Tool Changing Apparatus for Glassware Forming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional equipment for shaping glass containers, such as syringes and vials, faces inefficiencies due to the time-consuming process of tool changes, leading to high production losses and dimensional inaccuracies caused by worn tools.
Innovation Solution
A tool changing device with movable tool holder receptacles allows for quick tool exchange during operation, where one tool holder is in the operating position while another is in the loading/unloading position, enabling continuous shaping without interrupting the process and ensuring dimensional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional tool changing method is used, then tool can be replaced, but production downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-position tool holder system where tools are pre-loaded into receptacles positioned for immediate use. The tool holder can be quickly moved between operating position and loading/unloading position, allowing the next tool to be ready in advance. This preliminary preparation of tools in alternative positions eliminates the need to stop production for tool changes, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of tool replacement and production efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If tool is attached directly to guide tube, then tool can be changed, but dimensional accuracy deteriorates due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool holder into multiple receptacles that can independently hold different tools. Each receptacle can be separately loaded and unloaded without affecting the others. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple tools in different states (some in use, some ready for replacement), enabling tool changes while maintaining dimensional accuracy through precise positioning mechanisms and wear compensation capabilities.
3Device complexity
If tool holder receptacles are fixed, then structure is simple, but adaptability decreases when tools wear out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed tool holder structure into a dynamic system where receptacles can move between operating position and loading/unloading position. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt when tools wear out by quickly replacing them without complex reconfiguration. The movable receptacles maintain structural simplicity while providing the versatility needed for continuous tool exchange during operation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the shaping of glass containers (2), in particular syringes, cartridges, or injection vials. The invention is based on the objective of enabling rapid tool changes and improving production efficiency. According to the invention, this is achieved by a tool changing device (1) comprising at least two tool holder receptacles (14) for receiving a respective tool holder (16). The at least two tool holder receptacles (14) are movable from at least one loading and unloading position (18) to an operating position (20), and one of the at least two tool holder receptacles (14) is in a loading and unloading position (18) when another of the at least two tool holder receptacles (14) is in the operating position (20).In addition, at least two tool holder receptacles (14) are each provided with a through-hole (22) for inserting a guide tube (10) for the tool holder (16).