ZA200301511B

ZA200301511B - Work piece support means.

Info

Publication number: ZA200301511B
Application number: ZA200301511A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Siegfried Gruhler; Gerold Schwarzwaelder
Original assignee: Mauser Werke Oberndorf Mashine
Priority date: 2001-09-06
Filing date: 2003-02-25
Publication date: 2004-07-02
Also published as: DE10143694A1; SE0301276D0; KR20040029299A; WO2003024651A1; BR0205872A; SE0301276L; CN1482954A

Description

Fracture Separating Apparatus

The invention relates to a fracture separating apparatus for forming split bearing seats of workpieces in accordance with claim 1, and a fracture separating process for fracture separation and assembly of the split bearing seats in accordance with claim 6.

Fracture separation of workpieces is applied, e.g., in automobile construction in order to manufacture split bearing seats on connecting rods, crankshaft cases or yokes. In the process, two predetermined fracturing locations having the form of notches extending in parallel with the longitudinal axis are diametrically introduced at the inner peripheral surface of the bearing seat, so that following the application of a fracture separation force, the bearing seats are in a defined manner split into bearing caps and bearing bases.

The advantage of fracture separation consists in the formation of microscopic and macroscopic denticulations between the assembling or fracture surfaces of the bearing caps and bearing bases, enabling an accurately fitting assembly, so that sophisticated post- processing steps are not required.

Known solutions provide for several workpieces clamped on a tool table to subsequently pass through single processing stations. For each finished workpiece that is [File:ANM\MW0332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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- AMENDED SHEET — v ® removed from the tool table, an unprocessed workpiece is supplied to the tool table.

It is a drawback in this solution that the circular table has a comparatively complex structure, for several tool receptions for the multiplicity of workpieces — distributed on the circumference of the circular table are required.

It is another drawback that the circular table has to have a certain minimum diameter to enable an arrangement of the processing stations around it while nevertheless ensuring a particular degree of accessibility for maintenance and tool exchange. As a result, the installation requires considerable floor space. As merely feeding along a circular path is performed with the aid of the circular table, the processing stations must each include separate feed mechanisms to enable processing of the workpieces.

In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of furnishing a fracture separating apparatus for forming split bearing seats of workpieces, in particular yokes, and a fracture separating process which overcomes the known drawbacks, and wherein fracture separation and : assembly of the bearing seat parts may be performed at minimum expenditure in terms of device technology.

This need is fulfilled through the features of claim 1 which is to be considered as an integral part of this specific description as regards the fracture separating apparatus, and through the features of claim 6 which is to be considered as an integral part of this specific description as regards the fracture separating process.

A fracture separating apparatus for forming split bearing seats in accordance with the invention provides for a single workpiece to be supplied to fixed processing [File:ANMAMWO332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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\ . stations via a rotary table mounted on a cross table.

Provided processing stations are, for instance, a charging and discharging station, a laser station, a fracture separating station and a screw connection station.

The inventive construction involving a rotary table mounted on a cross table permits to position the workpiece for processing in relation with each processing station, so that the processing stations themselves need not include any complex feed mechanism. Mounting the workpieces in accordance with the invention permits flexible adaptation of the processing tasks, so that it is possible to additionally approach processing stations, or perform several processing steps at one processing station, by simple reprogramming. This is not possible in the solution named at the outset, for in the case of a timed «circular table, multiple processing at one processing station results in a dead cycle at other processing stations.

A preferred embodiment provides to configure the fracture separating station and the screw connection station in such a way that both processing stations employ a same spreader mandrel. I.e., with the aid of the spreader mandrel it is possible to apply both a fracture separation force, and in assembling a spreading force opposed to an assembling force.

Another preferred embodiment provides that a counter member for securing the Dbearing cap in fracture separation is connected with the spreader mandrel as a unit, so that from a particular insertion depth of the spreader mandrel into the bearing seat, the bearing cap may be supported by the counter member. At smaller amounts of this insertion depth, the counter member [File:ANM\MWO0332B1.doc] ~~ 26.03.03

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\ ". releases the bearing cap so that the fracture-separated bearing seat may be assembled at the screw connection station.

In a preferred process, bearing seats of a workpiece ) are processed which have a mutual axial alignment in opposite end portions. The workpiece is supplied to the rotary table via the charging and discharging station.

The workpiece activates the laser station, so that notches may be introduced into the first and second bearing seats. Following the introduction of one respective notch in the bearing seats, the workpiece is rotated through 180° about its vertical axis by the rotary table, and second notches are diametrically introduced in the bearing seat in correspondence to the first notches diametrically to the respective first notch. In the following fracture separating station, the notched bearing seats are separated into bearing base and bearing cap with the aid of a spreader mandrel. In order to protect fracture separation surfaces and in order to detect faulty bearing bases or bearing caps, the corresponding bearing bases and the bearing caps are assembled in a screw connection station with feeding of bolts. Finally removal of the workpiece is performed with the aid of the charging and discharging station, so that a new workpiece may be supplied.

In fracture separation the spreader mandrel is positioned inside the bearing seat in such a way that a counter member arranged on the spreader mandrel for supporting the bearing caps is arranged at a right angle with the fracture separation plane opposite at least one portion of the external circumference of the bearing cap.

In screw connection of the bearing base with the bearing cap, the spreader mandrel is positioned inside [File:ANM\MWO332B1.doc] ~~ 26.03.03

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Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH the bearing seat such that the bearing cap is released by the counter member, however the spreader mandrel remains in the bearing seat with a portion thereof, so that during assembling it is possible to apply a spreading force which is opposed to the assembling force.

Hereby a fracture separating apparatus and a corresponding fracture separating process are created which are characterized not only by a flexible arrangement of the processing stations but also by a space-saving (combination of the fracture separating station with the screw connection station, carrying the counter members along on the spreader mandrel) and simple construction. The single processing stations are well accessible, which has a positive effect particularly in the case of maintenance or repair works. Moreover only a small mass is moved, so that the cross table with its drive mechanisms correspondingly may have a simple layout.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are subject matters of the further subclaims.

Preferred practical examples of the invention shall be explained in more detail hereinbelow by referring to schematic drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective representation of a fracture separating apparatus in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 2 is a lateral view of a spreader mandrel in accordance with the invention, and : Fig. 3 is a perspective representation of a preferred: workpiece.

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the inventive fracture separating apparatus 2 for forming split bearing seats 4 (Fig. 3) of a workpiece 6, including a machine [File:ANM\MWO0332B1.doc] ~~ 26.03.03

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. i foundation 3 on which a feed means 8 and processing stations S2, S3 are arranged.

The feed means 8 comprises a NC-controlled cross 5S table 10 and a rotary table 12 arranged on the cross table 10, which also is NC-controlled. It is, however, also conceivable to mount the cross table 10 on rotary table 12. Cross table 10, which is known per se, has linear guides 13, 15 arranged at mutual right angles, whereby a linear slide 14 may be linearly displaced in directions x, y. The rotary table 12 for receiving a single workpiece 6 is centrally arranged on linear slide 14 and rotatable through at least 180° about its vertical axis (axis 2) perpendicularly to the direction of movement of cross table 10. Through optical aligning means 9 on feed means 8, orientation of the workpieces relative to the processing stations S1, S2 is performed.

Thus the workpiece 6 may approach any position within reach of feed means 2 to ensure maximum flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the processing stations S2,

S3. I.e., the processing stations S2, S3 may be arranged both along the directions of displacement of cross table 10 (L-shape, I-shape, T-shape), and annularly around cross table 10.

Preferred processing stations S1, S2, §S3 are a charging and discharging station S1 (not represented), a laser station for notching the bearing seat S2, and a fracture separation and screw connection station S3 for splitting and assembling the bearing seats 4. The processing stations S1, S2, S3 are arranged fixedly and designed without feed mechanisms, so that feed ox positioning movements of the workpiece 6 in relation to the processing stations S1, S2, S3 may take place only with the aid of the feed means 8. The laser station S2 and the fracture separation and screw connection station (File: ANM\MWO0332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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S3 are arranged on opposite lateral surfaces 20, 22 of the cross table 10. The charging and discharging station

S1 is positioned on the cross table 10 between the laser station S82 and the fracture separation and screw connection station S3. It is, however, conceivable to choose a different arrangement of the processing stations or to position additional ones.

The laser station S82, which is known per se, is provided with an industrial laser 24 and an optical system 26 including a laser head 76 for correspondingly focussing and orienting a laser beam. Laser head 76 is dimensioned such that its external dimensions are smaller than the internal diameter of bearing seat 4, so that opposed notches 68, 70 defining a fracture separation plane 64 may be introduced not only into portions of the external circumferential surface 73, but also into opposed portions of the inner peripheral surface 72 of the workpiece 6. In its axial orientation (direction x) the optical system 26 and thus laser head 76 may not be modified in accordance with the invention, so that required feeding or positioning movements such as, e.g., for positioning and axially displacing laser head 76 within the bearing seat 4 for application of notches 68, 70 in portions of the inner peripheral surfaces 72 takes place through feed means 8 exclusively. Optionally the laser head 76 is rotatable by at least 180° about a bearing seat axis in direction x, so that the rotation for introducing second notches 70 may take place not with the aid of the rotary table but of laser head 76 itself.

The fracture separation and screw connection station

S3 according to the invention is a combination of a fracture separating station with a screw connection station. It is readily possible to replace fracture separation and screw connection station S3 with an [File:ANMWMWO332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH autonomous fracture separating station and an inventive screw connection station. The fracture separation and screw connection station S3 according to the invention includes a counter member 48, a screw connecting unit 34, and a spreader mandrel 42. Concerning the principles of operation or construction of a counter member, of a screw connecting unit and of a spreader mandrel, reference is made to Patent DE 198 41 027. Counter member 48 is arranged vertically above spreader mandrel 42 and may be displaced in direction y relative to spreader mandrel 42 to such an extent that a bearing seat part 50 of bearing seat 4 which is to be cracked away, the so-called bearing cap (Fig. 3), is secured during fracture separation. The screw connecting unit comprises two identical screw- connecting means 35 which are known per se, so that the fracture-separated bearing seat 4 may be assembled concurrently with the two bolts 54. It is positioned side by side with counter member 48 (in direction x) axially above the spreader mandrel 42 and also is displaceable in direction y relative to spreader mandrel 42. A bolt feeder unit is not represented for reasons of clarity.

The spreader mandrel 42 is in the ideal case mounted coaxially in direction.x with optical system 26 or with laser head 76 of laser station S2, respectively. Thanks to this type of mounting, additional alignment of the workpiece 6 by rotating rotary table 12 about its axis z is not necessary, so that following application of notches 68, 70, only cross table 10 for positioning spreader mandrel 42 in bearing seat 4 needs to be activated. Here the spreader mandrel 42 in accordance witn the invention is configured such that it operates not only to apply the fracture separation force FB during fracture separation, but may also generate a spreading force FS which is opposed to an assembling force FF during screw connection of the fracture-separated bearing seat parts 50, 56. [File: ANM\MWO332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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Fig. 2 shows a preferred inventive embodiment of spreader mandrel 42 (Fig. 2) with an integrated counter member 48. I.e., the counter member is not mounted and i driven separately by the spreader mandrel 42 as in Fig. 1, but formed as a unit with the latter. Here the arrangement of spreader mandrel 42/counter member 48 is such that upon alignment of spreader mandrel 42 in bearing seat 4, counter member 48 is carried along and automatically placed in a defined position relative to bearing cap 50. Thus continuously renewed alignment of counter member 48 during fracture separation, and means for guiding and driving counter member 48 may be omitted.

Counter member 48 is mounted such that it is carried along with each radial movement of the movable spreader jaw 44 of spreader mandrel 42, so that the distance A between movable spreader jaw 44 and counter member 48 always remains constant.

In order to be able to moreover use spreader mandrel 42 with counter member 48 - which 1s employed for fracture separation - in screw connection, it is designed such that bearing cap 50 is released by counter member 48 when the amount of insertion of the spreader mandrel in the bearing seat 4 is less than a particular insertion depth ET, with spreader mandrel 42 remaining inside bearing seat 4 with a portion 52 thereof. If, now, bolts 54 are supplied to the split bearing seat 4 and the bearing seat parts 50, 56 are assembled, the spreading force FS may be opposed to the assembling force FF during screw connecting.

In a fracture separating process in accordance with the invention, bearing seats 4 of workpieces 6 in accordance with Fig. 3 are preferably processed. The bearing seats 4 are axially aligned with each other in [File: ANM\MWO332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH opposite end portions 60, 62 of a yoke 6 and split along fracture separation plane 64 into bearing bases 56 and bearing caps 50. The fracture separation plane 64 is determined with the aid of notches 68, 70 at the inner ] peripheral surfaces 72 of bearing seat 4, which extend in parallel with bearing seat axis 66 in direction x and diametrically.

Yoke 6 is placed above charging station S1 in a mount on rotary table 12 in a pre-oriented position. By means of optical aligning means 9, the position of yoke 6 on rotary table 12 is determined, so that yoke 6 may be taken into an end-oriented position with regard to processing stations S1, S2, S83 through a rotation of rotary table 12. Yoke 6 activates laser station S2 where two diametrical notches 68, 70, whose axis is parallel to the bearing seat axis in x direction, are successively introduced into the inner peripheral surfaces 72 of bearing seat 4. In the process, a linear movement necessary for introduction of notch 68, 70 takes place through corresponding activation of cross table 10 in direction x. I.e., the workpiece 6 with its bearing seat 4 is passed across laser head 76 and returned. At first a notch 68 is introduced into each bearing seat 4, yoke 6 is pivoted through 180° about its vertical axis z, and subsequently the second notch 70 is introduced into each bearing seat 4. In the case of a laser head 76 mounted so as to be rotatable through at least 180° about the x axis, it is also conceivable for the respective second notch 70 to be introduced into the inner peripheral surfaces 72 of bearing seat 4 immediately after the respective first notch 68 by correspondingly activating laser head 76. A rotation of rotary table 12 by 180° about the z axis thus is not necessary. [File;ANM\MW033281.doc] 26.03.03

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Now the bearing seats 4 are successively cracked and assembled in the fracture separation and screw connection station $3. Through a corresponding linear movement of cross table 10, spreader mandrel 42 of the fracture separation and screw connection station S3 may be inserted into a bearing seat 4.

In the case of a process according to the invention (Fig. 1), counter member 48 is aligned in direction y relative to bearing cap 50 and is fracture separated from bearing base 56 by a radial movement of movable spreader jaw 44. Counter member 48 returns into its home position after fracture separation, so that the fracture-separated bearing seat 4 of yoke 6 is aligned in direction Xx relative to screw connecting unit 34 through a return movement of cross table 10. Following the removal of loose fragments from the fracture surfaces 74 (cleaning the fracture surfaces 74, e.g., by puff blowing), bearing seat 4 is assembled by means of bolts 54 by the screw connecting unit 34, wherein an assembling force FF is opposed by a spreading force FS through activation of spreader mandrel 22. Once the first bearing seat 4 was assembled correspondingly, cross table 10 returns to such an extent that the yoke may be rotated by 180° about its vertical z axis with the aid of the rotary table, so that fracture separation and assembling are repeated on the second bearing seat 4. Finally yoke 6 is removed via discharging station S1 from the mount of rotary table 12 and discharged, so that a further yoke 6 may be processed.

In another process according to the invention (Fig. 2), owing to counter member 48 being fastened on spreader mandrel 42, counter member 48 is aligned relative to bearing cap 50 concurrently with positioning of bearing seat 4 relative to spreader mandrel 42, so that during a [File:ANM\MWO332B1.doc] ~~ 26.03.03

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Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH subsequent radial movement of the movable spreader jaw 44, bearing cap 50 is cracked away perpendicularly to fracture separation plane 64 and is immobilized in its position by counter member 48. An alignment of counter member 48 in direction y in accordance with the above described process thus is omitted. Cross table 10 returns in a defined manner in direction x until counter member 48 releases bearing cap 50, so that the first bearing seat 4 may be assembled by the screw connecting unit 34 with the aid of bolts 54. Here the steps of removing loose fragments from the fracture surfaces, application of a spreading force FS through the spreader mandrel 42 are in accordance with the above described process (spreader mandrel 42 of Fig. 1), and alignment of yoke 6 for fracture separation and assembling the second bearing seat 4 are in accordance with the steps described in this process (spreader mandrel 42 in accordance with Fig. 2) for the first bearing seat 4.

Moreover it is conceivable to furnish a fracture separating process wherein a workpiece 6 is taken through a cross table 10 only into an approximate position relative to the single processing stations S1, S2, S3, and a positioning in detail takes place with the aid of feeding or driving means of processing stations S1, S2,

S3, i.e. processing stations S1, S2, S3 are not stationary but also displaceable with the aid of corresponding guides and slides. The applicant reserves the right to direct a claim to such a fracture separating apparatus.

What is disclosed is an apparatus wherein a workpiece for forming split bearing seats may be supplied to single processing stations via a cross table and a rotary table, and a process for forming split bearing seats by using the apparatus in accordance with the invention. [File:ANM\MWO332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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List of reference symbols 2 apparatus 3 machine foundation 4 bearing seat 6 workpiece 8 feed means 9 aligning means cross table 12 rotary table 13 linear guide 14 linear slide linear guide lateral surface 22 lateral surface 24 industrial laser 26 optical system 28 cross table

NC drive mechanism 32 NC drive mechanism screw connection means 36 bolt feeder unit 38 NC drive mechanism 40 linear slide 42 spreader mandrel 44 movable spreader jaw 46 fixed spreader jaw 48 counter member 50 bearing seat part (bearing cap) 52 portion 54 polt 56 bearing seat part (bearing base) 60 end portion 62 end portion 64 fracture separation plane 66 bearing seat axis [File:ANM\WMWO033281.doc] ~~ 26.03.03

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’ AMENDED SHEET — ; ® -14.- 68 notch 70 notch 72 inner peripheral surface 73 external circumferential surface 74 separation surface. ~ 76 laser head 78 bearing seat-side end portion "Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The claims which follow are to be considered an integral part of the present disclosure. Reference numbers (directed to the drawings) shown in the claims serve to facilitate the correlation of integers of the claims with illustrated features of the preferred embodiment (s) , but are not intended to restrict in any way the language of the claims to what is shown in the drawings, unless the contrary is clearly apparent from the context. [File:ANM\MWO0332B1.doc] 26.03.03

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Claims

i AMENDED SHEET — v ® -15- Claims

1. Fracture separating apparatus (2) for forming split bearing seats (4) of workpieces (6), comprising a charging and discharging station, a laser station for introducing notches in the bearing seats, a fracture separating station for fracture separation of the bearing seats, and a screw connection station for screw connection of the bearing seats, wherein to all of the processing stations a common rotary table (12) mounted on a cross table (10) is associated on which a single workpiece (6) is clamped, the cross table (10) being designed such that the processing stations for processing the workpiece (6) may be approached.

2. Fracture separating apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein on the cross table a rotary table (12) is mounted which is capable of being rotated through 180° at least.

3. Fracture separating apparatus (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing stations are arranged in a ring shape around the cross table (10), or in an I shape, or T shape, or L shape.

4. Fracture separating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fracture separating station and the screw connection station are combined such that both processing stations (S3) access the same spreader mandrel (42).

5. Fracture separating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a spreader mandrel (42) having a counter member (48) is arranged such that from a [File:ANM\MW0332B1.doc] ~~ 26.03.03 PCT/DE02/03208 Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH

. AMENDED SHEET ® -16 - particular insertion depth of the spreader mandrel (42) into the bearing seat (4) a bearing cap (50) may be immobilized in a position by the counter member (48), and at a smaller amount of this insertion depth the counter member (48) releases the bearing cap (59), wherein the spreader mandrel (42) remains in the bearing seat (4) with a portion (52) thereof.

6. Fracture separating process for forming split bearing seats (4) of workpieces (6) which are separated into bearing bases (56) and bearing cap (50) by a fracture separation, and which are assembled after removing loose fragments from fracture surfaces (74), wherein a single workpiece (6) is clamped on a rotary table (12) which is displaced with the aid of a cross table (10), so that the workpiece (6) is supplied to a charging and discharging station, a laser station for introducing notches (68, 70) in the bearing seat (4), a fracture separating station for fracture separating the bearing seat (4), and a screw connection station for screw connection of the bearing seats (4).

7. Fracture separating process according to claim 6, characterized in that wherein during screw connection it is possible to apply to the bearing seat (4) a spreading force which is opposed to the assembling force, wherein the spreading force is generated with the aid of the spreader mandrel (42) previously used for applying the fracture separation force.

8. Fracture separating process according to claim 6 or 7, comprising the steps:

a. introducing one respective notch (68) in a first and a second bearing seats (4) in a respective portion [File:ANM\MWO0332B1.doc] 26.03.03 PCT/DE02/03208 Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH

. AMENDED SHEET ® -17 - of the inner peripheral surfaces (72) thereof by displacing the cross table (10) and :

b. displacing the cross table (10) so that the workpiece (6) may be rotated through 180° about its vertical axis, and introducing a respective notch (70) diametrical to the first notches (68) in the corresponding bearing seat (4), or c. rotating a laser head (76) through 180° about an axis «coaxial with the bearing seat axis, and introducing one respective notch (70) diametrical to the first notches (68) in the corresponding bearing seat (4) by displacing the cross table (10),

d. fracture separation and screw connection of the first bearing seat (4) and e. fracture separation and screw connection of the second bearing seat (4).

9. Fracture separating process according to claim any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising the steps:

a. positioning the spreader mandrel (42) of the fracture separating station inside the bearing seat (4) by displacing the cross table (10), so that during fracture separation a counter member (48) carried along above the spreader mandrel (42) immobilizes the bearing cap (50) in its position perpendicular to the fracture separation plane (64),

b. fracture separating the bearing seat (4),

c. positioning the spreader mandrel (42) of the fracture separating station in the bearing seat (4) by displacing the cross table (10), so that the counter member (48) releases the bearing cap (50) and bolts (54) may be supplied, wherein, however, the spreader mandrel (42) remains in the bearing seat (4) with a portion (52) thereof,

d. screw connecting the bearing seat (4), and [File:ANM\MW033281.doc] 26.03.03 PCT/DE02/03208 Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH

AMENDED SHEET e. displacing the cross table (10), so that the bearing seat (4) may be rotated through 180° about its vertical axis, and repeating steps a) to d) on the second bearing seat (4).

10.Fracture separating apparatus (2) according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.

l11.Fracture separating apparatus (2) as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the : accompanying drawings.

12.Fracture separating apparatus (2) including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.

13.Fracture separating process according to the invention, substantially as hereinbefore . described and exemplified. .

1l4.Fracture separating process including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described. [File:ANM\MWO332B1.doc] 26.03.03 PCT/DE02/03208 Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Maschinenbau GmbH