TURRET FOR TOOL MACHINE

Abstract

A turret for tool machine includes: at least a turret body supported by the tool machine; at least a rotating drum supported by the turret body and supporting at least two tool holders upon which are mounted at least two rotating tools the rotating drum being mounted externally rotating around the turret body; at least an electrical spindle positioned in a recess inside the turret body; the electrical spindle extending itself around a vertical axis; the electrical spindle including a motor, a rotating shaft for the transmission of the movement associated to the motor and an engagement portion suitable for coupling to the tool holder; each tool holder extending itself along a vertical axis; the rotating drum being rotatably mounted around the turret body so as to rotate for aligning each tool holder with the engagement portion.

Claims

1. A turret (100) for tool machine adapted to hold at least one rotating tool for turning it for machining a piece at the tool machine; said turret (100) comprising: at least a turret body (4) supported by the tool machine; a least a rotating drum (5) supported by said turret body (4) and supporting at least two tool holders (3) upon which are mounted at least two rotating tools (40) said rotating drum (5) being mounted externally rotating around said turret body (4); at least an electrical spindle (2) positioned in a recess inside the turret body (4); said electrical spindle (2) extending itself around a vertical axis Y-Y; said electrical spindle (2) comprising a motor, a rotating shaft (39) for the transmission of the movement associated to said motor and an engagement portion (6) suitable for coupling to said tool holders (3); each tool holder (3) extending itself along a vertical axis; the rotating drum (5) being rotatably mounted around said turret body (4) in such a way as to rotate for aligning each tool holder (3) with said engagement portion (6). wherein said tool (40) is actuated in rotation by said rotating shaft (39) through a direct physical coupling wherein an engagement ending portion of said rotating shaft (39) is directly engaged with said tool holder (3).

2. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1, wherein said direct axial engagement takes place in correspondence with a central recess or cavity of said tool holder (3).

3. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1, wherein said ending engagement portion of said rotating shaft (39) with said tool holder (3) has its own axis coincident with the rotation axis of said tool holder (3) and realizes a direct coaxial engagement between said tool holder (3) and said rotating of said electrical spindle.

4. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 2, wherein said direct axial engagement is characterized in that said ending engagement portion of said rotating shaft is removably inserted in said central recess or cavity.

5. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1, further comprising at least a translation group for vertically translating along axis Y-Y said electrical spindle (2), comprising said motor between a first working position wherein at least a portion of said tool holder (3) is engaged with said engagement portion (6) and permits the rotation of the tool (40) to a second position of tool change wherein said tool holder (3) is disengaged from the engagement portion (6).

6. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1, wherein said rotating drum (5) comprises a plurality of tool holders (3) mounted along an its own circumference and angularly spaced.

7. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 5, wherein said translation group comprises at least a cylinder (111) suitable for translating along axis Y-Y the electrical spindle (2).

8. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotating drum (5) comprises a plurality of blocking elements (7) of tool holders (3) to said drum and a plurality of blocking devices (8) of tool holders (3).

9. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 8, wherein each blocking device (8) comprises at least an element of engagement (12) with the tool holder, at least a elastic element (13) for pushing said element of engagement (12) in engagement with the said tool holder (3), at least a counter element (14) for said elastic element (13) and a release device of the engagement of said element of engagement (12) with the said tool holder (3).

10. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1 wherein each tool holder (3) comprises a seat suitable for housing a cylindrical plier (50) of said rotating shaft (39).

11. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 5, further comprising a first and a second electrical spindle (2, 2) positioned in a cavity insider the turret body (4); said first electrical spindle (2) extending itself around a vertical axis Y-Y; said second electrical spindle (2) extending itself around an axis X-X substantially orthogonal to axis Y-Y.

12. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of tool holders (3) upon which are mounted rotating tools (40); said tool holders (3) being mounted on the head (90) rotating around said axis X-X or at a direction parallel to the axis X-X.

13. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 11, further comprising another translation group for horizontally translating along axis X-X or along a direction parallel to the axis X-X said second electrical spindle (2) between a working position wherein at least a portion of said tool holder (3) is engaged with said engagement portion (6) and permits the rotation of the tool (40) at a position of tool change wherein said tool holder (3) is disengaged from the engagement portion (6).

14. A process for tool change of a turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 1 comprising the phases of: a) releasing the tool holder (3) from the engagement portion (6) of the electrical spindle (2); b) raising said electrical spindle (2) in such a way as to the cylindrical portion (91) comes out from the contact with the tool holder (3); c) engaging said engagement elements (12) with the tool holder (3); d) continuing the movement of raising said electrical spindle (2) until pulling out the tool holder (3) from said engagement portion (6); e) turning said rotating drum (5) for bringing a second tool holder (3) in alignment with said engagement portion (6) of the electrical spindle; f) lowering the electrical spindle (2) until inserting at least partially said tool holder (3) in said engagement portion (6); g) disengaging said elements of engagement (12) with the tool holder (3); h) engaging the tool holder (3) in the engagement portion (6).

15. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 2, wherein said ending engagement portion of said rotating shaft (39) with said tool holder (3) has its own axis coincident with the rotation axis of said tool holder (3) and realizes a direct coaxial engagement between said tool holder (3) and said rotating of said electrical spindle.

16. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 3, wherein said direct axial engagement is characterized in that said ending engagement portion of said rotating shaft is removably inserted in said central recess or cavity.

17. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 2, further comprising at least a translation group for vertically translating along axis Y-Y said electrical spindle (2), comprising said motor between a first working position wherein at least a portion of said tool holder (3) is engaged with said engagement portion (6) and permits the rotation of the tool (40) to a second position of tool change wherein said tool holder (3) is disengaged from the engagement portion (6).

18. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 2, wherein said rotating drum (5) comprises a plurality of tool holders (3) mounted along an its own circumference and angularly spaced.

19. A turret (100) for a tool machine according to claim 9 wherein each tool holder (3) comprises a seat suitable for housing a cylindrical plier (50) of said rotating shaft (39).

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0048] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be clearer form the detailed description of some preferred forms of embodiment, but not exclusive, of an electrical spindle device and of a process for the change of tool with said electrical spindle device according to the present invention.

[0049] This description will be hereinafter shown with reference to the attached figures, provided for indicative purposes only and not limiting, wherein:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a partially front cross sectional view of a turret for lathes according to the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a cross view in lateral section of a portion of the turret of FIG. 1, with the engagement portion engaged with the tool holder;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a cross view in lateral section of a portion of the turret of FIG. 1, with the engagement portion disengaged from the tool holder;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative form of embodiment of the turret according to the present invention with two electrical spindles; and

[0054] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the turret of FIG. 4 with the rotating discoidal head detached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FORMS OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0055] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a turret for a tool machine according to the present invention, is identified with number reference 100.

[0056] The turret 100 is designed for mounting at least one rotating tool and for rotating it in order to permit the processing of a piece on the tool machine.

[0057] The turret 100 shows at least a fixed turret body, supported by tool machine and at least a rotating drum 5 rotatably supported by the turret body 4.

[0058] The rotating drum 5 rotates around an axis X-X, indicated in FIG. 1, orthogonal to and coming out from the sheet, externally around the turret body 4.

[0059] The rotating drum 5 supports, radially arranged around its external periphery a plurality of tool holder 3.

[0060] In other words, the tool holders 3 are arranged along an external circumference of the rotating drum 5.

[0061] Upon each tool holder 3 is mounted a rotating tool 40.

[0062] Internally to the fixed turret body 4 is at least present an electrical spindle 2 positioned in a suitable cavity.

[0063] The electrical spindles are electro-mechanical components designed for works of drilling, milling, blading, tapping, engraving, boring, adjustment and turning.

[0064] The electrical spindle 2 as better shown in FIG. 1 extends itself around a vertical axis Y-Y, orthogonal to the rotation axis X-X of the rotating drum 5.

[0065] The electrical spindle 2 shows a motor, a rotating shaft 39 which transmits the rotating movement to the tool 40.

[0066] The rotating shaft 39 is associated to the motor and has in correspondence with its free ending, that is the opposite to the motor, an engagement portion 6.

[0067] The engagement portion 6 shows itself as a conical seat suitable for housing a corresponding conical portion of a tool holder 3.

[0068] As previously anticipated, the rotating drum 5 is rotatably mounted around the rotation axis X-X in such a way as to rotate for moving a tool holder 3 and consequently its tool 40 in alignment with the engagement portion 6 of the electrical spindle 2, internally arranged in the turret body 4.

[0069] In the conical seat of the engagement portion 6 is, then, housed a tool blocking device 48 of a tool holder 3 for engaging and thanks to the electrical spindle 2 rotating the tool holder 3 and consequently the rotating tool 40 with the electrical spindle 2.

[0070] The tool blocking device 48 permits the direct engagement between the rotating shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 and the tool 40 through the tool holder 3. In other words, with the term direct engagement is intended according to the present invention that between the rotating shaft 39 and the tool holder 3 no mechanical group of movement transmission is interposed thereto. In other words, an ending portion or ending of the rotation shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 is axially introduced in the rotating body of the tool holder 3, engaging itself with an its substantially conical portion. The engagement portion shows thus an its own axis coinciding with the rotation axis of the tool holder. In the attached figures, the direct mechanical engagement between the rotation shaft of the electrical spindle and the tool holder 3 takes place by means of penetration of the first inside a central recess of the second, but the situation can be alternatively inverted.

[0071] Anyway, this permits to eliminate the angular rotations which can be created in case of presence of clearance between the electrical spindle 2 and the tool holder 3.

[0072] Through the direct engagement as described in the present invention, the work zero point of all the tools on the rotating drum 5 will be always the same, because each tool holder during the working phase is directly engaged with the rotation shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2. Differently from what happens for the background art, in the turret object of the present invention is the shaft of the electrical spindle to be mounted on bearings in such a way as to support the torque force.

[0073] In other words, in the turret object of the present invention, the rotating drum 5 is used only for transporting the tool sin position ready for the engagement to the electrical spindle. This advantageously contributes to improve the coupling precision between the shaft of the electrical spindle 2 and the tool holder 3.

[0074] Another advantage of the invention is that with the shaft of the electrical spindle integral with the tool holder, the rotation of the tool is under control, that is the exact angular position of the tool under process can be controlled. Through encoders, angular displacements until 3 degree seconds can be controlled. With this system threading can be made.

[0075] The background art with clearances which are among the various couplings between the spindle and the tool holder do not permit to do so.

[0076] Advantageously, furthermore, the coaxial direct engagement with the rotation axis of the electrical spindle is intrinsically strong and permits to manage torques also of noticeable strength.

[0077] As a matter of fact, integrally with the head ending of a rod 99 in the rotation shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 is provided a cylindrical plier 50 whereas the corresponding conical portion of the tool holder 3 shows a section shrinking 69. The cylindrical plier 50 is provided with of a plurality of cuts circumferentially arranged and oriented in direction of axis Y-Y. The head ending of the rod 99 can slide along axis Y-Y of said shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 with respect to the cylindrical plier 50 for determining the increase or reduction of the external diameter of it.

[0078] The head ending of the rod 99 of the electrical spindle 2 shows a conical external surface 51 and the cylindrical plier 50 a corresponding conical internal surface.

[0079] When the head ending of the rod 99 finds itself in an its own first upper or extended position toward the external of the turret, shown in FIG. 1-2, the external surface 52 of the cylindrical plier 50 is engaged with the section shrinking 69 blocking the tool holder 3 with respect to the shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 in such a way as to make a reciprocal sliding along axis Y-Y which can disengage the shaft of the electrical spindle from the tool holder 3 impossible; consequently the shaft 39 can thus rotate the tool holder 3 and the tool 40.

[0080] In contrast, when the head ending of the rod 99 itself in an its own second lower or retracted position toward the inner of the turret, shown in FIG. 3, the external surface 52 of the cylindrical plier 50 is not engaged with the section shrinking 69. In this situation, the cylindrical plier 50 is in a position with respect to the shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2, and in particular its internal conical surface with respect to the one of the ending of the rod 99, such as to determine a diameter of the external surface 52 of the cylindrical plier 50 in order to permit the passage with respect to the section shrinking 69. In this way, the shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 can disengage with respect to the tool holder 3.

[0081] The rod 99 is actuated by a piston cylinder 18, upperly positioned with respect to the rod itself in the electrical spindle 2.

[0082] In the working position, shown in FIG. 1, 2, the rotating shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 is engaged with tool holder 3 and its rotation determines the rotation of the tool 40 brought by it.

[0083] The electrical spindle 2 can translate in vertical direction with respect to the turret body 4 and to the rotating drum 5, that is along a vertical direction found by axis Y-Y of the electrical spindle 2 itself.

[0084] In detail, the electrical spindle 2 can translate in vertical direction with respect to rotating drum 5, between a working position, wherein the tool 40 engaged through the tool holder 3 by the electrical spindle 2 works on a mechanical piece and a position of tool change wherein the electrical spindle 2 is raised in such a way as to not interfere with the rotating drum 5 which is then free to rotate for moving a tool holder 3 and consequently a tool 40 in coupling position with the rotating shaft 39.

[0085] The coupling between the rotating shaft 39 and the tool holder is direct, that is without the interposition of joints or chain transmissions or similar, which advantageously permit to obtain a higher precision of movement transmission between the rotating shaft 39 and the tool holder. Advantageously, furthermore, the direct joint between the shaft 39 of the electrical spindle and the tool holder 3 ensures working safety even in case of high rotation speeds, because the engagement portion of the ending part of the shaft 39 is central, substantially cylindrical and does not show portions sensibly extended along the axis Y-Y which can break during the rotations at high speeds.

[0086] For this purpose, the electrical spindle 2 shows a translation group comprising a pneumatic cylinder 111 suitable for moving the electrical spindle 2 in a vertical translation.

[0087] Alternatively, it can be provided a hydraulic cylinder without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0088] The rotating drum 5 comprises a plurality of blocking elements 7 of tool holders 3 to the drum itself and a plurality of blocking devices 8 of tool holders 3.

[0089] The fixing elements 7 comprise fixing seats 76 realized as flanges mounted in the rotating drum 5 suitable for housing at least a portion of a tool holder 3 and for keeping it blocked in position by means of suitable blocking elements 8.

[0090] Each blocking element 8 as better shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is positioned in a lateral blind seat 77 of the fixing seat 76, of the rotating drum 5 and comprises at least an element of engagement 12 with the tool holder 3, at least an elastic element 13 for pushing the element of engagement 12 in engagement with the tool holder 3 and at least a counter element 14 for the elastic element 13.

[0091] In the preferred form of embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the elastic element 13 is represented by an helical spring which pusher the element of engagement 12, represented by a sphere 12 against a cavity 78 realized on the external surface of the tool holder 3.

[0092] The counter element 14 is represented by the basis of a radial blind seat 77.

[0093] For each tool holder 3 are provided at least two blocking elements 8.

[0094] When the sphere 12 is engaged in the radial cavity 78 the tool holder 3 is kept blocked and integral with the rotating drum 5. In this situation, the tool holder is not engaged in the spindle. For releasing the tool holder 3 there is a releasing device of the element of engagement 12 with respect to said tool holder 3.

[0095] Advantageously, the releasing device comprises a cylindrical compass 79 mounted in such a way as to slide on said tool holder 3 in a direction parallel to axis Y-Y of the electrical spindle 2 and a cylindrical portion 91 integral with the electrical spindle 2 and suitable for stopping against the compass for causing its translation in a direction parallel to axis X-X of the electrical spindle 2, after the translation of the electrical spindle with respect to rotating drum 5.

[0096] When the cylindrical portion 91 stops against the compass 79 pushes it along a direction parallel to axis Y-Y downwards, the compass 79 in turn stops against the spheres 12 removing them from the radial cavity 78 and releasing the tool holder 3 from the rotating drum 5.

[0097] At this point the spindle is ready to block through the internal plier 50 the tool holder 3.

[0098] With the blocked tool the spindle can begin to turn.

[0099] The turret 100 for tool machine according to the present invention is suitable for carrying out different operations by inserting in the tool block 48 the tool holder 3 with the tool 40 most suitable; in particular, the tool 40 is selected through the rotating drum 5, rotatably mounted with respect to the fixed body 4 and to the electrical spindle 2.

[0100] For changing the tool, between an operation and the successive one, the following phases are carried out.

[0101] First of all, tool holder 3 is disengaged from the engagement portion 6 of the electrical spindle 2, in particular from the tool blocking device 48 thanks to a light sliding downwards of the head ending of the rod 99.

[0102] Sliding downwards, the rod 99 determines a reduction of the external diameter of the cylindrical plier 50 such as to permit the passage through the section shrinking 69 and consequently the disengagement of the tool holder 3 from the engagement portion 6.

[0103] The sliding downwards of the rod 99 is actuated by the piston cylinder 18.

[0104] The electrical spindle 2 is then raised such that the circumferential portion 91 is detached and does not stop anymore against the compass 79, this movement is instead actuated by the piston cylinder 111.

[0105] At this point, the engagement elements 12, represented by spheres 12 are engaged with the tool holder 3, in particular the spheres 12 are engaged through the springs 13 with the radial cavity 78 of the tool holder 3.

[0106] At this point, the actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 111 causes the translation of the electrical spindle upwards in a position such as to permit the free rotation fo the rotating drum 5 with respect to the fixed body 4 without the interference of portions of the electrical spindle 2 with the tool holders 3.

[0107] The rotating drum 5 is then rotated for moving a second tool holder 3, which contains a second tool 40 to be used in the processing and in particular the tool blocking device 48 in alignment with the engagement portion 6 of the electrical spindle 2.

[0108] For engaging the second tool 40 is then lowered the electrical spindle 2, until the insertion of the engagement portion 6 with the tool holder 3 by the piston cylinder 111, such that the tool blocking device 48 can block the tool holder 3.

[0109] Previously, the lowering of the electrical spindle 2 through the actuation of the piston cylinder 18 it was taken action on the rod 99 reducing the cylindrical plier 50.

[0110] For blocking the tool holder 3 with the cylindrical plier 50 is actuated during the raising of the piston cylinder 18; in this way the shaft 39 of the electrical spindle 2 is integral with the tool 40 through the springs 222.

[0111] The turret 100 according to the present invention finds itself in the working position shown in FIG. 1, 2 and the tool 40 can carry out its processing, at the end of which if another process is requested, the above described process will be repeated.

[0112] In FIGS. 4 and 5 is shown an alternative form of embodiment of the turret 100 for tool machine according to the present invention.

[0113] The turret 100 is totally similar to the one of FIGS. 1-3 excepting for the fact that it has a second electrical spindle 2 and a second plurality of tool holder 3, each one provided with a rotating tool 40 suitable for being rotated by the electrical spindle 2.

[0114] In details, the turret 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 has a second electrical spindle 2 suitable for translating along axis X-X orthogonal to axis Y-Y of the first electrical spindle 2.

[0115] The electrical spindle 2 has a dedicated motor and a rotating shaft too which transmits the rotation movement to the tool 40.

[0116] The rotating shaft is associated to the motor and has in correspondence with its free ending that is the one opposed to the motor an engagement portion.

[0117] The engagement portion is shown also in this case as in the form of embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 a conical seat suitable for housing a corresponding conical portion of a tool holder 3.

[0118] The tool holders 3 are arranged along a circumference concentric to axis X-X on a rotating discoidal head 90 integral with the rotating drum 5 of the turret 100.

[0119] The discoidal head 90 can rotate around an axis parallel to axis X-X for moving a tool holder 3 and consequently its tool 40 in alignment with the engagement portion of the electrical spindle 2, arranged within the electrical spindle 2.

[0120] Also in this case in the conical seat of the engagement portion is, then, housed a tool blocking device of a tool holder 3 for engaging and thanks to the electrical spindle 2 for rotating the tool holder 3 and consequently the rotating tool 40 with the electrical spindle 2.

[0121] The tool blocking device permits the engagement between the rotating shaft of the electrical spindle 2 and, through the tool holder 3, the tool 40.

[0122] In other words, between the rotating shaft of the electrical spindle 2 and the tool holder 3 there is no mechanical group of transmission interposed.

[0123] For this purpose, integrally with the head ending of a rod inside the rotation shaft of the electrical spindle 2 is provided a cylindrical plier totally similar to the cylindrical plier 50 of the rotation shaft of the electrical spindle 2.

[0124] When the cylindrical plier is engaged and blocks the tool holder 3 the electrical spindle 2 can rotate the tool holder 3 and the tool 40.

[0125] Viceversa, when the head ending of the inner rod disengages the cylindrical plier 50, this one finds itself in a position with respect to the shaft of the electrical spindle 2 such as to determine the disengagement of the shaft of the electrical spindle 2 with respect to tool holder 3.

[0126] The inner rod is actuated by a piston cylinder not shown in figure positioned in the turret body 4.

[0127] In the working position, the rotating shaft of the electrical spindle 2 is engaged with a tool holder 3 and its rotation determines the rotation of the tool 40 moved by it.

[0128] The electrical spindle 2 can translate in horizontal direction along axis X-X with respect to turret body 4 and to the rotating drum 5, that is along a direction orthogonal to axis Y-Y of the electrical spindle 2.

[0129] In details, the electrical spindle 2 can translate in horizontal direction along axis

[0130] X-X with respect to rotating drum 5, between a working position, wherein the tool 40 engaged through the tool holder 3 by the electrical spindle 2 works on a mechanical piece and a position of tool change in which the electrical spindle 2 is displaced along axis X-X, in a rear position, in such a way as to not interfere with the discoidal head 90 integral with the rotating drum 5 which is then free to rotate for moving a tool holder 3 and consequently a tool 40 in coupling position with the rotating shaft of the electrical spindle 2.

[0131] The coupling between the rotating shaft of the electrical spindle 2 and the tool holder 3 is direct, that is without the interposition of transmissions.

[0132] For this purpose, the electrical spindle 2 has a translation group comprising a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder suitable for horizontally translating the electrical spindle 2.

[0133] The rotating discoidal head 90 integral with the rotating drum 5 comprises a plurality of blocking elements of tool holders 3 on the discoidal head itself and a plurality of blocking devices of tool holders 3.

[0134] The fixing elements and the blocking devices are totally equal to the fixing elements 7 to the blocking devices 8 previously described for the form of embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 provided only with the electrical spindle 2.

[0135] In particular, the fixing means comprise fixing seats realized in fixing flanges 76 mounted on the rotating discoidal head 90 suitable for housing at least a portion of a tool holder 3 and for keeping it blocked in position by means of suitable blocking elements.

[0136] The present invention has been described with reference to some forms of embodiment. Various modifications can be done to the forms of embodiments described in details, still remaining in the field of protection of the invention, defined by the following claims.