Machine Tool Unloading Station With Workpiece Switch and Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines for cutting tubular or rod-shaped workpieces face inefficiencies in productivity due to manual handling and limited storage capacity in unloading stations, which hinder the swift and efficient removal of processed workpieces.
Innovation Solution
An unloading station equipped with a longitudinal conveyor and a workpiece switch, such as a movable stop bar or pivotable flap, allows for automatic transfer of processed workpieces onto the conveyor, enhancing storage capacity and enabling quick removal, with adjustable features to accommodate varying workpiece lengths and diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are manually removed from the workpiece support, then the structure remains simple, but productivity decreases due to manual handling time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service unloading where the longitudinal conveyor automatically transports workpieces from the unloading device to the handling device, eliminating the need for manual removal and significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated conveyor system consisting of a longitudinal conveyor and handling device that automatically transfer workpieces, reducing labor intervention and increasing production speed
2Quantity of substance
If workpiece support is located directly at the unloading device, then rapid removal is enabled, but storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a longitudinal conveyor that extends the workpiece transport path in the longitudinal dimension, allowing multiple workpieces to be stored and transported sequentially, thereby increasing storage capacity without compromising rapid removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal conveyor acts as an intermediary between the unloading device and the handling device, providing a buffer zone that can hold multiple workpieces simultaneously, thus increasing storage capacity while maintaining efficient transfer rates
3Object-affected harmful factors
If workpieces are transferred directly to workpiece support, then handling is simple, but damage and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal conveyor serves as an intermediary transport mechanism that gently conveys workpieces away from the unloading device, reducing impact and noise compared to direct transfer to workpiece support
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by using the longitudinal conveyor to gradually decelerate and position workpieces before final placement, minimizing impact damage and noise generation during the transfer process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an unloading station for a machining station (12) and to a machine tool (11) for cutting tubular or rod-shaped workpieces (13), the unloading station comprising an unloading device (26), which receives workpieces (13) led out of a machining station (12), and at least one workpiece support (29), into which the at least one workpiece (13) can be transferred from the unloading device (26), wherein an ejection device (28) for selectively ejecting workpieces (13) from the unloading device (26) is provided, which ejection device comprises a longitudinal conveying device (31) extending at least between the unloading device (26) and the workpiece support (29) and comprises a workpiece switch (32), by means of which the workpiece (13) led away from the unloading device (26) can be transferred into the longitudinal conveying device (31) or onto the workpiece support (29).