MACHINE DOOR AND MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine door having the features of patent claim 1 and to a machine having the features of patent claim 11.

[0002] Machine doors are known in various designs from the prior art. Machine doors serve to secure access to a process chamber of a machine, for example, a lathe, a milling machine, a grinding machine, or other machines for machining workpieces, and are part of a safety-relevant machine enclosure. Machine doors can be equipped with mechanical and / or electrical safety devices designed to ensure that the machine door is properly closed during the process in the process chamber and that the machine door remains closed until the process is completed or interrupted.

[0003] A variety of automatically opening machine doors are known from the prior art. These doors are held in place either by a rail guide or by hinges to provide access to the process chamber. A disadvantage of such machine doors has been shown to be premature failure of the guides, hinges, seals, or door limit switches.

[0004] For machine automation, especially for retrofitting existing machines, workpieces can be loaded into the machine's process chamber using a robot or handling device. In addition to the enormous effort involved, it has been shown that opening and closing the machine door, in particular, leads to delays in the automated loading of workpieces using the robot or handling device.

[0005] US 2018 092 507 A1 discloses an electrical household appliance with an iris-like door.

[0006] CH 526 081 A discloses a laboratory device with an iris-type door.

[0007] DE 100 55 044 A1 discloses a machine tool with a suction device whose opening is designed like an iris diaphragm.

[0008] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0009] The present invention is dedicated to the task of proposing an improved machine door that expediently eliminates the disadvantages known from the prior art and enables rapid and automated opening and closing. The machine door should be fully automatic, retrofittable to existing machine tools, and provide sufficient access to the process chamber.

[0010] These objects are achieved by a machine door having the features of patent claim 1 and a machine having the features of patent claim 11.

[0011] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0012] The machine door according to the invention with the features of patent claim 1 has a door frame with an opening, at least three door segments and at least one actuating means. Here and in the following, a door segment is understood to be an isolated partial section of a door which, together with the at least two further door segments, is configured to completely close the opening in the door frame, which likewise forms the opening of a machine. According to the invention, it is further provided that the actuating means is configured to adjust the at least three door segments from a position in the door frame that exposes the opening to a position outside the door frame that closes the opening. In the position of the at least three door segments that exposes the opening, the at least three door segments completely open the opening in the door frame.To close the opening in the door frame, the at least three door segments are moved towards one another by the actuating means in a plane of the door frame, after which each of the at least three door segments is moved along a path, and the paths meet in the center of the opening or around the center of the opening. The plane is preferably formed parallel to a front side of the door frame. In the position releasing the opening, the at least three door segments are preferably completely received in the door frame, and in the position closing the opening, the at least three door segments are closed in a slat-like manner in the manner of an optical shutter by the actuating means.

[0013] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the fastening means can adjust the at least three door segments synchronously in a plunge movement. The plunge movement can be approximately described as a movement along a curved line, with the curved lines meeting approximately at the center of the door frame opening. Such a movement corresponds to a movement along a spiral around the center of the opening.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least three door segments are arranged within a recess in the door frame in the position that releases the opening. The recess in the door frame is configured such that neither human limbs nor other foreign objects in the recess can collide with the door segments.

[0015] The opening in the door frame is circular. In this preferred embodiment, the opening in the door frame is formed around an axis, with the respective door segments being moved in a spiral motion in the direction of the axis when closing the opening, and vice versa when opening. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least three door segments overlap in the center of the opening, preferably along the axis, in the position closing the opening.

[0016] The at least three door segments are arranged circumferentially symmetrically around the opening. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, more than three door segments, preferably six, nine, twelve, fifteen door segments or more, can be provided. It should be noted here that the number of door segments must be at least three and can otherwise be chosen arbitrarily.

[0017] Each door segment is dagger-shaped. In particular, it is preferred if each door segment resembles the curved shape of a dagger, with the tip of the door segment being rounded and, for example, having the shape of a partial circle or semicircle. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the actuating means comprises a synchronizing means which can be rotated about the opening and by means of which the at least three door segments are connected to one another. The synchronizing means which can be rotated about the opening can, for example, be a synchronizing ring or part of a synchronizing ring and can be coupled to the respective door segment by suitable means in order to move the respective door segment from the position within the door frame in which the opening is exposed to the opening into the position in which the opening is closed.

[0018] The synchronizer or synchronizer ring is preferably held in a form-fitting manner by at least one pivot bearing, whereby the at least one pivot bearing can preferably be arranged on the side facing away from the opening in the door frame. The synchronizer and the at least one pivot bearing can mesh with each other, thereby providing a form-fitting connection in a radial direction as well as a form-fitting connection in the axial directions.

[0019] The pivot bearing can preferably comprise a plain bearing, a ball bearing, and / or a roller bearing. Furthermore, a plurality of pivot bearings can preferably be arranged, in particular circumferentially symmetrically, around the opening in order to support the synchronizing means or the synchronizing ring.

[0020] The respective door segment is preferably pivotally connected to the actuating means, whereby the pivot can be selected, for example, by a shoulder screw and a sliding means arranged between the shoulder screw and the door segment and / or the actuating means. The sliding means can be a plastic sleeve, a metal sleeve, a ball or roller bearing, or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the respective door segment is connected to the door frame in the manner of a coupling of a coupling mechanism. A coupling or coupling link is understood to be a gear element of a coupling mechanism that is not directly connected to the door frame.

[0022] The coupling or coupling element and the associated door segment do not follow a movement around a single pole or axis, but rather around instantaneous poles. The respective door segment can also be connected to the coupling element, whereby the door segment and the coupling element can be connected by a positive, non-positive, and / or material connection.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coupling element can be made of a metallic material, while the respective door segment can be made of a different, preferably high-strength, material. For example, the at least three door segments can be made of a multi-component material or a composite material, such as a carbon fiber composite. Through the targeted selection of the materials used for the at least three door segments, the door segments can be resistant to mechanical influences and, for example, can be bulletproof, in order to meet particularly high security requirements.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the respective door segment is connected to the door frame via a coupling gear member. The coupling gear member is pivotally connected to the door frame at one end and to the respective door segment at the other. The door segment or the coupling member with the door segment is pivotally connected between the coupling gear member and the actuating means, the synchronizing means, or the synchronizing ring. The pivotal connection between the actuating means, the synchronizing means, or the synchronizing ring and the pivotal connection to the coupling gear member are spaced apart from one another.

[0025] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the actuating means has a drive, wherein the at least one drive is preferably a linear drive. In a preferred development, the at least one drive can comprise a pneumatic cylinder, which is characterized by high dynamics. Alternatively, the at least one drive can comprise a rotary drive, which acts in particular by means of a gear. Such a drive can, for example, comprise a single-stage or multi-stage toothed gear, a worm gear, a planetary gear and / or a multi-pole, electric direct drive, also known as a torque drive. Preferably, a plurality of drives can be arranged around the opening, in particular circumferentially symmetrically. The respective drive can be connected to the synchronizing means or synchronizing ring via a lever, wherein the lever is preferably L-shaped in order to actuate a door segment or a door frame at least in sections.encompasses the coupling and / or the coupling gear element, whereby a particularly flat design can be achieved.

[0026] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to provide a sensor system that can detect the opening of the door frame in the unlocked or locked position. For example, it may be advantageous to detect the position of the synchronizing means or synchronizing ring and / or the at least one drive. Furthermore, presence detection can also be provided, which can detect objects or people in a danger zone adjacent to the door frame.

[0027] The machine door can also have an interface that enables communication with the machine. In particular, safety-relevant data can be exchanged, ensuring that the machine door opening cannot be opened during a process or that the process in the machine is interrupted when the opening is released. The interface can also provide appropriate connections for transmitting media, such as compressed air, hydraulic oil, or electrical power, to supply the at least one drive with power from the machine.

[0028] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a machine with a process chamber and with a machine door as described above.

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic and simplified plan view of a machine door according to the invention with a door frame and an opening in the open state, Figure 2 shows a schematic and simplified plan view of the machine door according to Figure 1 , wherein the opening in the door frame is closed by a plurality of door segments together, Figure 3 is a partially sectioned and simplified representation of the machine door according to the Figures 1 and 2 , wherein actuating means are visible by means of which the door segments are movable between a position releasing the opening and a position closing the opening, Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the actuating means according to detail A in Figure 3 , Figure 5 a sectional view according to the section line BB in Figure 4 , Figure 6 a sectional view along the section line CC in Figure 4 , and Figure 7 an enlarged detail view of a pivot bearing according to the detail E in Figure 6 .

[0030] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent parts or components are identified by the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all identical or functionally equivalent parts are provided with a reference number in the individual figures.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a machine door 2, which can be arranged in a wall in the area of ​​an access to a process chamber of a machine 1 (not shown).

[0032] The machine door 2 has a door frame 10 extending around an opening 20. The machine door 2 can be directly connected to the wall of the machine 1 and completely close off access to the process chamber of the machine 1.

[0033] The door frame 10 has a front side 11 and a (shown hidden) rear side 12, wherein the front side 11 is arranged on the side of the machine door 2 facing away from the process chamber and the rear side 12 is arranged on the side of the machine door facing the process chamber.

[0034] The opening 20 connects the front side 11 to the rear side 12 and, as in the illustrated and described embodiment, can be circular around an axis X, wherein the opening 20 has a diameter D. The diameter D is preferably 300 mm < D < 1000 mm.

[0035] In addition, the machine door 2 has a plurality of door segments 30 which are moved by an actuating means 40 from a position in the door frame 10 releasing the opening 20 according to Figure 1 into a position closing the opening 20 from the door frame 10 according to Figure 2can be delivered. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine door 2 has twelve door segments 30, which are structurally identical and arranged circumferentially symmetrically around the axis X.

[0036] The door segments 30 are moved by the actuating means 40 in the position releasing the opening 20 into a Figure 3 shown recess 15 is completely retracted into the door frame 10. To close the opening 20, the door segments 30 are advanced from the recess 15 in the direction of the axis X in a spiral movement until the opening 20 is completely closed. In this position, a free end 38 of each door segment 30 extends beyond the axis X and the free ends 36 of the door segments 30 overlap - as can be seen from Figure 2 can be seen - in the middle of the opening 20.

[0037] The respective door segment 30 can have the shape of a curved dagger and a circular rounded portion at the free end 38. Furthermore, the door segments 30 can be made of any material, for example, a metallic material or a plastic, with multi-component materials or composite materials, in particular carbon fiber composite materials, being preferred.

[0038] With reference to the Figures 3 to 7 It can be seen that the actuating means 40 comprises a synchronizing means 45 and at least one drive 60. The drive 60 is coupled to the door segments 30 by means of the synchronizing means 45.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the synchronizing means 45 is designed as a synchronizing ring 46, which is supported around the opening 20 coaxially to the axis X in the recess 15 of the door frame 10, both axially and radially by a pivot bearing 48. In the described embodiment, the synchronizing means 45 is supported by several pivot bearings 48 distributed around the circumference, which can comprise a roller bearing or a roller ball bearing. In order to mount the synchronizing means 45 with as little play as possible, the pivot bearings 48 can be positioned in the recess 15 or on the door frame 10 by means of an eccentric 49.

[0040] The pivot bearing 48 can be configured to engage around the synchronizer ring 46 on both the side facing the front side 11 and the rear side 12. On the side facing the pivot bearing 48, the synchronizer ring 46 has a shape corresponding to the pivot bearing 48.

[0041] The positively guided movement of the door segments 30 by means of the actuating means 40 can take place in the manner of a coupling gear. For this purpose, the actuating means 40 comprises, in addition to the synchronizing means 45 and the drive 60, a coupling or coupling member 42 and a coupling gear member 44 for each of the door segments 30. The coupling gear member 44 is connected as a "rocker" to the door frame 10 by means of a rotary joint 32 in a radial direction relative to the X axis, and connects the coupling member 42 to the door frame 10. The coupling member 42 is connected at one end (radially inside) to the synchronizing means 45 and at the other end (radially outside) to the door frame 10 via a coupling gear member 44. The respective door segment 30 is attached to the coupling member 42. At this point, it should be noted that the door segment 30 can be formed integrally with the coupling member 42 or can be connected to a coupling member 42.Preferably, the coupling member 42 can be connected to the door segment 30 by means of a material connection and / or a screw connection.

[0042] The respective coupling member 42 is coupled to the synchronizer 45 and the coupling gear member 44 via a pivot joint 32. Furthermore, the respective coupling gear member 44 is connected to the door frame 10 via another pivot joint 32.

[0043] The door segments 30 are designed and arranged in such a way that they overlap with adjacent door segments 30 both in the position releasing the opening 20 and in the position closing the opening 20, see Figures 2 and 3 . In a circumferential direction about the axis X, the door segments 30 can be in frictional contact with the adjacent door segment 30 both on the side facing the front side 11 and on the side facing the rear side 12.

[0044] In the position closing the opening 20, the free ends 38 of the door segments 30 extend beyond the center of the opening 20 into an opposite half of the opening. The overlap can preferably be up to 20% of the radius of the opening 20. Accordingly, a chord length of the respective door segment 30 is greater than the radius of the opening 20.

[0045] As from Figure 3 As can be seen, the machine door 2 can have three drives 60, which are arranged circumferentially symmetrically around the opening 20. The respective drive 60 can comprise a linear drive, in particular a pneumatic actuating cylinder.

[0046] The drive 60 can be arranged in the recess 15 of the door frame 10 and connected to the synchronizing means 45 by means of an L-shaped lever 62. The L-shaped lever 62 extends between two adjacent coupling gear members 44 and coupling members 42 and can encompass them at least in sections. The drive 60 is arranged on the side of the coupling members 42 and coupling gear members 44 facing away from the opening 20, thereby enabling a particularly compact design.

[0047] As stated with reference to the Figures 6 and 7 As can be seen, the swivel joints 32 can comprise a shoulder screw, which is rotatably coupled to the respective component by means of a sleeve as a sliding means 33.

[0048] An advancing movement of the drives 60 leads to a synchronous movement of the door segments 30. The respective door segment 30 can be advanced in a spiral movement around the X-axis, whereby to close the opening 20, the door segments 30 are advanced in the direction of the X-axis in a plane of the door frame 10, facing one another, and to open the opening 20, they are fully inserted into the recess 15. During the advancing movement by the actuating means 40, the respective door segment 30 undergoes a rotational movement around instantaneous poles along the spiral movement.

[0049] The machine door 2 can have a sensor system (not shown) that enables closure detection. The sensor system can detect the position of the door segments 30 and / or the actuating means 40. Furthermore, the sensor system can have a proximity sensor or a presence detector for monitoring the danger zone of the machine door 2.

[0050] Through an interface 50 of the machine door 2, both electrical signals and electrical energy can be exchanged between the machine 1 and the machine door 2, as well as media such as compressed air or hydraulic oil. In particular, the interface enables communication between a machine control system of the machine 1 and the machine door 2. List of reference symbols

[0051] 1 Machine 2 Machine door 10 Door frame 11 Front 12 Rear 15 Recess 20 Opening 30 Door segment 32 Swivel joint 33 Lubricant 34 Sleeve 38 Free end of 30 40 Actuating means 42 Coupling link 44 Coupling gear link 45 Synchronizer means 46 Synchronizer ring 48 Pivot bearing 49 Eccentric 50 Interface 60 Drive 62 Lever Diameter X-axis

Claims

1. Machine door (2) configured for securing an access of a process chamber of a turning, milling or grinding machine or for retrofitting in existing machine tools, comprising - a door frame (10) comprising an opening (20), - at least three door segments (30), and - an actuation means (40), - wherein the actuation means (40) is configured for adjusting the at least three door segments (30) out of a position in the door frame (10) and releasing the opening (20), into a position out of the door frame (20) and closing the opening, characterised in that the opening is circular, the respective door segment is dagger-shaped, the at least three door segments are delivered by the actuation means into the position closing the opening, in a lamellar manner, in the form of an optical shutter, and the at least three door segments are arranged in a peripherally symmetrical manner around the opening.

2. Machine door (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuation means (40) is configured to adjust the at least three door segments (30) synchronously in a plunging movement.

3. Machine door (2) according to claim 2, characterised in that the at least three door segments (30) emerge from a recess (15) in the doorframe (10) into the opening (20) and plunge out of the opening, synchronously in the plunging movement.

4. Machine door (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuation means (40) comprises a synchronous means (45) that is rotatable about the opening.

5. Machine door (2) according to claim 2, characterised in that the synchronous means (45) is held in a form-fitting manner by at least one pivot bearing (48).

6. Machine door (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective door segment (30) is connected to the actuation means (40) in the manner of a rotary joint.

7. Machine door (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective door segment (30) is connected to the doorframe (10) in a coupling-like manner.

8. Machine door (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective door segment (30) is connected to the doorframe (10) via a mechanical linkage member (44).

9. Machine door (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuation means (40) comprises a drive (60), in particular a linear drive.

10. Machine door (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sensor means is provided, in particular a sensor means for identifying the position releasing the opening (20) and / or the position closing the opening (20), of the at least three door segments (30).

11. Machine (1) comprising a process space and a machine door according to any of claims 1 to 10 that closes the process space.