Tool Holder Locking Mechanism for Integrated Positioning in Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool-changing devices for machine tools require separate drive elements for positioning and locking tool holders, which consumes significant energy and space.
Innovation Solution
A tool-changing device that integrates a locking element and a counter element, where the movement of the tool holders into a working position is achieved through the engagement of these elements, eliminating the need for a separate drive element for positioning, and utilizing a mechanical interaction to convert adjusting movements into positioning movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drive elements are used for positioning and locking tool holders, then positioning accuracy and locking reliability are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The locking element serves dual purposes: it positions the tool holder into the working position and simultaneously locks it there. This merging eliminates the need for separate drive elements for positioning and locking, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the unified mechanism's inherent design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both positioning and locking operations. By making this single element universal in its function, the system avoids the complexity of multiple specialized components while ensuring that both positioning accuracy and locking reliability are achieved through the same engineered feature
2Measurement precision
If separate drive elements are used for positioning and locking tool holders, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges positioning and locking into one operation performed by the locking element. Since both functions are achieved in a single movement and locking action, only one drive element needs to operate, thereby reducing total energy consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy through the precise design of the locking element's engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to automatically achieve both positioning and locking through its own movement and engagement with the counter element. The system uses the locking action itself to accomplish positioning, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming drive operations separate from the locking mechanism
3Reliability
If separate drive elements are used for positioning and locking tool holders, then positioning reliability is improved, but construction space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines positioning and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism, which significantly reduces the space required for drive elements. By eliminating redundant components and consolidating functions into the locking element and its interaction with the counter element, the overall construction space is minimized while maintaining positioning reliability through the robust design of the engagement mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A tool-changing device which is used on machine tools (18). Here, provision is made to carry out positioning of a tool holder (2) in the working position (6) of the tool holder with the aid of the locking element (7) of the drive device (4) of the tool-changing device (1). An adjusting movement (22) of the locking element (7) into the locking position (9) of the locking element on the tool holder (2) that is required for the use of the tool (3) is used to position the tool holder (2) in the working position (6) thereof, by the adjusting movement (2) of the locking element (7) being converted into a positioning movement (21) of the tool holders (2).