Honing machine with a machine frame and at least two units arranged on both sides of the machine frame

Abstract

A honing machine features a stand (1) with at least two feet (3), wherein the stand (1) has an area with two substantially parallel surfaces, and wherein at least one honing spindle (11), another machining spindle (11) or another functional unit is arranged on the two substantially parallel surfaces of the stand (1).

Claims

1. A system comprising: a T-shaped stand (1) with three feet (3.1, 3.2, 3.3), wherein the T-shaped stand comprises: a transverse beam (15) comprising two ends, each of the two ends having one of the three feet extending vertically therefrom; and an elongated beam extending horizontally from the transverse beam and comprising an end opposite the transverse beam having one of the three feet extending vertically therefrom; and wherein the elongated beam of the stand (1) has two substantially parallel surfaces on opposite sides of the elongated beam, and wherein at least one honing spindle is arranged on at least one of the two substantially parallel surfaces and; wherein the system further comprises: a substructure (7) to which the three feet (3) of the stand (1) are connected; means for clamping workpieces (13), provided on the substructure; and an elongated transport device that is on the substructure and arranged in a free space (5) underneath said transverse beam and the elongated beam, and between the three feet (3), and extending in parallel to the elongated beam.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle, wherein each of the plurality of spindles is associated with a spindle receptacle (9), and each of the two parallel surfaces comprises at least one of the plurality of spindles and associated spindle receptacle.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for clamping workpieces (13) is arranged in the free space (5) underneath the transverse beam and the elongated beam, and between the three feet (3).

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that a rotary table (17) is secured to the substructure (7).

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that a rotary table (17), is arranged in a free space (5) underneath said transverse beam and the elongated beam, and between the three feet (3).

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that one or more of a tool magazine or a tool changer (21) is arranged on the substructure (7).

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises a plurality of spindles including: the at least one honing spindle (11) and, one or more of a spindle for fine boring or a spindle for boring.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the elongated beam with two substantially parallel surfaces comprises at least one guide or spindle receptacle.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle (11) and a spindle for abrading.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle (11) and a spindle for rolling.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle (11) and a spindle for shape honing.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle (11) and a spindle for roughening among the plurality of spindles.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle (11) and a spindle for chamfering among the plurality of spindles.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein system comprises a plurality of spindles including the at least one honing spindle (11) and a spindle for measuring.

15. The system according to claim 6, wherein the tool changer (21) is arranged on the substructure (7) and is a chain magazine, a ring magazine or a linear magazine.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the spindles is firmly attached to a spindle receptacle by screws.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein two spindle receptacles (9) are provided on each of the two parallel surfaces.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The drawing includes FIGS. 1-3, as follows:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a stand of a honing machine according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the stand of a honing machine according to the invention, and

(4) FIG. 3 shows a honing machine according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

(5) FIG. 1 schematically shows a stand 1 with two feet 3 in a side view and a top view. Stand 1 and feet 3 are constructed as a rule as a one-part welded construction. Depending on the size of the machine, the feet 3 can also be screwed to the stand 1.

(6) The feet 3 of the stand 1 are connected to a substructure 7. Tool changers, transport devices, clamping means and to magazines or other operating means for additional processes (not shown) can be arranged on the substructure 7.

(7) Receptacles 9 are constructed on the stand 1 which serve to receive one or more spindles 11 (honing spindles or other machining spindles). The receptacles 9 can be designed in such a manner that the spindles 11 can be moved between two machining steps along the receptacle, i.e., in a horizontal direction in FIG. 1 until they reach the new site of use. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange the spindles 11 firmly on the stand 1, e.g., by screws.

(8) A top view of the stand 1 of the invention is shown in the lower part of FIG. 1. It is clear from it that the stand 1 and the feet 3 show a substantially level structure and that receptacles 9 are arranged on both sides of this level structure 1. One or more spindles 11 can be arranged on these receptacles 9 arranged on both sides of the stand 1. The symmetrical structure of the honing machine of the invention becomes very clear from the top view. Because the stand 1 is arranged in the plane of symmetry, the spindles outwardly project in both directions and are therefore readily accessible. Furthermore, only a small footprint is required.

(9) A free space 5 is present between the feet 3 and the receptacle 9 in the side view of FIG. 1 below the stand 1 which free space also limits the machining space of the honing machine at the same time. Workpieces (not shown) can be transported through the free space 5 into the machining space until they reach the site at which they are to be machined. They are then clamped there in a traditional manner, e.g. in a receptacle manufactured for this purpose or in an index clamping device. As soon as the workpiece has been correctly clamped, one or more of the spindles 11 can begin with the machining.

(10) The spindles 11 are designed in such a manner that they operate in a vertical direction, as is the case with many honing spindles.

(11) In the top view a workpiece transport 14 with at least one workpiece 13 extending through under the stand 1 is indicated by a dotted line for purposes of illustration. This creates the possibility with a honing machine in accordance with the invention of machining two workpieces simultaneously or sequentially with the spindles 11 arranged on both sides of the stand 1.

(12) It is also clear that in spite of the very small footprint of the actual honing machine large and long workpieces 13 can be machined although the jutting out of the honing spindles and machining spindles 11 is very slight. This results in a high degree of stiffness of the honing machine which has a positive effect on the quality of the machining and the cycle times.

(13) In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a total of two honing and machining spindles 11 are arranged on the receptacles 9 of the stand 1. Each of the honing and machining spindles 11 can be moved along the receptacles 9, i.e., in a horizontal direction relative to the stand 1. As soon as the spindles 11 have reached the desired position they are stopped and are then ready to be used for a honing machining or another machining step. This transverse movement of the spindles 11 takes place with the aid of a transverse carriage 23. The transverse carriage 23 serves to position the spindles 11 over the machining position and the tool changer 21.

(14) FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of a honing machine according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment the stand 1 comprises three feet 3. The stand 1 has a T-shaped structure in a top view. A foot 3.1 to 3.3 is provided on the ends of this T-shaped structure. For reasons of clarity, neither spindles 11 nor a workpiece 13 are shown in the FIG. 2. However, it is clear that even in this very robust structure in the manner of a tripod there is a large free space 5 underneath the stand and between the feet 3.1 to 3.3.

(15) The T-shaped structure of the stand 1 is subdivided for the explanation into the actual stand 1 and a transverse beam 15. The feet 3.2 and 3.3 are arranged underneath the transverse beam 15. The receptacles 9 are present on the actual stand 1. The stand 1 is extremely robust in this T-shaped structure. Nevertheless, the free space 5 is very large and workpieces can be introduced from various directions into the free space 5 and into the machining space. It is possible, among other things, to move a workpiece through between the feet 3.2 and 3.3 into the free space 5. Of course, a workpiece 13 can also be brought into the free space 5 from the sides of the stand 1.

(16) FIG. 3 shows a honing machine with a stand 1 which comprises three feet 3 and therefore corresponds structurally to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2.

(17) In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 a total of four honing and machining spindles 11 are arranged on the receptacles 9 of the stand 1. Each of the four honing and machining spindles 11 can move along the receptacles 9, i.e., in a horizontal direction, relative to the stand 1. As soon as the spindles 11 have reached the desired position they are stopped and are then ready to be used for a honing machining or another machining step.

(18) A rotary table 17 is present in the free space 5 underneath the stand 1 and between the feet 3. The rotary table 17 is connected to the substructure 7 and serves to rapidly and reliably bring the workpieces into the position provided for the machining. The rotary table 17 can be provided with individual replacement parts adapted to the workpiece 13 to be machined.

(19) Alternatively, the rotary table 17 can also be arranged on the stand 1. The direction of movement, i.e., the axis of rotation of the rotary table 17 can run vertically. Finally, at least one device 19 for clamping or holding down workpieces 13 is present. This device 19 can comprise a zero point clamping system and/or be provided with mechanically, electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically driven devices.

(20) The devices 19 for clamping can be fastened on the rotary table 17, the stand 1 for the spindles 11, the substructure 7 or also on the spindles 11 in such a manner that they move with them.

(21) Furthermore, tool changers 21 are present which can be constructed as a round magazine, linear magazine, surface magazine or chain magazine. The tool changer 21 executes a translatory or rotary relative movement to the spindle axis for changing the tool. FIG. 3 shows a tool changer 21 in the form of a round magazine by way of example.

(22) The tool changer or changers 21 can be fastened on the stand 1, the substructure 7, the foot 3 or the spindles 11.

(23) The transverse movement of the spindles 11 takes place with the aid of a transverse carriage 23 which cannot be well recognized in FIG. 3 because most of it is covered by the spindles 11 and their periphery. The cross carriage 23 serves to position the spindles 11 over the machining position and the tool changer 21.

(24) As already mentioned, it is also possible to connect the spindles 11 rigidly to the stand 1. It is also possible to arrange two or more spindles 11 on a transverse carriage 23 and to move them in common into the machining position. In this case the gauge for bore holes of the spindles 11 connected to each other is manually or automatically adjusted via a separate adjusting unit.

(25) The feed of the workpieces takes place via a feed unit to the rotary table 17. The feed can be designed as a lifting-rotary movement 24. Other loading possibilities of the rotary table 17 are also possible via alternative loading devices such as, e.g., a stepped lifting transport, shuttle, gantry or robot or manually. This emphasizes the flexibility of the concept of the invention.

(26) It is very clear from FIG. 1 in FIG. 3 that all structural components of the honing machine of the invention are very readily accessible because the carrying structure, namely, the stand 1 with the feet 3 is arranged to a certain extent in the middle of the machine and all attached parts project outwardly from this stand 1 arranged in the middle. This makes possible the very good accessibility to all attached parts, whether they are spindles 11, drives, tool changers 21, rotary table 17 and others. At the same time, it is also clear that the space requirement for the machine of the invention is extremely small relative to the size of the workpieces to be machined.

PARTS LIST

(27) 1 stand 3 feet 5 free space 7 substructure 9 receptacles 11 spindles (honing spindles or other machining spindles) 14 workpiece transport 15 transverse beam 17 rotary table 19 device for clamping or holding down 21 tool changer 23 transverse carriage 24 feed (with lifting-rotary movement)

THE SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

(28) It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein. Also, the drawings herein are not drawn to scale.

(29) Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.