Machining Center Tool Exchange Plate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining centers with multiple spindle units face challenges in optimizing space, cost, and time efficiency, particularly in tool changing processes, with chain changers being complex and expensive compared to plate changers.
Innovation Solution
A machining device configuration where each tool receiving device can move independently to a tool changing position, allowing parallel or simultaneous tool changes with constant or variable spindle distance, and a space-saving arrangement with minimal axial offset, enabling synchronous operation and reduced non-productive processing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chain changers are used for tool storage and changing, then tool changing capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive chain changers with a simpler plate changer system using inexpensive tool holders that can be quickly exchanged. The tool holders are designed as simple, replaceable components rather than complex mechanical systems, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining tool changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tool changing function from the complex chain changer system and implements it through a simpler plate-based system. The tool holders are separated as independent, easily replaceable components, removing the need for complex chain mechanisms while preserving the essential tool changing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spindle units are arranged with large spacing for independent tool changing, then tool changing flexibility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool changing operations of multiple spindle units into a single coordinated action. The plate changer serves as a common tool repository for all spindle units, allowing them to change tools simultaneously or sequentially from the same source, reducing space requirements while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges tool holders on a plate in a two-dimensional configuration, allowing multiple tools to be accessed from different spatial positions. This dimensional arrangement enables compact spacing of spindle units while maintaining independent access to required tools through the plate's multi-position layout.
3Reliability
If tool holders are arranged with offset positions to avoid collisions, then operational reliability is improved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the plate changer, allowing it to move to different positions and orientations during operation. This dynamic capability enables the system to avoid collisions by adjusting the plate's position in real-time while maintaining high space efficiency, as the offset is only applied when necessary rather than being a fixed design constraint.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining device (1), in particular a machining center for machining workpieces, which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic or the like, with at least two machining units (20, 22) arranged at a distance A from each other, for machining the workpieces, a clamping device for clamping the workpieces to be machined, a beam-shaped guide arrangement (40), wherein the beam-shaped guide arrangement (40) extends in a first direction (Y) and the beam-shaped guide arrangement (40) and the clamping device for clamping the workpieces to be machined are movable relative to each other in a second direction (X), a first receiving device (60) with several first receivings (62) for machining tools and/or machining units (10), wherein the first receivings (62) are preferably arranged on a first circumference (64),a second receiving device (80) with several second receiving devices (82) for machining tools and/or machining units (11), wherein the second receiving devices (82) are preferably arranged on a second circumference (84), characterized in that the distance between a first receiving device (62) and a second receiving device (82) in a transfer position for changing the machining tools and/or machining units (10, 11) corresponds to the spindle distance A.