Machine tool, particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like

Abstract

A machine tool (1), particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like, which comprises a fixed part (2), with a shape that is elongated substantially along a first main axis (3) and defines a worktable above which a workpiece (4) is to be placed in a non-removable manner and in a resting arrangement, and a movable part (5), which is slideably associated with the fixed part (2) along the first main axis (3) and supports a machining head (6) for machining the workpiece (4); the movable part (5) comprises: - a two-column post (10), which is slideably associated with the fixed part (2) along the first main axis (3) and extends, height-wise, along a second main axis (11) which is substantially perpendicular to the first main axis (3), and arranged laterally with respect to the worktable; - a cantilever cross-member (13), which is slideably associated with and accommodated between the columns of the two-column post (10) along the second main axis (11), and extends and protrudes from the two-column post (10) along a third main axis (14) which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first and second main axes (3, 11), in such a way as to be arranged above the worktable; and - a slider (15), which supports the machining head (6) and is slideably associated with the cantilever cross-member (13) along the third main axis (14). In this way, the machining head (6) is movable along the main axes (3, 11, 14) with respect to the fixed part (2) so as to define a working volume that is at least lateral to and greater than the workpiece (4).

Description

[0001] MACHINE TOOL, PARTICULARLY FOR MACHINING METAL STRUCTURAL BEAMS OR PROFILES AND THE LIKE

[0002] The present invention relates to a machine tool, particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like.

[0003] In the sector of heavy metal structural work, the use is known of machine tools constituted by a straight bench on which a beam is placed, and by a tool-holder turret, which can slide along the straight bench, which makes it possible to operate on a vertical face of the beam, perpendicular to the face resting on the bench.

[0004] Typically, single machining operations are executed by changing the tools each time, so as to machine the areas of interest of the beam which are located on the perpendicular face.

[0005] Once the perpendicular face of the beam, i.e. the face directed toward the machining unit, is machined, the beam is rotated by 90° about its own longitudinal axis so as to position a new face and begin a new machining cycle.

[0006] Such conventional machine tools are not devoid of drawbacks, among which is the fact that, in addition to creating a logistical complication owing to the weight of the beam, the continual repositioning of the beam, necessary to correctly orient the faces upward to be machined, can lead to errors in alignment between the machining of one face with the machining of the adjacent face.

[0007] At the same time, a major drawback of conventional machine tools consists in that they do not allow cutting operations adapted to separate the beam into multiple portions.

[0008] This means that, once machining on the beam is finished, the beam needs to be moved to a band saw in order to cut the individual pieces of machined beams.

[0009] Another drawback of conventional machine tools consists in that, owing to the shape structure of the spindle with which the turret tool-holder is fitted, it is possible to execute a limited number of machining operations, both in terms of type of machining per se and in terms of the angle of attack of the tool.

[0010] A further drawback of conventional machine tools consists in that, owing to the structure of the tool-holder turret, which typically takes the form of a beam mounted in a cantilevered manner on a vertical post, it is not possible to execute machining operations with high shear stresses without the turret elastically deforming, with consequent loss of precision in machining.

[0011] Another drawback of conventional machine tools consists in that typically straight benches are dimensioned to receive beams of great dimensions and when these benches are used for smaller beams, part of them remain unused, so reducing the productivity of the machine.

[0012] A further drawback of conventional machine tools consists in that if the machining of the beam focuses on only a small part of it, so as to ensure the safety of the operator, then the operator cannot enter the work area of the machine, for example, in order to execute operations on parts of the beam outside the main machining operations.

[0013] The aim of the present invention consists in providing a machine tool, particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like, that is capable of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0014] Within this aim, an object of the present invention consists in providing a machine tool that is capable of operating on a beam or on a part of a beam on at least five faces without requiring it to be repositioned.

[0015] Another object of the present invention consists in providing a machine tool with high performance levels, both in terms of machining parameters and in terms of machining precision.

[0016] This aim and this and other objects which will become better evident hereinafter are achieved by a machine tool, particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like, which comprises a fixed part, with a shape that is elongated substantially along a first main axis and defines a worktable above which a workpiece is to be placed in a non-removable manner and in a resting arrangement, and a movable part, which is slideably associated with said fixed part along said first main axis and supports a machining head for machining said workpiece; characterized in that said movable part comprises:

[0017] - a two-column post, which is slideably associated with said fixed part along said first main axis and extends along a second main axis which is substantially perpendicular to said first main axis, said two-column post being arranged laterally with respect to said worktable;

[0018] - a cantilever cross-member, which is slideably associated with and accommodated between the columns of said two-column post along said second main axis, said cantilever cross-member extending and protruding from said two-column post along a third main axis which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by said first and second main axes, in such a way as to be arranged above said worktable; and

[0019] - a slider, which supports said machining head and is slideably associated with said cantilever cross-member along said third main axis; said machining head being movable along said main axes with respect to said fixed part so as to define a working volume that is at least lateral to and greater than said workpiece.

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a machine tool, particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view of the machine tool according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the machine tool shown in Figure

[0023] 1;

[0024] Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the machine tool shown in the preceding figures;

[0025] Figure 4 is an enlarged-scale perspective view of the movable part of the machine tool shown in the preceding figures during a cutting operation;

[0026] Figure 5 is a side view of the machining head shown in Figure 4;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic front elevation view of the working volume of the machining head shown in Figure 5 during the cutting operations;

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic front elevation view of the working volume of the machining head shown in Figure 6 during the milling operations;

[0029] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tool-holder panel installed on board the machine tool according to the invention;

[0030] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a locking clamp of the machine tool according to the invention;

[0031] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a first machining strategy, with a single workpiece;

[0032] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a second machining strategy, with three workpieces obtained from the same beam;

[0033] Figures 12 to 15 are four schematic views showing, in sequence, a third machining strategy, with four workpieces obtained from the same beam;

[0034] Figures 16 and 17 are two schematic views showing a fourth machining strategy, an alternative to the preceding strategy.

[0035] With reference to the figures, the machine tool, particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like, is generally designated by the reference number 1 and comprises a fixed part 2, with a shape that is elongated substantially along a first main axis 3, called the Y- axis, which defines a worktable above which a workpiece 4 (typically a structural metal beam, any other structural metal profile or any other workpiece, whether or not of metal) is to be placed in a non-removable manner and in a resting arrangement.

[0036] Furthermore, the machine tool 1 comprises a movable part 5 which is slideably associated with the fixed part 2 along the X-axis and carries a machining head 6 for machining the workpiece 4.

[0037] In more detail, the fixed part 2 is defined by a modular supporting structure which lies straight along the X-axis, along which a main rail 7 is defined, on which the movable part 5 can slide, and secondary guides 8, on which, as better described below, a plurality of locking clamps 9 can slide which are necessary to clamp the workpiece 4 to the worktable 5.

[0038] According to the invention, the movable part 5 comprises a two- column post 10 which is slideably associated with the fixed part 2, by means of the main rail 7, along the X-axis and extends height- wise along a second main axis 11 substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and called the Z-axis.

[0039] Conveniently, the two-column post 10 is arranged laterally with respect to the worktable so as to be able to move freely along the fixed part 2 unhindered.

[0040] A cantilever cross-member 13 is slideably associated and accommodated between the columns 12 of the two-column post 10.

[0041] The cantilever cross-member 13 can therefore move along the Z-axis and extends protruding from the two-column post 10, so as to be arranged above the worktable, along a third main axis 14, called the Y-axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the X-axis and by the Z- axis.

[0042] Finally, the movable part 5 comprises a slider 15 which supports a machining head 6 and is slideably associated with the cantilever crossmember 13 along the Y-axis.

[0043] In this way, the machining head 6 is movable along the Cartesian triplet of X, Y and Z with respect to the fixed part 2 so as to define a working volume that is at least lateral to and greater than the workpiece 4, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0044] Advantageously, the machining head 6 is rotatably associated with the slider 15 by means of two rotating wrists 16 and 17 so as to allow rotations of the machining head 6 with respect to the slider 15, respectively about a first rotation axis 18 which is substantially parallel to the Z-axis and about a second rotation axis 19 which is inclined substantially by 45° with respect to the first rotation axis 18.

[0045] In this way, in combination to the movement of the machining head 6 along the Cartesian triplet of X, Y and Z, the generic tool 20 can be rotated and oriented about the workpiece 4, reaching any point of the two side faces and of its top face with different angles of attack in order to execute any type of machining, as well as its two end faces (i.e. front and rear).

[0046] In addition, owing to particular geometric conditions, it is also possible to reach the portions of the bottom face that are not affected by the locking clamps 9.

[0047] Conveniently, the machining head 6 comprises a motorized spindle 21 which carries the tool 20 with which to machine the workpiece 4.

[0048] As shown by way of example in Figures 5 to 7, the generic tool 20 can selectively be chosen from the group of tools constituted by drill bits, tools, milling cutters, screw taps, countersinks, flow drill tools, punch tools, deburring tools, disk blades, angle heads, thread milling cutters, and cup saws.

[0049] Such tools are then accommodated in a tool magazine 22 installed on board the machine at a portion of the fixed part 2.

[0050] The movable part 5 is furthermore conveniently enclosed in a boxlike body 23 provided with acoustic and luminous signaling means which are adapted to indicate the operating steps of the movable part 5.

[0051] To complete the latter, a chip collection chute is provided which is integral in translation with the movable part 5 along the X-axis and which can be arranged below the workpiece 4 so as to convey the chips produced by machining into at least one collection tray 24 arranged below the worktable 4.

[0052] As previously mentioned, the workpiece 4 can be associated in a non- removable manner with the worktable by means of a plurality of locking clamps 9 which are slideably associated with the fixed part 2 along the X- axis.

[0053] In more detail, each locking clamp 9 is provided with a roller 25 on which the workpiece 4 rests.

[0054] In other words, the worktable described up to now coincides with the plane that passes through the points where the workpiece 4 rests on the rollers 25 of the locking clamps 9 in engagement with the workpiece 4.

[0055] In more detail, each locking clamp 9 is fitted with anchoring devices 26, for example of the pneumatic type, of which one is not movable and one movable along the Y-axis, and which can be activated selectively to be clamped to the workpiece 4, and with a block 27 for locking the clamp to the fixed part 2 at a perforated bar 30 which is integral with the fixed part 2.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, each locking clamp 9 is contoured and configured so as, with said anchoring device 26 deactivated, to be intercepted and moved by the two-column post 10 during its movement along the X-axis with its consequent positioning along the latter, i.e. along the secondary guides 8.

[0057] Alternatively, the locking clamps 9 can be fitted with independent movement devices and can be configured to be moved selectively along the X-axis independently of the movable part 5.

[0058] To complete the machine tool 1, physical barriers 28 are provided which delimit the fixed part 2 and the work area of the movable part 5.

[0059] Advantageously, in order to obtain a reduction of the work area and in order to define a second service area adjacent to the work area, virtual barriers 29 are provided which can be selectively arranged along the X-axis.

[0060] By virtue of the use of the virtual barriers 29 together with the locking clamps 9, it is possible to have multiple variable machining strategies according to requirements, as shown in Figures 10 to 17.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figure 10, assuming a minimum set of six locking clamps 9, as shown in Figure 10, if there is only one workpiece 4 then it is possible to use only two locking clamps 9, leaving the other four on board the machine.

[0062] Differently, if three workpieces are to be obtained from a single beam, then the locking clamps 9 can be deployed uniformly on the sections of beam from which to obtain the three workpieces, as shown in Figure 11.

[0063] But if the number of workpieces to be obtained exceeds half the number of locking clamps 9 available, as shown in sequence in Figures 12 to 15, then the locking clamps 9 can be moved in each instance in order to engage the section of beam that is being subjected to the machining of a workpiece and then, once machining is concluded, shift laterally and engage the section of beam immediately following in order to obtain the next workpiece, until all the machining operations are concluded.

[0064] In this possible machining strategy, the number of locking clamps 9 used is deliberately reduced to the minimum, using the smallest number of locking clamps 9 that are strictly necessary and keeping the others on board the machine.

[0065] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the locking clamps 9 can be used all at the same time, shifting them in each instance in order to release the completed workpieces.

[0066] Every strategy that involves multiple workpieces can be implemented with the machine tool 1 according to the invention, by virtue of the fact that among the tools that can be selected there is a cutting unit.

[0067] This makes it possible in fact to cut a section of beam that has already been machined, in order to proceed with its removal and so proceed with the machining of other sections of beam without needing to shift the beam to another machine (for example, a band saw), as occurs with conventional machines.

[0068] In practice it has been found that the machine tool, according to the present invention, achieves the set aim and objects. In fact, the machine tool according to the invention can be defined as being of universal type for machining metal structural beams or profiles of steel (and also aluminum or other materials, metal or otherwise) with a cross-section of up to 450x450 millimeters and variable lengths, by virtue of its modular configuration, it being capable of performing complex operations such as drilling, tapping, milling and cutting with a disk-like blade.

[0069] All these operations can be performed, without shifting the beam, on five faces of the beam and some operations can be performed to a limited extent on the sixth (bottom face) as well and, advantageously, machining operations along three axes can also be performed on planes inclined in two different directions. This is made possible by a universal head, provided with an electrospindle, composed of two rotating wrists and installed on board a tool-holder turret that can be moved along three Cartesian axes.

[0070] All this makes it possible to position the tool at practically any point of the workable space.

[0071] Advantageously, by virtue of the fact that the movable part is constituted by an extremely rigid two-column post that accommodates a cross-member inside it which is provided with a head- supporting slider, the structure is consequently kinematically and dynamically perfectly symmetrical in terms of both mechanical and thermal loads, and the error ascribable to elastic deformation, present in conventional machines, has been practically eliminated.

[0072] The machine tool, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0073] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0074] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0075] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000014208 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine tool (1), particularly for machining metal structural beams or profiles and the like, which comprises a fixed part (2), with a shape that is elongated substantially along a first main axis (3) and defines a worktable above which a workpiece (4) is to be placed in a non-removable manner and in a resting arrangement, and a movable part (5), which is slideably associated with said fixed part (2) along said first main axis (3) and supports a machining head (6) for machining said workpiece (4); characterized in that said movable part (5) comprises:- a two-column post (10), which is slideably associated with said fixed part (2) along said first main axis (3) and extends along a second main axis (11) which is substantially perpendicular to said first main axis (3), said two-column post (10) being arranged laterally with respect to said worktable;- a cantilever cross-member (13), which is slideably associated with and accommodated between the columns of said two-column post (10) along said second main axis (11), said cantilever cross-member (13) extending and protruding from said two-column post (10) along a third main axis (14) which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by said first and second main axes (3, 11), in such a way as to be arranged above said worktable; and- a slider (15), which supports said machining head (6) and is slideably associated with said cantilever cross-member (13) along said third main axis (14); said machining head (6) being movable along said main axes (3, 11, 14) with respect to said fixed part (2) so as to define a working volume that is at least lateral to and greater than said workpiece (4).

2. The machine tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said machining head (6) is rotatably associated with said slider (15) by means of two rotating wrists (16, 17) so as to allow rotations of saidmachining head (6) with respect to said slider (15), respectively about a first rotation axis (18) which is substantially parallel to said second main axis (11) and about a second rotation axis (19) which is inclined substantially by 45° with respect to said first rotation axis (18).

3. The machine tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said machining head (6) comprises a motorized spindle which supports the tool with which said workpiece (4) is to be machined.

4. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tool magazine (22) installed on board said fixed part (2).

5. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cutting unit which can be engaged selectively by said machining head (6) for cutting operations adapted to separate said workpiece (4).

6. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movable part (5) is enclosed in a box-like body (23) provided with acoustic and luminous signaling means which are adapted to indicate the operating steps of said movable part (5).

7. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a chip collection chute which is integral in translation with said movable part (5) along said first main axis (3) and can be arranged below said workpiece (4) so as to convey the chips produced by machining into at least one collection tray (24) arranged below said worktable.

8. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said workpiece (4) is configured to be associated in a non-removable manner with said worktable by means of a plurality of locking clamps (9) which are slideably associated with said fixed part (2) along said first main axis (3) and are provided with anchoring devices (26) which can be activated selectively for their clamping to saidworkpiece (4), and with a block (27) for their locking to said fixed part (2).

9. The machine tool (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that each one of said locking clamps (9) is shaped and configured in such a way that, when said anchoring device (26) is deactivated, said clamp is intercepted and moved by said two-column post (10) during its movement along said first main axis (3) with consequent positioning thereof along said first main axis (3).

10. The machine tool (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said anchoring devices (26) comprise a locking system of the pneumatic type.

11. The machine tool (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said locking clamps (9) are fitted with independent movement devices and are configured to be moved selectively along said first main axis (3) independently of said movable part (5).

12. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises physical barriers (28) which delimit said fixed part (2) and the work area of said movable part (5).

13. The machine tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises virtual barriers (29) which are configured to be arranged selectively along said first main axis (3) in order to reduce the work area of said movable part (5) and define a second service area adjacent to said work area.

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