Linear-Rotary Tool Magazine for Fast Compact Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool changing systems for machine tools face challenges in achieving fast tool change times while maintaining a large tool capacity and minimizing contamination and footprint, often requiring complex handling technologies and large interfaces with the working space.
Innovation Solution
A tool changing device with a rotatable and linearly movable tool magazine, combined with a transfer device that moves between two positions to directly transfer tools between the magazine and the tool holder, allowing for efficient tool exchange with minimal interaction with the working space and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large tool magazine capacity is implemented, then the number of available tools increases, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine is divided into multiple levels or tiers, with tools arranged in a segmented structure. This allows a large number of tools to be stored in a compact vertical arrangement, increasing tool capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint or overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tool magazine transitions from a traditional horizontal or radial arrangement to a vertical multi-level structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the system accommodates more tools within a smaller horizontal footprint, effectively increasing tool capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Quantity of substance
If a large tool magazine capacity is implemented, then the number of available tools increases, but the footprint and interface with working space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine utilizes vertical space with multiple levels arranged along a vertical axis, transforming the traditional horizontal tool storage into a vertical configuration. This dimensional change allows significantly more tools to be stored within a compact horizontal footprint, as the magazine extends upward rather than outward
Solution Approach 2:
The tool magazine employs a nested or compact hierarchical structure where tools are arranged in concentric or stacked configurations. Each level nests within the vertical envelope of the magazine, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall horizontal footprint while maintaining large tool capacity
3Productivity
If complex handling technology is used, then tool change speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions or pre-selects tools in the magazine before they are needed, with the control system identifying and preparing the required tool in advance. This preliminary action allows for faster tool changes during operation, as the next tool is already positioned and ready for transfer, reducing the actual tool change time without requiring complex handling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A simplified transfer mechanism or intermediary device facilitates tool exchange between the magazine and the working space. This intermediary handles the complex coordination of tool transfer, allowing the main system to maintain simplicity while achieving fast tool changes through the specialized, dedicated transfer component
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the interface with working space is minimized, then contamination is reduced, but tool transfer capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool transfer operation is extracted or separated from the main working space, with the magazine positioned in a isolated or sealed compartment. The transfer mechanism creates a controlled interface that minimizes exposure of the working space to potential contamination sources, while still enabling complete tool transfer capability through the isolated transfer path
Data Source
AI summary
A tool changing device for a machine tool comprises a tool magazine, a transfer device and a linear drive for the tool magazine. The tool magazine comprises a magazine axis, wherein the tool magazine is rotatable about the magazine axis by a rotary drive, and a plurality of holding locations for tools that have a support shaft and a receiving groove. At least some of the holding locations are arranged offset relative to one another along the magazine axis, and at least some of the holding locations are arranged offset relative to one another about the magazine axis. The holding locations are configured to hold the tools at the receiving groove. The transfer device comprises a transfer carriage, wherein the transfer device is movable between a first transfer position in relation to the tool magazine and a second transfer position to transfer tools between the tool magazine and a tool holder of the machine tool. The linear drive is configured to move the tool magazine along the magazine axis relative to the transfer device to provide, together with the rotary drive, a selected holding location in the first transfer position.