Partitioned Workpiece Table for Continuous Machine Tool Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools experience long downtimes due to the need for separate loading and unloading processes that require the work spindle to be out of operation, and the use of pivot carriers increases the distance between the work spindle and the axis of rotation, complicating collision-free pivoting.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a workpiece table with a planar partition wall extending across its width and length, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading during production by separating the work area from the loading area through a transverse partition wall, and incorporating symmetrical workpiece holders to minimize the distance between the work spindle and the axis of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pivot carrier is used to enable loading and unloading during production time, then machine downtime is reduced, but the distance between the work spindle and the axis of rotation must be increased to allow collision-free pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece table is segmented into two separate working areas by the partition wall, allowing independent operation of workpiece holders in each area. This segmentation enables one area to be processed while the other is loaded or unloaded, reducing machine downtime without requiring increased distance between the work spindle and axis of rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is extracted as a separate structural element that divides the workpiece table into distinct zones. This extracted partition wall creates spatial separation between working areas, enabling simultaneous loading/unloading operations without interfering with the work spindle's collision-free operation.
2Device complexity
If loading and unloading are performed separately from production operations, then collision-free operation is simplified, but machine downtime increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall enables continuous useful action by allowing loading and unloading operations to proceed simultaneously with production operations in separate zones. While the work spindle processes workpieces in one working area, the other area can be loaded or unloaded without interruption, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall introduces a spatial dimension (separation into distinct zones) that allows multiple operations to occur simultaneously in different areas. This dimensional separation transforms the operation sequence from sequential (loading/unloading must wait for production) to parallel (loading/unloading occurs concurrently with production in separate zones).
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool having a machine frame, at least one work spindle, at least one workpiece table which is mounted in the machine frame to rotate or swivel about an axis of rotation and which includes a closed, planar partition wall, and which includes at least one first workpiece holder and at least one second workpiece holder. The workpiece table, at least in a loading and unloading mode of the machine tool during production, can be transferred into a separating position in which the separating wall is arranged to extend transversely to the allocated spindle axis and spatially separates a working area, in which the first or the second workpiece holder is arranged in the separating position and is accessible to the associated work spindle, is spatially separated from a loading area in which the second or the first workpiece holder is arranged in the separating position.