Machine Tool Functional Assembly with Movable Workpiece Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools have limited functionality, restricting their ability to perform multiple machining, testing, and measuring operations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a second machining axis and additional tool spindles, which are adjustable along a linear guide, allows for enhanced functionality by enabling simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces and flexible positioning of machining, testing, and measuring tools relative to the workpiece carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single machining axis with main spindle arrangement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the functionality and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into functionally independent modules: main spindle arrangement for primary machining, functional assembly with tool spindles for secondary operations, and workpiece carrier for positioning. Each module can perform specific functions independently, enabling extended functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece carrier serves multiple functions: it holds workpieces for main spindle machining, positions workpieces for functional assembly operations, and enables workpiece changeover. The functional assembly itself can perform multiple operations including machining with different tool spindles, centering, testing, and measuring functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the functional assembly is made movable to perform functions on workpieces, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the functional assembly movable to position it relative to the workpiece, the invention inverts the approach by making the workpiece carrier movable. The workpiece carrier positions the workpiece relative to the stationary functional assembly, achieving the same functional result with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece carrier acts as an intermediary between the main spindle arrangement and the functional assembly. It receives workpieces from the main spindle area, positions them for functional assembly operations, and enables workpiece changeover, thereby mediating the interaction between different functional zones without requiring the functional assembly itself to be movable.
3Productivity
If multiple tool spindles are added to the main spindle arrangement, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional assembly is arranged spatially separated from the main spindle arrangement, with tool spindles positioned in a different spatial zone. This dimensional separation allows multiple tool spindles to operate simultaneously on workpieces without interfering with the main spindle arrangement, increasing productivity while managing complexity through spatial organization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool (10) with a main spindle assembly (40) and a workpiece carrier (60), wherein the main spindle assembly (40) has at least one main tool spindle (41) for receiving a machining tool (44) and at least one workpiece holder for holding a workpiece (W) is arranged on the workpiece carrier (60), wherein the at least one main tool spindle (41) is adjustable along a machining axis (Z1), in particular a horizontal one, relative to the workpiece carrier (60) arranged frontally in front of the main spindle assembly (40) for machining a workpiece (W) arranged on the at least one workpiece holder (62) with the machining tool (44), and wherein the workpiece carrier (60) is mounted adjustably transversely to the machining axis (Z1) along an positioning axis (Y) by means of a workpiece carrier linear guide (70) relative to the main spindle assembly (40).The machine tool (10) is provided that, in addition to the main spindle arrangement (40) and the workpiece carrier (60), a functional assembly (90) for performing at least one function is arranged on a workpiece (W) arranged on the at least one workpiece holder (62), and the workpiece carrier (60) is adjustable for positioning the at least one workpiece holder (62) relative to the functional assembly (90) along the positioning axis (Y) of the workpiece carrier linear guide (70) forming a second machining axis (Z2).