Tool Turret Clamping Ring for Automated Holder Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool turrets require frequent manual tool changes, leading to increased operational costs and labor due to the need for frequent machining tool exchanges, especially in small-series production tasks.
Innovation Solution
A tool turret with a machine-controlled, automated tool change system using a clamping device that can be activated or deactivated based on the tool disk's position, allowing for fully automatic tool changes through a handling robot, featuring a hydraulically actuated clamping ring and an integrated drive shaft for efficient tool exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tool changing is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor costs and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed to automatically activate and deactivate based on the tool disk's position. The system self-regulates the clamping force without manual intervention, with the clamping ring automatically engaging and disengaging holders during tool changes, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tool changing with an automated system using a hydraulically actuated clamping ring. The mechanical system is substituted by a controlled clamping mechanism that uses hydraulic pressure to automatically secure and release tools, reducing labor costs while improving tool change efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent tool changes are performed, then adaptability to different machining tasks is improved, but machining costs and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is pre-positioned at each work station on the tool disk, ready to immediately secure or release holders. The hydraulic system is pre-configured to provide instant clamping force, eliminating the need for manual preparation during tool changes. This preliminary arrangement enables rapid tool exchanges while maintaining adaptability to different machining tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device transitions from a static manual system to a dynamic automated system. The clamping ring can rapidly adjust its clamping force based on the tool disk's rotational position, enabling quick tool changes. The system dynamically responds to positional triggers, allowing frequent tool exchanges without increasing setup time
3Extent of automation
If automated clamping device is implemented, then tool change automation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic piston and clamping ring assembly serves multiple functions: it provides clamping force to secure holders, acts as a positioning mechanism, and integrates with the tool disk's rotational system. The set screw mechanism simultaneously adjusts hydraulic pressure and controls the activation/deactivation cycle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while achieving automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the clamping mechanism with the tool disk structure by stationarily immobilizing the clamping device at the circumference. The hydraulic system is integrated into the existing tool disk rotation mechanism, and the set screw combines adjustment and activation functions. This merging of functions and structures achieves automation without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 automated tool change process reduces setup costs and labor hours by enabling unmanned operation, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber pressure of the hydraulic chamber can be adjusted via a hydraulic piston that can be actuated by an actuating device
Implementation Method 2
the actuating device has a set screw, which moves the hydraulic piston into the hydraulic chamber with increasing penetration depth of the screw into the receiving housing of the clamping ring, thereby increasing the chamber pressure
Implementation Method 3
the individual clamping device has an energy storage device, which, after removal of the immobilization force, supports the return movement of the clamping ring to its position unlocking the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A tool turret, in particular intended for use in a machine tool, is for an automated tool change process. In a work station (7) of the pivotable tool disk (5), a holder (9) intended for receiving a machining tool (15) can be attached to the tool disk (5) in a re-detachable manner by a clamping device (31) assigned to the work station (7). In an adjusting position of the tool disk (5) that differs from the working position (11), the respective clamping device (31) can be activated or deactivated, while leaving the holder (9) on the tool disk (5). In a changing position of the tool disk different from the working (11) and adjusting positions (57), the clamping device (31) unlocks the holder (9) in such a way that the holder can be removed from the tool disk (5) and replaced with another holder (9) to be used.