Device for grinding a workpiece and / or dressing a tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool, the device comprising: a housing; a drive shaft which is rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the housing and which is designed to drive a machining means that is connectable to the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft comprises a connecting portion for connection to the machining means, and a pressure chamber to which hydraulic pressure can be applied is arranged in the connecting portion, which pressure chamber is delimited at least in portions by a resilient side wall, wherein the resilient side wall, for producing a force fit between the drive shaft and the machining means, is designed to deform when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure chamber.

Description

[0001] Device for grinding a workpiece and / or dressing a tool

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a device for grinding a workpiece and / or dressing a tool. Preferably, the invention relates to a gear grinding machine designed to grind a gear blank. Alternatively or additionally, the invention may relate to a dressing machine designed to dress a tool, for example, a grinding wheel. The device comprises a housing and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is designed to drive a cutting means that can be non-positively connected to the drive shaft.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Devices are known from the prior art that have a drive shaft rotatable about a rotational axis. The known drive shafts can impart a cutting tool connected to the respective drive shaft with a rotary motion such that a workpiece and / or a tool can be machined, in particular ground, using the rotating cutting tool. If the cutting tool is an abrasive, for example, the abrasive can be used to grind a gear blank. If the cutting tool is designed as a dressing tool, the dressing tool can be used to dress an abrasive, for example, a grinding wheel.

[0006] It is known from the prior art to screw the cutting means to the drive shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the known drive shafts can have a connecting section through which the cutting means can be frictionally connected to the drive shaft. The connecting section can be designed as a hollow shaft taper, steep taper, or polygonal shaft taper. Such shapes increase the frictional connection between the drive shaft and the cutting means when the cutting means is connected to the drive shaft.

[0007] State-of-the-art drive shafts are regularly loaded or inserted manually, i.e., by a user, with a cutting tool. The same also regularly applies to the unloading or removal of the cutting tool from the drive shaft.

[0008] Automating these processes is very complex with conventional drive shafts. Partial automation of the loading and unloading process is generally possible, with the machining tool being screwed and / or clamped to the drive shaft by a user after the machining tool has been mechanically positioned on the drive shaft. The screwing and / or clamping of the machining tool by a user is necessary because the final step of connecting the machining tool to the drive shaft requires a high degree of precision with regard to the alignment between the machining tool and the drive shaft. Automating this sub-step also requires considerable effort.

[0009] To fully automate the loading and / or unloading process, drive shafts with a hollow taper, steep taper, or polygonal taper are used almost exclusively in the prior art. With this type of drive shaft, the cutting tools are regularly clamped to the drive shaft using a clamping system. However, these clamping systems have the disadvantage that they are very expensive to purchase and require a lot of space on the drive shaft. Furthermore, the clamping system can cause undesirable imbalances when the drive shaft rotates. Since the clamping systems must be arranged centrally within the drive shaft, it is also structurally impossible to perform center balancing with an axially central balancing head. Accordingly, imbalances must be accepted in the prior art, which negatively impact the durability of the device. Description of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool that overcomes the aforementioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be loaded and unloaded completely automatically, i.e., without intermediate user interaction with a cutting tool, and that exhibits as little imbalance as possible during operation.

[0011] This object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and / or are explained in the following description.

[0012] The device according to the invention is suitable for grinding a workpiece. The device can be, for example, a gear grinding machine suitable for grinding a gear blank. The device can also be designed as a grinding head of a grinding device with means for loading and unloading the grinding device. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be suitable for dressing a tool. The device can be, for example, a dressing machine suitable for dressing a grinding wheel.

[0013] According to the invention, the device comprises a housing and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotational axis. Furthermore, the drive shaft is designed to drive a cutting means connectable to the drive shaft. When the cutting means is driven by the drive shaft, the cutting means preferably rotates about the rotational axis. The drive shaft can, in particular, be designed as a spindle shaft.

[0014] The cutting means connectable to the drive shaft can be formed as a single piece or in multiple pieces. For example, the cutting means can be a grinding wheel, in particular a grinding wheel with a steel base body, which can be connected directly to the drive shaft. Alternatively, the cutting means can comprise a grinding wheel and a grinding wheel flange, with the grinding wheel flange preferably being formed by a steel base body. In such embodiments, the grinding wheel can be connected to the drive shaft via the grinding wheel flange.

[0015] Analogously, the cutting means can be a dressing means, in particular a dressing wheel, which can be connected directly to the drive shaft. Alternatively, the dressing means can comprise a dressing section and a dressing means flange. In such embodiments, the dressing means can be connected to the drive shaft via the dressing means flange. The dressing section can be designed to dress a tool.

[0016] The drive shaft comprises a connecting section. The drive shaft can be connected to the cutting means via the connecting section. At least one pressure chamber, which can be pressurized with hydraulic pressure, is arranged in the connecting section. The pressure chamber is preferably pressurized with hydraulic pressure by means of a pressurized hydraulic fluid.

[0017] The pressure chamber is bounded at least in sections by an elastic side wall. The elastic side wall is preferably provided within the connecting section such that the elastic side wall is arranged between the pressure chamber and the cutting means when the drive shaft is connected to the cutting means.

[0018] The elastic side wall is designed to deform. The elastic side wall deforms, in particular, when the pressure chamber is subjected to hydraulic pressure. This causes the deformation of the side wall to create a frictional connection between the drive shaft and the cutting tool, in particular between the drive shaft and a grinding wheel flange of the cutting tool.

[0019] The device according to the invention has the advantage that the pressure chamber and the elastic side wall require very little installation space within the drive shaft compared to a clamping device known from the prior art. A further advantage is that the cutting tool can be reliably clamped to the drive shaft without any additional imbalances being expected. Last but not least, loading and unloading the device with a cutting tool is also considerably simplified. The cutting tool only needs to be arranged on the connecting section of the drive shaft. When the pressure chamber is then subjected to hydraulic pressure, the drive shaft and the cutting tool are already clamped in such a way that the cutting tool can be driven by the drive shaft to grind the workpiece.

[0020] In an exemplary development of the device according to the invention, the elastic side wall delimits the pressure chamber at least in sections radially. This means that the elastic side wall is preferably arranged radially between the pressure chamber and the cutting means with respect to the axis of rotation when the drive shaft is connected to the cutting means. The side wall can be designed to clamp the drive shaft to the cutting means, in particular to clamp it in the radial direction to the cutting means when the pressure chamber is subjected to hydraulic pressure. For example, the side wall deforms in the radial direction when the pressure chamber is subjected to hydraulic pressure. The elastic side wall is preferably sleeve-shaped, in particular hollow-cylindrical. Alternatively or additionally, the elastic side wall can be designed in several parts.For example, several elastic side walls can be arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the drive shaft.

[0021] A further development in which the elastic side wall radially defines the pressure chamber, at least in sections, advantageously allows for a radial frictional connection to be established between the drive shaft and the cutting means. This has the advantage that, if the pressure chamber and the elastic side wall extend over the entire circumference of the drive shaft, a very large-area and thus very stable frictional connection can be achieved between the drive shaft and the cutting means.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic side wall defines the pressure chamber radially outwardly, at least in sections, relative to the rotational axis. Advantageously, the elastic side wall is then designed to deform radially outward. The elastic side wall can deform radially outward, in particular, when the pressure chamber is subjected to hydraulic pressure. For example, the elastic side wall can deform radially outward to establish a frictional connection between the drive shaft and the cutting means.

[0023] The exemplary embodiment in which the elastic side wall delimits the pressure chamber radially outwardly with respect to the axis of rotation at least in sections is particularly advantageous if the cutting means encloses the drive shaft at least in sections.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment to the aforementioned embodiment, the elastic side wall delimits the pressure chamber at least partially radially inward with respect to the rotational axis. Advantageously, the elastic side wall is then designed to deform radially inward. The elastic side wall can deform radially inward, in particular, when the pressure chamber is subjected to hydraulic pressure. For example, the elastic side wall can deform radially inward to establish a frictional connection between the drive shaft and the cutting means.

[0025] The exemplary embodiment in which the elastic side wall delimits the pressure chamber at least partially radially inward with respect to the axis of rotation is particularly advantageous if the drive shaft encloses the cutting means at least partially.

[0026] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the connecting section can have a plurality of pressure chambers. Preferably, each of the plurality of pressure chambers is delimited at least in sections by the elastic side wall. In other words, an elastic side wall can delimit a plurality of pressure chambers at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, a side wall can delimit a pressure chamber at least in sections.

[0027] Multiple pressure chambers offer the advantage of better regulating the frictional connection generated by the deformation of the elastic sidewall. Furthermore, multiple pressure chambers have the advantage of significantly reducing the potential for imbalance, especially since the hydraulic fluid can be distributed across multiple pressure chambers.

[0028] In a further exemplary embodiment, the device, in particular the drive shaft of the device, can have a plurality of connecting sections. For example, the drive shaft can have a first connecting section and a second connecting section that is different from the first connecting section. The second connecting section can be arranged directly or indirectly adjacent to the first connecting section in the axial direction.

[0029] The first connecting section preferably comprises a first elastic side wall. The second connecting section may comprise a second elastic side wall different from the first elastic side wall. The first elastic side wall preferably has a first radial distance from the axis of rotation. The first radial distance may be greater or smaller than a second radial distance between the second elastic side wall and the axis of rotation. The drive shaft may have a first diameter in the first connecting section and a second diameter in the second connecting section. The first diameter is preferably greater or smaller than the second diameter.

[0030] The different connecting sections have the advantage that different cutting tools, especially cutting tools with different inner diameters, can be clamped to one and the same drive shaft. This can significantly increase the application flexibility of the device and / or reduce the required axial width of the connecting sections.

[0031] The device, in particular the drive shaft, can have a hydraulic fluid channel. The hydraulic fluid channel is preferably designed to supply the pressure chamber with hydraulic fluid. This means that the hydraulic fluid can flow through the hydraulic fluid channel to reach the pressure chambers. Alternatively or additionally, a pressure increase in the hydraulic fluid already contained in the hydraulic fluid channel can be transmitted to the pressure chambers via the hydraulic fluid channel. The hydraulic fluid channel can extend, in particular, through the drive shaft. For example, the hydraulic fluid channel extends at least partially through the drive shaft parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0032] A hydraulic fluid channel has the advantage that the supply of hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber can be ensured particularly reliably and cost-effectively in production.

[0033] The device can also include a pressure booster. The pressure booster can, for example, be designed to increase or raise a first fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid to a second fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid. A pressure booster can advantageously ensure that the pressure chambers can be subjected to a higher fluid pressure than would be the case with the predetermined input pressure. This has the advantage that the frictional connection between the drive shaft and the cutting means can be further improved.

[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a pneumatic position detection device. The pneumatic position detection device is designed to pneumatically detect the position of the cutting means connected to the drive shaft by supplying compressed air to detect the position of the cutting means connected to the drive shaft on the connecting section. The pneumatic position detection device can be arranged within the drive shaft and / or be an integral part of the drive shaft.

[0035] The pneumatic position detection device can have at least two, preferably more than two, and particularly preferably three, compressed air openings. The compressed air openings are designed so that compressed air can flow out of the pneumatic position detection device via the compressed air openings. If the cutting tool connected to the drive shaft is, for example, correctly positioned on the connecting section, the compressed air openings are closed by the cutting tool, in particular by the grinding wheel flange of the cutting tool. The resulting back pressure can be detected by the pneumatic position detection device. The pneumatic position detection device can thus detect a cutting tool that is correctly positioned on the connecting section.If the cutting tool connected to the drive shaft is incorrectly or incorrectly positioned on the connecting section, compressed air can escape through at least one of the compressed air openings. This escape can also be detected by the pneumatic position detection device. The pneumatic position detection device can thus detect a cutting tool that is incorrectly or incorrectly positioned on the connecting section.

[0036] The pneumatic position detection device has the advantage that the correct position of the cutting tool on the connecting section can be determined particularly reliably.

[0037] The device, in particular the drive shaft, can have a pneumatic channel. The pneumatic channel is preferably designed to supply the pneumatic position detection device with compressed air. This means that the compressed air can flow through the pneumatic channel to reach the pneumatic position detection device. The pneumatic channel can, in particular, extend through the drive shaft. For example, the pneumatic channel extends at least partially through the drive shaft, parallel to the rotational axis.

[0038] A pneumatic channel has the advantage that the supply of compressed air to the pneumatic position detection device can be ensured in the best possible way.

[0039] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the device comprises a blow-off device. The blow-off device is preferably designed to remove contaminants on the connecting section. The drain device can remove the contaminants on the connecting section, for example, by blowing compressed air onto the connecting section. The blow-off device can form a functional unit together with the pneumatic position detection device. Alternatively or additionally, the blow-off device can be a device of the device that is independent of the pneumatic position detection device. The blow-off device can be arranged within the drive shaft and / or be an integral part of the drive shaft. The blow-off device can have at least one, preferably a plurality of compressed air openings. At the compressed air opening orThe compressed air openings of the blow-off device can be one or more compressed air openings of the pneumatic position detection device. Compressed air can flow out of the blow-off device in an axial direction through the compressed air openings and then flow in an axial direction over the connecting section. This flow of compressed air over the connecting section allows contaminants on the connecting section to be removed, in particular, blown off, from the connecting section.

[0040] The blow-off device can be and / or is supplied with compressed air via the aforementioned pneumatic channel. Alternatively or additionally, the blow-off device can be supplied with compressed air via a pneumatic channel different from the aforementioned pneumatic channel. The pneumatic channel different from the aforementioned pneumatic channel can extend at least partially through the drive shaft parallel to the rotational axis.

[0041] The blow-off device advantageously ensures that the connecting section can be freed of contaminants before loading the cutting tool and / or after removal of the cutting tool. If this contaminant remains between the elastic side wall and the cutting tool when a frictional connection is established between the drive shaft and the cutting tool, there is a risk of damage to the connecting section and / or the cutting tool. Accordingly, the blow-off device increases the service life of the connecting section and the cutting tool.

[0042] In a further exemplary embodiment, the device has a connection device. The connection device can be designed to be rotationally fixed, preferably immovable, with respect to the housing. The connection device can have a hydraulic connection via which the device is supplied with hydraulic fluid, preferably with pressurized hydraulic fluid. The connection device can additionally or alternatively have a pneumatic connection. The device can be supplied with compressed air via the pneumatic connection. Preferably, the connection device is designed as a rotary inlet. This means that the connection device can have a static part, preferably an outer static part, and a part that can rotate with the drive shaft, preferably an inner part that can rotate with the drive shaft.

[0043] A connection device has the advantage that the device can be connected very easily and reliably to a hydraulic circuit and / or a compressed air circuit, in particular for supplying the pressure chamber, the pneumatic position detection device and / or the blow-off device.

[0044] Advantageously, the connection device is designed to introduce the hydraulic fluid, in particular the pressurized hydraulic fluid, into the hydraulic fluid channel described above. Alternatively or additionally, the connection device can be designed to introduce the compressed air into the pneumatic channel described above.

[0045] The connecting device can be arranged at an end of the drive shaft axially opposite the connecting section. This has the advantage that the accessibility of the connecting section is not compromised by the connecting device. Accordingly, the connecting section is very easily accessible, especially for a changeover process in which the cutting tool is changed. Furthermore, the risk of potential damage to the connecting device during the changeover process is significantly reduced.

[0046] In a further exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft can have a polygonal cross-sectional area in the connecting section. The drive shaft can, in particular, have a regularly polygonal cross-sectional area, optionally with rounded corner regions.

[0047] The polygonal cross-sectional area in the connecting section has the advantage that the cutting means can be secured against rotation in addition to the frictional connection between the drive means and the cutting means. The cutting means can be secured against rotation in particular by a positive connection with the polygonal cross-sectional area. In a further exemplary embodiment, the device can have a sensor device. The sensor device is preferably designed to detect the cutting means. For example, the presence of the cutting means on the drive shaft can be determined via the sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device can be used to determine whether the cutting means is correctly positioned on the connecting section and / or whether the cutting means slips off the rotating drive shaft during operation of the device.The sensor device can also be designed to detect the axial position of the cutting means with respect to the housing.

[0048] The sensor device can be configured to generate sensor signals. The sensor signals can serve as an indicator for a control and / or regulating device of the device as to whether the pressure chambers can be pressurized with hydraulic pressure and / or a starting process, i.e., driving the drive shaft, can begin. Alternatively or additionally, an emergency shutdown of the device can be initiated based on the sensor signals, for example, if the sensor signals change.

[0049] The sensor device may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be, for example, a capacitive sensor, an RFID sensor, and / or a magnetic field sensor.

[0050] The sensor device has the advantage that, in addition to or as an alternative to the pneumatic position detection device, the position and / or presence of a cutting tool can be monitored. This significantly increases the operational reliability of the device. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the device comprises both a sensor device and a pneumatic position detection device. This allows at least the presence of a cutting tool to be detected in two different ways, particularly redundantly.

[0051] In an advantageous development, the device can have a housing cover. The housing cover can be arranged, in particular, axially adjacent to the connecting section of the drive shaft. Independently of this, the housing cover can be pivotally mounted on the housing, in particular pivotally attached to the housing. In a closed state, in particular in a closed position, the housing cover can close an opening in the housing, at least in part. In an open state, in particular in a release position, the housing cover can release the opening.

[0052] When the housing cover is open, the cutting agent can be introduced into the device through the opening.

[0053] When closed, the housing cover is designed to axially secure the cutting tool, particularly against axial displacement. This is advantageous, for example, when there is no frictional connection between the drive shaft and the cutting tool, i.e., when the pressure chamber is not pressurized with hydraulic pressure, but the cutting tool is located at the connecting section. The housing cover can then prevent damage to the device, for example, caused by a cutting tool slipping axially off the drive shaft. This has the advantage that the device can be operated particularly safely and is extremely durable.

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

[0055] The monitoring unit advantageously ensures that the drive shaft is only driven once the monitoring unit has detected that the housing cover is closed. This has the advantage of increasing the operational reliability of the device for the user.

[0056] In an exemplary development of the housing cover, a receiving and transmitting unit can be provided on the housing cover. The receiving and transmitting unit can be arranged, in particular, on a side of the housing cover facing the connecting section of the drive shaft. Advantageously, the receiving and transmitting unit is designed to communicate with a balancing head in or on the drive shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving and transmitting unit can be designed to detect imbalances on the rotating drive shaft, in particular to detect them without contact.

[0057] The receiving and transmitting unit has the advantage of further increasing the degree of automation of the device. Furthermore, with such an embodiment, the cutting tool does not need to have its own receiving and transmitting unit. Using the receiving and transmitting unit, the device's control and regulation loops can be implemented without user interaction.

[0058] In another exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a securing device. The securing device is preferably designed to secure the cutting means against axial movement. This may be necessary in particular when the cutting means is connected to the connecting section of the drive shaft, but the pressure chamber is not yet pressurized with hydraulic pressure.

[0059] The securing device can comprise a locking latch. The locking latch is preferably radially displaceable relative to the rotational axis. The locking latch is preferably arranged axially next to the cutting means. If the securing device secures the cutting means, for example, against axial movement, the locking latch can be radially displaced such that the locking latch prevents axial movement of the cutting means. If axial movement of the cutting means is desired, for example during loading and / or unloading, the locking latch can be radially displaced such that axial movement of the cutting means is possible.

[0060] The securing device advantageously secures the cutting tool against unintentional slipping off the drive shaft. This has the advantage of further increasing the operational reliability of the device and effectively preventing damage, for example, caused by a cutting tool slipping off the drive shaft. In an exemplary development of the aforementioned embodiment, the securing device comprises a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder is designed to be supplied with compressed air, in particular with control compressed air. The securing latch is preferably arranged in the pneumatic cylinder so that it can be displaced at least in sections.

[0061] The safety device can also have a return element, for example a spring. The return element can be arranged at least partially in the pneumatic cylinder. If the pneumatic cylinder is pressurized, i.e. in particular if it is pressurized with compressed air, the safety device can be activated. For example, the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder can act on the safety latch in such a way that a return force of the return element counteracting the pressure is overcome and the safety latch is moved against the return force of the return element. If the pneumatic cylinder is not pressurized with compressed air, the safety device can be deactivated. The return force of the return element then preferably causes the safety latch to be moved in the direction of the return force.

[0062] The exemplary further development of the safety device with a pneumatic cylinder and a return element has the advantage that the safety device is very cost-effective and easy to manufacture without compromising the reliability of the safety device.

[0063] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the device comprises a balancing head. The balancing head is preferably arranged at an axial end of the drive shaft. Advantageously, the balancing head is arranged axially centrally, namely on the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The balancing head can be arranged radially between two pressure chambers.

[0064] An axially central arrangement of the balancing head has the advantage that the drive shaft can be balanced by center balancing. This advantageously enables extremely effective and simultaneously space-saving balancing of the drive shaft. The balancing head preferably comprises one or more adjustable balancing masses. The balancing masses are advantageously electromagnetically adjustable. The drive shaft can be balanced by adjustment, in particular by repositioning the balancing masses. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, after a changeover, a different cutting tool is connected to the drive shaft than the previous one.

[0065] The balancing head preferably has a communication means. The communication means can, in particular, be designed to receive information for adjusting the balancing masses. Alternatively or additionally, the communication means can be designed to transmit information about detected imbalances during the rotational movement of the drive shaft. The communication means can, for example, be connected to the receiving and transmitting unit of the housing cover in an information-communicating manner. Preferably, the power supply of the communication means and / or the communication with the receiving and transmitting unit of the housing cover is contactless, in particular wireless. Independently of the above, the communication means can be suitable for detecting imbalances.

[0066] A balancing head with a communication device has the advantage of further increasing the degree of automation of the device.

[0067] In a further exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a drive device. The drive device is preferably designed to drive the drive shaft, i.e., to set the drive shaft in a rotary motion about the rotational axis. The drive device can have a stator and a rotor. The rotor is advantageously connected to the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and can be driven by the stator. The stator can be designed to generate an alternating magnetic field, wherein the rotor is driven by the alternating magnetic field. The stator is preferably designed to be fixed to the housing.

[0068] In a further exemplary embodiment, the device can comprise a carrier. The carrier is preferably designed to transport one or more cutting means. By means of the carrier, a cutting means can be arranged on the drive shaft, in particular on the connecting section. Alternatively or additionally, a cutting means can be removed from the drive shaft, in particular from the connecting section, by means of the carrier. The carrier is preferably designed to transport a cutting means axially toward the drive shaft and / or axially away from the drive shaft.

[0069] A device with a carrier has the advantage that the drive shaft can be loaded and unloaded fully automatically using a cutting tool.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the device with a carrier, the carrier is connected to an automatically operable handling unit, in particular arranged on an automatically operable handling unit. The handling unit can be configured to move multiple carriers automatically and / or independently of one another, in particular to move multiple carriers simultaneously.

[0071] The handling unit advantageously enables an automated changeover process. This has the advantage of further increasing the level of automation of the device.

[0072] The carrier may have one or more grippers. The gripper is preferably designed to grip a cutting tool. For example, if the gripper has gripped a cutting tool, the carrier can transport the cutting tool. The gripper is preferably designed such that the gripper engages with an annular groove of the cutting tool, in particular an annular groove on the

[0073] Grinding wheel flange of the cutting means. If the carrier has multiple grippers, the grippers can be distributed circumferentially on the carrier, in particular evenly distributed on the carrier.

[0074] A carrier with one or more grippers has the advantage that the cutting agent can be transported particularly reliably by the carrier and / or can be positioned particularly precisely by the carrier on the connecting section.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the carrier can be shovel-shaped or fork-shaped. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier can be designed to pass underneath the cutting tool, for example, when the cutting tool is positioned at the connecting section. With such a development, the carrier can be manufactured very cost-effectively.

[0076] In another alternative embodiment, the support can be designed as a sliding cylinder. A cutting tool can then slide back and forth axially on the sliding cylinder. With such a development, the support is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and very easy to use.

[0077] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved according to the invention with a method according to claim 21. Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are the subject of dependent claim 22 and / or are explained in the following description.

[0078] The method according to the invention is a method for equipping or loading a device with a cutting tool. The device is a device according to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0079] In the method, a cutting tool is provided in a first step. This provision can be effected by means of a carrier. During provision, the cutting tool is transported at least adjacent to the housing of the device. The cutting tool can be provided, in particular, by means of the carrier.

[0080] In a further process step, the cutting tool is positioned on the drive shaft, particularly on the connecting section of the drive shaft. Positioning can be achieved, for example, by the carrier.

[0081] The pressure chamber of the device is then pressurized with hydraulic pressure. Applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber connects the drive shaft to the cutting tool in a force-locking manner.

[0082] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the device can be loaded with a cutting tool particularly easily, and in particular without any intermediate interaction with a user, i.e., completely automatically. In an advantageous development of the method, a housing cover is opened before the cutting tool is positioned on the drive shaft, in particular on the connecting section. Opening the housing cover, in particular, exposes an opening in the housing through which the cutting tool can be introduced into the device. The position of the housing cover is preferably monitored by a monitoring unit.

[0083] By means of the monitoring unit, the loading process can advantageously be carried out completely automatically.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment, the housing cover is closed after the cutting tool has been positioned on the drive shaft, particularly at the connecting section. Alternatively or additionally, the housing cover can be closed before the pressure chamber is pressurized with hydraulic pressure.

[0085] This has the advantage that the housing cover acts as a safety device to prevent the cutting tool from slipping off the drive shaft. This type of safety device is particularly advantageous when the pressure chamber is not, or not yet sufficiently, pressurized with hydraulic pressure. When the pressure chamber is pressurized with hydraulic pressure and the drive shaft is rotating, for example, the closed housing cover has the advantage that the rotation of the drive shaft can be monitored by a transmitter and receiver unit on the housing cover.

[0086] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, before the pressure chamber is subjected to hydraulic pressure, the presence of the cutting means at the connecting section can be determined and / or checked. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the cutting means at the connecting section can be determined and / or checked. Preferably, the presence and / or position of the cutting means is determined and / or checked using a pneumatic position detection device. Independently thereof, the presence and / or position of the cutting means can be determined and / or checked using a sensor device. Particularly preferably, the presence and / or position of the cutting means is determined and / or checked redundantly using a pneumatic position detection device and a sensor device.

[0087] This has the advantage that the pressure chamber is only pressurized with hydraulic pressure once it has been determined that the cutting tool is correctly positioned relative to the connecting section. This prevents unnecessary defects and increases the durability of the device, especially the pressure chambers. Furthermore, it increases personnel safety, especially since a possible bursting of the pressure chamber can be particularly effectively prevented.

[0088] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved according to the invention with a method according to claim 23. Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are the subject of dependent claim 24 and / or are explained in the following description.

[0089] The method according to the invention is a method for removing a cutting agent from a device. The device is a device according to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0090] In the process, the pressure chamber is relieved in a first step in order to release the force-locking connection between the cutting means and the drive shaft.

[0091] The cutting agent is then removed from the joint section. This removal can be achieved, for example, using a carrier.

[0092] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the cutting means can be removed from the device particularly easily, without any intermediate interaction with a user, i.e. completely automatically or at least partially automatically.

[0093] In an exemplary development of the aforementioned method, a housing cover is opened before the removal of the cutting means from the connecting section of the drive shaft. Opening the housing cover exposes an opening in the housing. The carrier, for example, can be inserted into the housing through the opening. The carrier can be inserted axially into the housing, in particular with respect to the axis of rotation. It is preferably designed to remove the cutting means from the drive shaft, in particular from the connecting section, and / or to remove it axially from the housing of the device via the opening. This means that the cutting means can be removed from the device via the opening.

[0094] The housing cover can be opened before the pressure chamber is relieved. The carrier is then preferably inserted into the housing of the device before the pressure chamber is relieved. In this case, the cutting tool is advantageously secured by the carrier against slipping, particularly axial slipping, from the drive shaft when the pressure chamber is relieved.

[0095] Alternatively, the housing cover can be opened after the pressure chamber has been relieved. This has the advantage that the housing cover secures the cutting medium against slipping, particularly axial slipping, from the drive shaft when the pressure chamber is relieved.

[0096] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method for removing the cutting agent, the cutting agent can be secured by a securing device before the pressure chamber is relieved. The securing device can, in particular, prevent axial slippage from the drive shaft when the pressure chamber is relieved. Alternatively or additionally, the securing device can prevent axial slippage of the cutting agent before the cutting agent is removed from the connecting section of the drive shaft by the carrier.

[0097] Securing with the safety device has the advantage of effectively preventing potential damage caused by a cutting tool slipping off the drive shaft. This can be particularly advantageous during the pressure release process. The safety device increases the operational reliability and durability of the device.

[0098] The aforementioned object is also achieved according to the invention with a changing method for changing the cutting tool according to claim 25. The changing method according to the invention relates to a changing process on a device in which a cutting tool is replaced. The device is a device according to the aforementioned embodiments. The changing method comprises at least the above-described method for equipping the device with a cutting tool and the method for removing the cutting tool from the device. These two methods are carried out according to the invention with a first cutting tool.

[0099] Thereafter, at least the method for equipping the device with a second cutting means different from the first cutting means is carried out.

[0100] In this method according to the invention, the switching process can advantageously be carried out completely automatically, i.e. without any user interaction, or at least partially automatically.

[0101] Short description of the drawings

[0102] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, provided this is technically reasonable and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. They show:

[0103] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a

[0104] Device for grinding a workpiece and / or dressing a tool,

[0105] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the first embodiment,

[0106] Fig. 3 shows a partial section of the sectional view according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool,

[0107] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the second embodiment,

[0108] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a

[0109] Device for grinding a workpiece and / or dressing a tool,

[0110] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a

[0111] Device for grinding a workpiece and / or dressing a tool,

[0112] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment, and

[0113] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a device for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool.

[0114] Ways to implement the invention

[0115] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device 1 in a perspective view.

[0116] The device 1 comprises a housing 2 with a housing cover 3. The housing cover 3 is pivotable relative to the rest of the housing 2 between a closed position and a release position. In Fig. 1, the housing cover 3 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the housing cover 3 closes an opening 4 of the housing 2. When the housing cover 3 pivots and / or is pivoted from the closed position to the release position, the housing cover 3 releases the opening 4.

[0117] A cutting means 30 can be introduced into the device 1 and / or removed from the device 1 via the opening 4. In the illustration shown in Fig. 1, the cutting means 30 is introduced into the device 1. The cutting means 30 comprises a grinding wheel and a grinding wheel flange 31 with an annular groove 32, the functions of which are described in more detail below.

[0118] The cutting means 30 is connected to the device 1 via a drive shaft 5 of the device 1. The drive shaft 5 is rotatable relative to the housing 2 about a rotation axis D (see Fig. 2). The drive shaft 5 is designed to drive the cutting means 30.

[0119] A balancing head 19 is arranged at the axial end of the drive shaft 5, visible in Fig. 1. The balancing head 19 comprises a communication means 27 designed to send and / or receive information. The information can be used, in particular, to adjust the balancing masses arranged in the balancing head 19.

[0120] The housing cover 3 comprises a receiving and transmitting unit 26, which is arranged axially opposite the communication means 27 of the balancing head 19 when the housing cover 3 is in the closed position. The receiving and transmitting unit 26 is designed to exchange information with the communication means 27 and / or to detect imbalances during rotation of the drive shaft 5.

[0121] Fig. 1 also shows a connection device 13 of the device 1. The connection device 13 is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 2. In other words, the connection device 13 does not rotate with the drive shaft 5 when the drive shaft 5 drives the cutting means 30. The connection device 13 is designed to supply the device 1 with a pressurized hydraulic fluid. For this purpose, the connection device 13 has a hydraulic connection 14. Pressurized hydraulic fluid can flow into the connection device 13 via the hydraulic connection 14. Independently of this, the connection device 13 is designed to supply the device 1 with compressed air. For this purpose, the connection device 13 has a pneumatic connection 15. Compressed air can flow into the connection device 13 via the pneumatic connection 15.

[0122] Fig. 2 shows the first embodiment of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a sectional view. The section chosen for the illustration runs along the axis of rotation D. The housing cover 3 can be pivoted about a pivot axis not shown in Fig. 2 in order to pivot or be pivoted from the closed position to the release position and / or from the release position to the closed position. The pivot axis is arranged orthogonal to the axis of rotation D and orthogonal to the image plane of Fig. 2. For a better understanding of the pivot axis of the housing cover 3, reference is also made to the illustrations in Figs. 4 to 8.

[0123] The connection device 13 arranged on the right in Fig. 2 is designed at its axial end facing the drive shaft 5 such that the pressurized hydraulic fluid can flow into a hydraulic fluid channel 11 of the drive shaft 5. The hydraulic fluid channel 11 extends at least partially parallel to the rotational axis D through the drive shaft 5.

[0124] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the device 1 also comprises a pressure intensifier 33. The pressure intensifier 33 is designed to increase and / or reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid channel 11.

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

[0126] The drive shaft 5 is driven by a drive device 20. The drive device 20 comprises a stator 21 that is immovable with respect to the housing 2. The stator 21 is designed to drive a rotor 22 that is connected at least rotationally fixedly to the drive shaft 5. The stator 21 preferably generates an alternating magnetic field, which causes the rotor 22 to rotate about the rotational axis D. Due to the connection between the rotor 22 and the drive shaft 5, the drive shaft 5 is inevitably driven along with the rotor 22.

[0127] In the first embodiment of the device 1, the drive shaft 5 comprises a first connecting section 6 and a second connecting section 7. In alternative embodiments, however, the drive shaft 5 can also have only one connecting section. The drive shaft 5 is connected via the connecting sections 6, 7 to the cutting means 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31 of the cutting means 30. Regarding the structural and geometric details of the connecting sections 6, 7, reference is made to the explanations below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0128] In each of the connecting sections 6, 7, the drive shaft 5 has two pressure chambers 8. The pressure chambers 8 are designed to be pressurized with hydraulic pressure. For this purpose, the pressure chambers 8 are fluidly connected to the hydraulic fluid channel 11. In other words, the pressure chambers 8 are supplied with hydraulic fluid via the hydraulic fluid channel 11. The pressure chambers 8 are advantageously always pressurized with hydraulic pressure simultaneously and with the same intensity.

[0129] The pressure chambers 8 of the first connecting section 6 are delimited at least in sections by a first elastic side wall 9. The pressure chambers 8 of the second connecting section 7 are delimited at least in sections by a second elastic side wall 10.

[0130] The elastic side walls 9, 10 are designed to deform in the radial direction. This has the effect that when the pressure chambers 8 are subjected to hydraulic pressure, the elastic side walls 9, 10 deform radially outward. This deformation of the elastic side walls 9, 10 in the radial direction has the consequence that when a cutting means 30 is arranged on the connecting sections 6, 7 of the drive shaft 5 and the pressure chambers 8 are subjected to hydraulic pressure, the elastic side walls 9, 10 are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the grinding wheel flange 31 of the cutting means 30. This clamps the drive shaft 5 to the cutting means 30. The elastic side walls 9, 10 are non-positively connected to the grinding wheel flange 32 of the cutting means 30 by the hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber 8.

[0131] For the sake of durability, it is advantageous that the pressure chambers 8 are only pressurized with hydraulic pressure when a cutting means 30 is correctly positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7. Otherwise, there is a risk that the elastic side walls 9, 10 will deform uncontrollably and thus damage the drive shaft 5. To ensure that a cutting means 30 is positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7 and to ensure that the cutting means 30 is also correctly positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7, the device 1 comprises a pneumatic position detection device 28 and a sensor device 16. In principle, it is sufficient if the device has either a pneumatic position detection device 28 or a sensor device 16. However, the redundancy significantly reduces the probability of incorrect detection.

[0132] The sensor device 16 comprises a sensor element 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor element 17 is a capacitive sensor element 17, which is designed as a proximity sensor. The capacitive sensor element 17 can detect the approach of the cutting means 30, in particular the approach of the grinding wheel flange 31 of the cutting means 30. The capacitive sensor element 17 is adjusted such that the approach is only detected when the cutting means 30 is correctly positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7 of the drive shaft 5.

[0133] The pneumatic position detection device 28 is designed to detect the position of the cutting means 30 connected to the drive shaft 5, in particular by supplying compressed air. For this purpose, the pneumatic position detection device 28 has three compressed air openings 29. The compressed air openings 29 are regularly distributed at a distance of 120° around the circumference of the drive shaft 5 and are designed such that compressed air can flow out of the compressed air openings 29 in the axial direction. One of the three compressed air openings 29 is shown in Fig. 2.

[0134] The compressed air supply of the pneumatic position detection device 28 is effected via the pneumatic channel 12. The compressed air openings 29 are arranged on the drive shaft 5 in such a way that when a cutting means 30, in particular the

[0135] When the grinding wheel flange 31 of the cutting means 30 is correctly positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7, the compressed air openings 29 are closed by the cutting means 30, in particular by the grinding wheel flange 31. Closing the compressed air openings 29 causes the compressed air to build up within the pneumatic position detection device 28.

[0136] If the cutting means 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31, is not correctly positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7, compressed air will escape through at least one of the compressed air openings 29. This leads to a pressure loss within the pneumatic position detection device 28. This pressure loss is measurable in such a way that, on the one hand, it can be detected whether a cutting means 30 is positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7 at all, and, on the other hand, it can be detected if the cutting means 30 is misaligned with respect to the rotational axis D.

[0137] In addition to the sensor device 16 and the pneumatic position detection device 28, the first embodiment includes a monitoring unit (not shown) for monitoring the closed state of the housing cover 3. As an additional safety measure, the pressure chambers 8 are only pressurized with hydraulic pressure when the monitoring unit detects that the housing cover 3 is in the closed position, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0138] Only when the monitoring unit has determined the closed position of the housing cover, the sensor device 16 has detected the approach of the cutting means 30, and a uniform dynamic pressure has built up within the pneumatic position detection device 28, are the pressure chambers 8 subjected to hydraulic pressure in the first embodiment. In a next step, pressure sensors (not shown) measure whether a sufficiently high hydraulic pressure has built up in the pressure chambers 8. Only when all these conditions are met is the drive shaft 5 driven by the drive device 20 and the cutting means 30 rotated by the drive shaft 5.

[0139] Fig. 3 shows a section of the drive shaft 5 from Fig. 2. In the section shown in Fig. 3, the connecting sections 6, 7 are shown enlarged. The cutting means 30 has been omitted from the illustration in Fig. 3 for the sake of clarity.

[0140] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the first connecting section 6 and the second connecting section 7 are arranged at one axial end of the drive shaft 5 (in the illustrations of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the connecting sections 6, 7 are arranged at the left axial end of the drive shaft 5). The first connecting section 6 and the second connecting section 7 form, at least in sections, the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 5.

[0141] The first connecting section 6 differs essentially from the second connecting section 7 in that the first elastic side wall 9 of the first connecting section 6 has a smaller radial distance from the axis of rotation D than the second elastic side wall 10 of the second connecting section 7. In other words, the drive shaft 5 has a larger diameter in the second connecting section 7 than in the first connecting section 6. The different radial distances between the connecting sections 6, 7 mean that cutting means 30 with different inner diameters can be clamped to one and the same drive shaft.

[0142] In order to enable a cutting means 30 to be pushed onto the drive shaft 5 (in the illustration chosen in Fig. 3, the cutting means is pushed onto the drive shaft 5 from left to right), the second connecting section 7, i.e. the connecting section 7 with the larger diameter, is arranged behind the first connecting section 6, i.e. the connecting section 6 with the smaller diameter, in the pushing-on direction.

[0143] The device 1 can also have a blow-off device (not shown in Figs. 1 to 3). The blow-off device is designed to blow contaminants off the connecting sections 6, 7 when no cutting means 30 is positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7. This is particularly important because otherwise, the contaminants would be trapped between the elastic side walls 9, 10 and the grinding wheel flange 31 of the cutting means 30 the next time the drive shaft 5 is clamped with the cutting means 30. This can lead to damage to the connecting sections 6, 7 and / or the cutting means 30 or disrupt smooth operation.

[0144] To remove contaminants from the connecting sections 6, 7, it is possible to integrate the blow-off device into the pneumatic position detection device 28. For example, compressed air can be blown out through the compressed air openings 29 of the pneumatic position detection device 28 when no cutting means 30 is positioned on the connecting sections 6, 7. Due to the axial outflow direction, the compressed air then flows directly over the connecting sections 6, 7, so that any contaminants on the connecting sections 6, 7 are blown off in the axial direction (from right to left in Fig. 3).

[0145] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the discharge device can also be a device of the device 1 that is separate from the pneumatic position detection device 28. For this purpose, a separate pneumatic channel can be provided, which, analogous to the pneumatic channel 12, extends at least partially through the drive shaft 5 parallel to the rotational axis D.

[0146] In the first embodiment according to Figures 1-3, the drive shaft 5 has a circular cross-sectional area in the region of the connecting sections 6, 7. In alternative embodiments, however, it is also conceivable for the drive shaft 5 to have a polygonal cross-sectional area, in particular a regularly polygonal cross-sectional area, in the region of the connecting sections 6, 7.

[0147] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device 1. In contrast to the first embodiment, the device 1 of the second embodiment additionally comprises a changing device 50 for changing the cutting means 30. Otherwise, the structural design of the device 1 according to the second embodiment corresponds to the structural design of the device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0148] The changing device 50 is designed to load and / or unload the drive shaft 5 with a cutting tool 30. A changing process can also be performed by the changing device 50. This means that a first cutting tool 30 on the drive shaft 5 can be replaced by a second cutting tool 30 that is different from the first cutting tool 30 using the changing device 50. For handling the various cutting tools 30, in particular for automated handling of the various cutting tools 30, the changing device 50 is connected to a handling unit (not shown).

[0149] The changing device 50 comprises a carrier 51 designed to transport the cutting means 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the cutting means 30 is introduced into the housing 2 of the device 1 via the opening 4 through the carrier 51 or removed from the housing 2. The cutting means 30 is moved by the carrier 51 in the axial direction with respect to the rotational axis D. As a result, the carrier 51 can push the cutting means 30 onto the drive shaft 5, in particular onto the connecting sections 6, 7, and / or pull it off the drive shaft 5, in particular from the connecting sections 6, 7.

[0150] According to the second embodiment, several grippers 52, namely a total of three identical grippers 51, are arranged on the carrier 51. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the grippers 52 are distributed at regular intervals (every 120°) around the circumference of the carrier 51. The grippers 51 are designed to engage the annular groove 32 of the grinding wheel flange 31 in order to transport the cutting agent 30.

[0151] As can be clearly seen in the sectional view of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the grinding wheel flange 31 is at least partially gripped by the grippers 51 when the grippers 51 radially engage the annular groove 32. This positive engagement between the grippers 51 and the annular groove 31 allows the cutting means 30 to be gripped by the carrier 51 in a particularly reliable and stable manner.

[0152] In an exemplary method for loading or equipping the device 1 with a cutting means 30, the cutting means 30 is first made available axially to the left of the device by the changing device 50. The carrier 51 grips the cutting means 30 by means of the grippers 51. The housing cover 3 is then opened so that the housing cover 3 assumes the position shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and the opening 4 is exposed. By an axial movement of the carrier 51, the cutting means 30 is then introduced into the housing 2 of the device 1 via the opening 4. The axial movement with respect to the axis of rotation D continues until the cutting means 30 is pushed onto the connecting sections 6, 7 of the drive shaft 5 and is correctly positioned.The correct positioning of the cutting means 30 can, as already described above, be determined by the sensor device 16 and / or by the pneumatic position detection device 28. Subsequently, the pressure chambers 8 are pressurized with hydraulic pressure to force-connect the drive shaft 5 to the cutting means 30.

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

[0154] In an exemplary method for unloading the device 1 or for removing a cutting tool 30 from the device 1, the drive shaft 5 is completely braked in a first step. The housing cover 3 is then opened so that the carrier 52 can be axially inserted into the housing 2 via the opening 4. When the carrier 52 is precisely positioned with respect to the cutting tool 30, the grippers 52 are moved radially inward to engage the annular groove 32. This fixes the cutting tool 30 by means of the changing device 50. The pressure chambers 8 are then completely relieved of pressure. The force-locking connection between the cutting tool 30 and the drive shaft 5 is thus released. The cutting tool 30 can then be removed from the drive shaft 5.This can be achieved by pulling the carrier 52, which is firmly connected to the cutting means 30 via the grippers 52, axially out of the housing 2 through the opening 4. A fully automated changeover process can be carried out by a serial sequence of the methods for loading and unloading the device 1 with different cutting means 30.

[0155] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device 1. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment only in the changing device 60.

[0156] In the changing device 60 of the third embodiment, the carrier 61 is shovel-shaped. In alternative embodiments, however, the carrier 61 can also be fork-shaped. It is important that the carrier 61 has a width such that its side elements 62 can engage the annular groove 32 of the cutting means 30.

[0157] The method for loading the device 1 with the changing device 60 according to the third embodiment is analogous to the loading method with the changing device 50 according to the second embodiment. The two loading methods differ only in that instead of releasing the grippers 52 from engagement with the annular groove 31, the carrier 61 is lowered to release the side elements 62 from engagement with the corresponding annular groove 31.

[0158] To unload the device 1, the carrier 61 can be moved toward the drive shaft 5. For this purpose, the carrier 61 is movable parallel to the rotational axis D of the drive shaft 5. The cutting means 30 can then be withdrawn from the drive shaft 5 and mounted on the carrier 61. Each side element 62 of the carrier 61 engages in a corresponding annular groove 32 of the cutting means 30. The cutting means 30 can then be moved out of the housing 2 analogously to the method according to the second embodiment. The engagement of the side elements 62 in the corresponding annular grooves 32 ensures that the cutting means 30 rests securely on the carrier 61.

[0159] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device 1. The fourth embodiment differs from the second and third embodiments of the device 1 in the changing device 70. In the fourth embodiment, the carrier 71 of the changing device 70 is a sliding cylinder 71. The sliding cylinder 71 is designed such that a cutting means 30, in particular the grinding wheel flange 31 of the cutting means 30, can slide back and forth in the axial direction on the outer surface of the sliding cylinder 71.

[0160] For loading, the sliding cylinder 71, together with a cutting means 30 positioned on the sliding cylinder 71, can be inserted axially into the housing 2 through the opening 4. When the sliding cylinder 71 rests with an axial end face against the drive shaft 5 (see Fig. 8), the cutting means 30 can be pushed from the sliding cylinder 71 onto the drive shaft 5.

[0161] For unloading, the cutting means 30 arranged on the drive shaft 5 can be pushed from the connecting sections 6, 7 onto the sliding cylinder 71 and then pulled axially out of the housing 2 together with the sliding cylinder 71 via the opening 4.

[0162] Fig. 8 shows the fourth embodiment in a sectional view. It can be seen that the outer diameter of the sliding cylinder 71 corresponds to the outer diameter of the first connecting section 6 of the drive shaft 5.

[0163] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the device 1. The device 1 of the fifth embodiment is structurally essentially the same as the device 1 according to the first embodiment. In this respect, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment with regard to the same reference numerals. The section chosen for the illustration in Fig. 9 runs orthogonal to the rotation axis D and intersects the balancing head 19 at its communication means 27.

[0164] The device 1 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the device 1 of the fifth embodiment has an additional securing device 18. The securing device 18 is designed to secure the cutting means 30 against axial displacement. For this purpose, the securing device 18 has a securing latch 23, a pneumatic cylinder 24 and a return element 25. The securing latch 23 can be moved back and forth with respect to the housing 2 and / or with respect to the pneumatic cylinder 24 between a first position and a second position deviating from the first position. Fig. 9 shows the securing latch 23 in the second position. In the second position, the securing latch 23 is at least partially pressed out of the pneumatic cylinder 24.The part of the safety latch 23 which is at least partially pressed out of the pneumatic cylinder 24 is pushed radially inward in such a way that an axial displacement of the cutting means 30 out of the image plane is prevented by the safety latch 23.

[0165] In the first position, the safety latch 23 is displaced radially outward to such an extent that the safety latch 23 is arranged entirely or at least substantially within the pneumatic cylinder 24. As a result, the safety latch 23 does not prevent or permit axial displacement of the cutting means 30 out of the image plane in the first position.

[0166] In other words, axial displacement of the cutting means 30 is released by the locking device 18 when the locking latch 23 is in the first position. When the locking latch 23 is in the second position (see Fig. 9), the locking device 18 secures the cutting means 30 against axial displacement. This is preferably the case when a cutting means 30 is arranged on the drive shaft 5, but the pressure chambers 8 of the connecting sections 6, 7 are not or insufficiently pressurized with hydraulic pressure.

[0167] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the return element 25 is designed as a spring 25. When the safety latch 23 is in the second position, the return element 25 exerts a compressive force on the safety latch 23. The compressive force of the return element 25 is designed such that the compressive force promotes a movement of the safety latch 23 from the first position to the second position. In other words, the safety latch 23 is pressed radially inward by the return element 25.

[0168] The movement of the safety latch 23 from the second position to the first position is achieved by applying pneumatic pressure to the pneumatic cylinder 24. The pneumatic pressure is so great that the restoring force of the restoring element 25 is overcome. Under the influence of the pneumatic pressure, the safety latch 23 moves from radially inward, i.e., the second position, to radially outward, i.e., into the first position.

[0169] In the method for loading the device, the securing device 18 can secure the cutting means 30 after positioning the cutting means 30 on the drive shaft 5. This ensures that the cutting means 30 cannot slip axially, for example, during pressure buildup within the pressure chambers 8.

[0170] Analogously, the securing device 18 can secure the cutting means 30 during the process of unloading the device, for example, while the pressure chambers 8 are relieved. The securing device 18 can be configured to allow a certain amount of slippage of the cutting means 30 on the drive shaft 5, although slippage of the cutting means 30 from the drive shaft 5 is prevented by the securing device 18.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for grinding a workpiece and / or for dressing a tool, the device (1) comprising: (a) a housing (2), (b) a drive shaft (5) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) with respect to the housing (2) and which is designed to drive a cutting means (30) which can be connected to the drive shaft (5), wherein (c) the drive shaft (5) has a connecting section (6, 7) for connection to the cutting means (30), and (d) a pressure chamber (8) which can be pressurised with hydraulic pressure is arranged in the connecting section (6, 7) and which is delimited at least in sections by an elastic side wall (9, 10), wherein (e) the elastic side wall (9, 10) is designed to deform when the pressure chamber (8) is subjected to hydraulic pressure in order to establish a frictional connection between the drive shaft (5) and the cutting means (30).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the side wall (9, 10) radially delimits the pressure chamber (8) with respect to the axis of rotation (D) at least in sections and the side wall (9, 10) is designed to clamp the drive shaft (5) in the radial direction with the cutting means (30) when the pressure chamber (8) is subjected to hydraulic pressure.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (9, 10) delimits the pressure chamber (8) with respect to the axis of rotation at least in sections radially outwardly and the side wall (9, 10) is designed to deform radially outwardly when the pressure chamber (8) is subjected to hydraulic pressure in order to produce a frictional connection between the drive shaft (5) and the cutting means (30).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (6, 7) has a plurality of pressure chambers (8), each of the plurality of pressure chambers (8) being delimited at least in sections by the elastic side wall (9, 10).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shaft (5) has a first connecting section (6) and a second connecting section (7), wherein the first connecting section (6) comprises a first elastic side wall (9) with a first radial distance from the axis of rotation (D) and the second connecting region (7) comprises a second elastic side wall (10) with a second radial distance from the axis of rotation (D), wherein the first radial distance is greater or smaller than the second radial distance.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shaft (5) has a hydraulic fluid channel (11) for supplying the pressure chamber (8) with the hydraulic fluid, wherein the hydraulic fluid channel (11) extends in particular at least in sections parallel to the axis of rotation (D) through the drive shaft (5).

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

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a blow-off device, wherein the blow-off device comprises a pneumatic channel extending at least in sections parallel to the axis of rotation (D) through the drive shaft (5), and the blow-off device is designed to remove dirt on the connecting section (6, 7) by blowing the connecting section (6, 7) with compressed air that can be supplied via the pneumatic channel. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a connection device (13) that is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing (2), wherein the connection device (13) comprises a hydraulic connection (14) for supplying the device (1) with hydraulic fluid and / or a pneumatic connection (15) for supplying the device (1) with compressed air. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a sensor device (16), wherein the sensor device (16) is designed to detect a correct fit of the cutting means (30) with respect to the drive shaft (5).Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a housing cover (3) and the housing cover (3) is arranged axially in front of the connecting section (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), and the housing cover (3) closes an opening (4) of the housing (2) at least in sections in the closed state, wherein a cutting means (30) can be introduced into the device (1) via the opening (4) in the open state of the housing cover (3), and wherein in the closed state of the housing cover (3) the cutting means (30) is preferably axially secured even in the absence of a frictional connection between the drive shaft (5) and the cutting means (30).Device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that a receiving and transmitting unit (26), in particular for communication with a balancing head and / or structure-borne sound sensor, is arranged on a side of the housing cover (3) facing the connecting section (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a securing device (18), preferably a securing bolt (23), wherein the securing device (18) is designed to protect the cutting means (30) against axial displacement. secure when the cutting means (30) is connected to the connecting section (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5).

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the securing device (18) has a pneumatic cylinder (24) which can be transferred between a first position in which the securing device (18) releases an axial displacement of the cutting means (30), and a second position in which the securing device (18) secures the cutting means (30) against an axial displacement.

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a balancing head (19) is arranged centrally at one axial end of the drive shaft (5), preferably in the connecting section (6, 7).

16. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a carrier (51; 61; 71), wherein the carrier (51; 61; 71) is designed to transport the cutting means (30).

17. Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the carrier (51; 61; 71) is arranged on an automatically operable handling unit.

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

19. Device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the carrier (61) is shovel-shaped.

20. Device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the carrier (71) is a sliding cylinder (71) and the sliding cylinder (71) is designed so that the The cutting means (30) can slide back and forth in the axial direction on the sliding cylinder (71). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (16) comprises at least one sensor element (17) designed to detect the axial position of the cutting means (30) relative to the housing (2). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grinding machine (1) has a pressure intensifier in the drive shaft (5). A method for equipping a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22 with a cutting means (30), the method comprising the following method steps: (a) providing the cutting means (30), (b) positioning the cutting means (30) on the connecting section (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), (c) Applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber (8) to force-fit the drive shaft (5) to the cutting means (30). Method according to claim 23, characterized in that, before applying hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber (8), the presence and position of the cutting means at the connecting section are determined using a position detection device and / or a sensor device (16). Method for removing a cutting means (30) from a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the following method steps: (a) Relieving the pressure chamber (8) in order to release the force-locking connection between the cutting means (30) and the drive shaft (5), (b) Removing the cutting means (30) from the connecting portion (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5). Method according to claim 25, characterized in that before the pressure chamber (8) is relieved or before the cutting means (30) is removed from the connecting section (6, 7) of the drive shaft (5), an axial slipping of the cutting means (30) from the drive shaft (5) is prevented by a Safety device (18) is prevented. Changing method for changing a cutting means (30) on a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the method according to one of claims 23 or 24 and the method according to one of claims 25 or 26 is carried out with a first cutting means (30) and subsequently at least the method according to one of claims 23 or 24 is carried out with a second cutting means (30) different from the first cutting means (30).

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