Inverted Clamping for Automatic Workpiece Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machine tools with 5 or more axes are limited in efficiently and automatically changing workpieces during machining operations, particularly in small-series production, requiring manual intervention and lacking flexibility in tool and workpiece handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine tool configuration where the workpiece is clamped on the tool holding means of the work spindle, allowing for program-controlled automatic change and re-clamping, utilizing a tool changer and optionally a workpiece changer to manage tool and workpiece changes, enabling efficient machining of multiple workpieces without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the workpiece is clamped on the clamping means and the tool is clamped on the tool holding means (conventional configuration), then the machine tool structure is simple and easy to operate, but automatic workpiece change is not possible and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional clamping configuration by clamping the workpiece on the tool holding means (designed for tools) and the tool on the clamping means (designed for workpieces). This inversion enables the tool changer, originally designed for tool replacement, to automatically change workpieces, thereby achieving automatic workpiece change without requiring a completely new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the tool holding means and clamping means multi-functional. The tool holding means can hold both tools and workpieces, while the clamping means can clamp both workpieces and tools. This universality allows the existing tool changer mechanism to serve dual purposes: changing tools and changing workpieces, thereby increasing automation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is used for workpiece change, then the machine tool structure is simpler, but productivity decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the machine tool system to serve itself by using the existing tool changer mechanism to automatically change workpieces without external manual intervention. The inverted configuration allows the workpiece change process to be integrated into the automated tool change sequence, making the system self-sufficient in handling both tool and workpiece replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tool change and workpiece change operations into a single automated process. By inverting the clamping configuration, both tool replacement and workpiece replacement can be performed through the same tool changer mechanism, combining two separate functions into one unified automated system, thereby improving productivity without requiring two separate changing systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool holding means is used exclusively for tools and clamping means exclusively for workpieces (conventional use), then the system is easier to operate, but flexibility in handling multiple workpieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns multi-functionality to the tool holding means and clamping means, allowing them to interchangeably hold tools and workpieces. This universality provides flexibility in workpiece handling, enabling automatic batch processing of multiple workpieces while maintaining a relatively simple operational interface, as the control system manages the inverted configuration automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and machine tool for machining a workpiece on the machine tool comprising at least 5 axes with a tool by using an NC program, the machine tool comprising a clamp for clamping a workpiece and a work spindle including a tool holder for holding a workpiece. The workpiece is clamped on the tool holder of the work spindle of the machine tool, the tool is clamped in the clamp of the machine tool, and the workpiece clamped in the tool holder of the work spindle is controlled in a program-controlled manner in relation to the tool clamped in the clamp for removing material from the workpiece.