U-Shaped Support Arm for Compact Tool Changing in Machining Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool changing devices for machining centers require a large space for the support arm to pivot, which is inefficient and often necessitates a wide passage opening, especially when there are intermediate walls, increasing the chip-to-chip time and machining center footprint.
Innovation Solution
The tool changing device features a U-shaped support arm with an asymmetric design, where the first leg is significantly shorter than the second leg, allowing for a threading movement through a narrow passage opening, reducing the required space and enabling compact operation within machining centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a straight support arm is used for tool changing, then the structure is simple, but the space required for pivoting is large
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed with a U-shaped curved configuration instead of a straight line, allowing it to pivot through a narrow passage opening while maintaining adequate length for tool transfer. The curvature enables the arm to thread through the opening by utilizing angular movement rather than requiring a large radial pivoting space.
2Area of stationary object
If the support arm is made shorter to reduce space, then the pivoting area is reduced, but the tool transfer capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with a U-shaped configuration, allowing the arm to achieve sufficient tool transfer length while fitting through a narrow passage opening. The arm extends in multiple directions rather than a single linear path, effectively using vertical and angular dimensions to overcome the limited horizontal space.
3Ease of operation
If a wide passage opening is provided, then the support arm can pivot freely, but the machining center footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into two legs forming a U-shape, with the first leg positioned on one side of the passage opening and the second leg extending to the tool holder. This segmentation allows the arm to thread through the narrow opening by utilizing the space on both sides of the passage, effectively reducing the required opening width while maintaining pivoting capability.
4Productivity
If the chip-to-chip time is reduced, then the productivity increases, but the space for tool changing must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped curved support arm enables rapid tool changing by allowing the arm to pivot quickly through the narrow passage opening. The curved design reduces the angular distance the arm must travel compared to a straight arm configuration, thereby reducing chip-to-chip time while maintaining a compact footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool changing device for use in conjunction with a movable column (7) of a machining center for machining a workpiece using different tools (11), with a support arm (15) which is mounted at one end by means of a pivot bearing (14) which can be mounted in the machining center, wherein the support arm (15) has a double gripper (18) with two tool holders (19) at the other end and is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis (17) by means of the pivot bearing (14), so that the tool holders (19) move on a horizontal pivot circle (20), wherein the two tool holders (19) of the double gripper (18) are arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the pivot circle (20) and are oriented radially outwards with respect to the pivot circle (20).The invention is characterized in that the support arm (15) between the pivot bearing (14) and the double gripper (18) is designed in plan view in the Z direction as a U-shaped arc with a first leg (21) extending from the pivot bearing (14), which transitions into a second leg (23) extending to the double gripper (18) by forming an arc-shaped apex (22).