Multi-Stage Tool Magazine Layout for Faster ID/OD Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool magazines for machine tools face challenges in efficiently changing internal and external diameter machining tools due to interference issues, leading to reduced productivity, increased non-machining time, and larger machine tool sizes, as they are designed with single directional tool holders that hinder simultaneous use and easy switching of tools.
Innovation Solution
A tool magazine design featuring orthogonal tool receiving directions for first and second tool receiving units on a rotary shaft, allowing the spindle head to easily change internal and external diameter machining tools while moving in horizontal and vertical directions, with gripper parts disposed radially at specific angles to clamp tools effectively, enabling multiple tool stages and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If internal and external diameter machining tools are stored in adjacent positions in a conventional tool magazine, then tool storage capacity is improved, but tool changing becomes difficult due to interference with the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by arranging tool receiving units in multiple stages vertically rather than horizontally adjacent. The first tool receiving unit stores internal diameter machining tools and the second tool receiving unit stores external diameter machining tools at different vertical levels, allowing the spindle head to change tools by moving vertically without interfering with the workpiece positioned horizontally at the lower level.
2Device complexity
If a single directional tool holder design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously use and switch between internal and external diameter tools is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a tool magazine system that can simultaneously accommodate and access both internal diameter machining tools and external diameter machining tools through multiple tool receiving units positioned at different locations and orientations, enabling the same tool magazine structure to serve multiple machining functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool magazine is segmented into multiple independent tool receiving units (first and second units) that can be independently accessed. Each unit is dedicated to specific tool types (internal or external diameter tools), allowing selective tool changing without affecting the other tool types stored in the system.
3Manufacturing precision
If tools are frequently changed due to abrasion, then machining precision is maintained, but non-machining time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple worn and fresh tools in the tool receiving units before they are needed. The tool magazine stores multiple copies of internal and external diameter machining tools in advance, allowing the spindle head to quickly swap to a fresh tool without waiting for tool fabrication or external replacement, thereby minimizing non-machining time while maintaining machining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tool magazine for a machine tool, and more particularly, to a tool magazine for a machine tool, wherein tool receiving units of a tool magazine are provided in multiple stages in a vertical turning center, such that a spindle head may easily change internal diameter machining tools and external diameter machining tools while moving in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.