Pallet Changer Arm Pivot Layout for Compact Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet changers face challenges in miniaturizing machine tools due to the need for compact arm member placement without interference, requiring innovative solutions for arm member orientation and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The automatic pallet changer employs first and second arm members that pivot about a horizontal axis, allowing for compact placement by changing orientation between a sideways and upward position, with actuators positioned to avoid interference and utilize available space effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the arm member is disposed with its distal end directed upward in the vertical direction during processing, then the machine tool can avoid interference between the arm member and the table, but the machine tool size cannot be further miniaturized due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The arm member is made dynamically reconfigurable through a pivot mechanism about a horizontal axis (second axis). During processing, the arm member is positioned in a first state with its distal end directed upward to avoid interference with the table. During pallet exchange, it pivots to a second state extending horizontally to facilitate pallet manipulation. This dynamic repositioning allows the arm member to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between avoiding interference and minimizing machine tool size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a horizontal pivot axis (second axis) perpendicular to the vertical turning axis (first axis), creating a two-dimensional movement capability for the arm member. By adding this horizontal dimension of motion, the arm member can pivot between vertical and horizontal orientations, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space within the machine tool structure. This dimensional expansion allows compact arrangement while maintaining functional requirements for both processing and pallet exchange operations.
2Ease of operation
If the arm member is positioned to avoid interference during processing, then the processing area can function properly, but the arm member requires additional space that prevents further miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The arm member transitions between two operational states: a first state during processing where the distal end is directed upward to ensure processing area functionality, and a second state during pallet exchange where it extends horizontally. This dynamic state change allows the arm member to occupy different spatial positions based on operational mode, ensuring processing functionality while minimizing overall machine tool volume through efficient space utilization.
3Volume of moving object
If the arm member is disposed in a compact space, then the machine tool can be miniaturized, but the arm member may interfere with the table or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism about the horizontal second axis enables the arm member to dynamically adjust its orientation. In the compact horizontal configuration during pallet exchange, the arm member operates in a reduced space. During processing, it pivots to the vertical upward position that clears the table and processing area. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the machine tool to achieve miniaturization while preventing interference through operational state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the horizontal pivot axis (second axis) that is perpendicular to the vertical turning axis (first axis), the arm member gains the ability to move between horizontal and vertical planes. This dimensional transition allows compact horizontal arrangement during pallet operations while achieving vertical clearance from the table during processing, effectively resolving the interference issue through three-dimensional spatial management.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic pallet changer includes a first arm member and a second arm member that are turnable about a first axis extending in an up-down direction and move reversely to each other to a first side and a second side across a predetermined plane including first axis in association with turning about the first axis. Each arm member of first arm member and second arm member is pivotable about a second axis extending in a horizontal direction and included in predetermined plane.