Hydraulic chuck assembly and expansion sleeve thereof

Abstract

A hydraulic chuck assembly includes a tool support member having an axial bore. An expansion sleeve is received within the axial bore of the tool support member. The expansion sleeve includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a forward flange extending radially outward from the outer surface. A primary pressure chamber is formed between the axial bore of the tool support member and the outer surface of the expansion sleeve. The flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the expansion sleeve near a front braze ring and a rear braze ring, thereby reducing the maximum stress in the front braze ring and the rear braze ring. The material is removed by forming an undercut of a secondary pressure chamber in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a hydraulic chuck assembly and an expansion sleeve used for the hydraulic chuck assembly. Background Art

[0002] The chuck is designed to securely hold an object such as a tool shank. A hydraulic chuck includes a central cylindrical bore designed to hold the tool shank. A cylindrical sleeve designed to hold the tool shank is received in the central cylindrical bore and welded in place. The sleeve includes a pressure chamber containing a hydraulic fluid such as oil. A pressurized component such as a screw is connected to the oil to pressurize the oil as the screw is advanced. When the oil is pressurized, the sleeve holds the tool shank. Over time, the oil pressure creates cracks in the weld and the oil from the pressure chamber leaks out, causing catastrophic failure of the tool. Summary of the invention

[0003] The problem of reducing braze cracks in a hydraulic chuck assembly is solved by increasing the flexibility of an expansion sleeve near one or both of a front braze ring and a rear braze ring. In one embodiment, the flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the expansion sleeve near one or both of the front braze ring and the rear braze ring.

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a hydraulic chuck assembly includes a tool support component having an axial bore. An expansion sleeve is received within the axial bore of the tool support component. The expansion sleeve includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a front flange extending radially outward from the outer surface, and a rear flange extending radially outward from the outer surface. A main pressure chamber is formed between the axial bore of the tool support component and the outer surface of the expansion sleeve, wherein the flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the expansion sleeve near one of a front braze ring and a rear braze ring, thereby reducing a maximum stress in one of the front braze ring and the rear braze ring.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a hydraulic chuck assembly includes a tool support component having an axial bore and an expansion sleeve received in the axial bore of the tool support component. The expansion sleeve includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a front flange extending radially outward from the outer surface, and a rear flange extending radially outward from the outer surface. A main pressure chamber is formed between the axial bore of the tool support component and the outer surface of the expansion sleeve, wherein the flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the flange of the expansion sleeve near a front braze ring and removing material from the expansion sleeve near a rear braze ring, thereby reducing the maximum stress in the front braze ring and the rear braze ring.

[0006] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an expansion sleeve for a hydraulic chuck assembly comprises: an inner surface; an outer surface having a first reduced diameter section, a second reduced diameter section, and a relatively larger diameter intermediate section therebetween; a front flange extending radially outward from the outer surface; and a rear flange extending radially outward from the outer surface, wherein the flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the expansion sleeve near one of the front brazing ring and the rear brazing ring, thereby reducing the maximum stress in one of the front brazing ring and the rear brazing ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown, the specific embodiments shown should not be construed as limiting the claims. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 1 is a front isometric view of a hydraulic chuck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of a hydraulic chuck assembly;

[0010] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 A top view of a hydraulic chuck assembly of a tool support member and an expansion sleeve;

[0011] Figure 4 is a front isometric view of an expansion sleeve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a rear isometric view of an expansion sleeve;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A side elevation view of an expansion sleeve;

[0014] Figure 7 is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the expansion sleeve taken along line 7-7;

[0015] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the hydraulic chuck assembly taken along line 8-8;

[0016] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the hydraulic chuck assembly taken along line 9-9;

[0017] Fig.10 yes Figure 8an enlarged view of a front portion of an expansion sleeve showing an undercut in the flange to increase the flexibility of the expansion sleeve in the front braze ring area;

[0018] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the rear portion of the expansion sleeve showing the undercut in the flange to increase the flexibility of the expansion sleeve in the front brazing ring area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference now Figure 1-3 , showing a hydraulic chuck assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Directional phrases used herein, such as left, right, front, rear, top, bottom and their derivatives relate to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the claims unless explicitly stated therein. In all drawings, like parts have like reference numerals.

[0021] Approximate language as used herein throughout the specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary in a permissible manner without causing a change in the basic function to which it is associated. Therefore, values ​​modified by words such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximate terms may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchangeable, and unless the context or language indicates otherwise, such ranges are determined and include all subranges contained therein.

[0022] Throughout the text and claims, use of the word "about" with respect to ranges of values ​​(e.g., "about 22 wt % to 35 wt %) is intended to modify both the upper and lower values ​​recited and to reflect the degree of ambiguity associated with measurements, significant figures, and interchangeability, all of which would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0023] For the purpose of this specification (except in the operating examples), unless otherwise stated, all numerical values ​​representing the quantity and range of components, process conditions, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximate values ​​that can vary depending on the desired results attempted to be obtained by the embodiments. At least, and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be interpreted at least according to the numerical value of the reported significant figures and by adopting general rounding techniques. In addition, as used in this specification and the appended claims, unless clearly and unambiguously limited to a reference, the singular forms "one (a)", "a kind of (an)" and "described" are intended to include plural references.

[0024] Although the numerical ranges and parameters describing a wide range are approximate, the numerical values ​​described in the specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors, which must be caused by the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements (including the standard deviation found in the measuring instrument). Similarly, it should be understood that any numerical range listed herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. For example, the range "1 to 10" is intended to be included between the listed minimum value 1 and the listed maximum value 10 and all subranges containing the minimum and maximum values, that is, a range with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10. Because the disclosed numerical ranges are continuous, they include every value between the minimum and maximum values. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are all approximate.

[0025] In the following description and claims, reference is made to a number of terms having the following meanings.

[0026] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

[0028] As used herein, the term "overlap" is defined as extending over or over and covering a portion. For example, roof tiles overlap each other.

[0029] As used herein, the term "braze" is defined as forming, fastening, or joining by welding at high temperature with an alloy of copper and zinc.

[0030] Reference now Figure 1-38, the hydraulic chuck assembly 10 includes a tool support member 11 having a tool socket front end 12 and a machine tool rear end 13. The hydraulic chuck assembly 10 has a body 14 extending radially between the tool socket front end 12 and the machine tool rear end 13. The hydraulic chuck assembly 10 is fixed to the machine tool by means of a threaded center bolt 18.

[0031] The axial bore 20 at the front end 12 of the tool socket is configured to receive an expansion sleeve 30. The axial bore 20 has a generally cylindrical inner surface 22 having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the expansion sleeve 30, as described in more detail below. The axial bore 20 has a bottom 29 positioned toward the rear end 13 of the machine tool. The axial bore 20 transitions to an annular front recess 24 toward the front end 13 of the tool socket of the hydraulic chuck assembly 10. The annular front recess 24 has an inner radial surface 26 and a front face 28.

[0032] Reference now Figure 4-7 , shows an expansion sleeve 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The expansion sleeve 30 includes a generally cylindrical body 32 having an axial front end 42 and an axial rear end 44 along a longitudinal axis 39 of the expansion sleeve 30. A tool holder receptacle opening 31 is provided at the front end 42. The body 32 includes a radial outer wall 33 and a clamping inner wall 34 extending between the axial front end 42 and the axial rear end 44. The clamping inner surface of the inner wall 34 extends to the tool holder receptacle opening 31 at the front end 42 of the expansion sleeve 30. The expansion sleeve 30 includes a front flange 35 adjacent to its axial front end 42 and a rear flange 45 adjacent to its axial rear end 44. The front flange 35 has a radial outer edge 36 and a rear face 37. The sleeve 30 has a rear edge 38 adjacent to the axial rear end 44.

[0033] The radially outer wall 33 has a first reduced diameter section 33 a proximate the forward end 42 , a second reduced diameter section 33 b proximate the axial rearward end 44 , and a relatively larger diameter intermediate section 33 c therebetween.

[0034] Reference now Figure 8-11 , a main pressure chamber 50 is formed between the cylindrical inner surface 22 of the axial hole 20 and the radial outer surface 33 of the expansion sleeve 30. Specifically, the main pressure chamber 50 is formed between the cylindrical inner surface 22 of the axial hole 20 and the first reduced diameter section 33a, the second diameter section 33b and the relatively larger diameter intermediate section 33c of the radial outer surface 33 of the expansion sleeve 30. The main pressure chamber 50 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 39 of the expansion sleeve 30.

[0035] like Figure 8As shown, when the internal pressure chamber 50 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid, the relatively thin first and second reduced diameter sections 33a, 33b of the radially outer surface 33 of the expansion sleeve 30 are able to deform to a greater extent than the relatively thicker middle section 33c. This causes the middle section 33c to flex inwardly and provide increased clamping force on the tool handle in the mid-section area. The middle section 33c can be relatively long because the integrally formed outer wall 33 and inner wall 34 are made of a single piece of unitary material and do not require brazing or other types of joints that are in communication with or adjacent to the pressure chamber 50. The length of the first and second reduced diameter sections 33a, 33b can be minimized so that most of the length of the pressure chamber 50 at the relatively larger diameter middle section 33c provides clamping force on the tool handle, thereby improving clamping stability.

[0036] like Figure 8 , 10 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the expansion sleeve 30 is fastened to the tool support member 11 by a sleeve connection 60 including a front brazing ring 62 and a rear brazing ring 64. The front brazing ring 62 is located at the radially outer edge 36 and the rear face 37 of the front flange 35. The front brazing ring 62 is also located in the annular front recess 24 of the body 14, and more specifically at the intersection of the inner radial surface 26 and the front face 28 of the annular front recess 24. The rear brazing ring 64 is located at the rear edge 38 of the expansion sleeve 30, adjacent to the radially outer surface 33. The rear brazing ring 64 is also located at the bottom 29 of the axial bore 20, adjacent to the inner surface 22 of the axial bore 20.

[0037] Reference now Figure 5 , 7 , 10 and 11, one aspect of the present disclosure is that the expansion sleeve 30 includes features that increase the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 in desired areas of the expansion sleeve 30. In one embodiment, the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 is achieved by removing material from the expansion sleeve 30.

[0038] For example, by forming a front undercut 41 in the front flange 35 of the expansion sleeve 30, the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 is increased in the region of the front brazing ring 62. Fig.10 As shown, a fluid opening 46 in the form of a gap is formed between the first reduced diameter section 33a and the front flange 35. The fluid opening 46 is in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber 50 to provide pressurized fluid to the front undercut 41, thereby forming a front secondary pressure chamber 51 extending radially outward from the primary pressure chamber 50 into the front flange 35. In one embodiment, the width W of the fluid opening 46 is O At least 0.7 mm.

[0039] The front secondary pressure chamber 51 may extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the main pressure chamber 50 or in a non-perpendicular direction. During the manufacture of the expansion sleeve 30, the front secondary pressure chamber 51 may be formed at the same time as the main pressure chamber 50 is formed during the formation of the expansion sleeve 30, for example, by additive manufacturing. The length L of the front secondary pressure chamber 51 is shown in FIG. S and the width W of the previous pressure chamber 51 S .L S The ratio of W:T may generally be 2:1 to 10:1, where T is the thickness of the first reduced diameter section 33a of the expansion sleeve 30. In one embodiment, for example, W S The ratio of W:T can generally be 1:1 to 10:1. In another embodiment, (W S +W O The ratio of width W to width T may be 1:1 to 10:1. O Can be zero, and the width W S is equal to the total width of the secondary pressure chamber 51 (ie, the width W S and width W O ). F The ratio of W:T can usually be 1:1 to 1.5:1, where W F It is the width between the front second pressure chamber 51 and the axial front end 42 .

[0040] Similar to the front brazing ring 62, by removing material from the expansion sleeve 30 in the region of the rear brazing ring 64, the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 is also increased. Fig.11 As shown, in the region of the rear brazing ring 64, the rear undercut 43 is disposed near the rear end 44. A fluid opening 48 in the form of a slot formed in the second reduced diameter section 33b near the rear end 44 is in fluid communication with the rear pressure chamber 50. The fluid opening 48 is in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber 50 to provide pressurized fluid to the rear undercut 43, thereby forming a rear secondary pressure chamber 61 extending radially outward from the primary pressure chamber 50 into the rear flange 45. In one embodiment, the width W of the fluid opening 48 is O At least 0.7 mm.

[0041] The rear secondary pressure chamber 61 may extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the primary pressure chamber 50 or in a non-perpendicular direction. During the manufacture of the expansion sleeve 30, the rear secondary pressure chamber 61 may be formed at the same time as the primary pressure chamber 50 is formed during the formation of the expansion sleeve 30, for example, by additive manufacturing. The length L of the rear secondary pressure chamber 51 is shown in FIG. S and the width W of the rear secondary pressure chamber 51 S .L S The ratio of W:T may generally be 2:1 to 10:1, where T is the thickness of the second reduced diameter section 33b of the expansion sleeve 30. FThe ratio of W:T can usually be 1:1 to 1.5:1, where W F It is the width between the rear second pressure chamber 51 and the axial rear end 44 .

[0042] As mentioned above, the front undercut 41 and the rear undercut 43 increase the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 in the region of one or both of the front brazing ring 62 and the rear brazing ring 64, and the front and rear secondary pressure chambers 51, 61 allow for the provision of pressurized fluid in a position that will place these regions in compression to minimize tensile stresses in the front brazing ring 62 and the rear brazing ring 64. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to removing material from the expansion sleeve 30 in the form of undercuts 41, 43, and the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 may be increased by removing material using other shapes and sizes, as long as the flexibility of the expansion sleeve 30 is increased in the region of one or both of the front brazing ring 62 and the rear brazing ring 64.

[0043] Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations were studied with and without the cutting tool fixed within the expansion sleeve 30. The FEA analysis without the cutting tool showed that the maximum stress in the front brazing ring 62 and the rear brazing ring 64 was reduced by about 91%, and the maximum stress in the expansion sleeve 30 was reduced by about 46%. The FEA analysis with the cutting tool fixed within the expansion sleeve 30 showed that the maximum stress in the front brazing ring 62 and the rear brazing ring 64 was reduced by about 85%, the maximum stress in the expansion sleeve 30 was reduced by about 26%, and the holding force reaction was increased by about 29%.

[0044] like Figure 8-11 As shown, the hydraulic chuck assembly 10 includes a pressurized fluid system 70 that supplies hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber 50 formed between the inner surface 22 of the axial bore 20 and the expansion sleeve 30. The hydraulic fluid can be introduced into the pressurized fluid system 70 into the pressurized fluid supply inlet 72 via the pressurized fluid fill port 73. The hydraulic fluid travels from the pressurized fluid supply inlet 72 to the pressurized fluid line 76. The pressurized fluid line 76 is in fluid communication with the inlet 40 of the expansion sleeve 30, and the hydraulic fluid is introduced into the pressure chamber 50 formed between the expansion sleeve 30 and the inner surface 22 of the axial bore 20 via the inlet. The pressurized fluid supply inlet 72 can be sealed in any manner known in the art, including but not limited to an expansion plug or a press ball 73, etc.

[0045] The pressure adjustment hole 78 is in communication with the pressurized fluid system 70. A pressure adjustment screw 79 is inserted into the pressure adjustment hole 78. The pressure adjustment screw 79 adjusts the pressure in the pressure chamber. When the screw is tightened, a high pressure accumulates in the pressure chamber 50. As a result of this pressure, the expansion sleeve 30 is elastically actuated inwardly in the radial direction for clamping the tool.

[0046] The expansion sleeve 30 is releasably attached to the tool support member 11 to secure the expansion sleeve 30 to the tool support member 11 to operate the hydraulic chuck assembly 10 while allowing the expansion sleeve 30 to be removed for replacement or repair as needed. Various ways of attaching the expansion sleeve 30 to the tool support member 11 are discussed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion sleeve 30 is attached to the tool support member 11 by means of brazing at the front brazing ring 62 and the rear brazing ring 64. The brazing is positioned away from the pressure chamber 50 so that directional pressure is not placed on the brazed joint, thereby providing a more wear-resistant expansion sleeve 30.

[0047] In some embodiments, the expansion sleeve 30 may be made of a harder material than the tool support member 11, such as carbide steel. The tool support member 11 may be generally made of, for example, steel or a suitable similar material. The harder material of the expansion sleeve 30 may provide increased stiffness and hardness, thereby making the system more wear-resistant. In other embodiments, the expansion sleeve 30 may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel or ceramic. This provides a sleeve with lower thermal conductivity, thereby preventing undesirable heating of the hydraulic fluid in the pressurized fluid system 70.

[0048] Patents and publications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0049] Although presently preferred embodiments have been described, the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.

[0050] Reference numerals list

[0051] 10-Hydraulic chuck assembly

[0052] 11-Tool support parts

[0053] 12-Tool socket front

[0054] 13-Machine tool rear end

[0055] 14-Main body of tool support component

[0056] 18-Threaded center bolt

[0057] 20-Axial hole of tool support component

[0058] 22-Generally cylindrical inner surface of the axial hole

[0059] 24-Ring-shaped front notch

[0060] 26 - Inner radial surface of annular front recess (contacting radial outer edge of front flange)

[0061] 28 - front face of annular front notch (contacting rear face of front flange)

[0062] 29-Bottom of axial hole

[0063] 30-Expansion sleeve

[0064] 31-Tool rack socket opening

[0065] 32-Cylindrical body

[0066] 33-Radial outer surface

[0067] 33a-First reduced diameter section

[0068] 33b - Second reduced diameter section

[0069] 33c- Relatively large diameter middle section

[0070] 34-Clamping inner surface

[0071] 35-Front flange

[0072] 36-Radially outer edge of the front flange

[0073] 37 - Behind the front flange

[0074] 38-rear edge of sleeve

[0075] 39 - longitudinal axis of sleeve

[0076] 40-Entrance

[0077] 41-Front Undercut

[0078] 42-Axial front end

[0079] 43-Back Undercut

[0080] 44-Axial rear end

[0081] 45-Rear flange

[0082] 46-Fluid opening

[0083] 48-Fluid opening

[0084] 50-Main pressure chamber

[0085] 51-Previous pressure chamber

[0086] 52-Generally cylindrical outer radial wall

[0087] 54-Generally cylindrical inner radial wall

[0088] 55-Concave front section

[0089] 56-Concave rear section

[0090] 57-raised middle section

[0091] 60-sleeve connection

[0092] 61-rear pressure chamber

[0093] 62-Front brazing ring

[0094] 64-Rear brazing ring

[0095] 70- Pressurized Fluid System

[0096] 72- Pressurized fluid supply inlet

[0097] 73- Pressurized fluid fill port

[0098] 74- Pressurized fluid supply outlet

[0099] 76- Pressurized fluid line

[0100] 78-Pressure adjustment hole

[0101] 79-Pressure adjustment screw

Claims

1. A hydraulic chuck assembly, comprising: a tool support member having an axial bore; as well as an expansion sleeve received within the axial bore of the tool support member, the expansion sleeve comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a front flange extending radially outward from the outer surface, and a rear flange extending radially outward from the outer surface; as well as a main pressure chamber formed between the axial bore of the tool support member and the outer surface of the expansion sleeve, Wherein the flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the expansion sleeve adjacent one of the front brazing ring and the rear brazing ring, thereby reducing the maximum stress in one of the front brazing ring and the rear brazing ring. 2 . The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1 , wherein material is removed from the front flange of the expansion sleeve by forming a front undercut in the front flange.

3. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 2, wherein the front undercut forms a front secondary pressure chamber in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber.

4. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein material is removed from the rear flange of the expansion sleeve by forming a rear undercut in the rear flange.

5. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 4, wherein the rear undercut forms a rear secondary pressure chamber in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber.

6. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the expansion sleeve includes a first reduced diameter section, a second reduced diameter section, and a relatively larger diameter intermediate section.

7. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pressurized fluid system, the pressurized fluid system comprising: a pressurized fluid fill port in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply inlet; as well as A pressurized fluid line is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply inlet and with an inlet of the primary pressure chamber formed between the expansion sleeve and the axial bore.

8. A hydraulic chuck assembly comprising: a tool support member having an axial bore; as well as an expansion sleeve received within the axial bore of the tool support member, the expansion sleeve comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a front flange extending radially outward from the outer surface, and a rear flange extending radially outward from the outer surface; as well as a main pressure chamber formed between the axial bore of the tool support member and the outer surface of the expansion sleeve, The flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the front flange of the expansion sleeve near a front brazing ring and by removing material from the expansion sleeve near a rear brazing ring, thereby reducing the maximum stress in the front and rear brazing rings.

9. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 8, wherein a front undercut is formed adjacent to the front braze ring, and wherein a rear undercut is formed adjacent to the rear braze ring.

10. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 9, wherein the front undercut forms a front secondary pressure chamber in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber, and wherein the rear undercut forms a rear secondary pressure chamber in fluid communication with the primary pressure chamber.

11. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the expansion sleeve includes a first reduced diameter section, a second reduced diameter section, and a relatively larger diameter intermediate section.

12. The hydraulic chuck assembly of claim 8, further comprising a pressurized fluid system, the pressurized fluid system comprising: a pressurized fluid fill port in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply inlet; as well as A pressurized fluid line is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply inlet and with an inlet of the primary pressure chamber formed between the expansion sleeve and the axial bore.

13. An expansion sleeve for a hydraulic chuck assembly, the expansion sleeve comprising: Inner surface; an outer surface having a first reduced diameter section, a second reduced diameter section, and a relatively larger diameter intermediate section therebetween; a front flange extending radially outward from the outer surface; as well as a rear flange extending radially outward from the outer surface, Wherein the flexibility of the expansion sleeve is increased by removing material from the expansion sleeve adjacent one of the front brazing ring and the rear brazing ring, thereby reducing the maximum stress in one of the front brazing ring and the rear brazing ring.

14. The expansion sleeve of claim 13, wherein material adjacent the front brazing ring is removed by forming a front undercut in the front flange of the expansion sleeve.

15. The expansion sleeve of claim 13, wherein material adjacent a rear braze ring is removed by forming a rear undercut in the rear flange of the expansion sleeve.

16. The expansion sleeve according to claim 13, further comprising a main pressure chamber, which is formed between the axial hole of the tool support member of the hydraulic chuck assembly and the first reduced diameter section, the second reduced diameter section and the relatively larger diameter intermediate section of the outer surface of the expansion sleeve.

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