Patent ID: 6720683
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B23K,B23Q

Abstract:
In a machine tool with an operating unit (6) that can be moved by at least one first linear motor (24) along a first guide structure (13) in the direction of a first axis of travel (z-axis) and by at least one second linear motor (21, 22) jointly with the first guide structure (13) along a second guide structure (5) in the direction of a second axis of travel (y-axis), each linear motor (21, 22, 24) including a primary element (19/1, 19/2, 20) as well as a secondary element (15/1, 17; 15/2, 17; 23), the improvement wherein (i) the secondary element(s) (23) associated with the first axis of travel (z-axis) is/are operatively connected to the operating unit (6); (ii) the secondary element(s) (15/1, 17; 15/2, 17) associated with the second axis of travel (y-axis) is/are operatively connected to the second guide structure (5); (iii) the primary elements (19/1, 19/2, 20) associated with the different axes of travel (y-axis, z-axis) are operatively connected to the first guide structure and are positioned between the secondary elements (23) associated with the first axis of travel (z-axis) and the secondary elements (15/1, 17; 15/2, 17) associated with the second axis of travel (y-axis); (iv) the primary elements (19/1, 19/2, 20) associated with the different axes of travel (y-axis, z-axis) are arranged in a linear side-by-side array in the direction of one axis of travel (y-axis) while mutually overlapping in the direction of the other axis of travel (z-axis); and (v) said primary elements (19/1, 19/2, 20) associated with the different axes of travel (y-axis, z-axis) are mutually offset and mutually overlapping in the direction perpendicular to the operating plane defined by the axes of travel (y-axis, z-axis) of the operating unit (6), while the primary element(s) (19/1, 19/2, 20) associated with an axis of travel (y-axis, z-axis) opposite the other primary element(s) (19/1, 19/2, 20) is/are positioned towards the matching secondary elements (15/1, 17;, 15/2, 17; 23).