Tool for use in a punching machine, as well as machining device for a punching machine and method using a punching machine with a machining device

Abstract

Tool (1) for use in a punching machine (10) comprising: - a housing with a working opening; - a working spindle (8) which is rotatably mounted on the housing by means of a bearing element about a drive axis; - a machining tool (9) which can be arranged non-rotatably on the working spindle (8); - a drive unit; - a transmission device which connects the drive unit to the working spindle (8), wherein the transmission device is arranged in the housing and wherein the machining tool (9) projects out of the working opening and forms a machining area (BA); - an auxiliary tool (11); wherein the tool (1) can be arranged in the punching machine (10) to be opposite the auxiliary tool (11).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of punching technology and relates to a tool for use in a punching machine according to claim 1.Tools and methods in the field of punching technology are used primarily for the efficient realization of precise cut-outs, shapes or perforations in different materials such as metal, plastic or paper. These applications extend over a variety of industries including the metal processing industry, the packaging industry, the automotive industry, and electronics manufacturing.Known punching machines have a punch, a stripper and a die associated therewith. Punching machines of the type described above, which in the context of a comprehensive interpretation of the terminology used here can be regarded as a punching machine in the broader sense, that is to say in particular including so-called nibbling machines, exist in various configurations with a purely mechanical drive.In addition to purely mechanically driven punching machines, CNC punching machines are also known, which are distinguished primarily by their electrohydraulic drive unit, and purely electric punching machines, which use a completely electric drive. In contrast to punching machines with a purely mechanical drive unit, these make it possible to freely program the stroke of the punch unit and, if appropriate, also its movement sequence within machine-specific limits.In the field of die-cutting technology, turret die-cutting machines represent an increasingly relevant category which differs from conventional die-cutting machines by virtue of their distinct design. A characteristic of this type of punching machine is the presence of a pair of fan- or disc-shaped carousels which are rotatably arranged and are in a vertical alignment with respect to each other. Each of these carousels is equipped with a plurality of upper punches and lower dies which are used specifically for carrying out punching operations.In addition, some punching machines have an integrated automated tool changer which enables a rapid and automatic exchange of the punching tools.A significant feature of turret punches that distinguishes them from conventional systems is the integration of workpiece positioning devices. These devices allow precise and controlled positioning of the workpieces in the working area of the machine. These positioning options, combined with the versatility of the tooling in the carousels, allow a flexible adaptation to a variety of punching requirements.An example of application of the punching technology is the production of stamped parts which are provided for subsequent bending processes in order to produce so-called stamped stamped stamped stamped stamped stamped stamped parts. In this process, materials, typically in the form of sheet metal coils such as steel or aluminum sheets, are first processed by means of a punching process. Here, the starting material is placed in a punching machine, where it is brought into predefined shapes by specifically configured punching tools in order to produce the desired punching part.The punching process makes it possible to punch precise and repeatable shapes out of the sheet material, which forms the basis for the subsequent processing steps. This process is particularly efficient and does not lead to thermal stress on the cut edges, which increases the quality of the final product. After the desired shape of the sheet material is obtained by the punching process, the bending process follows.The subsequent process of bending a stamped part is an essential step in order to achieve three-dimensional contours. Stamped and bent parts are used in particular in the automobile industry, in facade construction and in the aerospace industry, where high requirements are placed on precision and structural integrity.During the bending process, the stamped part is bent along a bending axis at a bending edge. The bending radius thereby arising is significantly influenced by various factors, including the material used, the material thickness and the bending angle. This bending radius results from the material compression on the inside and the material expansion on the outside of the bending edge. In many manufacturing processes, it is important to keep this bending radius as small as possible in order to ensure optimum structural integrity of the workpiece.Particularly with higher material thicknesses, material is often removed on the inner side of the bending edge before the bending process in order to reduce the compression. This can be achieved by the introduction of V- or U-shaped grooves, which are usually produced with a cutting disk. This cutting disk is oriented perpendicular to the machining plane. The material removal achieved in this way reduces the compression of the material on the inner side of the bending edge, which leads to a smaller bending radius.The decisive advantage of this technique lies in the generation of an exactly defined bend along the milled-in groove, which increases the precision and reproducibility of the bending results. This makes it possible to realize bends that go beyond the technical limits of conventional bending machines, in particular in complex or precision-critical applications.The reduction of the material dip at the inner side of the bending edge is a decisive factor in order to achieve smaller bending radii.In order to provide a stamped part with a groove, it is generally placed in a cutting machine, such as a milling machine or a gantry milling machine, after the stamping process. In this additional machining step, the V- or U-groove milling is performed. In this case, material is removed at the intended location of the bending edge in order to produce the desired groove. This method makes it possible to reduce the material thickness on the inner side of the bending edge in a targeted manner, which leads to a lower compression of the material during the bending process.The ability to realize smaller radii of curvature is particularly important for applications requiring high accuracy and specific geometric properties.The grooves in the material also facilitate the forming, which is often possible without bending machines with little force exertion.The use of a double V- or U-groove in the machining of thick sheet metal materials offers the significant advantage that a complete turning over of the sheet metal material can be realized without the use of a great exertion of force.Traditional punching machines, which are provided for the production of stamped parts, which are subsequently further processed to form stamped and bent parts, generally do not have the necessary tools for material removal, in particular no cutting tools. This limitation results in a separate work step being required for material removal, which extends the entire manufacturing process and makes it potentially more inefficient.More efficient solutions that integrate the material removal directly into the punching process are therefore of great interest. Such integration could significantly speed up the process of manufacturing stamped and bent parts. The ability to perform both punching and removal of material in a single pass would significantly reduce the overall manufacturing time.US5259100A discloses a milling tool unit for a punching machine. The invention discloses an air operated milling tool positioned in the upper turret of a turret punch press. In this case, the air-driven milling tool is used to form through-holes and contours in the plate-shaped component to be machined. In this case, the milling tool penetrates in its entirety through the plate-shaped component to be machined.A substantial disadvantage of the milling tool unit disclosed in US5259100A is its dependence on a compressed air supply. This restriction results in a lack of compatibility with punching machines which do not have their own compressed air supply. This dependency may significantly limit the range of application and flexibility of the milling unit in different manufacturing environments.Another significant disadvantage is that the milling tool unit is not designed for producing specific material decreases, such as the milling of grooves, in particular V- or U-shaped grooves at bending edges for stamped and bent parts. Instead, the center of gravity of the milling tool unit lies on the contouring of the plate-shaped component by milling through holes and outer contours into the material.WO 2010 / 072326 A1 proposes a tool for a punching machine in which a tool insert is driven in an oscillating manner by means of a mechanism with a wavy effective surface in order to produce markings.There is therefore a need for a tool for use in a punching machine and a machining device for a punching machine and a method using a punching machine having a machining device for producing grooves in stamped parts.The technical object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution in the form of a tool for use in punching machines, which in combination with a machining device and a special method for creating grooves in punching parts, serves to increase the efficiency of the machining process.In addition, the tool provided or the machining device should be capable of being integrated into conventional punching machines and should have the capability of producing precise and efficient grooves, in particular V- or U-shaped grooves, at the bending edges of the stamped parts.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a tool for use in a punching machine according to claim 1.Advantageous embodiments of the tool according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 9. The wording of all claims is hereby explicitly incorporated into the description by reference.The tool according to the invention for use in a punching machine comprises:a housing having an operating opening;a work spindle which is mounted on the housing such that it can rotate about a drive axis by means of a bearing element;a machining tool which can be non-rotatably anodic on the work spindle;a drive unit;a transmission device connecting the drive unit to the work spindle,an auxiliary tool, wherein the transmission device is disposed in the housing, and wherein the machining tool protrudes from the work opening and forms a machining area; wherein the tool is arrangeable in the punching machine to face the auxiliary tool.It is advantageous here that a stable and precise guidance of the machining tool is made possible by the housing with a working opening, which leads to an increased accuracy during machining. The rotatable and captive mounted work spindle, which is fastened to the housing by a bearing element, ensures a constant and reliable transmission of the drive forces to the machining tool.The integration of the drive unit with the work spindle via a transmission device arranged in the housing leads to a compact and efficient construction, which reduces the space requirement and increases the overall reliability.The protrusion of the machining tool from the working opening in order to form a machining region is particularly advantageous for the precise production of grooves in stamped parts.In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit of the tool according to the invention has an electric machine with a power supply device.It is advantageous here that the use of an electric machine enables precise and efficient control of the work spindle, which leads to improved performance and accuracy during the machining. One problem with conventional pneumatically operated tools is the supply of compressed air to the tools. Which is energy-inefficient, in particular due to leaks caused by the feed system. Moreover, the dependence of compressed air sources can impair the flexibility of the application of the tools, in particular in environments in which access to compressed air is limited.It is within the scope of the invention to configure the electric machine as a permanent magnet-excited synchronous machine in the operating mode as a motor, in particular a brushless direct current motor.In a preferred embodiment of the electric machine as a brushless direct current motor, the advantage results that such a motor is low-maintenance. In addition, owing to the reduced wear, it has a longer operating time. A further advantage is the high power density of this embodiment.It is particularly advantageous to design the electric machine as a reluctance motor, in particular as a switched reluctance motor or synchronous reluctance motor, which is distinguished by a robust construction without permanent magnets. This embodiment provides high reliability and cost efficiency because they are less susceptible to wear and allow easy manufacture.In a preferred embodiment, the electric machine of the tool according to the invention is designed as an external rotor motor.It is advantageous here that the configuration of the electric machine as an external motor enables a compact and efficient arrangement in the housing. This achieves an increased power density. A further advantage of this embodiment is an improved thermal efficiency of the electric machine, since the external rotor motor, due to its construction, enables a more effective heat dissipation. This helps maintain a stable operating temperature and thus extend the life of the electric machine.In a preferred embodiment, the transmission device of the tool according to the invention has a gear.It is advantageous here that an operating point adaptation is realized by the integrated transmission in that it correspondingly converts the rotational movements. In addition, the transmission enables the torque to be redirected to another spatial axis, which increases the design flexibility of the drive solution. Furthermore, the transmission improves the transmission and adjustment of the torques and allows a fine adjustment of the working speed of the machining tool.In a preferred embodiment, the transmission has a transmission ratio with the transmission ratio i (drive:output) of i=1:1 to 1:20, preferably i=1:1 to i=1:10.In a further preferred embodiment, the transmission of the transmission device is designed as a bevel gear, having at least one bevel gear and having at least one bevel pinion, and that the bevel gear is connected, preferably directly, to the rotor, and that the at least one bevel pinion is arranged on the end face of the work spindle, wherein the drive axis of the work spindle is aligned horizontally.An advantage of this configuration results from the preferred direct connection of the bevel gear to the rotor of the electric machine, which enables efficient and direct transmission of the drive force. It is furthermore advantageous that the configuration as a bevel gear leads to increased efficiency in the transmission of power. This embodiment also contributes to a compact design and increased precision, which improves the overall performance of the system.In an alternative embodiment, the transmission of the transmission device is designed as a planetary transmission.The possibility is advantageous here of achieving a high transmission ratio in a compact installation space. This is particularly advantageous if limited space is available and a high power density is required. The load distribution over a plurality of gearwheels leads to a reduction in wear and noise generation.In a further alternative embodiment, the transmission of the transmission device is designed as a cycloid transmission.The compact construction of cycloid gears is advantageous here, which permits space saving and efficient use of the available installation space. It is also advantageous that cycloid gears can be designed with minimal play, which means that they show little or no undesired movement.In a further advantageous embodiment, the tool according to the invention has a disk-shaped machining tool which has a proximal and a distal region. The disk-shaped machining tool can be arranged on the work spindle in a rotationally fixed manner in the proximal region. In addition, the disk-shaped machining tool has cutting edges in the distal region, preferably straight cutting edges directed axially toward the center. Preferably, these cutting edges are replaceable.The special construction of the disk-shaped machining tool is advantageous here, which enables high precision and efficiency in machining processes. The rotationally fixed arrangement in the proximal region on the work spindle ensures stable and exact guidance of the tool. This reduces vibrations and improves the machining quality. The cutting edges arranged in the distal region and directed axially toward the center form a V-shaped geometry.The ability to exchange the cutters also increases the flexibility and economics of the tool as it is easily adaptable to various materials and machining requirements. In addition, the maintenance costs are thus reduced, since only the cutters have to be changed.In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the machining tool is designed as a prismatic milling cutter.It is advantageous here that a prismatic notch or a prismatic groove on the workpiece is achieved by the geometric shape of the prismatic milling cutter. A further advantage is that edges which are as sharp as possible can thus be achieved with high accuracy.In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the machining tool is designed as a semicircular milling cutter.It is advantageous here that a rounded notch or rounded groove on the workpiece is achieved by the geometric shape of the half-round milling cutter. A further advantage is that the uniform distribution of stresses in the workpiece during the machining operation is promoted by the rounded shape. This contributes to the material being less susceptible to internal stresses, especially in the processing of metal stamped and bent parts, in order to prevent undesired deformations or cracks during the bending process.In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention for use in a punching machine, the electric machine is designed as an internal rotor motor, wherein the rotor is connected to the working spindle by the transmission device. This is particularly advantageous since the arrangement of the motor as an internal rotor enables a compact construction and can thus be used in regions with limited installation space. In addition, the drive axis of the work spindle is oriented vertically, which enables efficient transmission of the motor power to the work spindle and thus increases the machining efficiency.Furthermore, a machining tool receptacle is arranged on the work spindle, which enables a flexible and rapid adaptation to different machining tools. This greatly increases the versatility of the tool and permits efficient machining of different materials and geometries.Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the machining tool is shaft-shaped, in particular an end mill, with a plurality of helically extending circumferential cutting edges, which can be arranged in the machining tool receptacle. The use of end mills with helical cutting edges offers the advantage of more uniform and low-vibration machining. This results in a higher surface quality of the machined workpiece and a reduction in the load on the tool, which in turn extends the life of the tool.A further advantageous feature of the tool is a resiliently mounted stripping element which can be pressed into the housing and has a stripping region which at least covers the machining region of the machining tool and releases the machining region as soon as the stripping element is pressed into the housing. This feature is particularly advantageous because it provides a clean machining surface by effectively removing chips and other debris from the machining area. In addition, the scraping element protects the internal mechanics of the tool from contamination and wear, which leads to a longer service life and lower maintenance costs.In an alternative embodiment of the tool, the stripping element is hollow cylindrical and has a beveled surface on the end face.The hollow cylindrical configuration of the stripping element enables an effective gripping of the machining tool during the machining process. The hollow cylindrical embodiment also offers the advantage that it reduces the weight of the wiping element.The beveled face of the stripping element enables the stripping element to be pressed down easily by feeding the workpiece to the beveled face.In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention for punching machines, an integrated lubricant feed device is present. This device ensures continuous supply of lubricant. The advantage is the reduction of the thermal load on the tool and the workpiece, which leads to a longer service life of the tool and an improved surface quality of the machined material. In addition, lubrication reduces friction and wear and increases machining accuracy.An additional advantageous embodiment includes a modular quick change system for the machining tool. This quick change system makes it possible to change different machining tools quickly, which is particularly advantageous in manufacturing environments with high flexibility and minimal setup times.Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the tool has an integrated sensor unit which monitors data such as rotational speed, temperature and vibrations. This data is used for predictive maintenance to detect potential problems early and to avoid failures, which increases tool reliability and production efficiency.In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention, the housing comprises a cable-free data transmission unit for real-time monitoring and real-time control. This enables a connection to a central control system of the punching machine or via mobile terminals, which offers greater flexibility and control via the machining process and also efficient data analysis and process optimization.These embodiments increase the versatility, efficiency, and user-friendliness of the die for punching machines.In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention for punching machines, an integrated chip suction is provided. This suction is located directly below the machining area and removes chips and other machining residues during the machining process. It is advantageous here that the chip suction contributes to improving the machining quality, since it prevents chips from scratching surfaces or disturbing the machining process. In addition, the integrated chip suction offers a side effect, which is of importance in particular in the case of machining processes that last for a longer time: it acts in a cooling manner on the tool. This cooling effect helps to lower the temperature of the machining tool, which reduces its wear and thus extends the service life. In addition, a lower tool temperature can minimize the risk of heat damage to the processed material, which leads to a further increase in the product quality.In an advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention for punching machines, the tool is designed so that it can be anodeized in the upper region of the punching machine, where the punch is usually positioned. This arrangement makes it possible to position the tool directly with the movement of the punch towards the workpiece. The advantage of this configuration is improved power transmission. Moreover, this arrangement facilitates the integration of the tool into existing punching machines, since no extensive alterations are required in the lower region of the machine, where the die is seated.In an alternative embodiment, the tool according to the invention can also be attached in the lower region of the punching machine, at the position of the die. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when it concerns the machining of workpieces which require precise fixing or special support during the machining operation. By positioning in the lower region, the workpiece is pressed against the fixed die, which enables more stable and more accurate machining.In both cases--both in the arrangement in the upper and in the lower region of the punching machine--the tool is designed such that it can easily be replaced and adapted. This offers high flexibility in production and makes it possible to adapt the tool quickly to different materials and machining requirements.In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention for turret punching machines, the tool is designed for arrangement in the upper turret of the turret punching machines. The integration of the tool into the upper turret facilitates rapid and automated tool changing and thereby increases the flexibility and efficiency of the manufacturing process.In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the tool according to the invention is provided for arrangement in the lower turret of a turret punching machine. This configuration is suitable for the precise application of material removals, in which precise control of the machining forces is required. In addition, the arrangement in the lower turret enables simple collection of the removed material below the machining region of the tool.In both embodiments, both in the upper and in the lower turret, the tool is designed such that it can be replaced easily and quickly. This provides flexibility to the production process.In an alternative embodiment of the tool for use in a punching machine, the drive unit comprises electronics which have both control and regulating functions of the electric machine. This embodiment of the electric machine offers decisive advantages for the operation of the punching machine.By regulating the rotational speed of the electric machine, different machining requirements can be implemented efficiently. This is particularly advantageous for processing processes in which high accuracy and reproducibility are required. The electronics make it possible to quickly set the electric machine to the required operating parameters, which leads to an increased efficiency and accuracy of the machining.The control functions of the electronics also contribute to optimizing the energy consumption. By adapting the motor power to the actual requirements of the machining process, energy is saved, which leads to a reduction in operating costs and to a more environmentally friendly operating mode.Furthermore, the electronics offer improved diagnostic capability. By monitoring important operating parameters such as the rotational speed and load state of the electric machine, potential errors can be detected and corrected at an early stage. This contributes to increase in reliability and longevity of the tool and reduces downtime, resulting in increased productivity.In another alternative embodiment, the electronics could be configured to provide adaptive control. This adaptive control enables the electric machine to adapt automatically to different machining scenarios, such as changes in the material hardness or thickness or the feed depth.In an alternative embodiment of the tool for use in a punching machine, the tool is designed as a battery-operated tool. The use of a battery as an energy source increases the mobility and flexibility of the tool. This enables the tool to be used in punching machines in which there is no additional access to a power supply for the tool. Independence from a fixed power supply also facilitates the use of the tool in turret punching presses, where a rapid repositioning of the tools is required.Implementing the tool with modern high-power batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, allows a long operating time and a high energy efficiency. These batteries have high energy density and can be charged quickly, which increases productivity and efficiency of the tool. Moreover, they have a low self-discharge rate, enabling longer shelf life without significant energy loss.In an alternative embodiment of the tool for use in a punching machine, an integration of supercapacitors (supercaps) is provided, these have the advantage that they enable a fast energy consumption and output, which is particularly advantageous in application scenarios with high power peaks. Supercaps also provide high cycle stability and are performant under a variety of operating conditions, which improves the overall performance and reliability of the tool.In another alternative embodiment, as a battery powered tool, the tool has a function to display the battery state of charge, allowing the operator to easily monitor the state of charge of the battery.According to the invention, the object mentioned at the beginning is likewise achieved by a processing device of a punching machine, wherein the punching machine has at least one die receptacle and one punch receptacle, according to claim 10.The processing device according to the invention for a punching machine has at least one die receptacle and one die receptaclea tool according to the invention;wherein the auxiliary tool has a cylindrical base body which has a coupling element on a first end face;a rolling body; wherein the cylindrical base body has a recess on the second end face, in which recess the rolling body is rotatably mounted and wherein a part of the rolling body protrudes beyond the end face; wherein the tool is arranged to be opposite the auxiliary tool. Preferably, the tool is arranged in the die holder of the punching machine and the auxiliary tool is arranged in the die holder of the punching machine.In the machining device according to the invention, the tool according to the invention is implemented together with an auxiliary tool. The auxiliary tool serves for positioning and guiding the workpiece in the machining area and ensures a uniform force distribution during the machining process of the tool. The coupling element on the end face enables a simple arrangement of the auxiliary tool in a receptacle of the punching machine.In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element has a pin. In this embodiment, the auxiliary tool is fixed by means of a matching slot. This type of connection is particularly robust, since it enables a high alignment accuracy and offers little freedom for movements.On the opposite end face of the cylindrical base body there is a recess in which the rolling body is rotatably mounted. A part of this rolling body protrudes beyond the end face. This configuration allows effective interaction between the auxiliary tool and the tool according to the invention during the punching process.In an advantageous embodiment, the rolling body is designed as a steel ball, ceramic ball or plastic ball. It is advantageous here that each of these ball types has specific properties which are suitable for different applications and materials. The spherical shape also allows for a nearly smooth and even movement since contact with the surface of the workpiece is minimal and constant. This results in a uniform transmission of force to the workpiece. Moreover, the spherical shape minimizes wear, both on the rolling body itself and on the surfaces with which it comes into contact.In an advantageous embodiment, the rolling body is designed as a cylindrical roller, needle roller, barrel roller. It is advantageous here that each of these roller forms has properties which are suitable for different applications and materials.Cylindrical rollers offer a greater contact area and an improved load distribution, which is advantageous in the case of linear movements. Needle rollers offer a small space requirement, which makes it particularly suitable for limited spaces. Barrel rollers are suitable for applications in which alignment errors must be compensated.The tool according to the invention is preferably arranged in the die holder of the punching machine, while the auxiliary tool is placed in the die holder. This arrangement ensures that the tool and the auxiliary tool are opposed to each other during the machining process. When the auxiliary tool is moved in the direction of the tool and is positioned on the workpiece, the rolling body, which protrudes beyond the end face of the cylindrical base body, rolls on the surface of the workpiece during a movement of the workpiece during the machining process and applies a force to the workpiece, which force leads to the workpiece not being displaced in an undesired direction during the machining process.The advantage of this arrangement lies in the precise machining of the workpiece made possible in this way. A further advantage of this configuration is the avoidance of undesired movements or displacements of the workpiece during the machining process. The rolling body contributes to keeping the workpiece in place, which is decisive in particular in the case of a material removal with a large feed depth. This stable positioning by means of an auxiliary tool ensures a constant quality of the machined workpiece and minimizes the risk of defects or damage.In the case of machining processes with large feed depths, the forces exerted on the workpiece can be high, so that without appropriate countermeasures there is the risk that the workpiece is moved in an uncontrolled manner. This can result in hazardous situations where workpieces might spin around and damage persons near the machine. By arranging the auxiliary tool with the rolling body, which rolls on the surface of the workpiece during the machining process and exerts a stabilizing force, the workpiece is securely positioned and held. This stable fixing thus increases the safety for the operators and other persons in the environment of the punching machine.According to the invention, the object mentioned at the beginning is likewise achieved by a method using a punching machine having at least one die holder and one punch holder with a previously described processing device according to claim 11.The method according to the invention using a punching machine with at least one die holder and a die holder with a processing device according to the invention for processing, in particular for milling or cutting preferably plate-like workpieces, for example metal sheetsin which the auxiliary tool of the machining device can be positioned along a stroke axis with a stroke drive device in the direction of a workpiece to be supported with the auxiliary tool,wherein the tool of the machining device, which is oriented toward the auxiliary tool, can be positioned along an infeed axis, wherein the infeed axis has the same orientation as the lifting axis, and wherein a workpiece can be moved along a positioning axis, which is oriented perpendicular to the lifting axis, has the following method steps: A) providing a workpiece; B) feeding the workpiece along the positioning axis in the direction of the tool; C) lifting movement of the auxiliary tool along the lifting axis, such that a force is applied to the workpiece and fixed; D) pressing down the stripping element and machining the workpiece by means of the tool by a movement of the workpiece relative to the infeed axis along the positioning axis.The coordination of the lifting movements along the lifting axis and the feed axis allows a precise positioning of the workpiece and of the tool, which leads to an improved precision in the machining. The method is particularly advantageous for straight cuts or millings.The following description refers to the attached figures, which serve to illustrate embodiments of the invention. These figures are not to be considered limiting, but merely illustrate certain aspects and features of the invention. In the drawings, the figures show specific elements, components and arrangements which are essential to the understanding of the invention. Identical reference numerals represent identical or similarly acting elements.It shows: FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tool according to the invention in a sectional illustration for use in a punching machine; FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a processing device according to the invention within a punching machine; FIGS. 3a-3d show an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tool 1 according to the invention for use in a punching machine in a sectional illustration. The exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 1 has a two-part cylindrical housing with a housing body 2 and a cover 16. The case body 2 is open at one side and the cover 16 covers it to enclose a cavity. The cover 16 has a circular working opening.The drive unit in this exemplary embodiment is designed as an electric machine with an external rotor. This electric machine includes an annular rotor 4 and a cylindrical stator 5.Inside the housing there is a transmission device designed as a bevel gear. This gear is composed of a bevel gear 6 and a bevel pinion. The bevel gear 6 is positioned within a gear shell 7 which is directly connected to the rotor 4 of the electric machine. Both the drive unit and the transmission device are arranged within the housing. The stator 5 of the electric machine is mounted centrally in the housing and connected thereto. The transmission shell 7 is arranged concentrically around the stator 5. Furthermore, the working opening of the cover 16 is oriented such that it is positioned centrally with respect to the housing body. The transmission shell 7 itself is rotatably mounted within the housing body.In addition, a work spindle 8 is integrated in the tool, on the end face of which the bevel pinion is fastened. On the work spindle 8 a machining tool 9, in this embodiment a prism milling cutter, is also arranged in an captive manner. Bearing elements are provided to support the work spindle 8.The housing has shaped bearing surfaces for supporting the work spindle 8, and the work spindle 8 is aligned horizontally, so that the machining tool 9 forms a machining region BA from the work opening. The bevel pinion mounted on the end face of the work spindle 8 engages in the bevel gear 6 located in the gear shell 7.The tool 1 has a resiliently mounted stripping element 3. This scraping element 3 is arranged inside the cover 16. For receiving the scraping element 3, the cover 16 has a depression at the edge of the working opening. In addition, recesses for spring elements are provided in the cover 16, which are not shown here for the sake of clarity.The stripping element 3 itself consists of a hollow cylindrical base body with obliquely outwardly leading contours on one end side.When the electric machine is activated by electrical energy, the rotor 4 and the transmission shell 7 and the bevel gear 6 connected thereto begin to rotate. This movement is transmitted to the bevel pinion and thus to the work spindle 8, which results in a rotational movement of the machining tool 9. The forces arising during this process are absorbed by the mounting of the working spindle 8 in the housing, which enables a smooth movement of the working spindle 8.In an alternative embodiment, a planetary gear replaces the bevel gear. In this variant, the ring gear of the planetary gear is connected to the gear shell, while the sun gear is connected to the work spindle.A further exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, shows an exemplary embodiment of a machining device according to the invention within a punching machine 10. The tool 1 is disposed in the die holder 13 and the auxiliary tool 11 is disposed in the punch holder 14 of the punching machine 10 while being opposed to each other.In alternative exemplary embodiments, the auxiliary tool 11 can also be positioned in the die holder 13 and the tool 1 in the punch holder 14. A further variant provides for the processing device to be used in a turret punching machine, wherein the auxiliary tool 11 is placed in the upper carousel of the turret and the tool 1 is placed in the lower carousel of the turret.FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, which uses a punching machine having at least one die holder and one punch holder and the described processing device. This method is particularly suitable for the machining of plate-shaped workpieces, such as sheet metal, by milling or cutting.Here, the auxiliary tool 11 of the machining device can be positioned along a stroke axis HA by means of a stroke drive device in order to support the workpiece 15. Parallel thereto, the tool 1 can be aligned along a feed axis ZA, which has the same orientation as the stroke axis HA of the auxiliary tool 11. Perpendicular to this lifting axis HA, a workpiece 15 can be fed along a positioning axis PA.The method comprises the following method steps: A) providing a workpiece 15; (partial illustration 3 a) B) feeding the workpiece 15 along the positioning axis PA in the direction of the tool 1; (partial illustration 3 b) C) lifting movement of the auxiliary tool 11 along the lifting axis HA, so that a force is applied to the workpiece 15 and fixed; (partial illustration 3 c) D) pressing down the stripping element 3 and machining of the workpiece 15 by means of the tool 1 by a movement of the workpiece 15 taking place relative to the feed axis ZA along the positioning axis PA; (partial illustration 3 d).List of reference characters1 Tool 2 Housing body 3 Stripping element 4 Rotor 5 Stator 6 Bevel gear 7 Gear shell 8 Work spindle 9 Machining tool 10 Punching machine 11 Auxiliary tool 12 Rolling body 13 Die holder 14 Punch holder 15 Workpiece 16 Cover BA Machining region HA Stroke axis PA Positioning axis ZA Feed axis

Claims

Tool (1) for use in a punching machine (10), having - a housing having a working opening; - a working spindle (8) which is mounted on the housing such that it can be rotated about a drive axis in a captive manner by means of a bearing element; - a machining tool (9) which can be arranged on the working spindle (8) in a rotationally fixed manner; - a drive unit; - a transmission device which connects the drive unit to the working spindle (8), wherein the transmission device is arranged in the housing and wherein the machining tool (9) protrudes from the working opening and forms a machining region (BA); - an auxiliary tool (11); wherein the tool (1) can be arranged in the punching machine (10) in order to lie opposite the auxiliary tool (11).Tool (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive unit has an electric machine with a power supply device.Tool (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the electric machine is designed as an external rotor motor.Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission device has a gear mechanism.Tool (1) according to Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the gear of the transmission device is designed as a bevel gear, with at least one bevel gear (6) and with at least one bevel pinion, and in that the bevel gear (6) is preferably connected directly to the rotor (4), and in that the at least one bevel pinion is arranged on the end face of the working spindle (8), wherein the drive axis of the working spindle (8) is aligned horizontally.Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machining tool (9) is disc-shaped and has a proximal and a distal region, in that the disc-shaped machining tool (9) can be arranged on the working spindle (8) in a rotationally fixed manner in the proximal region, and in that the disc-shaped machining tool (9) has cutting edges, preferably straight cutting edges directed axially towards the centre, preferably replaceable cutting edges, in the distal region.Tool (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the electric machine is designed as an internal rotor motor, and in that the rotor (4) is connected to the transmission device, to the work spindle (8), wherein the drive axis of the work spindle (8) is oriented vertically, and in that a machining tool holder is arranged on the work spindle (8).Tool (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the machining tool (9) is shaft-shaped, in particular is an end mill, with a plurality of helically extending circumferential cutting edges, which can be arranged in the machining tool receptacle.Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a resiliently mounted stripping element (3) which can be pressed into the housing and has a stripping region which at least covers the machining region of the machining tool (9) and releases the machining region as soon as the stripping element (3) is pressed into the housing.Machining device for a punching machine (10) having at least one die holder (13) and one die holder (14), having - a tool (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9; - wherein the auxiliary tool (11) has a cylindrical main body which has a coupling element on a first end side; - a rolling body (12); wherein the cylindrical main body has a recess on the second end side, in which recess the rolling body (12) is rotatably mounted and wherein a part of the rolling body (12) projects beyond the end face; wherein the tool (1) is arranged in order to lie opposite the auxiliary tool (11), preferably the tool (1) is arranged in the die holder (13) of the punching machine (10) and the auxiliary tool (11) is arranged in the die holder (14) of the punching machine (10).Method using a punching machine (10) having at least one die holder (13) and one die holder (14), having a processing device according to Claim 10 for processing, in particular for milling or cutting preferably plate-like workpieces (15), for example sheets, - in which the auxiliary tool (11) of the processing device is positionable along a stroke axis (HA) with a stroke drive device in the direction of a workpiece (15) to be supported with the auxiliary tool (11), - in which the tool (1) of the processing device, which is oriented towards the auxiliary tool (11), is positionable along a feed axis (ZA), wherein the feed axis (ZA) has the same orientation as the stroke axis (HA), and wherein along a positioning axis (PA), which is oriented perpendicularly to the stroke axis (HA), a workpiece (15) is movable, having the following method steps: A) providing a workpiece (15); B) feeding the workpiece (15) along the positioning axis (PA) in the direction of the tool (1); C) lifting movement of the auxiliary tool (11) along the stroke axis (HA), with the result that a force is applied to the workpiece (15) and fixed; D) pressing down the stripping element (3) and machining of the workpiece (15) by means of the tool (1) by a movement of the workpiece (15) which takes place along the positioning axis (PA) relative to the feed axis (ZA).

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