Coolant-Driven Machine Tool Hand With Segmented Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool gripping devices face challenges in efficiently gripping and handling workpieces, particularly due to issues with chip clogging and the need for precise control of hand members, especially when fine chips are present in the coolant liquid.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool hand with pivotable hand members driven by a coolant liquid flow path system, featuring discharge ports that allow the coolant to press the hand members open or closed, utilizing a coil spring for constant urging and gears for synchronized movement, and optionally spherical bodies to maintain pressure and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a gripping device uses a coolant liquid supplied to a spindle to drive hand members, then the device can utilize existing coolant infrastructure, but chip clogging occurs in the coolant liquid affecting reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple separate channels: a first flow path for driving the hand members and a second flow path for discharging coolant liquid. This segmentation prevents chips mixed in the coolant from clogging the driving mechanism, while still utilizing the coolant liquid supply from the spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful component (chips mixed in coolant liquid) is extracted from the system by creating a separate discharge path that bypasses the hand member driving mechanism. The coolant liquid is discharged through discharge ports away from the critical gripping components, eliminating the clogging problem.
2Ease of operation
If discharge ports are provided to discharge coolant liquid toward hand member surfaces, then cleaning effect is improved, but chip clogging at discharge ports may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A spherical body is introduced as an intermediary element that rotates in response to coolant liquid flow. This sphere maintains a gap between itself and the discharge port, preventing chips from clogging the port while still allowing the coolant to effectively clean the hand member surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical body rotates dynamically based on the coolant liquid flow direction and intensity. This rotation creates a variable gap that prevents chip accumulation at the discharge port while maintaining effective coolant spray for cleaning the hand members.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coil spring is used for constant urging of hand members, then gripping force stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring provides self-service by automatically maintaining constant urging force on the hand members through its elastic properties. The spring absorbs fluctuations in coolant pressure and naturally maintains stable gripping force without requiring external control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system.
4Manufacturing precision
If gears are used for synchronized movement of hand members, then gripping precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gear synchronization with a hydraulic control system using coolant liquid. The coolant flow pressure and direction control the movement of hand members through flow paths and discharge ports, achieving synchronized movement without physical gears, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
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 reliable and stable gripping of workpieces without chip clogging, with improved spring rigidity and gripping force, allowing for efficient handling and cleaning with the coolant liquid, even when fine chips are present.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure of the coolant liquid causes an opening operation or a closing operation of the hand members
Implementation Method 2
The flow path is provided with discharge ports via which a coolant liquid supplied from the coolant-liquid supply path is discharged toward surfaces of the hand members
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a machine tool hand including a body portion that is mounted so as to be attachable to and detachable from a spindle of a machine tool, and that is provided with a flow path connected to a coolant-liquid supply path formed in the spindle; and two or more hand members that are attached to the body portion such that at least one of the hand members is pivotable about a prescribed axis, and that are capable of gripping an object therebetween by being closed. The flow path is provided with discharge ports via which a coolant liquid supplied from the coolant-liquid supply path is discharged toward surfaces of the hand members that are exposed to an outside, and a pressure of the coolant liquid causes an opening operation or a closing operation of the hand members.