Turret Tool Post Pressure Coupling for Detachable Optional Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turret tool posts for machine tools require complex devices for pneumatic or hydraulic pressure supply, leading to increased size, non-machining time, and operational inconvenience, particularly when optional units are not in use.
Innovation Solution
A turret tool post design featuring a rotary unit mounted on the turret that rotates with the turret and a fixing unit on the tool post body, allowing clamping or unclamping of pressure supply through rotational and linear movements, enabling easy detachment and reattachment of optional units without external pressure devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex device is used to supply pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to the optional unit, then the optional unit can be operated, but the size of the turret tool post increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure supply function from a separate complex external device and integrates it into the turret tool post structure itself. The cylinder unit is mounted directly on the turret tool post, and the pressure supply paths are routed through the existing structural components (rotating unit, fixing unit), eliminating the need for external pressure supply equipment while maintaining full operational capability of the optional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The turret tool post structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds and indexes tools, mounts and positions the optional unit, and supplies pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to operate the optional unit. The rotating unit and fixing unit that are essential for tool positioning also serve as the mechanism for controlling pressure supply, making the same structural components multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated pressure supply devices.
2Device complexity
If the optional unit remains attached to the turret tool post when not in use, then device complexity is reduced, but non-machining time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the optional unit can be quickly attached to or detached from the turret tool post using the rotating unit and fixing unit mechanism. The same mechanism that rotates the tool turret also rotates the optional unit into or out of the working position, and the fixing unit can quickly clamp or release the optional unit. This dynamic system allows the optional unit to remain attached during tool changes but be rapidly positioned out of the way when not needed, maintaining both structural simplicity and high productivity.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is used for attaching and detaching the optional unit, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where the attachment and detachment of the optional unit is performed automatically by the existing turret indexing mechanism. The rotating unit, which is already driven by the turret indexing motor, automatically rotates the optional unit into or out of the working position. The fixing unit automatically clamps or releases the optional unit based on the rotational position, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity. The system uses itself (the turret indexing mechanism) to perform the additional function of optional unit attachment and detachment.
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
This design reduces the size of the turret tool post, minimizes non-machining time, and enhances operator convenience by allowing easy operation of optional units, improving productivity and machining precision.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder which is moved forward or rearward in a cylinder block of the fixing unit by pressure
Implementation Method 2
a cylinder which is moved forward or rearward in a cylinder block of the fixing unit by pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a turret tool post for a machine tool, the turret tool post including: a tool post body; a turret installed on the tool post body and configured to receive a plurality of tools; a drive unit installed on the tool post body and configured to provide rotational power to the turret; a rotary unit installed on a part of the turret so as to be rotated together with the turret and coupled to an optional unit; and a fixing unit installed on the tool post body and configured to be clamped with or unclamped from the rotary unit by a rotation of the rotary unit in order to allow or cut off a supply of pressure required for an operation of the optional unit.