CNC Tool Holder Storage Coupling for Fast Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machining apparatuses with tool holder storage and machining heads require lengthy machine downtime and are costly due to manual tool changes, complex mechanical and electrical systems, and frequent maintenance, especially when changing tools for machining various materials like flat glass.
Innovation Solution
A CNC machining apparatus with a rotatable tool holder storage that is movable along two axes, using actuators for approach and equipment directions, and a coupling mechanism that transforms machining head rotation into intermittent rotary motion of the storage, allowing tool changes without a dedicated motor, enabling efficient and rapid tool switching while the machining head moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tool change is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to lengthy machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The machining head performs tool changes autonomously by executing a series of linear movements to reach the storage, insert the tool holder being used into the free housing, move to the desired tool holder position, and extract it. The system uses its own motion capabilities to complete the tool change without external intervention, thereby reducing machine downtime while avoiding additional dedicated mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a rotatable storage with motor drive is used, then productivity improves through automated tool change, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machining head's linear movement capabilities, originally designed for machining operations, are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform tool change operations as well. The same axes and actuators used for positioning the machining head during machining are repurposed to reach the storage, select tools, and complete the exchange, eliminating the need for separate motor drives dedicated solely to tool change.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool change function is merged with the machining head's existing motion system. The storage is positioned such that the machining head can access it during its normal movement range, and the tool selection and exchange are integrated into the head's linear traversal path, combining multiple functions into a single coordinated motion sequence.
3Productivity
If storage is positioned on the machining head, then productivity improves through rapid tool change, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the storage on the machining head (adding vertical or lateral complexity), the storage is placed in the horizontal workspace plane at a fixed point. The machining head accesses it by moving along its existing horizontal axes, utilizing the available workspace dimension rather than adding storage-mounted mechanisms. This approach enables rapid tool change while keeping the storage结构简单 and maintenance-free.
Data Source
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AI summary
CNC machining apparatus (10) with a machining head (11) configured to be equipped with a tool holder (19) and provided with an axis of rotation (C) controlled by the numerical control, and a tool holder storage (12) with a body (13) that is rotatable around an axis (C1) and that comprises at least two housing seats (14-18) to house at least two tool holders (19-23) each equippable on said machining head (11), in which the tool holder storage (12) and the machining head (11) are mutually movable; the apparatus (10) further comprises coupling means (24,25) to removably couple in rotation the machining head (11) and the body (13) so as to transform a rotary movement of the machining head (11) around the axis of rotation (C) in a rotary motion of the body (13) around the axis (C1).