Compact Tool Changer Servo Drive for Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool changers are large in size, difficult to integrate into compact machine tools, and lack the capability to transport tools from a remote tool magazine to a tool spindle, limiting their flexibility and increasing the complexity and time required for tool exchange operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact tool changer with a tool-changing unit and a feed screw, driven by a rotating shaft and motor, allows for the transportation and exchange of tools between a tool magazine and spindle, incorporating a reduction gear unit and a straight guide rail to facilitate efficient tool delivery and attachment, while detectors measure tool length and diameter for correction and breakage detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tool changer uses a cam box mechanism for tool exchange, then the tool exchange function is achieved, but the apparatus size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cam box mechanical system with a servo motor-driven system. The servo motor directly controls the changer arm shaft through a simple transmission mechanism (pinion and gear), eliminating the need for a large cam box. This substitution of mechanical systems reduces the apparatus size while maintaining the tool exchange function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical cam profiles to electronic servo motor control. By using servo motors with precise position control, the system achieves the same tool exchange function with a compact structure, as the motion control is achieved through electronic parameters rather than mechanical geometry.
2Device complexity
If the tool changer is disposed in close proximity to the tool spindle and tool magazine, then the layout is simplified, but the machine size is further increased due to heavy device at upper part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool changer into lighter components: a compact changer arm shaft, servo motors, and a pinion-gear transmission system. This segmentation allows the tool changer to be positioned closer to the tool spindle and magazine without concentrating excessive weight at the upper part, as the mass is distributed across multiple smaller, strategically positioned components.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the heavy cam box mechanism with a servo motor-driven system, the overall weight of the tool changer is significantly reduced. This allows for flexible positioning near the tool spindle and magazine without increasing the machine size, as the lighter components can be supported by the existing machine structure.
3Quantity of substance
If the tool magazine is disposed far from the tool spindle, then the tool magazine capacity can be increased, but a transporting mechanism is required which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tool changer multi-functional by equipping it with both tool exchange capability and tool transportation capability. The changer arm shaft can not only exchange tools between the spindle and magazine but also transport tools from a remote magazine position to the spindle position. This eliminates the need for a separate transporting mechanism, reducing system complexity while enabling increased magazine capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tool exchange function and tool transportation function into a single integrated tool changer system. The changer arm shaft serves dual purposes: exchanging tools at the spindle and transporting tools from remote magazines. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mechanisms required, simplifying the overall system while allowing the magazine to be positioned farther away with greater capacity.
4Area of stationary object
If the tool changer structure is simplified without cam box, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the control precision for tool exchange may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical precision of the cam box system with electronic precision of servo motor control. The servo motors provide accurate position control through feedback mechanisms, ensuring precise tool exchange movements. This substitution maintains or even improves precision while reducing the apparatus size, as electronic control is more precise and compact than mechanical cam profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control through servo motors, which continuously monitor and adjust the position of the changer arm shaft. This feedback mechanism ensures precise tool exchange by compensating for any deviations in real-time, maintaining manufacturing precision despite the simplified mechanical structure. The feedback loop guarantees accurate positioning without requiring complex mechanical precision.
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
The solution enables a compact, accurate, and efficient tool exchange system that can handle multiple tool magazines, reduce machine tool size, and speed up the tool-changing process, while maintaining tool changer cleanliness and simplifying the machine tool layout.
Implementation Method 1
a feed screw (5), with a drive motor (6) attached to one end, for causing the tool-changing unit (9) to perform a feed operation of a tool
Implementation Method 2
a reduction gear unit (19) having an input shaft and an output shaft provided coaxially with each other between the changing arm (2) and the rotating drive motor (7)
Data Source
AI summary
A tool changer, used for exchanging tools between a tool magazine and a tool spindle of a machine tool, includes a tool-changing unit and a feed screw. The tool-changing unit has a rotating shaft with a changing arm attached to one end thereof and a rotating drive motor attached to the other end thereof. The feed screw has one end to which a drive motor is attached to cause the tool-changing unit to perform a feed operation of a tool and also perform detachment/attachment of the tool by utilizing the feed operation. Additionally, the feed screw is parallel to a rotational axis of the tool spindle positioned at a tool-changing position.