Machine Tool Workpiece Support with Movable Unloading Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools require a handling device for unloading processed workpieces, which complicates the loading and unloading process and increases the base area requirement.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a workpiece support having a first and additional support portion, where the additional support portion moves between loading and unloading regions, allowing for direct loading and unloading without a handling device, and integrating a workpiece store to optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handling device is used to unload processed workpieces, then the workpiece support can be divided into two portions for loading and unloading operations, but the device complexity increases and the base area requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unloading function from a separate handling device and integrates it into the workpiece support itself. The workpiece support is divided into a loading-side support portion and an unloading-side support portion, where the unloading-side portion can be moved independently to transport processed workpieces to the unloading region without requiring an external handling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the loading platform and the unloading mechanism. The unloading-side support portion acts as both a support surface for processed workpieces and as a mobile transport element that can be moved to different positions, eliminating the need for separate handling equipment.
2Ease of operation
If a handling device is used to unload processed workpieces, then the workpiece support can be divided into two portions for loading and unloading operations, but the base area requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading and unloading functions into a single integrated workpiece support structure. By combining the loading-side support portion and the unloading-side support portion into one movable assembly, the system eliminates the need for separate handling devices and reduces the overall base area requirement while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece support is designed as a dynamic system where the unloading-side support portion can be moved independently from the loading-side portion. This dynamic configuration allows the support structure to adapt its position and orientation during different operational phases (loading, processing, unloading), optimizing space utilization and reducing the required base area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece support is divided into two portions with a separation gap, then the unloading-side support portion can be associated with the handling device, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading-side support portion is designed to serve itself by incorporating the unloading function directly into its structure. Instead of relying on an external handling device, the support portion itself can be moved to transport workpieces and position them for unloading, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a machine tool for processing workpieces is described, comprising a workpiece movement device and a workpiece support that supports both a workpiece during a processing operation and a workpiece remainder produced from the workpiece during the processing operation, wherein the workpiece support comprises a first support portion and an additional support portion, wherein the first support portion comprises a loading-side support portion arranged in a loading region of the machine tool, wherein the additional support portion is arranged to move relative to the loading-side support portion between the loading region and an unloading region of the machine tool, wherein the unloading region is offset in a horizontal direction from the loading region, wherein the loading-side support portion is arranged to move in a vertical direction between a loading level and a bypass level located above or below the loading level.