Coolant Pipe Attachment Detection at Machine Tool Loading Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools with through-spindle coolant systems, there is a risk of coolant reflux into the spindle bearings due to incomplete or missing coolant pipe connections, leading to potential damage and increased complexity in verifying correct pipe attachment, especially with hollow taper shank tool holders.
Innovation Solution
A control method and device for detecting the presence and proper attachment of coolant pipes at the tool loading station, using a coolant pipe detection system with arms and proximity sensors to trigger alarms for abnormalities, ensuring reliable verification before tools are stored in the magazine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a worker manually checks coolant pipe attachment, then the complexity of the detection system is reduced, but the reliability of confirming correct attachment decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated detection system using sensors (such as proximity sensors or contact sensors) that automatically detect the presence and proper attachment of coolant pipes. This mechanical/electronic substitution resolves the contradiction by providing reliable automated detection without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is integrated into the tool holder or tool magazine structure, allowing the system to automatically verify coolant pipe attachment without external intervention. The tool holder itself participates in the detection process through built-in sensors or detection features, enabling self-verification that improves reliability while maintaining simplicity.
2Device complexity
If manual inspection of coolant pipe attachment is performed, then the detection device complexity is reduced, but the time required for verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system operates continuously or at each tool change cycle without interrupting the machining process. The coolant pipe attachment verification is performed as part of the normal tool change sequence, ensuring continuous monitoring and eliminating dedicated inspection time, thus reducing time loss while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system verifies coolant pipe attachment before the tool is loaded into the tool magazine or before machining begins. This preliminary verification prevents problems from occurring during machining and allows for quick correction if issues are detected, reducing overall time loss while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If coolant pipe attachment is not verified, then the ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to coolant reflux into spindle bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides immediate feedback on coolant pipe attachment status through visual indicators (such as LEDs or display messages) on the machine control panel. This feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation by providing clear, intuitive information while preventing harmful effects by alerting operators to attachment issues before machining begins, thereby protecting spindle bearings from coolant damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of coolant pipe attachment abnormalities before machining operations start. By detecting and alerting to potential problems in advance, the system prevents coolant reflux and bearing damage from occurring, thereby counteracting harmful effects before they can manifest while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
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
This method allows for quick and reliable confirmation of coolant pipe attachment, minimizing downtime and preventing spindle damage by integrating the detection process into the tool loading station operations, enabling parallel testing with machining and tool changing without prolonging the overall process.
Implementation Method 1
A control method and device for detecting the presence and proper attachment of coolant pipes at the tool loading station, using a coolant pipe detection system with arms and proximity sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This method, for controlling a machine tool (1) using a tool holder (71) to which a coolant pipe (73) is attached, includes: a step of detecting, in response to a signal indicating that a tool (70) is prepared on a tool loading station (30) of the machine tool, whether or not an abnormality has occurred in attaching the coolant pipe to the tool holder of the tool while the tool holder is at the tool loading station; and a step of issuing an alarm when the abnormality is detected in the step of detecting the occurrence of the abnormality.