Vertical Tool Changer with Pot Lifter for Compact Tool Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical machine tools face challenges in downsizing their tool changers, which affects efficiency and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spindle with a tool clamping device, a pot holder with up-and-down moving pots, an intermediate arm assembly with grippers, and a pot lifter, allowing for efficient tool changing by moving tools between the spindle and magazine positions, and utilizing a linear motion guide and arm feeder for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional tool changer configuration is used, then tool changing operations can be performed, but the tool changer occupies excessive space and cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The tool changer is divided into functionally independent modules: the magazine for tool storage, the pot lifter for vertical pot movement, the intermediate arm assembly with grippers for tool transfer, and the linear motion guide for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall space while maintaining tool changing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal tool transfer mechanisms to a vertical arrangement where pots move up and down between elevated and changing positions. The intermediate arm assembly operates in a vertical plane, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint of the tool changer, thereby downsizing it without compromising productivity.
2Area of stationary object
If the tool changer is downsized, then space utilization improves, but the complexity of positioning and tool transfer mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate arm assembly serves multiple functions: it positions pots vertically, transfers tools between spindles and pots, and coordinates the movements of grippers. The linear motion guide provides both positioning and guiding functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate arm assembly acts as a mediator between the magazine and the spindle, facilitating tool transfer in a compact space. The linear motion guide serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables precise positioning of the intermediate arm assembly without requiring complex control systems, thus reducing overall system complexity while achieving compact dimensions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a compact tool changer. The vertical machine tool includes a frame (2), a spindle (10), a moving device (11) for moving the spindle (10), a magazine (20) including a plurality of pots (30) that move up and down installed in a pot holder (21), a pot lifter (40) for moving up and down the pot (30) at a pot tool changing position (H), and an intermediate arm assembly (50) that moves among a magazine position (A), an intermediate position (B), and a spindle position (C). The intermediate arm assembly (50) includes an arm (53) having a first gripper (51) and a second gripper (52), and an arm rotation device (59) for positioning the first gripper (51) or the second gripper (52) to either a pot phase or a spindle phase.