DE102016119565A1 - Tool changer, machine tool and method for tool change process - Google Patents

Abstract

The in 2 illustrated tool gripper (29) has two gripper contours (35, 36), which are preferably arranged overlapping each other. With this combined gripper (29) can hold tool holder of different sizes and accordingly transport between a work spindle or a spindle attachment and a tool magazine 12 back and forth. The range of possible applications of the machine tool is significantly expanded by the optional operation of tool holders of different sizes.

Description

The invention relates to a tool changer for a machine tool, in particular a machining center and a machine tool equipped with such a tool changer and a method for changing tools on a machine tool.

From the DE 10 2014 226 969 A1 For example, a tool changer for a machine tool is known which is capable of inserting tools carried by a tool holder into a work spindle or alternatively into an angle head held on the work spindle. For this purpose, the tool holder or tools to be inserted into the angle head are accommodated by an adapter which has a connection to the tool changer and the tool magazine at one end and a receptacle for the tool or the tool holder at its other, angled end, which is to be inserted in the angle head. After the tool change, the adapter initially remains on the tool changer and is then transferred back to the tool magazine. The tools to be inserted into the angle head are received by a tool holder whose dimensions are smaller than the tool holders of the remaining tool holders to be inserted directly into the work spindle. The elongated angle adapter thus also represents an adapter for handling tool holders with different clamping shaft diameters in one and the same machine tool.

The use of angled adapter allows the insertion of tool holders with smaller diameter in angle heads and thus represents a special solution.

It is an object of the invention to specify a concept with which the flexibility of a machine tool, in particular of a machining center, can also be increased with regard to the use of different tool holders.

This object is achieved with the tool changer according to claim 1, alternatively the machine tool according to claim 13 and also the method according to claim 14:

The tool changer according to the invention has at least one gripper which has a first gripper contour for a first tool holder and a second gripper contour for a second tool holder. The gripper contours are preferably associated with different tool holders, in particular tool holders of different sizes, in particular with different gripper disk diameters. Thus, the gripper can, if necessary, at least two tool holder of different sizes from the tool magazine to the work spindle (and / or driven by this essay, for example, an angle head) and transport back. The gripper can thus be regarded as a "two-size gripper" or "two-type gripper".

The gripper can be used on machine tools with one or more work spindles, which have the same or different tool holder receptacles, and which can be equipped with turrets, with angle heads or with other attachments, or in similar cases. In particular, the tool changer according to the invention can also cooperate with tool magazines which hold different tool holders and or have different tool holder receptacles. Alternatively, adapters may be provided in the tool magazine which have uniform dimensions on the magazine side or loading portal side and have a receptacle for a tool holder of smaller size (for example of a smaller nominal diameter) on the tool side. Conventional machine tools or machining centers can now be used more flexibly than before thanks to the innovative tool changer and, if necessary, the addition of appropriate adapters for the tool magazine.

Preferably, the gripper is pivotable about a gripper axis as in a conventional tool changer, but the two alternatively usable gripper contours are seen from the gripper axis arranged one behind the other. Preferably, the gripper contours define contour center points which are arranged on a radial to the gripper axis. This results in a simple gripper structure with which even the change of different sized tool holder can be easily integrated into the movement sequence during tool change.

The gripper is particularly compact when the two gripper contours define circular contours overlapping one another. In other words, the distance between the two circle centers is smaller than the sum of the radii of the two circles. Preferably, however, the distance is at least slightly greater than the diameter of the larger of the two gripper contours. This achieves a compact design and secure gripping behavior in equal measure. The size of the gripper contour is determined by its diameter. The diameter of the gripper contour in turn corresponds to the diameter of the gripping disc of a tool holder (or tool).

The gripper preferably has two fingers on their sides facing each other Determine gripper contour. At least one of the two fingers, preferably both, are moveable towards one another and away from one another and are preferably tensioned toward one another in a springy manner. The two fingers can get closer by pivoting closer to each other, as it corresponds to the diameter of the gripper contour. The diameter of the gripper contour is set for the working position of the fingers, in which they grasp between each other a gripping disc of a tool holder.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool changer includes an adapter having an adapter contour that corresponds to a tool holder, at least with regard to the surfaces that are important for the tool changer and a tool magazine. The adapter is so far to cooperate with one of the gripper contours, preferably the larger of the gripper contours set. In addition, the tool changer preferably has a tool receptacle that can accommodate a smaller tool holder that matches the smaller one of the gripper contours of the tool changer.

The tool holder is preferably arranged concentrically to the adapter contour and oriented the same. For example, the adapter contour can be formed by an opening formed in the adapter, which is arranged such that the gripping disc of the tool holder located in the adapter is arranged directly adjacent to the gripping disc of the adapter. Such an adapter can be arranged in the tool magazine and record tools or tool holders of smaller design. Preferably, the adapter is magazine resident, i. he does not leave the magazine during tool change, including a portal loader belonging to the magazine. In particular, it is not picked up by the tool changer. The tool changer removes the corresponding tool or tool holder (smaller design) from the magazine or the gantry loader and leaves the adapter in the gantry loader or magazine. From the point of view of the tool changer and the machine tool, the tool magazine (including possibly existing portal loader) then presents both tool holders of a larger design and tool holders of a smaller design. This increases the versatility of using the machine tool. In a preferred embodiment, the tool changer has a pivotable about a pivot axis pivot arm, which carries at its opposite radial ends in each case a gripper. This arrangement may be referred to as a double gripper.

To the machine tool and / or the tool magazine can also spindle attachments, such as an angle head, a turret or spindle extensions include. The tool changer can now large tool holder in the work spindle or alternatively tools also large or smaller type in the respective spindle attachment, in particular the angle head, use. This is particularly easy to carry out when the work spindle is pivotable about an axis about the angle defined by the angle head, so that the axis of rotation of the angle head-side receptacle for the tool holder can be oriented parallel to the rotation and stroke axis of the tool changer. The gripper with two gripper contours has the advantage, in particular in conjunction with angle heads or other spindle attachments, that the number of angular heads or attachments to be kept does not have to correspond to the number of tool holders. In particular, only a small number (e.g., only one) of angled heads can be stocked for a large number of tools (which are stored in respective toolholders). This has particular advantages in machining tasks with high tool wear. The equipment of the machine tool and the tool magazine can be carried out with respect to conventional solutions reduced effort.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Werkzeugmaschine mit erfindungsgemäßem Werkzeuggreifer, in schematisierter Darstellung,
• 2 den Werkzeugwechsler der Werkzeugmaschine nach 1, in schematisierter Ansicht,
• 3 das Werkzeugmagazin der Werkzeugmaschine nach 1, in schematisierter beispielhafter Darstellung,
• 4 einen Werkzeughalter mit Adapter für die Werkzeugmaschine und/oder das Werkzeugmagazin nach 3, in schematisierter Darstellung,
• 5 einen an der Arbeitsspindel gehaltenen Winkelkopf mit Werkzeug in Arbeitsstellung, in schematisierter Seitenansicht, und
• 6 die Arbeitsspindel und den Winkelkopf nach 5 in Werkzeugwechselstellung, in schematisierter Seitenansicht.

Further details of advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the drawing, the description or claims. Show it:

• 1 a machine tool according to the invention with inventive tool gripper, in a schematic representation,
• 2 the tool changer of the machine tool after 1 in a schematized view,
• 3 the tool magazine of the machine tool 1 in a schematic exemplary representation,
• 4 a tool holder with adapter for the machine tool and / or the tool magazine after 3 in a schematic representation,
• 5 one held on the work spindle angle head with tool in working position, in a schematic side view, and
• 6 the work spindle and the angle head after 5 in tool change position, in a schematic side view.

In 1 is a machine tool 10 schematically illustrates the via a tool changing device 11 with a tool magazine 12 is linked. This serves to provide a plurality of tools 13, 14, 15 (and others) connected to the tool changing device 11 in a work spindle 16 the machine tool 10 convertible and can be brought out of this. The machine tool 10 has at least this one work spindle 16 and possibly also several such work spindles.

The work spindle 16 is preferably guided movably. For example, as in 1 shown, in the vertical direction (Y-direction) and in transverse horizontal direction (X-direction) controlled to be movable. The work spindle 16 itself is about a drive axle 17 rotatably mounted, which is oriented transversely to the X-axis. On the work spindle 16 towards and away from this (Z-direction), a not further illustrated workpiece can be moved, for which purpose a corresponding workpiece carriage is used. This can also provide further movement options such as rotary motion or tilting movement.

In a preferred embodiment, the work spindle 16 also a preferably horizontal tilt axis 18 be mobile.

The work spindle 16 is at its end facing the working space with a tool holder receptacle 19 provided, which is equipped with a conventional clamping device, for example, for hollow taper shafts or for taper shanks or the like.

For further illustration, see 3 Referenced. This schematically illustrates the tool magazine 12 in which the tools 13, 14, 15 and other tools 20 . 21 are illustrated. Each of these tools 13 to 15 and 20, 21 is of a tool holder 22 supported, for example, a frusto-conical or hollow truncated cone-shaped body 23 which is in a gripping disc 24 passes. These conical or hollow conical bodies 23 all tool holders 22 are equal to each other. Likewise, the gripping discs 24 formed equal to each other. This allows the tool holder 22 from a portal loader system 25 from the individual shelves in the tool magazine 12 recorded and the tool changer 11 supplied or from the tool changing device 11 removed and fed to the shelves. The gantry loader is movable in several directions X, Y, Z and possibly also about an axis, for example a vertical axis, rotatable or pivotable, as in 3 through an arrow 26 is indicated.

The tool magazine 12 this type and the associated gantry loader 25 are for illustrative purposes only. It should be noted that the tool changing device 11 equally with other tool magazines 12 can cooperate.

The tool changer 11 includes a tool changer 27 with a swivel arm 28 , the at least one, but preferably two or more grippers 29 contains. The gripper 29 is in 2 separately illustrated. The around a preferably horizontal, parallel to the Z direction gripper axis 30 at least 180 ° rotatably mounted swivel arm 28 carries at its radially outer end of the gripper 29 , the two claw fingers 31 . 32 having. At least one of these two fingers 31 . 32 , preferably both, are on the pivot arm 28 around gift shops 33 . 34 pivotally mounted and biased towards each other via a not further illustrated spring means.

The gripper fingers 31 . 32 have on the sides facing each other a shape so that they are pairwise a first gripper contour 35 and a second gripper contour 36 establish. The two gripper contours 35 . 36 are each on in 2 dashed circles illustrated 37 . 38 which correspond to the diameters of gripping discs of different sizes. The gripper contours 35 . 36 are preferably arranged so that the larger gripper contour 35 with respect to the gripper axis 30 radially outside and the smaller gripper contour 36 is arranged radially further inward. Preferably, the two of the circles are 37 . 38 fixed midpoints 39 . 40 on one to the gripper axis 30 radially oriented line 41 arranged. The gripper axis 30 cuts the line 41 ,

In a relaxed state, ie without one between the fingers 31 . 32 gripped gripping disc 24 , fingers can 31 . 32 from the in 2 illustrated working position to be slightly further adjusted to each other. The position after 2 corresponds to the position of the fingers 31 . 32 with a gripped tool holder.

The gripper contours 35 . 36 are arranged overlapping each other. This means that the circles 37 . 38 cover a common area or, in other words, the distance between the center 39 . 40 is less than the sum of the radii of the two circles 37 . 38 , Preferably, however, the distance is not less than the radius of the larger circle 37 but not less than the radius of the smaller circle 38 , In this way, both large and small gripping discs corresponding to the diameters of the circles 37 . 38 in the gripper 29 alternatively fixed and held securely. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot arm includes 28 two grippers 29 pointing to the pivot axis 30 offset by 180 ° to each other (as in 1 shown). This so-called double gripper with at opposite radial ends of the swing arm 28 arranged grippers 29 is very narrow and can be used when not in use 1 be rotated by 90 ° rotated position. As a result, the overall width of a machine tool can be kept low.

The system illustrated so far also includes a tool holder 22 to 4 who has an adapter 22 -1 for taking a smaller tool holder 42 forms. The tool holder 42 has a conical, ie frusto-conical or hollow truncated cone-shaped body 43 on, which is smaller than the hollow body 23 of the adapter 22 -1. In addition, the tool holder points 42 a gripping disc 44 whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the gripping disc 24 , The two gripping discs 24 . 44 each have on their outer circumference on a gripper groove whose diameter with the diameter of the circle 37 (Gripper groove of the gripping disc 24 ) or with the diameter of the circle 38 (Gripper groove of the gripping disc 44 ) matches.

The adapter 22 -1 after 4 forms an adapter with a tool holder receptacle for the tool holder 42 , To the tool holder receptacle includes a in 4 dashed illustrated seat 45 that by one to the body 43 adapted recess is formed. The adapter 22 -1, especially the body 23 , is at his in 4 left front side preferably open, so that holding or clamping means in the body 43 trained clamping contour 46 reachable.

To the machine tool 10 can also have an angle head 47 belong as he in 5 is illustrated. This angle head 47 contains a bevel gearbox and so can work with the work spindle 16 be rigidly connected, that the angular head 47 and the work spindle 16 form a jointly movable unit. At its free end, the angle head has a tool holder receptacle 48 for receiving a tool holder 22 or the tool holder 42 on.

The tool magazine 12 can in a corresponding embodiment, more such angular heads 47 that can be changed and replaced as needed. It can angle heads with large receptacle for tool holder 22 and angular heads with small holders for tool holders 42 be provided. It is also possible to provide angle heads of different orientation. For example, can from the 3 apparent special adapter 49 be provided, which is a tool 50 with tool holder 42 holds in a position in which his body 43 in the opposite direction points like the body 23 ,

The machine tool described so far 10 and her tool changer 11 work as follows:

It is initially assumed that one of the tools 13, 14, 15 is to be converted into the work spindle 1. This process takes place as with conventional machine tools by the gantry loader 25 First, the tool in question 13, 14 or 15 receives and to the gripper 29 passes. The gripping disc 24 of the relevant tool holder fits in the gripper contour 35 so that the tool holder 22 between the fingers 31 . 32 is held securely. This is how the toolholder becomes 22 by axial stroke of the gripper arm 28 in the direction of the pivot axis 30 from the portal loader 25 out and by 180 ° pivoting of the gripper arm 28 in front of the tool holder holder 19 the work spindle 16 positioned. By opposite axial stroke of the gripper arm 28 becomes the tool holder 22 in the tool holder holder 19 used and stretched there. A lateral movement of the work spindle 16 in the X direction decouples the tool holder 22 from the gripper 29 ,

The removal of a tool or tool holder 22 from the work spindle 16 runs in reverse order.

In the same way as the tool holder 22 can the angle head 47 in the work spindle 16 be transferred and coupled with this. Is this angle head 47 for holding tool holders 22 with large gripping disc 24 provided, this can with the help of the large gripper contour 35 of the tool changer 27 done by first the work spindle 16 from the horizontal position 5 in the vertical position 6 is pivoted. For this purpose, a 90 ° turn around the tilt axis is sufficient 18 , The now horizontal and parallel to the pivot axis 30 Oriented tool can by moving the work spindle 16 in the X and Y direction again with the gripper 29 be coupled and operated by this, to effect a tool change. This takes place as initially in connection with the tool holder 22 described.

Indicates the angle head 47 a recording 48 with smaller size for the tool holder 42 on, the tool change procedure is modified:

The portal loader 25 bring to the as an adapter 22 -1 tool holder to be viewed 22 according to 4 respectively. 3 top left from the tray of the tool magazine 12 and presents the arrangement consisting of the adapter 22 -1 and the tool holder 42 , the tool changer 27 , This now takes with its smaller gripper contour 36 the tool holder 42 on his gripping disc 44 on that into the smaller gripper contour 36 fits. By axial stroke in the direction of the pivot axis 30 becomes the tool holder 42 from the as an adapter 22 -1 serving tool holder 22, ie in particular the seat 45 led out and by 180 ° -Schwenkung around the pivot axis 30 in front of the tool holder holder 48 of the angle head 47 according to 6 positioned. Axial lift turns the tool holder 42 in the tool holder holder 48 used. A transverse movement of the work spindle 16 in the X direction decouples the tool holder 42 from the gripper 29 ,

During this tool change process, the tool holder remains 22 as an adapter 22 -1 in the portal loader 25 and is handed over from this, if necessary, also empty to the filing back.

According to this concept, through the gantry loader 25 and the tool changer 27 a whole number of different tools with smaller dimensions, such as the tool holder 42 , successively to the angle head 47 be passed and led away from this again. Thus, the number of angular heads can be chosen differently from the number of matching tools, even if the male from the angle head or other spindle attachments tools from that in the work spindle 16 provided tool holder receptacle 19 differ dimensionally.

It is also the operation of angle heads with the tool changer 27 possible where the tool is at horizontal position of the work spindle 16 according to 5 not up, but pointing down. Should a pivoting movement of the work spindle 16 will not be possible by 90 ° upwards, the work spindle 16 for tool change similar to in 6 given away. In such a case, however, the tool points to the right, ie away from the working space. In this case, a tool change can be effected when the tool, as in 3 visible, with the special tool holder 49 is kept in a rotated position by 180 °. The portal loader 25 takes over the tool holder 49 and presents the tool 50 with tool holder 42 in this way the tool gripper 27 , This now takes over the 180 ° -rotated positioned tool and puts it in the angle head 47 in a sense "from behind". While inserting the tool holder 22 in the work spindle 16 otherwise takes place in a lifting movement in the Z direction, which is directed away from the working space, the insertion of the tool takes place 50 or tool holder 42 in the case of the angle head with pointing away from the working space tool in a stroke movement in the Z direction, which is directed towards the working space.

The in 2 illustrated tool gripper 29 has two gripper contours 35 . 36 on, which are preferably arranged overlapping each other. With this combined gripper 29 can be tool holders 22 . 42 grasp different sizes and accordingly between a work spindle or a spindle attachment and a tool magazine 12 transport back and forth. The spectrum of application possibilities of the machine tool 10 is due to the optional operation of tool holders 22 . 42 significantly expanded in size.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

machine tool

11

Tool changing device

12

tool magazine

13 - 15

Tools

16

work spindle

17

drive axle

18

tilt axis

19

Toolholder receiving

20, 21

Tools

22

toolholder

23

Body (e.g., cone-shaped or hollow cone-shaped)

24

Griffin slices

25

gantry loaders

26

arrow

27

tool changer

28

swivel arm

29

grab

30

Swivel axis (gripper axis)

31, 32

finger

33, 34

pivot centers

35

first gripper contour

36

second gripper contour

37, 38

circles

39, 40

Center points of the circles 37 , 38

41

Line, radial to the pivot axis 30th

42

toolholder

43

conical body

44

Griffin disc

45

Seat

46

clamping contour

47

Winkelbohrkkopf

48

Toolholder receiving

49

Adapter for tool holder 42

50

Tool

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014226969 A1 [0002]

Claims (16)

Tool changer (27) for a machine tool (10), in particular a machining center, with at least one gripper (29) having a first gripper contour (35) for a first tool holder (22) and a second gripper contour (36) for a second tool holder (42 ) having. Tool changer after Claim 1 , characterized in that the gripper (29) is arranged pivotably about a gripper axis (30) and that the gripper contours (35, 36) are arranged one behind the other as seen from the gripper axis (30). Tool changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripper (29) about a gripper axis (30) is pivotally mounted and that the gripper contours (35, 36) define contour centers (39, 40) on a radial (41) the gripper axis (30) are arranged. Tool changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two gripper contours (35, 36) define circular contours (37, 38) which are arranged overlapping one another. Tool changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gripper contour (35) is greater than the second gripper contour (36). Tool changer after Claim 5 , characterized in that the size of a gripper contour (35, 36) is determined by the diameter defined by it. Tool changer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripper (29) comprises two fingers (31, 32), one of which is movably mounted on the other out at least. Tool changer after Claim 7 , characterized in that the fingers (31, 32) are resiliently biased towards each other. Tool changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that associated with the tool changer (27) is an adapter (22) having an adapter contour (24) adapted to cooperate with one of the gripper contours (35, 36), and in that Adapter (22) has a seat (45) which serves as a tool holder receptacle. Tool changer after Claim 7 and 9 , characterized in that the adapter contour (24) to the first gripper contour (35) is designed to fit and that the seat (45) to a tool holder (42) is formed matching, which in turn fits to the second gripper contour (36). Tool changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that associated with the tool changer (27) is an angle head (47) which has a receiving contour (24) matching the first gripper contour (35). Tool changer after Claim 11 , characterized in that the angle head (47) has a driven tool holder receptacle (48). Machine tool (10) with at least one work spindle (16) having a tool holder receptacle (19), with a tool magazine (12) which is adapted to receive a plurality of tool holders (22), and with a tool changer (27) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for tool change on a machine tool (10) according to Claim 13 with a tool changer (27) Claim 9 In the method, the adapter (22) is left in the tool magazine (12). Method for tool change on a machine tool according to Claim 13 and an angle head (47) Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the angle head (47) remains at least one tool change on the work spindle (16). Method for tool change on a machine tool (10) according to Claim 15 wherein the work spindle (16) is movable about a tilt axis (18), comprising: pivoting the work spindle about the tilt axis (18) about a tool (13-15) received in the angle head (47) parallel to the pivot axis 30 of the tool changer to orient.

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