Compact Electric Chuck With Hollow Rotor for High-Torque Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed machining machine tools face challenges in maintaining precision and rigidity due to the large size of electro-spindles required for hard metals, which increases mechanical complexity and costs, while compactness and rigidity are not always satisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A compact electro-spindle design featuring a hollow rotating assembly with a large diameter stator and rotor, incorporating a spindle center coolant system and tool release mechanism, where the spindle equipment is housed within the rotor, and guided by ceramic bearings for enhanced rigidity and torque, reducing the overall size and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger motors and more substantial machine structures are used to provide necessary rigidity and withstand torque for hard metals, then torque and rigidity are improved, but electrospindle dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the coolant system components (coolant inlet, coolant outlet, and coolant channel) directly inside the rotor structure. The coolant inlet and outlet are positioned on opposite sides of the rotor, with the coolant channel running through the rotor's interior space. This nesting approach allows the coolant system to be integrated within the existing rotor volume without increasing overall electrospindle dimensions, while still providing effective cooling for high torque operations.
2Device complexity
If electrospindle size is reduced for economic reasons, then cost and dimensions are improved, but precision performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional external coolant delivery system with an integrated internal coolant channel system within the rotor. This substitution eliminates the need for separate coolant lines and external cooling mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity and dimensions while maintaining effective cooling performance. The internal channel design ensures precise coolant delivery directly to the heat generation points within the motor structure.
3Temperature
If traditional coolant system design is used, then cooling function is provided, but electrospindle compactness and rigidity are not satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coolant system with the rotor structure by integrating the coolant inlet, outlet, and channel directly into the rotor body. This combination eliminates separate coolant system components and their associated mounting structures, achieving compactness while maintaining effective cooling. The coolant channel is positioned to maximize cooling efficiency while minimizing the rotor's overall volume.
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 design achieves a balance between high torque, rigidity, and compact dimensions, improving the precision and reliability of electro-spindles, making them more economically viable and efficient for machining hard metals.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor is shrink-fitted directly onto the spindle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Electric chuck (1) for a machine tool, comprising: a chuck body (10), a rotary assembly (3) comprising a chuck (31) and a rotor (32), a stator (2) fixed inside the chuck body and configured to drive the rotation of the rotary assembly with respect to the chuck body about an axis (A), chuck equipment (12 – 13) and at least one rolling bearing (5). The rotary assembly is hollow, and forms a housing (33) extending along the axis and passing at least in part through the rotor, the housing at least partially accommodating the chuck equipment. The rotor assembly is guided in rotation with respect to the chuck body by the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing comprises an outer ring (52) fixed to the rotary assembly, and an inner ring (51) fixed to the chuck body.