Automatic Tool Changer Torque Detection for Misaligned Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
In press brake machines, automatic tool changers face challenges in recognizing tool positions when they are shifted or incorrectly placed, leading to failed tool placement and storage issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control device with servo motors and torque detection units that move tool change units along a guide member, using torque thresholds to determine when tools are correctly aligned and positioned, allowing for accurate recognition and storage of tools even when their position is shifted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic tool placement is performed without position verification, then tool change speed is improved, but tool placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position verification methods with torque detection. Instead of using mechanical sensors or visual systems to verify tool position, the system uses torque detection units to measure the torque required to rotate the tool change unit. When a tool is correctly placed, the torque value falls within a predetermined range, providing accurate position verification without slowing down the tool change process.
2Device complexity
If tool position is not verified after failed placement, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability of tool storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where torque detection units continuously monitor the torque required to rotate the tool change unit. The control device receives torque information and compares it against predetermined ranges to determine tool position. This feedback loop ensures reliable tool storage by verifying position after each tool change operation, while keeping the system relatively simple by using torque as the verification parameter.
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 the automatic recognition and storage of tools by accurately determining their positions through torque changes, ensuring reliable tool change operations even when tools are not in their intended positions.
Implementation Method 1
a torque detection unit 27 configured to detect a torque of each of the pair of servo motors 25
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic tool changer includes first and second tool change units (13UL, 13UR) that is driven respectively by a pair of servo motors and move along an arrangement direction of a plurality of tools installed on a tool installation unit, a torque detection unit that detects a torque of each of the pair of servo motors, and a control device that controls operations of the first and second tool change units (13UL, 13UR). The control device fixes the first tool change unit (13UL) at a reference position (Pst), and moves the second tool change unit (13UR) toward the first tool change unit (13UL). The control device (20) determines, based on a torque change of each servo motor (25), that a plurality of upper tools (P1 to P4) are brought together at the first tool change unit (13UL) as a result of a movement of the second tool change unit (13UR).