Quick change device for tapping mechanism of numerical control machine tool
By designing a quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool, the rapid repositioning of the tapping machine body and the automatic replacement of the cutting head are realized, solving the problem of machining interruption caused by cutting head replacement in the existing technology, and improving machining efficiency and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DALIAN HANMA TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing tapping machines require pausing when changing tapping head models, resulting in low processing efficiency and an inability to achieve continuous processing.
A quick-change device for tapping mechanism of CNC machine tool was designed, including a shifting part, a lifting part, a positioning part and a tool magazine assembly. Through the coordinated work of these components, the rapid shifting of the tapping machine body and the automatic replacement of the tool head are realized, ensuring the continuity and accuracy of machining.
It enables rapid replacement of different specifications of cutting heads, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of workpiece processing, avoiding processing interruptions caused by changing cutting heads, and improving processing accuracy and efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224347069U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tapping machine technology, and more specifically, to a quick-change device for tapping mechanisms of CNC machine tools. Background Technology
[0002] A tapping machine is a machining device that processes internal threads, screws, or threads on the inner surface of holes in various parts such as machine housings, equipment end faces, nuts, and flanges, using through holes or blind holes of different specifications. Tapping machines are also called thread tapping machines, automatic tapping machines, etc., and the tapping head is an important component of the tapping machine.
[0003] However, in actual use, existing tapping machines often require frequent changes to the tapping head model due to different processing needs in industrial production. When changing the tapping head, it is usually necessary to pause the equipment and then slowly disassemble and replace it. Since tapping machines are generally single-station machines, the processing will be interrupted during the replacement process, which affects the processing efficiency of the workpiece thread hole. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of CNC machine tools to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool, comprising: an operating table, a dual-axis displacement platform mounted on the front side of the upper surface of the operating table, and an assembly frame fixed on the rear side of the upper surface of the operating table;
[0006] A switching unit, which is mounted on the operating table;
[0007] The lifting part is fixed on the switching part, and the lifting part is symmetrically mounted with tapping machine bodies. The output ends of the two tapping machine bodies are equipped with cutting heads through electric chucks.
[0008] A positioning part is disposed on the operating table and the switching part, and the positioning part is used to insert and stabilize the switching part;
[0009] A tool magazine assembly, which is mounted on the operating table;
[0010] Assembly parts, wherein several of the assembly parts are disposed on the tool magazine assembly, wherein
[0011] Drive the lifting unit, and the two tapping machine bodies move vertically, respectively approaching the dual-axis displacement platform and the tool magazine assembly or synchronously contacting the positioning unit;
[0012] The shifting unit is driven, and the two tapping machine bodies on the lifting unit exchange positions.
[0013] Furthermore, the shifting unit includes a support frame fixed inside the operating table, a shifting platform rotatably installed in the operating table and the support frame, a transmission gear ring fixedly sleeved outside the shifting platform, a first motor installed inside the operating table, and a drive gear fixed at the output end of the first motor and meshing with the transmission gear ring through the support frame.
[0014] Furthermore, the lifting unit includes a lifting frame symmetrically fixed on the switching platform, a second motor installed on the top of the lifting frame, a control screw rotatably installed inside the lifting frame and fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor, a control seat threadedly connected to the control screw, two mounting seats symmetrically fixed on the control seat, several guide rails symmetrically fixed on the lifting frame, and several guide blocks respectively fixed on the two mounting seats and slidably connected to the several guide rails.
[0015] The two tapping machine bodies are respectively mounted on the two mounting bases.
[0016] Furthermore, the positioning unit includes two limiting seats symmetrically fixed on the operating table and extending above the switching platform, two positioning frames symmetrically fixed on the lifting frame, two positioning rods movably installed in the two positioning frames, a control ring movably sleeved on the outside of the positioning frame and fixedly connected to the two positioning rods, and two positioning grooves respectively opened on the two limiting seats and adapted to the lower ends of the two positioning rods.
[0017] Furthermore, the positioning part also includes two limiting blocks fixed on the two positioning rods respectively, and two positioning springs fixed between the two limiting blocks and the two positioning frames, and movably sleeved on the two positioning rods respectively.
[0018] Furthermore, the positioning part also includes a plurality of limiting balls movably mounted on the support frame and the two limiting seats, and two annular limiting grooves symmetrically opened on the shifting platform and adapted to the plurality of limiting balls.
[0019] Furthermore, the tool magazine assembly includes a tool magazine base rotatably mounted in the assembly frame, a plurality of tool magazine slots arranged in a circular array on the tool magazine base, a third motor mounted in the operating table, two transmission gears fixed at the output end of the third motor and on the tool magazine base, and a transmission toothed belt meshing on the two transmission gears.
[0020] Furthermore, the assembly part includes a plurality of assembly rings slidably installed in the tool magazine slot, a top support spring disposed in the assembly ring and fixedly connected at both ends to the assembly ring and the inner wall of the tool magazine slot respectively, a plurality of control slots arranged in a ring array in the assembly ring, a plurality of locking blocks slidably installed in the plurality of control slots and abutting against the tool head, and a plurality of return springs disposed in the plurality of control slots and fixedly connected at both ends to the locking blocks and the inner wall of the control slot respectively.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following beneficial effects:
[0022] This quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool, through its switching section, enables the switching of two tapping machine bodies, allowing for the rapid replacement of two different sized cutting heads for workpiece machining. While one tapping machine body is performing tapping operations, the other tapping machine body works in conjunction with the tool magazine assembly and several assembly sections, each equipped with a different sized cutting head. This allows for the replacement of various cutting heads on the tapping machine body, enabling tapping operations with different sized cutting heads during subsequent switching of the two tapping machine bodies. This device is highly practical, and when both tapping machines are operating, the tapping and head-changing operations are performed simultaneously, eliminating the need to pause the equipment for cutting head disassembly and replacement. This ensures continuous workpiece machining and effectively improves workpiece machining efficiency.
[0023] This quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool, through the lifting unit driving the two tapping machine bodies upward, can abut against the control positioning unit, releasing the restriction on the shifting table in the shifting unit and ensuring the normal operation of the shifting unit. After the two tapping machine bodies complete the shifting, when the lifting unit drives the two tapping machine bodies downward to release the support of the positioning unit, the two positioning rods in the positioning unit can be inserted into the two positioning slots respectively, thereby effectively restricting the movement of the shifting table in the shifting unit, effectively improving the accuracy and stability of the position after the shifting table rotates, avoiding positional deviation when the tapping machine bodies are processing the workpiece, and ensuring the processing accuracy of the workpiece. Attached Figure Description
[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of the present invention is shown;
[0026] Figure 2 This invention provides a partially cross-sectional perspective view. Figure One ;
[0027] Figure 3 This invention demonstrates a partially disassembled three-dimensional representation. Figure One ;
[0028] Figure 4 A partial bottom-view perspective view of this utility model is shown;
[0029] Figure 5 A partial front view of the present invention is shown;
[0030] Figure 6 A partial perspective view of the present invention is shown;
[0031] Figure 7 This invention provides a partially cross-sectional perspective view. Figure Two ;
[0032] Figure 8 This invention demonstrates a partially disassembled three-dimensional representation. Figure Two .
[0033] In the picture
[0034] 1. Operating console; 2. Dual-axis displacement platform; 3. Assembly frame; 4. Switching unit; 5. Lifting unit; 6. Positioning unit; 7. Tool magazine assembly; 8. Assembly unit; 9. Support frame; 10. Switching table; 11. Transmission gear ring; 12. First motor; 13. Drive gear; 14. Lifting frame; 15. Second motor; 16. Control screw; 17. Control base; 18. Assembly base; 19. Guide rail; 20. Guide block; 21. Limit seat; 22. 1. Positioning frame; 23. Positioning rod; 24. Control ring; 25. Positioning groove; 26. Limiting block; 27. Positioning spring; 28. Limiting ball; 29. Annular limiting groove; 30. Tool magazine base; 31. Tool magazine groove; 32. Third motor; 33. Transmission gear; 34. Transmission toothed belt; 35. Assembly ring; 36. Top support spring; 37. Control groove; 38. Locking block; 39. Return spring; 40. Tapping machine body; 41. Cutting head. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the present invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.
[0036] like Figures 1-8 As shown, the quick-change device for tapping mechanism of CNC machine tool includes: an operating table 1, a dual-axis displacement platform 2 installed on the front side of the upper surface of the operating table 1, and an assembly frame 3 fixed on the rear side of the upper surface of the operating table 1.
[0037] The switching part 4 is installed on the operating table 1;
[0038] Lifting part 5, the lifting part 5 is fixed on the switching part 4, and tapping machine body 40 is symmetrically installed on the lifting part 5. The output ends of the two tapping machine bodies 40 are equipped with cutter heads 41 through electric chucks.
[0039] Positioning part 6 is disposed on the operating table 1 and the switching part 4, and the positioning part 6 is used to insert and stabilize the switching part 4.
[0040] Tool magazine assembly 7, which is mounted on the operating table 1;
[0041] Assembly parts 8, a plurality of the assembly parts 8 are disposed on the tool magazine assembly 7, wherein
[0042] Drive the lifting unit 5, and the two tapping machine bodies 40 move vertically, respectively approaching the dual-axis displacement platform 2 and the tool magazine assembly 7 or simultaneously abutting the positioning unit 6;
[0043] Drive the switching unit 4, and the two tapping machine bodies 40 on the lifting unit 5 exchange positions;
[0044] The tool head 41 consists of a tapping head and a tool holder. The electric chuck adopts a high-precision ER or TG type spring collet, and the tool holder adopts a rigid tapping special tool holder.
[0045] In use, several commonly used cutter heads 41 are pre-assembled in the tool magazine assembly 7 via the assembly part 8, and an assembly part 8 is reserved for replacing the cutter heads 41.
[0046] During operation, the tapping heads 41 mounted on the two tapping machine bodies 40 are of different specifications. The lifting unit 5 operates, controlling the two tapping machine bodies 40 to move downwards. One tapping machine body 40 taps the workpiece placed on the dual-axis displacement platform 2. When it is necessary to change the tapping head 41 to process internal threads of different specifications, the lifting unit 5 controls the two tapping machine bodies 40 to move upwards, supporting the positioning unit 6 and releasing the locking of the position of the shifting unit 4. At this time, the shifting unit 4 operates, driving the lifting unit 5 to rotate, causing the two tapping machine bodies 40 on the lifting unit 5 to complete the shifting, quickly completing the shifting of the tapping head 41 to process internal threads of different specifications. When the two tapping machine bodies 40 have completed the shifting and the lifting unit 5 controls the tapping machine bodies 40 to move downwards to tap the workpiece, the lifting of the positioning unit 6 is released, allowing the two positioning rods 23 in the positioning unit 6 to insert into the two positioning slots 25 respectively, thereby moving the shifting table in the shifting unit 4. 10. Limiting and fixing is performed to prevent positional displacement of the tapping machine body 40 when processing the workpiece, ensuring the processing accuracy of the workpiece; while the tapping machine body 40, located above the dual-axis displacement platform 2, is performing tapping processing under the control of the lifting unit 5, another tapping machine body 40 will simultaneously approach the tool magazine assembly 7. During the rotation of the tool magazine unit in the tool magazine assembly 7, which drives several assembly parts 8 to rotate and change positions, one assembly part 8 without a tool head 41 stores the tool head 41 from the other tapping machine body 40. With the cooperation of the other assembly parts 8, the required tool head 41 is installed on the other tapping machine body 40. Thus, when the two tapping machine bodies 40 are subsequently changed positions, tapping operations with other specifications of tool heads 41 can be performed. This is highly practical, and the tapping operation and the head changing operation are carried out simultaneously without stopping the equipment to disassemble and replace the tool head 41, ensuring the continuity of workpiece processing and ensuring workpiece processing efficiency.
[0047] Optionally, the shifting unit 4 includes a support frame 9 fixed inside the operating table 1, a shifting platform 10 rotatably installed inside the operating table 1 and the support frame 9, a transmission gear ring 11 fixedly sleeved outside the shifting platform 10, a first motor 12 installed inside the operating table 1, and a drive gear 13 fixed at the output end of the first motor 12 and meshing with the transmission gear ring 11 through the support frame 9. In use, the first motor 12 is driven to work, controlling the drive gear 13 to rotate, and meshing with the transmission gear ring 11 to drive the shifting platform 10 to rotate inside the operating table 1 and the support frame 9, so that the lifting part 5 on the shifting platform 10 rotates and shifts with the two tapping machine bodies 40, thereby enabling continuous drilling and tapping of the workpiece without the need for a head-changing operation in the middle.
[0048] Optionally, the lifting unit 5 includes a lifting frame 14 symmetrically fixed on the switching platform 10, a second motor 15 mounted on the top of the lifting frame 14, a control screw 16 rotatably mounted inside the lifting frame 14 and fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor 15, a control seat 17 threadedly connected to the control screw 16, two mounting seats 18 symmetrically fixed on the control seat 17, a plurality of guide rails 19 symmetrically fixed on the lifting frame 14, and a plurality of guide blocks 20 respectively fixed on the two mounting seats 18 and slidably connected to the plurality of guide rails 19.
[0049] The two tapping machine bodies 40 are respectively mounted on the two mounting bases 18. When in use, the second motor 15 is driven to work, and the second lead screw rotates in the lifting frame 14, thereby driving the control base 17 to move the two mounting bases 18 vertically under the guidance and limitation of several guide rails 19 and guide blocks 20. This allows the two tapping machine bodies 40 to move down to work, and also to move up to control the positioning part 6.
[0050] Optionally, the positioning unit 6 includes two limiting seats 21 symmetrically fixed on the operating table 1 and extending above the switching table 10, two positioning frames 22 symmetrically fixed on the lifting frame 14, two positioning rods 23 movably installed in the two positioning frames 22, a control ring 24 movably sleeved on the outside of the positioning frames 22 and fixedly connected to the two positioning rods 23, and two positioning slots 25 respectively opened on the two limiting seats 21 and adapted to the lower ends of the two positioning rods 23. In use, the lifting unit 5 controls the two tapping machine main... As the body 40 moves upward, it pushes the control ring 24 upward, thereby causing the lower ends of the two positioning rods 23 to disengage from the two positioning slots 25, releasing the limit on the lifting part 5 and the shifting table 10. At this time, the shifting part 4 can start working, controlling the two tapping machine bodies 40 to switch positions. After the position is switched, the lifting part 5 controls the two tapping machine bodies 40 to move downward and reset, releasing the resistance to the control ring 24, thereby causing the two positioning rods 23 to reset and insert into the two positioning slots 25 respectively, restricting the rotation of the shifting table 10, and effectively improving the accuracy and stability of the position after the shifting table 10 rotates.
[0051] Optionally, the positioning part 6 further includes two limiting blocks 26 respectively fixed on the two positioning rods 23, and two positioning springs 27 fixed between the two limiting blocks 26 and the two positioning frames 22 and movably sleeved on the two positioning rods 23. After the two mounting seats 18 release their support on the control ring 24, the two limiting blocks 26 can drive the lower ends of the two positioning rods 23 to quickly and stably insert into the two positioning slots 25 under the elastic force of the two return springs 39, and maintain the position of the two positioning rods 23, so as to prevent the two positioning rods 23 from dislodging from the two positioning slots 25 and affecting the positioning stability of the two tapping machine bodies 40 on the lifting part 5.
[0052] Optionally, the positioning part 6 further includes a plurality of limiting balls 28 movably mounted on the support frame 9 and the two limiting seats 21, and two annular limiting grooves 29 symmetrically opened on the shifting platform 10 and adapted to the plurality of limiting balls 28. When the shifting platform 10 rotates, the plurality of limiting balls 28 will move in the two annular limiting grooves 29 respectively, thereby effectively improving the stability and smoothness of the shifting platform 10 rotating between the support frame 9 and the two limiting seats 21, and ensuring the stable operation of the lifting part 5 and the two tapping machine bodies 40.
[0053] Optionally, the tool magazine assembly 7 includes a tool magazine base 30 rotatably mounted within the assembly frame 3, a plurality of tool magazine slots 31 arranged in a circular array on the tool magazine base 30, a third motor 32 mounted within the operating table 1, two transmission gears 33 fixed at the output end of the third motor 32 and on the tool magazine base 30, and a transmission belt 34 meshing with the two transmission gears 33. In use, the third motor 32 is driven to operate, and under the meshing transmission of the transmission belt 34 and the two transmission gears 33, the tool magazine base 30 is controlled to rotate within the assembly frame 3, causing the positions of the plurality of assembly parts 8 to be adjusted, thereby cooperating with the two lowered tapping machine bodies 40, through one of the assembly parts. The device 8 stores and fixes the cutting head 41 on one of the tapping machine bodies 40. While the two tapping machine bodies 40 move down again, one tapping machine body 40 controls the cutting head 41 to perform tapping operations, and the chuck on the other tapping machine body 40 can clamp the cutting head 41 installed in the other assembly part 8 to complete the replacement of the cutting head 41 on the tapping machine body 40. The tapping operation and the head replacement operation are carried out simultaneously, which effectively improves the practicality of the device. Furthermore, the assembly part 8 is not installed in one of the tool magazine slots 31 in the tool magazine base 30. Therefore, when the tapping machine body 40 does not need to replace the cutting head 41, the tool magazine slot 31 is opposite to the tapping machine body 40, which facilitates the movement of the cutting head 41 on the tapping machine body 40.
[0054] Optionally, the assembly part 8 includes a plurality of assembly rings 35 slidably installed in the tool magazine slot 31, a top support spring 36 disposed in the assembly rings 35 and fixedly connected at both ends to the inner wall of the assembly rings 35 and the tool magazine slot 31 respectively, a plurality of control slots 37 arranged in a ring array in the assembly rings 35, a plurality of locking blocks 38 slidably installed in the plurality of control slots 37 and abutting against the tool head 41, and a plurality of return springs 39 disposed in the plurality of control slots 37 and fixedly connected at both ends to the locking blocks 38 and the inner wall of the control slots 37 respectively. In use, the prepared tool head 41 can be inserted into the assembly rings 35, and under the elastic push of the plurality of return springs 39, the plurality of locking blocks 38 move closer to each other. The spring 39 and the locking block 38 fix the cutting head 41 within the assembly ring 35. The locking block 38 and the contact end of the cutting head 41 are semi-circular, facilitating the subsequent pulling of the required cutting head 41 directly from the assembly ring 35 by the tapping machine body 40. Simultaneously, the supporting spring 36 restricts the movement of the assembly ring 35 within the tool magazine groove 31. When the tapping machine body 40 moves downwards to contact the cutting head 41, it can push the assembly ring 35 downwards within the tool magazine groove 31, ensuring effective contact between the cutting head 41 and the tapping machine body 40. This ensures that the tapping machine body 40 can effectively contact the cutting head 41 at different downward distances, facilitating the replacement of the cutting head 41.
[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool, characterized in that, include: The operating table (1), the dual-axis displacement platform (2) installed on the front side of the upper surface of the operating table (1), and the assembly frame (3) fixed on the rear side of the upper surface of the operating table (1). A switching unit (4) is installed on the operating table (1); Lifting part (5), the lifting part (5) is fixed on the switching part (4), and the lifting part (5) is symmetrically mounted with tapping machine body (40), and the output ends of the two tapping machine bodies (40) are all mounted with cutter heads (41) through electric chucks. Positioning part (6) is provided on the operating table (1) and the switching part (4), and the positioning part (6) is used to insert and stabilize the switching part (4). Tool magazine assembly (7), which is mounted on the operating table (1); Assembly parts (8), several of the assembly parts (8) are provided on the tool magazine assembly (7), wherein Drive the lifting unit (5), and the two tapping machine bodies (40) move vertically, respectively approaching the dual-axis displacement platform (2) and the tool magazine assembly (7) or synchronously abutting the positioning unit (6). Drive the switching part (4), and the two tapping machine bodies (40) on the lifting part (5) exchange positions.
2. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting unit (4) includes a support frame (9) fixed inside the operating table (1), a shifting platform (10) rotatably installed in the operating table (1) and the support frame (9), a transmission gear ring (11) fixedly sleeved outside the shifting platform (10), a first motor (12) installed inside the operating table (1), and a drive gear (13) fixed at the output end of the first motor (12) and meshing with the transmission gear ring (11) through the support frame (9).
3. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting unit (5) includes a lifting frame (14) symmetrically fixed on the switching platform (10), a second motor (15) installed on the top of the lifting frame (14), a control screw (16) rotatably installed inside the lifting frame (14) and fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor (15), a control seat (17) threadedly connected to the control screw (16), two mounting seats (18) symmetrically fixed on the control seat (17), several guide rails (19) symmetrically fixed on the lifting frame (14), and several guide blocks (20) respectively fixed on the two mounting seats (18) and slidably connected to the several guide rails (19). The two tapping machine bodies (40) are respectively mounted on the two mounting bases (18).
4. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning part (6) includes two limiting seats (21) symmetrically fixed on the operating table (1) and extending above the switching table (10), two positioning frames (22) symmetrically fixed on the lifting frame (14), two positioning rods (23) movably installed in the two positioning frames (22), a control ring (24) movably sleeved on the outside of the positioning frame (22) and fixedly connected to the two positioning rods (23), and two positioning slots (25) respectively opened on the two limiting seats (21) and adapted to the lower ends of the two positioning rods (23).
5. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning part (6) also includes two limiting blocks (26) fixed on the two positioning rods (23) respectively, and two positioning springs (27) fixed between the two limiting blocks (26) and the two positioning frames (22) and movably sleeved on the two positioning rods (23) respectively.
6. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning part (6) also includes a plurality of limiting balls (28) movably mounted on the support frame (9) and the two limiting seats (21), and two annular limiting grooves (29) symmetrically opened on the shifting platform (10) and adapted to the plurality of limiting balls (28).
7. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tool magazine assembly (7) includes a tool magazine base (30) rotatably mounted in the assembly frame (3), a plurality of tool magazine slots (31) arranged in a ring on the tool magazine base (30), a third motor (32) mounted in the operating table (1), two transmission gears (33) fixed at the output end of the third motor (32) and on the tool magazine base (30), and a transmission belt (34) meshing on the two transmission gears (33).
8. The quick-change device for the tapping mechanism of a CNC machine tool as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The assembly part (8) includes a plurality of assembly rings (35) slidably installed in the tool magazine groove (31), a top support spring (36) disposed in the assembly rings (35) and fixedly connected at both ends to the inner wall of the assembly rings (35) and the tool magazine groove (31), a plurality of control grooves (37) arranged in a ring array in the assembly rings (35), a plurality of locking blocks (38) slidably installed in the plurality of control grooves (37) and abutting against the tool head (41), and a plurality of return springs (39) disposed in the plurality of control grooves (37) and fixedly connected at both ends to the locking blocks (38) and the inner wall of the control grooves (37).