Automatic Tool Changer for Angle Tool Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no mechanism for automatically changing tools on small-sized angle tool holders attached to vertical machining centers, limiting their ability to perform efficient five-face machining.
Innovation Solution
A vertical machining center with an automatic tool changer system that includes an angle tool holder storage unit with a servomotor, ball screw, and a rotary drum magazine, allowing for the automatic attachment and detachment of tools from the angle tool holder, ensuring reliable and efficient tool changes without damaging the tool holder or spindle bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automatic tool changing mechanism is added to the angle tool holder, then tool changing efficiency is improved, but the size and weight of the angle tool holder increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic tool changing mechanism is separated from the angle tool holder and integrated into the spindle assembly. This segmentation allows the tool holder to remain lightweight while the automation function is provided by the spindle's existing structure, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the rotating component for machining operations and as the automatic tool changing mechanism. By making the spindle multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate automation hardware to the angle tool holder, thus maintaining its lightweight design while achieving automatic tool changing capability.
2Extent of automation
If the angle tool holder is made larger to include automatic tool changing mechanism, then tool changing automation is improved, but the adaptability to small-sized machines is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the automatic tool changing function from the angle tool holder and integrating it into the spindle assembly, the patent maintains the compact size of the angle tool holder suitable for small machines while providing automation capability through the spindle's structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions including both machining operations and automatic tool changing. This multi-functionality allows small machines to achieve automation without requiring larger, more complex angle tool holders, thus maintaining adaptability to small-sized machines while improving automation extent.
3Speed
If a complex automatic tool changing mechanism is integrated into the angle tool holder, then tool changing speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automatic tool changing function from the angle tool holder and places it in the spindle assembly. This reduces the structural complexity of the angle tool holder while maintaining fast tool changing capability through the spindle's integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed to serve multiple purposes: it performs the primary machining function and also houses the automatic tool changing mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex automation hardware in the angle tool holder, thus improving tool changing speed without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables the automatic and flexible change of tools on small-sized angle tool holders, enhancing machining efficiency and preventing damage to the angle tool holder and spindle components, thus ensuring optimal machining performance.
Implementation Method 1
an angle tool holder storage unit (300) with an automatic tool changing mechanism
Implementation Method 2
ball screw (322) to slide a storage unit main body bracket (330)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vertical machining center 1 includes a table 20 to move in an X axis direction on a bed 10. On a portal column 30, a tool spindle 70 is disposed to be movable in a Y axis direction and a Z axis direction. An automatic tool changer 100 is capable of replaceably supplying a tool T to a tool spindle. The tool spindle is capable of furnishing itself with an angle tool holder 200. An angle tool holder storage unit 300 includes restriction means 380 fitted in a hole 204, which is disposed on a bottom surface of the angle tool holder 200. An unclamping unit 370 and a tool changer 350 automatically change a tool of the angle tool holder 200.