Coolant Distributor Wedge Sealing for Machine Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant distributors for machine tools face leakage issues at high pressures due to the lack of a mechanical and fluid-tight connection between the coolant distribution unit and the supply channel, especially during automatic tool changes when tool sizes differ.
Innovation Solution
A coolant distributor with a connection unit and a replaceable manifold assembly, featuring an inclined contact surface and counter-contact surface to create a wedge effect for a fluid-tight coupling, along with a locking device to maintain contact pressure, ensuring a secure and independent mechanical and fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nipple is inserted into an insertion opening to connect the coolant distribution unit to the supply channel, then a mechanical connection is established, but leakage occurs at high pressures due to insufficient fluid-tight sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into two functional parts: a mechanical connection element (nipple) and a separate sealing element (O-ring). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the nipple provides structural connection while the O-ring ensures fluid-tight sealing at high pressures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An O-ring sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the nipple and the insertion opening. This mediator creates the fluid-tight connection required for high-pressure operation without requiring complex integrated sealing structures, thus improving reliability while maintaining simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coolant distribution unit is exchanged together with the tool, then the connection can be readjusted after tool change, but the connection must withstand high coolant pressures up to 50 bar
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of the O-ring as a key parameter change. When the nipple is inserted into the opening, the O-ring deforms elastically to create a tight seal that can withstand high coolant pressures up to 50 bar. This elastic parameter change allows the connection to adapt to pressure variations while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the distribution unit is moved relative to the connection unit to establish connection, then a mechanical connection is created, but the contact pressure must be precisely controlled for optimal sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring sealing element performs self-adjustment through elastic deformation. As the distribution unit is moved into connection with the connection unit, the O-ring automatically deforms to fill gaps and distribute contact pressure evenly, eliminating the need for precise pre-control of contact pressure. The sealing element serves itself by adapting to the connection geometry, simplifying the connection process while ensuring optimal sealing.
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 reliable, easy-to-establish, and maintain fluid-tight connection between the distributor unit and the connection unit, independent of tool alignment or force, allowing for precise pressure control and efficient coolant distribution to multiple points with varying pressures.
Implementation Method 1
Because of the angle of inclination, the distance between the distribution surface and the connection surface changes, or the pressing force with which the distribution surface is pressed against the connection surface changes. In this way, a fluid-tight coupling can be achieved between the at least one distributor channel in the distributor unit and the respectively assigned supply channel in the connection unit via the wedge effect achieved by the angle of inclination.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coolant distributor (10), comprising a rigid connection unit (17) installed so as to be movable relative to the machine frame and comprising an exchangeable distributor unit (18). The distributor unit (18) can be connected to the connection unit (17) or disconnected from the connection unit by means of a gripper device associated with the machine tool. The connection unit (17) has a connection face, on which at least one supply channel for coolant opens. For contact with the connection face, there is a distributor face on the distributor unit (18), on which distributor face at least one distributor channel opens. The plane in which the connection face extends and the plane in which the distributor face extends are tilted from a connection direction (R) in which the distributor unit (18) is moved in order to make and break the connection. A retaining force can be applied to the distributor unit (18) in the connection direction (R) by means of a locking device in order to retain the distributor unit in the position in which the distributor unit is connected to the connection unit with a specified pressing force between the connection face and the distributor face. A fluid-tight connection between the distributor face and the connection face that is easy to make and break is achieved.