Robot-Connected Coolant Feeder for Compact Tool Turrets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size increase of machine tool-retaining devices due to the need for an inner flow channel to feed cooling liquid into a tool's cooling liquid hole, which complicates the structure and upsizes the device.
Innovation Solution
A cooling liquid feeder system that uses a robot with a detachable connector to feed cooling liquid into the tool's cooling liquid hole without requiring an inner flow channel, by establishing fluid communication through external flow channels and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inner flow channel is formed in the tool-retaining device to feed cooling liquid, then cooling liquid can be fed into the tool, but the structure becomes complicated and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is extracted from the tool-retaining device and relocated to the tool holder. This separation removes the complexity of forming internal flow channels in the tool-retaining device while maintaining the cooling liquid feeding function. The tool holder now contains the flow channel that communicates with the cooling liquid source, and the tool simply needs a cooling liquid hole to receive the coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder acts as an intermediary component between the cooling liquid source and the tool. It contains the flow channel that delivers cooling liquid to the tool's cooling liquid hole, eliminating the need for complex internal flow channels in the tool-retaining device while ensuring reliable cooling liquid supply.
2Reliability
If an inner flow channel is formed in the tool-retaining device to feed cooling liquid, then cooling liquid can be fed into the tool, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is extracted from the tool-retaining device and placed in the tool holder. This reduces the volume requirements of the tool-retaining device since it no longer needs to accommodate internal flow channels, while the cooling liquid feeding reliability is maintained through the tool holder's flow channel.
3Reliability
If a robot is used to move the ejection nozzle, then the cooling liquid can be reliably poured onto the machining point, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection nozzle is extracted from the robot and separated into an independent component. The robot only needs to position the tool holder, while the ejection nozzle remains stationary or moves independently, simplifying the overall system control and reducing the complexity of coordinating robot-nozzle positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder serves as an intermediary that carries both the tool and the ejection nozzle. This integration allows the nozzle to be positioned accurately relative to the tool without requiring the robot to directly control the nozzle, simplifying the control system while maintaining ejection accuracy.
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 solution simplifies the structure of the tool-retaining device, reduces its size, and allows for efficient cooling liquid distribution to multiple tools without the need for internal flow channels, enhancing tool service life and machining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow channel which is directed to allow the cooling liquid to flow from the first connector into the cooling liquid hole, a second flow channel which is directed to allow the cooling liquid to flow from the source of the cooling liquid into the second connector
Implementation Method 2
the cooling liquid flowing through the tool is subsequently discharged from the other end of the cooling liquid hole to the outside, and poured onto a workpiece, which can also cause the workpiece to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling liquid feeder for feeding a cooling liquid into a cooling liquid hole defined in a tool includes a first connector disposed on a turret which retains the tool, a first flow channel for directing the cooling liquid from the first connector to the cooling liquid hole, a robot installed in a machining chamber and equipped with an end effector, a second connector disposed on the end effector and configured to be detachably attached to the first connector in a liquid tight manner, and a second flow channel for directing the cooling liquid from a source of the cooling liquid to the second connector, in which the robot is actuated to attach the second connector to the first connector for feeding the cooling liquid into the cooling liquid hole.