Tool Case Positioning Device for Cutting Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning devices for cutting tools in tool cases are imprecise and difficult to use, especially for non-rotationally symmetrical tools, and are not suitable for shrink sleeves due to limitations in setting angular positions and tool alignment during the heating and cooling processes.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device comprising a tool case holder and a tool holder that aligns the tool case and tool along specific axes, allowing precise angular positioning of the tool before insertion into the case, with features like pivotable and displaceable tool holders, stop elements, and micrometer screws for precise alignment and adaptation to different tool sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool is positioned directly in the tool case by manually turning the rotary tool, then the angular position can be set, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to operator motor skills variability and tool rotation during case closing
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into two independent holders: the tool case holder (2) that defines the angular position of the tool case, and the tool holder (4) that defines the angular position of the tool. This segmentation allows each holder to be positioned independently and precisely, eliminating the errors caused by manual positioning and tool rotation during case closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder (4) acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the tool case. It provides a stable platform with defined alignment axes (A, B, C, D) that mediates the positioning process, ensuring that the tool's longitudinal axis aligns perfectly with the tool case's longitudinal axis without direct manual manipulation of the tool in the case.
2Ease of operation
If the tool case is opened wide for tool insertion, then the tool can be accessed easily, but the tool rotates and lifts during closing, worsening positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device creates equipotential conditions by defining identical longitudinal axes (A and B) for both the tool case and tool holder. This ensures that when the tool is inserted into the tool case, there is no potential difference in angular position that would cause rotation or lifting, maintaining precision throughout the closing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tool is positioned in the tool case before heating the shrink sleeve, then positioning can be done with care, but the heating time is insufficient for exact positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is positioned in the tool holder (4) with all necessary care and precision beforehand, before the shrink sleeve heating process begins. The tool holder provides a stable environment for precise alignment using defined axes and stop elements. After positioning, the tool can be quickly inserted into the heated shrink sleeve without requiring additional positioning time during the brief heating window.
4Device complexity
If conventional positioning devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision and adaptability to different tool sizes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate different tool sizes and orientations. The support (60) with its longitudinal axis parallel to the tool axes, the pivotable tool holder, and the displaceable stop elements create a multi-functional system that maintains high positioning precision across various tool types while adding only moderate structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Positioning device (1) for cutting tools, in particular turning tools (5), of cutting machines, such as lathes and milling machines or the like, in tool cases, in particular collet cases, clamp cases and shrink cases (3), having a receptacle (2) for the tool case (3), which has first positioning means, in particular a driving or indexing groove (7), wherein second positioning means (6) are provided in the tool case receptacle (2), said second positioning means (6) fixing the first angular position (a) of the tool case (3) with respect to the tool case receptacle (2) by engagement in the first positioning means, wherein the tool case (3) is oriented with its longitudinal axis in the tool case receptacle (2) along its first axis (A), wherein a tool receptacle (4) is provided which fixes the tool (5) in a second angular position (3) with respect to the tool receptacle (4), and wherein the tool (5) is oriented with its tool longitudinal axis along a second axis (B), and the tool receptacle (4) is movable with respect to the tool case receptacle (2) in such a way that the tool (5) can be inserted into the tool case (3), wherein the tool case receptacle (2) and the tool receptacle (4), when inserting the tool (5) into the tool case (3), are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the first axis (A) and the second axis (B) are identical and the second angular position (ß) is fixed with respect to the first angular position (a).