Chuck Centering Slides Synchronize Tube Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chuck systems for machining tubular workpieces are complex and heavy due to the need for multiple chucking functions, including centered, compensating, and eccentric chucking, which requires large diameters and lengths, and involves cumbersome wedge systems for movement redirection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of centering slides with synchronizable drives and a central gear for precise external centering, combined with cross slides and a coupling pinion system that allows for perpendicular movement redirection without wedge systems, enabling compact and dynamic chucking with reduced mass and enhanced operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chucking functions (centered, compensating, and eccentric) are integrated into a single chuck system, then the chuck can handle various machining requirements, but the chuck diameter, length, and mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck system is divided into functionally independent modules: a basic chuck mechanism for centered gripping, and separate movable jaw slides for compensating and external centered chucking. Each module can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the system to achieve multiple functions without requiring all components to be permanently integrated, thus reducing overall mass while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw slides are designed to be movable relative to the chuck body, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the chuck to adapt its structure based on the required function: compact for centered chucking, extended for compensating or external centered operations, thereby achieving versatility without permanent mass increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wedge systems are used to redirect movements in existing chuck systems, then the required chucking functions can be achieved, but the chuck diameter and length become large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using wedge systems that redirect movement parallel to the chuck axis (one dimension), the invention employs jaw slides that move perpendicular to the axis (another dimension). This dimensional change eliminates the need for lengthy wedge mechanisms, achieving movement redirection with significantly reduced chuck length and diameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing chuck systems are designed for multiple chucking functions, then they can handle centered and eccentric tubes, but the operational speed and cycle time are reduced due to large mass
Solution Approach 1:
The movable jaw slides enable the chuck to dynamically adjust its configuration for different operations. By retracting unused slides, the system minimizes its mass during operation, thereby improving operational speed and reducing cycle times while maintaining the capability to perform multiple chucking functions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw slides are actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, providing rapid and controlled movement between extended and retracted positions. This enables quick transitions between different chucking functions, significantly reducing cycle times and improving productivity compared to manual or mechanical adjustment systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If external centered chucking is added to front end chucks, then precise thread cutting is facilitated, but the chuck complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external centered chucking function is implemented as a separate, modular jaw slide system rather than integrating it into the basic chuck structure. This segmentation allows the precise external centering mechanism to be added only when needed, without complicating the fundamental chuck design, and enables independent optimization of each subsystem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for precise and efficient chucking and releasing of tubular workpieces with reduced mass and cycle times, facilitating precise thread cutting without enlarging the chuck design, and enabling balanced chucking with easy manual adjustment of the coupling pinion.
Implementation Method 1
respective racks of the slides engaging with teeth on one side of respective drives and each also meshing with teeth on an opposite side parallel to the one side with a central gear mounted concentrically with the rotation axis such that the central gear synchronizes movements of all the centering slides
Implementation Method 2
a piston provided that is acted upon by pressure and that has a supply rod for means at its two pressure sides with the supply rods for pressure extending out from the ends of the hollow cylinder, the hollow cylinder thus sliding toward the one or the other side above the respective piston during pressurization of the one or the other piston side of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a chuck (1) for a machine tool for machining a tubular workpiece (26) which rotates about a rotational axis that coincides with the center of the chuck, comprising at least two chucking slides (7a, b, c) that are designed to be positionable radially with respect to the rotational axis in order to release and chuck the workpiece, are arranged on the end side of and in a manner distributed uniformly around the circumference of a chuck head plate, and bear chucking jaws (8a, b, c). Such a chuck is intended to be created with improved operating characteristics and extension to all chucking functions. To this end, for the external central chucking of a tube (26), there are provided centring slides (27a, b, c) which can be disengaged from the chuck head plate with a forward inclination towards the end of the tube to be machined and center the tube by means of chucking claws (29) which are arranged at the front, free end of centring slide rods (28), said centring slides (27a, b, c) engaging via a toothed rod section (34) into a toothing (35) of a drive means assigned to each centring slide, and meshing for their part, on a toothing side (37) parallel to the side with the toothing, with a central toothed wheel (33) arranged concentrically with the rotational axis, wherein the central toothed wheel (33) synchronizes the movements of all the centring slides (27a, b, c).