Interchangeable Electrospindle Locking for Non-Orthogonal Machine Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locking and unlocking electrospindles on non-orthogonal machine tools are not safe, durable, and efficient, leading to positioning errors and increased maintenance costs, while also limiting interchangeability and being complex.
Innovation Solution
A working head with automatic connection means using a plurality of pins and seats arranged in a rectangular configuration, where each seat has a collet that can exert a radial locking/unlocking action, combined with counteracting members and axial thrust means to ensure secure and repeatable centering and locking of the electrospindle, preventing undesired unlocking due to vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable elastic wall compressed by fluid is used to frictionally lock the electrospindle, then the electrospindle can be locked to the head, but the durability of the deformable wall is dramatically limited, increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluid-compressed elastic wall mechanism with a direct mechanical locking system using a locking element that engages with a locking surface. This substitution eliminates the deformable wall entirely, achieving reliable locking through mechanical engagement rather than fluid-pressure-induced deformation, thereby dramatically improving durability while maintaining locking reliability.
2Reliability
If complex connection means are used to lock the electrospindle, then the electrospindle can be secured, but the rate of change of the electrospindle is limited and the system becomes highly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking element with a locking surface, a corresponding engagement feature on the electrospindle, and actuation means. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and well-defined, avoiding complex integrated designs while achieving secure locking through the coordinated action of these separate but complementary elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from a complex system of deformable walls and fluid compression, isolating it into a dedicated locking element that engages directly with the electrospindle. This extraction simplifies the overall system by removing unnecessary complexity (fluid systems, deformable structures) while retaining the core locking security function.
3Device complexity
If the electrospindle is rigidly joined to the second body, then the structure is simple, but the interchangeability of the electrospindle is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the electrospindle and head transitions from a static rigid joint to a dynamic system that can switch between locked and unlocked states. The locking element can be actuated to engage or disengage from the electrospindle, providing the necessary versatility for interchangeability while maintaining structural simplicity when locked, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A working head for a machine tool with non-orthogonal axes, with a support movable along three Cartesian axes, includes a first body mounted to the support to rotate about a first polar axis parallel to one of the Cartesian axes, a second body mounted to the first body to rotate about a second polar axis tilted at a predetermined first angle from the first polar axis, a tool holder electrospindle designed to be coupled to the second body, and an automatic connection system of the electrospindle to the second body. The connection system includes a plurality of pins, which can selectively fit into corresponding seats on the second body or on the electrospindle for centering and locking. Each seat has a collet that is shaped and selectively movable along its axis to exert a radial locking/unlocking action on the pin. A method of locking/unlocking an electrospindle to/from a working head.