Grinding head

Abstract

Grinding head for a grinding machine with at least two tool spindles, each of which is assigned at least one grinding tool, wherein the grinding tools are designed to machine a workpiece, During the machining of the workpiece, a relative movement can occur between the grinding head and the workpiece. the grinding head can be pivoted about a pivot axis and at least one of the tool spindles can be pivoted independently of a pivoting of the grinding head about another pivot axis.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a grinding head for a grinding machine for grinding threads, gears, worms, cutting wheels, peeling wheels, hobs, gear shafts and / or worm shafts.

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2006 037 434 A1 describes a grinding machine with a tool magazine comprising an outer magazine wheel and an inner magazine wheel. The outer magazine wheel preferably holds grinding tools. The inner magazine wheel preferably holds grinding wheel guards. The grinding tools and grinding wheel guards are removed from and placed into the tool magazine by a tool spindle, and can be changed independently of each other in any combination and, if necessary, simultaneously.

[0003] The publication DE 10 2024 100 637 A1 describes a method for manufacturing a toothed workpiece, which is machined by discontinuous profile grinding. In this process, a first tooth flank of the workpiece is machined simultaneously with a first grinding wheel and a second tooth flank of the workpiece is machined with a second grinding wheel.

[0004] Against this background, a grinding head with the features of claim 1 and a grinding machine according to claim 9 are presented. Embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the description.

[0005] The presented grinding head is designed to machine workpieces, whereby a relative movement takes place between the grinding head and the workpiece during the machining process.

[0006] It is now provided that the grinding head can not only be moved translationally in space, but also pivoted about a swivel axis. In addition to this first pivoting capability of the entire grinding head, the at least two tool spindles attached to it can each be pivoted independently about a swivel axis.

[0007] Independent means that each of the at least two tool spindles can, in principle, be swivelled into a position or orientation independently of the position or orientation of at least one other swivelling tool spindle. The positions or orientations of the two tool spindles can, of course, be coordinated with each other, resulting in a grinding head configuration suitable for the specific grinding process or workpiece machining.

[0008] It can be provided that at least two tool spindles can be swivelled by up to 180 degrees, which allows the grinding tool to be positioned to the left or right of the grinding spindle, or the orientation of the grinding spindle's axis of rotation to be reversed. This can be a decisive advantage in terms of avoiding collisions with the workpiece, table, or tailstock, thus improving machinability.

[0009] The pivoting typically takes place before the actual grinding process. However, to expand the machining capabilities of the grinding machine, a pivoting of at least one of the at least two pivotable tool spindles could also be performed between one of the grinding operations of the overall machining process.

[0010] Furthermore, the swiveling movement can be performed before the grinding head is moved towards the workpiece, or the grinding head can be moved into position first, followed by the swiveling movement(s). A combination of different approaches is also possible.

[0011] Grinding spindles, or tool spindles, are an essential component of the grinding machine. They serve to hold a grinding tool, such as a grinding wheel.

[0012] The tool spindles are driven, for example, by a motor, typically an electric motor. This can be a direct drive or a belt drive.

[0013] A flange or a conical mount can be provided, for example, to hold the grinding tool, e.g., the grinding wheel.

[0014] In one embodiment, all tool spindles provided in the grinding head are arranged to pivot.

[0015] The swiveling tool spindles can be configured to be swivelled manually. This allows for a simple and cost-effective design.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the swiveling tool spindles are configured to be rotated by a motor. This enables a setup in which the positions of the swiveling tool spindles can be adjusted without manual intervention.

[0017] Each of the swiveling tool spindles can be equipped with a measuring system. This system includes a measuring tape and a corresponding measuring head. This allows for the precise determination of the position and orientation of the swiveled tool spindle. When a corresponding signal is generated, it can be fed into a higher-level control system for the grinding process.

[0018] The swiveling grinding spindles can be fixed manually, for example with a few screws. However, it is also conceivable to automate the fixing in the selected swivel position, e.g. hydraulically.

[0019] The grinding head can be set up to machine a workpiece selected from a group consisting of: metric or gothic threads, worm shafts or gear shafts, each with at least two bearing seats.

[0020] The grinding machine with a grinding head of the type described herein is used for machining threads, gears, worms, cutting wheels, peeling wheels, hobs, gear shafts and / or worm shafts.

[0021] This grinding machine can also be equipped with a double table, allowing the workpiece to be driven alternately from only one side. Such a grinding machine then makes it possible to machine the thread, worm, or gear teeth, as well as the bearing seats, of a single workpiece without changing its orientation within the machine, for example, when clamped between center points. The torque-transmitting clamping force can be switched from one side to the other for this purpose. This change can be automated or manual.

[0022] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawing. Brief description of the drawing Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a grinding machine according to the state of the art. Fig. Figure 2 shows a grinding head with two swiveling spindles in two illustrations. Fig. Figure 3 shows exemplary, different orientations of the rotary axes of the spindles within the grinding machine. Fig. Figure 4 shows a possible embodiment of the manual swivel axis of the spindles. Fig. Figure 5 shows different adjustment options for the spindle rotary axes on a workpiece. Fig. Figure 6 shows the machining process on a gear shaft. Fig. Figure 7 shows a table with a tailstock, which can be replaced by another table. Fig. Figures 8 / 1 and 8 / 2 show a clamped workpiece during machining. Fig. Figure 9 shows the machining of a splined shaft Fig. Figure 10 shows the machining of a pinion shaft. Fig. Figure 11 shows the machining of a cutting wheel. Fig. Figure 12 shows the machining of a worm shaft. Embodiments of the invention

[0024] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawing and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a grinding machine according to the prior art, designated by the reference numeral 10. A lifting slide 14, which carries the swiveling grinding head 102 with a grinding spindle 104 and a grinding tool 110, is visible on a machine stand 11. Also shown are a table 122 and a tailstock 124 for holding a workpiece, whereby a relative movement between the workpiece 13 and the tool is performed during machining. The translational movement is, for example, in the direction of the z-axis 20. A feed movement of the grinding head 102 towards the workpiece 13 occurs in the feed direction, which is represented here by an x-axis 22. A vertical axis 24 is referred to here as the y-axis. The three axes 20, 22, 24 are preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0026] A pivoting movement of the grinding head 102 about the axis 30 is indicated by a curved double arrow A 29. A possible rotational movement of the workpiece in the direction of the z-axis 20 is indicated by a curved double arrow C 32. The axes 20, 22, 24 and the curved double arrows 29, 32 allow the description of the movements of the grinding tool 110 and the workpiece 13 before and during machining. These can be used accordingly in the following figures.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows two illustrations of a grinding head 102 with a first tool spindle or spindle 104 and a second spindle 106, a first grinding wheel 110 and a second grinding wheel 112. Reference numeral 105 denotes the axis of rotation of the first spindle 104, reference numeral 107 denotes the axis of rotation of the second spindle 106. Reference numeral 30 denotes the pivot axis of the grinding head 102. Reference numeral 144 denotes the first pivot axis of the first spindle 104, and reference numeral 146 the pivot axis of the second spindle 106.

[0028] By combining the swivel axis 30 of the grinding head 102 with the swivel axes 144, 146 of the two spindles 104, 106, the rotary axes 105, 107 of the two spindles 104, 106 can be freely aligned in space.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows some examples of completely different orientations of the rotary axes 105 and 107 of the two spindles. This allows for the machining of differently oriented surfaces on workpieces with different basic geometries. Furthermore, these adjustment options for the swivel axes 30, 144, and 146 also make it possible to avoid potential collisions with the table 122 and the tailstock 124. In addition, the working point on the workpiece can be shifted: for threads, worm gears, or gear teeth, as well as for the bearing seats.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the manual swivel axes 144, 146. The position is detected by a corresponding measuring head 154, 156 and a measuring tape 164, 166 attached to the spindles 104, 106. After the swivel positions have been manually set, the spindles 104, 106 are fixed by T-nuts 134, 136. These thus serve to mechanically clamp the spindles. Alternatively, the swivel axes 144, 146 can also be motorized as NC axes. The illustration also shows covers 194, 196 for the T-slots and, designated by reference numerals 174, 176, 184, 186, exemplary embodiments of the sliding bearings for the axes 144, 146. In one embodiment, the swivel axes 144 and 146 are oriented perpendicular to the swivel axis 30 of the grinding head. The clamping of the spindles 104, 106 can also be implemented hydraulically in principle.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 shows different adjustment options on a workpiece, in particular the second spindle 106 with the rotary axis 107 for machining a gear tooth 120 of the workpiece 13. Fig. 5a The delivery is made via axis 22 by moving the machine stand 11 with lifting carriage 14 and grinding head 102 forward. In Fig. 5b. Delivery is carried out via axis 24 by the lifting carriage 14 with the grinding head moving downwards. Fig. 5c the delivery is carried out by a combination of the axes 22 and 24, whereby the lifting carriage 14 with the grinding head 102 moves downwards and, coupled, the machine stand 11 moves forwards.

[0032] Depending on the design of the workpiece, an orientation of the rotary axes 105, 107 can be chosen that is favorable with regard to collision avoidance.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows the machining of a gear shaft as an example of a workpiece 13. This shows Fig. 6 / 1 a the cylindrical grinding of the left bearing seat 200, Fig. Figure 6 / 1 b shows the grinding of the gear teeth 120. Fig. Figure 6 / 1 c shows the grinding of the right bearing seat 210. Machining operations 6 / 1 a and 6 / 1 c are preferably performed sequentially without changing the grinding head pivot axis 30. For the gear teeth 120, the grinding head is pivoted about the axis 30, allowing the gear grinding wheel 110 to be brought into contact with the workpiece instead of the cylindrical grinding wheel 112.

[0034] Fig. Figure 7 shows that the tailstock 124 can be replaced by another table 126. This allows the torque transmission to the workpiece to occur via both tables 122 and 126, or via only one table 122 or 126 at a time.

[0035] Such double-table solutions are known in cylindrical grinding machines; what is new here is the combination with machining the worm, gear teeth, or thread. This improves the concentricity of the workpiece, as all relevant machining operations are performed in a single orientation within the machine.

[0036] Fig. Figure 8 / 1 shows a clamped workpiece 13. The illustration shows the table 122, the grinding wheel 110, the exemplary worm 120 (thread, teeth) and the tailstock 124. The grinding wheel 110 machines the worm 120 of the workpiece 13.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 / 2 shows a second table 126 instead of the tailstock 124. Fig. 8 / 2 a The grinding wheel 112 / 1 is used to machine the left bearing seat 200. In Fig. 8 / 2 b the grinding wheel 112 / 2 is used for machining the right bearing seat 210. Between machining the left and right bearing seats, the grinding wheel 112 is moved from 112 / 1 to 112 / 2 in workpiece axis alignment.

[0038] Reference numbers 123 and 125 designate centering points that define the workpiece's orientation within the grinding machine, which must remain unchanged throughout the entire machining process. Reference numbers 127 and 129 designate grippers that transmit the torque from the respective tables 122 and 126 to the workpiece 13.

[0039] This makes it possible to machine the workpiece 13 (bearing seat 200, worm, thread or gear 120 and bearing seat 210) in an orientation between center points. The torque-transmitting clamping force is released on the side of the bearing seats to be ground, thus freeing the bearing seat for machining. In this way, the left bearing seat 200, the thread, worm or gear 120, and the right bearing seat 210 can be machined in an orientation between the center points 123 and 125 within the grinding machine.

[0040] Fig. Figure 9 shows the processing of a workpiece 13 in the manner of a splined shaft. Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b, the splined connections 120 / 1 and 120 / 2 are ground. Fig. 9c and Fig. In step 9d, the two bearing seats 200 and 210 are machined. Note the exemplary displacement of the machining points between the splines and bearing seats.

[0041] Fig. Figure 10 shows the machining of a workpiece 13 in the form of a pinion shaft. This is in Fig. 10a processed by a profile disc, in Fig. 10b by a gear grinding screw. The machining of the bearing seats 200, 210 is carried out as in Fig. 9 through the second grinding wheel 112.

[0042] Fig. Figure 11 shows the machining of a workpiece 13 in the manner of a cutting wheel or peeling wheel. In Fig. 11a The grinding wheel 110 processes the profile of the workpiece. Fig. 11b processes the grinding wheel 112 the chip face.

[0043] Fig. Figure 12 shows the machining of a workpiece 13 in the manner of a worm shaft. Fig. Figure 12a shows the cylindrical grinding of the left bearing seat. Fig. Figure 12b shows the grinding of the 120 worm gear. Fig. Figure 12c shows the grinding of the right bearing seat 210. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2006 037 434 A1

[0002] DE 10 2024 100 637 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Grinding head for a grinding machine with at least two tool spindles, each of which is assigned at least one grinding tool, wherein the grinding tools are designed to machine a workpiece, During the machining of the workpiece, a relative movement can occur between the grinding head and the workpiece. the grinding head can be pivoted about a pivot axis and at least one of the tool spindles can be pivoted independently of a pivoting of the grinding head about another pivot axis. [2] Grinding head according to claim 1, in which at least two pivotable tool spindles can be pivoted independently of each other. [3] Grinding head according to claim 1 or 2, in which all tool spindles are arranged to pivot. [4] Grinding head according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the swiveling tool spindles are arranged to be swivelled manually. [5] Grinding head according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the swiveling tool spindles are arranged to be swivelled by motor. [6] Grinding head according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the swivel position of each swiveling tool spindle is to be detected by a corresponding measuring system and transmitted to a control of the grinding machine. [7] Grinding head according to one of claims 1 to 6, which is set up for at least one machining option, wherein at least one grinding tool is provided on a swiveling grinding spindle for roughing and at least one further grinding tool is provided on a further swiveling grinding spindle for finishing. [8] Grinding head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is configured for machining a workpiece selected from a group consisting of: metric or gothic threads, worm shafts or gear shafts, each with at least two bearing seats. [9] Grinding machine with at least one grinding head according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Grinding machine according to claim 9, which is set up for grinding threads, gears, worms, cutting wheels, peeling wheels, gear shafts, worm shafts and / or hob cutters. [11] Grinding machine according to claim 9 or 10, which is designed with a double table. [12] Grinding machine according to one of claims 9 to 11, which is set up to machine the thread, worm or gear and also the bearing seats on a workpiece without changing the orientation of the workpiece within the grinding machine.

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