Forming device, in particular spindle press and method for forming machining of workpieces

Abstract

Forming device (13), in particular spindle press, comprising: a) a forming machine for at least one workpiece (11) along an axis of movement (M S ) movable guided machining head (16) with at least one machining tool (22), and b) a machining area (17) opposite the machining head (16) with at least one machining station designed for forming the workpiece (11), and further comprising c) a rotary table (1) with an axis of rotation parallel to the direction of movement (M D ) and with respect to the axis of rotation (M D ) workpiece fixtures arranged circumferentially offset from one another (8), wherein d) the rotary table (1) is designed and rotatably mounted such that each of the workpiece fixtures (8) can be moved by rotating the rotary table (1) into at least one first working position (19) located within the machining area (17), and into at least one second working position (20), which in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement (M) S ) is located at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of the machining head (16), wherein the machining head (16) has several upper tools (22) for forming workpiece machining and the rotary table (1) has several lower tools (8), and wherein the upper and lower tools (22, 8) are arranged such that several forming steps can be carried out in parallel by the machining head (16) during operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a forming device, in particular a spindle press, for forming workpieces and to a method for forming workpieces using such a device.

[0002] For forming workpieces, impact forming machines such as hammers and screw presses, in particular flywheel screw presses, are known. By way of example, reference is made to DE 78 22 648 U1, from which a screw press for forging a shaft flange is known, wherein a rotary table designed with lower dies for receiving workpieces, which has various approach positions, is arranged in alignment below a tool plate attached to a ram and having several upper dies.

[0003] In such spindle presses, the forming energy required for workpiece forming can be generated and transferred to the workpiece via a spindle and a striking tool or ram. The spindle can be driven directly by a motor or by a flywheel connected via a positive or non-positive locking mechanism. The rotary motion of the spindle is converted into a linear ram motion via a high-pitch, multi-threaded thread. Upon the ram's sudden impact on the workpiece, the kinetic energy of the flywheel, spindle, and ram is completely converted into useful and wasted work. An electric drive motor is typically used to drive the spindle or flywheel. With a rotary table, such as the one described in DE 78 22 648 U1, workpieces can be rotated between different approach positions within the machining area of ​​the upper dies.

[0004] DE 10 2012 005 648 A1 describes a device for forming workpieces in a rotary table automatic forming machine with a rotary table and several machining stations arranged circumferentially around the rotary table, wherein one of the machining stations is set up for workpiece forming. In the rotary table automatic forming machine, workpieces mounted on the rotary table are successively guided to the various machining stations and successively machined by a respective machining head.

[0005] Based on this, it is an object of the invention to provide a novel forming device, in particular a spindle press, and a novel method for forming a workpiece, which in particular enable improved workpiece guidance and, optionally, improved workpiece throughput.

[0006] This problem is solved by a forming device according to claim 1 and a method for forming a workpiece according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are particularly evident from the dependent claims and from the following description.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, a forming device, for example in the form of a spindle press, is proposed, which comprises a machining head with at least one machining tool, which is movably guided or mounted along an axis of motion for forming at least one workpiece. The machining head can, for example, be attached to or integrated with a ram or ram of the forming device. The machining head can, for example, include a tool plate, which can be configured to hold the at least one machining tool on it, e.g., detachably. The axis of motion can, for example, be collinear with the trajectory resulting during operation of the forming device, i.e., the central axis of motion of the machining head or of a ram or ram coupled thereto.

[0008] The proposed forming device further comprises a machining area opposite the machining head with at least one machining station designed for receiving and forming the workpiece.

[0009] The proposed forming device further comprises a rotary table with a rotation axis parallel to the direction of movement. The rotary table also includes workpiece holders arranged circumferentially offset from one another with respect to the rotation axis. A total of several workpiece holders, for example three, four, or more, can be provided circumferentially along a circular path on the rotary table.

[0010] The rotary table is designed and arranged, and rotatably mounted, such that by rotating the rotary table around its axis of rotation, each of the workpiece fixtures can be moved into at least one initial working position located within the machining area. By moving one of the workpiece fixtures into an initial working position and subsequently operating or activating the machining head, the workpiece in that initial working position can be formed.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotary table is designed and arranged and rotatably mounted in such a way that, by rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation, it is possible to move each of the workpiece holders into at least one second working position. This second working position, in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement, is located at least partially laterally outside one or more of the cross-sectional areas of the machining head. The rotary table and the machining head can be arranged and mounted relative to each other such that, viewed in axial projection parallel to the axis of movement of the machining head, the second working position(s) are located such that a workpiece holder in a given second working position is located at least partially outside the cross-sectional area in a direction transverse to the axis of movement.For example, the arrangement of the rotary table and machining head and their design can be implemented in such a way that a central axis or a loading opening designed for feeding and / or holding a workpiece on the workpiece holder is located laterally outside the cross-sectional area.

[0012] The cross-sectional area can, for example, be the or a minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the machining head and / or a ram or ram coupled to it, and / or the cross-sectional area can be given by the cross-section of the machining head and / or ram or ram at the end of the machining head, ram or ram facing the machining area.

[0013] The axis of movement can, for example, run parallel to the vertical direction, which in particular means that the machining head, and possibly a ram or ram connected or coupled to it, for example with respect to an upper crosshead, can be mounted and arranged so that it can be moved up and down.

[0014] If the forming device is designed as a spindle press with a ram, the ram can be arranged to move back and forth in its axial direction, i.e., along the axis of movement, e.g., periodically, and can be driven or moved axially by a spindle. Forming energy can be transferred to a workpiece via the spindle, in particular a threaded spindle, which in turn can be driven by a suitable actuator, e.g., a motor or a motor coupled to a flywheel, and then via the machining tools, particularly in conjunction with corresponding counter-tools of the workpiece fixtures.

[0015] When the machining head, i.e., the machining tools, strike the workpiece, especially suddenly, the kinetic energy of the machining tools of the machining head and / or the ram or a ram can be converted into useful and wasted work for shaping the workpiece.

[0016] The machining area, in particular its base, can have the shape of an annular segment or a circular segment with a central angle of at least 180°, preferably a central angle of more than 180°, for example, more than 270°. Accordingly, the first working positions can be located within such an annular segment. The second working position(s) can be located within an annular segment or a circular segment with a central angle of less than 180°, for example, less than 90°.

[0017] If the forming device is designed as a spindle press, the multiple machining tools can be symmetrical with respect to a central plane of the spindle parallel to the axis of motion. For example, it is possible for two machining tools to be arranged, or to be arranged, such that, viewed axially, the connecting axis of the centers of two, particularly adjacent, machining tools or tool holders passes through the center point of the spindle circle defined in axial projection by the outer circumference of the spindle. In such configurations, as well as in other configurations described herein, the axis of rotation of the rotary table can be located laterally outside the spindle circle when viewed axially with respect to the axis of motion.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the forming device can be designed as a spindle press with a spindle and a ram coupled to it, whereby the machining head can be formed on or attached to the ram. In such embodiments, at least one second working position can be located, in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement, at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area of ​​the ram. The cross-sectional area of ​​the ram can, for example, be a cross-sectional area defined by the dimensions of the ram at the end facing the machining area.

[0019] In further embodiments, it may be provided that the axis of rotation of the rotary table is spaced apart from a ram axis or spindle axis running parallel to the axis of movement in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation.

[0020] An offset or distance between the axis of rotation of the rotary table and the, in particular central, axis of motion, the ram axis and / or spindle axis can, for example, be between 360 mm and 375 mm, whereby in embodiments a spindle diameter of 600 mm and a diameter of the rotary table can be approximately 1400 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the spindle or ram axis, viewed axially, may lie within the circle on which the centers of the workpiece holders of the rotary table are located. In other words, in some embodiments, the distance between the axis of rotation and the centers of the workpiece holders may be greater than the distance between the axis of rotation and the ram and / or spindle axis. This distance between the circle and the spindle or ram axis may, for example, be in the range of 50 mm to 65 mm, and particularly around 57 mm.

[0022] In some configurations, it may be provided that exactly three workpiece holders are formed on the rotary table, and that, facing the workpiece holders, exactly four forming positions or stations are formed on the machining head or ram.

[0023] The workpiece fixtures and machining or forming stations can be set up in such a way that the central axes (or: longitudinal axes) of the machining stations or machining tools running parallel to the axis of movement, in particular the ram axis, intersect a circular line defined by the axes or central axes of the workpiece fixtures.

[0024] In embodiments, particularly according to one of the preceding or following embodiments, the workpiece fixtures on the rotary table of the forming device can be arranged along a circular line, i.e., with respect to the axis of rotation M. DThe workpiece holders may be arranged in a circular pattern and may have predetermined angular distances to each other with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary table, wherein an angular distance between two immediately adjacent workpiece holders may be, for example, 60 degrees, 90 degrees or 120 degrees, and wherein the angular distances may optionally be chosen such that the workpiece holders are arranged evenly distributed along the circular line.

[0025] In some variations, for example, the axes or central axes of four machining stations running parallel to the rotary table's axis of rotation can be located on one half or semicircle of the circle. Two of the central axes can, for instance, intersect the center of the circle, and two more central axes can intersect a secant of the circle.

[0026] In some embodiments of the proposed rotary table arrangement, the rotary table's axis of rotation, about which it is rotatably mounted on the forming device, can be arranged parallel to the central axis of the ram and / or parallel to the axially extending central axis of the machining head. It should be noted here that the central axis of the ram and the central axis of the machining head do not necessarily have to be aligned.In particular, in both of the aforementioned cases, according to one of the solutions proposed herein, the axis of rotation of the rotary table can be set up and positioned such that a workpiece holder can be transferred to a first working position located in the area of ​​coverage or effect of the axial projection of the machining head and / or the ram, and that by rotating the rotary table the workpiece holder can be transferred to a second working position located outside, in particular outside the area of ​​coverage or effect, of the machining area and different from the first.

[0027] In some versions, the rotary table can be disc-shaped, particularly with a rotation axis radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the ram and / or the machining head. In other configurations, the radius of curvature of the rotary table can be larger, for example at least twice as large, as the cross-sectional radius of the ram and / or the machining head and / or the spindle.

[0028] In some variations, the rotary table is mounted around a rotary axis, for example on a forming table, in such a way that the rotary table, particularly with respect to its rotary axis, is eccentric to the machining area defined on the forming table by the ram and / or the machining head.

[0029] With the proposed rotary table arrangement, for example in the manner of a turret, it is advantageously possible to load the workpiece fixtures in working positions outside the axial projection of the machining head and / or the ram, and preferably outside the effective range of the machining head, or to perform other actions on or with them.

[0030] The machining head has several upper tools for forming workpiece machining, whereby the upper tools on the machining head can, for example, be arranged symmetrically to each other. For example, the upper tools can be arranged along a circular arc and / or located within a circular ring segment.

[0031] The rotary table has several workpiece holders, e.g., lower tools. The workpiece holders or lower tools, in particular their centers, can be arranged along a circle on the rotary table, for example, when viewed in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement. In further embodiments, it may be provided that a circular arc defined in axial projection by the machining tools present on the machining head, e.g., upper tools, coincides at least partially with the circle defined by the workpiece holders, for example, along a circular arc with a central angle greater than 180° or greater than 270°.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the machining area, viewed in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement, may be essentially congruent with the cross-sectional area of ​​the machining head and / or ram. In the case of a spindle press, the machining area may, for example, be defined by the circular diameter of the spindle and / or ram and / or machining head. The machining area, and in particular its extent, may be defined or determined, for example, by the axial projection of the ram circumference and / or the machining head circumference and / or the spindle circumference. In certain embodiments, the machining head circumference, viewed in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement, may lie entirely within or be congruent with the ram circumference.

[0033] Particularly in configurations like the one mentioned above, it can be achieved that at least one second working position is located outside the effective range, volume, stroke, or volume occupied by the axial movement of the ram or machining head. In such cases, workpieces can be fed into or removed from the rotary table relatively easily in the second working position without being affected by any axial movements and moving masses of the ram and / or machining head.

[0034] In some embodiments, it may be provided that the spindle diameter and / or ram diameter and / or the machining head diameter measured transversely to the axis of movement is / are smaller than or at most equal to the radius or diameter of the rotary table.

[0035] In embodiments, it may be provided that the machining head, or e.g. the ram in the case that the machining head and ram are fused to form a single unit, comprises at least one machining tool, in particular an upper tool, and that at least one of the workpiece holders comprises a lower tool which, when the forming device is in operation, can be coupled to the upper tool in the first working position.

[0036] In configurations with several machining tools present on the machining head, e.g. upper tools, and possibly further tools assigned to the workpiece fixtures, e.g. lower tools, the centers of the machining tools and the further tools, viewed in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement, can lie on a common path, in particular a circular path.

[0037] An angular distance measured with respect to the axial direction between two immediately adjacent upper tools, possibly lower tools, or workpiece fixtures can, for example, and in particular, be in the range between 30 degrees and 120 degrees, in particular 30 degrees, 60 degrees or, for example, 90 degrees.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the angular distance between adjacent machining tools, e.g., upper tools, can be an integer fraction of the angular distance between adjacent workpiece holders, e.g., lower tools. In other words, the angular distance between two immediately adjacent workpiece holders on the rotary table can be an integer multiple of the angular distance between two adjacent machining tools on the machining head. Preferably, the machining tools and / or workpiece holders are arranged with equal angular distances to each other. For example, the angular distance between immediately adjacent workpiece holders on the rotary table can be 120 degrees, and the angular distance between immediately adjacent machining tools on the machining head can be 60 degrees.

[0039] In some configurations, it may be provided that at least one of the second working positions is designed and equipped to carry out maintenance measures on a workpiece holder located in the second working position, for example on a corresponding tool, e.g. a lower tool.

[0040] In further embodiments, the forming device can include a maintenance device designed to carry out at least one corresponding maintenance measure, wherein the maintenance device can, for example, be designed to carry out lubrication, cleaning and / or cooling at the respective workpiece holder, for example at a corresponding tool, in particular a lower tool.

[0041] In further variants of the embodiments described above and below, or according to a further aspect of the invention described herein, which can in particular also be claimed independently of a rotary table arrangement, i.e., also applicable to forming devices without a rotary table or to forming devices with tables or slides designed for linear displacement, it can be provided that the forming device comprises at least one axial drive or at least one lifting unit, which is designed to support the rotary table, or more generally, a forming table, of the forming device and / or at least one workpiece holder or...to move a corresponding tool, in particular a lower tool, and / or at least a tool coupled to a workpiece holder and / or at least a workpiece located in a tool, in particular a lower tool, of the rotary table parallel to the axis of movement of the machining head of the forming device.

[0042] In various configurations, the axial drive or lifting unit can, for example, be installed or mounted at least partially on or in a forming table, on or in a rotary table mount designed for mounting the rotary table on the forming table, and / or on or in the rotary table. The axial drive or lifting unit can, for example, comprise at least one reciprocating drive plunger, e.g., motor-driven, by which the rotary table, the workpiece holder, the tool, and / or the workpiece can be moved parallel to the axis of movement. In the case of a vertical forming machine with a vertically moving machining head, the axial drive can be configured such that a workpiece located in a workpiece holder is raised and / or lowered relative to the workpiece holder or a corresponding lower tool, or relative to the rotary table, for example, at individual machining stations.For example, the axial drive can be designed to provide the workpiece in a lowered state in one working position, and in a raised state in another, e.g. subsequent, working position.

[0043] Such an axial drive makes it possible to lift the rotary table, the workpiece holder and / or a workpiece during, before or after a forming step and / or when moving or rotating the rotary table between different working positions.

[0044] Lifting, for example when changing the working position, can be used to reduce the friction that occurs between moving components during rotation, such as between the rotary table and the forming table. A corresponding stroke of the axial drive, in particular of a drive plunger, ejector or lifting rod or plunger of the axial drive, can be, for example, in the range of approximately 2 mm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the drive plunger(s) of the axial drive may be present in the forming table, in or on which the rotary table is rotatably mounted, at least in a first and / or second working position. The drive plungers may be longitudinally displaceable within the forming table, e.g., parallel to the axis of movement of the machining head or to the axis of rotation of the rotary table. The rotary table, and in particular its workpiece holders, may be designed such that they have one or more openings on the side facing the forming table. When positioned in a working position equipped with a drive plunger, the drive plungers can be moved through or engage in order to move the corresponding workpiece relative to the rotary table or the workpiece holder.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the axial drive can also be designed such that, in at least one working position, the drive plunger is lowered relative to other working positions, allowing the workpiece material to expand in the direction of the lowered drive plunger during a forming operation associated with that working position. In such embodiments, the drive plunger can, for example, be arranged and designed such that it can be recessed relative to a workpiece support level, such as in the forming table, where the workpiece support level can be formed, for example, by a support surface located between the forming table and the rotary table.After appropriate deformation and the associated expansion of the workpiece material in the direction of the drive plunger, the plunger can be moved towards the rotary table in order to lift the workpiece so that the rotary table can be rotated further and / or for the purpose of subsequent removal of the workpiece from the workpiece holder.

[0047] The axial drive can, for example, be designed and configured such that it can move a workpiece in the respective working position relative to the rotary table, in particular lift it or remove it from the workpiece holder, and / or move it within the workpiece holder. For example, the axial drive can be designed such that, in at least one working position, a workpiece can be moved parallel and / or opposite to the forming movement of the ram. Further embodiments and variants of the axial drive will become apparent in particular from the description of exemplary embodiments given below in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0048] In some embodiments, the forming device may further include a forming table assigned to the machining area, wherein the rotary table may be attached to the forming table by means of an adapter unit or an adapter. The adapter unit may, for example, be designed and coupled to the forming table and the rotary table such that the axis of rotation of the rotary table is spaced apart from the axis of movement, i.e., from the central axis of movement of the machining head; that is, the rotary table may be arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of movement. Using such adapters, it is possible, for example, to equip or retrofit conventional forming systems with a rotary table arrangement as proposed herein.

[0049] In some configurations, the rotary table can be mounted on the forming table, for example on a tabletop or bearing plate, using sliding bearings. A unit consisting of the rotary table and the tabletop or bearing plate can, in turn, be attached to an associated forming or press table, for example by means of screws.

[0050] In various configurations, the forming device, as already mentioned, can be a spindle press with a spindle designed to drive the machining head. At least one machining tool of the machining head can have a central axis running parallel to the axis of movement of the machining head, which, viewed in axial projection, lies laterally within, at the edge of, or immediately adjacent to the spindle cross-sectional area. Furthermore, alternatively or cumulatively, viewed in axial projection, a connecting axis between the centers of two, in particular adjacent, machining tools or tool holders of the machining head can pass through the center of the spindle circle defined in axial projection by the outer circumference of the spindle.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a method for forming a workpiece using the forming device described above is provided. The proposed method includes, in particular, the following steps: a) Transferring one of the workpiece fixtures of the rotary table into one of the at least one second working position located laterally outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the machining head by rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation; b) Inserting the workpiece into the workpiece holder which is in the second working position; c) Rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation in such a way that the workpiece is transferred from the second working position to one of the at least one first working position; d) Activating the machining head for forming the workpiece; e) optional rotation of the rotary table about its axis of rotation and transfer of the workpiece to a further first working position; f) Transferring the workpiece to the second working position, or to a further second working position located laterally outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the machining head; and g) Removal of the workpiece from the workpiece holder located in the second or further second working position.

[0052] Regarding the advantages and beneficial effects of the process, reference is made to the explanations concerning the forming device, which apply accordingly.

[0053] Both the loading and unloading of the workpiece after forming can take place at secondary working positions, i.e., working positions outside the working area of ​​the ram and upper tools. In addition, a further secondary working position, i.e., a working position located outside the machining area, may be present, designed and intended for die maintenance operations such as lubrication, cooling, and / or cleaning.

[0054] In embodiments, particularly of the method, it can be provided that the rotary table is rotated synchronously with the activation or deactivation of the machining head, preferably by an integer fraction of a full angle, and wherein the direction of rotation of the rotary table is preferably reversed at least once during the machining cycle of the workpiece.

[0055] In certain embodiments, particularly of the method, it may be provided that during at least one machining step and / or at least between two machining steps, the rotary table and / or at least one workpiece holder, together with the workpiece, is raised or lowered parallel to the axis of movement of the machining head or the axis of rotation of the rotary table. This allows, among other things, the contact time between the workpiece and the tool to be reduced, for example, to minimize heat input into the tool. For further advantages, please refer to the explanations above.

[0056] In embodiments, particularly of the method, it can be provided that the workpiece holders are arranged offset from each other by an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation, and that a workpiece holder equipped with a workpiece is successively moved from the second working position to several first working positions, offset from each other by an angle with respect to the axis of rotation, for the forming process of the workpiece. For example, four offset first working positions can be traversed according to a movement pattern in which the workpiece holder is rotated by the rotary table, starting from the second working position (viewed from above), by first turning the rotary table by +60 degrees, i.e.,In an axial top view of the rotary table, the workpiece is rotated 60 degrees counterclockwise, followed by successive rotations of +180 degrees or -180 degrees, -120 degrees, and +60 degrees. A further rotation of -180 degrees or +180 degrees allows the workpiece to be returned to the second working position for removal after machining is complete.

[0057] Before loading a workpiece holder with another workpiece after a previous removal step, a rotation by an angle of 120 degrees can be performed, for example, so that a lower tool that was immediately previously unloaded remains unoccupied and is available, for example, for die maintenance measures such as cooling, lubrication, cleaning, etc.

[0058] In embodiments of the method, it can be provided that one of the workpiece holders, in particular exactly one of the workpiece holders, is unoccupied during a complete operating cycle for the production of the workpiece, i.e., during an operating cycle encompassing all steps required for the production of the workpiece, and in particular always, at least one, preferably exactly one, of the workpiece holders. In a state not occupied by a workpiece or a blank intended for the production of the workpiece, the workpiece holder can cool down, or maintenance measures can be carried out.

[0059] In the example of a forming device comprising the four forming operations i) first taper, ii) second taper, iii) pre-forging operation, and iv) finish forging operation, with corresponding four forming tools, the machining tools and workpiece fixtures, as well as the rotation of the rotary table, can be configured such that in a first rotational position of the rotary table, a pre-forging operation and the insertion of a workpiece into a workpiece fixture are possible; in a rotational position rotated by +60°, first taper, a finish forging operation, and optionally die maintenance are possible; and in a rotational position rotated by a further -180°, second taper and the removal of a finished workpiece are possible. Subsequently, the rotary table can be rotated by a further -120°, and the described rotational positions can be repeated.

[0060] In a corresponding setup with four machining stations, i.e., four first working positions, for forming a workpiece, three workpiece fixtures can be arranged at an angular distance of 120 degrees to each other, whereby adjacent first working positions, corresponding to the position of the machining tools, can each be arranged at an angular distance of 60 degrees to each other.

[0061] In various configurations, the forming device, for example a spindle press, can comprise a ram that is coupled to a spindle and can be moved linearly by the spindle relative to a lower support or tool table in order to transmit a forming force to at least one workpiece arranged on the rotary table. The rotary table can have several approach positions, i.e., workpiece holders or tool holders, arranged circumferentially at the same basic rotation angle to each other, for example on a circular path. Each of these positions can be equipped with a lower tool for holding a workpiece.

[0062] As already mentioned, the rotary table is mounted so that it can move around a rotary axis, whereby the rotary axis may be located parallel to a ram axis, in particular a spindle axis in the case of a spindle press.

[0063] In various embodiments, the circular path can be arranged such that it lies within a segment of a circular sector, or that an arc of the circular path lies within a circle defined by the spindle or by an axial projection of a spindle circle defined by the spindle. The arc containing the spindle circle can, for example, span an angle of less than 90 degrees, or less than 60 degrees.

[0064] In some configurations, the rotary table may, for example, have three workpiece holders for which six different approach positions are provided, whereby at least one, for example two, of the six approach positions can be configured as a second working position. The ratio of the number of workpiece holders to the number of approach positions can be an integer, as in the present example, but non-integer ratios are also conceivable.

[0065] In some configurations, at least two approach positions, i.e., two working positions into which the workpiece fixtures can be moved by rotating the rotary table, may be provided as secondary working positions. These approach positions can be used, for example, for loading or unloading and / or for die maintenance.

[0066] In variations of the method, at least one workpiece may be placed in at least one lower tool arranged on the rotary table, and the rotary table may be moved about its axis of rotation such that the lower tool supporting the workpiece is in a first working position, with at least one further lower tool in a second working position. After positioning the workpiece in the machining area by appropriately rotating the rotary table, the respective workpiece can be machined, for example by performing one or more machining steps, using upper tools arranged on the ram, e.g., on an underside of the ram and / or on an underside of a machining head associated with the ram.For machining, the ram can be moved in an axial, straight-line motion towards the rotary table, so that the upper tool can act on the workpiece located in the lower tool, whereby the workpiece can be deformed, for example, by the combined action of the upper tool and the lower tool and by the force effect generated by the ram.

[0067] By arranging the workpiece fixtures, including lower tools, on the rotatably mounted rotary table, a comparatively high-quality machining of workpieces can be achieved, both quantitatively and qualitatively. An offset, i.e., eccentric, arrangement of the rotary table's axis of rotation and the spindle, ram, and / or machining head relative to the transverse axis allows, in particular, the workpiece to be rotated into different working positions, including at least a second working position, which can be used, for example, for loading and unloading workpieces.

[0068] The described processes can be carried out approximately in parallel, for example during a machining step or cycle, depending on requirements. For instance, while a workpiece is being machined or formed in a lower tool by means of the force applied by the ram, another workpiece can be removed from a different workpiece holder in a second working position, or another workpiece holder in a second working position can be reloaded with a workpiece.

[0069] The number and arrangement of the working positions or approach positions, and thus in particular the number and arrangement of the workpiece fixtures, e.g., lower tools, can be variable, with the rotary table, for example, having corresponding fixtures for lower tools. In particular, the eccentric arrangement of the rotary table's axis of rotation with respect to the machining area proposed here makes it possible to position a lower tool, and thus a workpiece held therein, on the rotary table, for example, for a first machining or forming operation in the area of ​​a machining tool located in the center of the ram, for example, in the area of ​​the spindle circle in the case of a spindle press, i.e., in the center of the machining area, and in a second machining operation to position the workpiece outside the center of the ram, for example, outside the spindle circle in the case of a spindle press.In particular, with appropriate positioning of the working positions and machining tools, forming operations requiring comparatively high forming forces can be carried out in the area or near the ram center or the spindle circle, while forming operations with comparatively low forming forces can be placed in areas further away from the ram center or the spindle circle.

[0070] By mounting the rotary table offset from the center of the machining area, significantly more possibilities exist for varying the motion curves achievable by the tool or workpiece holders when the rotary table rotates. In particular, motion curves can be used that, compared to the diameter of the ram or machining area, have a considerably larger radius of curvature—for example, twice as large—than comparable rotary tables with a concentric arrangement relative to the respective machining head. It is especially possible to linearize and straighten the motion curve, making the arrangement of multiple machining stations relatively straightforward and optimized for space utilization.

[0071] Another advantage of positioning workpiece insertion positions externally with respect to the machining area and / or of offsetting the rotary axis relative to the ram axis or axis of motion is that it makes it possible to load the rotary table, i.e., the tools and / or workpiece fixtures, with comparatively long blanks without colliding with the ram and / or causing mechanical damage to the ram and / or without having to interfere with the action area of ​​moving parts of the forming device.

[0072] The machining tools mentioned herein, e.g., upper tools, can be designed according to the desired shape for the respective workpiece. For example, the upper tools can be designed as hollow cones and the like. It is also possible for an upper tool to be designed as a manipulator for gripping the workpiece.

[0073] As already indicated, in certain configurations it may be provided that the upper tools on the ram or machining head are arranged on a circular path, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the circular path defined by the workpiece fixtures on the rotary table.

[0074] For example, this makes it possible to position the lower tools with the inserted workpieces exactly below an upper tool for machining, according to the desired machining step.

[0075] Depending on further configurations, the ram or machining head can have several different upper tools to perform various machining steps on workpieces inserted in the lower tools. With a suitable arrangement, particularly spacing, of upper and lower tools, a suitable choice of rotary table size and radius, and / or a suitable angular spacing of the workpiece holders on the rotary table, machining steps, especially forming steps, can be performed at least partially in parallel.

[0076] The axial drive described above for the workpieces and / or tool or workpiece holders and / or the lifting device or unit for the rotary table, which may be integrated or separate, may, for example, comprise one or more lifting cylinders configured to raise and lower the workpiece, the workpiece holder, and / or the rotary table, together with the workpiece, in an axial direction, parallel to the axis of movement of the machining head or ram. For example, in some configurations, the hydraulic cylinders can raise the workpiece, the workpiece holder, and / or the rotary table when moving it to a different working position. The stroke may be in the range of a few millimeters, for example, approximately 2 mm, or several centimeters.

[0077] In particular, embodiments of the method may provide that during at least one machining step and / or at least between two machining steps the rotary table and / or the workpiece holder together with the workpiece or only the workpiece is raised or lowered parallel to the axis of movement.

[0078] Raising the rotary table during rotation between different working or approach positions can prevent or at least reduce abrasive contact with the underlying tabletop, which would otherwise occur. The same applies to the workpiece fixtures and / or workpieces.

[0079] Each workpiece holder of the rotary table can, in certain configurations, for example integrated into the forming table, be assigned its own axial drive unit, so that workpieces can be specifically raised or lowered in their respective working positions. Particularly in such configurations, the axial drive can be activated or deactivated depending on the type of working position and, in particular, independently of other working positions.

[0080] The lifting device can, for example, be set up so that it can be used independently of specific processing steps and / or approach positions.

[0081] Particularly in the case of a forming step, the axial drive and / or the lifting unit can be activated in such a way that the workpiece, the workpiece holder and / or the rotary table is / are placed or rests on a forming table, a base or press plate of the forming device during the forming process itself, so that the torques that would otherwise act on the rotary table and the rotary axis due to the eccentric arrangement of the axis of rotation are at least reduced, preferably completely avoided.

[0082] In the rotary table arrangement proposed herein, it is particularly possible for the rotary table to have such a number of workpiece holders that, during normal operation, at least one workpiece holder, especially a lower tool, is unoccupied or can remain unoccupied in at least one machining step. Maintenance work, as explained above, can then be carried out on the unoccupied workpiece holder.

[0083] The workpiece fixtures and forming positions can be selected, for example, such that during each forging or forming operation, at least one of the workpiece fixtures is positioned outside the forging or forming area, in a second working position. In this way, a finished forged workpiece can be removed relatively easily, or a blank can be inserted into a free workpiece fixture, without requiring a loading and unloading device, such as a robot arm, to operate in the immediate vicinity or within the ram's range of motion.

[0084] Particularly with three workpiece holders and four forming positions or stations, a corresponding design in which a workpiece holder is always located outside the working area of ​​the ram in a second working position can be achieved, for example, by making the length of the circular line of the rotary table on which the workpiece holders are located, e.g. by 1 / 6 to 1 / 3, in particular by 1 / 4 to 1 / 3, greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the machining head or the arc of this circular line covered by the machining area or working area of ​​the ram.

[0085] An unoccupied workpiece holder or lower tool can be cleaned, cooled, etc., while unoccupied. For example, after removing a workpiece from a lower tool, die maintenance such as cooling or lubrication can be performed, thereby minimizing tool wear and / or improving manufacturing quality.

[0086] The invention is explained in more detail below, including further features and advantages, by way of description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show Fig. 1 a top view of a rotary table according to the invention, Fig. 2 another top view of the turntable according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a top view of a pestle, Fig. 4. An overview of different stages of a workpiece according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 5 a sectional view of an arrangement with plunger and rotary table according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 6 Another sectional view of an arrangement with a plunger and rotary table according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 7 Another sectional view of an arrangement with a plunger and rotary table according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 a machining sequence of workpieces according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 14 a schematic view of a spindle press according to the invention.

[0087] Corresponding parts and components in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. Figures 14 are designated with the same reference numerals. Reference is made below to a forming device designed as a screw press, whereby embodiments of the following exemplary cases can also be applied to other types of forming devices. In particular, the following description of the invention should not be understood as being limited to the field of screw presses.

[0088] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the spindle press 13 comprises a ram 9 mounted on a frame 14 and a crosshead 15, driven by a motor to perform an up and down movement, on the underside of which a machining head 16 with at least one upper tool holder 10 is arranged or attached.

[0089] In axial projection below the machining head 16 or the ram 9, whose diameter and transverse extent are approximately the same in this case, lies the machining area 17 of the spindle press 13.

[0090] The spindle press 13 further comprises a rotary table 1 arranged below the ram 9 or the spindle (not shown) for driving the ram 9 on a lower forming table or support 5, such as a table top. The rotary table 1 can, for example, be mounted on the table top on sliding bearings.

[0091] The rotary table 1 is rotated about an axis M D rotatably mounted, with the axis of rotation M D with respect to a spindle axis M S the spindle 9 used to drive the plunger is transversely offset, i.e., perpendicular to the axial direction of the spindle axis M S is spaced apart from this. In the present case, the spindle axis M falls Stogether with the axis of movement of the machining head 16.

[0092] This parallel offset axis of rotation M D The rotary table 1 is set up and rotatably mounted in a transverse plane 18 such that each of the workpiece fixtures 8, i.e. each lower tool 8 arranged on the rotary table 1, can be moved by rotating the rotary table 1 into a first working position 19 located within the machining area 17, and into at least one second working position 20 located outside the machining area 17.

[0093] The second working position(s) 20 is (are) in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement M SThe first working position(s) 19 are located laterally outside the cross-sectional area Q of the machining head 16, whereby the cross-sectional area Q of the machining head 16 can be congruent with the cross-sectional area Q of the ram 9, as in the example shown. The first working position(s) 19 are arranged within the cross-sectional area Q when viewed in axial projection.

[0094] To drive the rotary table 1, in particular in a synchronized manner with the upward and downward movement of the ram 9, for example to rotate the rotary table 1 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, a drive unit 21 is coupled to the rotary table 1. The drive unit 21 may also include a lifting unit (see figure). Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7) with which the rotary table 1 and / or the lower tools 8 and / or the workpieces 11 located in the lower tools can be raised and lowered in the axial direction.

[0095] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of the rotary table 1, which is rotatably arranged on the lower support 5, for example a forming table or a press plate, as part of the forming machine 13, in particular a spindle press.

[0096] Within the area of ​​the rotary table 1, a circular path 2 is indicated, on which several approach positions 4, or working positions, are provided, which can be approached along the circular path 2 by a rotary movement of the rotary table 1.

[0097] The circular path 2 is further divided into several equally sized circular sectors 3, which are defined by a basic rotation angle α. These simultaneously specify the distance or opening angle between the individual approach positions 4, which are arranged at the respective ends of the circular arc of the circular sectors 3. The value of the basic rotation angle α can be adapted to the required number of approach positions 4, for example, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, or 120 degrees.

[0098] Fig. Figure 2 shows the same representation of the rotary table 1 with an exemplary configuration of lower tools 8, or workpiece holders, on the rotary table 1. The lower tools 8 are for loading or fitting with (in Fig. 4 shown) workpieces 11 are intended for transport to a designated approach position 4 in order to be able to machine the workpieces 11, e.g. in the machining area 18, in conjunction with the ram 16 or upper tool 22, for example for the purpose of forming the workpieces 11.

[0099] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a ram 9 or machining head 16, which, for example, is coupled to a spindle (not shown) relative to the lower support 5 for machining a workpiece 11 in a straight line along the axis of movement M S can be moved. The plunger 9 is not limited to the shape shown and can, for example, also be round.

[0100] In the exemplary embodiment, the representation of the spindle, or ram 9, or of the machining area 17 is limited to a circular area here designated as spindle circle 7, which corresponds to the diameter of the spindle, or its projection, wherein the spindle axis M S coincides with the intersection point of the ram axes A1 and A2 of the ram 9, which run perpendicular to the axis of movement. In this example, the center point of the ram 9 and the spindle, or rather the spindle circle 7, therefore coincide.

[0101] The circular path 2 runs around a rotational axis M D of the rotary table 1, which is offset parallel to the spindle axis M Sis arranged such that at least one circular segment of a circular sector 3 is always located within the spindle circle 7, in particular in the machining area 17, while at the same time the circular path 7 and thus at least one approach position 4 projects beyond the edge of the ram 9, in particular of the machining area 17.

[0102] The radius R D The diameter of the rotary table 1 is, for example, twice as large as the diameter D. S the spindle and approximately equal to or greater than half a side length L of the ram 9. The rotary table 1 can be, as in Fig. 3 shown, in particular eccentric to the spindle axis M S be arranged, i.e., that the spindle axis M S and axis of rotation M D The rotary table 1 can be spaced apart from each other.

[0103] The circle line 2 can, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be removed, on the rotary table 1 lie slightly outside half the radius length of the rotary table 1, whereby the diameter of the lower tools 8 can be slightly smaller, e.g. by 1 / 4 smaller than the radius of the rotary table 1.

[0104] Thus, it is possible, for example, for a lower tool 8 to be positioned centrally below the ram 9 during machining, and therefore below a machining tool connected to the ram 9, so that the highest possible load or force can be applied to the workpiece 11 for forming. For example, a S The first working position 19, located relatively centrally, for example within the spindle circle 7, is used for finishing, especially for a finish forging operation, while the ram axis M SFurther spaced first working positions 19 can be used to produce preforms and other upstream forging processes in which comparatively small forming forces or forging forces occur.

[0105] Another lower tool 8, viewed in axial projection, lies outside the cross-sectional area Q of the machining head 16 or the ram 9, specifically outside the machining area 17, where the workpiece 11 can be removed from the lower tool 8, for example, in an operation area 6. Alternatively, an empty lower tool 8 can be loaded with a workpiece 11 to be machined in this operation area 6, even, for example, during a forming process taking place at a first working position 19 on another workpiece 11. It is also possible to perform die maintenance on the lower tools 8 at an approach position located in the operation area 6 or outside the machining area 17, for example, for cleaning, lubrication, and / or cooling of the lower tools 8.

[0106] In Fig. Figure 3 further illustrates that the ram 9 comprises several upper tool holders 10 with upper tools 22 inserted therein, which interact with the lower tools 8 during machining. For this purpose, the upper tool holders 10 and upper tools 22 are arranged along a circular path 7, analogous to the lower tools 8. The number and design of the upper tools 22 can be varied as desired, depending on the application, and are not limited to the exemplary representation in this description. Upper and lower tools, as well as approach positions, are oriented with respect to the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the axis of movement M. S , aligned with each other, whereby immediately adjacent upper and lower tools or approach positions can have an angular distance of 120 degrees or 60 degrees respectively.

[0107] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary sequence of stages in the forming process of a workpiece 11 into a flanged shaft. Stage a0 shows the workpiece 11 in its unmachined initial state. In stages a and b, the workpiece 11 undergoes a first and a second taper process, respectively. In stage c, the tapered workpiece is pre-formed, and in stage d, the pre-formed workpiece 11 is forged to its final shape, comprising a shaft with a plate formed on it.

[0108] The exemplary arrangement of the upper tool holders 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d in Fig. 3 are designed according to these forming stages and work in conjunction with the lower tools 8 arranged on the rotary table 1, which hold the workpieces 11 and are brought into the corresponding approach position 4 by rotating the rotary table 1.

[0109] As seen in conjunction with Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the upper tool holders 10a and 10b for producing the workpiece stages a and b respectively are located in the off-center area of ​​the ram 9 and outside the spindle circle 7. In the example shown, the central axes of the tool holders 10a and 10b intersect the center of the circular path 2.

[0110] The taper processes of the upper tool holders 10a and 10b involve smaller forming forces than the forging of the preform and final form, which are in the respect of the spindle axis M S Off-center approach positions 4 can be easily accommodated.

[0111] Due to the greater forming forces occurring during preforming and finish forging, workpiece stages c and d are positioned at approach positions 4 within or near the edge of the spindle circle 7 in order to reliably absorb the comparatively larger forming forces. Additionally, in Fig. 3 a gripping tool 10e is shown, which is designed for removing or inserting a workpiece 11 into a lower tool 8 in the operating area 6.

[0112] In the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Section 7 illustrates in more detail the construction, in particular of upper and lower tools, according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Fig. Figure 5 shows the plunger 9 comprising the upper tool holders 10a and 10b with upper tools 22, which in the present embodiment have conical surfaces 23 with different cone angles.

[0114] The workpieces 11 are placed in the lower tools 8, the lower tools 8 being clamped or fixed in tool holders 24, for example chucks and the like, so that the lower tools 8 are supported on the rotary table 1 via the tool holders 24. In this way, the workpieces 11 can be moved, together with a rotation of the rotary table 1 relative to the lower support 5, i.e., the table top, into corresponding approach positions 4 under the respective upper tools 22 located in the upper tool holders 10a to 10d.

[0115] The rotary table 1 and the lower support 5 have axial openings arranged centrally at their respective working positions or approach positions 4, in the present example, and aligned parallel to the spindle axis in the respective approach position.

[0116] The axial openings can be designed as displacement volumes into which excess material can escape during the forming process when the forming tools close. For example, the openings can be designed such that a part of the workpiece 11, for example a shaft of the workpiece 11 extending from a plate produced by the forging processes, can be accommodated in them.

[0117] In the lower area of ​​the openings, specifically in the contact area between the lower support 5 and the rotary table 1, a bushing 26 is inserted in at least one of the openings. Each bushing 26 is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable along the respective opening, as indicated by a double arrow in the figures.

[0118] The socket 26 is located at least in the working positions of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 on a sliding rail 27 embedded in the lower support 5, along which, for example, the bushing 26 can slide during one of the rotary movements of the rotary table 1.

[0119] In the approach or working position of the Fig. 7, in which the workpiece is finished forging, the sliding rail may be interrupted, for example, and the bushing 26 may be in the lowered lifting plunger 12, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the bushing 26 is to be inserted into a recess 28 or a lower-lying receptacle provided in the lower support 5, i.e., the table top. For example, the bushing 26 can be coupled to the lifting plunger 12 or drive plunger 12, so that the bushing 26 can be retracted into the recess 28 with it.

[0120] The bushing 26 can, for example, be designed to be displaceable by a distance of 10 mm to 20 mm or less, so that, for example, during a forming process, material displaced from the forming volume can be injected axially. The degree of deflection of the bushing 26 can, for example, be adapted to the requirements of a particular workpiece with regard to mass displacement or material flow as a result of a forming process. The degree of deflection of the bushing 26 can be adjusted, for example, by a corresponding position of the drive plunger 12.

[0121] A forged bushing 29 is arranged in the recess 28. The length of the forged bushing 29 is chosen such that the end of the forged bushing 29 facing the bushing 26 is positioned as shown in the diagram when assembled. Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the forged bushing 29 is set back from the edge of the recess 28 such that the offset between the end of the forged bushing 29 and the edge of the recess 28 corresponds to the length by which the bushing plunges into the recess 28 during follow-through firing. The forged bushing 29 can be, as shown in Fig. 7 shown coaxial to the axis of movement or spindle axis M S and be arranged concentrically to the drive tappet 12. The forged bushing 29 can be inserted interchangeably into the recess, so that forged bushings 29 of different lengths can be used, thus changing the degree of overshoot by inserting forged bushings of different lengths into the recess. In the Fig. In the operating state shown in Figure 7, in which the bushing 26 is immersed in the recess 28, the bushing 26 rests on the forged bushing 29. In this respect, the forged bushing 29 can be considered a depth stop for the bushing 26 during follow-up firing.

[0122] By immersing the bushing 26 into the recess 28, i.e. by lowering the bushing 26 parallel to the forging axis, i.e. axis of movement of the machining head 16, the volume of the opening in which the bushing 26 is arranged can be increased.

[0123] An increase in the volume of the opening is particularly necessary or useful if an associated forging or forming process causes or can cause material from the workpiece 11 to escape from the forming zone into the opening when the forging tools 8, 22 are closed, which in the example shown occurs during the final forging of the workpiece 11, specifically the plate of the workpiece 11, in the approach position after Fig. 7 can occur.

[0124] Lowering the bushing 26 is also advantageous insofar as it allows for compensation of, for example, tolerance-related length differences of the raw workpieces (a0).

[0125] After the respective forging or forming process, the bushing 26 can be raised by moving the lifting plunger 12, such that the bottom of the bushing 26 is at the level of the top of the slide rail 27 and can slide on it, so that further rotation of the rotary table 1 is possible or becomes possible.

[0126] Simultaneously with the lifting of the bushing 26, the workpiece, e.g. finished forged, can be lifted and thus brought into a position suitable for removal.

[0127] In Fig. 6 is the pre-forming process, and in Fig. 7 Finish forging for workpiece stages c and d is shown with the respective upper and lower tools. The appropriately shaped upper tools 22 are arranged on the ram 9 on corresponding upper tool holders 10c and 10d to machine the workpiece 11. The upper tool 22 inserted into the upper tool holder 10c has a rectangular forming zone 25, and the upper tool 22 inserted into the upper tool holder 10d has a negative form corresponding to the target shape of the workpiece 11 as its forming zone 25.

[0128] To generate the respective stage a, b, c or d, the plunger 9 is moved relative to the axis of rotation M by means of the operative connection to the spindle (not shown). Dof the rotary table 1 is moved to exert a force on the workpieces 11 via the upper tools 22, which are held by the lower tools 8 and are positioned on the circular path 2 in an approach position 4 exactly below the corresponding upper tools 22 for forming machining.

[0129] As in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the workpieces 11 can be in operative contact with the lifting ram 12 in the respective approach position 4. The lifting ram 12 can, for example, include a lifting cylinder and be configured to allow targeted lifting of the workpiece 11. For example, the workpiece 11 can be lifted immediately after a forming operation and lowered again when the next forming position is reached. Furthermore, it is possible for the workpiece 11 to be lifted at least during its movement between the approach positions 4, so that the formed section is lifted from the lower tool 8, thereby reducing, for example, the heat input into the lower tool 8. The lifting ram 12 can also be used as an ejector rod or plunger to lift the workpiece 11 after completion, so that it can be more easily removed from the lower tool 8 in the second working position 20.

[0130] The lifting plunger 12 is not limited to use with a parallel offset rotary table 1, but can be used in the same way for a centrally arranged rotary table, i.e., a rotary table whose axis of rotation coincides with the spindle axis of the spindle press. Such a lifting function and lifting device can also be used for linear conveying of the workpieces 11, particularly in forming devices without a rotary table.

[0131] In some embodiments, the rotary table 1, together with lower tool holders or workpiece holders 8, and any lower tools 8 located therein, may be arranged parallel to the axis of rotation M. D or spindle axis M S is designed to be liftable.

[0132] By raising the rotary table 1 relative to, for example, the table top, i.e., the lower support 5, the friction occurring between the table top and the rotary table 1 during rotation of the rotary table 1 can at least be reduced.

[0133] To raise the rotary table, a suitably designed lifting unit can, for example, comprise one or more rollers mounted in or on the lower support 5, i.e., the table top, which, when actuated, raise the rotary table 1 relative to the lower support 5. The lifting unit can, for example, comprise four rollers. The stroke of the lifting unit can, for example, be 2 mm in certain configurations.

[0134] Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 shows a machining sequence in steps I to VI of workpieces 11 according to an embodiment in which lower tools 8a, 8b and 8c are arranged along the circular path 2. As already explained, several approach positions 4 are located at the respective points of the circular arc of the circular sectors 3 of the circular path 2 on the rotary table 1, which can be approached by the lower tools 8a, 8b and 8c by corresponding rotation of the rotary table 1 in order to position them, together with the inserted workpieces 11a, 11b, 11c, below a top tool 22 according to Fig. 3 to be able to position for processing purposes.

[0135] In this embodiment, the basic rotation angle α is 60 degrees. It is now possible to move the rotary table 1 in rotational steps D with positive or negative multiples of the basic rotation angle α in order to bring the lower tools 8a, 8b and 8c into the corresponding machining positions.

[0136] A sequence of processing steps is described below for the in Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. For better understanding, workpiece 11, marked with an asterisk, is described.

[0137] In step I after Fig. In position 8, the lower tool 8a is located in the operating area 6 and a workpiece 11a is in state a. o The workpiece is inserted into the lower tool 8b by means of the gripping tool 10e. Simultaneously, during this step, a workpiece 11b, already inserted into the lower tool 8b and already in workpiece stage b, is pre-formed for workpiece stage c. As can be seen, the lower tool 8b is located essentially within the spindle circle 7, thus in a central position below the ram 9, allowing comparatively high forming forces to be applied. The lower tool 8c remains empty initially.

[0138] The tool for inserting the workpiece can, for example, include a robot arm which can be moved automatically and synchronously with the ram 9 or the forming cycle or the forming movements of the ram 9, but independently of the specific movement of the ram 9.

[0139] For further processing in step II after Fig. In step 9, the rotary table 1 is moved counterclockwise by 60 degrees in a single rotation step D. The lower tool 8b is now in a second approach position 4, essentially within the spindle circle 7, and the inserted workpiece 11b is forged to its final shape by the upper tool 22 of the upper tool holder 10d for workpiece stage d. Simultaneously, the workpiece 11a, inserted into the lower tool 8a, undergoes the first tapering for workpiece stage a by the upper tool 22 of the upper tool holder 10a. At the same time, die maintenance, such as cooling, lubrication, cleaning, etc., can be performed on the unoccupied lower tool 8c.

[0140] For processing in step III after Fig. In step 10, the rotary table 1 is moved clockwise by 3 x 60 degrees, i.e., -180 degrees, in a rotation step D. A rotation of 3 x 60 degrees counterclockwise, i.e., +180 degrees, would also be possible at this point. The lower tool 8a is now in an approach position 4 below the upper tool 22 of the upper tool holder 10b for the second tapering of the workpiece 11b for workpiece stage b. The lower tool 8b, on the other hand, is in the operating area 6 for removing the finished workpiece.

[0141] For step IV after Fig. 11 the rotary table is moved clockwise in a rotary step D of 2x60 degrees, i.e. -120 degrees, so that the previously unoccupied lower tool 8c can be loaded with an unmachined workpiece 11c by means of the gripping tool 10e, while the lower tool 8a is located within the spindle circle 7 for pre-forming the inserted workpiece 11.

[0142] The lower tool 8b, emptied in step III, remains unoccupied in subsequent steps V and VI to allow for die maintenance, for example in step V. In these remaining unoccupied positions, the lower tool 8b, or die, can cool down for a subsequent operation.

[0143] After pre-forming to workpiece stage c (see above). Fig. 11) The rotary table is rotated 1x60 degrees counterclockwise, i.e. +60 degrees, and is thus positioned under the upper tool 22 inserted into the upper tool holder 10d, where the workpiece 11a is forged to workpiece stage d by actuating the upper tool 22.

[0144] After the forging is complete, the rotary table 1 is rotated 3x60 degrees clockwise, i.e. -180 degrees, which brings the workpiece 11a into the second working position, in which it can be removed from the lower tool 8a.

[0145] In further processing steps, the machining and forming of additional workpieces can be repeated analogously to steps I to VI explained above. For example, after removing workpiece 11a after step VI, the following can be carried out: Fig. 13 The rotary table is rotated clockwise by 2 x 60 degrees, i.e., -120 degrees, and the lower tool 8, then in the second working position 20, is loaded. In this way, it can be ensured that the lower tool 8a, from which a finished forged workpiece 11a is removed, remains unoccupied initially, for example, to allow die maintenance to be carried out on it.

[0146] In various embodiments and variants of the forming device proposed herein, the spindle diameter can be, for example, 600 mm. The forming device can, for example, be designed such that the spindle has a maximum stroke of approximately 550 mm. A support plate 16 designed to hold upper tools can be positioned transversely to the spindle axis M. S They have a width and / or length of approximately 1250 mm, with a center-to-center distance between adjacent tool holders for upper tools of approximately 425 mm. The thickness of the lower support, i.e., the table top, can be approximately 250 mm, assuming a rotary table thickness of approximately 400 mm.

[0147] With the forming device and its embodiments proposed herein, in particular with the proposed arrangement of the rotary table and / or with the proposed axial drive, it is especially possible to carry out appropriate die maintenance of each individual lower tool 8a to 8c, while sufficient workpieces can be machined, loaded, or removed in parallel in the required sequence without any loss of time. Reference symbol list 1 turntable 2 circular track 3 circular sector 4 Approach position 5 lower beam 6 Operating area 7 Spindle circle 8, 8a, 8b, 8c Subtool 9 pestles 10, 10a...10d upper tool holder 10e Gripping tool 11, 11a, 11b, 11c Workpiece 12 Lifting plungers, drive plungers 13 Spindle press 14 frame 15 transverse head 16 processing head 17 Processing area 18 Transverse plane 19 first work position 20 second work position 21 Drive unit 22 Upper tool 23 Cone area 24 tool holders 25 Forming zone 26 socket 27 Sliding strip 28 In-depth study 29 Forged bushing A1, A2 tappet shafts M D Rotary axis rotary table M S Spindle axis, plunger, axis of motion α Basic rotation angle D turning step a0, a...d workpiece stages I...VI Processing steps R D Radius turntable D S Spindle diameter Q cross-sectional area

Claims

[1] Forming device (13), in particular spindle press, comprising: a) a forming machine for at least one workpiece (11) along an axis of movement (M S ) movable guided machining head (16) with at least one machining tool (22), and b) a machining area (17) opposite the machining head (16) with at least one machining station designed for forming the workpiece (11), and further comprising c) a rotary table (1) with an axis of rotation parallel to the direction of movement (M D ) and with respect to the axis of rotation (M D ) workpiece fixtures arranged circumferentially offset from one another (8), wherein d) the rotary table (1) is designed and rotatably mounted such that each of the workpiece fixtures (8) can be moved by rotating the rotary table (1) into at least one first working position (19) located within the machining area (17), and into at least one second working position (20), which in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement (M) S ) is located at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of the machining head (16), wherein the machining head (16) has several upper tools (22) for forming workpiece machining and the rotary table (1) has several lower tools (8), and wherein the upper and lower tools (22, 8) are arranged such that several forming steps can be carried out in parallel by the machining head (16) during operation. [2] Forming device (13) according to claim 1, comprising a plunger (9) on which the processing head (16) is formed or attached, wherein the at least one second working position (20) is in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement (M S ) furthermore, is located at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of the plunger (9). [3] Forming device (13) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the workpiece holders (8) are arranged on the rotary table (1) of the forming device (13) along a circular line (2), and with respect to the axis of rotation (M D ) of the rotary table (1) have predetermined angular distances to each other, wherein an angular distance between two immediately adjacent workpiece holders is preferably 60 degrees, 90 degrees or 120 degrees, and wherein the workpiece holders (8) are preferably arranged evenly distributed along the circular line (2). [4] Forming device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the at least one second working position (20) is provided and configured to carry out maintenance measures on a workpiece holder (8) located in the second working position (20), wherein the forming device optionally comprises a maintenance device configured to carry out at least one corresponding maintenance measure, wherein the maintenance device is optionally configured to carry out lubrication, cleaning and / or cooling on the respective workpiece holder (8). [5] Forming device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one axial drive (12) or at least one lifting unit (12) which is configured to rotate the rotary table (1) of the forming device and / or at least one workpiece holder (8) and / or at least one tool (8) coupled to a workpiece holder (8) and / or at least one workpiece (11) located in a tool (8) parallel to the axis of movement (M) S) of the processing head (16) of the forming device, wherein the axial drive (12) or the lifting unit (12) is preferably installed at least partially on or in a forming table (5), on or in a rotary table mount designed for mounting the rotary table (1) on the forming table (5) and / or on or in the rotary table (1), wherein the axial drive (12) or the lifting unit (12) optionally comprises at least one drive plunger (12) mounted to be movable back and forth by which the rotary table (1), the workpiece mount (8), the tool and / or the workpiece (11) is moved parallel to the axis of movement (M). S ) is movable. [6] Forming device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a forming table (5) associated with the processing area (17), or, depending on claim 5, the forming table (5), wherein the rotary table (1) is attached to the forming table (5) by means of an adapter unit, wherein the adapter unit is preferably designed and can be coupled to the forming table (5) and the rotary table (1) such that the axis of rotation (M D ) of the rotary table (1) spaced apart from the axis of movement (M S ) is arranged. [7] Forming device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the forming device is a spindle press with a spindle designed to drive the processing head (16), wherein at least one processing tool (22) of the processing head (16) has a parallel to the axis of movement (M S) has a central axis which, when viewed in axial projection, lies laterally within, at the edge or immediately adjacent to the spindle cross-sectional area (7), and / or wherein, when viewed in axial projection, a connecting axis of the centers of two, in particular adjacent, machining tools (22) or machining tool holders passes through the center of the spindle circle (7) defined in axial projection by the outer circumference of the spindle. [8] Method for forming a workpiece (11) with a forming device (13) according to one of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: a) Transferring one of the workpiece holders (8) of the rotary table (1) into one of the at least one second working position (20) located laterally outside the cross-sectional area (Q) of the machining head (16) by rotating the rotary table (1) about its axis of rotation (M) D ); b) Inserting the workpiece (11) into the workpiece holder (8) located in the second working position (20); c) Rotating the turntable (1) about its axis of rotation (M) D ) such that the workpiece (11) is transferred from the second working position (20) to one of the at least one first working position (19); d) Activating the machining head (16, 10) for forming the workpiece (11), whereby several forming steps are carried out in parallel by the machining head; e) optional rotation of the turntable (1) about its axis of rotation (M) D ) and transferring the workpiece (11) to another first working position (19), f) Transferring the workpiece (11) into the second working position (20), or into a further second working position (20) located laterally outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the machining head (16); and g) Removal of the workpiece (11) from the workpiece holder (8) located in the second (20) or further second working position (20). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein a) the rotary table (1) is rotated synchronously with the activation or deactivation of the machining head (16, 10), preferably by an integer fraction of a full angle, and wherein the direction of rotation of the rotary table (1) is preferably reversed at least once during the machining cycle of the workpiece (11), and / or b) the workpiece holders (8) are arranged offset from each other by an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation (M0), and a workpiece holder (8) equipped with a workpiece (11) is successively moved from the second working position (20) for forming the workpiece (11) into several first working positions (19) arranged offset from each other by an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation (M0), preferably passing through four offset first working positions (19) according to a movement pattern in which the workpiece holder (8) is rotated from the second working position (20) by +60 degrees, +180 degrees or -180 degrees, -120 degrees and +60 degrees by rotating the rotary table (1), and is then moved back to the second working position (20) for removing the workpiece (11) by rotating it by an angle of -180 degrees or +180 degrees, and / or c) at least one of the at least one second working position (20) is provided for carrying out maintenance measures on a workpiece holder (8) located in the second working position (20) and wherein the method further comprises carrying out a maintenance measure on a workpiece holder (8) located in the second working position (20), wherein the maintenance measure optionally comprises lubrication, cleaning and / or cooling of the workpiece holder (8) and / or d) at least one of the workpiece holders (8), in particular a workpiece holder (8), is unoccupied during a complete operating cycle for the production of the workpiece, in particular always, at least one, preferably exactly one, of the workpiece holders (8). [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein during at least one machining step and / or at least between two machining steps the rotary table (1) and / or the workpiece holder (8) together with the workpiece (11) or only the workpiece (11) is rotated parallel to the axis of movement (M) S ) is raised or lowered.

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