Machine Tool Handling Assembly With Swivel Arm for Compact Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling assemblies for machine tools are space-intensive, costly, and require lengthy on-site installation, especially when using 6-axis robots or simple longitudinal designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact handling assembly with a horizontal and vertical rail system, a one-piece rigid arm, and multiple swivel axes, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design that can be easily installed at a customer's site, featuring a horizontal carriage, vertical carriage, and a tower with swivel-mounted manipulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 6-axis robot is used for handling tools and workpieces, then handling capability is improved, but investment cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The handling assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a horizontal rail assembly for lateral movement, a tower with vertical rail for vertical movement, and a manipulator arm for tool/workpiece handling. This segmentation allows each module to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system cost compared to a single integrated 6-axis robot while maintaining full handling capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional handling assemblies with multiple components are used, then handling functionality is achieved, but assembly time at customer site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal rail assembly, tower with vertical rail, and manipulator arm are designed as pre-integrated modules that can be assembled together at the customer site in a single operation. This merging of components into modular units dramatically reduces assembly time compared to installing multiple separate components individually, while preserving all necessary handling functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional handling assemblies are designed, then handling capability is provided, but space requirement in front of machine tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling assembly utilizes vertical space by implementing a tower structure with a vertical rail assembly that allows the manipulator to move upward and downward. This vertical dimension enables the system to achieve full three-dimensional handling capability without requiring proportionally more horizontal space, allowing compact installation in front of machine tools.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple handling assemblies are used instead of 6-axis robots, then cost is reduced, but assembly complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator arm is designed as a universal handling mechanism capable of performing multiple functions: gripping workpieces, holding tools, and positioning them in three-dimensional space. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall assembly structure while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to 6-axis robots.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handling assembly for handling tools and/or workpieces of a machine tool, comprising a horizontal rail assembly, a vertical tower movable on the horizontal rail assembly in the direction of a horizontal axis, a vertical rail assembly arranged on the tower, a vertical carriage movable on the vertical rail assembly in the vertical direction, exactly one one-piece rigid arm, arranged on the vertical carriage and swivel-mounted about a horizontal, first swivel axis on the vertical carriage, and a manipulator arranged on the arm and swivel-mounted about a horizontal, second swivel axis on the arm, wherein the arm is swivel-mounted about a vertical swivel axis, wherein the first swivel axis is parallel to the second swivel axis, and wherein the first swivel axis is arranged on a first side of the vertical swivel axis in a first distance from the vertical swivel axis.