Machine tools abstract
A working head for numeric-control machine tools is adapted to
be moved along two or three axes relative to one or two parts mounted
on respective worktables which can rotate about respective parallel
axes. According to the present invention, the head supports one
or preferably two tool-supporting spindles which are pivoted about
a common axis which is transverse to the axes of the spindles under
the actuation of motor means which are rigidly coupled to the head
and are controlled by a numeric control unit.
Machine tools claims
What is claimed is:
1. A working head for numeric-control machining tools, adapted
to be moved along two or three axes relative to at least one part
mounted on a worktable which can rotate about a preset axis, wherein
the head supports at least one tool-supporting spindle which is
mounted so that it can rotate about an axis which is transverse
to an axis of a driven spindle under the actuation of motor means
which are ridgy coupled to the head and are controlled by a numeric-control
unit, said head supporting two spindles with parallel mutually spaced
axes which are mounted so that they can rotate about a common axis,
which lies transversely to the axes of the two spindles, under the
actuation of said motor means, said two spindles being ridgy coupled
to a shaft which is rotationally actuated about said
common axis by said motor means.
2. The working head according to claim 1 wherein the extent of
the allowed rotation of said two spindles about said common axis
is at least 90.degree..
3. The working head according to claim 2 wherein the two spindles
rotate about said common axis substantially from a first end position,
in which the axes of the spindles are parallel to the axis of the
worktable, to a second end position, in which the axes of the spindles
are rotated by 90.degree.-110.degree. with respect to the vertical
direction.
4. The working head according to claim 1 wherein said what is
rotationally actuated by said motor means by means of a worm gear
and a helical gear.
5. A working head for numeric-control machining tools, adapted
to be moved along two or three axes relative to at least one part
mounted on a worktable which can rotate about a preset axis, wherein
the head supports at least one tool-supporting spindle which is
mounted so that it can rotate about an axis which is transverse
to an axis of a driven spindle under the actuation of a motor device
which is rigidly coupled to the head and is controlled by a numeric-control
unit, said head supporting two spindles with parallel mutually spaced
axes which are mounted so that they can rotate about a common axis,
which lies transversely to the axes of the two spindles, under the
actuation of said motor device, said two spindles being rigidly
coupled to a shaft which is rotationally actuated about said common
axis by said motor device.
6. The working head according to claim 5 wherein the extent of
the allowed rotation of said two spindles about said common axis
is at least 90.degree..
7. The working head according to claim 5 wherein the two spindles
rotate about said common axis substantially from a first end position,
in which the axes of the spindles are parallel to the axis of the
worktable, to a second end position, in which the axes of the spindles
are rotated by 90.degree.-110.degree. with respect to the vertical
direction.
8. The working head according to claim 5 wherein said shaft is
rotationally actuated by said motor device by means of a worm gear
and a helical gear.
Machine tools description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a working head for numeric-control
machine tools.
Numeric-control machining tools according to the prior art generally
have a working head which is provided with one or two tool-supporting
spindles which are rigidly coupled to the head, which can be moved
by the machine along two or three Cartesian axes so that the tools
can act on parts which are supported by one or more part-supporting
worktables. The worktables can generally rotate about a generally
vertical axis.
This type of equipment allows to perform drilling, milling and
similar operations in a horizontal direction on the face of the
part that is directed toward the head. By rotating the worktable
it is also possible, for example, to produce holes which are oblique
on a horizontal plane. The production of vertical or oblique holes
on a vertical plane, however, requires interrupting the operations
under the control of the program and releasing the part, locking
it again in an inverted position. This produces downtimes which
slow production and is in any case awkward because of the need for
operator intervention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the invention is to provide a working head which is
more versatile than conventional ones and in particular allows to
perform under program control even the above-cited operations, which
are not allowed by conventional working heads.
This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent from
the following detailed description are achieved by a working head
for numeric-control machine tools having the characteristics disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a working head according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention in relation to two worktables of a numeric-control
machine tool; and
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred actuation mechanism
for the spindles of the working head of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIG. 1 the reference numeral 10 designates a
working head of a numeric-control machine tool, which is not shown.
The head 10 can be actuated by the machine tool with per se known
means, not shown, to perform a controlled movement along three axes
with respect to two worktables 12 and 14 each of which is provided
with a respective part being machined 16 and 18 which is anchored
by means of conventional locking means not shown in the drawings.
The worktables 12 and 14 can rotate about their respective vertical
axis under the actuation of respective motor means 20 and 22 as
is known in the field.
The head 10 has, on opposite sides, two spindles 24 and 26 which
are parallel to each other and are pivoted about a horizontal axis
A, which accordingly lies transversely to the axes of the worktables
12 and 14. With reference also to FIG. 2 the spindles 24 and 26
are therefore rigidly coupled to a shaft 28 which rotates about
axis A on supports 30. A helical gear 32 is keyed, in a median position,
to the shaft 28 and cooperates with a worm gear 34 which is in turn
keyed on a driving shaft 36 driven by motor means 38 which are controlled
by a numeric control unit, schematically designated by the reference
numeral 40. The motor means 38 are preferably constituted by a hydraulically
actuated device with a proportional valve.
It is evident to the expert in the field that the described working
head is capable of performing drilling or milling with greater versatility
than conventional working heads which have fixed spindles. For example,
with reference to FIG. 1 it is possible to produce horizontal holes
on the face of the part that is directed toward the head, vertical
holes on the face of the part that is directed upward, and inclined
holes on both faces. This was not possible with conventional heads
except by stopping the machining process and resuming it after releasing
the parts and then locking them again in an overturned or oblique
position.
The angular extent of the rotation of the spindles should conveniently
be at least 90.degree. and preferably 100-110.degree.. More specifically,
the tilting spindle should be able to rotate from a first vertical
end position, in which the tool is directed downward, to a second
end position which is horizontal or preferably inclined by 10-20.degree.
above the horizontal for greater machining versatility.
The above-described preferred embodiment of the invention is of
course susceptible of numerous modifications and variations within
the scope of the inventive concept. For example, the working head
can be provided with a single spindle instead of two. The extent
of the angular stroke of the spindles can also be less than 90.degree.
or can be as much as 180.degree. in particular applications. The
device for tilting the spindles can be of a different kind than
the one shown. These variations and others, suitable to achieve
equal utility with technically equivalent means, are to be considered
as included within the scope of the protection of the invention.
The disclosures in Italian Utility Model No. TO97U000190 from which
this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. |