Dual Pivot-Support Machine Tool for Low-Downtime Workpiece Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools experience significant downtime due to idle work spindles during workpiece loading and unloading, and require large spaces due to the distance needed between swivel supports and work spindles.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring two pivotally mounted swivel supports, each with two workpiece tables on opposite sides, allows for efficient transfer of workpieces between loading and working areas, reducing the distance between swivel axes and work spindles, thereby minimizing downtime and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single swivel support with two workpiece tables is used, then the machine tool requires a large distance between the swivel support axis and the work spindle to allow collision-free swiveling, but this increases the space requirement of the machine tool
Solution Approach 1:
The single swivel support is divided into two separate swivel supports (first and second). Each swivel support carries one workpiece table, allowing them to be positioned closer to the work spindles without collision risks. This segmentation enables a more compact machine tool layout while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the work spindle is idle during workpiece loading and unloading on a conventional machine tool, then the loading/unloading process is simple, but this results in significant machine tool downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool enables continuous machining operations by providing multiple workpiece tables on separate swivel supports. While one workpiece is being machined by the work spindle, another workpiece can be loaded onto a different workpiece table that is not currently in use. This eliminates idle time for both the work spindle and workpieces, maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple workpiece tables are prepared in advance on separate swivel supports. While the work spindle is machining one workpiece, other workpieces are already positioned on alternative workpiece tables, ready for immediate transfer. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time and ensures continuous operation.
3Productivity
If two workpiece tables are arranged on each side of a single swivel support, then the number of workpieces that can be machined increases, but the distance between the swivel support axis and the work spindle must be very large
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workpiece tables across two separate swivel supports instead of concentrating them on one. Each swivel support carries workpiece tables that can be positioned at optimal distances from the work spindles. This distribution maintains high productivity through multiple workpiece capacity while reducing the required distance and overall machine tool footprint.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool (2) with a machine frame (4), with at least one first work spindle (6), with at least one second work spindle (8), with at least one first pivoting support (10) assigned to the first work spindle (6), which is pivotally mounted in the machine frame (4) about a first pivoting support axis (12), and which comprises at least one first workpiece table (14) and at least one second workpiece table (16) arranged on the first pivoting support (10) on opposite sides with respect to the first pivoting support axis (12), and with at least one second pivoting support (20) assigned to the second work spindle (8), which is pivotally mounted in the machine frame (4) about a second pivoting support axis (22) running parallel to the first pivoting support axis (12) and spaced apart from the first pivoting support axis (12),and which comprises at least one first workpiece table (24) and at least one second workpiece table (26), which are arranged on the second pivot support (20) on opposite sides with respect to the second pivot support axis (22), wherein the first pivot support (10) and/or the second pivot support (20) can each be transferred from a first pivot position into a second pivot position.