Cutting Machine Workpiece Changer Nesting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines require a large amount of space for workpiece changers, which poses safety risks and accessibility issues, as operators must leave their position during tool changing and are not suitable for machines with limited access.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine design featuring a gantry-style side wall arrangement with a transverse wall that divides the machining area into a front machining zone and a rear supply area, allowing the pivotal receiving element to swing into the machine's inner space, reducing the need for external space and enabling safe operation without hindering machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the workpiece changer is positioned outside the cutting machine with a large receiving radius, then the workpiece changer can accommodate workpieces and palettes, but it requires a large amount of space and endangers the operator standing in front of the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is nested within the cutting machine's internal space by positioning it in the rear supply area behind the transverse wall. The receiving element can pivot and extend into the machining area only when needed, rather than occupying external space continuously. This nesting approach allows the workpiece changer to accommodate workpieces and palettes while minimizing the external footprint and eliminating safety hazards to the operator.
2Ease of operation
If the workpiece changer is positioned outside the cutting machine, then workpiece changing can be performed, but the operator must leave their position during tool changing or risk exposure to danger
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece changing function is extracted from the operator's control position and relocated to the rear supply area of the cutting machine. The receiving element is positioned behind the transverse wall, allowing automated or remote workpiece changing operations that do not require the operator to leave their safe position in front of the machine. This separation of functions eliminates the safety risk while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If a linearly moving workpiece table is used to accommodate the workpiece changer, then workpiece changing can be performed, but the workpiece table movement interferes with machining operations and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting machine interior is segmented into two distinct areas by a transverse wall: a front machining area and a rear supply area. The receiving element is positioned in the rear supply area and can pivot independently without requiring linear movement of the entire workpiece table. This segmentation allows workpiece changing operations to occur in the rear area while machining operations proceed uninterrupted in the front area, eliminating interference and reducing the required machine length.
Data Source
AI summary
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.