Offset Multi-Level Workpiece Storage for Compact Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece changers with multi-level storage arrangements face challenges in compact design and accessibility due to interference between storage levels and handling devices, requiring additional space and limiting manual intervention in machining centers.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece changer with a portal design featuring a circular ring storage arrangement on multiple levels that can rotate and a lateral handling device capable of linear and rotational movement, where storage locations are offset to allow for closer placement of the handling device, reducing vertical distance and enabling efficient lateral loading and unloading without additional axes or devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage levels are arranged closely one above the other to increase storage capacity on a small footprint, then storage density is improved, but the handling device cannot access storage locations due to interference from adjacent storage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The storage locations on different storage levels are arranged asymmetrically with angular offsets. Specifically, storage locations on one level are offset by a first angle relative to storage locations on an adjacent level, and by a second angle relative to storage locations on another adjacent level. This asymmetric arrangement creates angular separation that prevents interference between handling devices operating at different levels, allowing closely spaced storage levels while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rotatable storage tower with linear movement carrier is used, then workpiece pallets can be removed and set down, but an additional horizontal axis movement is required and installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using linear horizontal movement to access storage locations, the invention employs angular/rotational movement. The handling device accesses storage locations by rotating about a vertical axis, utilizing the angular offset between storage locations on different levels. This dimensional change from linear to rotational movement eliminates the need for additional horizontal axes while maintaining full access capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the handling device is positioned close to the storage arrangement to save space, then installation area is reduced, but workpiece changers require additional space and limit accessibility for manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is segmented into multiple independent movement components: a horizontal movement unit for approaching the storage arrangement, a vertical movement unit for accessing different levels, and a rotational unit for accessing storage locations at different angles. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a compact footprint while providing full accessibility to all storage locations and maintaining clear access to the machining center workspace.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a workpiece changer (1) for automatic workpiece or pallet changing, wherein the workpiece changer (1) is preferably constructed in a portal design and is particularly suitable for the lateral loading and unloading of a machining center (2) in a gantry or moving column design, comprising a storage arrangement (3) for workpieces (4) or workpiece pallets (5) with a plurality of storage positions (21) which form the shape of a ring on several vertically arranged storage levels (6, 7) and which are rotatable about a vertical axis (8) by power operation on all storage levels (6, 7) and a handling device (9) located laterally next to the storage arrangement (3) for the workpieces (4) or the workpiece pallets (5), which is movable linearly along a horizontal axis (10) and linearly along a vertical axis (11) and rotatable about this vertical axis (11),In the invention, the storage positions (21) on a storage level (6, 7) are arranged at an angle to the storage positions (21) on the storage level (6, 7) above and/or below, so that a free space is created above and/or below each workpiece (4) or each workpiece pallet (5) into which the interfering contours (16) of the handling device (9) can enter during a changeover operation, and that the free space next to each storage position (21) is large enough to allow the workpieces (4) or the workpiece pallets (5) to be fed to or removed from the respective transfer position (24) within the respective storage level (A, B) by the handling device (9) in a horizontal direction only by a circular or elliptical movement.