Compact Machine Tool Handling Cell With Vertical Robot Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact machine tools face challenges in automation due to space constraints, where transfer systems and handling units cannot be designed as compactly as desired, leading to interference with the machine tool's workspace and the need for direct operator access, which complicates automation and workpiece handling.
Innovation Solution
A handling cell is designed to accommodate compact machine tools, featuring a handling robot with a loading interface, a loading trolley, and a provision unit, allowing for automated workpiece changing with minimal interference in the machine tool's workspace, and enabling partial or highly automated production in small installation spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automation technology (robots, grippers, transfer systems) is added to compact machine tools, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase, causing interference with the machine tool's workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The handling unit is integrated within the protective enclosure of the machine tool, nesting the automation system inside the existing structure. The robot is positioned in the upper region of the enclosure while the machine tool operates in the lower region, allowing automation without external expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is positioned vertically above the work area rather than horizontally beside it. This vertical arrangement utilizes the Z-dimension to resolve the horizontal space conflict, allowing the robot to access workpieces through the opening without interfering with the machine tool's horizontal workspace.
2Volume of moving object
If the machine tool work area is reduced for compactness, then the machine tool size is improved, but the handling unit and transfer systems cannot be made as compact, leading to workspace interference
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system transitions from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement. The robot operates in the vertical space above the compact work area, while the loading device extends horizontally only when needed to transfer workpieces. This dimensional separation allows the machine tool to maintain a small footprint while the handling system occupies vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can extend horizontally to transfer workpieces and then retract to a compact position, dynamically adjusting its dimensions based on operational needs. This allows the system to be compact during machining while providing full handling capability during workpiece transfer.
3Ease of operation
If direct operator access to the machine tool is maintained, then ease of operation is improved, but automation capability is reduced due to space requirements for operator access
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper region for the robot and a lower region for the machine tool. The opening in the enclosure serves dual purposes - allowing the robot to access workpieces while maintaining operator visibility and access to the control panel and front of the machine tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the protective enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows the robot to transfer workpieces into and out of the work area, maintains operator visibility of the work area through the opening, and does not obstruct access to the control panel and front of the machine tool. This multi-functionality resolves the conflict between automation and operator access.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handling cell (70) for a machine tool (10) has a first loading interface (110) which can be coupled to a work area (24) of a first machine tool (10), a handling unit (100) with a handling robot (102), a loading interface (136) for a loading trolley (140) which serves to transport workpieces (176) arranged on loading aids (150), in particular on trays (174), and a staging unit (160) which moves loading aids (150) between the loading trolley (140) and a staging position for transfer between the handling unit (100) and the staging unit (160).A manufacturing system (60) for machining comprises at least one machine tool (10) designed for multi-axis machining and comprising a tool holder (34) and a workpiece holder (30) that are movable relative to each other in at least three axes, and a handling cell (70), wherein the tool holder (34) and the workpiece holder (30) are mounted on a rear side (94) of a work area (24) of the machine tool (10), and wherein the loading interface (110) couples laterally to the work area (24) of the machine tool (10).