Machine Tool Actuating Device With Circumferential Link Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools, such as hand-held power tools, face challenges in having an actuating device that is easy to use, space-efficient, robust, and not prone to faults, especially when dealing with planetary gears that require multiple switch position combinations.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring an actuating device with an actuating ring that remains in the same position regardless of gear position, allowing easy handling and space-saving arrangement, and incorporating multiple adjusting elements distributed over the circumference, with link guides that work independently to increase switching position combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switch slide with pivotally mounted switch brackets is used to control multiple ring gears, then the machine tool can achieve multiple switching position combinations, but the actuating device becomes complex and takes up more space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is segmented into multiple independent adjusting elements (first adjusting element for first ring gear, second adjusting element for second ring gear) distributed over the circumference. Each adjusting element independently controls a specific ring gear, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining multiple switching combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting elements are arranged in the circumferential direction rather than axially stacking components. This circumferential distribution reduces the axial length and simplifies the actuating device structure while still achieving multiple gear position combinations through rotational adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjusting elements are distributed over the circumference to control multiple ring gears, then more switching position combinations are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each adjusting element is equipped with its own independent link guide that controls its movement. The link guides automatically guide the adjusting elements along predetermined paths, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is divided into independent adjusting elements, each with its own link guide. This segmentation allows each element to function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling multiple gear position combinations through coordinated adjustment of individual elements.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating ring is rotated to shift into another gear, then easy handling is achieved, but the coupling device may become less robust
Solution Approach 1:
Link guides serve as intermediaries between the rotating actuating ring and the adjusting elements. These link guides convert the rotational movement of the actuating ring into controlled axial movements of the adjusting elements, ensuring robust coupling while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical coupling between the actuating ring and ring gears is replaced by a mediated system using link guides. This substitution provides more reliable force transmission and positioning while maintaining the simplicity of rotational actuation, thereby improving both ease of operation and coupling robustness.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~5b
AI summary
Machine tool comprises an actuating device (30) formed by an actuating ring (31) which slides coaxially to hollow wheels (17, 26) and a coupling device containing adjusting elements (32, 33) each assigned to a hollow wheel. The actuating ring is connected to the adjusting elements via connecting link drives (34, 35) independently controlled by the rotary movement of the actuating ring so that the adjusting elements hold a position corresponding to the switching combination of the hollow wheels. Preferred Features: The connecting link drives are formed by connecting link grooves (37, 38) and guiding elements (39, 40) arranged on the actuating ring.