Vertical Tool Changer Layout for Compact Machine Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertical machine tools require larger tool changers due to complex mechanisms, which hinder downsizing efforts and increase space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A vertical machine tool design incorporating a spindle, moving device, magazine with pot holders, pot lifter, linear motion guide, intermediate arm assembly with grippers, and an arm rotation device, enabling efficient tool changing by moving tools between spindle and magazine positions using a compact mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used in the tool changer, then tool changing capability is improved, but the size of the tool changer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool changing capabilityVSAvoidtool changer size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changer is divided into functional modules: magazine for tool storage, pot holder for tool positioning, gripper for tool handling, and arm mechanism for tool transfer. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve complex tool changing capability while keeping individual components compact and the overall structure optimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm assembly with gripper serves multiple functions: transferring tools between magazine and spindle, positioning pots, and handling tools during changing operations. The magazine structure also serves both as storage and as a positioning mechanism for tools. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby downsizing the tool changer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional tool changer design is used, then tool management is maintained, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool management capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changer utilizes vertical space through the magazine structure where pots are arranged in multiple levels or radial positions. The arm mechanism moves tools in multiple dimensions (radial, axial, and rotational movements) to access and transfer tools between magazine positions and the spindle, effectively using three-dimensional space rather than requiring extensive horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper is positioned within or integrated with the arm structure, and the pot holder is integrated with the magazine assembly. These nested arrangements allow multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, reducing the total envelope size of the tool changer while maintaining all necessary tool management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11602812B2Vertical machine tool and tool changing method

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 SUGINO MACHINE

AI summary

Provided is a compact tool changer. The vertical machine tool includes a frame, a spindle, a moving device for moving the spindle, a magazine including a plurality of pots that move up and down installed in a pot holder, a pot lifter for moving up and down the pot at a pot tool changing position, and an intermediate arm assembly that moves among a magazine position, an intermediate position, and a spindle position. The intermediate arm assembly includes an arm having a first gripper and a second gripper, and an arm rotation device for positioning the first gripper or the second gripper to either a pot phase or a spindle phase.