Method for the production of workpieces

Abstract

At least one machine tool, preferably two machine tools ( 1, 2 ) is or are provided for the production of workpieces, or for the complete production of complex workparts, which machine tools each have a basic body ( 3, 4 ) and machine units ( 7, 8 ) movable in the horizontal direction thereon. Each machine unit has a work spindle ( 13, 14 ) which is supported displaceably in the axial direction of the spindle in a carrier ( 11, 12 ) of crankshaft-like design. The carrier is mounted pivotably and supports each work spindle above a respective transport system ( 31, 32 ) for a workpiece or the workparts ( 37, 38 ). Machining devices, for example in the form of a tool carrier ( 44 ) for turning, drilling and/or milling tools, a laser-welding device ( 46 ), a grinding device ( 47 ) and a brushing device ( 48 ), and also an apparatus for joining, are provided in the functional area of one of these machine tools.

1 . A method for the production of workpieces, wherein different machining devices can be used in the functional area of at least one multifunctional machine tool and the workpieces to be produced are brought into the most favorable position for the machining concerned by means of a machine unit with a work spindle of the machine tool, which spindle is pivotable and works according to the pick-up principle.  
   
   
       2 . A method for the complete production of complex workparts, wherein different machining devices can be used in the functional area of at least one multifunctional machine tool and the work parts to be produced, consisting of at least two workpieces, are brought into the most favorable position for the machining concerned by means of a machine unit with a work spindle of the machine tool, which spindle is pivotable and works according to the pick-up principle.  
   
   
       3 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method for the production of complex workparts, said method comprising: 
 providing at least one said multifunctional machine tool having a functional area, said tool comprising a machine unit having a carrier mounted for pivoting about a pivot axis and a work spindle having a spindle axis, said work spindle being axially displaceable along the spindle axis;    providing a plurality of different machining devices in the functional area of at least one said multifunctional machine tool;    transporting workpieces to the functional area;    picking up said workpieces by means of the work spindle; and    moving the workpieces into position for machining by the machining devices.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising joining at least two of said workpieces to produce a complex workpart.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said two workpieces are joined together by welding.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said welding is performed by a laser-welding device in the functional area.