Machine Tool Pallet Changer With Shared Planetary Gear Drive

Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional automatic pallet changers in machine tools face challenges of increased size and cost due to the need for multiple motors to drive different components, hindering miniaturization and cost reduction.

Innovation Solution

A planetary reduction gear system with a single motor drives both the horizontal movement frame and the carry-in/out arm, utilizing a shared output shaft to move the arm in both horizontal and vertical directions, reducing the size and cost of the drive system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple motors are used to drive different components (carry-in/out arm, horizontal movement frame, lifting frame), then each component can be driven independently and reliably, but the device size increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving reliabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driving functions into a single integrated drive unit. The carry-in/out drive unit and horizontal movement drive unit share common components (motor, planetary reduction gear, output shaft), merging what were traditionally separate drive systems into one unified mechanism that can still perform all required functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the carry-in/out arm for pallet exchange, drive the horizontal movement frame for row selection, and through the lifting frame mechanism, enable vertical movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated motors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple motors are used to drive different components, then each component can be driven independently, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent driving capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driving functions into a single integrated drive unit. The carry-in/out drive unit and horizontal movement drive unit share common components (motor, planetary reduction gear, output shaft), merging what were traditionally separate drive systems into one unified mechanism that can still perform all required functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the carry-in/out arm for pallet exchange, drive the horizontal movement frame for row selection, and through the lifting frame mechanism, enable vertical movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated motors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If a single drive unit is used to drive multiple components, then device size is reduced and cost is reduced, but the drive system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into functionally independent control paths. The planetary reduction gear has separate output shafts that can be independently fixed or released, allowing the control system to selectively engage different driving functions without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for miniaturization and cost reduction by using a single motor and planetary reduction gear to drive multiple components, enhancing the efficiency and compactness of the automatic pallet changer.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary reduction gear having a first output shaft and a second output shaft in which, by fixing one of the first and second output shafts, the other functions as the output shaft for driving

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary reduction gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Data Source

PatentUS11607763B2Automatic pallet changer in machine tool

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 OKUMA CORP

AI summary

Provided is an automated pallet changer in machine tool which enable miniaturization and cost reduction. A drive unit in the automatic pallet changer includes a planetary reduction gear. The planetary reduction gear has a first output shaft and a second output shaft in which, by fixing one of the first and second output shaft, the other functions as an output shaft for driving. The first output shaft is used to pivot the pivoting frame, and the second output shaft is used to move the carry-in/out arm back and forth.