Tool Holding Assembly With Segmented Claws For Rapid Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face challenges in efficiently switching between lathing and milling operations due to the lack of a reliable and efficient tool changing mechanism that allows for quick and precise tool head locking and release, affecting the versatility and productivity of machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device with a sliding member, main shaft, tool holding assembly, and locking assembly that includes a driving member and claws, enabling the tool head to be locked and released from clamping grooves, allowing for seamless switching between lathing and milling operations under controller control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional tool holding mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the tool changing speed is slow and the locking precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent claws (first claw, second claw, third claw, fourth claw) that can engage with corresponding grooves separately. This segmentation allows for rapid sequential engagement of tool holding components, significantly increasing tool changing speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding device performs preliminary positioning and alignment of the tool holder with the main shaft before the actual locking action. The claws are pre-positioned and ready to engage, allowing the locking mechanism to complete the tool change process quickly once alignment is achieved, thereby improving overall tool changing speed
2Reliability
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of tool head locking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different claws are designed with specialized local properties: the first and second claws engage with grooves on opposite sides of the tool holder, while the third and fourth claws engage with grooves on the main shaft. Each claw is optimized for its specific engagement point, ensuring reliable locking through distributed contact points that collectively provide high security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly merges multiple locking actions into a single integrated mechanism. Four claws work simultaneously to engage with both the tool holder and main shaft, combining multiple locking functions into one unified assembly that achieves high reliability without requiring separate locking systems for each interface
3Measurement precision
If manual tool changing is used, then the operation is simple, but the productivity and precision are low
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The claws automatically engage with the grooves when the tool holder is positioned near the main shaft, and the geometric design of the claws and grooves ensures precise positioning without requiring external alignment tools or complex control systems, achieving high precision through self-service mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding device includes a sliding member, a main shaft, a tool holding assembly, a locking assembly, and a locking assembly. The sliding member is slidably couplable to a moving member. The main shaft is rotatably coupled with the sliding member. The tool holding assembly includes a connecting member detachably connectable to the main shaft and configured for holding one of a plurality of tool heads, the connecting member defining two clamping grooves. The locking assembly is positioned on the sliding member having a driving member attached to the sliding member, and a pair of claws attached to the driving member. The disclosure also supplies a machine tool using the feeding device, and a method for machining using the machine tool.