Clamping system with clamping nut and wrench

Abstract

Clamping system with clamping nut (10) and wrench (100; 200; 300) for removing the clamping nut (10), characterized in that a. the clamping nut (10) has an undercut profile (11) on an end face of the clamping nut (10) for engagement of an actuating means and two through slots (14) which are located on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the clamping nut (10), and that b. the key (100; 200; 300) is designed to engage these slots (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping system comprising a clamping nut and a wrench for removing / pulling out the clamping nut, together with a collet chuck or, alternatively, a spindle end. The invention further relates to a clamping nut and a wrench for use in this clamping system. State of the art

[0002] Collet nuts (collet nuts) are used in particular for clamping collets, which are used to clamp tool shanks in the tool holder of a machine tool.

[0003] A collet chuck is generally a conical, slotted, and flexible sleeve that is inserted into the internal taper of a chuck or, alternatively, directly into the end of a spindle. The collet chuck grips the tool shank to be clamped. A clamping nut is used to secure the tool shank; this nut is screwed, for example, onto an external thread of the chuck. Tightening the clamping nut draws the collet chuck into the internal taper of the chuck or, if applicable, into the end of the spindle, compressing it. This securely clamps the tool shank.

[0004] The clamping nut itself is usually ring-shaped and has an external or internal thread. It can be designed as a cap nut with an internal thread. Furthermore, the clamping nut typically features an internal cone or a flat surface for centering the collet.

[0005] A common type of collet is characterized by a double cone slotted on both sides. Such collets often feature an external extraction groove located approximately in the upper third of the collet. A matching collet nut has an eccentric ring that engages in the extraction groove when the nut is placed on the collet.

[0006] Traditionally, the clamping nut is tightened and loosened using an elongated wrench that is applied laterally. Typically, specially designed wrenches are used, featuring a suitable geometry to grip the clamping nut appropriately. Hook wrenches and open-end wrenches are common examples.

[0007] To easily remove a clamping nut and collet from the chuck (tool chuck) or, if necessary, from the spindle end, it is already known to equip the clamping nut with lateral slots. These lateral slots are located in the area of ​​the clamping nut that, after the clamping nut is placed on the collet, is at the level of the collet's circumferential extraction groove. The wrench used to operate the clamping nut is equipped with an open square drive featuring thin lips. These thin lips engage in the lateral slots of the clamping nut, allowing the clamping nut to be tightened and loosened.Since the thin lips of the key also engage in the extraction groove of the collet located under the slots of the collet nut, the collet nut together with the collet can be pulled out of the chuck or alternatively the spindle end using the key, i.e., removed.

[0008] The problem here, however, is that such a system is not very stable, particularly due to the thin lips of the wrench, and the wrench itself is prone to breakage or other damage when tightening and loosening the clamping nut. Furthermore, this system's low stability and poor resistance to breakage prevent the clamping nut from being tightened to a specific torque using a torque wrench.

[0009] In contrast, the invention aims to provide an improved clamping system for actuating a clamping nut. In particular, the clamping system should be easy, safe, and user-friendly to operate. At the same time, the clamping system should be stable and reliable in its handling.

[0010] This problem is solved by a clamping system as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of this clamping system, as well as a clamping nut and a wrench for use in this clamping system, are defined in the further claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The clamping system according to the invention comprises a clamping nut and a wrench for removing the clamping nut, in particular for removing the clamping nut together with a collet. The clamping nut of the clamping system includes an undercut profile on one end face of the clamping nut. This undercut profile is designed for the engagement of an additional actuating means with which the clamping nut can be tightened and loosened. Furthermore, the clamping nut has two slots located on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the clamping nut. In the area of ​​the slots, the wall of the clamping nut is completely perforated. These are therefore two lateral, through slots. The two lateral slots are located in the area of ​​the clamping nut that, after the clamping nut has been placed on a collet, is at the level of a withdrawal groove of the collet.Advantageously, the clamping system according to the invention is therefore used with collets characterized by a withdrawal groove, for example, collets with a double cone. Furthermore, the clamping system is characterized in that the wrench is designed to engage these slots in the clamping nut. When the wrench is inserted into the slots of the clamping nut mounted on a collet, the wrench engages both in the slots of the clamping nut and in the underlying withdrawal groove of the collet, so that the wrench can grip the clamping nut together with the collet.

[0012] An important aspect of the invention is that the lateral slots in the clamping nut are designed exclusively for withdrawing the clamping nut, together with the collet, from a chuck, particularly a tool chuck, or alternatively from a spindle end. The wrench for the clamping system is also designed solely for withdrawing (removing) the clamping nut, together with the collet, from the chuck or the spindle end. Unlike prior art systems, the clamping nut is tightened and loosened via the undercut profile on the end face of the clamping nut by means of an additional actuating device. Since the wrench for the clamping system is designed only for withdrawing the clamping nut and therefore has no turning or clamping function, the wrench of the clamping system according to the invention is subjected to significantly less stress than in prior art systems, thus preventing breakage or other damage to the wrench.

[0013] The clamping system according to the invention therefore uses two different keys / actuators for operating the clamping nut. Firstly, an actuating device is used for tightening and loosening the clamping nut, with this actuating device engaging the clamping nut frontally via its end-face profile. Secondly, another key is used only for removing the clamping nut together with the collet from the chuck or the spindle end, and this key engages the lateral slots of the clamping nut.

[0014] For the end-face, undercut profile of the clamping nut of the clamping system according to the invention, various profiles with appropriately designed actuating means are suitable in principle. An end-face profile such as that described in German patent application DE 10 2009 006 520 A1 is particularly suitable for this purpose. This patent application discloses a system with a clamping nut and a key. This key constitutes an actuating means within the meaning of the present description. The clamping nut has at least one, preferably several, recesses on its end face, which are provided for receiving projections of the key / actuating means. The recesses are arranged either on the outer edge or on the inner edge of the clamping nut, with the opposite edge, i.e., the inner or the outer edge, being closed.This allows the projections of the wrench / actuator to engage either from the outside or the inside and be inserted into the recesses of the clamping nut. The recesses of the clamping nut are provided with at least one undercut for the projections of the wrench / actuator to engage behind or underneath them. This ensures that the wrench / actuator engages without slippage. For further features of the undercut profile of the clamping nut, reference is made to DE 10 2009 006 520 A1.

[0015] With such an undercut, face-mounted profile, a clamping nut can be tightened and loosened in a particularly reliable and safe manner. In particular, operation with a torque wrench is easily possible. Furthermore, because the actuating tool is applied frontally to the face-mounted profile, no lateral space is required for tightening and loosening the clamping nut. The free radius around the clamping nut can therefore be kept very small.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one recess in the end face of the clamping nut has two narrow sides and one closed and one open long side, wherein the narrow sides of the recess preferably do not have an undercut. Preferably, the undercut(s) is / are located on the closed long side of the recess. Preferably, the narrow sides have a semicircular or otherwise widened opening.

[0017] In further preferred embodiments of the end-face profile, the at least one recess in the end face of the clamping nut has two narrow sides and a closed and an open long side, wherein the closed long side of the recess has a central section without undercut and two adjacent sections with undercut.

[0018] In further preferred embodiments of the end-face profile, the recess in the area of ​​the central section without undercut has a radially inwardly enlarged opening for a recess arranged at the outer edge and a radially outwardly enlarged opening for a recess arranged at the inner edge.

[0019] The key / actuator for tightening and loosening the clamping nut can, for example, be a hollow cylindrical component, in particular a socket. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the key / actuator for tightening and loosening the clamping nut is a torque socket in conjunction with a corresponding wrench (torque wrench). A socket generally describes a tool component that establishes a connection between a wrench, for example, a ratchet wrench, and the respective nut, bolt, or other screw connection element. On one side of the socket, a receptacle for connection with the wrench, for example, an external hexagon or an internal square, is formed. On the other side of the socket, a geometry is provided that is adapted to the shape of the nut, bolt, or other screw connection element to be gripped.In this case, the socket has a geometry that is adapted to the undercut profile of the clamping nut on the front side.

[0020] In addition to the known actuating means for tightening and loosening the clamping nut, the clamping system according to the invention includes a key that is exclusively intended for removing (pulling out) the clamping nut together with the collet from the chuck or, alternatively, from the spindle end. In preferred embodiments of the clamping system according to the invention, the key for removing the clamping nut has a key head and a key handle. The key head is designed to engage in the lateral slots of the clamping nut and in the extraction groove of the underlying collet. The key can be operated by the operator via the key handle.

[0021] In particularly preferred embodiments of the clamping system and the key according to the invention, the key head has an open square receptacle with two opposing lips for engaging in the slots of the clamping nut and the underlying extraction groove of the collet.

[0022] The design of the key, and in particular the key head, is expediently adapted to the dimensions of the lateral slots of the clamping nut. Specifically, the thickness of the opposing lips on the key head is adapted to the width and depth of the slots.

[0023] In particularly preferred embodiments, the lips of the key are thinner than the rest of the key head. The advantage of this embodiment is that it increases the stability of the key head and the entire key.

[0024] The key handle of the key can, for example, have a flat and / or elongated shape suitable for gripping the key by the operator.

[0025] It is also possible, for example, that the key handle is formed only by a thickened rim of the key head, which is also suitable for gripping by the operator.

[0026] In particularly preferred embodiments of the clamping system and the key, the key handle is angled, preferably at a right angle or approximately at a right angle, from the key head. The particular advantage of this embodiment is that such a key minimizes the lateral space required next to the clamping nut when removing the clamping nut together with the collet from the chuck or, if applicable, from the spindle end. Depending on the application of the clamping system, this can offer significant advantages.

[0027] The key of the clamping system according to the invention can, for example, be manufactured as a sheet metal part.

[0028] The clamping nut of the clamping system is preferably made of steel, for example, hardened steel. Furthermore, the clamping nut may be surface-treated for corrosion protection, for example, zinc-plated.

[0029] The invention further comprises a clamping nut for use in the described clamping system. This clamping nut is characterized by an undercut profile on its end face, designed for the engagement of an actuating element. Furthermore, the clamping nut has two lateral, continuous slots located on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the clamping nut. For further details and advantages of this clamping nut and its use in the clamping system, reference is made to the description above.

[0030] Finally, the invention comprises a key for use in the described clamping system. The key preferably has a key head and a key handle. Furthermore, the key preferably has an open square drive with two opposing lips for engaging the slots of the clamping nut and the underlying extraction groove of the collet. Preferably, the lips of the key are thinner than the rest of the key head. In particularly preferred embodiments, the key handle is angled away from the key head, preferably at a right angle or approximately at a right angle. For further features and advantages of this key, reference is made to the above description in conjunction with the description of the claimed clamping system. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another.

[0032] The drawings show Fig. 1 Different views of a clamping nut with an undercut profile on the front and side slots (A - view obliquely from above, B - top view, C - first side view, D - second side view); Fig. 2 Different views of a key in a first embodiment for removing the clamping nut together with a collet from a chuck or alternatively a spindle end (A - oblique side view, B - top view); Fig. 3 Different views of a key in a second embodiment for removing the clamping nut together with a collet from a chuck or alternatively a spindle end (A - oblique side view, B - top view); Fig. 4 Different views of a wrench in a third embodiment for removing the clamping nut together with a collet from a chuck or alternatively a spindle end (A - oblique side view, B - side view, C - top view); and Fig. 5 Different views of a collet with clamping nut and inserted tool shank with attached wrench for removing the clamping nut together with the collet from a chuck or alternatively a spindle end (A - oblique side view, B - longitudinal section, C - side view). Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows various views of a clamping nut 10 as a component of the clamping system according to the invention. Partial figure A shows a view from an oblique angle above. Partial figure B shows a top view. Fig. C shows a first side view and Fig. D shows a second side view of the clamping nut 10.

[0034] The clamping nut 10 has an undercut profile 11 located on one end face of the clamping nut 10. In this embodiment, the profile 11 is formed by three recesses 12, each comprising two narrow sides and two long sides. The first long side is closed and located in the inner region of the clamping nut. The second long side is open and located in the outer region of the clamping nut. The inner, closed long side comprises a central section without an undercut and two adjacent sections, each of which has an undercut. An actuating device, for example, a socket, can be applied to this end-face undercut profile, allowing the clamping nut 10 to be tightened or loosened.

[0035] The clamping nut 10 is designed with an internal thread 13. The clamping nut 10 can be screwed onto a chuck (not shown here) or alternatively onto a spindle end via this internal thread 13 in order to clamp a collet inserted inside the chuck or the spindle end.

[0036] Furthermore, the clamping nut 10 has two lateral, continuous slots 14 located on opposite sides of the clamping nut 10 on its outer circumferential surface. The slots 14 are designed for the engagement of a wrench, which allows the clamping nut 10, together with the collet, to be pulled out of the chuck / tool ​​chuck or, alternatively, the spindle end after the clamping nut 10 has been loosened.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows various views of a key 100 in a first embodiment for removing a clamping nut together with a collet from a chuck or a spindle end. Partial figure A shows a side view of the key 100 at an angle, and partial figure B shows a top view of the key 100. The key 100 in this embodiment has an elongated basic shape. The key 100 is subdivided into a key head 101 and a key handle 102. The key head 101 forms an open square receptacle with two opposing lips 103, which engage in the slots 14 of the clamping nut 10 (see Figure 2). Fig. 1) are provided.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows various views of a key 200 in a second embodiment for removing a clamping nut together with a collet from a chuck or a spindle end. Partial figure A shows a side view of the key 200 at an oblique angle, and partial figure B shows a top view of the key 200. The key 200 in this embodiment has a rounded basic shape. The key 200 comprises a key head 201, which forms an open square receptacle with two opposing lips 203 that engage in the slots 14 of the clamping nut 10 (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) are provided. Furthermore, the key 200 comprises a key handle 202, which is formed by a marginal thickening of the key head 201.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows various views of a wrench 300 in a third, particularly preferred embodiment for removing a clamping nut together with a collet from a chuck or a spindle end. Partial figure A shows an oblique side view of the wrench 300. Partial figure B shows a side view and Fig. Figure C shows a top view of the key 300. The key 300 comprises a key head 301 with an open square receptacle and two opposing lips 303 which engage in the slots 14 of the clamping nut 10 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1) are provided. Furthermore, the key 300 comprises a key handle 302, which in this embodiment is angled at a right angle and enables a very space-saving solution.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5 shows various views of a slotted collet 50 with a clamping nut 10 and an inserted tool shank 60. A wrench 300 for removing the clamping nut 10 is also shown, along with the collet 50, from a chuck (not shown here) or a spindle end. Part A shows an oblique side view. Part B shows a longitudinal section and Fig. Figure C shows a side view of the collet 50 with collet nut 10, tool shaft 60 and wrench 300.

[0041] The collet 50 is designed for insertion into a chuck (not shown) or into the spindle end of a machine tool, wherein the chuck or spindle end has a tapered or, optionally, cylindrical internal cone for receiving the collet 50. The clamping nut 10 is designed as a cap nut with an internal thread. The chuck or spindle end (not shown) is equipped with a corresponding external thread so that the clamping nut 10 can be screwed onto it.

[0042] The collet 50 is characterized by a double conical shape. In the upper third of the collet 50, there is a circumferential extraction groove 51 on the outside (see Fig. 5B).

[0043] Inside the collet 50 is the tool shank 60 to be clamped, for example, the shank of a drill bit. Tightening the clamping nut 10 generates an axial force that pulls the collet 50 into the inner cone of the chuck (not shown) or the spindle end, thus clamping the tool shank 60. The chuck or spindle end, together with the collet 50, forms the interface between the machine tool and the tool in the narrower sense, i.e., for example, the drill bit.

[0044] The tightening and loosening of the clamping nut 10 is carried out using an actuating device (not shown here), for example a torque socket and a corresponding torque wrench. This actuating device (not shown here) engages the end-face profile 11 of the clamping nut 10.

[0045] The wrench 300 is used to remove the clamping nut 10 together with the collet 50 from the chuck / tool ​​chuck (not shown here) or the spindle end. The wrench 300 engages, via its open square drive in the area of ​​the wrench head, in the lateral slots 14 of the clamping nut 10 and in the underlying extraction groove 51 of the collet 50, so that the clamping nut 10 together with the collet 50 can be gripped by the wrench 300 and easily pulled out of the chuck or the spindle end. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2009 006 520 A1

[0014]

Claims

[1] Clamping system with clamping nut (10) and wrench (100; 200; 300) for removing the clamping nut (10), characterized by , that a. the clamping nut (10) has an undercut profile (11) on an end face of the clamping nut (10) for engagement of an actuating means and two through slots (14) which are located on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the clamping nut (10), and that b. the key (100; 200; 300) is designed to engage these slots (14). [2] Clamping system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the key (100; 200; 300) has a key head (101; 201; 301) and a key handle (102; 202; 302). [3] Clamping system according to claim 2, characterized by , that the key head (101; 201; 301) has an open square receptacle with two opposing lips (103; 203; 303) for engaging the slots (14) of the clamping nut (10). [4] Clamping system according to claim 3, characterized by , that the lips (103; 203; 303) of the key (100; 200; 300) have a lesser thickness than the rest of the key head (101; 201; 301). [5] Clamping system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the key handle (302) is angled at a right angle to the key head (301). [6] Clamping nut (10) for use in a clamping system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the clamping nut (10) has an undercut profile (11) on an end face of the clamping nut (10) for engagement of an actuating means and two through slots (14) which are located on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the clamping nut (10). [7] Keys (100; 200; 300) for use in a clamping system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the key (100; 200; 300) has a key head (101; 201; 301) and a key handle (102; 202; 302). [8] Key according to claim 7, wherein the key head (101; 201; 301) has an open square receptacle with two opposing lips (103; 203; 303) for engaging the slots (14) of the clamping nut (10). [9] Key according to claim 8, characterized by , that the lips (103; 203; 303) of the key (100; 200; 300) have a lesser thickness than the rest of the key head (101; 201; 301). [10] Key according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the key handle (302) is angled at a right angle to the key head (301).

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