Machine Tool Loading Transfer With Passive Braked Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing machine tools for machining rotationally symmetrical workpieces face long set-up times due to the complex coordination of actively driven gripping elements, requiring significant device and control technology efforts.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design featuring a rotatably driven sliding device with a passive, braked guiding device allows for workpiece transfer on an arcuate path between stations without the need for separate drives, using a single drive for the sliding device and leveraging cams for passive up-and-down movement, enabling efficient transfer with reduced mechanical and electronic complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple actively driven gripping elements are used to transfer workpieces, then the workpiece transfer function is reliable, but the device complexity and control technology requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddevice and control technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the drive mechanism from the guiding device, making it passive and braked instead of actively driven. This removes the need for complex coordination controls while maintaining reliable workpiece transfer through the single active sliding device that pushes the workpiece against the passive guide device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device is designed to be self-sufficient through passive mounting and braking mechanisms. It不需要 active control signals or power supply, yet can reliably guide and transfer workpieces when acted upon by the single active sliding device, thereby simplifying the overall system control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple actively driven gripping elements are used to transfer workpieces, then the workpiece can be securely gripped and moved, but the set-up time of the machine tool increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece gripping reliabilityVSAvoidmachine tool set-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the active drive from the guiding device and replacing it with a passive braked mechanism, the system reduces the number of coordinated movements required. The single active sliding device can quickly transfer workpieces without waiting for synchronization with other driven elements, thereby reducing set-up time while maintaining secure gripping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single drive is used for the sliding device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the workpiece transfer capability must be maintained without additional drives for the guiding device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive system complexityVSAvoidworkpiece transfer capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece itself acts as an intermediary that transmits the driving force from the single active sliding device to the passive guiding device. When the sliding device pushes the workpiece, the workpiece in turn drives the guiding device along the arcuate path, eliminating the need for separate drives while maintaining transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive guiding device, when engaged by the workpiece pushed by the sliding device, automatically performs the transfer function through its braked rotation. This self-service mechanism maintains productivity without requiring additional active drives or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This design significantly shortens set-up times and simplifies the device technology requirements, allowing for rapid and simultaneous transfer of multiple workpieces between stations with minimal additional mechanical or electronic control, accommodating different workpiece dimensions and geometries.

Implementation Method 1

a brake for the guiding device, with driving the sliding device causing a workpiece to be removed from the Sliding device is first pressed against the guide device and then the workpiece is transferred in contact with the sliding device and in contact with the braked and indirectly moved guide device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3860803B1Machine tool having a loading device
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 THIELENHAUS TECH GMBH
  • EP3860803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3860803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3860803B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine tool for machining surfaces of in particular rotation-symmetrical workpieces (7), comprising at least one machining station (1, 2), at least one loading station (3) and/or unloading station (4) for the workpieces to be machined and/or for the machined workpieces and a loading device (6) for transferring the workpieces (7) from one station (1, 2, 3, 4) to an adjacent station (1, 2, 3, 4), characterized in that the loading device (6) comprises a rotatably driven pushing device (8), a drive (9) for the pushing device (8) and a rotatably mounted and braked guide device (10), wherein, by driving the pushing device (8), a workpiece (7) is first pushed by the pushing device (8) against the guide device (10) and then the workpiece (7), in contact with the pushing device (8) and in contact with the braked guide device (10), which is moved indirectly by the pushing device (8), is transferred on a circular arc track from one station (1, 2, 3, 4) to an adjacent station (1, 2, 3, 4).