Integrated Tool Disk Drive Device for Precision Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices for tool turrets require complex and large setups with multiple interacting tooth systems, leading to increased production costs and reduced precision due to the external location of drive units and shafts, which complicates the precise pivoting and driving of tool disks and machining tools.

Innovation Solution

A compact drive device where the drive unit, including two drives, is integrated within the tool disk, allowing for direct and precise driving of both the tool disk and machining tool without additional installation space, utilizing a coaxial arrangement of drives and a torsionally strong coupling unit with a hydraulic actuating mechanism for efficient torque transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the drive unit and multiple drives are located outside the tool disk, then the structure is simpler to access and maintain, but the installation space increases and precision decreases due to longer transmission paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of pivoting and drivingVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive unit and both drives (first drive for tool disk pivoting, second drive for machining tool rotation) into a single integrated unit located within the tool disk. This merging eliminates the need for separate external drive modules and reduces the transmission path length, thereby improving precision while reducing installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the first and second drives are positioned within the tool disk structure, with the second drive arranged coaxially to the first drive. The drives are nested within the receiving space of the tool disk, allowing compact integration without increasing external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interacting tooth systems are used for driving, then the functional requirements are met, but the production complexity increases and precision requirements become more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving capabilityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated drive unit performs multiple functions: it provides the first drive for pivoting the tool disk, the second drive for rotating the machining tool, and includes a coupling unit for selective engagement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drive modules, reducing production complexity while maintaining full driving capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit is segmented into distinct functional components (first drive, second drive, coupling unit) that can be independently designed and manufactured, yet integrated into a single compact unit. This segmentation allows for simplified production of each component while achieving the complex overall function through their integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the drive unit is located outside the tool disk, then the tool disk structure is simpler, but the transmission path length increases reducing precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting precisionVSAvoidtransmission path length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the drive unit with the tool disk structure and positioning both drives within the tool disk, the transmission path length is minimized. The direct coupling of the first drive to the tool disk and the second drive to the machining tool eliminates intermediate transmission elements, thereby improving pivoting precision and rotational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration achieves high precision and cost reduction by minimizing the number of drives and outputs, enabling rapid tool selection and precise pivoting within the tool disk, while eliminating the need for external installation space and reducing production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating unit (16) adjusts the respective drive (8, 10) by means of a hydraulic cylinder that is encompassed at least in sections by the drive shaft (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS9089940B2Drive device
Publication Date: 2015.07.28 KOLIBRI BETEILIGUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH & CO KGAA
  • US9089940B2 patent drawing
  • US9089940B2 patent drawing
  • US9089940B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A drive device alternatively drives a tool disk (2) of a tool turret (4) or at least one machining tool fastened to the tool disk (2) by a retaining unit (6). Two drives (8, 10) can be driven by a common drive unit (14) having a drive shaft (12). The drives (8, 10) are connectable to an output (22, 20) by a coupling unit (18) that can be controlled by at least one actuating unit (16). The output is used alternatively to drive the tool disk (2) or the machining tool. The drive unit (14) is arranged inside the tool disk (2) together with the drives (8, 10).