Shrink-Fit Tool Holder Loading With Uniaxial Z-Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated shrink-fitting apparatuses face challenges in achieving high accuracy and operational safety during the insertion and removal of tools from tool holders, often resulting in reduced precision due to manual intervention or errors from multiaxial industrial robots.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second, automatically displaceable handling apparatus with a uniaxial linear drive allows for precise automatic displacement of tools along a defined axis (Z axis) relative to the tool holder during the shrink-fitting and removal operations, enhancing accuracy and reducing axis errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual intervention or multiaxial industrial robots are used for tool insertion and removal, then the apparatus can perform automated shrink-fitting operations, but the positioning accuracy and operational safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handling apparatus is divided into two distinct systems: a multiaxial robot for transferring tool holders and tools to the shrink-fitting unit, and a separate uniaxial linear drive for precise tool displacement during insertion/removal. This segmentation allows each system to optimize for its specific function, with the uniaxial system providing the precision needed for accurate tool positioning while the multiaxial system provides automation for material handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The uniaxial linear drive acts as an intermediary between the multiaxial robot and the tool holder. It receives the tool and tool holder from the robot and then performs the precise positioning and insertion operations, mediating the transfer of components while maintaining high accuracy that the multiaxial robot alone cannot achieve.
2Ease of operation
If multiaxial handling apparatuses are used for transferring tool holders and tools, then automated material handling is achieved, but axis errors and reduced precision occur during shrink-fitting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into two functional parts: multiaxial robots for coarse material handling and positioning, and a uniaxial linear drive for fine precision positioning during the actual tool insertion and removal operations. This allows the system to leverage the strengths of each type of actuator for their respective tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The uniaxial linear drive system is self-contained and dedicated solely to precision tool displacement operations. It independently handles the precise positioning task without relying on the multiaxial robot's positioning accuracy, effectively serving its specific function with specialized hardware optimized for that purpose.
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 enables highly precise positioning of tools within tool holders, significantly improving the accuracy of the shrink-fitting process while increasing the degree of automation and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
in which induction heating devices eddy currents are induced in the tool holder by means of an induction coil arrangement via a transformer
Implementation Method 2
in which induction heating devices eddy currents are induced in the tool holder
Implementation Method 3
the tool holder is then cooled down by blowing an air flow onto it or by means of a cooling sleeve through which coolant flows
Data Source
AI summary
A shrink-fitting apparatus and method for the automated shrink-fitting a tool into and out of a tool holder, and a conveying box for tool holders and/or tools. The tool may be a rotary tool, such as a milling cutter, a drill, or the like. The tool holder may be a shrink-fit receptacle. The apparatus has a first multiaxial handling apparatus for transferring tool holders and tools in the shrink-fitting apparatus. Accuracy is ensured for loading the tool holder with tools by way of shrink-fitting in an automated overall process for automated production of workpieces, by providing the shrink-fitting apparatus with a second, automatically displaceable handling apparatus. The handling apparatus has a uniaxial linear drive for automatically displacing the tool along one axis (Z axis) relative to the tool holder during the shrink-fitting and/or removal operation.