Machine Tool Clamping Spindle With Wired Chuck Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for machine tools face challenges with energy transmission limitations, contamination susceptibility, and inability to provide a permanent connection for sensors and actuators, particularly in machining environments where chips and liquids are present.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a wired connection through the work spindle, featuring a fixed conductor and transmission device that allows for unidirectional or bidirectional communication and power supply to actuators and sensors, while being easily retrofittable to existing machine tools without modifying the work spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless energy transmission is used for electrical clamping, then energy transmission is simpler, but the amount of energy that can be transmitted is limited and energy transmission is prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pull rod as an intermediary mechanical component that transmits clamping force through the work spindle cavity. This mechanical intermediary provides a reliable force transmission path that is not limited by wireless energy transmission constraints, allowing robust clamping action while maintaining operational simplicity through the direct mechanical connection.
2Reliability
If detachable plug-in connections are used for wired energy supply, then energy supply is more reliable, but complex closures and seals are required to protect against contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection components from the machining area by positioning the actuating unit and conductor connections in the protected second end area of the work spindle, away from chips and liquids. This extraction eliminates the need for complex closures and seals while maintaining reliable energy supply through the protected wired connection through the work spindle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and actuators are connected in the machining area, then control functionality is improved, but contamination susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work spindle acts as an intermediary protective structure that allows sensors and actuators to be positioned in the protected second end area while still enabling control functionality. The pull rod and conductor pass through the work spindle cavity, providing a protected transmission path that maintains control versatility while isolating electronic components from contamination in the machining area.
4Reliability
If the clamping device is modified to provide permanent connection, then operational reliability is improved, but modification of existing machine tools is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the clamping device with universal compatibility for existing machine tools by utilizing the existing work spindle hollow shaft structure. The actuating unit and conductor are integrated into the existing work spindle geometry, allowing permanent reliable connections without requiring modification of the work spindle itself, thus maintaining ease of manufacture and retrofit capability.
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
The solution provides a robust and reliable energy supply and communication system for machine tools, resistant to contamination and capable of maintaining clamping force during rotation, while allowing for easy integration with existing machinery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductor (45) is provided, which establishes a fixed connection between the housing assembly (20) and the chuck (5) through the work spindle (10)
Implementation Method 2
the actuating unit (25) can actuate the pull rod (30), preferably by applying an axial force directed coaxially to the work spindle (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping device (1) of a machine tool with a driven work spindle (10) designed as a hollow shaft (11), on which a chuck (5) for clamping a workpiece for rotary machining can be arranged in a first end region (14) and on which the clamping device (1) comprising a housing arrangement (20), an actuating unit (25) and a drawbar (30) is arranged in a second end region (15), wherein the actuating unit (25) is arranged in the housing arrangement (20) and can actuate the drawbar (30), wherein the drawbar (30) can be coupled to the chuck (5) for transmitting an axial force, and wherein at least one conductor (45) fixed to the housing arrangement (20) is provided, which can establish a connection between the housing arrangement (20) and the chuck (5) through the work spindle (10).Furthermore, the present invention relates to a spindle arrangement (3) and a machine tool, in particular a lathe or a grinding machine.