Machine Tool Workpiece Table Front Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal milling machines and machining centers lack optimal design for accessibility of the workpiece table, making it difficult to load bulky and heavy workpieces using cranes or lifting devices due to the swivel rotary structure being arranged between the machine frame's side walls, which restricts manual loading and increases the need for hoisting means.
Innovation Solution
A program-controlled machine tool with a flat, partially cylindrical base and side walls, where the workpiece table is positioned in front of the side walls, allowing for improved accessibility from above and the side, and featuring a swivel rotary table with offset support bridges and linear rotating motors for enhanced loading and machining capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the workpiece table is arranged in a swivel rotary structure between the two side walls of the machine frame, then the machine structure is compact and rigid, but the accessibility to the workpiece table is poor making it difficult to load bulky and heavy workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece table is repositioned from a location between the side walls to the front of the machine frame, changing its spatial arrangement from a constrained inter-wall position to an accessible front-position. This dimensional relocation allows cranes and lifting devices to approach the workpiece table from the front, dramatically improving accessibility for loading bulky and heavy workpieces while preserving the compact and rigid machine structure through the integrated base design
2Strength
If the workpiece table is positioned between the side walls, then the machine frame provides structural support, but the working area is difficult to access for manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece table is extracted from its traditional position between the side walls and relocated to the front of the machine frame. This extraction removes the spatial constraint that hindered accessibility, allowing operators to easily reach the working area for manual operations such as workpiece setup, tool changes, and inspections, while the machine frame's structural support function is maintained through the integrated base and side wall configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cross slide is made flat and wide to support five-axis machining, then the machining capability is enhanced, but the space for workpiece loading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slide is designed with extended travel in the Y-direction, increasing its length to correspond approximately to the diameter of the workpiece table. This dimensional extension provides sufficient travel path for five-axis machining operations while the workpiece table's front positioning ensures that loading space remains adequate, as workpieces can be approached from the front and sides rather than being constrained by side wall distances
Data Source
AI summary
A program controlled machine tool, including a bed-like substructure, a machine frame having two vertical and parallel side walls, and a compound slide having a longitudinal slide which can travel in the direction of the Y-coordinate axis on the two side walls of the machine frame. A cross slide is guided in such a way that it can travel in the direction of the X-coordinate axis. A machining unit can travel in the direction of the vertical Z-coordinate axis and has a working spindle. A workpiece table arrangement arranged on the substructure in front of the side walls. The workpiece table arrangement is arranged on the front partial area of the flat base and the cross slide has a length in the direction of the Y-coordinate axis which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the workpiece table and/or the working space in the Y-direction.