Swivel-Arm Workpiece Transfer for Compact Chuck Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools require complex and space-consuming workpiece transport systems with multiple degrees of freedom and control mechanisms, making them difficult to integrate and operate efficiently for transporting rod-shaped workpieces between a chuck and a workpiece carrier.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a swivel arm and a pneumatic gripping mechanism, where the swivel arm is pivotally mounted on a machine tool carriage with a 45° inclined pivot axis, allowing for efficient movement between two layers and alignment with the chuck, utilizing existing machine axes for fine adjustments and clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex transport device with multiple degrees of freedom and control mechanisms is used, then the workpiece can be transported between chuck and workpiece carrier, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport device with the machine tool carriage, integrating the gripping device directly into the existing machine structure. The swivel arm is mounted on the carriage, and the control unit utilizes the carriage's movement capabilities, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than using separate complex transport equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool carriage is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs its traditional machining functions and simultaneously serves as the mounting base for the gripping device and workpiece transport mechanism. The control unit also manages both the carriage movement and the gripping device operations, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated complex transport equipment
2Productivity
If a complex transport device with separate control mechanisms is used, then workpiece transport is achieved, but the control complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for the carriage and gripping device are merged into a single control unit. The control unit receives commands for workpiece changes and coordinates the carriage movement and gripping device operation as an integrated sequence, eliminating the need for separate control systems and their associated coordination complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically manages the entire workpiece change process by coordinating the carriage movement and gripping device operation based on simple input commands. The system performs the complex coordination internally without requiring external complex control mechanisms or manual intervention for each movement
3Measurement precision
If additional degrees of freedom are added to the transport device, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing degrees of freedom of the machine tool carriage for positioning purposes. The carriage's traditional movement capabilities along the machine axes are used to position the gripping device and workpiece with high accuracy, eliminating the need for additional dedicated positioning degrees of freedom in the transport device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a conveying device (38) for conveying a workpiece (23) between a chuck (22) and a workpiece support (30). The conveying device (38) has a gripper device (39) with a pivoting arm (40). One end of the pivoting arm (40) is mounted on the machine tool (20), in particular on a machine carriage (25), so that it can pivot about a first pivoting axis (S1) by means of a first part-turn actuator (41). The other end of the pivoting arm (40) has a second part-turn actuator (42) that defines a second pivot axis (S2). A workpiece gripper (43) is mounted so that it can pivot about the second pivot axis (S2). The two pivot axes are inclined at 45° to one another. A workpiece (23) that is held by the workpiece gripper (43) has a workpiece longitudinal axis (W) which, in a first position (I) of the workpiece gripper (43), runs at right angles to the first pivot axis (S1). In a second position (II) of the workpiece gripper (43), the workpiece longitudinal axis (W) is aligned in parallel with the first pivot axis (S1). The workpiece longitudinal axis (W) of the workpiece (23) that is held by the workpiece gripper (43) is inclined at 45° to the second pivot axis (S2).