Drum Tool Magazine Layout for Compact Multi-Spindle Tool Changing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool magazines for machining centers are bulky and space-consuming, particularly when handling multiple tools, and are incompatible with multi-axis machining centers, as they can only support single spindle tool-changing operations without using additional tool-changing arms.
Innovation Solution
A drum-type tool magazine with a centrally rotating shaft and circularly arranged mounts, featuring tool clamps with jaws parallel to the tangential direction, allowing multiple spindles to perform simultaneous tool-taking and returning operations without the need for tool-changing arms, thereby optimizing space usage and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of tools is increased in a disc-type tool magazine, then the tool disc has to be made larger to prevent unobstructed tool taking/returning, but this results in a bulky and space-consuming tool magazine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional disc-type arrangement where tools are stored radially outward from a central axis to a drum-type structure where tools are arranged in multiple layers along the axial direction. This dimensional change allows tools to be stacked vertically on each mount, significantly increasing tool capacity without proportionally increasing the overall magazine volume. The tool clamps are positioned to hold tool holders with their axes parallel to the drum's axial direction, enabling compact multi-layer storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple tool clamps are positioned along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, with each clamp capable of holding a tool holder. This nested configuration allows tool holders to be stacked one above another on the same mount, similar to nested dolls, maximizing the use of vertical space within the drum structure and increasing tool capacity without expanding the radial footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional tool magazine is used for multi-axis machining center, then it can only support single spindle tool-changing operation, but this makes it incompatible with multi-axis machining centers requiring simultaneous tool changing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drum-type tool magazine with multiple tool clamps arranged along the axial direction, each capable of independently holding and releasing tool holders. This multi-functional configuration allows the same magazine structure to serve multiple spindles simultaneously, as each clamp can be accessed by different spindles for tool changing operations, making the system universally adaptable to multi-axis machining centers with two or more spindles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the tool magazine into multiple independent tool clamps positioned along the axial direction, with each clamp acting as an independent tool storage position. This segmentation allows different clamps to be accessed simultaneously by multiple spindles, enabling parallel tool-changing operations and significantly improving productivity in multi-axis machining centers compared to traditional single-clamp designs.
3Quantity of substance
If tool clamps are arranged with jaws perpendicular to the drum periphery, then tool storage capacity is limited, but arranging them parallel to tangential direction allows tools to be gathered close to the drum periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the tool clamps and tool holders along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, perpendicular to the traditional radial arrangement. This dimensional reorientation allows tools to be stacked vertically on each mount, effectively utilizing the axial space of the drum and increasing tool capacity without significantly increasing the drum's radial dimensions or overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the tool clamps with their clamping jaws parallel to the tangential direction of the drum periphery, creating a specific local configuration where tool holders can be held with their axes parallel to the drum axis. This local quality optimization at each clamp position enables tools to be gathered close to the drum periphery while maintaining efficient space utilization and access.
Data Source
AI summary
A drum-type tool magazine adaptive to a multi-axis machining center allows the machining center to use spindles to directly take and replace tool holders that hold machining tools. The drum-type tool magazine includes a driving member, a drum, and plural tool clamps. The drum is centrally provided with a rotating shaft and peripherally provided with plural separated mounts that are arranged circularly. The driving member drives the drum to rotate. Plural tool clamps are arranged abreast on each of the mount. Every tool clamp of the same mount has a tool-clamping jaw parallel to a tangential direction at a periphery of the drum and communicated with the tool clamp so that the machining tool when clamped is laid horizontal and located close to the periphery of the drum. This allows the volume of the tool magazine to be minimized.