Machine Tool System Loader Eliminates Pass/Receive Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machine tool systems require additional time and space to transport workpieces between lathes and machining centers, increasing overall machining time and system size due to the need for a pass/receive position.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system with a lathe and a machining center positioned side by side, where a loader with a guide carries workpieces directly between the lathe and machining center, eliminating the need for a pass/receive position by aligning the workpiece holders and using a shared loader to reduce vertical distances and optimize operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pass/receive position is used to transport workpieces between lathe and machining center, then workpiece transfer is enabled, but workpiece carrying time increases and system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loader is merged with both the lathe and machining center, allowing a single loader to serve both machines. The loader head can load/unload workpieces from both the lathe-side workpiece holder and machining center-side workpiece holder, eliminating the need for separate pass/receive positions and reducing both transfer time and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece holder is designed to rotate between a front-side position (for loader access) and a side position (for machining operations). This rotational movement in a different dimension allows the same workpiece holder to access both the loader and the machining center, eliminating the need for additional pass/receive space.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated loaders are used for each machine, then workpiece handling is optimized, but system size increases due to multiple loaders
Solution Approach 1:
The loader is designed as a universal device that can handle workpieces for both the lathe and machining center. The loader head can load/unload workpieces from either machine's workpiece holder, and the guide can position the loader head at different locations, allowing one loader to perform the functions previously requiring two separate loaders.
Data Source
AI summary
A lathe includes a lathe-side chuck that holds a workpiece with the workpiece directed toward or facing a front side, a main spindle that rotates around an axis, and a tool that machines the workpiece. A machining center includes a rotary tool that rotates around an axis in the horizontal direction and an MC-side chuck that holds the workpiece and is able to turn between at least a workpiece pass/receive position in which the workpiece is directed toward or facing the front side and a machining position in which the workpiece is directed toward or facing the rotary tool. A loader includes a guide rail extending above the lathe-side chucks, and MC-side chuck along the horizontal direction and a loader head that holds the workpiece and carries the workpiece between at least the lathe-side chucks, and MC-side chuck by moving along the guide rail.