Tool Holder Locking Mechanism for Safe Automated Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool change systems face issues with tool holders becoming inaccessible to robot arms due to poor positioning, leading to potential tool holder dropout during automated tool changes, especially when machining tools are within the workpiece area, necessitating manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for tool holders featuring an actuating pin and energy storage device, allowing secure engagement and release of adapters via an actuating pin, ensuring safe transfer between working and changeover positions, even when the locking device is deactivated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool disc is rotated to allow robot arm access to the tool holder, then the robot can access the tool holder for tool change, but the tool holder may fall out due to deactivated clamping device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is activated in advance to secure the tool holder to the adapter before the tool disc is rotated into the change position. This preliminary locking action ensures the tool holder remains retained even when the clamping device is deactivated, preventing dropout during the tool change operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device with spring-loaded locking elements provides a safety mechanism that compensates for the potential failure of the clamping device. The spring elements store energy and automatically engage to cushion against the risk of tool holder dropout, ensuring reliable retention during position changes.
2Productivity
If the clamping device is deactivated to allow tool holder release, then tool change can proceed, but the tool holder risks falling out during position change
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is activated before the tool holder is transferred to the change position, providing preliminary security. This ensures that when the clamping device is deactivated for tool release, the locking device has already secured the tool holder to prevent accidental dropout during the automated transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary security mechanism between the clamping device and the tool holder retention. While the clamping device controls tool release, the locking device independently provides retention security during position changes, mediating the conflicting requirements of tool accessibility and holder retention.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure tool holder during transfer, then tool holder retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded locking elements that automatically engage and disengage based on the relative motion between the adapter and tool holder. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external actuation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable retention during transfer operations.
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
Enables fully automated tool changes by ensuring adapters remain secured to the tool disc, reducing the risk of dropout and simplifying the process with low actuation forces, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (98) acting on the locking bolt (92) in a longitudinal direction with respect to the locking bolt (92)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
1. Locking device. 2. A locking device for securing the position of an adapter (14), which in particular forms part of a tool holder (12, 16, 18), on a tool receptacle (8) of a swiveling tool disk (6) of a machine tool, is characterized in that, by means of an actuating device (100), at least one locking element (92) can be moved from a locked position, in which the locking element (92) is in a locking contact with a locking element (82) as part of the tool receptacle (8), to a release position, in which, upon release of the locking element (82), the adapter (14) can be removed from the tool receptacle (8).