Toothed Workpiece Chamfering Head With Dual-Pivot Milling Spindle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chamfering devices for toothed workpieces are inefficient and require reclamping or changing tools for sequential machining steps, leading to reduced precision and increased production time.

Innovation Solution

A chamfering device with a milling spindle mounted on a pivot arm and two parallel pivot axes, allowing for precise and fast chamfering by adjusting the angle of attack and positioning the end mill relative to the workpiece edges, facilitated by a control system that automates the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a milling spindle is mounted directly on a machining head with fixed positioning, then the device structure is simple, but the chamfering precision and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamfering precisionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The milling spindle is mounted on a pivot arm that can rotate about a first pivot axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the angle of attack. This dynamic positioning enables precise chamfering angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, as the movement is confined to a single rotational degree of freedom on the pivot arm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the milling spindle is fixed in position on the machining head, then the device is easy to operate, but the adaptability to different machining positions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining position adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm enables the milling spindle to dynamically adjust its position and angle of attack to reach different edges and surfaces of the workpiece. This single rotational degree of freedom provides sufficient adaptability for various machining positions without significantly complicating the operation, as the movement is automated or easily controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If sequential machining steps require reclamping or tool changes, then the device structure is simple, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm with the milling spindle serves multiple functions: it can machine different edges (upper and lower), different surfaces, and perform various chamfering operations by adjusting its rotational position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools and reclamping operations, thereby reducing production time without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot arm is pre-configured with the milling spindle in a position that allows it to access multiple machining zones. By preliminarily positioning the tool holder on the pivot arm, the system prepares for sequential machining operations without requiring intermediate tool changes or workpiece reclamping, thus improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If the angle of attack is not adjustable, then the device structure is simple, but the chamfering quality and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamfering qualityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm provides a rotational degree of freedom that enables dynamic adjustment of the angle of attack of the milling spindle. This allows precise control of the chamfering angle and quality while adding minimal structural complexity, as the adjustment is achieved through a single well-placed pivot axis rather than multiple adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4585341A1Chamfering processing device
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 LIEBHER VERZAHNTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4585341A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4585341A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4585341A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for chamfering a toothed workpiece (1), wherein the device comprises at least one workpiece spindle with a rotatably mounted workpiece holder for receiving the workpiece (1) and a machining head (50) movable relative to the workpiece spindle via at least one linear axis, wherein at least one tool spindle (20) with a rotatably mounted tool holder for receiving at least one tool for machining a workpiece (1) received in the workpiece holder is provided on the machining head (50), and wherein a milling spindle (30) with a rotatably mounted milling cutter holder for receiving an end mill for chamfering an edge of a toothing of the workpiece received in the workpiece holder is provided on the machining head (50), wherein the angle of attack of an end mill (3) received in the milling cutter holder to the edge (5, 6) of the toothing is adjustable via a first pivot axis (35),and wherein the milling spindle (30) is pivotably mounted on a pivot arm (40) via the first pivot axis (35), wherein the pivot arm (40) is in turn pivotably mounted on the machining head (50) via a second pivot axis (45) which is aligned parallel to the first pivot axis (35).