Trunnion Table Layout for Faster Five-Axis Workpiece Changing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools with pallet changers face inefficiencies in workpiece processing, particularly in five-axis machines, where the need for axis avoidance increases processing time and limits access, leading to slow inverting operations and restricted layout for installation surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system with a trunnion unit that allows the table to rotate along a front-rear direction and move in the right-left direction, enabling the main spindle to approach the workpiece in the up-down direction, and incorporating workpiece loading and unloading devices on both sides for simultaneous access, allowing for efficient workpiece changing and processing on all surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pallet changer is mounted to a five-axis machine, then the machine can perform multi-axis processing, but the changing period of the pallet becomes long due to increased avoidance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece loading and unloading device is divided into multiple independent units (first and second units) positioned on opposite sides of the machine tool. This segmentation allows parallel operations where one unit loads/unloads workpieces while the other performs avoidance operations, eliminating the sequential bottleneck in traditional single-unit pallet changers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a lateral dimension for workpiece access by positioning loading and unloading units on the left and right sides of the machine tool rather than using only front/rear access. This dimensional change enables simultaneous operations from multiple directions, reducing the time required for pallet changing in five-axis machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an inverting mechanism is mounted in the workpiece loading and unloading device, then the workpiece can be inverted for processing on installation surface, but the driving device has to be small leading to slow inverting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The inversion function is separated from the loading/unloading units and assigned to a dedicated table inversion mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the loading/unloading units focus on rapid workpiece handling while the inversion mechanism is designed specifically for fast workpiece orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The table serves as an intermediary component that receives workpieces from loading units and facilitates inversion through a dedicated mechanism before transferring to the processing area. This intermediary approach allows the inversion operation to be performed by a specialized mechanism rather than being integrated into the loading/unloading device, enabling faster operation.
3Productivity
If a large-scaled pallet changing means is used, then workpiece changing can be performed, but access can be made only from a certain direction leading to limited layout for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet changing function is segmented into multiple smaller loading and unloading units distributed on opposite sides of the machine tool. This segmentation replaces the single large-scale mechanism with multiple accessible points, enabling workpiece handling from both left and right directions and providing flexible layout options for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-direction (front/rear) access to multi-directional (left/right/front/rear) access by positioning loading and unloading units on opposite lateral sides. This dimensional expansion provides layout flexibility and allows workpiece changing without requiring a single large-scale mechanism that limits access directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a base, a table, a main spindle, and a trunnion unit. The table is installed on the base. A tool is mounted to the main spindle. The main spindle is caused to approach a workpiece on the table along an up-down direction. The trunnion unit is configured to rotatably hold the table on which the workpiece is placed using a rotation axis along a front-rear direction as a center. The trunnion unit is disposed movable in a right-left direction.