Workpiece Transfer Mechanism for Compact Machine Tool Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools with vertically movable tables require large spaces for installation and increased machining time due to the size and inertia of workpiece carriages, which are necessary for handling workpieces attached to carriers.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece attachment/removal device with a transfer mechanism that includes clamping arms and a linear drive system, allowing for compact operation outside the machine tool, reducing the need for excessive space and enabling efficient workpiece transfer without influencing machining time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a workpiece carriage and workpiece carrier are used to convey and hold workpieces, then automatic workpiece conveyance and machining are enabled, but the overall size of the machine tool is excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the workpiece carrier from the machine tool structure, placing it on the table rather than integrating it into a large workpiece carriage. This separation allows the machine tool to maintain a compact size while still achieving automatic workpiece conveyance through the table's movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The table serves multiple functions: it acts as both the machining surface and the conveyance mechanism for workpieces. By making the table movable in the vertical direction, it simultaneously performs positioning and automatic conveyance, eliminating the need for a separate large workpiece carriage.
2Reliability
If the workpiece carriage is made larger to hold the workpiece carrier, then the workpiece can be securely held and conveyed, but the inertia increases and moving speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the workpiece carrier from the workpiece carriage structure and placing it directly on the table, the patent significantly reduces the mass of the moving workpiece carriage. This extraction maintains workpiece holding stability through the table's support while dramatically reducing inertia for faster vertical movement.
3Device complexity
If the space between the workpiece carriage and machining unit is increased, then the workpiece carriage can accommodate the workpiece carrier, but the spindle movement distance increases and machining time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The table performs dual functions as both the workpiece support structure and the conveyance mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional space between the workpiece carriage and machining unit, as the table itself handles workpiece positioning and movement, thereby reducing spindle movement distance and machining time.
4Extent of automation
If roller conveyors and workpiece carriage are made larger, then they can handle the workpiece carrier, but the installation space required is excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the workpiece carrier from the complex workpiece carriage system and places it directly on the table. This simplification eliminates the need for large roller conveyors and extensive installation space, while maintaining automatic workpiece conveyance capability through the table's vertical movement.
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
The solution allows for a compact machine tool design with reduced installation space requirements and optimized machining times by directly clamping and transferring workpieces, eliminating the need for large workpiece carriers and minimizing the impact on machine tool configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a linear drive part moving the base along the X-axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a clamping drive part opening and closing the clamping arms
Implementation Method 3
a turning drive part supporting the clamping arms on the base and turning the clamping arms such that the tip ends thereof pivot between a lower position and an upper position
Implementation Method 4
a table supported on front surfaces of the pair of columns to be movable along a vertical Y-axis
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece attachment/removal device includes a guide mechanism disposed along an X-axis before a table, first and second placement tables disposed at right and left sides of the table behind the guide mechanism, and a transfer mechanism moving along the X-axis while being guided by the guide mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a base engaged with the guide mechanism and moving along the X-axis, a linear drive part moving the base along the X-axis, a pair of clamping arms having tip ends positioned at the table side, a clamping drive part opening and closing the clamping arms, and a turning drive part turning the clamping arms to move the tip ends of the clamping arms between a lower position and an upper position.