Shrink-Fit Tool Provisioning With Spindle Cooling for Accurate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shrink-fitting and measuring processes on rotary spindles in machine tools result in thermal expansion due to high heat input, leading to reduced measuring accuracy and complexity from using tool chuck changers and separate grippers.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device associated with the rotary spindle, such as an annular cooling element, is used to air-cool the spindle, combined with a gripper that can handle both tool holders and tools, and a system that includes heating, measuring, and balancing stations for automated tool provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed shrink-fitting and measuring operations are performed on a rotary spindle, then productivity is improved, but thermal expansion of the spindle increases leading to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat generated during high-speed operations is extracted from the rotary spindle through a dedicated cooling device. The cooling device includes cooling channels that circulate coolant through the spindle structure, actively removing thermal energy and preventing thermal expansion that would compromise measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the rotary spindle by implementing active cooling. The cooling device maintains the spindle temperature within a controlled range despite high-speed operations, thereby preventing thermal expansion and maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving high productivity.
2Extent of automation
If a tool chuck changer and separate tool gripper are used for automated tool handling, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the tool holder moving device and the tool moving device into a single integrated system. The gripper is designed to handle both the tool holder and the tool simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate tool chuck changers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed as a universal device that can handle both tool holders and tools. It features a first gripping element for the tool holder and a second gripping element for the tool, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized components.
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
Enhances measuring accuracy and simplifies the process by reducing thermal expansion, allowing for higher throughput of complete tools with high repeatability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device associated with the rotary spindle is provided, by means of which the rotary spindle can be air-cooled
Implementation Method 2
the holder is heated, for example, using an inductive heating device or a heating blower, until the receiving opening has expanded sufficiently to allow the tool to be inserted
Implementation Method 3
As the tool holder cools, possibly with the aid of a cooling device, it shrinks and clamps the tool securely and reliably on all sides
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the, in particular automated, provision of a complete tool (3) consisting of a tool holder (5) and a tool (7), in particular a drilling and/or milling tool, with a rotary spindle (45) that can be driven by a drive unit, wherein the rotary spindle (45) has a holding device (47) for holding a tool holder (5), wherein a measuring device (49), in particular optical, for measuring a complete tool (3) held on the rotary spindle (45) and a heating device (55) for heating a shrink-fit chuck (79) of a tool holder (5) held on the rotary spindle (45) are arranged in the area of the rotary spindle (45). According to the invention, a cooling device (63), in particular associated with the rotary spindle, is provided by means of which the rotary spindle (45) and/or a complete tool (3) held on the rotary spindle (45) can be cooled.