Skiving Machine Tool Changer for Multi-Toothing Gear Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear-cutting machines require multiple tool spindles or frequent tool changes when machining workpieces with different toothings, which complicates the process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tool changing system is integrated into the gear-cutting machine, featuring a tool carrier with multiple tool retainers that can be rotated and linearly shifted to couple with the tool spindle, allowing for efficient exchange and alignment of different tools without shifting the tool spindle within the housing, using a clamping device and locking mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool spindles are used to machine workpieces with different toothings, then the machine can process various workpieces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool spindle system is segmented into a main tool spindle and a separate tool carrier unit. The tool carrier can be rotated to bring different tools into the working position, replacing the need for multiple fixed tool spindles. This segmentation allows one physical spindle to access multiple tools through rotational movement of the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier is designed to be rotatable relative to the tool spindle, transforming a static multi-spindle configuration into a dynamic single-spindle system with a rotating tool magazine. This dynamic element allows the same spindle to engage with different tools by rotating the carrier to the appropriate position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent tool changes are performed manually, then different tools can be used for different toothings, but the productivity decreases due to setup time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tools are pre-mounted on the tool carrier in advance. Before machining begins, all required tools are already positioned on the carrier, allowing for rapid tool selection during machining by simply rotating the carrier to the appropriate position, eliminating manual tool change setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic tool selection through rotation of the tool carrier based on the machining requirements. The operator only needs to select the appropriate position on the carrier, and the system automatically brings the correct tool into the working position, reducing manual intervention and increasing productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool spindle is shifted within the housing for tool changes, then different tools can be accessed, but the device complexity and machining time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the tool spindle linearly within the housing to access different tools, the invention adds a rotational dimension to the tool carrier. Tools are accessed by rotating the carrier around the spindle axis, transforming a linear movement problem into a rotational positioning problem, which is faster and requires less structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A skiving machine has a workpiece spindle and a tool spindle for holding a work wheel to undergo gear cutting, which tool spindle can be rotationally driven synchronously with the workpiece spindle. The workpiece is inclined at an axis intersection angle with respect to the tool spindle for holding a tool retainer. A tool changing system fastened to a housing of the tool spindle is provided, and has a tool carrier, which can be rotated about a tool-carrier axis of rotation and which has carrying plates rotationally arranged around the tool-carrier axis of rotation, each carrying plate having a bearing opening for holding a tool retainer carrying a skiving tool, wherein tool retainers supported in the bearing openings can be selectively coupled to the tool spindle rotation of the tool carrier about the axis of rotation.