Fixed-Gantry Machine Tool Layout for Open Workspace Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face challenges in achieving high efficiency and productivity while maintaining machining accuracy and process reliability, especially when dealing with large components and varying geometries, often requiring a balance between workspace and rigidity, and lack fully automated tool and workpiece changes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a double spindle configuration with parallel tool spindles and a workpiece table that is pivotable and translationally movable, allowing for fully automatic tool and workpiece changes through pick-up processes, and utilizing separate drives for accurate and efficient movement, with tool magazines accessible outside the working space to minimize obstruction and maximize workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a gantry design with tool magazines arranged centrally behind the gantry is used, then tool changing capability is provided, but the working space is obstructed and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions tool magazines laterally adjacent to the gantry instead of centrally behind it, changing the spatial arrangement from a vertical/central configuration to a horizontal/lateral configuration. This dimensional repositioning allows tool magazines to be accessible from the sides while keeping the central working space open and unobstructed, resolving the contradiction between automated tool changing capability and working space accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the work space is increased for machining larger components, then versatility is improved, but the rigidity deteriorates due to increased traverse paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the machining system into modular components: a fixed gantry providing stable support, independently movable tool spindles, and a separately controllable workpiece table. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain rigidity through the fixed gantry structure while the movable components provide the necessary traverse paths for large components, resolving the contradiction between work space capacity and frame rigidity.
3Productivity
If multiple tool spindles are arranged on the gantry for parallel machining, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the tool spindles with universal functionality, where each spindle can independently perform multiple machining operations and can be positioned to work on different locations of workpieces. This multi-functionality allows parallel machining of multiple workpieces or different features of the same workpiece using standardized spindle units, improving productivity while controlling complexity through functional universality rather than specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool comprises a frame, which carries a fixed gantry for supporting at least one tool spindle. The gantry comprises a gantry recess, through which a working space is accessible. The one or more tool spindles on the gantry can each be moved vertically in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The machine tool further comprises a workpiece table with at least one location for supporting workpieces. The workpiece table is movable in translation in a third direction Y orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. At least one tool magazine is associated with the at least one tool spindle tool spindle. Tools for tool changing can be fed through at least one magazine opening in the gantry. Tool changing between the one or more tool spindles and the at least one tool magazine takes place in a pick-up process.