Rotary Indexing Table Changeover With Interchangeable Clamping Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary indexing tables face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective machining due to the need for various construction types and clamping devices, leading to increased operational costs and complexity in changing operations.
Innovation Solution
A changing device that allows for interchangeable table units with different clamping devices to be fixed on a single stand component, utilizing a rotary encoder for high-precision positioning and accommodating different clamping mechanisms, such as hydraulic and lamellar frictional engagement, to enable efficient operation across various machining tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different table units with different clamping devices are used to meet varying machining requirements, then the adaptability of the rotary indexing table is improved, but the device complexity and operational costs increase due to frequent changing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal stand component that can accommodate multiple types of table units with different clamping devices. The stand component features a standardized interface and guide surface that accepts various table unit designs, allowing one base structure to perform multiple functions and support different machining requirements without requiring separate dedicated structures for each table unit type
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable modules: a permanent stand component and interchangeable table units. This segmentation allows the complex clamping device variations to be isolated to removable table units while the core stand component remains simple and unchanged, reducing overall device complexity by separating variable and invariant elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of table units are kept in inventory for different machining tasks, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal stand component that can accept multiple table unit types, the system reduces the need to maintain separate dedicated stand components for each table unit type. This universality decreases material consumption by eliminating redundant base structures while still providing adaptability through interchangeable table units
3Adaptability or versatility
If table units are frequently changed to adapt to different machining tasks, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to time loss during changing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The table units are designed with pre-configured clamping devices and interfaces that are prepared in advance for specific machining tasks. The standardized interface and guide surface arrangements are predetermined, allowing table units to be quickly identified, selected, and installed without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures during changing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surface and interface are designed to provide automatic alignment and positioning for all table unit types. This equipotential design ensures that regardless of which table unit is installed, the mounting process occurs under equivalent conditions with the same alignment references, reducing variability and time in changing operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables cost-effective operation of rotary indexing tables by allowing the same stand component to support different construction types, reducing assembly effort and maintaining high-precision positioning without substantial cost increases, while minimizing the need for frequent component changes.
Implementation Method 1
at one free end of the shaft, and at least partially enclosed by the stand component, an incremental encoder or an absolute encoder, hereinafter referred to as a rotary encoder, is arranged
Implementation Method 2
by supplying a hydraulic pressure medium, a clamping force can be generated. The clamping force establishes a frictional engagement between the table and the stationary, assigned table unit
Implementation Method 3
The clamping force establishes a frictional engagement between the table and the stationary, assigned table unit
Implementation Method 4
a shaft passes. The shaft defines the axis of rotation of tables rotatable by an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A changing device for rotary indexing tables has a stand component (12) used as a base component. Through the stand component (12) a shaft (18) passes defining the axis of rotation of tables (2) rotatable by an electric motor which having an interface (20) for coupling concerned tables (2). Tables 2 can be fixed in predeterminable rotational positions relative to a table unit (8) by a clamping device (60). At least two table units (8), differing from each other at least with respect to their clamping devices (60), together with their assigned table (2) as exchange components can be fixed in an interchangeable manner on the base component for their operation.