DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING OR PROCESSING WORKPIECES FROM A PREFORM, IN PARTICULAR FOR INTEGRALLY FORMING INTERNAL PROFILES OR INTERNAL TOOTH SYSTEMS

Abstract

A device for manufacturing or processing work pieces consists of a preform (4.1), with a mandrel (1a) that is supported rotatably and parallel to a longitudinal axis (x) of the device, an associated chuck (1b) for clamping the preform (4.1) as well as a spindle sleeve (2a) that can be coupled with the mandrel (1a) and can be moved along the longitudinal direction (x), and with a forming unit (3) for forming the preform (4.1). The chuck (1b) is designed in a rotational fashion in relation to the mandrel (1a).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for manufacturing or processing pieces derived from a preform, and in particular, to a device for molding internal and/or external profiles or internal toothings on a preform.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A prior art device is described in EP 1004 373 B1. Such devices are used to mold internal toothing onto work pieces, in particular rings for planetary gearing. By setting press rollers against the preform, material is displaced from said preform against the negative form of the spinning mandrel. In this process, the acting forces act on the outer toothing of the spinning mandrel such that the teeth can break. The prior art recommends providing a spacer ring made of moldable material at a distance from the free end of the spinning mandrel. In the forming process, the moldable spacer ring adapts to the outer profile of the spinning mandrel. Thus, the spacer ring assumes at least in part the forces that come into existence during the forming process.

The disadvantage is that a spacer ring and a parallel key are always required, complicating the arrangement. In addition, high forming temperatures occur that significantly increase the time for forming and manufacturing the work pieces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, not only can the chuck be moved together with the mandrel but is also radially pivot-mounted, i.e., parallel to, or identical with the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention. Due to the material flowing from the preform because of the pressure, the material not only flows axially due to the rotation of the mandrel but the material flow also has a radial or tangential component, respectively. Based on the rotatability of the chuck, the forces that act radially onto the chuck and are caused by the displaced material do not lead to overstressing of the chuck (and potential toothing located on the chuck) but instead to a movement of the chuck in the direction of the acting forces. Thus, the chuck can always yield under excessive pressure such that damage, e.g., the breaking of teeth, can be avoided. It has also been shown that due to the invention the friction in the radial direction of the mandrel is reduced significantly, thus generating significantly lower forming temperatures than with the traditional methods such that forming can be accomplished much faster and more work pieces can be completed in the same amount of time.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTED DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view through device according to the invention in a longitudinal section when clamping the preform;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the device according to the invention with the chucked perform;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the device according to the invention directly prior to forming;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the device according to the invention with a partially processed preform;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view through the device according to the invention at the end of the forming procedure;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the preform according to the invention when removing the finished work piece that has been made from the preform;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a partially formed preform;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the work piece after the forming procedure;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section parallel to the cross-axis z of the machine (left) through a portion of the preform and the forming device along a section line B-B and a section along the longitudinal axis x of the machine (right);

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section parallel to the cross-axis z of the machine (left) through a portion of the preform and the forming device along a section line A-A and a section along the longitudinal axis x of the machine (right);

FIGS. 12 (A) and (B) show schematically the radial or axial movements/formings of a material volume in the region shown in FIG. 10; and

FIGS. 13 (A) and (B) show schematically the radial or axial movements/formings of a material volume in the region shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The device according to the invention presented in FIGS. 1 to 6 includes a main spindle box 1 with a spindle drive. A tool device 1c is flanged to the main spindle 1 and is equipped with a spur-cut catch element 1d with a receiving hole for the chuck 1b and a mandrel 1a.

Connected to the main spindle 1 is a movable mandrel 1a which is supported in an axially movable fashion in the direction of the machine or longitudinal axis x. Relative to this, the direction perpendicular to the plotting plane and perpendicular to the longitudinal machine axis x is also named the cross machine axis z. As a rule, the movable mandrel 1a is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). Located at the end of the mandrel 1a, which faces a spindle sleeve 2a that is provided at a tailstock 2, is a profile 1a′ in which the tool clamping device 2a′ of the spindle sleeve 2a can engage. This secures and clamps the preform 4.1 in combination with the spindle sleeve 2a and the mandrel 1a radially such that one unit is created that can be moved axially and rotated around the longitudinal machine axis x.

In this situation, the chuck 1b can rotate relative to the preform 4.1 as long as it is acted upon by a force acting from the outside, such as is the case, for example, when the chuck 1b includes helical gearing (cf. FIGS. 10 and 11).

The chuck 1b, which is provided at the outside diameter with a negative profile 1b of the inner profile 4a that is to be formed on the preform 4.1, is axially secured and rotatably attached on the movable mandrel 1a. If necessary, toothing can be provided at the face side on the side of the chuck 1b that is facing the preform 4.1 and is then pressed against the wall 4b (cf. FIGS. 7, 8 and 9) of the preform 4.1 by an axial pressure via the mandrel 1b (for example using a hydraulic cylinder).

The forming unit 3 is arranged axially movable in the center of the longitudinal machine axis x around which orbit the rolling elements 3a and a cage 3c. The rolling elements 3a, guided in their cage 3c, orbit around the preform 4.1 upon contact with the same in a planet-like manner, i.e., during the forming procedure, the rolling elements 3a orbit with the cage 3c around the preform 4.1, 4.2, which rotates around the longitudinal machine axis x, or parallel to it, respectively.

The rolling elements or forming rollers 3a are preferably designed as rolling elements with a tapered surface 3a′, the smaller diameter of which is provided with a radius adapted to the forming process and with a runout bevel 3a″. All rolling elements 3a are kept inside the orbiting cage 3c. The cage 3c is supported centered in a housing 3b, which is retained axially in a specified position via an axial positioning device 3d, in the example shown in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. With this axial positioning, outside diameters of the preform to be formed can be adjusted based on the orbiting rolling elements 3a to a specified diameter range such that various diameters can be formed in a preform 4.1.

After successful forming, the cage 3c is moved by the positioning device 3d against the forming direction, such that the rolling elements 3a are set to a greater forming diameter, such that upon retracting of the forming unit 3 into the starting position (FIGS. 1 and 6), the diameter of the formed work piece 4.2 is not affected. For purposes of heat dissipation and lubrication of the forming unit 3, coolant inlets are arranged preferably in the area between the housing 3b of the rolling elements 3a and the cage 3c, such that a coolant and a lubricant can flow through the forming unit 3 during the forming procedure.

The tailstock 2 (in FIGS. 1 through 6 only indicated by an end region surrounding the spindle sleeve 2a) with the spindle sleeve 2a and the tool clamping device 2a′ are also situated in the center of the longitudinal machine axis x. The clamping process of the work piece is as follows:

The preform 4.1 is pushed onto the advanced mandrel 1a of the main spindle side. The spindle sleeve 2a of the tailstock 2 travels to the loading position, FIG. 1. The collet 2a′ is extended using a hydraulic cylinder such that the profile 1a′, which is worked into the movable mandrel 1a, is located in the area of the collet 2a′. Using the other advancing spindle sleeve 2a, the collet 2a′ closes synchronously, such that the preform 4.1 is pressed via the mandrel 1a with the chuck 1b against the contact surface of a pressing ring 2a″ of the spindle sleeve 2a. This creates a closed unit consisting of spindle sleeve 2a, mandrel 1a, preform 4.1 and chuck 1b, FIG. 2.

In this case, the area of the preform that is facing the main spindle side is free, such that this unit advances through the spindle sleeve 2a so far until this area is blocked axially by the spur-cut catch unit 1d, 1c of the main spindle and is thus tensioned by a high pressure. This pressure must be sufficiently high such that the preform 4.1 is rotated along through the catch unit 1d, 1c during the rotation at the load acting on the preform 4.1 during forming.

In detail, the forming procedure is as follows: After the preform 4.1 is clamped, the unit travels in the direction of the catch 1d of the main spindle, such that the preform 4.1 is pressed against the catch 1d upon contact with the latter.

After turning on the main spindle, the catch 1d and the unit consisting of spindle sleeve 2a, mandrel 1a, preform 4.1 and chuck 1b will rotate such that the forming unit can advance axially to the contact of the rolling element 3a with the preform 4.1, FIG. 3. Through contact with the preform 4.1, the rolling elements 3a automatically assume their position and in their cage 3c orbit around the preform 4.1 in a planet-like manner. With an increasing advance pressure, the material of the preform 4.1 is plasticized by the rolling elements 3a in the contact region between preform 4.1 and rolling elements 3a and intrudes into the empty spaces between the preform 4.1, 4.2 and the chuck 1b, FIG. 4, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

At the same time several forming processes proceed, which shall now be explained based on a fictitious material particle.

The assumed positions of the particles are each shown in the sections A-A and B-B as well as in the associated cross-sections of FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively.

The individual states of the material particle whose volume in the initial state is wx*wy*wz, whereby wx, wy, wz specify the extension of the particle in the three Cartesian directions, shall be defined as follows:

1.0 Assumed material particle wx*wz*wy

1.1 Deformation of the particle in the plane x,y from wx*wy to wx₁*wy₁ in the radial and tangential direction upon rotation of the rolling element 3a by the angle Δα

1.1.2 Deformation of the particle in the x,z plane from wx*wz to wx₂*wz₂ in the axial direction in the area of the rolling element 3a at an axial advance Δz in the beveled area of the rolling element 3a.

1.1.3 Deformation of the particle wx₁*wz₂ to wx₃*wz₃ in the axial direction in the area of the rolling element 3a.

1.1.4 Deformation of the particle wx₃*wz₃ to sx₄*sz₄ in the axial direction after leaving the area of the rolling element.

1.1.5 Deformation of the particle sx₄*sy₄ in the radial and tangential direction upon rotation of the rolling element 3a by the angle Δα.

The following occurs during this forming process: The orbiting rolling elements 3a plastify in the contact region with the preform 4.1 the material in the tangential, radial and axial direction at a simultaneous axial advance in the direction of the catch 1d of the main spindle.

The contact region of the rolling elements 3a with the preform 4.1 forms a forming zone U, cf. FIGS. 12 and 13. In this forming zone U, the platicized material enters into the free space between the preform 4.1 and the chuck 1b, fills the profile 1e in the chuck 1b, FIG. 10. In the process, the material is supported by the axially blocking area of the preform 4.2 between the forming zone U and the catch 1d. This causes the excess material to move axially the freely-movable, coupled unit consisting of mandrel 1a, chuck 1b, clamping device 2a′, spindle sleeve 2a and the area of the preform 4.2 that is located outside and behind the forming zone U.

The axial length Δs formed in the process with the newly formed outside diameter moves in the direction of the tailstock 2. It results from the remaining volume with the newly formed cross-section, which remained from the displaced volume minus the volume that protruded into the free space.

In the area of the forming zone U, the rolling elements 3a displace the material in the radial and tangential direction. Thus, the material rotates within the preform 4.2 in the area of the forming zone U relative to the part of the preform 4.2 that is held by the catch 1d outside of the forming zone U, because due to the radial reduction of the outside diameter, the material amount must be situated on a smaller outside diameter during the forming process. This results in an overlaid relative rotation of the material in relation to the actual rotation of the preform 4.2. The size of the rotational angle of the relative rotation is dependent on the reduction of the cross-section of the work piece. Thus, the area of the preform 4.2 that is located between the spindle sleeve 2a and the forming zone U in the preform must rotate.

If the mandrel 1a, on which the preform 4.2 is deep-drawn, is connected turn-proof to the catch 1d of the main spindle, the material must rotate relative in the tangential direction onto the rotating mandrel 1a. If the mandrel 1a exhibits a radial profile (for example, like the profile 1c on the chuck 1b), the result is an increasing rotational tension within the profile 1c up to the point of its fracture. The rotational tensions are compensated by the co-rotation of the chuck 1b due to the fact that chuck 1b is rotationally supported by the mandrel 1a.

After the forming unit has formed the preform 4.1, 4.2 into a work piece 4.3, FIG. 5, the cage 3c is moved axially to a position, in which the rolling elements 3a can yield radially. With this setting, the forming unit can retract. As soon as the main spindle stops, the movable unit consisting of spindle sleeve 2a, mandrel 1a, preform 4.1 and chuck 1b is decoupled and the tail stock spindle sleeve 2a is retracted with the opened clamping unit 2a′, FIG. 6. The formed work piece, which is located on the chuck 1d, is stripped off the chuck 1b by the catch 1d, into which the retracting mandrel 1a plunges with the chuck 1b.

The present invention is not intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for manufacturing or processing work pieces from a preform (4.1), the device having a mandrel (1a) that is supported rotatably and parallel to a longitudinal axis (x) of the device, an associated chuck (1b) for clamping the preform (4.1) as well as a spindle sleeve (2a) that can be coupled with the mandrel (1a) and can be moved along the longitudinal direction (x), and with a forming unit (3) for forming the preform (4.1), the device characterized in that the chuck (1b) is configured for rotational movement in relation to the mandrel (1a).

2. A device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the chuck (1b) exhibits a negative form (1e) that corresponds to a positive form (4a) that is molded onto the preform (4.1).

3. A device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the mandrel (1a) is assigned to a main spindle box (1) and can move freely both axially and tangentially in a tool housing (1c).

4. A device as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that the main spindle box (1) includes a drive for turning and/or axially moving the preform (4.1) across the tool housing (1c) and a catch element (1d) that is arranged thereon and that faces the spindle sleeve (2a).

5. A device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the spindle sleeve (2a) is assigned to a tail stock (2) and exhibits a pressing ring (2a″).

6. A device as set forth in claim 5, characterized in that the spindle sleeve (2a) of the tail stock (2) is supported rotatably or axially movable.

7. A device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the forming unit (3) exhibits at least two rolling elements (3a).

8. A device as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the forming unit (3) is arranged in an axially movable manner.

9. A device as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that an attack angle of the two rolling elements (3a) is adjustable.

10. A device as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the two rolling elements (3a) are arranged and supported such that they can be driven orbiting via the preform (4.1).

11. A method for manufacturing or processing work pieces from a preform (4.1) using a device as set forth in claim 1, according to which a preform (4.1) located on a chuck is formed using a forming unit (3), whereby forming is effected via a material flow that arises through pressure between the forming unit (3) and the preform (4.1), characterized in that during the forming process, the chuck follows the movement direction of the flowing material.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that during forming the chuck (1b) follows the axial and tangential movement direction of the flowing material.

13. A method as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that prior to forming, initially the preform (4.1) is received by an axially advancing mandrel (1a) utilizing an advance movement (1e), in that thereafter the preform (4.1) is pressed against a tool housing (1c) through an axially advancing spindle sleeve (2a), such that a coupled unit is created that is comprised of chuck (1b), mandrel (1a), preform (4.1) and spindle sleeve (2a).

14. A method as set forth in claim 13, characterized in that during forming the coupled unit follows the axial and tangential movement directions of the flowing material.

15. A method as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the chuck (1b) is drawn over the mandrel (1a) by the clamping device (2a′) against the inner side of the preform (4.1) such that the chuck (1b) comes in direct contact with the area of the preform (4.1) that is not to be formed.

16. A method as set forth in claim 13, characterized in that the coupled unit is put into rotational motion.

17. A method as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the preform (4.1) prior to forming is clamped radially and axially immovable in relation to the chuck (1b) that is supported rotatably on a mandrel (1a).

18. A method as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the forming unit (3) exhibits rollers (3a) that are placed onto the preform (4.1) to be processed.

19. A method as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the forming unit (3) is moved in its longitudinal direction (x) relative to the preform by pressing the rollers onto said preform (4.1).