Electric Motor Clamping Device for Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines face challenges with secure and precise clamping of workpieces and tools due to the high forces and rotational movements involved, which are difficult to manage with hydraulic systems, leading to maintenance issues and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electric motor, specifically a sensorless permanent magnet excited synchronous motor, to actuate the clamping device, allowing for direct or indirect clamping of workpieces and tools, and enabling the potential elimination of hydraulic systems by decentralizing the hydraulic pump for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic clamping devices are used to achieve high clamping forces, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the system becomes maintenance-prone and complex due to high-pressure hydraulic lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric motor-driven clamping mechanism. The electric motor directly generates the clamping force through a clamping element, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, high-pressure lines, and associated control valves. This substitution reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining the necessary clamping force for securing workpieces and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic system components (pump, high-pressure lines, valves) from the clamping mechanism, retaining only the essential clamping function. By separating the force generation (electric motor) from the clamping action, the system achieves simplicity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic lines are made flexible to accommodate workpiece table movements and rotations, then positional flexibility is improved, but the system becomes more maintenance-prone and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven clamping element replaces the flexible hydraulic lines entirely. Since the electric motor is directly mounted on the workpiece table or tool holder, it moves with the table or tool without requiring flexible connections. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with flexible hydraulic lines while maintaining full adaptability to movements and rotations.
3Force
If hydraulic systems are used for both workpiece and tool clamping, then high forces can be achieved, but the equipment outlay and installation costs are considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive hydraulic infrastructure (pump unit, valves, piping, hose laying) with relatively simple electric motors and control electronics. The electric motors can be directly mounted and wired, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic installation while providing equivalent or superior clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor system serves multiple functions: it provides clamping force for both workpieces and tools, and can potentially serve as a drive mechanism for the workpiece table or tool holder. This multi-functionality reduces the overall equipment outlay compared to dedicated hydraulic systems for each function.
4Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic clamping is used to ensure secure fixation, then positional accuracy is maintained, but the system becomes less adaptable to different processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven clamping element can dynamically adjust its position and force application point, allowing it to accommodate different workpiece sizes, shapes, and clamping requirements. The motor can be precisely controlled to maintain positioning accuracy while adapting to various processing operations, unlike fixed hydraulic line configurations.
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 provides a more flexible, efficient, and maintenance-friendly clamping system that can handle high forces and rotational movements, reducing the need for complex hydraulic setups and improving the versatility of processing machines by enabling turning operations and reducing installation costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor for generating the clamping force is provided, designed as a sensorless and permanent magnet excited synchronous motor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool for machining one or more workpieces, wherein the workpiece is held in the machine tool on or against a workpiece table that is not rotatable or, in particular, rotatable about at least one axis, either directly or indirectly by a clamping device. The invention is characterized in that the clamping device comprises at least one clamping element which interacts directly or indirectly with the workpiece and an electric motor is provided for generating the clamping force, the operative connection of which is with the clamping element.