Machine Tool Work Transfer Layout for Shorter Spindle Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools lack a structure that effectively reduces operation time during work reception and delivery between the main spindle and the work transferring mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool divides its internal space into machining and transferring areas using a shutter, allowing the work retainer to move to the vicinity of the main spindle during machining, and includes a main spindle moving mechanism to relocate the main spindle towards the transferring space, thereby shortening the distance and time required for work transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the work retainer moves to the vicinity of the main spindle during machining, then the operation time is reduced, but the machining space and transferring space need to be separated requiring a shutter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation timeVSAvoidspace separation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space of the machine tool is divided into a machining space and a transferring space using a shutter. This segmentation allows the work retainer to preliminarily move to the vicinity of the main spindle during machining operations, enabling quick approach after machining completion and reducing overall operation time while maintaining safe separation between machining and transferring operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the main spindle is relocated towards the transferring space, then the work transfer distance is reduced, but the machining space configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework transfer distanceVSAvoidspindle positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main spindle is preliminarily relocated towards the transferring space before work transfer operations. This preliminary positioning reduces the distance the work retainer must travel to reach the main spindle, thereby shortening the work transfer time and improving overall operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the work retainer preliminarily moves during machining, then the approach time after machining is reduced, but the shutter mechanism is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapproach speedVSAvoidshutter mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The work retainer performs preliminary movement to the vicinity of the main spindle during the machining process. By positioning the work retainer in advance, the approach time required after machining completion is significantly reduced, enabling faster work transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A shutter mechanism divides the internal space into machining space and transferring space, allowing the work retainer to preliminarily move during machining without interfering with the machining process. This spatial segmentation enables parallel operations and reduces overall cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3587028B1Machine tool with work transferring mechanism
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 TAKISAWA MACHINE TOOL CO LTD
  • EP3587028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3587028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine tool with work transferring mechanism 1 provided with a work transferring mechanism 8 which transfers a work 10 and receives/delivers the work 10 from/to a main spindle 3, wherein in the front-rear direction, the space inside the machine tool 1 is divided via a shutter 11 into a machining space 12 in which the main spindle 3 is arranged and a transferring space 13 in which the work transferring mechanism 8 transfers the work 10; the work transferring mechanism 8 is equipped with a work retainer 9 retaining the work 10, and a moving mechanism moving the work retainer 9; and while the work 10 attached to the main spindle 3 is being machined, the work retainer 9 is preliminarily moved by the moving mechanism to a vicinity of the main spindle 3 via the shutter 11.