Rack Magazine Setup Unit for Concurrent Tool Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tool magazine systems require interruption of machine tool operation for setup and maintenance, as access to tools necessitates stopping the automated parts, including the loader and other transport devices, which hinders continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A tool rack magazine with a stationary tool holding device and a mobile setup unit, featuring a separation device that allows tools to be inserted or removed without interrupting machine tool operation, enabling uninterrupted operation by locking access to the loader passage and preventing chip ejection until the setup unit is properly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the loader and other automated transport devices are stopped to allow access to tools for setup and maintenance, then tools can be accessed and serviced, but machine tool operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine is divided into a stationary tool holding device and a mobile setup unit that can be independently moved into position. This segmentation allows the setup unit to be accessed separately from the main tool magazine, enabling tool setup without stopping the loader or interrupting machine tool operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A separation device acts as an intermediary between the loader passage and the storage space. This separation device can be opened to allow access to tools in the setup unit while remaining closed to prevent chips from entering the loader passage, enabling tool access without compromising machine tool operation safety.
2Ease of operation
If the separation device is opened to allow tool access, then setup operations can be performed, but chips may be ejected into the loader passage
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device serves as a selective intermediary that can be opened to allow tool access while blocking chip ejection paths. Its strategic placement between the storage space and loader passage enables controlled access that prevents harmful chips from entering the loader passage during setup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device creates a localized access point with different properties than the main loader passage. It allows selective opening for tool access in the storage space while maintaining closure to prevent chip ejection into the loader passage, providing different functional qualities in different locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool rack magazine for a machine tool for chip removal machining of workpieces, particularly workpieces consisting of metal. The rack magazine includes a tool holding device including a setup unit. The setup unit can be moved into and out of a storage space of tool holding device. Along the tool holding device including setup unit a loader passage with a movable loader is provided. Because a separation device is provided between setup unit and storage space, the machine tool can be operated independent from the position of the setup unit. In doing so, a main time concurrent setup is made possible.