Swivel-Head Optical Machining Layout for Large Topography Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for processing optically effective surfaces are limited in their ability to handle large workpieces or those with significant topographical changes, due to spatial constraints and the risk of collisions between tool spindles and workpieces, which restricts machining flexibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a swivel head with tool spindles arranged such that one spindle is mounted parallel to the swivel axis, allowing for a compact configuration that enables machining of large workpieces without collisions, along with adjustable linear axes and a belt drive for precise tool rotation, facilitating various processing strategies and minimizing structural effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tool spindles are arranged in parallel on the swivel head with transverse tool axes, then the machine can process various workpiece geometries, but the machine cannot handle large workpieces or those with significant topographical changes due to spatial constraints and collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new orientation for tool spindles by mounting at least one tool spindle with its tool axis of rotation parallel to the swivel axis, rather than transverse to it. This dimensional change in spindle orientation allows the machining tool to be positioned radially outward from the swivel axis, creating additional spatial freedom to machine large workpieces and those with significant topographical changes without collision risks.
2Productivity
If multiple machining spindles are integrated in a compact machine design, then processing time between machines is reduced, but the machine cannot accommodate large workpieces due to spatial proximity of spindles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning capabilities through the swivel head that can be adjusted along linear axes, combined with the innovative parallel mounting of tool spindles to the swivel axis. This dynamic configuration allows the machine to adapt its spatial arrangement to accommodate both compact multi-spindle integration for productivity and sufficient clearance for large workpieces, resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and workpiece size capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (10) for machining workpieces with optical quality has at least one workpiece spindle (12), via which a workpiece (L) to be machined is able to be driven in rotation about a workpiece axis of rotation (C), and also has a swivel head (14) that is located opposite the workpiece spindle, is pivotable about a pivot axis (B) and bears at least two tool spindles (16, 18) on each of which at least one machining tool (T1, T2, T3) is held so as to be able to be driven in rotation about a tool axis of rotation (D, D'). In addition, the workpiece spindle and the swivel head (14) are adjustable relative to one another along three linear axes (X, Y, Z) that are perpendicular to one another, one linear axis (Y) of which extends parallel to the pivot axis (B) while another linear axis (Z) extends parallel to the workpiece axis of rotation (C). At least one tool spindle is attached to the swivel head with its tool axis of rotation (D') extending parallel to the pivot axis (B), thereby allowing a multiplicity of different machining strategies, in particular also the machining of large workpieces and workpieces with large changes in topography with high precision.