Shaping device, in particular a spindle press, and method for shaping workpieces

Abstract

A forming device, (e.g., a spindle press), can include a processing head, having a processing tool that is guided along a movement axis for the forming processing of a workpiece, and a processing region, located opposite the processing head, a processing station configured for the forming processing of the workpiece, and a rotary table having an axis of rotation parallel to the direction of movement and workpiece receptacles that are arranged, with respect to the axis of rotation, in an offset manner with respect to one another in the circumferential direction. The rotary table is configured such that each of the workpiece receptacles is transferable into at least one first working position located within the processing region and into at least one, second working position at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area of the processing head in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement.

Claims

1. A spindle forging press, comprising: a) a processing head, having several different processing tools, that is guided in a movable manner along a movement axis (MS) for forging at least one workpiece; wherein: b) the spindle forging press comprises a slide, and the processing head is formed on or attached to the slide, and c) a processing region, located opposite the processing head, having at least one processing station configured for forging of the workpiece, and furthermore comprising: d) a rotary table having an axis of rotation (MD) parallel to the direction of movement and several lower forging dies that are arranged, with respect to the axis of rotation (MD), in an offset manner with respect to one another in the circumferential direction, wherein: e) the rotary table is configured and mounted in a rotatable manner such that each of the lower forging dies is transferable by rotation of the rotary table into at least two first working positions for forging workpieces, the two first working positions located within the processing region and into at least one second working position of at least two second working positions which are located at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of the processing head in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement (MS) and which are configured to facilitate removal of workpieces from the lower forging dies, wherein: f) an angular spacing of the lower forging dies on the rotary table is such that it is possible for forging steps to be carried out at least partially parallel in time, and wherein g) the forging processing tools are arranged and the spindle forging press is configured to carry out at least two forging steps at least partially parallel in time such that forging operations which require comparatively high forging forces are carried out in the region of the slide center, and forging operations which require comparatively low forging forces are carried out in regions located further away from the slide center.

2. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary table and processing head are configured such that a fitting opening configured for feeding and/or holding a workpiece at the lower die is located laterally outside the cross-sectional area (Q) of the processing head in the at least one second working position.

3. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the at least one second working position is located furthermore at least partially laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of the slide in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement (M.sub.S).

4. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cross-sectional area (Q) is at least one of a minimum cross-sectional area of the processing head and/or of the slide coupled thereto; and given by the cross section of the processing head and/or slide at that end of the processing head or slide that faces the processing region.

5. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, comprising: the rotary table with the lower forging dies; wherein the lower forging dies are arranged along a circular line on the rotary table of the spindle forging press, such that at least one of: the lower forging dies are at defined angular spacings from one another with respect to the axis of rotation (M.sub.D) of the rotary table, the lower forging dies are at defined angular spacings from one another with respect to the axis of rotation (M.sub.D) of the rotary table, wherein an angular spacing between two directly adjacent lower forging dies is 60 degrees, 90 degrees or 120 degrees; the lower forging dies are arranged in a uniformly distributed manner along the circular line, wherein the axis of rotation (M.sub.D) of the rotary table is spaced apart from a slide axis, or spindle axis, and/or central axis of the processing head, said axes extending parallel to the axis of movement, in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation (M.sub.D); and the spindle axis or slide axis, as seen in axial projection, is located within that circular line on which the centers of the lower forging dies of the rotary table are located.

6. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least one of the at least two second working positions is intended and configured to carryout maintenance measures on a lower forging die located in the at least one second working position; the spindle forging press comprises a maintenance device configured to carryout at least one corresponding maintenance measure; and wherein the maintenance device is configured to carryout at least one maintenance measure selected from the group comprising: lubrication, cleaning and cooling on the particular lower forging die.

7. The spindle forging press, as claimed in claim 1, comprising: the rotary table with the lower forging dies and at least one axial drive or at least one lifting unit which is configured to displace the rotary table of the spindle forging press and/or at least one lower die and/or at least one workpiece located in a lower die parallel to the axis of movement (M.sub.S) of the processing head of the spindle forging press wherein: the axial drive or the lifting unit is installed at least partially on or in a forming table, on or in a rotary table receptacle configured for mounting the rotary table on the forming table and/or on or in the rotary table; and the axial drive or the lifting unit comprises at least one drive slide which is mounted so as to be movable in a reciprocating manner and by way of which the rotary table, the lower forging die, the tool and/or the workpiece is movable parallel to the axis of movement (M.sub.S).

8. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, comprising: at least one drive slide; wherein the rotary table is arranged on a forming table and comprises, on the side facing the rotary table, one or more apertures through which the at least one drive slide can be moved or can engage, such that upon positioning a corresponding workpiece at a working position having a drive slide, the workpiece is moveable relative to the rotary table or the workpiece receptacle.

9. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the axial drive is configured such that, in at least one first working position, the drive slide is lowerable in relation to further working positions, such that, during a first operation assigned to the at least one first working position, it is possible for the workpiece material to expand in the direction of the lowered drive slide; and the drive slide is arranged and configured such that it can be recessed with respect to a workpiece support level, and such that, after corresponding forming and associated expansion of the workpiece material in the direction of the drive slide, the drive slide can be moved in the direction of the rotary table.

10. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 7 comprising: the forming table; wherein: the rotary table is fastened to the forming table by means of an adapter unit; and the adapter unit is preferably configured and able to be coupled to the forming table and the rotary table such that the axis of rotation (M.sub.D) of the rotary table is arranged in a manner spaced apart from the axis of movement (M.sub.S).

11. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a forming table assigned to the processing region; wherein: the rotary table is fastened to the forming table by means of an adapter unit; and the adapter unit is configured and able to be coupled to the forming table and the rotary table such that the axis of rotation (M.sub.D) of the rotary table is arranged in a manner spaced apart from the axis of movement (M.sub.S).

12. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a spindle configured to drive the processing head; wherein: at least one forging processing tool of the processing head has a central axis extending parallel to the axis of movement (M.sub.S), said central axis being located, as seen in axial projection, laterally within, at the edge or immediately next to the spindle cross-sectional area; and as seen in axial projection, an axis connecting the centers of two, in particular adjacent, forging processing tools or forging processing tool receptacles extends through the center of the spindle circle defined in axial projection by the outer circumference of the spindle.

13. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a spindle configured to drive the processing head; wherein at least one forging processing tool of the processing head has a central axis extending parallel to the axis of movement (M.sub.S), said central axis being located, as seen in axial projection, laterally within, at the edge or immediately next to the spindle cross-sectional area.

14. The spindle forging press as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a spindle configured to drive the processing head; wherein as seen in axial projection, an axis connecting the centers of two, in particular adjacent, forging processing tools or forging processing tool receptacles extends through the center of the spindle circle defined in axial projection by the outer circumference of the spindle.

15. A method for forging two or more workpieces at least partially parallel in time with a spindle forging press, the spindle forging press comprising a slide and a processing head, having several different forging processing tools, that is guided in a movable manner along a movement axis (MS) for forging at least one workpiece, the processing head being formed on or attached to the slide, the method comprising the following steps: a) transferring a lower forging die of a rotary table into a second working position of at least two second working positions, located laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of a processing head, by rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation (MD); b) inserting a workpiece into the lower forging die located in the second working position of the at least two second working positions; c) rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation (MD) such that: c1) the workpiece is transferred from the second working position into a first one of at least two first working positions; and c2) a further workpiece is transferred into a second one of the at least two first working positions; d) activating the processing head and forging the workpiece and the further workpiece at least partially parallel in time; e) transferring the workpiece or the further workpiece into the second working position, or into a further second working position of the at least two second working positions located laterally outside the cross-sectional area of the processing head; and f) removing the workpiece or the further workpiece from the lower forging die located in the second or further second working position, wherein g) the rotating of the rotary table is carried out such that forging operations which require comparatively high forging forces are carried out in the region of the slide center, and forging operations with comparatively low forging forces are carried out in regions further away from the slide center.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein: a) the rotary table is rotated synchronously with the activation or deactivation of the processing head, through in each case an integer fraction of a full angle, and wherein the direction of rotation of the rotary table during the processing cycle of the workpiece is reversed at least once; and b) at least one of the lower forging die is unoccupied during a complete operating cycle for producing the workpiece.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein: a) the rotary table is rotated synchronously with the activation or deactivation of the processing head, through in each case an integer fraction of a full angle, and wherein the direction of rotation of the rotary table during the processing cycle of the workpiece is reversed at least once.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein: a) at least one of the lower forging die is unoccupied during a complete operating cycle for producing the workpiece.

19. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the lower forging dies are arranged, with respect to the axis of rotation (M.sub.D), in a manner offset through an angle of 120 degrees with respect to one another, and a lower forging die fitted with a workpiece is transferred, starting from the second working position for the forming processing of the workpiece, successively into a plurality of first working positions that are arranged, with respect to the axis of rotation (M.sub.D), in a manner offset through an angle of 60 degrees with respect to one another; four first working positions that are arranged in an offset manner with respect to one another are passed through in accordance with a movement pattern, according to which, starting from the second working position, by rotating the rotary table, the workpiece receptacle is rotated through +60 degrees, +180 degrees or −180 degrees, −120 degrees and +60 degrees, and is subsequently transferred back into the second working position for removing the workpiece by rotation through an angle of −180 degrees or +180 degrees.

20. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein: at least one of the at least two second working positions is intended to carryout maintenance measures on a lower forging die located in the at least one second working position; the method furthermore comprises the carrying out of a maintenance measure on a lower forging die located in the at least one second working position; and the maintenance measure selected from the group comprising: lubrication, cleaning and cooling of the lower forging die.

21. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rotary table and/or the lower forging die together with the workpiece or only the workpiece is/are lifted or lowered parallel to the axis of movement (M.sub.S) during at least one processing step and/or at least between two processing steps.

22. A method for the forming process of a workpiece with a spindle press, the spindle forging press comprising a slide and a processing head, having several different forging processing tools, that is guided in a movable manner along a movement axis (MS) for forging at least one workpiece, the processing head being formed on or attached to the slide, the method comprising the following steps: a) transferring a lower die of a rotary table into a second working position of at least two second working positions, located laterally outside a cross-sectional area (Q) of a processing head, by rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation (MD); b) inserting a workpiece into the lower die located in the second working position of the at least two second working positions; c) rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation (MD) such that the workpiece is transferred from the second working position into at least one first working position; d) activating the processing head for the forming processing of the workpiece; e) optionally rotating the rotary table about its axis of rotation (MD) and transferring the workpiece into a further first working position; f) transferring the workpiece into the second working position, or into a further second working position of the at least two second working positions located laterally outside the cross-sectional area of the processing head; and g) removing the workpiece from the lower die located in the second or further second working position, wherein h) forming operations which require comparatively high forming forces are carried out in the region of a slide center, and forming operations with comparatively low forming forces are carried out in regions further away from the slide center, wherein the lower dies arranged, with respect to the axis of rotation (MD), in a manner offset through an angle of 120 degrees with respect to one another, and a lower die fitted with a workpiece is transferred, starting from the second working position for the forming processing of the workpiece, successively into a plurality of first working positions that are arranged, with respect to the axis of rotation (MD), in a manner offset through an angle of 60 degrees with respect to one another, and passing the workpiece through four first working positions that are arranged in an offset manner with respect to one another is in accordance with a movement pattern, according to which, starting from the second working position, by rotating the rotary table, the workpiece receptacle is rotated through +60 degrees, +180 degrees or −180 degrees, −120 degrees and +60 degrees, and is subsequently transferred back into the second working position for removing the workpiece by rotation through an angle of −180 degrees or +180 degrees.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein: at least one of the lower die is unoccupied during a complete operating cycle for producing the workpiece.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein: the rotary table is rotated synchronously with the activation or deactivation of the processing head, and wherein the direction of rotation of the rotary table during the processing cycle of the workpiece is reversed at least once.

25. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein: at least one of the at least two second working positions is intended to carryout maintenance measures on a lower die located in the at least one second working position; the method furthermore comprises the carrying out of a maintenance measure on a lower die located in the at least one second working position; and the maintenance measure being selected from the group comprising: lubrication, cleaning, and cooling of the lower die.

26. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the rotary table and/or the lower die together with the workpiece or only the workpiece is/are lifted or lowered parallel to the axis of movement (Ms) during at least one processing step and/or at least between two processing steps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a rotary table according to the invention,

(2) FIG. 2 shows a further plan view of the rotary table according to FIG. 1,

(3) FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a slide,

(4) FIG. 4 shows an overview of different stages of a workpiece according to one exemplary embodiment,

(5) FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of an arrangement with slide and rotary table according to one exemplary embodiment,

(6) FIG. 6 shows a further sectional view of an arrangement with slide and rotary table according to one exemplary embodiment,

(7) FIG. 7 shows a further sectional view of an arrangement with slide and rotary table according to one exemplary embodiment,

(8) FIG. 8 to FIG. 13 show a processing sequence of workpieces according to one exemplary embodiment, and

(9) FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a spindle press according to the invention.

(10) Mutually corresponding parts and components in FIG. 1 to FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference signs. In the following text, reference is made to a forming device configured as a spindle press, wherein configurations of the following exemplary embodiments can also be applied to other types of forming devices. In particular, the following description of the invention is not intended to be understood as limiting to the area of spindle presses.

(11) As is apparent in particular from FIG. 14, the spindle press 13 comprises a slide 9 mounted on a frame 14 and crosshead 15 in a motor-driven manner for carrying out an up and down movement, a processing head 16 having at least one upper tool holder 10 being arranged on or fastened to the underside of said slide 9.

(12) Located in axial projection beneath the processing head 16 or the slide 9, the diameter and transverse extent of which is approximately the same in the present case, is the processing region 17 of the spindle press 13.

(13) The spindle press 13 furthermore comprises a rotary table 1 arranged shown), present beneath the slide 9 or beneath a spindle (not shown) for driving the slide 9 on a lower forming table or carrier 5, for example a tabletop. The rotary table 1 can be arranged on the tabletop for example so as to be mounted in a sliding manner.

(14) The rotary table 1 is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation M.sub.D, wherein the axis of rotation M.sub.D is offset transversely with respect to a spindle axis M.sub.S of the spindle present for driving the slide 9, i.e. spaced apart from the spindle axis M.sub.S transversely to the axial direction of the latter. In the present case, the spindle axis M.sub.S coincides with the axis of movement of the processing head 16.

(15) As a result of this axis of rotation M.sub.D offset in parallel, the rotary table 1 is set up and mounted in a rotatable manner in a transverse plane 18 such that each of the workpiece receptacles 8, i.e. each lower die 8 arranged on the rotary table 1, is transferable into a first working position 19 located within the processing region 17, and into at least one second working position 20 located outside the processing region 17 by rotating the rotary table 1.

(16) The second working position(s) 20 is/are located laterally outside the cross-sectional area Q of the processing head 16 in axial projection with respect to the axis of movement M.sub.S, wherein the cross-sectional area Q of the processing head 16, as in the example shown, can be congruent with the cross-sectional area Q of the slide 9. The first working position(s) 19 are arranged within the cross-sectional area Q as seen in axial projection.

(17) In order to drive the rotary table 1, in particular in a synchronized manner with the up and down movement of the slide 9, for example for rotating the rotary table 1 in a movement in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, a drive unit 21 is coupled to the rotary table 1. The drive unit 21 can furthermore have a lifting unit (see FIG. 5 to FIG. 7), with which the rotary table 1 and/or the lower dies 8 and/or the workpieces 11 located in the lower dies can be lifted and lowered in an axial direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(18) FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the rotary table 1, arranged in a rotatable manner on the lower carrier 5, for example a forming table or a press plate, as a constituent part of the forming machine 13, in particular spindle press.

(19) Indicated within the region of the rotary table 1 is a circular path 2, on which a plurality of approach positions 4, or working positions, are provided, which can be approached along the circular path 2 by way of a rotary movement of the rotary table 1.

(20) The circular path 2 is moreover subdivided into a plurality of circular sectors 3 of identical size, which are defined by a basic angle of rotation α. These indicate at the same time the spacing or opening angle between the different approach positions 4 which are arranged at the respective ends of the circular arc of the circular sectors 3. The value of the basic angle of rotation α can be matched to the respectively required number of approach positions 4, for example 60 degrees, or 90 degrees or 120 degrees.

(21) FIG. 2 shows the same illustration of the rotary table 1 with an example of the occupation with lower dies 8, or workpiece receptacles, on the rotary table 1. The lower dies 8 are intended to be loaded or fitted with workpieces 11 (illustrated in FIG. 4) and to be transported to an intended approach position 4 in order to be able to process the workpieces 11, for example in the processing region 18, in cooperation with the slide 9, or upper die 22, for example for the purposes of forming the workpieces 11.

(22) FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a processing head 16, which, for example by being coupled to a spindle (not illustrated), can be moved rectilinearly along the axis of movement M.sub.S relative to the lower carrier 5 in order to process a workpiece 11. The 9-processing head 16 is not limited to the shaping shown and can also be configured for example in a round manner.

(23) The illustration of the spindle, or slide 9, and of the processing region 17 is limited in the exemplary embodiment to a circular area, indicated here by a spindle circle 7, which corresponds to the diameter of the spindle, or the projection thereof, wherein the spindle axis M.sub.S coincides with the intersection of the slide axes A1 and A2, extending transversely to the axis of movement, of the slide 9. The centers of the slide 9 and of the spindle, or of the spindle circle 7, thus coincide in the present example.

(24) The circular path 2 extends around an axis of rotation M.sub.D of the rotary table 1, which is arranged in a manner offset parallel to the spindle axis M.sub.S, such that at least one circular segment of a circular sector 3 is always located within the spindle circle 7, in particular in the processing region 17, while at the same time the circular path 7, and thus at least one approach position 4, projects beyond the edge of the slide 9, in particular of the processing region 17.

(25) The radius R.sub.D of the rotary table 1 is greater than, for example twice as large as, the diameter D.sub.S of the spindle and approximately the same size as or greater than half of a side length L of the processing head 16. The rotary table 1 can, as shown in FIG. 3, be arranged in particular eccentrically with respect to the spindle axis M.sub.S, i.e. the spindle axis M.sub.S and the axis of rotation M.sub.D of the rotary table 1 can be spaced apart from one another.

(26) As can be gathered in particular from FIGS. 1 and 2, the circular line 2 can be located on the rotary table 1 a short way outside half the radius length of the rotary table 1, wherein the diameter of the lower dies 8 can be somewhat shorter, for example ¼ shorter than the radius of the rotary table 1.

(27) Thus, it is possible, during processing, for example for a lower die 8 to be located centrally beneath the slide 9 and thus beneath a processing tool connected to the slide 9, such that a highest possible load or force loading can be applied to the workpiece 11 for forming. For example, a first working position 19, located in a comparatively centered manner, for example within the spindle circle 7, with respect to the slide axis M.sub.S, can be used for finishing, in particular for a finishing forging operation, while first working positions 19 that are spaced further apart from the slide axis M.sub.S can be used to produce preforms and other upstream forging operations, in which comparatively small forming forces or forging forces arise.

(28) A further lower die 8 is located, as seen in axial projection, outside the cross-sectional area Q of the processing head 16, or of the slide 9, in particular outside the processing region 17, where the workpiece 11 can be removed from the lower die 8 for example in an operation region 6. Respectively, an empty lower die 8 can be fitted in this operation region 6 with a workpiece 11 to be processed, even for example during a forming operation currently taking place another workpiece 11 in a first working position 19. It is also possible for die maintenance, for example for cleaning, lubrication and/or cooling of the lower dies 8, to be carried out on the lower dies 8 in an approach position located in the operation region 6, or outside the processing region 17.

(29) FIG. 3 also illustrates for example that the processing head 16 comprises several upper tool holders 10 with upper dies 22 inserted therein, which cooperate with the lower dies 8 during processing. For this purpose, the upper tool holder 10 and upper dies 22 are arranged analogously to the lower dies 8 along a circular path 7. The number of and configuration of the upper dies 22 can be varied as desired depending on the use purpose and are not limited to the exemplary illustration of this description. With respect to the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the axis of movement M.sub.S, upper and lower dies and approach positions are configured in an aligned manner with respect to one another, wherein immediately adjacent upper and lower dies or approach positions can have an angular spacing of 120 degrees or 60 degrees, respectively.

(30) FIG. 4 shows an example of a stage sequence in the forming processing of a workpiece 11 to form a flanged shaft. The stage a.sub.0 shows the workpiece 11 in the unprocessed starting form. In stages a and b, the workpiece 11 is subjected to a first and a second cone formation process, respectively. In stage c, the workpiece formed into a cone is preformed, and in stage d, the preformed workpiece 11 is forged into the final shape, comprising a shaft with a plate formed thereon.

(31) The upper tool holders 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d arranged in an exemplary manner in FIG. 3 are designed in a manner corresponding to these forming stages and cooperate in a manner corresponding with the lower dies 8 arranged on the rotary table 1, said lower dies 8 receiving the workpieces 11 and being brought into the corresponding approach position 4 by rotating the rotary table 1.

(32) As is apparent in conjunction with FIG. 3, the upper tool holders 10a and 10b for producing the workpiece stages a and b, respectively, are located in the eccentric region of the processing head 16 and outside the spindle circle 7. Central axes of the tool holders 10a and 10b intersect the center line of the circular path 2 in the example shown.

(33) During the cone formation processes of the upper tool holders 10a and 10b, smaller forming forces arise than during the forging of the preform and final form, which can be readily absorbed in the approach positions 4 that are eccentric with respect to the spindle axis M.sub.S.

(34) On account of the greater forming forces that arise during preforming and finishing forging, the workpiece stages c and d are positioned at approach positions 4 within or close to the edge of the spindle circle 7, in order to reliably absorb the comparatively greater forming forces. In addition, a gripping tool 10e is illustrated in FIG. 3, which is configured to remove, or insert a workpiece 11 into a lower die 8 in the operation region 6.

(35) The structure in particular of upper and lower dies according to the exemplary embodiment is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 5 to 7.

(36) FIG. 5 shows the processing head 16 comprising the upper tool holders 10a and 10b with upper dies 22, which can have conical faces 23 with different cone angles in the present exemplary embodiment.

(37) The workpieces 11 are inserted into the lower dies 8, wherein the lower dies 8 are clamped in place or secured in tool holders 24, for example chucks or the like, such that the lower dies 8 are supported on the rotary table 1 via the tool holders 24. In this way, the workpieces 11 can be moved, together with a rotation of the rotary table 1, with respect to the lower carrier 5, i.e. the tabletop, into corresponding approach positions 4 under the respective upper dies 22 located in the upper tool holders 10a to 10d.

(38) The rotary table 1 and the lower carrier 5 have, at respective working positions, or approach positions 4, axial apertures that are arranged centrally in the present example and are oriented parallel to the spindle axis in the respective approach position.

(39) The axial apertures can be provided as a displacement volume, into which excess material can escape during the forming operation when the forming dies are closed. For example, the apertures can be configured such that a part of the workpiece 11, for example a shaft of the workpiece 11 extending from a plate created by the forging operations, can be received therein.

(40) In the lower region of the apertures, specifically in the contact region between the lower carrier 5 and rotary table 1, a bushing 26 has been inserted in at least one of the apertures. A respective bushing 26 is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable along the respective aperture, this being indicated by a double arrow in the figures.

(41) At least in the working positions in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the bushing 26 is located on a sliding strip 27 let into the lower carrier 5, the bushing 26 being able to slide along said sliding strip 27 for example during a the rotary movement of the rotary table 1.

(42) In the approach position or working position in FIG. 7, in which the workpiece is finished by forging, the sliding strip can be for example interrupted, and the bushing 26 can, with the lifting slide 12 lowered, as shown in FIG. 7, pass into a depression 28 or recess introduced into the lower carrier 5, i.e. the tabletop, or into a receptacle located lower down. For example, the bushing 26 can be coupled to the lifting slide 12 or drive slide 12, such that the bushing 26 can be retracted into the depression 28 therewith.

(43) The bushing 26 can be configured to be displaceable for example by a travel of 10 mm to 20 mm or less, such that, for example during a forming operation, it is possible for material displaced out of the forming volume to be re-fed in the axial direction. The degree of lowering of the bushing 26 can be adapted for example to the requirements, made on a respective workpiece, relating to mass displacement or material flow as a result of a forming operation. The degree of lowering of the bushing 26 can be set for example via a corresponding position of the drive slide 12.

(44) Arranged in the depression 28 is a forging bushing 29. The length of the forging bushing 29 is selected such that that end of the forging bushing 29 that faces the bushing 26 is set back with respect to the edge of the depression 28 in the mounted state, as shown in FIG. 7, such that the offset between the end of the forging bushing 29 and the edge of the depression 28 corresponds to that length by which the bushing passes into the depression 28 during re-feeding. The forging bushing 29 can, as shown in FIG. 7, be arranged coaxially with the axis of movement or spindle axis M.sub.S and concentrically with the drive slide 12. The forging bushing 29 can be inserted interchangeably into the depression, and so forging bushings 29 of different lengths can be inserted, such that the degree of re-feeding can be changed by inserting forging bushings of different lengths into the depression. In the operating state shown in FIG. 7, in which the bushing 26 has passed into the depression 28, the bushing 26 rests on the forging bushing 29. In this regard, the forging bushing 29 can be considered to be a depth stop for the bushing 26 during re-feeding.

(45) As a result of the bushing 26 passing into the depression 28, i.e. as a result of the lowering of the bushing 26 parallel to the forging axis, i.e. axis of movement of the processing head 16, the volume of the aperture in which the bushing 26 is arranged can be increased.

(46) An increase in the volume of the aperture is required or useful in particular when an associated forging or forming operation results or can result in material of the processed workpiece 11 having to escape from the forming zone into the aperture when the forging dies 8, 22 are closed, this being able to occur in the example shown during finishing of the workpiece 11, specifically of the plate of the workpiece 11, by forging in the approach position according to FIG. 7.

(47) Lowering of the bushing 26 is also advantageous in that, in this way, compensation for, for example, tolerance-related differences in length of the raw workpieces (a.sub.0) can be achieved.

(48) After the respective forging or forming operation, the bushing 26 can be lifted by moving the lifting slide 12, such that the bottom of the bushing 26 is at the level of the top side of the sliding strip 27 and can slide thereon, such that further rotation of the rotary table is or becomes possible.

(49) Simultaneously with the lifting of the bushing 26, it is possible for the, for example finished forged, workpiece to be lifted, and thus to be brought into a position suitable for removal.

(50) FIG. 6 illustrates the preforming process, and FIG. 7 illustrates finishing by forging for the workpiece stages c and d, respectively, with respective upper and lower dies. To this end, the correspondingly formed upper dies 22 are arranged on the processing head 16 on corresponding upper tool holders 10c and 10d, in order for it to be possible to process the workpiece 11. The upper die 22 inserted into the upper tool holder 10c has a rectangular forming zone 25, and the upper die 22 inserted into the upper tool holder 10d has a negative form corresponding to the target form of the workpiece 11 as forming zone 25.

(51) In order to produce the respective stage a, b, c or d, the slide 9 is moved relative to the axis of rotation M.sub.D of the rotary table 1 by means of the operative connection to the spindle (not illustrated), in order, via the upper dies 22, to exert a force on the workpieces 11 which are received in the lower dies 8 and which are positioned on the circular path 2 in an approach position 4 in each case exactly beneath the corresponding upper dies 22 for forming processing.

(52) As can be seen in FIGS. 5 to 7, the workpieces 11 in the respective approach position 4 can be operatively connected to the lifting slide 12. The lifting slide 12 can comprise for example a lifting cylinder and be set up such that targeted lifting of the workpiece 11 is possible. For example, the workpiece 11 can be lifted immediately after forming and be lowered again upon reaching the next forming position. It is also possible for the workpiece 11 to be lifted at least during the movement of the workpiece 11 between the approach positions 4, such that the formed portion is lifted from the lower die 8, with the result that for example the heat input into the lower die 8 can be reduced. The lifting slide 12 can also be used as an ejector rod or slide, in order to lift the workpiece 11 after it has been finished such that it can be removed for example more easily from the lower die 8 in the second working position 20.

(53) The lifting slide 12 is not limited to use for a rotary table 1 arranged in a manner offset in parallel, but can also be used in the same way for a centrically arranged rotary table, i.e. a rotary table the axis of rotation of which coincides with the spindle axis of the spindle press. It is also possible for such a lifting function and lifting device to be used in the case of linear conveying of the workpieces 11, in particular in forming devices without a rotary table.

(54) In configurations, provision can be made for the rotary table 1, together with lower tool receptacles or workpiece receptacles (8), and any lower dies 8 located therein, to be configured to be liftable parallel to the axis of rotation M.sub.D or spindle axis M.sub.S.

(55) As a result of the rotary table 1 being lifted with respect for example to the tabletop, i.e. the lower carrier 5, the friction that arises between tabletop and rotary table 1 during rotation of the rotary table 1 can be at least reduced.

(56) In order to lift the rotary table, a correspondingly configured lifting unit can comprise for example one or more rollers accommodated in or on the lower carrier 5, for example the tabletop, said rollers lifting the rotary table 1 with respect to the lower carrier 5 upon actuation. The lifting unit can comprise for example four rollers. A stroke of the lifting unit can be for example 2 mm in configurations.

(57) FIG. 8 to FIG. 13 show a processing sequence in steps I to VI of workpieces 11 according to the exemplary embodiment, in which lower dies 8a, 8b and 8c are arranged along the circular path 2. As already explained, several approach positions 4 are located at the respective positions of the circular arc of the circular sectors 3 of the circular path 2 on the rotary table 1, which can be approached by the lower dies 8a, 8b and 8c by corresponding rotation of the rotary table 1, in order for it to be possible to position them, together with the inserted workpieces 11a, 11b, 11c, beneath an upper die 22 according to FIG. 3 for the purpose of processing.

(58) In this exemplary embodiment, the basic angle of rotation α is 60 degrees. It is now possible to move the rotary table 1 in rotation steps D with a positive or negative multiple of the basic angle of rotation a, in order as a result to bring the lower dies 8a, 8b and 8c into the corresponding processing positions.

(59) A sequence of processing steps is described in the following text for the workpiece 11 that is indicated by a star for easier comprehension in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.

(60) In step I according to FIG. 8, the lower die 8a is in the operating region 6 and a workpiece 11a in the state a.sub.0 is inserted into said lower die 8a by means of the gripping tool 10e. Parallel thereto, during this step, a workpiece 11b that has already been inserted into the lower die 8b and is already in workpiece stage b is subjected to preforming for workpiece stage c. As can be seen, the lower die 8b is located substantially within the spindle circle 7, and thus in a central position beneath the slide 9, such that comparatively high forming forces can be applied. The lower die 8c remains initially unoccupied.

(61) As the tool for inserting the workpiece, it is possible for example for a robot arm to be provided, which can be moved in an automated manner, and synchronously with the slide 9, or the forming cycle or the forming movements of the slide 9, but independently of the specific movement of the slide 9.

(62) For further processing in step II according to FIG. 9, the rotary table 1 is moved through 1×60 degrees to the left, i.e. +60 degrees, in a rotation step D. The lower die 8b is now located in a second approach position 4 substantially within the spindle circle 7 and the inserted workpiece 11b is finished by forging into its final form by the upper die 22 of the upper tool holder 10d for workpiece stage d. In parallel, the workpiece 11a inserted into the lower die 8a is subjected to the first cone formation for workpiece stage a by the upper die 22 of the upper tool holder 10a. At the same time, die maintenance, for example cooling, lubrication, cleaning etc., can take place at the unoccupied lower die 8c.

(63) For processing in step III according to FIG. 10, the rotary table 1 is moved through 3×60 degrees to the right, i.e. −180 degrees, in a rotation step D. At this point, a rotation through 3×60 degrees to the left, i.e. +180 degrees, would also be possible for example. The lower die 8a is now in an approach position 4 beneath the upper die 22 of the upper tool holder 10b for the second cone formation of the workpiece 11b for workpiece stage b. The lower die 8b, by contrast, is in the operation region 6 for removal of the finished workpiece.

(64) For step IV according to FIG. 11, the rotary table is moved through 2×60 degrees to the right, i.e. −120 degrees, in a rotation step D, such that the previously unoccupied lower die 8c can be fitted with an unprocessed workpiece 11c by means of the gripping tool 10e, while the lower die 8a is located within the spindle circle 7 for preforming the inserted workpiece 11.

(65) The lower die 8b emptied in step III continues to remain unoccupied in the following steps V and VI, too, in order that die maintenance can be carried out thereon, for example in step V. In the further unoccupied positions, the lower die 8b or die can cool down for a subsequent operation.

(66) After preforming for workpiece stage c (cf. FIG. 11), the rotary table is rotated through 1×60 degrees to the left, i.e. +60 degrees, and is thus positioned under the upper die 22 inserted into the upper tool receptacle 10d, where the workpiece 11a is finished forging by actuating the upper die 22 for workpiece stage d.

(67) After the finishing by forging, a further rotation of the rotary table 1 through 3×60 degrees to the right, i.e. −180 degrees, takes place, with the result that the workpiece 11a is brought into the second working position, in which it can be removed from the lower die 8a.

(68) In further processing steps, the processing and forming of further workpieces can be repeated analogously to steps I to VI explained above. For example, following removal of the workpiece 11a after step VI in FIG. 13, the rotary table can be rotated further through 2×60 degrees to the right, i.e. −120 degrees, and the lower die 8 then located in the second working position 20 can be loaded. In this way, it is possible for the lower die 8a, from which a finished forged workpiece 11a is removed, first of all to remain unoccupied in order for example for it to be possible to carry out die maintenance thereon.

(69) In configurations and variants of the forming device proposed herein, a diameter of the spindle can be for example 600 mm. The forming device can be designed for example such that the spindle has a maximum stroke of about 550 mm. A carrier plate of the processing head 16 configured to receive upper dies can have a width and/or length of about 1250 mm transversely to the spindle axis M.sub.S, wherein a center-to-center distance between adjacent tool receptacles for upper dies can be about 425 mm. A thickness of the lower carrier, i.e. the tabletop, can be about 250 mm for a thickness of the rotary table of about 400 mm.

(70) With the forming device proposed herein and configurations thereof, in particular with the proposed arrangement of the rotary table and/or with the proposed axial drive, it is in particular possible to carry out appropriate die maintenance of each individual lower die 8a to 8c, while workpieces in the respectively required order can be sufficiently processed or loaded or removed in parallel without any time losses.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(71) 1 Rotary table 2 Circular path 3 Circular sector 4 Approach position 5 Lower carrier 6 Operation region 7 Spindle circle 8, 8a, 8b, 8c Lower die 9 Slide 10, 10a . . . 10d Upper tool holder 10e Gripping tool 11, 11a, 11b, 11c Workpiece 12 Lifting slide, Drive slide 13 Spindle press 14 Frame 15 Crosshead 16 Processing head 17 Processing region 18 Transverse plane 19 First working position 20 Second working position 21 Drive unit 22 Upper die 23 Conical face 24 Tool holder 25 Forming zone 26 Bushing 27 Sliding strip 28 Depression 29 Forging bushing A1, A2 Slide axes M.sub.D Axis of rotation of rotary table M.sub.S Spindle axis of slide, axis of movement α Basic angle of rotation D Rotation step a.sub.0, a . . . d Workpiece stages I . . . VI Processing steps R.sub.D Radius of rotary table D.sub.S Diameter of spindle Q Cross-sectional area