Machine tool head, a machine tool and a method for working an object

Abstract

A multiple-axis machine (11) for working on an object (131) and a machine tool head (27) therefor. The machine (11) includes abase (13) housing an annular bearing (19), which has a central axis (21) along which the object (131) being be worked on is disposed. A ring journal (23) is concentrically and rotatably disposed within the bearing (19). A journal drive (25) is mounted to the bearing (19) for engaging and controlledly driving the ring journal (23) in rotation or counter-rotation relative to the bearing (19). The machine tool head (27) includes a holder (73) for a tool (85) to be connected thereto for working the object (131) and three fingers (75) for engaging and supporting the holder (73) in a variety of orientations relative to a main axis or plane of the object (131). Three corresponding cylinders and barrels (77) are provided for accommodating and changing the position of the fingers (75) to orient the holder (73) relative to the main axis or plane in any of the variety of orientations. A drive (79) is provided for extending and retracting the fingers (75) and varying the orientation of the holder (73) in a controlled manner with respect to the pitch, bank and extension of thereof relative to the main axis. The head (27) is fixedly mounted to the ring journal (23) so that the holder (73) is disposed radially of the ring journal (23) to present the tool (85) in a manner so as to perform a material treatment of the object (131), when the object is disposed with its main axis coaxial with the central axis (21), at an orientation to the surface of the object prescribed by the orientating means (77). A method for working an object is also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.