Modular hydraulic chuck

Abstract

A hydraulic chuck assembly for receiving a tool shank is disclosed. A hydraulic chuck assembly includes a tool support member, a clamping tube, and an expansion sleeve. The clamping tube may be integral with the tool support member, or separate from and attached to the tool support member. The clamping tube includes a groove on a radially outer surface to provide torque transfer. The expansion sleeve includes a generally cylindrical body, an integral flange, and a torque transmitting projection. A torque transmitting projection extends radially outward from the outer wall of the body beneath the integral flange. The expansion sleeve also includes a pressure chamber in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid system in the tool support member. During operation, a pressure adjustment screw in the tool support member communicates with the pressurized fluid chamber of the expansion sleeve to grip the tool shank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to hydraulic chucks, and more particularly to modular hydraulic chucks. Background Art

[0002] The chuck is designed to securely hold an object such as a tool shank. The hydraulic chuck includes a tool support member including a central cylindrical hole designed to grip the tool shank. An expansion sleeve designed to hold the tool shank is welded to the tool support member. The sleeve includes a pressure chamber containing a hydraulic fluid such as oil. A pressurizing member such as a screw is in communication with the oil to pressurize the oil as the screw is advanced. When the oil is pressurized, the sleeve grips the tool shank. Over time, the pressure creates cracks in the weld, causing catastrophic failure of the tool. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a hydraulic chuck assembly for receiving a tool handle. The hydraulic chuck assembly includes a tool support member, an internal clamping tube and an expansion sleeve. The clamping tube can be integral with the tool support member, or separated from the tool support member and attached to the tool support member. The clamping tube can include a capture groove and an open groove on the radial outer surface to help provide torque transmission to the tool handle. The expansion sleeve can include a generally cylindrical body, an integral flange and a torque transmission protrusion. The integral flange can extend radially outward from the outer wall of the body and can include an attachment screw hole, which is constructed and arranged to receive an attachment screw to fasten the integral flange to the tool support member. The torque transmission protrusion can extend radially outward from the outer wall of the body below the integral flange. The expansion sleeve can include a pressure chamber, which is fluidly connected to a pressurized fluid system in the tool support member. During operation, a pressure adjustment screw in the tool support member can be connected to the pressurized fluid chamber of the expansion sleeve to clamp the tool handle.

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a modular hydraulic chuck assembly, which includes: (a) a tool support member; (b) a hydraulic expansion sleeve, which extends axially forward from the tool support member and includes a center hole; and (c) a cylindrical inner clamping tube, which extends axially forward from the tool support member and is at least partially disposed in the center hole of the expansion sleeve.

[0005] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hydraulic chuck assembly including a tool support member, an expansion sleeve, and an inner gripping tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the hydraulic chuck assembly.

[0008] Figure 3 It passes through Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3.

[0009] Figure 4 It passes through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 Front end view of a hydraulic chuck assembly.

[0011] Figure 6 is corresponding to Figure 1-5 An isometric view of a tool support member and integrated clamping tube of a hydraulic chuck assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A side view of a tool support member.

[0013] Figure 8 It passes through Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8.

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figures 6 to 8 Front end view of a tool support member.

[0015] Fig.10 is an isometric view of a hydraulic chuck assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Front end view of a hydraulic chuck assembly.

[0017] Fig.12 It passes through Fig.11 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12.

[0018] Fig.13 yes Figures 10 to 12 Side view of the hydraulic chuck assembly.

[0019] Fig.14 It passes through Fig.13 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14.

[0020] Fig.15 yes Figures 10 to 14 Exploded side view of the hydraulic chuck assembly.

[0021] Fig.16is an isometric view of an expansion sleeve and a clamping tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Side view of the expansion sleeve and the clamping tube.

[0023] Fig.18 It passes through Fig.17 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figures 1 to 5 A hydraulic chuck assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hydraulic chuck assembly 10 includes a tool support member 11, which includes a cylindrical body 14. The body 14 of the tool support member 11 includes a front end 12 and a rear end 13. The body 14 of the tool support member 11 defines an attachment screw hole 15 on the front end 12, which is constructed and arranged to receive an attachment screw 40 to attach an expansion sleeve 20. The hydraulic chuck assembly 10 also includes a modular expansion sleeve 20, which includes a body 21 and an integral flange 24. The expansion sleeve 20 includes an axial rear end 37 and an axial front end 38. The integral flange 24 includes a front face 55, a rear face 26 and a radial outer surface 25. The integral flange 24 defines an attachment screw hole 17 that is in communication with the attachment screw hole 15 on the tool support member 11. The attachment screw 40 is inserted into the attachment screw holes 15 and 17 to secure the expansion sleeve 20 to the tool support member 11. Although in Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown in the figure, threaded screws 40 are used to attach the expansion sleeve 20 to the tool support member 11, but any other attachment means known to those skilled in the art may be used. For example, the expansion sleeve may be attached to the tool support member by other types of mechanical fasteners, brazing, shrink fit, or a combination thereof.

[0025] The body 21 of the expansion sleeve 20 comprises a radial outer surface 22, a tapered outer surface 39 and a radial inner surface 23. The radial outer surface 22 extends axially forward from the front face 55 of the integral flange 24 toward the axial front end 38 of the expansion sleeve 20. The radial outer surface 22 is connected to the tapered outer surface 39, which extends radially inward at a taper angle from the radial outer surface 22 toward the axial front end 38 of the expansion sleeve 20. The tapered outer surface 39 may have a taper angle of at least 1°, such as at least 5°, such as at least 15°. The tapered outer surface 39 may have a taper angle of at most 60°, such as at most 30°, such as at most 20°, measured from the longitudinal axis of the expansion sleeve 20. The tapered outer surface 39 may have a taper angle of 1° to 60°, such as 5° to 45°, such as 15° to 30°. In other embodiments, the expansion sleeve does not include a tapered outer surface.

[0026] The inner surface 23 of the expansion sleeve 20 defines a central bore 49 along the longitudinal axis. An integral flange 24 extends outwardly from the radially outer surface 22 toward the axial rearward end 37 of the expansion sleeve 20. As used herein, the terms "integral" and "integrally formed" mean that two parts or components are manufactured as a single, unitary piece and are not produced from separate parts that are subsequently joined together by methods such as welding, brazing, mechanical fastening, etc. The components may be produced together as a unitary structure simultaneously by any suitable process (e.g., additive manufacturing, lost wax casting, etc.).

[0027] A non-cylindrical torque transfer projection 28 extends axially rearwardly from the rear face 26 of the integral flange 24 to a rear edge 27. Figure 4 As shown in , the torque transfer protrusion 28 includes an outer surface 54 and is received in the torque transfer recess 50 of the tool support member 11. In the embodiment shown, the torque transfer protrusion 28 and the torque transfer recess 50 are hexagonal. However, any other shape with a non-circular cross-section can be used. The torque transfer recess 50 has an inner surface 51, a front face 52 and a bottom 53. The outer surface 54 of the torque transfer protrusion 28 contacts the inner surface 51 of the torque transfer recess 50, and the front face 52 of the torque transfer recess 50 can contact the rear edge 27 of the torque transfer protrusion 28. The bottom 53 of the torque transfer recess 50 is positioned toward the machine rear end 13 of the tool support member 11. Although in the embodiment shown, the torque transfer protrusion is located on the expansion sleeve and the torque transfer hole is located on the body of the tool support member, in other embodiments, the torque transfer protrusion can be located on the tool support member and the torque transfer hole can be located on the expansion sleeve. In still other embodiments, the hydraulic chuck assembly may not include the torque transmitting protrusion recess as shown, but may include other forms of torque transmitting components, such as pins or the like.

[0028] The internal pressure chamber 29 can be located between the outer radial surface 22 and / or the outer conical surface 39 and the inner surface 23 of the expansion sleeve 20. The pressure chamber 29 has a generally cylindrical outer radial wall 30 and a generally cylindrical inner radial wall 31. The internal pressure chamber 29 provides an elastic wall that allows the inner surface 23 of the expansion sleeve 20 to be pressed radially inward against the radial outer surface 44 of the cylindrical clamping tube 41, as described more fully below. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure chamber 29 has a front expansion band 32 and a rear expansion band 33. The inner radial wall 31 forms a raised intermediate section 34 between the front expansion band 32 and the rear expansion band 33.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pressure chamber 29 has a total axial length L T In the illustrated embodiment, the front expansion band 32 has an axial length L F and radial width R F, the post-expansion zone 33 has an axial length L R and radial width R R , and the raised middle section 34 has an axial length L M and radial width R M . The relatively thin expansion bands 32 and 33 are able to deform to a greater extent than the thicker middle section 34 when the internal pressure chamber 29 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid. This causes the middle section to flex inwardly and provide increased clamping force on the tool handle in the middle section area. The raised middle section 34 can be relatively long because the integrally formed outer wall 30 and inner wall 31 are made from a single unitary piece of material and no brazing or other type of joint is required in communication with or adjacent to the pressure chamber 29. The length of the expansion bands 32 and 33 can be minimized so that a majority of the length of the pressure chamber at the middle section 34 provides clamping force on the tool handle, thereby improving clamping stability.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the length of the middle section is L M Can be greater than the length L of the post-expansion band R , or can be greater than the length L of the front section F , or can be greater than L R and L F For example, L M :L R The ratio may be from 1.5:1 to 20:1, or from 2:1 to 10:1. M :L F The ratio may be from 1.5:1 to 20:1, or from 2:1 to 10:1. R :L F The ratio may be from 0.5:1 to 2:1, or from 0.8:1 to 1.2:1. M :L T The ratio may be from 0.2:1 to 1:1, or from 0.3:1 to 0.95:1, or from 0.4:1 to 0.8:1.

[0031] The radial width R of the front expansion zone 32 and the rear expansion zone 33 is F and R R can be larger than the radial width R of the raised middle section 34 M Zero to 1000% greater, such as 50% to 500% greater, or 100% to 300% greater. F and R R Typically it may be 0.1 to 2 mm, for example 0.2 to 1.5 mm, or 0.3 to 1.0 mm, or 0.4 to 0.6 mm. M Typically it may be from 0.01 to 0.1 mm, for example from 0.02 to 0.08 mm, or from 0.04 to 0.06 mm.

[0032] like Figure 3 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the front section 32 of the pressure chamber 29 terminates relatively close to the front edge 57 of the expansion sleeve 20 , thereby defining a face width W measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis. F Surface width W F Typically, it may be 0.5 to 6 mm, such as 0.8 to 5 mm, or 1 to 4 mm. In certain embodiments, the face width W F It may be less than 5 mm, or less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm.

[0033] The ratio of face width to radial width W F :R F Typically it may be in the range of 1:1 to 20:1, or 1.5:1 to 15:1, or 2:1 to 10:1. F :L T The ratio of may generally be in the range of 0.005:1 to 0.5:1, or 0.01:1 to 0.2:1, or 0.02:1 to 0.1:1.

[0034] The elastic wall is arranged between the inner radial wall 31 of the pressure chamber 29 and the inner surface 23 of the expansion sleeve 20, and when high pressure is formed in the pressure chamber 29, it is elastically pressed radially inward, thereby clamping the tool shaft. The thickness of the elastic wall can be measured from the outer radial wall 30 of the middle section 34 of the pressure chamber or from the outer radial wall 30 of one of the expansion bands 32 and 33. The elastic wall can have a thickness of at least 0.5mm, such as at least 0.75mm, such as at least 1mm. The elastic wall can have a thickness of no more than 5mm, such as no more than 4mm, such as no more than 3mm. The elastic wall can have a thickness of 0.5mm to 5mm, such as 0.75mm to 4mm, such as 1mm to 3mm.

[0035] The pressurized fluid system 60 in the tool support member 11 supplies hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber 29 in the expansion sleeve 20. The hydraulic fluid can be introduced into the pressurized fluid system 60 and enter the pressurized fluid supply inlet through the pressurized fluid filling port. The hydraulic fluid then travels from the pressurized fluid supply inlet through the pressurized fluid system to the pressure chamber 29. The pressure adjustment hole 36 is connected to the pressurized fluid system 60. The pressure adjustment screw 35 is inserted into the pressure adjustment hole 36. The pressure adjustment screw 35 adjusts the pressure in the pressure chamber. When the screw is tightened, high pressure is formed in the pressure chamber 29. Due to this pressure, the expansion sleeve 20 is elastically actuated inwardly in the radial direction for clamping the tool. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the internal pressure chamber 29 is provided in the expansion sleeve, in addition to or instead of the pressure chamber, the pressure chamber may be alternatively provided in the clamping tube.

[0036] exist Figure 1-9In the embodiment shown in , the hydraulic chuck assembly 10 includes an integral cylindrical clamping tube 41 extending axially forward from the front end 12 of the tool support member 11 through the central hole 49 of the expansion sleeve 20 along the longitudinal axis. The clamping tube 41 can be formed integrally with the tool support member 11 by a manufacturing method including additive manufacturing, casting and / or machining. The clamping tube 41 includes a tool receiving portion front end 45 and a rear end 46 that define the axial length of the clamping tube. The clamping tube has a radial outer surface 44, a clamping inner surface 43 and a front edge 56. The clamping inner surface 43 defines a central hole 42, which is constructed and arranged to receive the tool shaft 16 at the tool receiving portion front end 45. In the embodiment shown, the clamping tube 41 is formed integrally with the tool support member 11.

[0037] The axial length of the clamping tube 41 may be the axial length L of the pressure chamber 29. T The axial length of the clamping tube 41 may not exceed the axial length L of the pressure chamber 29. T 500%, such as not more than 200%, such as not more than 150%. The axial length of the clamping tube 41 can be the axial length L of the pressure chamber 29 T 20% to 500%, such as 50% to 200%, such as 75% to 150%.

[0038] The clamping tube 41 has a wall thickness of at least 0.25 mm, such as at least 1 mm, such as at least 2 mm. The clamping tube 41 has a wall thickness of no more than 5 mm, such as no more than 4 mm, such as no more than 3 mm. The clamping tube 41 has a wall thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, such as 1 mm to 4 mm, such as 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0039] The ratio of the elastic wall thickness to the wall thickness of the clamping tube 41 may be at least 0.1:1, such as at least 1:2, such as at least 1:1. The ratio of the elastic wall thickness to the wall thickness of the clamping tube 41 may be no more than 10:1, such as no more than 5:1, such as no more than 2:1. The ratio of the wall thickness of the pressure chamber 29 to the wall thickness of the clamping tube 41 may be 0.1:1 to 10:1, such as 1:2 to 5:1, such as 1:1 to 2:1.

[0040] In some embodiments, the expansion sleeve 20 and / or the clamping tube 41 may be made of a harder material (e.g., carburized steel) than the tool support member 11. The tool support member 11 may generally be made of, for example, steel or a suitable similar material. The harder material of the expansion sleeve 20 and / or the clamping tube 41 may provide increased stiffness and hardness, thus making the system more wear-resistant.

[0041] Figures 6 to 9 The tool support member 11 is shown Figures 1 to 54. The clamping tube 41 is an integrally formed clamping tube 41 as shown in the hydraulic chuck assembly of FIG. The clamping tube 41 has a capture groove 47 and an open groove 48 extending in an axial direction on the outer surface 44 of the clamping tube 41. The open groove 48 extends through the front edge 56 of the clamping tube 41 and terminates partway down along the outer surface 44 of the tube 41. As previously described herein, the relatively thin concave front section 32 and rear section 33 are capable of deforming when the pressure chamber 29 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid. The groove allows the clamping tube to flex inwardly in response to the pressure exerted on the clamping tube by the pressure chamber, which results in a greater clamping force of the tool at the front end 45 of the tool receiving portion of the clamping tube 41. The groove also allows the hydraulic chuck assembly 10 to cool during operation.

[0042] The capture groove 47 extends in the axial direction and ends not far from the front edge 56 of the clamping tube 41. The capture groove 47 extends further than the open groove 48, but ends not far from the rear edge of the clamping tube 41. The grooves 47 and 48 can be equally spaced and positioned around the circumference of the clamping tube 41. The clamping tube 41 can include at least one open groove 47, such as at least two, such as at least three, such as at least four. The clamping tube 41 can include no more than twenty open grooves 47, such as no more than twelve, such as no more than ten, such as no more than eight. The clamping tube 41 can include one to twenty open grooves 47, such as two to twelve, such as three to ten, such as four to eight. The clamping tube 41 can include at least two capture grooves 48, such as at least four, such as at least six, such as at least eight. The clamping tube 41 can include no more than forty capture grooves 48, such as no more than twenty-four, such as no more than twenty, such as no more than sixteen. The clamping tube 41 may include two to forty capture grooves 48, such as four to twenty-four, such as six to twenty, such as eight to sixteen. The ratio of open grooves 47 to capture grooves 48 may be at least 1:4, such as at least 1:3, such as at least 1:2, such as at least 1:1. The ratio of open grooves 47 to capture grooves 48 may not exceed 4:1, such as not exceed 3:1, such as not exceed 2:1. The ratio of open grooves to capture grooves may be 1:4 to 4:1, such as 1:3 to 3:1, such as 1:2 to 2:1, such as 1:1 to 2:1. The ratio of open grooves to capture grooves may be 2:1.

[0043] Figures 10 to 15 A hydraulic chuck assembly 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hydraulic chuck assembly 110 includes several features similar to the hydraulic chuck assembly 10. Features common to the embodiments described herein are labeled with corresponding element numbers. The hydraulic chuck assembly 110 includes a modular expansion sleeve 120, a cylindrical modular clamping tube 141 and a tool support member 111.

[0044] The modular clamping tube 141 is provided as a separate part from the tool support member 111, i.e., the component is not formed integrally. The modular clamping tube 141 and the tool support member 111 can be fastened or connected together by welding, brazing, mechanical fastening, extrusion filling, etc. The tool support member 111 includes a cylindrical body 114. The body 114 of the tool support member 111 includes a front end 112 and a machine rear end 113. The modular clamping tube 141 is separate and attached to the tool support member 111. The tool shaft 116 extends from the tool holder receiving portion opening 142 of the modular clamping tube 141. The expansion sleeve 120 has an axial rear end 137 and an axial front end 138. The expansion sleeve 120 includes a body 121 and an integral flange 124. The body 121 includes a radial outer surface 122, a tapered outer surface 139 and a radial inner surface 123. The integral flange 124 includes a front face 155. The attachment screws 140 are inserted into the attachment screw holes 115 and 117 extending through the integral flange 124. The non-cylindrical torque transfer protrusion 128 extends axially rearward from the rear face 126 of the integral flange 124 to the rear edge 127 of the torque transfer protrusion 128. The torque transfer protrusion 128 includes an outer surface 154 and is received in the torque transfer recess 150 of the tool support member 111. The torque transfer recess 150 has an inner surface 151, a front face 152 and a bottom 153.

[0045] The modular clamping tube 141 includes a tool receiving front end 145 and a rear end 146. The modular clamping tube 141 has a radial outer surface 144 and a clamping inner surface 143 defining a tool holder receiving opening 142. An open slot 148 extends on the outer surface 144 of the modular clamping tube 141 in the axial direction to the front edge 156 of the tube 141.

[0046] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 and Fig.14The pressurized fluid system 160 of the hydraulic chuck assembly 110 of the present invention is shown. The pressurized fluid system 160 includes a pressure chamber 129 located between the outer surfaces 122 and 139 and the inner surface 123 of the expansion sleeve 120. The pressure chamber 129 has a generally cylindrical outer radial wall 130 and a generally cylindrical inner radial wall 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure chamber 129 has a front expansion band 132 and a rear expansion band 133. The inner radial wall 131 forms a raised intermediate section 134 between the front expansion band 132 and the rear expansion band 133. Hydraulic fluid can be introduced through a pressurized fluid supply inlet 161, which is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid line 162 through a pressurized fluid port 163, which extends through the bottom 153 of the torque transmission recess 150. The pressurized fluid line 162 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 129. The pressure regulating hole 136 is in communication with the pressurized fluid system 160. As described in more detail herein with reference to the first embodiment, the pressure adjustment screw 135 is inserted into the pressure adjustment hole 136 and is used to adjust the pressure in the pressure chamber 129 .

[0047] Figures 16 to 18 Shown as Figures 10 to 15 1 and 14. The expansion sleeve 120 and the modular clamping tube 141 of a portion of the hydraulic chuck assembly 110 shown in FIG. The inner surface 123 of the expansion sleeve 120 defines a central bore 149 along the longitudinal axis. The radial outer surface 122 extends in the radial direction from the front face 155 of the integral flange 124 to the tapered outer surface 139. The tapered outer surface 139 extends from the radial outer surface 122 to the front edge of the sleeve 157. The modular clamping tube 141 includes a clamping inner surface 143 and a radial outer surface 144. The modular clamping tube 141 has a capture groove 147 and an open groove 148 extending in the axial direction on the outer surface 144. The open groove 148 extends through the front edge 156 of the modular clamping tube 141 and terminates midway down along the outer surface 144 of the tube 141. The capture groove 147 extends in the axial direction and terminates not far from the front edge 156 of the tube 141. The clamping tube 141 is received in the central bore 149. The clamping tube 141 has an open slot 148 on the radial outer surface 143 of the clamping tube 141 extending to the front edge of the clamping tube 156. An integral flange 124 extends radially outward from the outer surface 122 of the expansion sleeve 120 on the axial rearward end 137. The integral flange 124 includes a radial outer surface 125, which defines an attachment screw hole 117 for attaching the sleeve to the tool support member. The torque transfer protrusion 128 extends radially from the rear face 126 of the integral flange 124 to the rear edge 127 of the torque transfer protrusion 128. The torque transfer protrusion 128 includes an outer surface 154. The expansion sleeve includes a pressure chamber 129 located between the outer surface 122 and the inner surface 123. The pressurized fluid line 162 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 129.

[0048] The expansion sleeve, tool support member, clamping tube, and hydraulic chuck assembly disclosed herein can be manufactured by any suitable method, such as by machining and / or additive manufacturing. As understood by those skilled in the art, "additive manufacturing" refers to a process for forming a three-dimensional object by successively adding material to the object layer by layer. The three-dimensional object can be based on a 3D model of a component object, which can be designed electronically as part of an electronic file with design parameters.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "comprising", "containing", etc., in the context of this application, shall be understood to be synonymous with "including", and are therefore open-ended and do not exclude the presence of additional undescribed or unlisted elements, materials, phases, or method steps. As used herein, "consisting of" in the context of this application shall be understood to exclude the presence of any unspecified elements, materials, phases, or method steps. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" in the context of this application shall be understood to include the specified elements, materials, phases, or method steps (if applicable), and also include any unspecified elements, materials, phases, or method steps that do not materially affect the basic or novel characteristics of the invention.

[0050] For the purpose of the above description, it should be understood that, except where expressly specified to the contrary, the present invention may employ various alternative variations and step sequences. In addition, all numerals expressing the quantity of components used in, for example, the specification and claims should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth are approximate values, which may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At a minimum, and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents, each numerical parameter should be interpreted at least in view of the number of reported significant figures and by applying general rounding techniques.

[0051] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. In addition, in this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless explicitly stated otherwise, even though "and / or" may be explicitly used in certain circumstances. In this application, the articles "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless explicitly and obviously limited to one referent.

[0052] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes in the details of the invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular hydraulic chuck assembly comprising: (a) tool support member; (b) a hydraulic expansion sleeve extending axially forwardly from the tool support member and including a central bore; and (c) a cylindrical inner clamping tube extending axially forwardly from the tool support member and at least partially disposed within the central bore of the expansion sleeve.

2. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical inner clamping tube is integral with the tool support member.

3. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical inner gripping tube is separate from and attached to the tool support member.

4. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamping tube includes at least one groove extending in an axial direction. 5 . The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1 , wherein the clamping tube includes more than one slot extending in an axial direction.

6. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one slot comprises an open slot extending through a front edge of the clamping tube.

7. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 6, wherein the clamping tube includes a plurality of open slots.

8. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one groove comprises a capture groove extending forwardly in an axial direction and terminating short of a front edge of the clamping tube.

9. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 8, wherein the clamping tube includes a plurality of capture grooves.

10. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 5, wherein the grooves are equally spaced around the circumference of the clamping tube.

11. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1 , wherein the inner gripping tube has a wall thickness of 0.25 mm to 5 mm.

12. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pressure chamber extending in an axial direction between an outer surface and an inner surface of the expansion sleeve.

13. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 12, wherein the pressure chamber comprises: a generally cylindrical outer radial wall; as well as A generally cylindrical inner radial wall is radially inwardly of and separate from the outer radial wall.

14. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 13, wherein the hydraulic chuck assembly comprises an elastic wall defined by an inner radial wall of the pressure chamber and an inner surface of the expansion sleeve, wherein the elastic wall has a wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

15. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 14, wherein the ratio of the resilient wall thickness to the clamping tube wall thickness is 0.1:1 to 10:

1.

16. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 15, wherein the pressure chamber has an axial length, the clamping tube has an axial length, and the axial length of the clamping tube is 50% to 200% of the axial length of the pressure chamber.

17. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1 further comprising a torque transmitting connection between the tool support member and the expansion sleeve.

18. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 17, wherein the torque transfer connection comprises a torque transfer recess on a front face of the tool support member and a torque transfer protrusion on a rear face of the expansion sleeve.

19. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the expansion sleeve includes a body having a generally cylindrical outer radial surface and a tapered outer surface extending axially forwardly therefrom.

20. The modular hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the expansion sleeve includes a flange integrally formed with an outer wall of the expansion sleeve.

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