Tool Holder Reprocessing with Multi-Region Vapor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reprocessing methods for tools, tool holders, and tool units lack efficient and comprehensive cleaning and preservation capabilities, leading to reduced tool lifespan and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A reprocessing apparatus with semiautomated handling and cleaning units, capable of two-stage cleaning and preservation, utilizing gripper units, movement axes, and vapor cleaning technology to thoroughly clean and preserve tools and tool holders, including both outer and inner surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual cleaning methods are used for tools and tool holders, then the reprocessing can be performed with simple equipment, but the cleaning thoroughness and tool lifespan are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reprocessing apparatus is divided into multiple cleaning regions (first cleaning region with first cleaning unit, second cleaning region with second cleaning unit) that can process different parts of tools and tool holders separately. This segmentation enables thorough cleaning of complex geometries while keeping each cleaning unit relatively simple and specialized.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit is designed to universally hold different types of tools and tool holders (including HSK 40 to HSK 100 sizes) and can exchangeably position them in different cleaning regions. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to perform comprehensive cleaning tasks that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If single-stage cleaning is used, then the reprocessing process is faster and simpler, but the cleaning completeness and tool preservation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into multiple stages with different cleaning units operating in separate cleaning regions. The holding unit can exchangeably position workpieces in the first or second cleaning region, enabling multi-stage cleaning that thoroughly preserves tools while maintaining efficient automated processing through the single holding unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs preliminary cleaning actions in the first cleaning region before subsequent cleaning in the second cleaning region. This staged preliminary action ensures that contaminants are progressively removed, extending tool lifespan while the automated holding unit maintains high reprocessing efficiency.
3Productivity
If automated handling is implemented, then the reprocessing productivity increases, but the device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is designed as a universal exchangeable holder that can accommodate multiple tool types and sizes (HSK 40 to HSK 100) and perform multiple functions including positioning in different cleaning regions and rotation. This multi-functionality increases reprocessing productivity while avoiding the need for multiple specialized handling devices, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive multi-region cleaning is performed, then the cleaning quality improves, but the processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into parallel or sequential cleaning regions that can be efficiently managed by the automated holding unit. The holding unit exchanges workpieces between cleaning regions and can rotate workpieces to expose different surfaces, achieving comprehensive cleaning quality while the automated coordination minimizes reprocessing cycle time through optimized movement and positioning.
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
The apparatus enables thorough and resource-efficient cleaning and preservation, extending tool lifespan, reducing maintenance, and minimizing resource consumption through automated processes and efficient vapor cleaning techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning unit (34) is configured, in the cleaning process, to clean outer sides of the tools (10), the tool holders (12), and/or the tool units (14) by contacting them with a vapor
Implementation Method 2
The further cleaning region (24) comprises a cleaning lance (42), which is configured, in the cleaning process, to spray vapor into inner sides of the tool holders (12), in particular into tool receiving openings or tool receiving regions of the tool holders
Data Source
AI summary
A reprocessing apparatus, in particular a cleaning and/or preserving apparatus, for tools, tool holders and/or tool units is proposed, with at least one reprocessing unit, in particular for a reprocessing of used and/or contaminated tools, tool holders and/or tool units, with at least one holding unit for an exchangeable holding of the tools, tool holders and/or tool units, and with at least one handling unit which is configured,for an execution of a cleaning process on the tools, tool holders and/or tool units, to bring the holding unit and at least one cleaning region of the reprocessing unit together in an at least semiautomated manner, andafter execution of the cleaning process, to remove the holding unit and the cleaning region of the reprocessing unit from each other in an at least semiautomated manner, and/orafter execution of the cleaning process, to bring the holding unit and at least one further cleaning region of the reprocessing unit together for an execution of a further cleaning process.