, in the workpiece machining configuration state, the grinding spindle reaches a grinding spindle forming height along the grinding spindle axis Z.

[0082] In particular, for this purpose, a displacement slide on which the grinding spindle is arranged is movably mounted along the grinding spindle axis Z. In this case, the grinding spindle axis Z extends, in particular, in the vertical direction.

[0083] The mobility along the grinding spindle axis Z allows the forming device to be attached at a height that is offset from the height of the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle. Thus, the device can be constructed compactly and flexibly.

[0084] In a preferred variant of the invention, the device includes a carrier tower, in particular a rotatably mounted carrier tower, wherein the carrier tower particularly has a workpiece carrier for transporting the workpiece to the workpiece spindle.

[0085] The carrier tower for a gear grinding machine is known per se. The carrier tower is, in particular, for example, a substantially cylindrical component that carries various functional elements of the gear grinding machine. In this case, the carrier tower is particularly located opposite or in front of the grinding spindle. In particular, by means of the rotatable carrier tower, various functional elements (such as, for example, a dressing device) can be selectively placed in an interaction position with the grinding spindle. The carrier tower particularly includes a workpiece carrier that can fix the workpiece so that the workpiece can be transported. The workpiece carrier can also be designed, for example, to transport a grinding tool blank to the grinding spindle.

[0086] Due to the presence of the carrier tower, the device can be used in a particularly versatile manner and is compact in this case. Alternatively, the device can also be designed without a carrier tower.

[0087] In a preferred alternative to the above variant of the invention, the carrier tower is rotatable or pivotable to a carrier tower forming position.

[0088] The advantage of a rotatable or pivotable carrier tower is that functional components can be fixedly arranged on the carrier tower. Since most functional components (such as a dressing device or a forming device) are usually smaller than the carrier tower, a very stable and flexible device can be achieved. Alternatively, the carrier tower can also be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. In this case, the functional components can, for example, be rotatably arranged on the carrier tower, or the grinding spindle can also be rotatably mounted around the carrier tower.

[0089] The shaping device is preferably arranged on the carrier tower. For this purpose, the shaping device can in particular be arranged on one of the side walls of the carrier tower.

[0090] This provides a particularly robust and simple possibility for positioning the first shaping plate in the device. In this case, the first shaping plate can in particular be arranged on the side of the carrier tower facing away from the workpiece spindle, or for example also at a different height from the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle.

[0091] In a preferred variant of the above-described embodiment, the carrier tower and the workpiece spindle are arranged on a rotatable base, wherein the shaping device is arranged on the carrier tower in an angular region outside the angular region of the workpiece spindle with respect to the base rotation axis.

[0092] The rotatable base itself is known. In this case, such a base is in particular circular in shape with respect to the horizontal plane. The base rotation axis extends, for example, centrally and vertically through the base. The angular region of the workpiece spindle is in particular the angular region in which the workpiece spindle is located with respect to the base rotation axis. In other words, within this region, a straight connecting line can be constructed starting from the base rotation axis and perpendicular to the base rotation axis, which straight connecting line connects to a point on the workpiece spindle and in particular also to a point on the workpiece attached to the workpiece spindle. "Outside" in particular means that no point of the shaping device lies within the angular region of the workpiece spindle.

[0093] This arrangement has the advantage that the device can be placed in the shaping configuration in a very effective and rapid manner. For this purpose, in particular, it is only necessary to rotate the base so that the shaping device points towards the grinding spindle. In this case, the workpiece spindle and, for example, the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle rotate away from the grinding spindle at the same time. Similarly, once the workpiece spindle faces the grinding spindle, the shaping device automatically assumes the waiting position.

[0094] Alternatively, the shaping device can also be arranged, for example, above or below the workpiece spindle in the same angular region. The device can also be designed without a rotatable base.

[0095] In a preferred alternative of the above-described embodiment, the device includes a dressing device arranged on the carrier tower, wherein the shaping device is arranged on the dressing device.

[0096] Therefore, the device according to the invention allows for additional dressing of the grinding tool, in particular after pre-forming. In particular, in this variant, the shaping configuration state is the same as or almost the same as the dressing configuration state of the device, and with this variant, pre-forming can be carried out particularly quickly and effectively, followed by dressing. Alternatively, the shaping device can also be arranged separately from the dressing device, or the device can be designed without a dressing device.

[0097] In another alternative of the present invention, the device includes a workpiece tailstock arranged on the carrier tower, the workpiece tailstock having a tailstock base, wherein the forming device is arranged on the tailstock base. It is known to arrange a tailstock by means of a tailstock base for holding a workpiece on a carrier tower. In this case, the tailstock can be mounted movably along the vertical direction along the carrier tower. At least in the workpiece processing configuration state of the device, the tailstock is located above the workpiece spindle and has the same axis of rotation.

[0098] In this case, arranging the forming device on the tailstock base enables the forming configuration state to be changed even when the carrier tower does not rotate or rotates only slightly, for example, by the movement of the grinding spindle along the grinding spindle axis Z. Therefore, the device is constructed particularly effectively and simply. In addition, this arrangement does not block any unused space on the carrier tower, and as a result, for example, a particularly large number of additional functional components can be arranged on the carrier tower.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first forming plate includes cutting elements having polycrystalline diamond (PCD). In particular, the first forming plate is made of polycrystalline diamond (PCD), that is, diamond particles surrounded by a metal matrix. Alternatively, the cutting elements can also be sintered onto a body, such as a hard metal body.

[0100] Tests show that the first forming plate having cutting elements made of polycrystalline diamond is particularly suitable for preforming grinding tools. Alternatively, the first forming plate can also include cutting elements made of another hard cutting material.

[0101] In a particularly preferred embodiment of all the above variants of the device, the first forming plate has a first distal forming plate tip angle in the range of 1° to 50°, particularly 5° to 45°, and particularly preferably 10° to 30°.

[0102] The forming plate tip angle particularly refers to the inner angle of the outermost tip of the forming plate. In this case, the narrow angle ensures that the first forming plate is also particularly suitable for generating narrow profiles on the grinding tool blank.

[0103] In a preferred variant of the present invention, the forming device has a first forming plate holder for holding the first forming plate, the first forming plate holder including

[0104] a) a first clamping leg, wherein the first clamping leg has a first receiving surface that contacts the first forming plate; and

[0105] b) a first clamping element that presses the first forming plate against the first receiving surface.

[0106] The first forming plate holder is in particular a connecting element by means of which the first forming plate is connected to the rest of the device, such as the carrier tower wall. The first clamping foot is in particular a support for the first forming plate, which receives and supports the first forming plate to prevent displacement and breakage.

[0107] The first clamping element is in particular located on the first clamping foot. The first clamping element is in particular smaller than the first clamping foot and only presses the first forming plate against the receiving surface. The clamping element can in particular be fastened to the first clamping foot by means of screws or bolts. In particular, both the clamping foot and the clamping element are made of steel or aluminium.

[0108] The first clamping element is in particular rotatably mounted such that the first clamping element can be rotated away from the receiving surface horizontally, for example. Alternatively, the first clamping element can be removed completely or partially from the first clamping foot, for example by loosening the screw connection. This allows for a simple removal and replacement of the first forming plate if the first forming plate becomes unavailable, for example due to wear.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first receiving surface dimension of the first receiving surface is between 50% and 95%, in particular 80% or more, of the first forming plate main surface dimension of the first forming plate.

[0110] In this case, the receiving surface dimension is the surface of the receiving surface of the first clamping foot, and the receiving surface dimension can be, for example, 200 mm 2 . The forming plate main surface dimension is in turn the surface of the main surface of the first forming plate, in particular the surface of the side of the forming plate that contacts the receiving surface. For example, the forming plate main surface dimension can be 250 mm 2 .

[0111] The first forming plate is subject to relatively strong forces during the forming operation. Thus, there is a risk of breakage of the first forming plate, for example during the forming operation. A support with a large surface can reduce the corresponding risk. In addition, the contact with a large surface also allows for an improved heat transfer from the first forming plate, which is also advantageous since the heat transfer from the first forming plate can be strongly heated in the case of friction.

[0112] However, another requirement for the forming device is that, in particular, only the first forming plate comes into contact with and is operatively connected to the grinding tool blank. Therefore, it is advantageous to support the forming plate on clamping feet, the receiving area of which is smaller than the area of the first forming plate, especially in the distal region of the forming device. Tests have shown that particularly good support of the first forming plate occurs when the receiving surface dimensions of the first receiving surface are between 50% and 95% of the main surface dimensions of the first forming plate, while the first clamping feet do not affect the forming operation. In particular, in the distal region of the first clamping feet, the receiving surface is narrower than the first forming plate. In this case, the receiving surface is in particular arrow-shaped. In particular, the first clamping feet are not wider than the receiving surface when measured behind or below the receiving surface parallel to the receiving surface. In other words, the projection of the first clamping feet in the plane extending parallel to the receiving surface produces a contour corresponding to the receiving surface in the distal region.

[0113] Alternatively, the first clamping feet can have, for example, a smaller receiving surface.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first clamping feet have a thickness perpendicular to the first receiving surface, the thickness corresponding to at least 70%, especially at least 100%, of the maximum length of the receiving surface. In order to support the first forming plate, a sufficient volume of the first clamping feet is necessary.

[0115] Alternatively, the clamping feet can also be thinner. However, this particularly requires careful selection of the material.

[0116] In this case, the thickness is in particular the average thickness of the first clamping feet at all positions of the first receiving surface.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first clamping feet have at least one first stabilizing surface adjacent to, in particular perpendicular to, the first receiving surface, the at least one first stabilizing surface supporting the first forming plate to prevent the first forming plate from sliding within the first forming plate holder, especially at least in one direction parallel to the stabilizing surface. In this case, the stabilizing surface in particular has a shape corresponding to the shape of the side of the first forming plate in contact with the stabilizing surface. The stabilizing surface is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the receiving surface. In particular, the stabilizing surface can also be oriented at an angle with respect to the receiving surface, where the interior angle is less than 90°. In particular, the first forming plate is then designed such that the first forming plate also has an inclined side, which is then also supported by the stabilizing surface to prevent movement away from the receiving surface.

[0118] The stabilizing surface leads in a simple way to a very stable mounting of the first forming plate. Thus, the device becomes particularly reliable and robust.

[0119] The stabilizing pins, which are preferably cylindrical and engage in the recesses of the first forming plate, are located on the receiving surface. The stabilizing pins support the correct positioning of the first forming plate on the receiving surface and also absorb the forces acting on the first forming plate parallel to the receiving surface.

[0120] In a variant of the invention, the first clamping leg in the first forming configuration state of the device is located above the first clamping element. This has the advantage that during the forming operation, the grinding tool blank can be rotated such that the force exerted by the grinding tool blank on the first forming plate points upwards. This has the result that the resulting chips can fall freely downwards and do not accumulate on the first forming plate.

[0121] Alternatively, the clamping leg can be easily positioned below the first forming plate.

[0122] In a preferred variant of all the above-described embodiments of the invention, the forming device comprises a second forming plate, particularly also a third forming plate, and preferably also a fourth forming plate.

[0123] In particular, the device has corresponding additional forming configuration states in which the grinding spindle can be fed to the respective forming plates.

[0124] Thus, for example, various forming plate shapes can be used in the same device, whereby the device becomes more flexible. Additionally or alternatively, there can thus also be a quickly available reserve. In particular, in the case where, for example, the first forming plate breaks due to a change in the forming configuration state and thus a change in the forming plate, the forming operation can continue or additional forming operations can be carried out. Furthermore, various forming plates, such as the first forming plate and the second forming plate, can be designed as roughing plates or finishing plates. Thus, roughing and finishing can be carried out with different designated forming plates. Thus, for example, the forming plate, particularly the third forming plate, can also be designed as a profiling plate, and the profiling plate is provided for profiling sections.

[0125] Thus, the device becomes particularly reliable and flexible. Alternatively, the device can also comprise only one, namely the first forming plate.

[0126] The forming plates of the forming device preferably have a first forming plate corner of the first forming plate, a second forming plate corner of the second forming plate, particularly also a third forming plate corner of the third forming plate, and particularly preferably also a fourth forming plate corner of the fourth forming plate, where, in each case, the forming plate corners differ from each other by at least 2°, particularly by at least 3°.

[0127] The deviation of the forming plate tip of the forming plate ensures that a forming plate matching the forming plate tip can be selected according to the desired profile. Therefore, the device becomes particularly flexible and generally applicable. Alternatively, the forming plate tips can also be all or partially the same. Then, the forming plates can be used as substitutes for each other.

[0128] The first distal forming plate tip of the first forming plate and the second distal forming plate tip of the second forming plate, particularly also including the third distal forming plate tip of the third forming plate, preferably also including the fourth distal forming plate tip of the fourth forming plate, are preferably arranged on a circular circumference with respect to the arrangement plane. In this case, the forming device is pivotally or rotatably mounted about a transposition axis such that each forming plate tip can be aligned with the grinding spindle, and the transposition axis extends perpendicular to the arrangement plane and passes centrally through the circular circumference, wherein the arrangement plane extends parallel to the main surface of the first forming plate, particularly arranged as a round table, or extends at an angle to the main surface of the first forming plate, particularly arranged as a spinner.

[0129] In this case, the arrangement with respect to the arrangement plane should be particularly understood as such that the position of the forming plate tip is projected onto the arrangement plane perpendicular to the arrangement plane. Therefore, in the case of the arrangement plane extending parallel to the first receiving surface, it can still mean the height difference of the forming plate along the vertical direction with respect to the arrangement plane. The round table arrangement means that the forming plate tips are evenly distributed along the circular circumference.

[0130] The spinner arrangement means that the arrangement plane extends such that the transposition axis projected onto the horizontal plane extends perpendicular to the grinding spindle rotation axis. Therefore, the forming plate is changed by spinner - type transposition or rotation.

[0131] These arrangements have the following advantages: The forming device can be of a particularly compact design with more than one forming plate, and the device can be changed into different forming configuration states particularly quickly and efficiently.

[0132] In an alternative to the above - mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the forming device is a stacked forming device, wherein the first distal forming plate tip of the first forming plate and the second distal forming plate tip of the second forming plate, particularly also including the third distal forming plate tip of the third forming plate, preferably also including the fourth distal forming plate tip of the fourth forming plate, are spaced apart from each other along a stacking axis, the stacking axis extends perpendicular to the main surface of the first forming plate, and is identically aligned with respect to a plane extending parallel to the main surface of the first forming plate.

[0133] This has the following advantages: The forming device can in particular be designed without moving parts. As a result, the forming device becomes particularly robust. The stacking forming device can also be movably mounted about a stacking axis such that each forming plate tip can reach the grinding tool machining height. This in turn results in a forming device that has, for example, a particularly small angular area on a carrier tower and that is at the same time manipulated particularly in the case where the grinding spindle does not move along the grinding spindle axis Z.

[0134] The device preferably includes a probe, wherein the device has a first forming plate measurement configuration state in which the probe can be fed to the forming device until the probe contacts the first forming plate.

[0135] An explanation of the probe and its function can be found above. The probe can have, for example, a measuring head in the shape of a square or a cuboid. A measuring head in the shape of a cuboid can itself be detected particularly simply in terms of its geometry and can also be simply measured by imaging methods.

[0136] In particular, the device includes a grinding slide for feeding the grinding spindle. In this case, the device can also include a shifting slide that is arranged on the grinding slide and is movably mounted along the grinding spindle axis Y. In this variant, the probe is preferably arranged on the shifting slide, for example in the vicinity of the grinding spindle. In particular, the probe can be designed to be foldable in front of the grinding spindle, for example about a vertical axis or a horizontal axis (in particular parallel to the grinding spindle rotation axis). For this purpose, the probe can include a pivot arm.

[0137] Preferably, the device includes a control unit that is designed to cause the device to perform the method according to the invention. The control unit can be a personal computer or a programmable logic controller, and commands for performing the method are stored on a memory unit of the control unit and can be called up. The control unit can in particular be arranged on the device itself and can be operated, for example, by means of a touch screen. However, the control unit can also be connected to the rest of the device only via a data transmission connection. In this variant, the device in particular includes a command unit that is adapted to receive the commands of the control unit and convert them into actual actions.

[0138] Additional advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be learned from the following detailed description and the overall content of the patent claims.

[0139] Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0140] The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiments show:

[0141] Figure 1A-1C is an embodiment of a generating grinding machine according to the invention;

[0142] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0143] Figure 3A-3C is another embodiment of the generating grinding machine according to the present invention;

[0144] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0145] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is another embodiment of the generating grinding machine according to the present invention;

[0146] Figure 6 is a forming device in a stacked arrangement;

[0147] Figure 7 is another forming device in a spinner arrangement; and

[0148] Figure 8 is another forming device in a round table arrangement.

[0149] In principle, the same components are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings. Detailed Description

[0150] Figure 1A and Figure 1B shows a first generating grinding machine 1 of the present invention. In this case, Figure 1A the generating grinding machine 1 is shown in a side view, Figure 1B and a part of the generating grinding machine 1 is shown in a horizontal section. The generating grinding machine 1 includes a bed 11, a schematically illustrated grinding slide 10 and a carrier tower 7 oriented vertically (vertically oriented in the Figure 1A image plane and perpendicular to the Figure 1B image plane) are arranged adjacent to each other on the upper side of the bed. The grinding slide 10 movably mounted relative to the bed 11 includes a displacement slide 13 pointing to the carrier tower 7, which displacement slide is provided with a grinding spindle 3 for rotating a grinding worm 4 about a rotation axis extending generally horizontally (perpendicular to the Figure 1A image plane and vertically extending in the Figure 1B image plane). In the illustrated position of the displacement slide 13, the grinding spindle 3 is located at approximately one-third of the maximum height of the carrier tower 7. The grinding slide 10 can be fed along a horizontal axis X to the carrier tower 7. Additionally, the displacement slide 13 can be moved relative to the grinding slide 10 along a vertical axis Z parallel to the rotation axis of the workpiece spindle 2 and along an axis Y parallel to the rotation axis of the grinding spindle 3 (with reference to Figure 1B) Move. In addition, the rotational axis of the grinding spindle 3 can be tilted by an angle of approximately 40° in two directions relative to the horizontal plane by means of the displacement slide 13 (as a result, the axis Y is also tilted). A coolant oil nozzle 9 is also arranged on the displacement slide 13 and above the grinding spindle 3, and this coolant oil nozzle can supply coolant oil to the area of action around the grinding worm 4.

[0151] In this case, the carrier tower 7 and the workpiece spindle 2 adjacent to the carrier tower are arranged on a base 12 that is rotatably mounted relative to the bed 11, and this workpiece spindle is used to rotate the workpiece (not shown) located thereon about a vertical rotational axis. In this case, the base 12 is rotatably mounted about a base rotational axis that extends vertically and centrally through the base 12. Therefore, the rotation of the base 12 can align the workpiece spindle 2 relative to the grinding slide 10. In addition, a vertically movable tailstock 8 with a tailstock base is arranged on the carrier tower, and this tailstock is located above the workpiece spindle 2, and this tailstock base can clamp the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle 2 from above.

[0152] In addition, the generating grinding machine 1 has a fixture 14, and this fixture 14 is arranged on the carrier tower 7 and can grip and transport workpieces. The fixture 14 is located on a pivot arm, and the fixture 14 can be pivoted out about a vertical pivot axis through this pivot arm, and this pivot arm extends laterally on the carrier tower 7. When the fixture 14 grips the workpiece and pivots inwards, the workpiece is positioned such that its workpiece axis coincides with the rotational axis of the workpiece spindle 2. By moving the tailstock 8, the workpiece can be fixed on the workpiece spindle 2. Subsequently, the fixture 14 can be opened and moved away from the workpiece.

[0153] In the workpiece machining configuration, the base 2 rotates in such a way that the workpiece spindle 2 points towards the grinding spindle 3 and thus towards the grinding worm 4 (not shown). The displacement slide 13 moves along the axis Z to a certain height at which the grinding worm 4 has approximately the same height as the workpiece on the grinding spindle 2. Therefore, the grinding spindle 2 can feed along the axis X towards the workpiece spindle through the grinding slide 10 until the grinding worm 4 is operatively connected to the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle 2.

[0154] In addition, a forming device 5 including a forming plate 6 is arranged on the carrier tower 7, on the side of the carrier tower 7 facing away from the workpiece spindle, and is thus arranged in an angular region outside the angular region of the workpiece spindle 2 relative to the base rotational axis. The following is referred to Figure 1CFurther details of the forming device 5 are explained. In this case, the forming device 5 is fixed to the carrier tower 7 at a certain vertical height and outside the base rotation axis, and this vertical height is located approximately centrally between the tailstock 8 and the workpiece spindle 2. The forming plate 6 can be pivoted to the grinding tool machining position by the rotation of the base 12. By additional corresponding positioning of the grinding spindle 4, the generating grinding machine 1 can be placed in the forming configuration state, in which the rotation axis of the grinding spindle 4 is approximately at the height of the forming plate 6. In the forming configuration state, the grinding spindle 3 can be fed along the axis X towards the forming device 5 until the grinding worm 4 is operatively connected to the forming plate 6. Thus, the grinding worm 4 can be preformed or fully formed by the forming plate 6.

[0155] Figure 1C The forming device 5 with the forming plate 6 is shown in an equidistant top view. The forming plate 6 is made of polycrystalline diamond. At the distal end of this forming plate, the forming plate tapers to a point, where the forming plate has an internal forming plate tip angle of 15°. The forming plate tip angle can also have a deviation value, for example, an angle between 10° and 30°. The outer contour of the main surface of the forming plate consists of two parts: the longer distal part is triangular or arrow-shaped (with the above-mentioned forming plate tip angle), and the shorter proximal part is rectangular, where the longest edge of the proximal part represents the proximal end of the forming plate 6. Here, the outer edge of the proximal part extends at an angle to the axis of symmetry of the triangle, and the angle is approximately 40°. In the proximal region, the forming plate 6 is perforated in a circular manner.

[0156] The forming plate 6 is located within the forming plate holder 50. Here, the forming plate holder 50 generally consists of two parts, namely the clamping feet 51 and the clamping element 52. The clamping feet 51 serve as supports for supporting the forming plate 6, while the clamping element 52 presses the forming plate 6 against the clamping feet 51 and thus fixes the forming plate 6. The clamping feet 51 include a horizontal receiving surface 55 for receiving the forming plate 6, where the shape of the horizontal receiving surface 55 is similar to the shape of the forming plate 6. The distal region of the receiving surface that contacts the distal part of the forming plate 6 is also arrow-shaped and tapers to a point. However, in this case, the distal tip of the forming plate 6 is located outside the distal tip of the receiving surface 55. Thus, in the distal region, the forming plate 6 projects beyond the clamping feet 51 on all sides. Therefore, during the forming operation, the grinding worm 4 is only operatively connected to the forming plate 6 and not directly to the clamping feet 51. In the proximal region, the outer edges of the receiving surface 55 and the forming plate 6 terminate flush with each other. In summary, the surface dimensions of the receiving surface 55 thus constitute approximately 90% of the surface dimensions of the main surface of the forming plate 6 that contacts the receiving surface 55.

[0157] The cylindrical fixing pin 54 is also located on the receiving surface 55. The cylindrical fixing pin passes through the perforation of the forming plate 6 and terminates flush with the forming plate 6 on the surface of the forming plate. The forming plate 6 is fixed in place by the fixing pin 54 and is prevented from shifting. The vertical stabilizing surface 56 is positioned proximally adjacent to the receiving surface 55 on the clamping foot 51. The rectangular shape of the vertical stabilizing surface corresponds to the side surface of the proximal end of the forming plate 6, and the stabilizing surface 56 also contacts the forming plate 6. In particular, the rotation of the forming plate 6 is prevented by the stabilizing surface 56.

[0158] The clamping foot 55 is formed in a wedge shape below the receiving surface 55. In this case, the distal wedge edge extends to form an internal angle of approximately 20° with the vertical line, such that the clamping foot retracts below the receiving surface. Thus, with sufficient support of the forming plate 6, it is ensured that the clamping foot does not come into contact with the grinding worm 4. The thickness of the clamping foot 51 below the receiving surface, that is, the vertical range between the receiving surface 55 and the lower side of the clamping foot, roughly corresponds to the maximum horizontal length of the receiving surface. The thickness of the clamping foot outside the receiving surface 55 generally corresponds to the thickness below the receiving surface 55 plus the height of the stabilizing surface 56. Thus, behind the stabilizing surface 56, the upper side of the clamping foot remains substantially flush with the upper side of the forming plate 6.

[0159] At the end of the clamping foot remote from the forming plate 6, the clamping foot 51 has a connecting region 57 which has the shape of a T-piece in the horizontal plane, and the receiving region of the forming plate 6 extends centrally away from the connecting region 57. On both sides of the connecting region 57, fastening bolts with external threads are provided, and these bolts are introduced into the horizontal through-holes. Using the fastening bolts, the clamping foot 51 is firmly screwed onto the carrier tower 7, such that the forming plate 6 is positioned horizontally and projects from the carrier tower 7. Additional stabilizing pins engaging in the recesses on the carrier tower 7 are located on the clamping foot 51, between the fastening bolts.

[0160] The clamping element 52 is fastened to the upper side of the clamping foot 51 via fastening bolts behind the receiving surface 55 and the stabilizing surface 56, and the external thread of the fastening bolts engages in holes with internal threads. In this case, the clamping element 52, which is generally C-shaped in a vertical plane, has a front part facing the forming plate 6, tapers in the direction of the forming plate from the fastening bolts, and terminates at a pressing area pointing downward toward the forming plate 6. The pressing area is part of the clamping element 52, which contacts the upper side of the forming plate 6 and clamps the forming plate 6 onto the receiving surface 55 from above. The rear part of the clamping element 52 facing away from the forming plate 6 has a stabilizing area, which also points downward and engages in a recess 53 on the upper side of the clamping foot 51. Through the interaction of the stabilizing area and the clamping foot 51, the clamping element 52 is fixed to prevent rotation around the fastening bolts. The forming plate 6 is supported firmly enough by the forming plate holder 50 so as not to shift or break during the forming operation. At the same time, the forming plate 6 can be easily replaced by simply loosening the clamping element 52.

[0161] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method 70 according to the present invention is shown. In a first step a, Figure 1A-1C The generating grinding machine 1 is provided with a workpiece spindle 2, a grinding spindle 3 that can be fed along the axis X for a rotary grinding tool (such as a grinding worm 4), and a forming device 5 having a forming plate 6. In a subsequent step b, a grinding worm blank (for example, the grinding worm 4, still without a grinding profile) is set on and mounted on the grinding spindle 3.

[0162] In step c, then the forming is pre-calculated by the control unit: All inputs required for pre-forming are determined in advance, such as the movement trajectories of the grinding slide 10 and the shifting slide 13 and the rotational speed of the grinding spindle 3, which are necessary for a complete pre-forming. For this purpose, an exact knowledge of the geometry of the forming plate 6 is again required. The digital twin of the forming plate 6 is called, and the digital twin represents the wear state of the forming plate 6 by simulating all forming operations performed on the forming plate 6. The forming is pre-calculated based on the information from this digital twin. The pre-calculation can also be performed before mounting the grinding worm blank.

[0163] Then in step d, the generating grinding machine 1 is placed in the forming configuration state: For this purpose, the base 12 rotates so that the forming device 5 having the forming plate 6 is in the position closest to the grinding spindle 3, and the radial connection line of the forming plate 6 from the center of the carrier tower 7 is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the grinding spindle 3 and thus perpendicular to the axis Y (see Figure 1B)。This is the machining position of the grinding tool for the forming plate 6. Additionally, the shifting slider 13 moves along the axis Z such that the rotational axis of the grinding spindle 3 is at the same height (along the axis Z) as the forming plate 6. Furthermore, the shifting slider 13 moves along the axis Y such that the first outer region of the planned contour faces the forming plate.

[0164] In the subsequent step e, the grinding spindle 3 is fed through the axis X to the forming device 5 until the grinding worm blank is operatively connected to the forming plate 6.

[0165] In step f, the grinding worm blank is then preformed: Figure 1A From the perspective of, the grinding spindle 3 rotates the grinding worm blank clockwise, with the result that the side of the grinding worm blank facing the forming plate 6 in each case moves downward from above. At the same time, the shifting slider 13 is moved along the axis Y at the pre-calculated speed in step c along the length of the planned contour on the grinding worm from the first outer region of the planned contour to the second outer region. As a result, the grinding worm profile is introduced into the grinding worm blank by the forming plate 6.

[0166] After the forming plate has completely passed through the planned grinding worm contour once due to the movement along the axis Y, the grinding slider 10 then returns along the axis X, with the result that the forming plate 6 and the grinding worm blank are no longer in contact with each other. Then, the shifting slider 13 is again placed in the starting position of the forming configuration, that is, repositioned accordingly along the axis Y.

[0167] In another pass, the grinding spindle 3 is fed again through the grinding slider 10 to the forming plate 6, and the grinding spindle 3 rotates again, and the shifting slider 13 moves again along the axis Y.

[0168] According to the pre-calculation in step c, this process can even be repeated more times. After the preforming is completed, the grinding slider 10 returns for the last time.

[0169] In step g, taking into account the movement data collected in step f (preforming), the digital twin is now updated by simulation of the grinding operations that have been carried out. Thus, the digital twin represents the new wear state of the forming plate 6 and can be used for the pre-calculation of further preforming.

[0170] Figures 3A to 3C Another generating grinding machine 101 according to the invention or a part thereof is shown. In this case, Figure 3A The generating grinding machine 101 is shown in a direct side view, while Figure 3BThe generating grinding machine 101 is shown in a horizontal section at the height of the forming plate 106. The bed 111, the grinding slide 110 and the shifting slide 113, the grinding spindle 103 and the rotatable base 112 of the generating grinding machine 101 generally correspond to Figure 1A and Figure 1B the generating grinding machine 1 in

[0171] The carrier tower 107 is arranged on the base 112. The generating grinding machine 101 is designed as a multi-spindle module having a first workpiece spindle 102.1 and a second workpiece spindle 102.2, and the first workpiece spindle and the second workpiece spindle are arranged on two opposite sides of the carrier tower 107. The first tailstock 108.1 or the second tailstock 108.2 is located on the carrier tower 107, above the workpiece spindles 102.1 and 102.2 respectively.

[0172] Therefore, the generating grinding machine 101 has two workpiece machining configuration states, in which the base 112 rotates in each case such that one of the two workpiece spindles 102.1, 102.2 faces the grinding spindle 103.

[0173] In addition, a forming device 105 having a forming plate 106 is arranged on one side of the carrier tower 107, and the forming device is radially away from the two workpiece spindles 102.1, 102.2 at a 90° angle in each case. This will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 3C Further details.

[0174] In addition, the generating grinding machine 101 includes a probe 120 in the shape of a cube, and the probe is arranged on the shifting slide 113 via a pivot arm. In the forming plate measuring configuration state of the generating grinding machine 101, the pivot arm of the probe 120 that originally pointed vertically upward is in a horizontal alignment. Therefore, the probe 120 is located in front of the grinding spindle 103 and the grinding worm 104. In addition, the shifting slide 113 can move along the axis Y such that the probe 120 is centered in front of the carrier tower 107. The probe 120 includes a contact sensor. In addition, the generating grinding machine 101 includes a control unit, which is designed to associate the movement of the grinding slide 110 and the shifting slide 113 with the signal of the contact sensor of the probe 120. Therefore, the wear of the forming plate 106 can be measured by means of the probe 120 (the details of this method will be further explained below with reference to Figure 4 Further explanation).

[0175] Figure 3C The forming device 105 of the generating grinding machine 101 is shown in a direct top view ( Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B ). The forming plate 106 and the forming plate holder 150 are the same as those in the first embodiment ( Figure 1C) The forming plate 6 corresponds to the forming plate holder 50. In addition, the forming device 105 includes a circular pivot base 160, and a pivot arm 162 is arranged on the circular pivot base via a holder 161. In this case, the pivot arm 162 has a generally cuboid shape, and its horizontal width accounts for approximately 40% of its horizontal length. The vertical thickness of the pivot arm 162 (see Figure 3A ) roughly corresponds to its horizontal length. In this case, the forming plate holder 150 is attached to the distal end of the pivot arm 162 such that the lower side of the forming plate holder 150 and the lower side of the pivot arm 162 are at approximately the same height (see Figure 3A ). The arrow-shaped tip of the forming plate 106 has an internal angle of approximately 40° with respect to the longitudinal edge of the pivot arm 162.

[0176] In the forming configuration state of the generating grinding machine 101, the pivot arm 162 of the forming device 105 is pivoted away from the carrier tower 107 such that the forming plate 106 is radially away from the carrier tower (see Figure 3B ).

[0177] Figure 4 Another method 170 according to the present invention is schematically shown. In step a2, a generating grinding machine 101 is provided. In step b2, a grinding worm blank having a size equivalent to that of the grinding worm 104 is then provided.

[0178] Different from Figure 2 the method 70, in Figure 4 the method 170, first in step c2, the forming plate is measured. For this purpose, the generating grinding machine 101 is placed in the forming plate measurement configuration state. This includes rotating the base of the carrier tower 107 such that the side of the carrier tower 107 where the forming device 105 is located directly faces the grinding spindle 103. In addition, the pivot arm 162 of the forming device is pivoted such that the forming plate 106 directly faces the grinding spindle 103. In addition, the pivot arm of the probe 120 is pivoted to be horizontally aligned, and the displacement slider 113 moves along the axis Y such that the probe 120 is centered in front of the carrier tower 107.

[0179] Then, with the aid of the grinding slide 110, the probe 120 is fed along the axis X to the forming plate 106 until the probe 120 records contact. Subsequently, the probe 120 returns and is moved along the axis Y by means of the displacement slide 113 by a value approximately equal to half of the maximum width of the forming plate 106. Subsequently, the probe 120 is fed to the forming plate 106 again until the probe 120 records additional contact. This process is repeated for the other direction along the Y-axis. Then, the geometry of the forming plate 106, in particular the wear caused by previous forming operations, is determined with reference to the recorded contacts and the positions corresponding to the contacts along the axes X and Y (and the known geometry of the probe 120). In addition, a pre-calculation of the preforming is subsequently carried out based on the geometry of the forming plate 106 determined by measurements carried out by the control unit of the generating grinding machine 101.

[0180] In the next step d2, the generating grinding machine 101 is placed in the forming configuration. The carrier tower 107 and the forming device 105 remain in the same position as in the forming plate measurement configuration, but the probe 120 is pivoted into a vertical alignment. Thus, in step e2, the grinding worm blank can be fed to the forming device 105 until the grinding worm blank is operatively connected to the forming plate 106.

[0181] The preforming in step f2 generally corresponds to step f of method 70 from Figure 2 However, wherein the measured values from step c2 are used as the basis for the movement of the grinding slide 110 and the displacement slide 113.

[0182] As opposed to method 70 from Figure 2 Method 170 does not require any simulation of the forming operation in a separate step.

[0183] Figure 5A And Figure 5B shows another generating grinding machine 1001 according to the invention, wherein Figure 5A the generating grinding machine 1001 is shown in a direct side view, and Figure 5B the generating grinding machine 1001 is shown in a horizontal cross-section at the height of the forming plate 1006.

[0184] The bed 1011, the grinding slide 1010, the displacement slide 1013, the grinding spindle 1003 and the grinding worm 1004 are of the same type as in the generating grinding machine 1 and the generating grinding machine 101. The rotatable base 1012 also generally corresponds to Figure 3AThe base 112. The workpiece spindle 1002 is arranged adjacent to the carrier tower 1007. The tailstock 1008 located above the workpiece spindle 1002 is on the carrier tower 1007. At the vertical height between the workpiece spindle 1002 and the tailstock 1008, the carrier tower 1007 includes a triple fixture 1014. The triple fixture 1014 includes fixture elements that can be individually and independently moved and are rotatably mounted about a fixture rotation axis, where the fixture rotation axis extends parallel to the base rotation axis but does not coincide with the base rotation axis. The triple fixture 1014 is used to flexibly transport the workpiece to or away from the workpiece spindle 1002. In addition, the workpiece can thus also be held at a secondary processing position outside the generating grinding machine 1001.

[0185] The forming device 1005 with the forming plate 1006 generally corresponds to Figure 1C the forming device 5 with the forming plate 6, but has an improved proximal fastening part. The proximal fastening part is arranged transversely on the tailstock base of the tailstock 1008.

[0186] In the forming configuration state of the generating grinding machine 1001, rotate the base 1012 so that the forming plate 1006 directly points to the grinding spindle 1003 (see Figure 5B ). The generating grinding machine 1001 can be used, for example, in a method generally corresponding to Figure 2 the method 70.

[0187] Figure 6 Another forming device 205 is shown in a transverse top view. The forming device 205 includes three forming plates 206.1, 206.2, 206.3, and each of the three forming plates is held in a forming plate holder 250.1, 250.2, 250.3. The forming plate holders 250.1, 250.2, 250.3 generally correspond to Figure 1C the forming plate holder 50.

[0188] The forming plate 206.1 has substantially the same shape as Figure 1C the forming plate 6. The forming plate 206.2 has a forming plate tip angle that is 2° larger than the forming plate tip angle of the forming plate 206.1. The same is true for the profiling plate 206.3 compared to the profiling plate 206.2. The proximal regions of all the forming plates 206.1, 206.2, 206.3 in turn correspond to Figure 1C the forming plate 6.

[0189] The forming plates 206.1, 206.2, 206.3 and the forming plate holders 250.1, 250.2, 250.3 are arranged spaced apart from one another along a vertical axis, and the horizontal alignment and position of the forming plates 206.1, 206.2, 206.3 and the forming plate holders 250.1, 250.2, 250.3 are the same. In this case, for example, the vertical spacing between the forming plates 206.1 and 206.2 is approximately twice the vertical thickness of the clamping feet of the forming plate holder 250.1.

[0190] The forming device 205 can be, for example, part of a generating grinding machine that generally corresponds to the generating grinding machine 1. For the respective forming configuration states, the grinding spindle is at different heights along the axis Z( Figure 1A ) and can thus be selectively fed to one of the forming plates 206.1, 206.2, 206.3.

[0191] In this case, the forming plate tips deviating from one another allow forming of grinding worms of different sizes or grinding profiles of different sizes and shapes.

[0192] Figure 7 The forming device 305 designed as a turntable forming device is shown. The forming device includes three forming plates 306.1, 306.2, 306.3. At the distal tips of these three forming plates, these forming plates generally correspond to Figure 6 the forming plates 206.1, 206.2, 206.3. Different from the forming plate 6 in Figure 1C , the forming plates 306.1, 306.2, 306.3 are symmetrically arranged about a symmetry axis passing through the respective tips. The proximal regions of the forming plates 306.1, 306.2, 306.3 have a square shape, with one edge located on the symmetry axis (see Figure 8 , where the forming plates 406.1, 406.2, 406.3, 406.4 have the same shape). On the side opposite to this edge, the arrow-shaped distal region is raised by the forming plate tip. Thus, the proximal ends of the forming plates 306.1, 306.2, 306.3, 306.4 include two side surfaces that are at a 90° angle to each other.

[0193] The forming plates 306.1, 306.2, 306.3, 306.4 are held by the forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, 350.3. The forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, 350.3 in their distal regions generally correspond to Figure 1C the forming plate holder 50, and each also consists of clamping feet and clamping elements. However, different from Figure 1CUnlike the forming plate holder 50, the forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, and 350.3 have two stable surfaces on the clamping feet that match the shapes of the forming plates 306.1, 306.2, and 306.3.

[0194] The respective fastening areas of the forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, and 350.3 generally have a cuboid shape, and the areas with the respective forming plates 306.1, 306.2, and 306.3 are formed centered on the distal edge of the cuboid shape. The thickness of the forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, and 350.3 corresponds to Figure 1C the vertical thickness of the forming plate holder 50.

[0195] The forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, and 350.3 are arranged such that the tips of the forming plates 306.1, 306.2, and 306.3 lie on a circular circumference. This circular circumference is located in the arrangement plane here, and the arrangement plane forms an internal angle of approximately 70° with the upper main surface of the forming plate 306.1, where the arrangement plane is perpendicular to the tip direction of the tip of the forming plate 306.1. In addition, the forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, and 350.3 are arranged such that the respective main sides of the forming plates 306.1, 306.2, and 306.3 that are away from the clamping feet point towards the rotation axis D, and the rotation axis D extends through the center of the circular circumference and is perpendicular to the arrangement plane.

[0196] The forming device 305 is rotatably mounted about the rotation axis D such that each forming plate 306.1, 306.2, and 306.3 can be placed in a horizontal position. The forming device 305 can be attached, for example, to a generating grinding machine, which corresponds to Figure 1A and Figure 1B the generating grinding machine 1 in. Therefore, the forming device 305 provides three different forming configuration states, and in each case, the desired forming plates 306.1, 306.2, and 306.3 are placed in a horizontal position by the rotation of the forming device 305 about the rotation axis D.

[0197] Figure 8 The forming device 405, designed as a rotary table forming device, is shown in a direct top view. The forming device 405 includes four forming plates 406.1, 406.2, 406.3, and 406.4, and the four forming plates correspond to Figure 7The forming plates 306.1, 306.2, 306.3, 306.4. The forming plate holders 450.1, 450.2, 450.3, 450.4 generally correspond to the forming plate holders 350.1, 350.2, 350.3, but are in a different arrangement. Additionally, in this embodiment, the regions with the respective forming plates 406.1, 406.2, 406.3, 406.4 are each laterally located on the distal edges of the forming plate holders 450.1, 450.2, 450.3, 450.4.

[0198] In the forming device 405, the forming plate holders 450.1, 450.2, 450.3, 450.4 are arranged such that the tips of the forming plates 406.1, 406.2, 406.3, 406.4 are located on a circular circumference relative to the horizontal plane and radially away from the circular circumference. However, in this case, the forming plates 406.1, 406.2, 406.3, 406.4 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction because the forming plate holders 450.1, 450.2, 450.3, 450.4 are fastened to each other: at the bottom, there is the forming plate holder 450.1, and on the upper side of the forming plate holder 450.1, there is arranged the forming plate holder 450.2, which is horizontally rotated counterclockwise by 90°. On the upper side of the forming plate holder 450.2, again rotated clockwise by 90°, there is the forming plate holder 450.3, and again above the forming plate holder 450.3, and again rotated by 90°, there is the forming plate holder 450.4. In this case, the forming device 405 is rotatably mounted about an axis passing through the center of the described circle and perpendicular to the image plane.

[0199] The forming device 405 can be used in a generating grinding machine, for example, Figure 1A and 1B the generating grinding machine 1. In order to adopt various forming configuration states, the rotary table forming device 405 is rotated about its rotation axis such that the desired forming device is pointed at the grinding spindle of the generating grinding machine.

[0200] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. The generating grinding machines shown can be formed differently. For example, these generating grinding machines can include multiple carrier towers or even not include carrier towers at all. The carrier towers can also be arranged fixedly (i.e., non-rotatably) on the bed. The grinding tool can also have a larger or smaller diameter. The number of workpiece spindles can vary; thus, for example, there can also be three workpiece spindles on a generating grinding machine. The movement of the grinding spindle, in particular the end and reset, can be implemented differently, for example using a shift slide that is also feedable. The profiling plate can have a shape other than the shape shown, in particular, for example, a simple triangle, star shape, or a shape with rounded tips. The shown profiling plate holder can have other shapes. For example, the profiling plate holder can hold multiple profiling plates. The profiling plate can also be clamped, for example, by two clamping feet in a sandwich arrangement. The rotary table profiling device can also be implemented such that all profiling plates lie in a common plane. The turntable profiling device can also be implemented such that the axis of rotation extends parallel to the main surface of the profiling plate and all profiling plates point in the same direction.

[0201] These methods can deviate from the examples shown. Thus, the measurement of the profiling plate can be carried out before providing the grinding tool blank. In each case, it can also be carried out only once after each preforming operation or after a certain number of preforming operations. Similarly, the digital twin can be started at different points in time, for example, only after already being in the forming configuration state. For example, the simulation of the forming operation can also be carried out before preforming based on pre-calculated input values instead of based on the actually recorded movement data. The grinding tool can move past the profiling plate more or less frequently along axis Y. It is also possible that the grinding device rotates about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding spindle after passing the profiling plate and then moves past the profiling plate in the opposite direction along axis Y.

[0202] In summary, it should be noted that a method and a device are provided that allow for the fine hard machining of workpieces and the preforming of grinding tools.

Claims

1. A method for preforming a grinding tool, characterized in that, comprising the following steps: a) providing a device, in particular a gear grinding machine, for the fine hard machining of workpieces and for the preforming of grinding tools, the device comprising: a. a workpiece spindle for rotating the workpiece; b. a grinding spindle which is displaceable at least along a grinding spindle transverse feed axis X and which is used for rotating a grinding tool, in particular a grinding worm or a grinding wheel; c. a forming device having a fixed first forming plate; b) providing a grinding tool blank on the grinding spindle of the device, in particular a grinding worm blank; c) bringing the device into a forming configuration; d) feeding the grinding spindle until the grinding tool blank is operatively connected to the first forming plate; e) preforming the grinding tool blank.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Bringing the device into the forming configuration comprises moving the first forming plate along a circular path to a grinding tool machining position, in particular pivoting the first forming plate along a circular path to the grinding tool machining position.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Bringing the device into the forming configuration comprises moving the grinding spindle along a grinding spindle axis Z which extends parallel to the workpiece rotation axis to a grinding spindle forming height.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After completion of the preforming, the first forming plate is moved to a waiting position, in which the first forming plate is located outside the feed region between the grinding spindle and the workpiece spindle.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, During the preforming, the grinding spindle is moved along a grinding spindle axis Y in an operative connection movement region Y, wherein the grinding tool blank located on the grinding spindle remains operatively connected to the first forming plate within the operative connection movement region Y, and the grinding spindle axis Y extends parallel to the grinding spindle rotation axis of the grinding spindle.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, During the preforming, the clamping feet of the forming plate holder contact and support one side of the first forming plate, which side substantially has a surface normal which points in the same direction as the rotation direction of the grinding tool blank in the local operative connection region between the grinding tool blank and the forming plate.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Before bringing the device into the forming configuration, the first forming plate is measured, wherein, for the measurement, the first forming plate is brought into contact with a probe, in particular sequentially into contact with the probe at at least two contact points of the forming plate.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein Before measuring the first forming plate, the probe is fed towards the forming device until the probe and the first forming plate are in contact with each other.

9. A device, in particular a gear grinding machine, for the fine hard machining of workpieces and for the forming of grinding tools, in particular for fine hard machining of workpieces and for forming grinding tools by means of the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising: a) a workpiece spindle for rotating the workpiece; b) a grinding spindle which is displaceable at least along a grinding spindle feed axis X and which is used for rotating a grinding tool, in particular a grinding worm or a grinding wheel; - Wherein, the device has a workpiece machining configuration state, in which the grinding spindle can feed towards the workpiece spindle along the grinding spindle feed axis X until the grinding tool located on the grinding spindle is operatively connected to the workpiece located on the workpiece spindle; c) A forming device, the forming device including a fixed first forming plate, wherein - The device has a first forming configuration state, in which the grinding spindle can feed towards the forming device until the grinding tool located on the grinding spindle is operatively connected to the first forming plate.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first forming plate is movable, in particular pivotable to a waiting position, in which the first forming plate is located outside the feed area along the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle between the grinding spindle and the workpiece spindle.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The forming device includes a pivotally mounted pivot arm, wherein the first forming plate is arranged at the distal end of the pivot arm.

12. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The grinding spindle can move along the grinding spindle axis Y, the grinding spindle axis Y extending parallel to the grinding spindle rotation axis of the grinding spindle and particularly perpendicular to the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle. Wherein, in the first forming configuration state, there is an operative connection movement area Y, and the grinding tool located on the grinding spindle is operatively connected to the first forming plate within the operative connection movement area Y.

13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The grinding spindle can move along the grinding spindle axis Z, the grinding spindle axis Z extending parallel to the workpiece rotation axis of the workpiece spindle and particularly perpendicular to the transverse feed axis X of the grinding spindle. Wherein, in the workpiece machining configuration state, the grinding spindle reaches the grinding spindle forming height along the grinding spindle axis Z.

14. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The device includes a carrier tower, in particular a rotatably mounted carrier tower, wherein the carrier tower particularly has a workpiece carrier for transporting the workpiece to the workpiece spindle.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The forming device is arranged on the carrier tower.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The carrier tower and the workpiece spindle are arranged on a rotatable base, wherein the forming device is arranged on the carrier tower in an angular area outside the workpiece spindle angular area with respect to the base rotation axis.

17. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes a dressing device arranged on the carrier tower, wherein the forming device is arranged on the dressing device.

18. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that, It further includes a workpiece tailstock arranged on the carrier tower, the workpiece tailstock having a tailstock base, wherein the forming device is arranged on the tailstock base.

19. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that, The first forming plate includes cutting elements made of polycrystalline diamond.

20. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that The first forming plate has a first distal forming plate tip angle ranging from 1° to 50°, particularly from 5° to 45°, and particularly preferably from 10° to 30°.

21. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that, The forming device has a first forming plate holder for holding the first forming plate, the first forming plate holder including a) A first clamping leg, wherein the first clamping leg has a first receiving surface that contacts the first forming plate. b) a first clamping element that presses the first forming plate against the first receiving surface.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first receiving surface dimension of the first receiving surface is between 50% and 95% of the first forming plate main surface dimension of the first forming plate.

23. The device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The first clamping leg has a thickness perpendicular to the first receiving surface, and the thickness corresponds to at least 70%, particularly at least 100%, of the maximum length of the receiving surface.

24. The device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that, The first clamping leg has at least one first stabilizing surface adjacent to, particularly perpendicular to, the first receiving surface, and the at least one first stabilizing surface supports the first forming plate to prevent the first forming plate from sliding within the first forming plate holder.

25. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 24, characterized in that, The forming device includes a second forming plate, particularly also includes a third forming plate, and preferably also includes a fourth forming plate.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein, The forming plates of the forming device have a first forming plate tip angle of the first forming plate and a second forming plate tip angle of the second forming plate, particularly also have a third forming plate tip angle of the third forming plate, and particularly preferably also have a fourth forming plate tip angle of the fourth forming plate, wherein the forming plate tip angles in each case differ from each other by at least 2°, particularly by at least 3°.

27. The device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The first distal forming plate tip of the first forming plate and the second distal forming plate tip of the second forming plate, particularly also include the third distal forming plate tip of the third forming plate, and preferably also include the fourth distal forming plate tip of the fourth forming plate, are arranged on a circular circumference with respect to the arrangement plane, wherein the forming device is pivotally or rotatably mounted about a transposition axis such that each forming plate tip can be aligned with the grinding spindle, the transposition axis extends perpendicular to the arrangement plane and passes centrally through the circular circumference, wherein the arrangement plane extends parallel to the main surface of the first forming plate, particularly as a round table arrangement, or extends at an angle to the main surface of the first forming plate, particularly as a spinner arrangement.

28. The device according to any one of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that The forming device is a stacked forming device, wherein the first distal forming plate tip of the first forming plate and the second distal forming plate tip of the second forming plate, particularly also include the third distal forming plate tip of the third forming plate, and preferably also include the fourth distal forming plate tip of the fourth forming plate, are spaced apart from each other along a stacking axis, the stacking axis extends perpendicular to the main surface of the first forming plate, and is identically aligned with respect to a plane extending parallel to the main surface of the first forming plate.

29. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 28, characterized in that, Including a probe, wherein the device has a first forming plate measurement configuration state, in which the probe can be fed to the forming device until the probe contacts the first forming plate.

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