Tool Pot Transfer Indexing for Compact 90° Rotation and Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the field of machine tools, there is a need for a compact tool conveying device that can efficiently convey tool pots between a tool magazine and a secondary tool standby position, while ensuring the axis of rotation of the tool is at a predetermined angle relative to the spindle in the tool magazine and parallel to the spindle in the secondary position.
Innovation Solution
A tool conveying device is designed with an indexing device having an input shaft connected to a servo motor, a first output shaft that rotates, and a second output shaft that stops at a predetermined angular position during part of the input shaft's rotation and rotates during the remaining part. This device includes a gripper that can open and close to clamp or unclamp the tool pot, a turning part driven by the second output shaft, and a gripper opening and closing member driven by the first output shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional tool rotation device with plate cam, bracket, and cylinder is used, then the tool can be rotated 90° prior to attachment to the spindle, but the device becomes complex and occupies large installation area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tool rotation function and gripper opening/closing function into a single indexing device with two output shafts. The first output shaft controls gripper opening/closing while the second output shaft controls tool rotation, both driven by one servo motor. This merging eliminates the need for separate cylinder, bracket, and plate cam mechanisms, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the 90° tool rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a gripper actuator and a tool rotation mechanism. By integrating these functions into one device with coordinated output shafts, the system achieves multi-functionality that reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the device structure compared to traditional separate mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are used for tool rotation and gripper operation, then each function can be independently controlled, but the installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool rotation mechanism and gripper actuation mechanism into a single compact indexing device. The two output shafts are arranged adjacently and share a common drive source (servo motor), allowing independent control of each function while occupying minimal installation space. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms that would require additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing device utilizes adjacent and parallel arrangement of output shafts, transitioning from separate spatial locations to a compact two-dimensional configuration. This dimensional optimization allows both control functions to be independently maintained while significantly reducing the footprint and installation area required.
3Measurement precision
If multiple servo motors are used to control turning and clamping operations separately, then precise control is achieved, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple servo motor controls into a single servo motor driving the indexing device. The indexing mechanism's two output shafts are independently controllable through coordinated control of one servo motor, maintaining precise control for both turning and clamping operations while reducing device complexity and achieving a more compact design.
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 solution enables continuous turning and clamping operations of the tool pot using a single servo motor, resulting in a compact tool conveying device that efficiently manages tool pot movement between the tool magazine and the secondary tool standby position.
Implementation Method 1
a gripper opening and closing member which is driven by the first output shaft of the indexing device, and which is configured so as to open the gripper while the second output shaft of the indexing device is stopped and close the gripper while the second output shaft of the indexing device rotates
Implementation Method 2
an indexing device comprising an input shaft, a first output shaft, and a second output shaft, the input shaft being connected to a servo motor, the first output shaft rotating while the input shaft rotates, the second output shaft stopping at a predetermined angular position in a certain part of a period during which the input shaft rotates
Data Source
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AI summary
This tool conveying device (80) is provided with: an indexing device (82) comprising an input shaft (82a), a first output shaft (82b), and a second output shaft (82c) which is positioned adjacent and parallel to the first output shaft (82b), wherein the input shaft (82a) is linked to a servo motor (81), the first output shaft (82b) rotates during rotation of the input shaft (82a) and the second output shaft (82c) stops at a prescribed angular position in a certain period during rotation of the input shaft (82a) and rotates in the remaining period during said rotation of the input shaft (82a); a gripper (84); a turning part (83) which is driven by the second output shaft (82c) of the indexing device (82) and which supports the gripper (84); and a gripper opening/closing member (82i) which is driven by the first output shaft (82b) of the indexing device (82).