H-Shaped Pallet Changer for Machine Tool Workpiece Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a swiveling table on a machine tool's workpiece slide, which is pivotable about an A-axis, complicates the feeding and removal of workpieces, especially when manual handling or in transfer lines where workpieces are on a lower level, leading to handling difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design with a movable tool spindle in the x and y directions, a workpiece slide with a pivotable swiveling table about a horizontal A-axis, and an H-shaped pallet changing mechanism pivotable about a y1-axis, featuring a lift drive to adjust the pallet changing mechanism between feed, deposit, and lift positions, allowing for simplified workpiece handling and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swiveling table is added to the workpiece slide, then the machine tool gains additional machining capability, but the workpiece position is raised making manual feeding and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the pallet changing mechanism by adding a lift drive that moves the mechanism between a lower feed and removal position and an upper machining position. This dimensional change allows the pallet changing mechanism to operate below the swiveling table during machining, resolving the conflict between having a swiveling table and maintaining easy workpiece access.
2Ease of operation
If the pallet changing mechanism is positioned above the workpiece slide, then workpiece access is improved, but space requirements in the z-direction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet changing mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension by moving between lower and upper positions. During machining, it occupies the lower position beneath the workpiece slide, effectively using unused vertical space and reducing the horizontal footprint and z-direction space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet changing mechanism is positioned within the space beneath the workpiece slide during machining operations, effectively nesting one mechanism within the spatial envelope of another, thereby optimizing space utilization in the z-direction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables straightforward lifting of workpieces from a lower position to a central depositing position, reducing space needs and facilitating smooth operation of the pallet changing mechanism during machining, thus simplifying workpiece feeding and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
a lift drive for displacing the pallet changing mechanism from a lower feed and removal position into a central pallet depositing position and into an upper pallet lifting out position
Implementation Method 2
a y1-pivot drive for pivoting the pallet changing mechanism about the y1-axis
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool has a tool spindle which can be moved in an x-direction and a y-direction and a workpiece slide which can be moved in the z-direction and has a swiveling table which can be pivoted about an A-axis which is parallel to the x-axis. A feed and removal device is provided, which has an H-shaped pallet changing mechanism, which can be pivoted about a y1-axis which is parallel to the y-direction, a y1-pivot drive and a lift drive for displacing the pallet changing mechanism from a lower feed and removal position into a central pallet depositing position and into an upper pallet lifting out position.