Device for grinding workpieces and / or dressing tools

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool, comprising: a housing; the invention relates to a machine tool comprising a housing, a drive shaft, which can be rotated relative to the housing about an axis of rotation and is designed to drive a machining means, which can be connected to the drive shaft, the drive shaft comprising a connection for connection to the machining means and in which a pressure chamber is arranged, a hydraulic pressure can be applied to the pressure chamber, the pressure chamber is at least partially delimited by an elastic side wall, the elastic side wall is designed to deform when the hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber, and the elastic side wall is used for forming a press-fit connection between the drive shaft and the machining device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for grinding workpieces and / or dressing tools. The present invention preferably relates to a gear grinding machine designed for grinding gear blanks. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention may relate to a dressing machine designed for dressing tools, such as grinding wheels. The device comprises a housing and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is designed to drive a machining device, which can be connected to the drive shaft by a press fit. Background Art

[0002] Devices having a drive shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation are known from the prior art. These known drive shafts can be used to cause a machining element connected to the corresponding drive shaft to undergo a rotational movement, so that a workpiece and / or a tool can be machined, in particular ground, using the rotating machining element. If the machining element is, for example, a grinding element, the grinding element can be used to grind a gear blank. If the machining element is designed as a dressing element, the dressing element can be used to dress a grinding element (e.g., a grinding wheel).

[0003] It is known in the prior art to screw a processing device onto a drive shaft. Additionally or alternatively, known drive shafts may have a connection portion, via which the processing device can be connected to the drive shaft in a press-fit manner. The connection portion may be designed as a hollow shank cone, a steep cone, or a polygonal shank cone. If the processing device is connected to the drive shaft, such a shape increases the press-fit between the drive shaft and the processing device.

[0004] The drive shafts known from the prior art are usually equipped or loaded with processing devices manually (ie by the user). This usually also applies to unloading or disassembling the processing devices from the drive shaft.

[0005] With known drive shafts, automation of these processes is very complex. Typically, partial automation of the loading or unloading process is possible, with the user screwing and / or clamping the processing component onto the drive shaft after it has been mechanically positioned on the drive shaft. This screwing and / or clamping of the processing component by the user is necessary because, in the final step of connecting the processing component to the drive shaft, a high degree of precision is required regarding the alignment between the processing component and the drive shaft. Automating this partial step also requires a high degree of complexity.

[0006] To fully automate the loading and / or unloading process, drive shafts with hollow, steep, or polygonal shank tapers are used in the prior art almost exclusively. With these types of drive shafts, the processing device is typically clamped to the drive shaft using a clamping system. However, the disadvantages of clamping systems are that they are very expensive to purchase and require a significant amount of installation space on the drive shaft. Furthermore, the clamping system can cause undesirable imbalances during drive shaft rotation. Since the clamping system must be arranged axially centered within the drive shaft, central balancing with an axially centered balancing head is also not possible in terms of design. Consequently, in the prior art, imbalances that negatively impact the durability of the device must be accepted. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for grinding workpieces and / or for dressing tools which overcomes the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a device which can be loaded and unloaded in a fully automated manner, i.e. without the need for intermediate interaction of the user with the cutting means, and which has as little imbalance as possible during operation.

[0008] This object is achieved by the device provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Advantageous improvements of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and / or are described in the following description.

[0009] The device according to the present invention is suitable for grinding workpieces. For example, the device may be a gear grinder suitable for grinding gear blanks. The device may also be designed as a grinding head for a grinding device, the grinding head having means for loading and unloading the grinding device. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be suitable for dressing tools. For example, the device may be a dresser suitable for dressing grinding wheels.

[0010] According to the present invention, the device includes a housing and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotation axis. Furthermore, the drive shaft is designed to drive a processing device, which can be connected to the drive shaft. When the processing device is driven by the drive shaft, the processing device preferably rotates about the rotation axis. The drive shaft can particularly be designed as a spindle.

[0011] The machining device connectable to the drive shaft can be designed as a single piece or as multiple pieces. For example, the machining device can be a grinding wheel, particularly one having a steel body, which can be directly connected to the drive shaft. Alternatively, the machining device can include a grinding wheel and a grinding wheel flange, wherein the grinding wheel flange is preferably formed from a steel body. In such an embodiment, the grinding wheel can be connected to the drive shaft via the grinding wheel flange.

[0012] Similarly, the processing device can be a dressing device, in particular a dressing wheel, which can be directly connected to the drive shaft. Alternatively, the dressing device can include a dressing portion and a dressing device flange. In such an embodiment, the dressing device can be connected to the drive shaft via the dressing device flange. The dressing portion can be designed for use with a dressing tool.

[0013] The drive shaft includes a connection portion. The drive shaft can be connected to the processing device via the connection portion. At least one pressure chamber is arranged in the connection portion, and hydraulic pressure can be applied to the at least one pressure chamber. Preferably, the hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber via pressurized hydraulic fluid.

[0014] The pressure chamber is at least partially delimited by the resilient side wall.The resilient side wall is preferably arranged in the connecting portion such that when the drive shaft is connected to the processing device, the resilient side wall is arranged between the pressure chamber and the processing device.

[0015] The elastic side wall is designed to deform. This deformation occurs, in particular, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber. This has the effect of forming a press-fit connection between the drive shaft and the machining element, in particular between the drive shaft and the grinding wheel flange of the machining element, due to the deformation of the side wall.

[0016] The device according to the present invention has the advantage that, compared to clamping devices known from the prior art, the pressure chamber and the elastic side walls require very little installation space within the drive shaft. Another advantage is that the processing device can be reliably supported by the drive shaft without having to anticipate any additional imbalances. In particular, the device significantly simplifies loading and unloading the processing device. The processing device only needs to be placed on the connection portion of the drive shaft. If the pressure chamber is subsequently subjected to hydraulic pressure, the drive shaft and the processing device are clamped in such a way that the processing device can be driven by the drive shaft to grind the workpiece.

[0017] In an exemplary refinement of the device according to the invention, the elastic side wall at least partially radially delimits the pressure chamber. This means that, when the drive shaft is connected to the processing device, the elastic side wall is preferably arranged radially between the pressure chamber and the processing device relative to the axis of rotation. The side wall can be designed to support the drive shaft via the processing device when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber, in particular to support the drive shaft in a radial direction via the processing device. For example, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber, the side wall deforms in a radial direction. The elastic side wall is preferably designed in a sleeve-shaped manner, in particular in a hollow cylindrical manner. Alternatively or additionally, the elastic side wall can be designed in multiple parts. For example, multiple elastic side walls can be arranged to be distributed on the drive shaft in a circumferential direction.

[0018] The refinement in which the elastic side wall at least partially radially delimits the pressure chamber advantageously has the effect that a radial press-fit connection can be formed between the drive shaft and the processing element. This has the advantage that if the pressure chamber and the elastic side wall extend over the entire circumference of the drive shaft, a very large-area and therefore very stable press-fit connection can be achieved between the drive shaft and the processing element.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient sidewall at least partially delimits the pressure chamber radially outwardly relative to the axis of rotation. The resilient sidewall is advantageously designed to deform radially outward. In particular, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber, the resilient sidewall can deform radially outward. For example, the resilient sidewall can deform radially outward to form a press-fit connection between the drive shaft and the processing device.

[0020] The exemplary embodiment in which the elastic side wall at least partially delimits the pressure chamber radially on the outside relative to the axis of rotation is advantageous, in particular when the processing device at least partially surrounds the drive shaft.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment to the aforementioned embodiment, the resilient sidewall at least partially delimits the pressure chamber radially inwardly relative to the axis of rotation. The resilient sidewall is advantageously designed to deform radially inward. In particular, the resilient sidewall may deform radially inward when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber. For example, the resilient sidewall may deform radially inward to form a press-fit connection between the drive shaft and the processing device.

[0022] The exemplary embodiment in which the elastic side wall at least partially delimits the pressure chamber radially on the inside relative to the axis of rotation is advantageous, in particular when the drive shaft at least partially surrounds the processing means.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the connecting portion may have multiple pressure chambers. Preferably, each of the multiple pressure chambers is at least partially bounded by an elastic sidewall. In other words, the elastic sidewall may at least partially bound multiple pressure chambers. Alternatively or additionally, the sidewalls may at least partially bound one pressure chamber in each case.

[0024] The advantage that multiple pressure chambers have is that the press-fit connection formed by the deformation of the elastic side wall can be better adjusted.In addition, the advantage that multiple pressure chambers have is that the possibility of imbalance is significantly reduced, in particular because the hydraulic fluid can be distributed on multiple pressure chambers.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, the device, and in particular the drive shaft of the device, may have multiple connections. For example, the drive shaft may have a first connection and a second connection that is different from the first connection. The second connection may be arranged directly or indirectly adjacent to the first connection in the axial direction.

[0026] Preferably, the first connecting portion includes a first elastic sidewall. The second connecting portion may include a second elastic sidewall different from the first elastic sidewall. Preferably, the first elastic sidewall has a first radial distance from the rotation axis. The first radial distance may be greater than or less than a second radial distance between the second elastic sidewall and the rotation axis. The drive shaft may have a first diameter in the first connecting portion and a second diameter in the second connecting portion. Preferably, the first diameter is greater than or less than the second diameter.

[0027] The different connections have the advantage that different processing devices, in particular processing devices with different inner diameters, can be supported by the same drive shaft, thereby significantly increasing the flexibility of the device and / or reducing the required width of the connection in the axial direction.

[0028] The device, in particular the drive shaft, can include a hydraulic fluid conduit. Preferably, the hydraulic fluid conduit is designed to supply hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber. This means that hydraulic fluid can flow through the hydraulic fluid conduit to reach the pressure chamber. Alternatively or additionally, a pressure increase of the hydraulic fluid already contained in the hydraulic fluid conduit can be transmitted to the pressure chamber via the hydraulic fluid conduit. The hydraulic fluid conduit can, in particular, extend through the drive shaft. For example, at least some sections of the hydraulic fluid conduit extend parallel to the axis of rotation and through the drive shaft.

[0029] The hydraulic fluid line has the advantage that the supply of hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber can be ensured particularly reliably and is cost-effective to produce.

[0030] The device may also include a pressure booster. The pressure booster may be designed, for example, to increase or boost a first fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid to a second fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The pressure booster may advantageously act on the pressure chamber with a higher fluid pressure than would be the case with a predetermined input pressure. This has the advantage of further improving the press-fit connection between the drive shaft and the processing device.

[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, the device includes a pneumatic position detection device. The pneumatic position detection device is designed to pneumatically detect the position of the processing device connected to the drive shaft by supplying compressed air to detect the position of the processing device on the connection portion. The pneumatic position detection device can be arranged within the drive shaft and / or can be an integral part of the drive shaft.

[0032] The pneumatic position detection device can have at least two, preferably more than two and particularly preferably three compressed air openings. The compressed air openings are designed so that compressed air can flow out of the pneumatic position detection device via the compressed air openings. For example, if the processing device connected to the drive shaft is correctly positioned on the connection part, the compressed air opening is closed by the processing device, in particular by the grinding wheel flange of the processing device. The dynamic pressure thus generated can be detected by the pneumatic position detection device. Therefore, the processing device correctly positioned on the connection part can be detected by the pneumatic position detection device. If the processing device connected to the drive shaft is wrongly or incorrectly positioned on the connection part, compressed air can flow out via at least one of the compressed air openings. This outflow can also be detected by the pneumatic position detection device. Therefore, the processing device wrongly or incorrectly positioned on the connection part can be detected by the pneumatic position detection device.

[0033] A pneumatic position detection device has the advantage that the correct position of the processing element on the connection part can be determined particularly reliably.

[0034] The device, in particular the drive shaft, may have a pneumatic conduit. Preferably, the pneumatic conduit is designed to supply compressed air to the pneumatic position detection device. This means that compressed air can flow through the pneumatic conduit to reach the pneumatic position detection device. The pneumatic conduit may specifically extend through the drive shaft. For example, at least a portion of the pneumatic conduit may extend parallel to the axis of rotation and through the drive shaft.

[0035] The pneumatic line has the advantage that the compressed air supply to the pneumatic position detection device can be ensured in the best possible manner.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the device includes a blow-off device. Preferably, the blow-off device is designed to remove contaminants from the connection. The exhaust device can, for example, remove contaminants from the connection by blowing compressed air onto the connection. The blow-off device can form a functional unit together with the pneumatic position detection device. Alternatively or additionally, the blow-off device can be a standalone device independent of the pneumatic position detection device. The blow-off device can be arranged within the drive shaft and / or can be an integral part of the drive shaft.

[0037] The blowing device can have at least one, preferably multiple, compressed air openings. The one or more compressed air openings of the blowing device can be one or more compressed air openings of the pneumatic position detection device. Compressed air can flow out of the blowing device in an axial direction via the compressed air openings and then flow axially over the connection. As a result of the compressed air flowing over the connection, contaminants on the connection can be removed, in particular blown away, from the connection.

[0038] The blowing device can be supplied and / or supplied with compressed air via the aforementioned pneumatic conduit. Alternatively or additionally, the compressed air can be supplied to the blowing device via a pneumatic conduit different from the aforementioned pneumatic conduit. The pneumatic conduit different from the aforementioned pneumatic conduit can extend parallel to the axis of rotation and through the drive shaft in at least some sections.

[0039] The blow-off device advantageously ensures that the connection is free of contaminants before and / or after the processing device is installed. If such contaminants remain between the elastic sidewall and the processing device, damage to the connection and / or the processing device could occur if a press-fit connection were to be formed between the drive shaft and the processing device. The blow-off device thus extends the service life of the connection and the processing device.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, the device has a connection device. The connection device can be designed to be rotationally fixed relative to the housing, preferably immovable relative to the housing. The connection device can have a hydraulic connection via which hydraulic fluid, preferably pressurized hydraulic fluid, is supplied to the device. Additionally or alternatively, the connection device can have a pneumatic connection. Compressed air can be supplied to the device via this pneumatic connection. Preferably, the connection device is designed as a rotary inlet. This means that the connection device can have a static part, preferably an external static part, and a part that can rotate with the drive shaft, preferably an internal part that can rotate with the drive shaft.

[0041] The connecting device has the advantage that the device can be connected very simply and reliably to a hydraulic circuit and / or a compressed air circuit, in particular for supplying pressure chambers, pneumatic position detection devices and / or blow-off devices.

[0042] Advantageously, the connecting device is designed to introduce hydraulic fluid, in particular pressurized hydraulic fluid, into the above-mentioned hydraulic fluid conduit.Alternatively or additionally, the connecting device can be designed to introduce compressed air into the above-mentioned pneumatic conduit.

[0043] The connecting device can be arranged at the end of the drive shaft, axially opposite the connecting portion. This has the advantage that accessibility to the connecting portion is not affected by the connecting device. Consequently, the connecting portion is highly accessible, particularly for replacement procedures such as replacing machining components. Furthermore, the risk of damage to the connecting device during the replacement process is significantly reduced.

[0044] In a further exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft can have a polygonal cross section in the connecting portion.The drive shaft can in particular have a regular polygonal cross section, if appropriate with rounded corner regions.

[0045] The polygonal cross section in the connection has the advantage that, in addition to the press-fit connection between the drive device and the processing element, the processing element can be secured against rotation. The processing element can be secured against rotation, in particular by a form fit with the polygonal cross section.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the device may include a sensor device. The sensor device is preferably designed to detect a processing device. For example, the sensor device can be used to determine whether a processing device is present on the drive shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device can be used to determine whether the processing device is correctly positioned on the connection portion and / or whether the processing device has slipped from the rotating drive shaft during operation of the device. The sensor device can also be designed to detect the axial position of the processing device relative to the housing.

[0047] The sensor device can be designed to generate a sensor signal. For a control and / or regulation device of the device, the sensor signal can indicate whether the application of hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber and / or the start-up process, i.e., the driving of the drive shaft, can be initiated. Alternatively or additionally, an emergency shutdown of the device can be initiated based on the sensor signal, for example, if the sensor signal changes.

[0048] The sensor device may include one or more sensors. The sensors may be, for example, capacitive sensors, RFID sensors and / or magnetic field sensors.

[0049] The advantage of the sensor device is that it can monitor the position and / or presence of a processing device in addition to or as an alternative to a pneumatic position detection device. This significantly increases the operational reliability of the device. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device includes both the sensor device and the pneumatic position detection device. This allows at least the presence of a processing device to be determined in two different ways, in particular redundantly.

[0050] In an advantageous refinement, the device can have a housing cover. The housing cover can be arranged, in particular, axially adjacent to the connection of the drive shaft. Independently of this, the housing cover can be pivotally mounted on the housing, in particular pivotally fastened to the housing.

[0051] In the closed state, in particular in the closed position, the housing cover can at least partially close the opening of the housing. In the open state, in particular in the released position, the housing cover can open the opening.

[0052] When the housing cover is in the open state, the processing means can be introduced into the device via the opening.

[0053] In the closed state, the housing cover is designed to secure the processing device axially, in particular to prevent axial displacement. This is advantageous, for example, if there is no press-fit connection between the drive shaft and the processing device—that is, if hydraulic pressure is not applied to the pressure chamber, but the processing device is arranged on the connection. The housing cover can then prevent damage to the device, for example, from the processing device slipping axially off the drive shaft. This has the advantage that the device operates particularly reliably and has a high level of durability.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of a device having a housing cover, the device may have a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit is preferably designed to monitor the state of the housing cover. For example, the monitoring unit may determine whether the housing cover is in an open state or a closed state.

[0055] The monitoring unit advantageously has the effect that the drive shaft is only driven if, for example, the monitoring unit has determined that the housing cover is in the closed state. This has the advantage that the operational reliability of the device is increased for the user.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of the housing cover, the receiving and transmitting unit can be provided on the housing cover. The receiving and transmitting unit can be provided on the side of the housing cover facing the connection to the drive shaft. The receiving and transmitting unit is advantageously designed to communicate with a balancing head in or on the drive shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving and transmitting unit can be designed to determine an imbalance on the rotating drive shaft, in particular in a contactless manner.

[0057] The receiving and transmitting unit has the advantage of further increasing the degree of automation of the device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing device does not need to have a separate receiving and transmitting unit. With the help of the receiving and transmitting unit, the control and regulation loop of the device can be implemented without user interaction.

[0058] In another exemplary embodiment, the device includes a securing device. The securing device is preferably designed to secure the processing device to prevent axial displacement of the processing device. This may be particularly necessary when the processing device is connected to the connection portion of the drive shaft but hydraulic pressure has not yet been applied to the pressure chamber.

[0059] The fixing device may include a fixing bolt. The fixing bolt is preferably displaceable in the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. The fixing bolt is preferably arranged axially adjacent to the processing device. If the fixing device secures the processing device, for example, to prevent axial displacement of the processing device, the fixing bolt can be radially displaced so that the fixing bolt prevents axial displacement of the processing device. If axial displacement of the processing device is required, for example, during loading and / or unloading, the fixing bolt can be radially displaced to enable axial displacement of the processing device.

[0060] The fixing device advantageously has the effect of fixing the processing device to prevent it from undesirably slipping off the drive shaft. This has the advantage of further improving the operational reliability of the device and effectively preventing damage, such as damage caused by the processing device slipping off the drive shaft.

[0061] In an exemplary development of the aforementioned embodiment, the fixing device comprises a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder is designed for supplying compressed air, in particular compressed control air. The fixing bolt is preferably at least partially movably arranged in the pneumatic cylinder.

[0062] The fixing device may further include a restoring element, such as a spring. The restoring element may be at least partially arranged in the pneumatic cylinder. Thus, the fixing device can be activated when the pneumatic cylinder is pressurized, in particular when supplied with compressed air. For example, the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder can act on the fixing bolt in such a way that the restoring force of the restoring element, which resists the pressure, is overcome, and the fixing bolt moves against the restoring force of the restoring element. Thus, the fixing device can be deactivated when compressed air is not supplied to the pneumatic cylinder. The restoring force of the restoring element then preferably has the effect of moving the fixing bolt in the direction of the restoring force.

[0063] The exemplary development of the fixing device with a pneumatic cylinder and a restoring element has the advantage that the fixing device can be produced very cost-effectively and simply without compromising the reliability of the fixing device.

[0064] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the device includes a balancing head. The balancing head is preferably arranged at an axial end of the drive shaft. The balancing head is advantageously arranged axially centrally, i.e., on the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The balancing head can be arranged radially between the two pressure chambers.

[0065] The axially central arrangement of the balancing head has the advantage that the drive shaft can be balanced by means of a central balancing. This advantageously enables a very effective and at the same time space-saving balancing of the drive shaft.

[0066] The balancing head preferably includes one or more adjustable balancing weights. Advantageously, the balancing weights are electromagnetically adjustable. The drive shaft can be balanced by adjustment, in particular by repositioning the balancing weights. This is particularly advantageous, for example, if, after a changeover, a different processing device is connected to the drive shaft.

[0067] The balancing head preferably has a communication device. The communication device can be specifically designed to receive information for adjusting the balancing weight. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device can be designed to transmit information related to detected imbalances during the rotational movement of the drive shaft. The communication device can, for example, be connected to a receiving and transmitting unit of the housing cover for information communication. Preferably, the communication device's energy supply and / or communication with the receiving and transmitting unit of the housing cover are contactless, in particular wireless. Independently of the above, the communication device can be suitable for detecting imbalances.

[0068] The balancing head with a communication device has the advantage of further improving the degree of automation of the device.

[0069] In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a drive device. Preferably, the drive device is designed to drive the drive shaft, that is, to cause the drive shaft to rotate about an axis of rotation. The drive device may include a stator and a rotor. The rotor is advantageously rotationally fixedly connected to the drive shaft and can be driven by the stator. The stator may be designed to generate an alternating magnetic field, wherein the rotor is driven by this alternating magnetic field. Preferably, the stator is designed to be fixed to the housing.

[0070] In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may include a carrier. The carrier is preferably designed to transport one or more processing devices. The processing devices can be arranged on the drive shaft, in particular on the connecting portion, by means of the carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the processing devices can be removed from the drive shaft, in particular from the connecting portion, by means of the carrier. Preferably, the carrier is designed to transport the processing devices axially toward the drive shaft and / or axially away from the drive shaft.

[0071] An arrangement with a carrier has the advantage that the drive shaft can be loaded and unloaded with processing components in a fully automated manner.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of the device with carriers, the carriers are connected to, in particular arranged on, an automatically operable manipulator unit. The manipulator unit can be designed to move a plurality of carriers in an automated manner and / or independently of one another, in particular simultaneously.

[0073] The operating unit advantageously enables an automatic changing process, which has the advantage of further increasing the degree of automation of the device.

[0074] The carrier may have one or more grippers. The grippers are preferably designed to grip a machining device. For example, if the gripper already grips a machining device, the carrier can transport the machining device. The grippers are preferably designed so that they can engage with an annular groove in the machining device, in particular an annular groove on a grinding wheel flange of the machining device. If the carrier has multiple grippers, these grippers can be distributed circumferentially around the carrier, in particular evenly distributed around the carrier.

[0075] A carrier having one or more grippers has the advantage that the processing devices can be transported particularly reliably by the carrier and / or can be positioned particularly precisely on the connecting part by the carrier.

[0076] In an alternative refinement, the carrier can be designed as a shovel or fork. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier can be designed to pass under the processing equipment, for example, if the processing equipment is positioned on a connection. In this refinement, the carrier can be produced very cost-effectively.

[0077] In another alternative refinement, the carrier can be designed as a sliding cylinder. The processing device can then slide back and forth in the axial direction on the sliding cylinder. In this refinement, the carrier is relatively cost-effective in production and can be very simple to operate in use.

[0078] According to the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method according to claim 21. Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are the subject matter of dependent claim 22 and / or are explained in the following description.

[0079] The method according to the present invention is a method for equipping or loading an apparatus with processing devices. The apparatus is the apparatus according to the aforementioned embodiment.

[0080] In this method, within the scope of the first method step, the processing device is provided. The processing device can be provided by means of a carrier. In this case, the processing device is transported at least to the side of the housing of the device. The processing device can in particular be provided by means of a carrier.

[0081] In another method step, the processing device is positioned on the drive shaft, in particular on the connecting portion of the drive shaft. For example, this positioning can be carried out by a carrier.

[0082] Then, hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber of the device.By applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber, the drive shaft is press-fitted to the processing device.

[0083] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the device can be loaded with processing devices in a particularly simple manner, in particular without any intermediate interaction with a user, ie in a fully automated manner.

[0084] In an advantageous refinement of the method, the housing cover is opened before the processing device is positioned on the drive shaft, in particular on the connection. By opening the housing cover, in particular, an opening in the housing is unlocked, through which the processing device can be introduced into the device. Preferably, the position of the housing cover is monitored by a monitoring unit.

[0085] With the aid of the monitoring unit, the loading method can advantageously be carried out in a fully automated manner.

[0086] In another exemplary development, the housing cover is closed after the machining device is positioned on the drive shaft, in particular on the connection. Alternatively or additionally, the housing cover can be closed before the hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber.

[0087] On the one hand, this has the advantage that the housing cover forms a safety feature, preventing the machining device from slipping off the drive shaft. This safety feature is particularly advantageous when hydraulic pressure is not applied to the pressure chamber or is not yet sufficiently applied to the pressure chamber. For example, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber and the drive shaft is rotating, a closed housing cover has the advantage that the rotation of the drive shaft can be monitored by the transmitting and receiving unit on the housing cover.

[0088] In another exemplary embodiment of the method, the presence of the processing device on the connection can be determined and / or checked before applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the processing device on the connection can be determined and / or checked. Preferably, the presence and / or position of the processing device is determined and / or checked using a pneumatic position detection device. Although as mentioned above, the presence and / or position of the processing device can also be determined and / or checked using a sensor device. Particularly preferably, the presence and / or position of the processing device is determined and / or checked redundantly using the pneumatic position detection device and the sensor device.

[0089] This has the advantage that hydraulic pressure is not applied to the pressure chamber until it is confirmed that the machining device is correctly positioned relative to the connection. This avoids unnecessary defects and increases the durability of the device, particularly the pressure chamber. Furthermore, this improves worker protection, particularly because a possible bursting of the pressure chamber is particularly effectively prevented.

[0090] According to the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method according to claim 23. Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are the subject matter of dependent claim 24 and / or are explained in the following description.

[0091] The method according to the present invention is a method for disassembling a processing device from an apparatus. The apparatus is the apparatus according to the aforementioned embodiment.

[0092] In the method, within the scope of a first method step, the pressure chamber is depressurized in order to release the press-fit connection between the processing device and the drive shaft.

[0093] The processing device is then detached from the connection portion. The detachment of the processing device can be performed, for example, with the aid of a carrier.

[0094] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the processing means can be removed from the device in a particularly simple manner without any intermediate interaction with the user, that is to say in a fully automated manner or at least in a partially automated manner.

[0095] In an exemplary refinement of the aforementioned method, the housing cover is opened before the processing device is removed from the connection portion of the drive shaft. Opening the housing cover unlocks the opening of the housing. For example, a carrier can be introduced into the housing via the opening. The carrier can, in particular, be introduced into the housing axially relative to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the carrier is designed to remove the processing device from the drive shaft, in particular, from the connection portion, and / or to axially remove the processing device from the housing of the device via the opening. In other words, the processing device can be removed from the device via the opening.

[0096] The housing cover can be opened before depressurizing the pressure chamber. Preferably, the carrier is then introduced into the housing of the device before depressurizing the pressure chamber. In this case, when depressurizing the pressure chamber, the processing device is advantageously secured by the carrier to prevent it from slipping off the drive shaft, in particular, from slipping axially off the drive shaft.

[0097] Alternatively, the housing cover can be opened after the pressure chamber is depressurized. This has the advantage that when the pressure chamber is depressurized, the processing device is fixed by the housing cover to prevent the processing device from slipping off the drive shaft, in particular preventing the processing device from slipping off axially from the drive shaft.

[0098] In another exemplary embodiment of a method for removing a processing device, the processing device may be secured by a securing device before depressurizing the pressure chamber. The securing device may specifically prevent the processing device from axially slipping off the drive shaft when depressurizing the pressure chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the securing device may prevent the processing device from axially slipping off the drive shaft before the processing device is removed from the connection portion of the drive shaft via a carrier.

[0099] The advantage of securing the device with the aid of a securing device is that it effectively prevents damage that could occur if the processing device were to slip off the drive shaft. This can be particularly advantageous during depressurization of the pressure chamber. The securing device increases the operational safety and durability of the device.

[0100] According to the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a replacement method for replacing a machining element according to claim 25 .

[0101] The replacement method according to the present invention relates to a process for replacing a processing device on an apparatus. The apparatus is the apparatus according to the aforementioned embodiment. The replacement method includes at least the aforementioned method for equipping the apparatus with processing devices and the method for removing the processing devices from the apparatus. According to the present invention, both methods are performed to operate on a first processing device.

[0102] Thereafter, at least a method for equipping the device with a second processing device that is different from the first processing device is performed.

[0103] In the method according to the invention, the replacement process can advantageously be carried out in a fully automated manner, that is to say without any interaction with the user, or at least in a partially automated manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] According to the invention, the various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another as far as this is technically meaningful and appropriate. Further features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0105] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool,

[0106] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment,

[0107] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 The local details of the cross-sectional view,

[0108] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool,

[0109] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment,

[0110] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool,

[0111] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool,

[0112] Figure 8A cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment is shown, and

[0113] Figure 9 A sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 is shown in a perspective view.

[0115] The device 1 comprises a housing 2 having a housing cover 3. The housing cover 3 is pivotable relative to the rest of the housing 2 between a closed position and a released position. Figure 1 , the housing cover 3 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the housing cover 3 closes the opening 4 of the housing 2. When the housing cover 3 is pivoted and / or pivoted from the closed position to the released position, the housing cover 3 opens the opening 4.

[0116] The processing device 30 can be introduced into the device 1 and / or removed from the device 1 via the opening 4. Figure 1 In the figure shown, a machining device 30 is introduced into the apparatus 1. The machining device 30 comprises a grinding wheel and a grinding wheel flange 31 with an annular groove 32, the function of which will be described in further detail below.

[0117] The processing device 30 is connected to the device 1 via the drive shaft 5 of the device 1. The drive shaft 5 is rotatable relative to the housing 2 about the rotation axis D (see Figure 2 ). The drive shaft 5 is designed to drive the processing device 30.

[0118] The balancing head 19 is arranged at the axial end of the drive shaft 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The balancing head 19 comprises a communication device 27 which is designed to send and / or receive information. This information can be used in particular to adjust the balancing weights arranged in the balancing head 19.

[0119] The housing cover 3 comprises a receiving and transmitting unit 26 which, when the housing cover 3 is in the closed position, is arranged axially opposite the communication means 27 of the balancing head 19. The receiving and transmitting unit 26 is designed to exchange information with the communication means 27 and / or to determine an imbalance during the rotation of the drive shaft 5.

[0120] exist Figure 1, the connection device 13 of the device 1 can also be seen. The connection device 13 is rotationally fixed relative to the housing 2. In other words, when the drive shaft 5 drives the cutting means 30, the connection device 13 does not rotate together with the drive shaft 5. The connection device 13 is designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the device 1. For this purpose, the connection device 13 has a hydraulic connection 14. Pressurized hydraulic fluid can flow into the connection device 13 via the hydraulic connection 14. Independently of this, the connection device 13 is designed to supply compressed air to the device 1. For this purpose, the connection device 13 has a pneumatic connection 15. Compressed air can flow into the connection device 13 via the pneumatic connection 15.

[0121] Figure 2 Shown in cross-section Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 is illustrated in FIG. The section selected in the figure extends along the axis D of rotation.

[0122] The housing cover 3 can be wound around Figure 2 The pivot axis is arranged orthogonal to the rotation axis D and is parallel to the rotation axis D. Figure 2 For a better understanding of the pivot axis of the housing cover 3, reference is also made to Figures 4 to 8 Figure in .

[0123] Arranged in Figure 2 The connection device 13 on the right in the middle is designed at its axial end facing the drive shaft 5 in such a way that pressurized hydraulic fluid can flow into the hydraulic fluid line 11 of the drive shaft 5. The hydraulic fluid line 11 extends at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation D and passes through the drive shaft 5.

[0124] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 further comprises a pressure intensifier 33. The pressure intensifier 33 is designed to increase and / or reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid line 11.

[0125] Independently of this, the connection device 13 is designed at its axial end facing the drive shaft 5 in such a way that compressed air can flow into at least one pneumatic line 12 of the drive shaft 5. The pneumatic line 12 extends at least partially parallel to the rotation axis D and through the drive shaft 5.

[0126] The drive shaft 5 is driven by a drive device 20. The drive device 20 comprises a stator 21 that is immovable relative to the housing 2. The stator 21 is designed to drive a rotor 22 that is connected to the drive shaft 5 and is at least rotationally fixed to the drive shaft 5. The stator 21 preferably generates an alternating magnetic field that causes the rotor 22 to perform a rotational movement about an axis of rotation D. Due to the connection between the rotor 22 and the drive shaft 5, the drive shaft 5 is necessarily also driven by the rotor 22.

[0127] In the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1, the drive shaft 5 comprises a first connection portion 6 and a second connection portion 7. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 5 can also have only one connection portion. The drive shaft 5 is connected to the machining device 30, in particular to the grinding wheel flange 31 of the machining device 30, via the connections 6, 7. For structural and geometric details of the connections 6, 7, reference is made to the following description of the connection portion 6, 7. Figure 3 Description.

[0128] The drive shaft 5 has two pressure chambers 8 in each connection 6, 7. The pressure chambers 8 are designed to be supplied with hydraulic pressure. To this end, the pressure chambers 8 are fluidically connected to a hydraulic fluid line 11. In other words, the pressure chambers 8 are supplied with hydraulic fluid via the hydraulic fluid line 11. Advantageously, the hydraulic pressure is always applied simultaneously and with the same intensity to each pressure chamber 8.

[0129] The pressure chamber 8 of the first connection part 6 is at least partially delimited by a first elastic side wall 9 . The pressure chamber 8 of the second connection part 7 is at least partially delimited by a second elastic side wall 10 .

[0130] The elastic side walls 9, 10 are designed to deform in the radial direction. This has the effect that when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 8, the elastic side walls 9, 10 deform radially outward. This radial deformation of the elastic side walls 9, 10 has the consequence that when the machining device 30 is arranged on the connection portions 6, 7 of the drive shaft 5 and hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 8, the elastic side walls 9, 10 are pressed against the inner surface of the grinding wheel flange 31 of the machining device 30. The drive shaft 5 is thereby supported by the machining device 30. The elastic side walls 9, 10 are connected to the grinding wheel flange 32 of the machining device 30 in a press-fit manner by the hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber 8.

[0131] To ensure durability, hydraulic pressure is advantageously not applied to the pressure chamber 8 until the processing device 30 is correctly positioned on the connecting parts 6, 7. Otherwise, there is a risk of uncontrolled deformation of the elastic side walls 9, 10, potentially damaging the drive shaft 5. To ensure that the processing device 30 is positioned on the connecting parts 6, 7 and also to ensure that the processing device 30 is correctly positioned on the connecting parts 6, 7, the device 1 includes a pneumatic position detection device 28 and a sensor device 16. In principle, it is sufficient for the device to have only the pneumatic position detection device 28 or the sensor device 16. However, the redundancy significantly reduces the probability of incorrect detection.

[0132] The sensor device 16 includes a sensor element 17. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensor element 17 is a capacitive sensor element 17 designed as a proximity sensor. The capacitive sensor element 17 can be used to detect the proximity of a machining device 30, in particular the proximity of a grinding wheel flange 31 of the machining device 30. In this case, the capacitive sensor element 17 is arranged such that proximity is detected only when the machining device 30 is correctly positioned on the connection parts 6, 7 of the drive shaft 5.

[0133] The pneumatic position detection device 28 is designed to detect the position of a processing device 30 connected to the drive shaft 5, in particular by supplying compressed air. For this purpose, the pneumatic position detection device 28 has three compressed air openings 29. In each case, the compressed air openings 29 are evenly distributed at intervals of 120° on the circumference of the drive shaft 5 and are designed so that compressed air can flow out of the compressed air openings 29 in the axial direction. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , one of the three compressed air openings 29 is shown.

[0134] The compressed air supply of the pneumatic position detection device 28 is carried out via the pneumatic line 12. The compressed air opening 29 is arranged on the drive shaft 5 in such a way that, if the machining device 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31 of the machining device 30, is correctly positioned on the connecting parts 6, 7, the compressed air opening 29 is closed by the machining device 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31. Closing the compressed air opening 29 causes compressed air to accumulate in the pneumatic position detection device 28.

[0135] If the machining device 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31, is not positioned correctly on the connecting parts 6, 7, compressed air will escape through at least one of the compressed air openings 29. This results in a pressure loss within the pneumatic position detection device 28. This pressure loss can be measured in such a way that it is possible to detect, on the one hand, whether the machining device 30 is completely located on the connecting parts 6, 7 and, on the other hand, whether the machining device 30 is in an inclined position relative to the axis of rotation D.

[0136] In the first exemplary embodiment, in addition to the sensor device 16 and the pneumatic position detection device 28, a monitoring unit (not shown) is provided for monitoring the closing state of the housing cover 3. As an additional safety measure, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, hydraulic pressure is not applied to the pressure chamber 8 until the monitoring unit determines that the housing cover 3 is in the closed position.

[0137] In the first exemplary embodiment, hydraulic pressure is applied to pressure chamber 8 only when the closed position of the housing cover has been determined by the monitoring unit, the proximity of the processing device 30 has been detected by the sensor device 16, and a uniform dynamic pressure has accumulated in the pneumatic position detection device 28. In the next step, a pressure sensor (not shown) is used to measure whether a sufficiently high hydraulic pressure has accumulated in pressure chamber 8. Only when all these prerequisites are met is the drive shaft 5 driven by the drive device 20 and the processing device 30 rotated by the drive shaft 5.

[0138] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Detail of the drive shaft 5. Figure 3 In the details shown, in particular the connections 6, 7 are shown on an enlarged scale. Figure 3 The diagram of the processing device 30 is omitted in the figure.

[0139] from Figure 3 It can be seen that the first connection portion 6 and the second connection portion 7 are arranged at the axial ends of the drive shaft 5 (at Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the connection portions 6 and 7 are arranged at the left axial end portion of the drive shaft 5. The first connection portion 6 and the second connection portion 7 at least partially form the outer side surface of the drive shaft 5.

[0140] A significant difference between the first connection part 6 and the second connection part 7 is that the first elastic side wall 9 of the first connection part 6 is at a smaller radial distance from the axis of rotation D than the second elastic side wall 10 of the second connection part 7. In other words, the diameter of the drive shaft 5 in the second connection part 7 is greater than in the first connection part 6. The different radial distances of the connections 6, 7 have the effect that machining devices 30 with different inner diameters can be supported by the same drive shaft.

[0141] In order to enable the processing device 30 to be pushed onto the drive shaft 5 (at Figure 3 In the selected figure, the processing device is pushed onto the drive shaft 5 from left to right), and the second connecting part 7 (i.e. the connecting part 7 with a larger diameter) is arranged behind the first connecting part 6 (i.e. the connecting part 6 with a smaller diameter) in the pushing direction.

[0142] The device 1 may also have a blowing device, which blows away the Figures 1 to 3 The blow-off device is designed to blow away contaminants from the connecting parts 6, 7 if the machining device 30 is not positioned on the connecting parts 6, 7. This is particularly important because otherwise, during the next support of the drive shaft 5 by the machining device 30, contaminants would be trapped between the elastic side walls 9, 10 and the grinding wheel flange 31 of the machining device 30. This could result in damage to the connecting parts 6, 7 and / or the machining device 30 or interfere with frictionless operation.

[0143] In order to protect the connections 6, 7 from contamination, a blowing device can be integrated into the pneumatic position detection device 28. For example, if the processing device 30 is not positioned on the connections 6, 7, compressed air can be blown out through the compressed air opening 29 of the pneumatic position detection device 28. According to the axial outflow direction, the compressed air then flows directly over the connections 6, 7, so that any contaminants on the connections 6, 7 are blown away in the axial direction (in the axial direction). Figure 3 from right to left) is blown away.

[0144] In an alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown), the discharge device can also be a device of the device 1 that is separate from the pneumatic position detection device 28. For this purpose, a separate pneumatic line can be provided, which is similar to the pneumatic line 12 and extends at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation D and passes through the drive shaft 5.

[0145] In accordance with Figure 1-Figure 3 In the first exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 5 has a circular cross section in the region of the connections 6, 7. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, it is also conceivable that the drive shaft 5 has a polygonal cross section, in particular a regular polygonal cross section, in the region of the connections 6, 7.

[0146] Figure 4 1 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the device 1. Compared to the first exemplary embodiment, the device 1 of the second exemplary embodiment further comprises a replacement device 50 for replacing the processing device 30. Otherwise, the structural design of the device 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment corresponds to the structural design of the device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0147] The changing device 50 is designed to load and / or unload the processing device 30 for the drive shaft 5. A changing process can also be performed by means of the changing device 50. This means that a first processing device 30 on the drive shaft 5 can be replaced by a second processing device 30 that is different from the first processing device 30 using the changing device 50. In order to operate the different processing devices 30, in particular to operate the different processing devices 30 automatically, the changing device 50 is connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0148] The replacement device 50 comprises a carrier 51, which is designed to transport the processing device 30. Figure 4 As shown, the processing device 30 is introduced into the housing 2 of the device 1 or removed from the housing 2 of the device 1 via the opening 4 by means of a carrier 51. The processing device 30 is moved in the axial direction relative to the axis of rotation D by means of the carrier 51. Thus, the carrier 51 can push the processing device 30 onto the drive shaft 5, in particular onto the connecting parts 6, 7, and / or remove the processing device 30 from the drive shaft 5, in particular from the connecting parts 6, 7.

[0149] According to the second exemplary embodiment, a plurality of grippers 52, ie a total of three grippers 51 of the same design, are arranged on a carrier 51. Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG, the grippers 52 are distributed on the carrier 51 at uniform distances (all 120°) on the circumference of the carrier 51. The grippers 51 are designed to engage in the annular groove 32 of the grinding wheel flange 31 in order to transport the machining device 30.

[0150] As in Figure 5 As can be clearly seen in the cross-sectional view of the second exemplary embodiment shown, the grinding wheel flange 31 is at least partially engaged behind the holder 51 when the holder 51 engages radially in the annular groove 32. Due to this positive fit between the holder 51 and the annular groove 31, the machining device 30 can be particularly reliably and stably held by the carrier 51.

[0151] In the exemplary method of loading or equipping the apparatus 1 with processing devices 30 , the processing devices 30 are first arranged axially on the left, beside the apparatus, by means of the changing device 50 . In this case, the carrier 51 holds the processing devices 30 by means of the grippers 51 .

[0152] Then, open the housing cover 3 so that the housing cover 3 is in the Figure 4 and Figure 5 The position shown is assumed, and the opening 4 is opened. Due to the axial displacement of the carrier 51, the processing device 30 is then introduced into the housing 2 of the device 1 via the opening 4. The processing device 30 is axially displaced relative to the axis of rotation D until it is pushed onto the connection parts 6, 7 of the drive shaft 5 and correctly positioned. As already described above, the correct positioning of the processing device 30 can be determined by the sensor device 16 and / or the pneumatic position detection device 28. Subsequently, hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 8 in order to press-fit the drive shaft 5 to the processing device 30.

[0153] Before the drive shaft 5 can be driven by the drive device 20, the carrier 52 must be pulled out of the housing 2 and the housing cover 3 closed again. To this end, the clamp 52 is moved radially outward. This releases the engagement of the clamp 52 with the annular groove 32. Subsequently, the carrier 52 is moved axially out of the housing 2.

[0154] In an exemplary method for unloading the device 1 or removing the processing device 30 from the device 1, the drive shaft 5 is fully braked in a first step. Subsequently, the housing cover 3 is opened so that the carrier 52 can be axially introduced into the housing 2 via the opening 4. When the carrier 52 is precisely positioned relative to the processing device 30, the clamp 52 moves radially inward to engage with the annular groove 32. The processing device 30 is thus fixed by means of the replacement device 50. Subsequently, the pressure chamber 8 is fully depressurized. The press-fit connection between the processing device 30 and the drive shaft 5 is thus released. The processing device 30 can then be pulled off the drive shaft 5. This can be achieved by pulling the carrier 52 axially out of the housing 2 via the opening 4, the carrier 52 being fixedly connected to the processing device 30 via the clamp 52.

[0155] By means of a series of methods for loading and unloading the device 1 with different processing devices 30 in each case, a fully automated changeover process can be carried out.

[0156] Figure 6 Shown is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the device 1 . The third exemplary embodiment differs from the second exemplary embodiment only in the replacement device 60 .

[0157] In the replacement device 60 of the third exemplary embodiment, the carrier 61 is designed in the shape of a shovel. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the carrier 61 can also be designed in the shape of a fork. It is important that the carrier 61 has a width such that it can engage with its side elements 62 in the annular groove 32 of the processing device 30.

[0158] The method of loading the device 1 with the replacement device 60 according to the third exemplary embodiment is similar to the method of loading the device 1 with the replacement device 50 according to the second exemplary embodiment. The two loading methods differ only in that, instead of releasing the grippers 52 from engagement with the annular grooves 31, the carrier 61 is lowered in order to release the side elements 62 from engagement with the corresponding annular grooves 31.

[0159] To unload the device 1, the carrier 61 can be moved upwards to the drive shaft 5. To this end, the carrier 61 can be moved parallel to the axis of rotation D of the drive shaft 5. Subsequently, the processing device 30 can be pulled off the drive shaft 5 and mounted on the carrier 61. In this case, each side element 62 of the carrier 61 engages in a corresponding annular groove 32 of the processing device 30. The processing device 30 can then be removed from the housing 2 in a manner similar to that according to the second exemplary embodiment. In this case, the engagement of the side elements 62 in the corresponding annular groove 32 has the effect that the processing device 30 rests securely on the carrier 61.

[0160] Figure 7 A perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the device 1 is shown. The fourth exemplary embodiment differs from the second and third exemplary embodiments of the device 1 by the replacement device 70.

[0161] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the carrier 71 of the changing device 70 is a sliding cylinder 71. The sliding cylinder 71 is designed in such a way that the machining device 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31 of the machining device 30, can slide back and forth in the axial direction on the outer side surface of the sliding cylinder 71.

[0162] For loading purposes, the sliding cylinder 71 together with the processing device 30 positioned on the sliding cylinder 71 can be axially introduced into the housing 2 via the opening 4. If the axial end face of the sliding cylinder 71 abuts against the drive shaft 5 (see Figure 8 ), the processing device 30 can be pushed onto the drive shaft 5 by the sliding cylinder 71.

[0163] For unloading purposes, the machining device 30 arranged on the drive shaft 5 can be pushed onto the sliding cylinder 71 via the connections 6 , 7 and can then be pulled axially out of the housing 2 together with the sliding cylinder 71 via the opening 4 .

[0164] Figure 8 The fourth exemplary embodiment is shown in a sectional view. It can be seen here that the outer diameter of the sliding cylinder 71 corresponds to the outer diameter of the first connecting part 6 of the drive shaft 5.

[0165] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a device 1 is shown. The device 1 of the fifth exemplary embodiment corresponds in structure essentially to the device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. In this respect, reference is made to the description of the first exemplary embodiment with regard to the same reference numerals. Figure 9 The section of the figure in extends orthogonally to the axis of rotation D and crosses the balancing head 19 and the communication means 27 of the balancing head 19 .

[0166] The device 1 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment differs from the device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment in that the device 1 of the fifth exemplary embodiment has an additional fixing device 18. The fixing device 18 is designed to fix the processing device 30 to prevent axial displacement of the processing device 30. To this end, the fixing device 18 has a fixing bolt 23, a pneumatic cylinder 24, and a resetting element 25.

[0167] The fixing bolt 23 can be moved back and forth relative to the housing 2 and / or relative to the pneumatic cylinder 24 between a first position and a second position different from the first position. Figure 9 The fixing screw 23 is shown in a second position. In the second position, the fixing screw 23 is at least partially pressed out of the pneumatic cylinder 24. In this case, the portion of the fixing screw 23 that is at least partially pressed out of the pneumatic cylinder 24 is pushed radially inward, so that the fixing screw 23 prevents the processing device 30 from being axially moved out of the image plane.

[0168] In the first position, the fixing bolt 23 is displaced radially outward to such an extent that the fixing bolt 23 is completely or at least substantially arranged within the pneumatic cylinder 24. As a result, the fixing bolt 23 in the first position does not prevent the machining device 30 from being axially moved out of the image plane, or releases the machining device 30, allowing the machining device 30 to be axially moved out of the image plane.

[0169] In other words, when the fixing bolt 23 is in the first position, the axial displacement of the processing device 30 is released by the fixing device 18. When the fixing bolt 23 is in the second position (see Figure 9 ), the fixing device 18 fixes the processing device 30 to prevent axial displacement of the processing device 30. This is preferably the case if the processing device 30 is arranged on the drive shaft 5, but the hydraulic pressure is not applied to the pressure chamber 8 of the connection part 6, 7 or is not applied to the pressure chamber 8 of the connection part 6, 7.

[0170] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reset element 25 is designed as a spring 25. When the fixing bolt 23 is in the second position, the reset element 25 applies a compressive force to the fixing bolt 23. The compressive force of the reset element 25 is designed so that it promotes displacement of the fixing bolt 23 from the first position to the second position. In other words, the fixing bolt 23 is pressed radially inward by the reset element 25.

[0171] The displacement of the fixing screw 23 from the second position to the first position is caused by the pneumatic pressure applied to the pneumatic cylinder 24. The pneumatic pressure is so great that the restoring force of the restoring element 25 is overcome. Under the influence of the pneumatic pressure, the fixing screw 23 moves from the radially inner side, the second position, to the radially outer side, the first position.

[0172] In the method for loading the device, the fixing device 18 can fix the processing device 30 after positioning the processing device 30 on the drive shaft 5. This ensures that the processing device 30 cannot slide axially, for example during pressure buildup in the pressure chamber 8.

[0173] Similarly, the fixing device 18 can fix the processing device 30 during the method for unloading the device, for example when depressurizing the pressure chamber 8. The fixing device 18 can be designed so as to allow the processing device 30 to slide on the drive shaft 5 to a certain extent, but the fixing device 18 prevents the processing device 30 from slipping off the drive shaft 5.

Claims

1. A device (1) for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool, the device (1) comprising: (a) housing (2), (b) a drive shaft (5) rotatable relative to the axis of rotation (D) of the housing (2) and designed to drive a processing device (30) connected to the drive shaft (5), wherein (c) the drive shaft (5) has a connection portion (6, 7) for connecting to the processing device (30), and (d) a pressure chamber (8) is arranged in the connection (6, 7), to which hydraulic pressure can be applied, and which is at least partially delimited by elastic side walls (9, 10), wherein (e) The resilient side walls (9, 10) are designed to deform when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber (8) so as to form a press-fit connection between the drive shaft (5) and the processing device (30).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The side walls (9, 10) at least partially delimit the pressure chamber (8) radially relative to the rotation axis (D) and are designed to support the drive shaft (5) in radial direction via the machining device (30) when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber (8).

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The side walls (9, 10) at least partially delimit the pressure chamber (8) radially on the outside relative to the rotation axis and are designed to deform radially on the outside when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber (8) so as to form a press-fit connection between the drive shaft (5) and the processing device (30).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting portion (6, 7) has a plurality of pressure chambers (8), wherein each of the plurality of pressure chambers (8) is at least partially delimited by the elastic side walls (9, 10).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive shaft (5) has a first connection portion (6) and a second connection portion (7), wherein the first connection portion (6) includes a first elastic side wall (9), which maintains a first radial distance from the rotation axis (D), and the second connection portion (7) includes a second elastic side wall (10), which maintains a second radial distance from the rotation axis (D), wherein the first radial distance is greater than or less than the second radial distance.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive shaft (5) has a hydraulic fluid line (11) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber (8), wherein the hydraulic fluid line (11) extends at least partially parallel to the rotation axis (D) and passes through the drive shaft (5).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a pneumatic position detection device (28), wherein the position detection device (28) is designed to detect the position of the processing device (30) connected to the drive shaft (5) by supplying compressed air.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a blowing device, wherein the blowing device comprises a pneumatic duct, at least part of which extends parallel to the rotation axis (D) and passes through the drive shaft (5), and the blowing device is designed to remove contaminants on the connection parts (6, 7) by blowing compressed air onto the connection parts (6, 7), the compressed air being supplied via the pneumatic duct.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a connection device (13) that is rotationally fixed relative to the housing (2), wherein the connection device (13) comprises: a hydraulic connection (14) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the device (1); and / or, A pneumatic connection (15) for supplying compressed air to the device (1).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a sensor device (16), wherein the sensor device (16) is designed to detect the correct assembly of the processing device (30) relative to the drive shaft (5).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a housing cover (3), and the housing cover (3) is arranged axially in front of the connection part (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), and the housing cover (3) at least partially closes the opening (4) of the housing (2) in the closed state, wherein, in the open state of the housing cover (3), the processing device (30) can be introduced into the device (1) via the opening (4), and wherein, in the closed state of the housing cover (3), the processing device (30) is preferably fixed in the axial direction even if no press-fit connection is formed between the drive shaft (5) and the processing device (30).

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that A receiving and transmitting unit (26) is provided on the side of the housing cover (3) facing the connection portion (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), and the receiving and transmitting unit (26) is used for communicating with a balancing head and / or a structure-borne sound sensor.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a fixing device (18), which is preferably a fixing screw (23), wherein the fixing device (18) is designed to fix the processing device (30) when the processing device (30) is connected to the connection part (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5) to prevent the processing device (30) from axial displacement.

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The fixing device (18) has a pneumatic cylinder (24) which is convertible between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fixing device (18) releases the processing device (30) to allow the processing device (30) to be axially displaced. In the second position, the fixing device (18) fixes the processing device (30) to prevent the processing device (30) from being axially displaced.

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A balancing head (19) is provided at the center of the axial end of the drive shaft (5), preferably in the connecting portion (6, 7).

16. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) has a carrier (51; 61; 71), wherein the carrier (51; 61; 71) is designed for transporting the processing device (30).

17. The device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The carrier (51; 61; 71) is arranged on a manipulation unit capable of automatic operation.

18. The device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The carrier (51) has a gripper (52), wherein the gripper (52) is designed to engage in an annular groove (32) on the processing device (30) in order to transport the processing device (30).

19. The device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The carrier (61) is of shovel-shaped design.

20. The device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The carrier (71) is a sliding cylinder (71), and the sliding cylinder (71) is designed so that the processing device (30) can slide back and forth on the sliding cylinder (71) in an axial direction.

21. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor arrangement (16) comprises at least one sensor element (17) which is designed to detect the axial position of the processing device (30) relative to the housing (2).

22. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The grinding machine (1) has a pressure intensifier in the drive shaft (5).

23. A method for equipping an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 with a processing device (30), the method comprising the following method steps: (a) providing the processing device (30), (b) positioning the processing device (30) on the connecting portion (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), (c) applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber (8) to press-fit the drive shaft (5) to the processing device (30).

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein Before applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber (8), the presence and position of the processing device on the connecting part are determined by means of a position detection device and / or a sensor device (16).

25. A method for removing a machining device (30) from a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising the following method steps: (a) depressurizing the pressure chamber (8) to release the press-fit connection between the processing device (30) and the drive shaft (5), (b) Removing the processing device (30) from the connecting parts (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5).

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that Before the pressure chamber (8) is depressurized or before the processing device (30) is removed from the connection portion (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), the processing device (30) is prevented from axially slipping off the drive shaft (5) by a fixing device (18).

27. A method for replacing a processing device (30) on a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein: Performing the method according to any one of claims 23 or 24 and the method according to any one of claims 25 or 26 on a first processing device (30), and then performing at least the method according to any one of claims 23 or 24 on a second processing device (30) different from the first processing device (30).

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