Synchronized Dual-Spindle Tool Handling for Rapid Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing systems experience long setup times due to the time-consuming transport of machining tools between the machining spindle and the tool magazine, which increases non-productive times, especially in scenarios where quick tool changes are necessary.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second work spindle and a synchronized gripping device system allows for simultaneous operation of both spindles, enabling the old tool to be deposited and a new tool to be picked up from the tool magazine without moving the gripping device to different positions, along with the option for manual tool insertion and re-sorting based on machining sequence and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single work spindle and single gripping device are used, then the device complexity is low, but the tool change time is excessive and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent work spindles (first and second) with separate gripping devices, allowing parallel tool change operations. Each spindle-gripper pair operates independently, enabling simultaneous tool changes without interfering with each other, thus doubling the effective tool change capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple work spindles and gripping devices into a single integrated machining system sharing a common control unit and tool magazine. This merging allows coordinated operation where one gripper deposits a tool while another picks up a new tool simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between complexity and productivity
2Loss of time
If the gripping device moves to different positions in the tool magazine sequentially, then all tools can be accessed, but the tool change time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Tools are pre-positioned in the tool magazine at specific locations (first tool holder and second tool holder) based on the machining sequence. The system anticipates future tool needs and arranges them in advance, allowing the gripping device to retrieve tools in optimal sequence without unnecessary movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous tool change operations where the gripping device simultaneously deposits an old tool at one location and picks up a new tool at another location in the same motion cycle. This eliminates idle movement time and maintains continuous productive action, reducing overall tool retrieval time
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining facility (1) comprising: at least one first work spindle (2); a tool magazine (6) for storing different machining tools (4), said tool magazine (6) being provided with at least one storage plane (10) having multiple adjacent tool receiving spaces (11); a tool change device (5) comprising at least one first gripper device (13) for exchanging the machining tool (4) held in the work spindle (2), the gripper device (13) having at least one first gripper unit (15) and second gripper unit (16) which are positioned at a gripper-unit distance (17) from one another. The gripper units (15, 16) can be moved between the work spindle (2) and the tool magazine (6).