CNC Lathe Universal Loading System for Small Series Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC-controlled machine tools, such as lathes, face challenges in efficiently handling small series production due to the need for frequent adjustments and high changeover times when switching between different workpiece sizes, especially with sensitive surfaces, and existing solutions are not cost-effective or flexible enough.
Innovation Solution
A CNC-controlled machine tool design that includes a pneumatic gripper with pivoting arms and a universal carriage unit, allowing for quick and cost-effective loading and unloading of workpieces with minimal adjustments, using standard components like tool turrets and parts catchers, enabling flexible adaptation to various workpiece dimensions and sizes without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex portal loaders or robots are used for loading and unloading machine tools, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is designed with a universal loading/unloading system that can handle multiple workpiece types and sizes using the same basic mechanism. The bar feed and parts catcher are integrated into a system that can accommodate different chuck parts without requiring specialized equipment, making the automation system versatile and cost-effective for small series production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the machine tool to load and unload workpieces automatically using its own integrated components rather than requiring external complex robotic systems. The bar feed automatically supplies raw parts and the parts catcher removes finished parts, creating a self-sufficient loading/unloading system that reduces overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If bar feed with parts catcher is used for loading and unloading, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different workpiece sizes and sensitive surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bar feed system is designed with adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different workpiece sizes. The feed mechanism can be reconfigured for different diameter ranges, and the parts catcher can accommodate various workpiece dimensions, allowing the simple system to handle diverse chuck parts without requiring complex specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable parameters such as feed position, gripper opening/closing force, and parts catcher configuration to adapt to different workpiece sizes and surface sensitivities. By changing these parameters rather than the physical structure, the system maintains simplicity while achieving versatility for small series production with varying chuck part dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent adjustments are made for different workpiece sizes, then adaptability is improved, but changeover time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with adjustable components that can be quickly repositioned for different workpiece sizes. The bar feed and parts catcher are designed with pre-marked positions and quick-adjust mechanisms that minimize setup time when changing between different chuck part dimensions, allowing rapid adaptation without significant changeover delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading/unloading system is divided into modular, independently adjustable segments. Each component (bar feed, gripper, parts catcher) can be adjusted separately and quickly without affecting other parts of the system, enabling rapid reconfiguration for different workpiece sizes while maintaining overall system productivity for small series production.
4Device complexity
If parts catcher is used to remove finished parts, then device complexity is minimized, but handling capability for workpieces with sensitive surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The parts catcher system incorporates pneumatic or hydraulic actuation for gentle gripping and release of finished parts. This allows the simple parts catcher design to handle workpieces with sensitive surfaces carefully, using controlled air or fluid pressure to grip and transport parts without mechanical contact that could damage delicate surfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly reduces changeover times and component costs, allowing for efficient handling of small series production with minimal adjustments, enabling quick conversion to new workpiece sizes and economical operation, while ensuring gentle handling of surface-sensitive parts.
Implementation Method 1
which is to be acted upon alternately on both sides by pressure medium pressure, in particular pneumatically
Implementation Method 2
The gripper in the turret is preset using a square wrench on a manual chuck and actuated using spring force
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a CNC machine tool, especially a CNC lathe, comprising a horizontal main spindle. The unfinished parts to be machined are supplied to the machine tool horizontally to the working compartment by a handling device integrated into the CNC control, and are then supplied via the handling device to the chuck that is equipped with the horizontal main spindle. The machine tool according to the invention is especially suitable for small series machining.