Modular Robot Loading Cell for Machine Tool Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with rotatably mounted workpiece tables face challenges in reducing space requirements and increasing integration of machine components, as assembly robots must navigate around internal components, limiting movement and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A loading cell with a pivoting circular arc door is suspended from the machine frame, allowing a robot to load and unload workpieces within a self-contained cell that does not obstruct internal machine components, enabling efficient and automatic material handling while reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loading robot is mounted on the machine bed or front of the machine to load and unload workpieces, then the robot can access the workpiece table, but the robot must maneuver around internal machine components such as extendable drawers, which complicates movement and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The machine system is segmented into two independent parts: the base machine with its internal components and the separate loading cell containing the robot. This segmentation allows the robot to operate in an isolated space without needing to navigate around the base machine's internal components, simplifying robot movement while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A loading cell is introduced as an intermediary structure between the operator and the workpiece table. This loading cell houses the robot and provides a dedicated loading/unloading zone, eliminating the need for the robot to interact with or maneuver around the base machine's internal components.
2Area of stationary object
If machine components are integrated inside the machine frame, then space utilization is improved, but loading robots mounted externally must navigate around these components, limiting movement efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the loading function into an independent loading cell that can be coupled to the base machine. This allows the base machine to maintain its compact integrated design while the robot operates in the dedicated loading cell space, achieving both compact footprint and high loading speed without compromise.
3Device complexity
If a self-contained loading cell with suspended robot is used, then robot movements are simplified and space requirements are reduced, but additional integration components are needed to couple the loading cell to the machine frame
Solution Approach 1:
The loading cell is designed as a universal module with standardized coupling interfaces that can be attached to the base machine frame. This multi-functional design allows the same loading cell to be integrated with different base machine configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite the added integration capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
In a machine tool (1) for the machining of workpieces (14), in particular by machining, which has a workpiece table (4), in particular a double swivel carrier, rotatably mounted on a machine frame (2) for workpieces (14) to be machined, and a tool spindle (15), in particular horizontal, with a tool (16) for machining workpieces (14) held on the machine frame (2), according to the invention a robot (22) for loading the workpiece table (4) with workpieces (14) to be machined and for unloading the workpiece table (4) of machined workpieces (14) is suspended in a loading cell (20), which is coupled laterally to the machine frame (2).