Highly flexible machine tool

US6298531A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Witzig & Frank GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Frank Baumbusch · Eberbach, DE
• Walter Bauer · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 1999
• Grant date: Oct 9, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T82/2524
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A machine tool (1) has at least one but preferably two machining units (13, 14), which are assigned to two workpiece receptacles (8, 9). The machining units (13, 14) are adjustable in three axes (X, Y, Z), and they can each reach both workpiece receptacles (8, 9). The machining units (13, 14) are oriented such that their work spindles (11, 12) are in a preferably right space angle to one another. As a result, they can be moved past one another without colliding. Moreover, they can also work on the same workpiece at the same time. The workpiece receptacles are positionable independently of one another about a preferably but not necessarily common pivot axis (S). The workpieces are also rotatable about an axis (V) perpendicular to the pivot axis. This arrangement enables flexible machining of the workpieces from arbitrary directions in space. Because each machining unit (13, 14) in principle can machine every side of the workpiece of every workpiece receptacle (8, 9), both machining units (13, 14 can be utilized evenly. This minimizes idle times and time losses.