EP3409415B1 - Workpiece holder unit for a grinding machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a workpiece carrier unit with a plurality of workpiece carriers according to the preamble of claim 1, for example, from DE 10 2016 107590 A1 or the DE 101 06 189 A1 is known.

Described is a grinding method for machining the surface of workpieces, comprising the following steps: a) providing a grinding machine with at least one grinding tool, wherein the grinding tool is rotatably mounted about a Schleifwerkzeugachse, b) providing at least two workpieces to be machined, c) arranging the Workpieces on one of at least two workpiece carriers of a workpiece carrier unit, wherein the at least two workpiece carriers are rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier axis, and wherein the workpiece carrier unit is rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier unit axis, and d) grinding the workpiece surfaces of the workpieces, wherein the grinding tool rotates about the grinding tool axis wherein the at least two workpiece carriers rotate about a workpiece carrier axis, and wherein the workpiece surfaces of at least two arranged on other workpiece carriers workpieces simultaneously to be edited.

Also described is a grinding machine with at least one such workpiece carrier unit.

By "grinding" is generally understood a machining production process in which excess material is separated in the form of chips. The grinding tools used for grinding - for example, grinding wheels - are often made by a bulk material, such as corundum, with a binder is bound. Grinding with a rotating tool - for example a grinding wheel - is to be differentiated from other grinding processes, for example belt grinding.

In the field of grinding technology different grinding methods and grinding machines are known. In many of these methods and machines it is provided that the workpieces to be ground are arranged on a transport device with a plurality of workpiece holders. Transport devices with several workpiece holders have the advantage of a particularly efficient process management, since the duration of the grinding process can be used to equip the vacant workpiece holders with new, unpolished workpieces or to remove the already ground workpieces from their workpiece holders. Another advantage of multiple workpiece holders is that multiple workpieces can be brought into engagement with the workpiece simultaneously.

Such a grinding machine is for example from the EP 0 941 803 B1 known there in the design of a double-plan grinder with two parallel deliverable grinding wheels and with a transport device with three workpiece holders.

A disadvantage of such methods and devices, however, is the property that always only those workpiece holder rotates, on which the currently processed workpiece is arranged or on which the currently processed workpieces are arranged. Meanwhile, the other workpiece holders stand still, so that they can be loaded or unloaded. Another disadvantage is that only height equal workpieces can be ground. The previously known methods for simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces with unstrained loops also have the disadvantage that only outer flat surfaces can be edited and that can only be placed on outer flat surfaces and ground parallel thereto.

The invention is therefore based on the object to design the workpiece carrier unit described above in such a way and further that, while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, the most efficient and precise grinding process is possible.

This object is achieved by a workpiece carrier unit according to claim 1. This workpiece carrier unit is characterized in that the workpiece carriers are roller-mounted.

Described is a grinding method for machining the surface of workpieces, comprising the following steps: a) providing a grinding machine with at least one grinding tool, wherein the grinding tool is rotatably mounted about a Schleifwerkzeugachse, b) providing at least two workpieces to be machined, c) arranging the Workpieces on one of at least two workpiece carriers of a workpiece carrier unit, wherein the at least two workpiece carriers are rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier axis, and wherein the workpiece carrier unit is rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier unit axis, and d) grinding the workpiece surfaces of the workpieces, wherein the grinding tool rotates about the grinding tool axis wherein the at least two workpiece carriers rotate about a workpiece carrier axis, and wherein the workpiece surfaces of at least two arranged on other workpiece carriers workpieces simultaneously to be edited.

The method serves to machine the surface of workpieces, in particular to grind. A first step is to provide a grinding machine with at least one grinding tool. The grinding machine may also have two or more grinding tools. The grinding tools may, for example, be grinding wheels. The grinding tool is rotatably mounted about a grinding tool axis, it can therefore perform a rotational movement. Another step is that at least two to be processed Workpieces are provided. A further step provides that the workpieces are arranged on one of at least two workpiece carriers of a workpiece carrier unit. In this case, the at least two workpiece carriers are rotatably mounted in each case about a workpiece carrier axis. It can also be provided three or more workpiece carrier, in this case, preferably all workpiece carriers are rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier axis. In addition, the workpiece carrier unit is rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier unit axis. Another step involves grinding the workpiece surfaces of the workpieces. The grinding tool rotates around the grinding tool axis. In addition, the at least two workpiece carriers rotate about one workpiece carrier axis in each case. If three or more workpiece carriers are provided, preferably all workpiece carriers rotate in each case a workpiece carrier axis. The workpiece surfaces of at least two workpieces arranged on different or different workpiece carriers are processed simultaneously.

By providing that at least two - but preferably all - workpiece carriers rotate about one workpiece carrier axis, the workpiece surfaces of several workpieces can be processed simultaneously even if the workpieces are not arranged on the same workpiece carrier.

This distinguishes the method described, for example from the EP 0 941 803 B1 , The simultaneous grinding of several workpieces initially has the advantage of efficient process control. Another advantage is that those workpieces that are ground simultaneously, can be ground very precisely to an identical dimension or to the same degree. This is due to the fact that the most prominent point of the grinding tool - ie the lowest point - reaches all workpieces. Further advantages include the fact that internal surfaces can also be machined and that with "multi-spindle machines" (grinding machines with several rotating grinding tools) cylindrical surfaces can also be machined. In addition, it is advantageous that internal or recessed planar surfaces can be referenced and that to a tensioned surface (in particular outer lateral surface or bore) tight positional tolerances (in particular squareness) can be maintained.

According to one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the workpiece carrier unit rotates completely around the workpiece carrier unit axis. By a complete rotation is meant a rotation of more than 360 °. A continuous rotation, ie a rotation with a constant direction of rotation, has the advantage over an oscillating movement, for example, that the workpiece carrier unit does not have to be braked and accelerated. Preferably, the workpiece carrier unit rotates at a constant rotational speed.

A further embodiment of the method provides that the workpiece carrier unit oscillates about the workpiece carrier unit axis. An oscillation is understood to mean a rotary movement in which the direction of rotation changes, that is to say a reciprocating movement. An oscillating movement has the advantage that the workpieces arranged on the workpiece carriers of the workpiece carrier unit are moved only within a limited range. This allows, for example, the grinding of inner surfaces of the workpieces, including the grinding tools must be introduced into the workpieces.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the workpieces are ground on an outer surface. Alternatively, it can be provided that the workpieces are ground on an inner surface. The grinding of the outer surfaces has the advantage that several workpieces can be ground by the same grinding tool. This is not possible when sanding inner surfaces, as this requires the grinding tools ("internal spindles") to be inserted into the workpiece - for example into the interior of a cylinder ring. Even when sanding inner surfaces, several workpieces can be ground simultaneously if there are more than one abrasive tool. The ability to grind both outer surfaces and inner surfaces, for example, a defined dimension between an outer plane surface and an inner surface, such as an inner shoulder, are generated.

In a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the grinding tool axis and the workpiece carrier unit axis run parallel, in particular collinear. By a parallel course of the axes is achieved that the distance between the grinding tool and the workpiece carrier unit in each rotational position is constant. In addition, parallel axes of rotation make it possible for the rotating grinding tool not to come into contact with its peripheral surface ("peripheral grinding") but with one of its side surfaces ("side grinding") with the workpiece. Such a grinding process is also referred to as "side surface grinding". If the grinding tool axis and the workpiece carrier unit axis are arranged not only parallel but even collinear, it is achieved that the grinding tool is arranged centrally above the workpiece carrier unit and in this way can cover the largest possible area of the workpiece carrier unit. This allows the simultaneous processing of as many workpieces. In addition, the symmetrical arrangement of the grinding tool centrally above the workpiece carrier unit allows a grinding process even when the workpiece carrier unit is stationary, provided that the workpiece carrier and the grinding tool rotate. A parallel arrangement of the axes is sufficient in most cases, a collinear arrangement is required only in special cases. In "multi-spindle" can be provided that the grinding tools can be individually delivered in the axial direction to allow individual Maßkorrekturen.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that at least one workpiece carrier axis runs parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis. It can be provided that all workpiece carrier axes run parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis. As an alternative or in addition to this, it can be provided in a further embodiment that at least one workpiece carrier axis runs inclined and / or crossed to the workpiece carrier unit axis. It can be provided that all workpiece carrier axes inclined and / or entangled to the workpiece carrier unit axis run. By a parallel course of the axes, a particularly good flatness, recognizable by the cross-grinding pattern, as well as a good perpendicularity of the ground surfaces to the workpiece rotation axis can be achieved. By an inclination of the workpiece carrier, however, components can be manufactured with a defined plan / hollow shape. The workpiece carriers can be inclined in the radial direction of the workpiece carrier unit, namely radially inwards or radially outwards. Alternatively or additionally, the workpiece carriers can be entangled in the circumferential direction or in the tangential direction of the workpiece carrier unit, in the direction of rotation or against the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier unit. Through an entanglement, the microsection can be influenced. When the entanglement angle is set to 0 °, perfect flatness can be achieved, as can be seen on the cross-cut. On the other hand, by setting a specific angle of intersection (not equal to 0 °, ie greater than 0 ° or less than 0 °), a directional microsection can be generated.

According to a further embodiment of the method is provided that different height workpieces are ground simultaneously. Workpieces of different heights are understood in particular to be workpieces which, starting from the workpiece carrier, extend to different extents in the direction of the grinding tool. This procedure can be made possible, for example, by arranging some or all of the workpieces on supports during grinding. By placing a support between the workpiece carrier and the workpiece height differences can be compensated. For this purpose, different thicknesses or different lengths can be used. Also height differences can be compensated by specific tool carrier.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the rotational speed of the workpiece carriers is adjustable independently of the rotational speed of the workpiece carrier unit. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier independent of the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier unit is adjustable. Preferably, both the rotational speed and / or the rotational direction of each workpiece carrier is adjustable independently of the rotational speed and / or the rotational direction of the workpiece carrier unit. In this way, the grinding process can be optimally adjusted to the type of workpieces and to the desired grinding result. Preferably, the workpiece carriers rotate during the grinding process at a different angular velocity than the workpiece carrier unit. It may be provided that the workpiece carriers rotate at a higher angular velocity or at a lower angular velocity than the workpiece carrier unit; however, it is preferred that the workpiece carriers rotate at a higher angular velocity than the workpiece carrier unit.

According to a further embodiment of the method it is provided that the grinding tool is cylindrical in shape and is mounted relatively movable in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction. Due to the cylindrical shape, flat surfaces can be ground (through the end face or side surface of the grinding tool) and curved surfaces can be ground (by the peripheral surface or lateral surface of the grinding tool). The axial mobility allows a placement of the grinding tool on the workpiece and a lifting of the grinding tool from the workpiece. The mobility in the radial direction has particular advantages when grinding inner surfaces, since the grinding tool can first be introduced into the work piece and then - by radial displacement - can be made to the surface to be ground. If a plurality of grinding tools are present, it can be provided that each grinding tool is cylindrically shaped and is mounted so as to be movable relative to the workpiece carrier unit and / or to the workpiece in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction. Curved surfaces can be ground by grinding machines with several grinding tools ("multi-spindle"), as with multi-spindle machines, the inner and outer curved lateral surfaces of the workpiece are easily accessible with the relatively small tools. A feed movement can be generated by slight pivoting of the workpiece carrier unit.

The above-described object is achieved according to the invention by a workpiece carrier unit having a plurality of workpiece carriers, wherein the at least two workpiece carriers are each rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier axis, and wherein the workpiece carrier unit is rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier unit axis. The workpiece carriers are roller-mounted. With the workpiece carrier unit (also called "rotary table"), the grinding method described above can be performed.

By the workpiece carriers are mounted roller bearings, they can be driven with very low friction. In addition, a very precise and virtually backlash-free storage of the workpiece carrier can be achieved by rolling bearings. Preferably, the workpiece carriers have a housing and a shaft, wherein the shaft is roller-mounted relative to the housing. The shaft of each workpiece carrier can therefore be driven individually. In addition, by selecting suitable rolling bearings (e.g., spherical roller bearings), angular mobility can be achieved whereby the shaft can be slightly tilted relative to the housing.

According to one embodiment of the workpiece carrier unit, it is provided that the workpiece carrier unit and the workpiece carriers can be driven independently of one another, in particular can be driven at the same time. Independent drives are understood in particular to mean that the rotational speed of the workpiece carriers can be set independently of the rotational speed of the workpiece carrier unit. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier is adjustable independently of the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier unit. Preferably, both the rotational speed and / or the rotational direction of each workpiece carrier is independent of the rotational speed and / or the direction of rotation of the Workpiece carrier unit adjustable. In this way, the workpiece carrier unit can be optimally adjusted to the type of workpieces and to the desired grinding result. However, the independence of the drives does not exclude that the rotational movement of the workpiece carrier unit and the rotational movement of the workpiece carrier are coordinated, for example, coupled according to a particularly simple embodiment (similar to a planetary gear).

According to one embodiment of the workpiece carrier unit, it is provided that at least one workpiece carrier axis runs parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis. It can be provided that all workpiece carrier axes run parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one workpiece carrier axis runs inclined and / or crossed to the workpiece carrier unit axis. It can be provided that all workpiece carrier axes are inclined and / or crossed to the workpiece carrier unit axis. By a parallel course of the axes, a particularly good flatness, recognizable by the cross-grinding pattern, as well as a good perpendicularity of the ground surfaces to the workpiece rotation axis can be achieved. By an inclination of the workpiece carrier, however, components can be manufactured with a defined plan / hollow shape. The workpiece carriers can be inclined in the radial direction of the workpiece carrier unit, namely radially inwards or radially outwards. Alternatively or additionally, the workpiece carriers can be entangled in the circumferential direction or in the tangential direction of the workpiece carrier unit, in the direction of rotation or against the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier unit. Through an entanglement, the microsection can be influenced. When the entanglement angle is set to 0 °, perfect flatness can be achieved, as can be seen on the cross-cut. On the other hand, by setting a specific angle of intersection (not equal to 0 °, ie greater than 0 ° or less than 0 °), a directional microsection can be generated.

According to the invention, at least one of the workpiece carriers is mounted tiltable and / or verschränkbar is. Preferably, all workpiece carriers are tilted and / or verschränkbar stored. By tilting or verschränkbare storage, the position of the workpiece carrier axis can be changed. In this way, the workpiece carriers can assume different positions. For example, the workpiece carrier axis can be adjusted so that it runs parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis. Alternatively, the workpiece carrier axis can be adjusted so that it runs obliquely, so inclined or crossed to the workpiece carrier unit axis. The mounting of the workpiece carriers can be designed such that the workpiece carriers can be tilted in the radial direction of the workpiece carrier unit (radially inwards or radially outwards). Alternatively or additionally, the mounting of the workpiece carrier can be designed such that the workpiece carriers in the circumferential direction of the workpiece carrier unit are verschränkbar (in the direction of rotation or against the direction of rotation of the workpiece carrier unit). The storage of the workpiece carrier can be designed, for example, as a calotte bearing, preferably as a lockable calotte bearing. Alternatively or additionally, the inclination or the entanglement can be achieved by elastic material deformation of certain areas of the workpiece carrier. The workpiece carrier has, for example, a rotating shaft, a housing and bearings (in particular rolling bearings). Decisive for the inclination of the axis of a workpiece carrier is the tilting of the bearing of the workpiece carrier. This is done by tilting the (single- or multi-part housing with the bearing seats as a whole or being elastically deformed in areas.) Alternatively, the axis can be adjusted if only one of the two bearings is slightly adjusted to reduce the required deformation force helpful if the case is intentionally weakened.

A further embodiment of the workpiece carrier unit provides that at least one of the workpiece carriers can be fixed in an inclined and / or entangled position. For this purpose, it is further proposed that at least one of the workpiece carriers for fixing the inclined and / or entangled position has a fixable adjusting ring. To adjust the inclination and entanglement can be provided that at least one of the workpiece carrier has adjusting screws for adjusting its inclination and / or entanglement. Both the inclination angle and the Verschränkungswinkel should be adjustable and fixable in the adjusted position. The inclination or entanglement can be achieved by a suitable storage (eg Kalottenlagerung) or by elastic deformation of the housing. The fixation can be done for example by a collar, which is preferably fixed by axial locking screws. A particularly precise adjustment can be achieved by adjusting screws.

According to a further embodiment of the workpiece carrier unit, it is provided that the workpiece carriers have different workpiece holders. In particular, it can be provided that the workpiece carriers have differently high workpiece holders. Under different high workpiece holders in particular workpiece holders are understood that extend from the workpiece carrier unit, starting different distances in the direction of the grinding tool. In this way, different high workpieces can be ground simultaneously by the same grinding tool. The workpiece holders can be designed integrally-that is, as part of the workpiece carriers-or designed as a separate component, for example as a support, which is arranged between the workpiece carrier and the workpiece. It can be exciting workpiece holders, positive workpiece holders and / or frictional workpiece holders.

According to a further embodiment of the workpiece carrier unit is provided that the workpieces are clamped non-positively on the workpiece carrier. For this purpose, the workpiece carriers preferably have clamping means with which a frictional clamping of the workpieces is possible. In fine grinding, for example, rotating workpiece carrier disks are used, which may be simply shaped metal sheets. These sheets may contain holes that can receive the workpieces directly. Alternatively, floating workpiece carriers can be provided, which also as a simple Sheets can be designed. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that it does not represent inherently rigid storage. This disadvantage can be counteracted by a non-positive clamping of the workpieces.

Described is also a grinding machine with at least one workpiece carrier unit of the type described above. The grinding machine has in addition to the workpiece carrier unit at least one grinding tool, wherein the grinding tool is rotatably mounted about a grinding tool axis. With the grinding machine, the grinding method described above can be carried out. In grinding machines with a plurality of grinding tools ("multi-spindle"), it is preferably provided that the tool spindles can be individually delivered to produce defined workpiece dimensions.

The grinding machine can be supplemented according to a further embodiment by at least one gripper for loading and / or unloading the workpiece carrier. By one, two or more grippers, the workpiece carrier of the workpiece carrier unit can be loaded and unloaded with workpieces, whereby an automated and efficient process management is possible.

Finally, it is proposed for this embodiment that the at least one gripper is designed as a turning gripper. Under a turning gripper, a gripper is understood, which is rotatable by at least 180 °, but preferably by 360 °. Thus, the gripper can turn workpieces, for example, to allow processing of the workpieces on different sides of the workpieces.

During the movement of the workpieces by the grippers, the essential movement (longest path) of the workpieces preferably takes place transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpieces, ie transversely to the direction of the workpiece axis.

Fig. 1A:

eine erste Ausgestaltung einer Schleifmaschine in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 1B:

das Schleifwerkzeug und die Werkstückträgereinheit der Schleifmaschine aus Fig. 1A in einer Vorderansicht,

Fig.1C:

die Werkstückträgereinheit der Schleifmaschine aus Fig. 1A in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 2A:

eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer Schleifmaschine in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 2B:

die Schleifwerkzeuge und die Werkstückträgereinheit der Schleifmaschine aus Fig. 2A in einer Vorderansicht,

Fig. 2C:

die Werkstückträgereinheit der Schleifmaschine aus Fig. 2A in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3A:

eine alternative Ausgestaltung einer Werkstückträgereinheit in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3B:

die Werkstückträgereinheit aus Fig. 3A in einer geschnittenen Ansicht entlang der in Fig. 3A eingezeichneten Schnittebene A-A,

Fig. 3C:

die Werkstückträgereinheit aus Fig. 3A in einer geschnittenen Ansicht entlang der in Fig. 3A eingezeichneten Schnittebene B-B,

Fig. 4A:

den Werkstückträger aus Fig. 3A in einer vergrößerten Ansicht, und

Fig. 4B:

eine alternative Ausgestaltung des Werkstückträgers aus Fig. 4A.

The invention will be explained below with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1A:

a first embodiment of a grinding machine in a perspective view,

1B:

the grinding tool and the workpiece carrier unit of the grinding machine Fig. 1A in a front view,

Figure 1C:

the workpiece carrier unit of the grinding machine Fig. 1A in a plan view,

Fig. 2A:

a second embodiment of a grinding machine in a perspective view,

Fig. 2B:

the grinding tools and the workpiece carrier unit of the grinding machine Fig. 2A in a front view,

Fig. 2C:

the workpiece carrier unit of the grinding machine Fig. 2A in a plan view,

Fig. 3A:

an alternative embodiment of a workpiece carrier unit in a plan view,

Fig. 3B:

the workpiece carrier unit Fig. 3A in a sectional view along the in Fig. 3A Plotted section plane AA,

3C:

the workpiece carrier unit Fig. 3A in a sectional view along the in Fig. 3A Plotted sectional plane BB,

Fig. 4A:

from the workpiece carrier Fig. 3A in an enlarged view, and

4B:

an alternative embodiment of the workpiece carrier Fig. 4A ,

Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a grinding machine 1 in a perspective view. The illustrated grinding machine 1 is a so-called surface grinding machine, more precisely a side surface grinding machine. The grinding machine 1 comprises a grinding tool 2, which is rotatably mounted about a grinding tool axis X2. The grinding tool axis X2 is oriented vertically or vertically ("vertical spindle"). The grinding tool 2 is a grinding wheel which is approximately cylindrically shaped. The grinding tool 2 is driven by a drive 3 and can be displaced in at least the vertical direction, ie in the direction of the grinding tool axis X2.

In the Fig. 1 Grinding machine 1 shown also includes a workpiece carrier unit 4 with eight circumferentially arranged workpiece carriers 5. On each second workpiece carrier 5 - ie on a total of four of the eight workpiece carrier 5 - are arranged workpieces 6. The workpiece carrier unit 4 is rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier unit axis X4. The workpiece carrier unit axis X4 is oriented vertically or vertically. In addition, the workpiece carrier unit axis X4 runs collinear with the grinding tool axis X2. The workpiece carriers 5 are also rotatably mounted, in each case around a workpiece carrier axis X5. At the in Fig. 1 As shown embodiment of the grinding machine 1, the workpiece carrier axes X5 are approximately vertically or vertically aligned and arranged parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis X4. Alternatively, however, the workpiece carrier axis X5 could also be arranged inclined relative to the workpiece carrier unit axis X4. This will be discussed below in connection with another embodiment of the grinding machine.

The grinding of the workpieces 6 takes place on the in Fig. 1 grinding machine 1 shown by the grinding tool 2 rotates about the grinding tool axis X2. In addition, the workpiece carrier unit 4 rotates about the workpiece carrier unit axis X4 and the workpiece carriers 5 rotate about their workpiece carrier axes X5. After that Abrasive tool 2 has been lowered onto the workpieces 6 to be machined, the surfaces of several workpieces 6, in particular all workpieces 6 - preferably simultaneously - detected by the grinding tool 2 and ground. The grinding tool 2 and its drive 3 can be moved in the vertical direction in order to place the grinding tool 2 on the workpieces 6 and to be able to lift them off again (in FIG Fig. 1A represented by a double arrow).

In Fig. 1B are the grinding tool 2 and the workpiece carrier unit 4 of the grinding machine 1 off Fig. 1A shown in a front view. Those areas of the grinding machine 1 that are already related Fig. 1A are described in Fig. 1B - And in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. The grinding tool 2 has a flat grinding surface 7 and the workpieces 6 have a surface 8 to be processed. The flat grinding surface 7 of the grinding tool 2 extends approximately at right angles to the grinding tool axis X2 and the surfaces 8 to be machined of the workpieces 6 extend approximately at right angles to the workpiece carrier axes X5. As can be seen, the grinding tool axis X2 and the workpiece carrier unit axis X4 are collinear, while the workpiece carrier axes X5 extend parallel offset to these two axes X2, X4. Shown is in Fig. 1B a machine position before the start of the grinding process; at this time exists between the grinding surface 7 of the grinding tool 2 and the surfaces to be machined 8 of the workpieces 6 in the vertical direction still a distance 9. The vertical displacement of the grinding tool 2 and its drive 3 are in Fig. 1B represented by a straight double arrow; the rotational movements are not marked with arrows for reasons of clarity.

Fig. 1C shows the workpiece carrier unit 4 of the grinding machine 1 from Fig. 1A in a top view. Those areas of the grinding machine 1 that are already related Fig. 1A or Fig. 1B are described in Fig. 1C - And in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the plan view is particularly clearly visible that the grinding tool 2 to edit all four Workpieces 6 detected. Due to the rotation of the workpieces 6 about the Werkstückträgerachsen X5 all grinded areas of the workpieces 6 are detected by the grinding tool 2, although the diameter D2 of the grinding tool 2 is smaller than the diameter D4 of the workpiece carrier unit 4 and although the workpieces 6 with its outer diameter D6 in Radial direction are partially disposed outside of the grinding tool 2. This is achieved in that the distance of the workpiece carrier axes X5 from the grinding tool axis X2 is less than half the diameter D2 (ie the radius) of the grinding tool 2. The rotation of the grinding tool 2 and the rotation of the workpieces 6 are in Fig. 1C represented by curved arrows; it can be seen that the grinding tool 2 and the workpieces 6 have the same direction of rotation, namely in the clockwise direction. In addition, it can be provided that the workpiece carrier unit 4 rotates about its workpiece carrier unit axis X4.

Fig. 2A shows a second embodiment of a grinding machine 1 'in a perspective view. Those areas of the grinding machine 1 'already associated with Fig. 1A to Fig. 1C are described in Fig. 2A - And in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. A difference between the first embodiment of the grinding machine 1 (FIG. Fig. 1A to Fig. 1C ) and the second embodiment of the grinding machine 1 '( Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C ) is that the second embodiment of the grinding machine 1 'four grinding tools 2', which are rotatably mounted around a respective grinding tool axis X2 '.

In Fig. 2B are the grinding tools 2 'and the workpiece carrier unit 4 of the grinding machine 1' from Fig. 2A shown in a front view. Those areas of the grinding machine 1 'already associated with Fig. 2A are described in Fig. 2B - And in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. The grinding tools 2 'each have a grinding surface 7', which runs approximately at right angles to the respective grinding tool axis X2 '. The workpieces 6 to be machined are each arranged on a workpiece carrier 5, with the surfaces 8 of the workpieces 6 being machined this time around internal surfaces 8 acts. The workpiece carriers 5 have workpiece carrier axes X5 which are offset parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis X4. The grinding tool axis X2 and the workpiece carrier unit axis X4 are collinear. The vertical displacement of the grinding tools 2 'and their drive 3 are in Fig. 2B represented by a straight double arrow. The grinding tools 2 'are also displaceable in the radial direction (parallel displacement of the grinding tool axes X2'), which is not indicated by arrows for reasons of clarity.

Fig. 2C shows the workpiece carrier unit 4 of the grinding machine 1 'from Fig. 2A in a top view. Those areas of the grinding machine 1 'already associated with Fig. 2A or Fig. 2B are described in Fig. 2C - And in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the top view, it can be seen particularly clearly that each of the four workpieces 6 is assigned its own grinding tool 2 '. Since the outer diameter D2 'of the grinding tools 2' is smaller than the inner diameter D6i of the workpieces 6, the grinding tools 2 'can be inserted into the workpieces 6 and thus grind inner surfaces of the workpieces 6. The rotation of the grinding tools 2 'and the rotation of the workpieces 6 are in Fig. 2C represented by curved arrows. Since the grinding tools 2 'are inserted into the workpieces 6, the workpiece carrier unit 4 can not make a complete revolving rotation about the workpiece carrier unit axis X4; instead, the workpiece carrier unit 4 makes an oscillating rotational movement (represented by a curved double arrow).

In Fig. 3A an alternative embodiment of a workpiece carrier unit 4 is shown in a plan view. Those areas of the workpiece carrier unit 4 which have already been described above are in Fig. 3A - And in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. The third embodiment of the workpiece carrier unit 4 differs in particular from the previously described embodiment that workpiece carrier 5 'with a tiltable or Verschränkbaren storage are provided. This is related to 3B and 3C detailed.

Fig. 3B shows the workpiece carrier unit Fig. 3A in a sectional view along the in Fig. 3A drawn section plane AA and in Fig. 3C is the workpiece carrier unit off Fig. 3A in a sectional view along the in Fig. 3A drawn cutting plane BB shown. Those areas of the workpiece carrier unit 4 which have already been described above are in Fig. 3B and in Fig. 3C - As in all other figures - provided with corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 3B can be seen that the workpiece carrier 5 'has a tilting bearing 10, which will be discussed in more detail below. The tilting bearing 10 allows both a pivoting movement or tilting movement of the workpiece carrier 5 'in the radial direction of the workpiece carrier unit 4 - ie along the cutting plane AA in Fig. 3A (curved double arrow in Fig. 3B ; "Inclination") and in the circumferential direction or in the tangential direction of the workpiece carrier unit 4 - ie along the section plane BB in Fig. 3A (curved double arrow in Fig. 3C ; "Entanglement"). By combining the two illustrated - perpendicular to each other - pivoting directions of the workpiece carrier 5 'can be inclined or interlocked in any direction. This has the consequence that the workpiece carrier axis X5 no longer necessarily has to run parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis X4 but - depending on the position of the workpiece carrier 5 '- may be inclined or entangled.

In Fig. 4A is the workpiece carrier 5 'from Fig. 3A shown in an enlarged view. Fig. 4B shows an alternative embodiment of the workpiece carrier 5 "from Fig. 4A , Those areas of the workpiece carriers 5 ', 5 "which have already been described above are in Fig. 4A and in Fig. 4B provided with corresponding reference numerals. The workpiece carrier 5 ', 5 "is rotatably mounted in both embodiments relative to the workpiece carrier unit 4, including the workpiece carrier 5' from Fig. 4A as well as the workpiece carrier 5 "from Fig. 4B Rolling bearing 12, with which a rotating shaft 13 is rotatably mounted in a housing 14. In addition, the Workpiece carriers 5 ', 5 "are pivotally mounted in both embodiments, which becomes redundant in the case of the workpiece carrier 5' Fig. 4A reached over a tilting bearing 10, which is designed as a spherical bearing. The workpiece carrier 5 'has a fixable adjusting ring 15 which extends around the housing 14 around. The position of the adjusting ring 15 - and thus also the inclination position or Verschränkungslage the workpiece carrier 5'-can be precisely adjusted by adjusting screws 16. At the in Fig. 4A shown example, a radial screw 16A and an axial screw 16B is present. Following the adjustment, the position of the workpiece carrier 5 'can be determined via locking screws 17 in any desired inclination position or interlocking position. In the workpiece carrier 5 "off Fig. 4B on the other hand, the tilting bearing 10 'functions by elastically deforming certain regions of the workpiece carrier 5 ". The regions intended for the elastic deformation can be made particularly thin, for example Fig. 4B shown tilting bearing 10 'is suitable only for smaller tilt angle, for larger tilt angle is in Fig. 4A illustrated tilting bearing 10 is preferred.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1,1 ':

grinding machine

2,2 ':

grinding tool

3:

Drive (of the grinding tool 2,2 ')

4:

Workpiece carrier unit

5, 5 ', 5 ":

Workpiece carrier

6:

workpiece

7, 7 ':

Grinding surface (of the grinding tool 2, 2 ')

8th:

Surface (of the workpiece 6)

9:

Distance (between grinding tool 2, 2 'and workpiece 6)

10, 10 ':

tilt bearing

12:

Rolling bearing (of the workpiece carrier)

13:

Shaft (of the workpiece carrier)

14:

Housing (of the workpiece carrier)

15:

Stell ring

16, 16A, 16B:

screw

17:

locking screw

D2, D2 ':

Outer diameter (of the grinding tool 2,2 ')

D4:

Outer diameter (of the workpiece carrier unit 4)

D6:

Outer diameter (of workpieces 6)

D6i:

Inner diameter (of the workpieces 6)

X2, X2 ':

Grinding tool axis

X4:

Workpiece carrier unit axis

X5:

Workpiece carrier axis

Claims (9)

1. Workpiece carrier unit (4) with a plurality of workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5"),

   - wherein the at least two workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") are mounted so as to be rotatable in each case about one workpiece carrier axis (X5),

   - wherein the workpiece carrier unit (4) is mounted so as to be rotatable about a workpiece carrier unit axis (X4), and

   - wherein the workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") are mounted on an rolling bearings,

   characterised in that at least one of the workpiece carriers (5', 5") is mounted so as to be inclinable and/or interlacable.
2. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to claim 1, characterised in that the workpiece carrier unit (4) and the workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") are drivable independently of one another, in particular simultaneously drivable.
3. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one workpiece carrier axis (X5) runs parallel to the workpiece carrier unit axis (X4).
4. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one workpiece carrier axis (X5) runs inclined and/or interlaced to the workpiece carrier unit axis (X4).
5. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the workpiece carriers (5', 5") can be fixed in an inclined and/or interlaced position.
6. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to claim 1 or claim 5, characterised in that at least one of the workpiece carriers (5', 5") has a fixable adjusting ring (15) to fix the inclined and/or interlaced position.
7. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to any one of claims 1, 5 or 6, characterised in that at least one of the workpiece carriers (5', 5") has adjusting screws (16A, 16B) to adjust its inclination and/or interlacing.
8. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") have different workpiece receiving portions.
9. Workpiece carrier unit (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the workpieces (6) are clamped on the workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") in a force-fitting manner.

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