Processing device and its modular smart tool handle

Abstract

A machining apparatus suitable for connecting a cutting tool includes a spindle unit and a smart tool holder connected to the spindle unit. The smart tool holder includes a tool holder unit defining a chamber, a sensing unit detachably inserted into the chamber, and a functional unit detachably confined within the tool holder unit. The sensing unit has two mating mounting seats and a sensing module positioned between the mounting seats. The functional unit has two mating limiting seats defining an installation space and an electronic control module inserted into the installation space and electrically connected to the sensing module. Thus, through the modular design of the sensing unit and the functional unit, not only are disassembly and assembly steps simplified and disassembly and assembly time shortened, but positioning accuracy is also improved, and maintenance and replacement are easier.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a smart knife handle, and more particularly to a processing device and its modular smart knife handle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Referring to Figure 1, a known sensing module 1 disclosed in Republic of China Patent No. I491463 includes a rotatable spindle 11, a tool holder 12 connected to the spindle 11 and capable of being driven by the spindle 11, a tool 13 connected to the tool holder 12 and used for machining a workpiece (not shown), a sensor 14 installed in the tool holder 12 and capable of generating a sensing signal, a wireless signal transmitter 15 installed in the tool holder 12 and capable of outputting the sensing signal to a remote device (not shown), and an energy converter 16 installed between the tool holder 12 and the spindle 11 for supplying electrical energy.

[0003] In this way, the sensor 14 can provide feedback on the bending moment, axial force, torque, amplitude, or temperature of the tool 13.

[0004] However, since each component of the sensor 14, the wireless signal transmitter 15 and the energy converter 16 is fixed to the handle 12 individually, there are many components, which are not easy to disassemble and assemble. Moreover, disassembly and assembly take a long time, and there are technical problems that make maintenance and replacement difficult.

[0005] More importantly, if the sensor 14 is only locked to the handle 12 by bolts (not shown), in addition to the possibility of deviation from the center due to installation tolerances, the sensor 14 will also be subjected to centrifugal force in the absence of other limiting structures, which will amplify the deviation from the center and pose a technical problem that the sensing accuracy needs to be improved. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a processing device and its modular smart handle that can simplify disassembly and assembly steps, shorten disassembly and assembly time, and is easy to maintain and replace.

[0007] Therefore, the modular smart handle of the present invention is suitable for connecting a spindle unit and a cutting tool, and includes a handle unit, a sensing unit, and a functional unit.

[0008] The tool holder unit includes a tool holder adapted to connect to the spindle unit, and a tool shank detachably connected to the tool holder along an axis and adapted to connect to the tool, the tool shank and the tool holder defining a chamber.

[0009] The sensing unit is inserted through the chamber and can be detachably fixed to the tool bar, including two mutually mating fixing seats and a sensing module positioned between the fixing seats.

[0010] The functional unit is disposed in the chamber and can be detachably limited between the tool holder and the tool bar, including two mutually mating limiting seats that define an installation space, and an electronic control module disposed in the installation space and electrically connected to the sensing module.

[0011] The processing device of the present invention is suitable for connecting a cutting tool, and includes a spindle unit and a smart tool handle as described above.

[0012] The spindle unit includes a bearing seat and a rotating shaft rotatably disposed on the bearing seat.

[0013] The handle of the smart knife is connected to the pivot, and the shank is suitable for connecting the knife.

[0014] The advantage of this invention is that the modular design of the sensing unit and the functional unit simplifies the disassembly and assembly steps, shortens the disassembly and assembly time, and makes it easy to maintain and replace.

Implementation Method

[0015] Referring to Figure 2, an embodiment of the processing device of the present invention is suitable for connecting a cutting tool 2, and includes a spindle unit 3, a tool holder unit 4, a sensing unit 5, a functional unit 6, a communication unit 7, and a power transmission unit 8. The tool holder unit 4, the sensing unit 5, the functional unit 6, and the communication unit 7 constitute a modular smart tool holder.

[0016] The main spindle unit 3 includes a bearing seat 31 and a rotating shaft 32 rotatably disposed on the bearing seat 31. The rotating shaft 32 has two first channels 321 extending from the end face to the circumferential surface and generally in the shape of an L.

[0017] The tool handle unit 4 includes a tool handle 41 connected to the spindle unit 3, and a tool bar 42 that is detachably connected to the tool handle 41 along an axis X and defines a chamber 40 with the tool handle 41.

[0018] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the handle 41 has two second channels 411 extending from the end face to communicate with the chamber 40.

[0019] The tool holder 42 is adapted to connect the tool 2 and includes an inner surface 421 surrounding the axis X and defining the chamber 40 together with the tool handle 41; a groove 422 extending from the inner surface 421 along the axis X and opening towards the tool handle 41; a mating surface 423 facing the tool handle 41 and engaging with the tool handle 41; an annular rib 424 extending from the mating surface 423 along the axis X and penetrating into the chamber 40; and two transmission channels 425 extending from the outer peripheral surface along a direction perpendicular to the axis X and communicating with the outside and the chamber 40. The annular rib 424 has two spaced-apart slots 426.

[0020] Referring to Figures 3, 5 to 7, the sensing unit 5 is detachably fixed to the knife bar 42 along the direction of the axis X and passes through the chamber 40. It includes two mutually mating fixing seats 51, a sensing module 52, a sensing transmission line 53, and two first fasteners 54.

[0021] Each of the fixing seats 51 has a mating surface 511. The mating surfaces 511 of the fixing seats 51 are mutually engaged. In this embodiment, one of the fixing seats 51 engages with the groove 422. The other fixing seat 51 also has a mounting groove 512 formed on the mating surface 511, and a mounting channel 513 communicating with the mounting groove 512 and for communicating with the chamber 40.

[0022] The sensing module 52 is disposed in the mounting slot 512 and positioned between the fixing seats 51. In this embodiment, the sensing module 52 is configured as an accelerometer, a microelectromechanical microphone, or a thermometer. The sensing module 52 is used to generate a sensing signal.

[0023] The sensing transmission line 53 is electrically connected to the sensing module 52 through the mounting channel 513. The sensing transmission line 53 is used to transmit the sensing signal.

[0024] The first bolts 54 are screwed onto the fixing seats 51 along the direction of the axis X, so that the fixing seats 51 are locked into a single unit. The first bolts 54 are also screwed onto the tool holder 42 through the fixing seats 51, so that the fixing seats 51 are fixed to the tool holder 42.

[0025] The functional unit 6 is detachably limited between the tool holder 41 and the tool bar 42 along the direction of the axis X and passes through the chamber 40. It includes two mutually opposing limiting seats 61 that define an installation space 601, an electronic control module 62, and two second bolts 63.

[0026] The mounting space 601 extends along the direction of the axis X and the opening faces the sensing unit 5.

[0027] Each of the limiting seats 61 has a pair of mating surfaces 611 and an abutment surface 612 in a direction opposite to the mating surfaces 611 along the axis X. The mating surfaces 611 of the limiting seats 61 face each other or abut against each other. The abutment surfaces 612 abut against the tool holder 41 and the tool bar 42, respectively. One of the limiting seats 61 also has two ribs 613 extending from the abutment surface 612 in the direction of the axis X and mating with the slots 426, a protrusion 614 extending from the abutment surface 612 in the direction of the axis X and located between the ribs 613, and a gap d defined between the abutment surface 612 and the ring rib 424. Each rib 613 defines a first length L1 in the direction of the axis X. The protrusion 614 defines a second length L2 greater than the first length L1 along the direction of the axis X, and has a line channel 615 extending along the direction of the axis X and communicating between the mounting space 601 and the chamber 40.

[0028] It should be noted that the number of such protruding ribs 613 and such slots 426 is not limited to two. In other variations of this embodiment, there may be one or more than three of each. This is not a limitation.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2, 6 and 7, the electronic control module 62 is disposed in the mounting space 601 and electrically connected to the sensing transmission line 53. The electronic control module 62 is electrically connected to the sensing module 52 through the sensing transmission line 53, and is used to receive sensing signals from the sensing module 52, and to obtain sensing data related to acceleration, acoustic waves, elastic waves, bending moment, axial force, torque, amplitude or temperature based on the sensing signals.

[0030] The second bolt 63 screws the limiting seats 61, thereby locking the limiting seats 61 into a single unit.

[0031] The communication unit 7 is installed on the tool holder 42 and includes a wireless communication module 71 and an electronic control transmission line 72.

[0032] The wireless communication module 71 surrounds the circumference of the tool holder 42 and is used to transmit the sensing data to a remote device (not shown).

[0033] The electronic control transmission line 72 is electrically connected to the wireless communication module 71 and the electronic control module 62 through the transmission channel 425. The electronic control transmission line 72 is used to transmit sensing data from the electronic control module 62 to the wireless communication module 71.

[0034] The power transmission unit 8 includes a first transmission module 81, a second transmission module 82, and a third transmission module 83.

[0035] The first transmission module 81 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 32.

[0036] The second transmission module 82 is mounted on the bearing 31 and surrounds the first transmission module 81. The second transmission module 82 is spaced apart from the first transmission module 81 and can transmit electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.

[0037] The third transmission module 83 has two first conductive contacts 831 mounted on the end face of the rotating shaft 32, two first electrical wires 832 passing through the first channels 321 and electrically connected to the first transmission module 81 and the first conductive contacts 831, two second conductive contacts 833 mounted on the tool holder 41 and disconnectably electrically connected to the first conductive contacts 831, and two second electrical wires 834 passing through the second channels 411 and electrically connected to the second conductive contacts 833 and the electronic control module 62.

[0038] When assembling the sensing unit 5, simply place the sensing module 52 and the sensing transmission line 53 into the mounting slot 512 and the mounting channel 513 respectively. Then, screw the fixing seats 51 with the first fasteners 54 to combine the fixing seats 51, the sensing module 52, and the sensing transmission line 53 into a single unit. At this time, the sensing transmission line 53 passes through the mounting channel 513 and exits the fixing seats 51.

[0039] When assembling the functional unit 6, simply insert the electronic control module 62 into the mounting space 601 between the limiting seats 61, and then screw the limiting seats 61 together with the second bolts 63 to combine the limiting seats 61 and the electronic control module 62 into a single unit. At this time, part of the electronic control module 62 is exposed through the opening of the mounting space 601.

[0040] Then, the sensing unit 5 is engaged in the groove 422 of the tool bar 42, and the first bolts 54 are screwed in until they are screwed onto the tool bar 42, thus fixing the sensing unit 5 to the tool bar 42. Next, the electronic control module 62 is electrically connected via the sensing transmission line 53 through the line channel 615, and the electronic control module 62 is electrically connected via the electronic control transmission line 72 through the transmission channel 425 to the mounting space 601. Finally, the functional unit 6 is inserted into the cavity 40 between the tool handle 41 and the tool bar 42, and the tool handle 41 and the tool bar 42 are engaged. During the assembly of the handle 41 and the shank 42, the annular rib 424 inserted into the mounting space 601 and the handle 41 press against the protruding rib 613 and the corresponding abutment surface 612 of the limiting seats 61, and the slots 426 engage with the protruding ribs 613, thus clamping the functional unit 6 between the handle 41 and the shank 42, preventing it from rotating relative to the shank 42. This completes the assembly of the smart knife handle.

[0041] It is worth noting that the number of the first bolts 54 is not limited to two. In other variations of this embodiment, there may be four or six. In the variation where there are six first bolts 54, four of the first bolts 54 are pre-locked to the fixing seats 51, and the remaining two first bolts 54 are screwed to the tool holder 41 through the fixing seats 51.

[0042] When assembling the smart knife handle and the spindle unit 3, simply attach the knife handle 41 to the rotating shaft 32 along the direction of the axis X. The second conductive contacts 833 can be electrically connected to the first conductive contacts 831, so that electrical energy is transmitted from the first transmission module 81 to the second transmission module 82 through electromagnetic induction. Then, it is transmitted to the electronic control module 62 through the first electrical wires 832, the first conductive contacts 831, the second conductive contacts 833, and the second electrical wires 834. Finally, it is transmitted to the wireless communication module 71 through the electronic control transmission line 72 and to the sensing module 52 through the sensing transmission line 53.

[0043] It should be noted that the aforementioned power transmission is not limited to the power transmission unit 8. In other variations of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, the functional unit 6 may also include four batteries 64. Furthermore, the limiting seats 61 define four power supply compartments 602. These power supply compartments 602 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the mounting space 601. Each battery 64 is installed in a separate power supply compartment 602 and electrically connected to the electronic control module 62. Thus, the batteries 64 directly supply the power required by the electronic control module 62, the sensing module 52, and the wireless communication module 71.

[0044] It is worth noting that the batteries 64 can also be rechargeable batteries. Therefore, when used with the power transmission unit 8, the batteries 64 can be charged through the power transmission unit 8, forming an uninterrupted power supply system. Alternatively, when the batteries 64 are depleted, the smart knife handle of the present invention can be detached from the spindle unit 3 and charged via a charging dock (not shown).

[0045] Based on the above description, the advantages of the aforementioned embodiments can be summarized as follows:

[0046] 1. The functional unit 6 and the sensing unit 5 of the present invention can be assembled into a single unit. In this way, through the modular design of the sensing unit 5 and the functional unit 6, not only can the disassembly and assembly steps be simplified and the disassembly and assembly time be shortened, but it is also easy to maintain and replace.

[0047] 2. The present invention can also limit the sensing unit 5 by means of the groove 422 of the tool holder 42, and correct the installation position of the sensing unit 5. In this way, the sensing unit 5 is kept close to the axis X and is not prone to deviating from the center, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0048] 3. In addition, the functional unit 6 can engage with the slot 426 of the blade shank 42 with the protruding ribs 613, without rotating relative to the blade shank 42. In this way, when the smart blade handle is driven by the rotating shaft 32 to rotate at high speed, it can remain stable within the chamber 40 without coming loose.

[0049] 4. Since the sensing unit 5 and the functional unit 6 are installed between the handle 41 and the bar 42, the functional unit 6 can be removed or the sensing unit 5 can be removed from the bar 42 simply by removing the handle 41 and the bar 42, which facilitates maintenance or replacement of the sensing unit 5, the functional unit 6, or the battery 64.

[0050] 5. In addition to being powered by the power transmission unit 8, the present invention can also be powered by a general battery 64 or a rechargeable battery 64. Therefore, it can be adapted to practical applications, offering multiple power supply options and thus improving ease of use.

[0051] 6. Furthermore, the power supply compartments 602 are defined between the limiting seats 61. When the limiting seats 61 pass through the chamber 40 and are pressed by the handle 41 and the bar 42, they can provide a pre-pressure to the batteries 64, thereby improving the stability of power transmission.

[0052] However, the above description is only an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0053] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a known sensing module disclosed in Republic of China Patent No. I491463; Figure 2 is an incomplete exploded cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the processing device of the present invention; Figure 3 is a partial combined cross-sectional view of the embodiment; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a modular smart knife handle in the embodiment; Figure 5 is an incomplete exploded perspective view illustrating a functional unit and a sensing unit in the embodiment; Figure 6 is an incomplete cross-sectional view of the smart knife handle in the embodiment; Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the smart knife handle in the embodiment; and Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view similar to Figure 7, but the functional unit also includes four batteries.

Claims

1. A modular smart tool holder, suitable for connecting a spindle unit and a cutting tool, comprising: a tool holder unit including a tool shank suitable for connecting the spindle unit, and a tool shank detachably connected to the tool shank along an axis and suitable for connecting the cutting tool, the tool shank and the tool shank defining a cavity; a sensing unit, disposed in the cavity and detachably fixed to the tool shank, including two mutually opposing mounting seats and a sensing module positioned between the mounting seats; and a functional unit, disposed in the cavity and detachably limited between the tool shank and the tool shank, including two mutually opposing limiting seats defining an installation space, and an electronic control module disposed in the installation space and electrically connected to the sensing module.

2. The modular smart knife handle as described in claim 1, wherein, The tool holder includes a groove with an opening facing the handle, the sensing unit is fixed to the tool holder along the axis, and at least one of the fixing seats engages with the groove, and the functional unit is limited between the handle and the tool holder along the axis.

3. The modular smart knife handle as described in claim 1, wherein, The sensing unit also includes a sensing transmission line. Each of the mounting bases has a mating surface that mates with each other. At least one of the mounting bases also has a mounting groove formed on the mating surface and a mounting channel communicating with the mounting groove and for communicating with the chamber. The sensing module is disposed in the mounting groove, and the sensing transmission line passes through the mounting channel and is electrically connected to the sensing module and the electronic control module.

4. The modular smart knife handle as described in claim 1, wherein, The mounting space extends along the axis and opens toward the sensing unit. The blade bar has a mating surface facing the handle and an annular rib extending from the mating surface along the axis and passing through the chamber. The annular rib has at least one slot. Each of the limiting seats has a pair of mating surfaces and an abutting surface in the direction opposite to the mating surfaces along the axis. The mating surfaces face each other and the abutting surfaces abut against the handle and the blade bar, respectively. One of the limiting seats also has at least one protruding rib extending from the abutting surface along the axis and mating with the at least one slot.

5. The modular smart knife handle as described in claim 4, wherein, The ring rib has two slots, one of the limiting seats has two protruding ribs and a protrusion extending from the abutment surface along the axis and located between the protruding ribs. Each protruding rib defines a first length along the axis, and the protrusion defines a second length greater than the first length along the axis, and has a linear channel extending along the axis and communicating with the mounting space and the chamber.

6. The modular smart knife handle as described in claim 1 further includes a communication unit, the knife handle having a transmission channel connecting the outside world and the chamber, the communication unit being installed on the knife handle, including a wireless communication module surrounding the knife handle, and an electrical control transmission line electrically connecting the wireless communication module and the electronic control module and communicating with the installation space through the transmission channel.

7. The modular smart knife handle as described in claim 1, wherein, The functional unit also includes at least one battery electrically connected to the electronic control module, and the limiting seats further define at least one power supply compartment, wherein the at least one battery is installed in the at least one power supply compartment.

8. A machining apparatus suitable for connecting a cutting tool, comprising: a spindle unit including a bearing and a shaft rotatably disposed therethrough; and a smart tool holder as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein... The tool holder is connected to the pivot, and the tool shank is suitable for connecting the tool.

9. The processing apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further includes a power transmission unit comprising a first transmission module sleeved on the rotating shaft, a second transmission module mounted on the shaft seat and surrounding the first transmission module, and a third transmission module, the second transmission module and the first transmission module being capable of transmitting electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, the third transmission module having two first conductive contacts electrically connected to the first transmission module and extending out of the rotating shaft along the axis, and two second conductive contacts mounted on the tool holder and electrically connected to the electronic control module, the second conductive contacts being detachably electrically connected to the first conductive contacts.

10. The processing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The shaft has two first channels formed between the first transmission module and the first conductive contacts, the tool holder has two second channels formed between the second conductive contacts and the chamber, and the third transmission module also has two first electrical wires passing through the first channels and electrically connected to the first transmission module and the first conductive contacts, and two second electrical wires passing through the second channels and electrically connected to the second conductive contacts and the electronic control module.

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