The present invention relates to a method to work a workpiece by means of a tool in a working machine having control systems and showing a spindle. The working machine is arranged to work the workpiece along an axis which is coincident or is parallel with the axis of a tool holder, which is arranged to the machine spindle, and in applicable cases along a second axis. The working machine can, for example, consists of a lathe, a drill¬ ing machine or a milling machine, such numerically controlled machines, multiple-operation machines or similar.

There is a need of a simply method which can be carried through to low cost in working of workpieces which are to be worked in one or more angles and perhaps also from different ways or directions. Further, there is a need to be able to carry through such a working, which is to be executed with one and the same tool, with the same tool holder, i.e. without the need for the machine to change to fetch another tool holder.

There is no prior known and simple method by which one can carry out such a method, as it does not exists any devices for carrying out the method. When a workpiece will be provided with, for example, two or more .holes at different angles, it exists tool holders with a predestinated shape and setting to produce a hole to run at a fixed angle, for example 10 degrees. If the workpiece is to be provided with an additional hole with the same dimension, for example a hole running at an angle of 30 degrees, the machine must thus change to fetch another tool holder with a tool which is arranged or set for drilling at that angle. The position of the work- piece can, as an alternative, change to effect a hole in the workpiece at a different angle. If one will, for example, drill a hole, which deviate from the axis of the tool holder or the spindle, must in any case an additional setting be carried through, which start from a working in the axis of the tool holder or the spindle. Besides, additional settings are required of the working is to be done in different directions or from different ways.

When utilizing a method in accordance with the invention the requirements made can be fulfilled at the same time the disadvantages of known methods

are eliminated. Thus, workings can in a simply and rapid way be realized in a workpiece at different angles and directions and without the need for the machine to change to fetch another tool holder for the different workings with the same tool. In comparision with the given example above concerning known methods, holes, which are going to have the same dimen¬ sion, can thus be drilled in a workpiece with the same tool and tool holderirrespective which angle and in which direction the different holes are meant to extend in the workpiece. In the method in accordance with the invention can thus all holes, which are going to show the same di en- sion, be drilled with only one tool in one and the same tool holder and without any need of adjustments or new settings of the tool holder, as, in for example drilling, one is not obliged to resort to a certain pre¬ set angle. This results in that one can increase the use of obliquely directed holes or holes extended at an angle in a product and arrange the holes in the product where it is most suitable and this in an easy way and to a comparatively low cost of production. An example of such a product where drill holes are opened at different angles and directions and where a method in accordance with the invention is well suited for manufacturing of the product is valve boxes and especially valve boxes with many air ducts. Further, the possibility of using a method in accord¬ ance with the invention leads to that one can effect other and perhaps better solutions when the product is to be produced. A method in accord¬ ance with the invention is characterized in that the tool holder is shaped in at least two parts which are connected with one another by a joint of such a kind that the tool holder or a part of the tool holder, after striking or engagement with the workpiece, can be moved along besides the said first and second axes also along a third axis.

In an embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the tool is brought to engage with the workpiece, after which the tool holder with the tool during the movement of the tool holder in the direction of the axis of the tool holder is brought to move along one and/or two axes at an angle to the axis of the tool holder, whereby a second part of the tool holder is turning relative to a first part of the tool holder and at this respect to take an intended angle for working the workpiece, after which the workpiece is worked by the fact that the said first part of the tool holder moves in the direction for the said first axis or in the direction of the workpiece and in a direction at an angle to the said first axis

and which directions are congruent or are parallel with the said taken direction for the said second part of the tool holder, while the said second part of the tool holder moves in the direction for the said first axis or in the direction of the workpiece and along the said taken direct- ion at an angle to the said first axis.

According to another embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the said turning motion is effected by means of the control system of the machine.

The invention also relates to a device for carrying through the method. In this respect the device relates to a device in working machines and is meant for working workpieces, whereby the working machine comprises a spindle, to the spindle supplying tool holders with tools and a control system and is arranged to work the workpiece along an axis which is con¬ gruent or is parallel with the axis of a tool holder arranged to the machine spindle and in applicable cases along a second axis. The device is characterized in that the tool holder is shaped of at least two parts, whereby a second part is connected with a first part via a joint, which permits that the said second part can turn relative to the said first part along a second axis and/or a third axis.

When using such a device one can work a workpiece principally at any angle and from any direction, i.e. when using the device one can use one tool holder for, for example, drilling all holes or holes at angles in a work- piece and which holes are meant to show the same dimension. In other words, when one is using the device one is not restricted to a certain angle or a pre-set angle or direction, for example along a radially running graduation arranged on the tool holder. Further, such a device fetch a considerably lower cost than prevalent devices which, thus, only can work the workpiece along a pre-set angle and/or direction. The limitation of the device in accordance with the invention exists in the machine progranme but owing to the simple device at a low cost saved resources can be used to a more sophisticated or enlarged machine or machine system. The saving of the expenses is considerable, as when one is using the known machines must have a tool holder for each kind of holes at angle and besides, which tool holders are proportionately expensive. Further, the device can be used in existing machines and machine systems and preferably to all kinds of

machines in question. The known tool holders show a construction with such a length, to be able to effect drilling at an angle, that the tool holders cannot be changed in all existing machines.

In an aribodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the said first part of the tool holder is arranged for engagement with the machine spindle and the said second part to hold a tool.

According to another embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the said joint is formed by a joint comprising two axes of rotation, which are arranged at an angle to each other.

In still another embodiment of the device in accordance with the invent¬ ion the tool holder comprising a guiding device which is arranged in an uninfluenced condition to hold the said second part of the tool holder to extend in the same axis as the said first part of the tool holder.

According to an additional embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the guiding device is shaped in such a way, that the guid- ing device allows the said second part of the tool holder to turn relat¬ ive to the said first part of the tool holder, when the tool is arranged in engagement with a workpiece and the tool holder is brought to move along besides the said first axis also along the said second axis and/or the said third axis.

Further characteristics of and advantages with the method and device in accordance with the invention will in the following description of the invention be apparent by an embodiment example, whereby a simultaneous reference will be made to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which Fig. 1 shows from one side and partly in vertical section an embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention and in the part a of the figure in one position and in the part b of the figure when taken an exemplified working position during practise of the method in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 shows from the same side and in the same sect- ion the device in Fig. 1 but with the tool during working and Fig. 3 shows schematically the axes of rotation in a joint in the device.

Reference designation 1 in Figs. 1 and 2 shows a device according to one embodiment of the invention and comprises a tool holder 2, which is

arranged to be able to be supplied and connected with a working machine and its spindle. The working machine is preferably a metal working machine, such as a lathe, a drilling machine, a milling machine or similar and preferably such a numerically controlling machine or a so-called multiple-operation machine or similar. However, the machine should be of such a kind that it is in possession of control systems for for automatically control of the machine for the working.

In accordance with the invention, the tool holder 2 is shaped of at least two parts, namely a first part 3 or a spindle head, which is shaped for connection with the machine spindle, and a second part 4, which is con¬ nected with the said first part 3 by a joint 5 and is arranged to be able to hold a tool 6, for example a drill, as it is shown in the embodiment example.

The tool holder 2 is arranged to extend in an axis 11 which is parallel with or according to the embodiment example is congruent with the axis z of the device 1 or the machine or its spindle shaft. The said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 is arranged by the joint 5 to be able to turn relative to the said first part 3 of the tool holder 2, see Fig. 1 and the part b of the figure, and in this respect for the possibility to take a direction 12 or extension at an angle xy of the said axis 11, i.e. an extension 12 deviating from the axis 11.

It is further evident from Figs. 1 and 2 a workpiece 10 and besides, the axis z of the spindle, the axes x and y, along which the spindle and the tool holder 2 with the tool 6 can be moved.

When, for example, taking a hole in the workpiece 10 in the axis z of the spindle, a tool or its tool holder is moved along the axis z of the spindle, whereby the hole will extend in the same direction and along the same axis. If a so-called angluar hole is to be opened, i.e. a hole is drilled, which will extend at an angle relative to the axis z of the spindle, it is used a special tool holder which has an arranged drill which is set at a fixed angle and direction or is setable at a given angle and direction. If an additional hole is to be opened and which is meant to extend at another angle, it is required that the machine change in order to fetch another tool holder with a drill arranged for drilling at that

angle. In other words, a tool holder and changing of the machine are necessary for each hole to be drilled and which holes are meant to have different extensions even if the holes will show the same dimension or diameter.

When using a device and a method in accordance with the invention, one and the same tool holder is used for all holes which are meant to be opened and show same dimension or diameter and irrespective at which angle the hole is meant to extend in the workpiece 10. This is realized by the fact that the tool 6 is brought to contact or engagement with the workpiece 10 and in the axis 11 of the tool holder 2. After that the tool holder 2 is brought to further movement in the direction of the axis 11 or the axis z of the spindle at the same time as a movement is carried out along the axis x and/or the axis y. At this the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 will turn in relation to the said first part 3 of the tool holder, whereby the movement is carried through until the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 and/or the tool 6 has taken the intended direction 12 for working the workpiece 10, which, in the exemplified case, in drilling imply a movement or turning of the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 and the tool 6 along an arc 20, see Fig. 1, and via the joint 5 during a simultaneous movement of the said first part 3 of the tool holder 2, whereby the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 and the tool 6 or the drill take a direction 12 at an angle xy in relation to the original direction 11 or axis for the tool holder 2, the axis 11 of the said first part 3 of the tool holder or the axis z of the spindle. The movement or the displacement in order to take the intended direction 12 or angle xy is effected by means of the control system of the machine, as well as when taken other intended directions 12 for working the workpiece 10 or drilling the workpiece in order to open holes which are meant to extend at different angles. These movements and positions taken of different intended working-positions are thus realized via the control system of the machine, i.e. are adjustable in the machine, which is progarrmed for this.

According to an embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention a pilot mark 19 is arranged in the workpiece 10 and with which the tool 6 is made to engage before the adjustment and taken the intended position at an angle.

The joint 5 is schematically evident from Fig. 3 as well as the axes of rotation 13 and 15 respectively, which thus extend at right angles to each other. The joint 5 can be shaped as a universal joint, in which the parts connected with the joint can turn relative to each other in any direction and in any case to a relative turning of nearly 90 or approx¬ imately 90 .

In the device 1 or the tool holder 2 exists a guiding device 7 which is arranged in order to hold the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 in an initial position or in the axis 11 of the rest of the tool holder 2, i.e. in a coincident axis of the said first part 3 of the tool holder 2 and in the axis z of the spindle. The guiding device 7 is arranged in such a way that it allows the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 to turn relative to the said first part 3 of the tool holder 2, when the tool 6 is arranged in contact or in engagement with a workpiece 10 or a pilot mark 19 in the workpiece 10 and the tool holder 2 is brought to move besides along a first axis z or the axis z of the spindle, also along a second axis x and/or a third axis y.

According to a simple embodiment, the guiding device 7 can be shaped as a holding means 14, for example in the shape of a sleeve, which is arranged co-axially about the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 and is dis- placeably arranged upon it against the action of a spring means 9, as a helical spring extending about the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2. According to the embodiment example, the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 is shaped with a stop 8, shoulder, collar, flange or similar, against which the spring 9 rests. The holding means 14 shows also a stop 16 for the spring 9, for example in the shape of a projecting flange, shoulder, collar or similar, whereby the spring 9 is arranged tighten between the stop 8 on the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 and the said stop 16 of the holding means 14. The holding means 14 shows an end portion 17 or an end surface, which is shaped to strike against the said first part 3 of the tool holder 2 or its end portion 18 or end surface, and by the influence of the spring 9 is arranged to hold by guiding the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 in the axis 11 of the tool holder. When the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 pivots in the joint 5 and relatively the said first part 3, the said first part will force the hold¬ ing means 14 away against the action of the spring 9. When the tool 6 has

been brought out of its engagement with the workpiece 10, the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 will automatically return to the original position and take an extension along the axis 11 of the rest of the tool holder 2. This is caused by the influence of the spring 9 and its effect on the holding means 14 , which guides the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 back to the original position and extension along the axis 11 of the tool holder 2. Thus, the guiding device 7 or the holding means 14 take again its position where it holds and guides the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 in the axis 11 of the tool holder 2 and its its end portion 17 or end surface rests against the said first part 3 of the tool holder 2 or its end portion 18 or end surface and guides and holds in that respect the said second part 4 of the tool holder 2 in the axis 11 of the tool holder 2 or in the axis z of the spindle.

An embodiment of the method and the device in accordance with the invent¬ ion in opening recesses or holes in different directions in a workpiece 10 by a tool 6 in the shape of a drill, would be able to be summarized as follows. When a workpiece is going to be provided with recesses or holes in working in a machine with control systems a first part 3 of a holder 2 is connected with the machine spindle. A second part 4 of the holder 2 has a drill 6. The holder 2 with the drill 6 extends at this in a first axis z or along the axis of the spindle of the machine. The machine can move the holder 2 with the drill 6 in a direction along the said first axis z or the axis of the spindle and at this open a recess or a hole in the workpiece 10 in one direction, which thus is coincident with the said first axis z, the axis of the spindle or the axis 11 of the holder 2. When a recess or a hole is going to be opened in the workpiece 10 and is meant to extend at an angle to the said first axis z or the axis 11 of the holder 2, the said second part 4 of the holder 2 and together with the drill 6 is brought to turn relatively to the said first part 3 of the holder 2 and along a second axis x and/or a third axis y and until the said second part 4 of the holder 2 and the drill 6 have taken an angle xy relative to the said first part 3 of the holder 2 and which angle corres¬ ponds to the intended working position 12 for the drill 6, i.e. the direction of the recess or hole in the workpiece 10. The holder 2 com¬ prises the said first part 3 and the said second part 4, which parts 3, 4 are connected with each other by a joint 5, which permits that the said second part 4 can turn relative to the said first part 3 along a second

axis x and/or a third axis y. The said rotary motion can be effected by means of the control system of the machine. Further,, the holder 2 can comprise a guiding device 7, which holds the said second part 4 of the holder 2 in such a way that it extends in the same axis 11 as the said first part 3 of the holder 2 but is arranged to allow the said second part 4 of the holder 2 to turn relatively the said first part 3 of the holder 2, when the drill 6 is arranged in engagement with a workpiece 10 and the holder is brought to move besides along the said first axis z also along the said second axis x and/or along the said third axis y. When the drill 6 has been brought out of its engagement with the work- piece 10, the said second part 4 of the holder 2 takes its original position in the holder 2, i.e. returns to extend in the same axis 11 as the rest of the holder 2 or the said first part 3 of the holder 2.

Without exceeding the scope of the concept of the invention, modificat¬ ions of the method and the device in accordance with the invention should be possible. Thus, the method and the device can be used in other tool holders than such, which are intended for opening holes or drilling. The guiding device can be of another kind or show another shaping without that the idea of the invention is abandoned even if the guiding device according to the embodiment example shown and described consists of a simple, functional and reliable device, which can be produced at a low cost. The method and the device in accordance with the invention are thus not restricted to what has been evident from the described and shown embodiment example, but soley by the following claims.