Machine Tool Magazine Gear-Driven Tool Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with endless connection bodies for tool circulation require a large number of links to store multiple tools, leading to increased costs, reduced durability, and noise due to high-speed operation, as well as internal load issues during tool exchange.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design reduces the number of moving bodies and links by using a rotation gear engaged with shaft members arranged on an arc, with connectors between adjacent members, and a plate member connecting the tips of shaft members to enhance strength and smooth movement, allowing for a more efficient tool circulation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the chain is increased in length to store a large number of tools, then the tool storage capacity is improved, but the number of links is increased, resulting in cost increase and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tool pots are combined into a single integrated tool storage unit that rotates with the gear, eliminating the need for multiple separate links and reducing the overall number of components while maintaining tool storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The tool storage system transitions from a linear chain structure to a rotational gear-based system, utilizing circular motion and radial arrangement to store and access tools, thereby reducing the number of links required
2Productivity
If the chain is circulated at high speed to speedily exchange tools, then tool exchange efficiency is improved, but breakdown locations increase, reducing durability and increasing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional chain-driven mechanical system is replaced with a gear-based rotational system that provides smoother, more controlled motion, reducing mechanical stress and noise while improving reliability during high-speed operation
3Productivity
If the chain is circulated at high speed to speedily exchange tools, then tool exchange efficiency is improved, but noise caused by fluttering of links is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The chain-and-sprocket mechanical system is replaced with a direct gear rotation system, eliminating link fluttering and the associated noise while maintaining high-speed tool exchange capability
4Device complexity
If connectors are provided on outermost shaft members, then the structure is simplified, but internal load between moving bodies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector placement is optimized based on local structural requirements, positioning connectors on intermediate shaft members rather than outermost ones to distribute loads more effectively and reduce internal stresses in the moving bodies
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
This design reduces the number of components, enhances durability, and minimizes noise and internal loads, enabling efficient high-speed tool exchange while maintaining a compact and robust tool circulation system.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation gear engaged with shaft members arranged on an arc, with connectors between adjacent members
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine tool (100) that allows an endless connection body holding tools (11) to be circulated along a given circulation path and allows the tool (11) held by the endless connection body to be mounted in a spindle (32) to machine a work. A plurality of moving carriages (43) connected to each other in an endless manner each have a base plate (46), and an engaging part (45) is located between ends of the base plate (46) in a moving direction. The engaging part (45) has six pins (49), and each pin (49) is engaged with a rotation gear (51). The plurality of moving carriages (43) are interlocked with rotation of the rotation gear (51) and moved along the given circulation path. The base plate (46) holds a plurality of the tools (11), thus reducing the number of links of the endless connection body.