Movable Tool Holder Layout for Flexible Machine Tool Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with tool magazines have limited flexibility and complexity in tool change procedures, inadequate load capacity for different tool types, and restricted movement of mobile components due to traditional tool magazine configurations.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring two movable tool holder devices that allow for the loading of different tool types with high load capacity, without hindering the movement of machine parts, utilizing a system where one device translates and rotates to occupy the same position as the other in a plane defined by specific axes, enabling efficient tool exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tool magazine configurations are used, then the structure is simple and fixed, but the flexibility in tool change procedures is low and the movement of mobile components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tool holder devices that can move between resting and operative positions, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. The first and second tool holders are designed to be movable relative to the operative means, enabling flexible tool change procedures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when in resting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changing system is divided into separate functional modules: a first tool holder device, a second tool holder device, and an operative means. Each segment can operate independently, with the first and second tool holders being movable relative to the operative means. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components while achieving high flexibility through their coordinated movement and interaction.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional tool magazine configurations are used, then the device structure is compact, but the load capacity for different tool types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking arrangement where the first and second tool holder devices are positioned above each other in the resting position. This three-dimensional configuration allows the system to accommodate multiple tool types with high load capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. The tool holders can move horizontally to operative positions for tool exchange, effectively using vertical space to increase capacity without proportionally increasing overall volume.
3Length of moving object
If traditional tool magazine configurations are used, then the position is fixed, but the movement of mobile components is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder devices are designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between resting positions (above each other) and operative positions (at predetermined distances from operative means). This dynamic configuration allows the operating head and other mobile components to move freely through the workspace without obstruction, as the tool holders can retract to compact resting positions when not in use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine tool (1) for machining workpieces, comprising: ase (2) for supporting, in use, at least one workpiece to be machined; a supporting structure (3) which is movable above said base (2) along a first axis (X), and which substantially extends along a second axis (Y); operative means (4, 5; 104) which are associated with said supporting structure (3) and movable relative to said supporting structure (3) along said second axis (Y) and along a third axis (Z), which is orthogonal to said first axis (X) and said second axis (Y), said operative means (4, 5; 104) being configured to receive, in use, at least one tool (U, L) for machining said at least one workpiece; a first device (6, 105) for carrying at least one tool (U), said first device (6, 105) being relatively movable relative to said operative means (4, 5; 104) between a respective resting position, where said first device (6, 105) is at a predetermined distance from said operative means (4, 5; 104), and a respective operative position, where said first device (6, 105) is placed in such a way as to allow the exchanging of at least one tool (U) between said first device (6, 105) and said operative means (4, 5; 104); and a second device (13, 103) for carrying at least one tool (L), said second device (13, 103) being movable relative to said supporting structure (3) between a respective resting position, where said second device (13, 103) is at a predetermined distance from said operative means (4, 5; 104), and a respective operative position, where said second device (13, 103) is placed in such a way as to allow the exchanging of at least one tool (L) between said second device (13, 103) and said operative means (4, 5; 104); wherein said first device (6, 105) in the respective resting position and said second device (13, 103) in the respective resting position are above each other.