EDM Tool Changer Layout for Long Stroke in Limited Machine Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear tool changers for electrical discharge machine tools require significant space, making it difficult to integrate them within the machine tool without increasing the machine's size, especially when a high stroke is needed, as they protrude outside the machine enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A compact linear tool changer design with non-parallel pneumatic cylinders and a telescopic linear guide, allowing the holding plate to move between retracted and extended positions, minimizing the size in the extending direction while maintaining sufficient stroke, and using a U-shaped frame to reduce overall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional linear tool changers are used with high stroke requirements, then the tool changing capability is improved, but the machine size and floor space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the linear guide and pneumatic cylinder from a horizontal arrangement (parallel to the extending direction) to a vertical arrangement (perpendicular to the extending direction). This dimensional change allows the stroke to be achieved in the vertical dimension while minimizing the horizontal footprint, thereby reducing floor space requirements while maintaining the necessary tool changing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable holding plate that can dynamically extend and retract along the linear guide. This dynamic configuration allows the tool changer to achieve a large effective stroke when needed while maintaining a compact retracted profile that minimizes floor space occupation, resolving the contradiction between stroke requirement and space efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the tool changer is designed to be compact and fully integrated, then the floor space is reduced, but the stroke and tool changing capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the orientation of the actuation mechanism from horizontal to vertical, the patent enables the holding plate to achieve sufficient stroke distance in the vertical dimension while keeping the horizontal dimensions compact. This allows full integration into the machine tool without protruding from the enclosure while maintaining adequate tool changing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a telescopic linear guide structure where components are nested within each other, allowing the holding plate to extend to the required stroke position when needed and retract to a compact configuration when not in use. This nesting principle enables the tool changer to provide sufficient stroke while maintaining a small overall footprint
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 full integration of the tool changer within the machine tool without protruding from the enclosure, reducing space requirements and maintaining efficient electrode changing capabilities, while being reliable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit (20) connected to the holding plate (7) to move the holding plate (7)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention is a tool changer for electrical discharge machine tool (100), in particular for loading and unloading at least one tool electrode holder to be mounted in a chuck of the electrical discharge machine tool for machining a workpiece. The tool changer comprising: a. a base (2) having a back wall (3c) and two side walls (3a, 3b), wherein on each side wall a linear guide is provided horizontally; b. a holding plate (7) coupled to the linear guide to allow the displacement of the holding plate on a horizontal plane on the linear guide in its longitudinal direction defined as extending direction; c. a plurality of forks (9) for receiving the tool electrode holder (41) mounted on the holding plate; d. a driving unit connected to the holding plate to enable the movement of the holding plate between a retracted position and an extending position, wherein in the retracted position the holding plate is positioned closely to the back wall and in the extending position the holding plate is moved away from the back wall, wherein the driving unit includes a first actuator and a second actuator, the longitudinal axis of each actuator being arranged at a defined angle to the extending direction of the tool changer..