Machine Tool Loading Device with Swivel Carrier and Splash Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in designing a quick, inexpensive, and simplified loading system while expanding the working area, and require effective protection against contamination during machining processes.
Innovation Solution
The workpiece carrier is arranged to move along a horizontal axis (Z-axis) with horizontal slides and swivel capability around another horizontal axis parallel to the X-axis, equipped with grippers and a lifting device for efficient workpiece handling, and a splash guard to prevent contamination, allowing for longer tool usage and automatic closure of the work area during processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport track is guided through the work area to achieve short transport routes, then the transport efficiency is improved, but the protection against contamination from chips and coolants becomes more difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is extracted from the work area and positioned at the machine frame's loading position. The transport track is separated into two distinct sections: one in the work area and one at the loading position. This extraction eliminates the need for complex protective measures at the transfer point while maintaining short transport routes through the alternative loading configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A splash guard is introduced as an intermediary protective element between the work area and the loading device. This simple barrier effectively prevents chips and coolants from contaminating the loading position without requiring complex protection systems, thus resolving the contradiction between transport efficiency and protection complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the workpiece carrier is arranged to move along a horizontal axis with swivel capability, then the working area is expanded and longer tools can be used, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece carrier is designed with multi-functionality, combining horizontal movement along the Z-axis with swiveling capability around the X-axis. This single device performs multiple functions: positioning workpieces for different machining operations, accommodating various tool lengths, and enabling both loading/unloading and processing positions. The horizontal slides and swivel mechanism are integrated into a unified structure that achieves working area expansion without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the loading and unloading position is located directly next to the work area, then the transport route is shortened, but the protection against contamination becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
A splash guard is positioned between the work area and the loading device to act as an intermediary protective barrier. This simple structural element effectively blocks chips and coolants from reaching the loading position where workpieces are transferred, thus maintaining short transport routes while eliminating contamination risks through a minimal protective measure.
Solution Approach 2:
The splash guard functions as a thin protective barrier that separates the contaminated work area from the clean loading position. This thin film-like structure is sufficient to prevent contamination without requiring complex protection systems, enabling the loading device to operate close to the work area while maintaining environmental separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A workpiece holder (14) and a processing unit (5) are movable towards each other along the centerlines of machine coordinate systems in a machine rack (1). The processing unit is particularly a tool holding fixture for receiving tools(7). The workpiece holder is arranged centering on a swing axis (23) which is orthogonal to the z-axis, and is displaceable on a horizontal carrier (8) parallel to the z-axis between an unloading position and the effective range of the processing unit.