Machining Center Vertical Conveyor Loading Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining centers face inefficiencies in loading and unloading operations, leading to prolonged processing times and reduced productivity when handling elongated workpieces such as furniture components, due to the need for extensive movement of workpiece-holding slides and manual unloading of machined parts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a machining center design featuring a workpiece-holding slide with adjustable clamping elements and separate conveyors for loading and unloading, where the loading and unloading operations occur simultaneously by positioning the conveyors at different heights, allowing for concurrent transfer of new and finished workpieces, thereby reducing the time required for these operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the workpiece-holding slide moves extensively between loading and unloading positions, then workpieces can be loaded and unloaded, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the loading conveyor at a first height and the unloading conveyor at a second height. This allows loading and unloading operations to occur simultaneously at different vertical levels, eliminating the need for the workpiece-holding slide to travel extensively between loading and unloading positions, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If manual unloading of machined parts is used, then workpieces can be removed, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic unloading system where the unloading conveyor at the second height automatically removes machined workpieces from the workpiece-holding slide. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated workpiece removal.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the unloading conveyor at a different height and enabling simultaneous loading and unloading operations, the system maintains continuous useful action. While the workpiece-holding slide is loading new workpieces at the first height, it simultaneously unloads machined workpieces at the second height, eliminating idle time and maximizing productivity.
3Device complexity
If loading and unloading operations are performed sequentially, then operations are simple, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between device complexity and cycle time by utilizing the vertical dimension. The loading conveyor operates at a first height while the unloading conveyor operates at a second height, allowing simultaneous operations without complex horizontal arrangements. This dimensional approach enables parallel processing, reducing cycle time while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
The machining center comprises at least one operating head (5) movable according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes (A, C, X, Z) and at least one workpiece-holding slide (17) movable between a working area and an area where the workpieces to be machined (P1) are loaded on the workpiece-holding slide and machined workpieces (P2) are unloaded from the workpiece-holding slide, and vice versa. Moreover, an insertion system is provided for inserting the workpieces to be machined on the workpiece-holding slide (17), the insertion system being associated with a loading conveyor (31) extending from an area (41) receiving the workpiece to be machined (P1) towards the area (29) of loading the workpieces to be machined on the workpiece-holding slide (17) and unloading the machined workpieces (P2) from the workpiece-holding slide, where the workpieces to be machined are transferred from the loading conveyor to the workpiece-holding slide. At an height different than the height of the insertion system of the workpieces to be machined (P1) there is arranged a removal system for removing the machined workpieces (P2) from the workpiece-holding slide (17), this removal system being associated with an unloading conveyor (33) extending from the area (29) where workpieces to be machined are loaded on the workpiece-holding slide (17) and machined workpieces are unloaded from the workpiece-holding slide (17) towards a gathering area (43) of the machined workpieces (P2), the machined workpieces being transferred from the workpiece-holding slide to the unloading conveyor in said area where workpieces to be machined are loaded on the workpiece-holding slide and machined workpieces are unloaded from the workpiece-holding slide.