Machine Tool Workpiece Discharge via Adjustable Opening Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for separative machining of workpieces face inefficiencies in discharging workpiece parts, leading to increased idle time due to the need for extensive movement of opening sections, which is not optimized for varying workpiece dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with adjustable opening sections that pivot and move in the horizontal Y direction to form through-openings of different widths, utilizing a control unit to minimize movement and accelerate discharge, and incorporating a spindle drive and measuring device for precise control, allowing for efficient discharge of workpieces without rotary movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the displacement path of the opening boundary is dimensioned to discharge workpiece parts up to a maximum dimension of 500 mm, then large workpiece parts can be discharged, but the displacement path is excessively long for smaller workpiece parts, increasing idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The opening boundary is made dynamically adjustable in position along the Y-axis through a movement unit (spindle drive), allowing the discharge device to adapt its configuration to different workpiece sizes. The control unit coordinates the position of the opening boundary based on the maximum dimension of the workpiece part to be discharged, optimizing the displacement path for each specific case rather than using a fixed dimensioned path
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the opening boundary along the Y-axis based on the workpiece dimensions. The control unit receives information about the workpiece part size and adjusts the opening boundary position accordingly, changing the displacement path parameter to match the actual workpiece dimensions rather than always using the maximum 500 mm path
2Ease of operation
If the opening sections are moved extensively in the horizontal Y direction to form through-openings, then workpiece parts can be discharged, but the movement distance increases idle time and reduces discharge speed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-calculates and sets the optimal position of the opening boundary before discharge begins, based on the known maximum dimension of the workpiece part. This preliminary positioning action prevents excessive movement during the actual discharge process, as the system is already configured for the specific workpiece size
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device determines the actual distance traveled by the opening sections and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and optimize the displacement path, ensuring that opening sections do not travel further than necessary to form the through-opening for the specific workpiece being discharged
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool for separative machining of preferably plate-like workpieces, for example, metal sheets, has a workpiece support and a discharge device on the workpiece support. The discharge device discharges workpiece parts produced as products of the separative machining. The discharge device includes two opening sections are adjustable relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction to form a through-opening for discharge of workpiece parts. The opening sections are adjustable into different positions relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction, to form through-openings of different widths for discharge of workpiece parts.