Patents by Inventor Franz-Xaver Bernhard

Franz-Xaver Bernhard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11839960
    Abstract: A workpiece pallet for use for additive and subtractive workpiece machining, including a clamping plate which has a first interface which is designed for a form-fitting fixation to a machining table of a processing machine, the workpiece pallet further including a receiving plate, which has a second interface for fixing a workpiece, wherein the clamping plate and the receiving plate are arranged spaced apart from one another and wherein a supporting web is arranged in a connecting gap between an upper surface of the clamping plate and a lower surface of the receiving plate, which supporting web is connected to the upper surface of the clamping plate and to the lower surface of the receiving plate, the supporting web having in a cross-sectional plane aligned parallel to the lower surface of the receiving plate a cross-sectional area which is less than 15 percent of an area of the lower surface of the receiving plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Stefan Gruler, Wilfried Mattes, Franz-Xaver Bernhard
  • Publication number: 20230249302
    Abstract: A motor spindle including a sleeve-shaped stator, which has a first coupling receptacle and a second coupling receptacle, further including a rotor, which has a first coupling part with axial fixed bearing and a second coupling part with axial loose bearing, which are to be mounted to the respective coupling receptacle, the axial loose bearing comprising an inner ring mounted to the rotor shaft and an outer ring arranged coaxially with the inner ring and mounted to the second coupling part, wherein the second coupling part is received on the rotor shaft so as to be axially movable parallel to the rotor axis between a first functional position and a second functional position along an adjustment path and wherein for the entire adjustment path there is a first distance between a first axial surface of the inner ring and the second coupling part and there is a second distance between a second axial surface of the inner ring and the second coupling part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Uwe MATTES, Ajet ADEMI, Franz-Xaver BERNHARD
  • Publication number: 20210023680
    Abstract: A workpiece pallet for use for additive and subtractive workpiece machining, including a clamping plate which has a first interface which is designed for a form-fitting fixation to a machining table of a processing machine, the workpiece pallet further including a receiving plate, which has a second interface for fixing a workpiece, wherein the clamping plate and the receiving plate are arranged spaced apart from one another and wherein a supporting web is arranged in a connecting gap between an upper surface of the clamping plate and a lower surface of the receiving plate, which supporting web is connected to the upper surface of the clamping plate and to the lower surface of the receiving plate, the supporting web having in a cross-sectional plane aligned parallel to the lower surface of the receiving plate a cross-sectional area which is less than 15 percent of an area of the lower surface of the receiving plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Stefan Gruler, Wilfried Mattes, Franz-Xaver Bernhard
  • Patent number: 10331106
    Abstract: A rack storage unit for use in an automation system for a storage of work pieces and/or work piece pallets and/or tools, which includes a base frame with a rack stand and two rack side parts arranged at a distance from one another, wherein facing surfaces of the rack side parts are provided with interfaces for mounting placement devices. It is provided that the base frame is produced as a one-piece cast body from artificial stone, and that the interfaces are held by adhesive force as separately formed insert parts in the facing surfaces of the rack side parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK BERTHOLD HERMLE AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schworer, Michael Dietmann, Frank Bille
  • Publication number: 20170300031
    Abstract: A rack storage unit for use in an automation system for a storage of work pieces and/or work piece pallets and/or tools, which includes a base frame with a rack stand and two rack side parts arranged at a distance from one another, wherein facing surfaces of the rack side parts are provided with interfaces for mounting placement devices. It is provided that the base frame is produced as a one-piece cast body from artificial stone, and that the interfaces are held by adhesive force as separately formed insert parts in the facing surfaces of the rack side parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schworer, Michael Dietmann, Frank Bille
  • Patent number: 9533389
    Abstract: An embodiment of a circular, annular tool magazine shelf of a tower construction, comprises a base frame adapted for receiving a tool shelf which has a plurality of immovable tool deposit plates, arranged in vertical succession and in a circular ring, adapted for machining one or more tools, and a power-driven tool handling system adapted for transporting tools between the tool magazine shelf and a machine-side pick-up tool magazine store. The magazine shelf also comprises a spindle tower which is mounted rotatably about a vertical rotation shaft being arranged in a circle center-point of one or more tool deposit plates, wherein the base frame includes a monolithically constructed, plate-shaped foundation in which the rotation shaft is mounted overhanging freely by way of a mounting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schwörer, Dieter Uttenweiler
  • Patent number: 9475161
    Abstract: A vertical machining center in gantry construction may comprise a machine frame having two side walls configured to receive a tool-carrying assembly and a workpiece-carrying assembly, a moveable pickup tool magazine store within the two side walls of the machine frame configured for a tool change by the pickup method, and a machine enclosure which completely encloses the machining center. Below the moveable pickup tool magazine store there may be a free space in which there is additionally at least one further spare magazine, equivalent in construction to the pickup tool magazine store. A force-driven reloading handling system, with which machining tools can be reloaded from the spare magazine into the pickup tool magazine store and vice versa, may be provided within the machine enclosure at an access opening of the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schwörer, Bernd Ramsperger
  • Patent number: 9403250
    Abstract: A vertical machining center in gantry construction may comprise a machine frame having two side walls configured to receive a tool-carrying assembly and a workpiece-carrying assembly, a moveable pickup tool magazine store within the two side walls of the machine frame configured for a tool change by the pickup method, and a machine enclosure which completely encloses the machining center. Below the moveable pickup tool magazine store there may be a free space in which there is additionally at least one further spare magazine, equivalent in construction to the pickup tool magazine store. A force-driven reloading handling system, with which machining tools can be reloaded from the spare magazine into the pickup tool magazine store and vice versa, may be provided within the machine enclosure at an access opening of the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schwörer, Bernd Ramsperger
  • Publication number: 20140371042
    Abstract: An embodiment of a circular, annular tool magazine shelf of a tower construction, comprises a base frame adapted for receiving a tool shelf which has a plurality of immovable tool deposit plates, arranged in vertical succession and in a circular ring, adapted for machining one or more tools, and a power-driven tool handling system adapted for transporting tools between the tool magazine shelf and a machine-side pick-up tool magazine store. The magazine shelf also comprises a spindle tower which is mounted rotatably about a vertical rotation shaft being arranged in a circle centre-point of one or more tool deposit plates, wherein the base frame includes a monolithically constructed, plate-shaped foundation in which the rotation shaft is mounted overhanging freely by way of a mounting arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: MASCHINENFABRIK BERTHOLD HERMLE AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver BERNHARD, Tobias SCHWÖRER, Dieter UTTENWEILER
  • Publication number: 20140301800
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a two-part power-driven tool spindle that comprises a spindle motor housing in which a first liquid cooling duct extends, a spindle head housing in which a second liquid cooling duct extends, the first and second liquid cooling ducts forming a liquid cooling circuit for a coolant, and a liquid duct, through which the coolant can be conveyed out of the liquid cooling circuit to at least one resealable outlet opening in the spindle head housing and/or in the spindle motor housing. The liquid duct branches off from the second liquid cooling duct in the spindle head housing and/or from the first liquid cooling duct in the spindle motor housing, in such a way that the coolant in the spindle motor housing and the coolant in the spindle head housing can flow out of the tool spindle under gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver BERNHARD, Tobias SCHWÖRER, Mathias KAMMERER
  • Publication number: 20140274627
    Abstract: A vertical machining centre in gantry construction may comprise a machine frame having two side walls configured to receive a tool-carrying assembly and a workpiece-carrying assembly, a moveable pickup tool magazine store within the two side walls of the machine frame configured for a tool change by the pickup method, and a machine enclosure which completely encloses the machining centre. Below the moveable pickup tool magazine store there may be a free space in which there is additionally at least one further spare magazine, equivalent in construction to the pickup tool magazine store. A force-driven reloading handling system, with which machining tools can be reloaded from the spare magazine into the pickup tool magazine store and vice versa, may be provided within the machine enclosure at an access opening of the machine frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MASCHINENFABRIK BERTHOLD HERMLE AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver BERNHARD, Tobias SCHWÖRER, Bernd RAMSPERGER
  • Patent number: 8123204
    Abstract: A machining center that includes a swivel bridge supported by a bearing wall and pivotable about a horizontal axis, at least one drive sprocket attached to a disc-type connector of the swivel bridge, and at least one drive system attached adjacent the bearing wall and operatively connected to the drive sprocket of the swivel bridge. The machining center is characterized by clamping of the swivel bridge being performed by a friction-locked clamping system which is arranged rotationally fixed about a bearing pin of the swivel bridge in a circular ring shape and which is operatively connected to the disc-type connector. A clamping force of the friction-locked clamping system is generated by an energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schwörer
  • Patent number: 7721398
    Abstract: A cutting machine having a workpiece changer possessing a receiving element for the workpieces and/or workpiece palettes, said receiving element pivots about a vertical axis and is linearly shiftable in a plane normal to such axis. A tool spindle moves on two parallel side walls which are divided by a transverse wall or by door which can opened or shut between a front machining area and a rear supply area. The radius of the receiving element extends at least partly into a supply area and the tool spindle is movable over the front machining area. Accordingly a person minding or controlling the functioning cutting machine is not hampered by workpiece changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schwörer
  • Publication number: 20090283950
    Abstract: A machining center that includes a swivel bridge supported by a bearing wall and pivotable about a horizontal axis, at least one drive sprocket attached to a disc-type connector of the swivel bridge, and at least one drive system attached adjacent the bearing wall and operatively connected to the drive sprocket of the swivel bridge. The machining center is characterized by clamping of the swivel bridge being performed by a friction-locked clamping system which is arranged rotationally fixed about a bearing pin of the swivel bridge in a circular ring shape and which is operatively connected to the disc-type connector. A clamping force of the friction-locked clamping system is generated by an energy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: MASCHINENFABRIK BERTHOLD HERMLE AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver BERNHARD, Tobias SCHWORER
  • Patent number: 7478720
    Abstract: A workpiece changer for transfer of workpiece palettes between a storage arrangement arranged in front of a machining machine for such workpiece palettes and a workpiece table, possesses a gripper device for receiving and putting down workpiece palettes and a rotary drive for swiveling the gripper device about a vertical axis. A linear drive serves to shift the gripper means between a first position on the storage arrangement and a second position on the workpiece table. The storage arrangement possesses at least one change station for the transfer and acceptance of workpiece palettes by the gripper device, a conveyor apparatus being provided for the supply and removal of workpiece receiving station to and from the change station. Accordingly, satisfactory access is provided to the workpiece table during machining and workpiece changing operations may be performed at a high speed on any desired machining machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schworer
  • Publication number: 20080080943
    Abstract: A motor spindle for causing rotation of tools on a machine tool has a spindle motor with a motor shaft and a spindle shaft driven by the motor shaft and having a tool clamping means. From the tool clamping means there extends through the spindle shaft and the motor shaft an axially sliding draw rod for clamping tools or tool receiving means. The motor shaft is supported in a rotatable fashion, independently of the spindle shaft in a motor housing and the spindle shaft is supported independently from the motor shaft in a spindle housing, which is attached to the motor housing in a detachable manner. The spindle shaft is coupled in an interlocking manner in the direction of rotation with the motor shaft but is able to freely slide in it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Maschinen Fabrik, Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver BERNHARD, Tobias Schwcrer
  • Publication number: 20070022591
    Abstract: A cutting machine comprises a workpiece changer possessing a receiving element for the workpieces and/or workpiece palettes, said receiving element being able to be pivoted about a vertical axis and to be linearly shifted in a plane normal to such axis. At least one slide arrangement is able to be power driven in the two horizontal directions for a tool spindle and is adapted to run on two parallel side walls of the cutting machine designed in the form of a gantry machine. The intermediate space between the side walls is divided by a transverse wall or by door, which during workpiece machining is closed and during the workpiece changing operation is at least partly open, into a front machining area and a rear supply area, the radius of pivoting of the receiving element, engaging a workpiece or a workpiece palette, extending at least partly into a supply area. Accordingly a person minding or controlling the functioning cutting machine is not hampered by workpiece changing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Masschnenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schworer
  • Publication number: 20060013675
    Abstract: A workpiece changer for shifting workpieces or workpiece palettes between a set-up station arranged in front of a machining machine and a workpiece table has a gripper means for accepting and depositing workpiece or workpiece palettes, there being a rotary drive for pivoting the gripper means about a vertical axis and a lifting means for lifting and lowering the gripper means. A linear drive serves for transferring the gripper means between a first position at the set-up station and a second position at the workpiece table. Accordingly while ensuring satisfactory access to the workpiece table during machining extremely high speed workpiece changing operations may be performed at any desired machining machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schworer
  • Publication number: 20060010681
    Abstract: A workpiece changer for the transfer of workpieces or workpiece palettes between a storage arrangement arranged in front of a machining machine for such workpieces and/or workpiece palette and a workpiece table, possesses a gripper means for receiving and putting down workpieces or workpiece palettes and a rotary drive for swiveling the gripper means about a vertical axis. A linear drive serves to shift the gripper means between a first position on the storage arrangement and a second position on the workpiece table. The storage arrangement possesses at least one change station for the transfer and acceptance of workpieces or workpiece palettes by the gripper means, a conveyor means being provided for the supply and removal of palettes and/or workpiece receiving means to and from the change station. Accordingly satisfactory access is provided to the workpiece table during machining and workpiece changing operations may be performed at a high speed on any desired machining machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Tobias Schworer
  • Patent number: 6905117
    Abstract: A clamping device for clamping two parts which more particularly serves for fixing a workpiece palette on a workpiece table. A bolster provided with a projecting shape element is secured to the first part and a cooperating part provided with a recess for receiving the shape element is secured to the second part. A sliding element which runs through the projecting shape element has at least one peripheral recess, into which at least one clamping element is engaged. The clamping element can be moved in a through hole in the shape element and fits in a non-clamping position, and on sliding the sliding element the clamping element is thrust outward into the clamping position. In the clamping position the clamping element interlocks in a recess in the cooperating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Rainer Kohler