Hydraulic Clamping Mechanism for Rapid Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milling devices face complexity and space constraints when changing tools, requiring a tool and significant effort due to the need for loosening and removing the clamping device, which complicates the process and limits operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A drive shaft with a channel for a thrust piece and a spring assembly, where a piston is used to adjust the clamping force hydraulically, allowing tool-free exchange by relaxing the clamping mechanism, enabling easy removal and reinstallation of tools without additional space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping device with clamping screw and clamping head is used to fix the tool, then the tool can be securely fixed to the drive shaft, but the tool change process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring loosening and removal of the clamping device
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed with a piston that can dynamically adjust the clamping force. The piston is movable within the drive shaft and can be actuated to quickly release the clamping force, allowing rapid tool changes while maintaining secure fixation during operation. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between secure fixation and easy tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A piston mechanism is introduced into the clamping device, which can be actuated hydraulically or pneumatically to quickly release the clamping force. This allows the tool to be rapidly removed without manually loosening the clamping screw, significantly simplifying the tool change process while maintaining reliable fixation during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the clamping device is designed for secure tool fixation, then reliable operation is achieved, but the installation space required for tool changes increases due to space constraints from other components
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is nested within the drive shaft itself, utilizing the internal space of the existing structure. The piston moves within a bore in the drive shaft, and the clamping head is integrated into the end of the drive shaft. This nested arrangement provides the necessary clamping functionality without requiring additional external space, resolving the contradiction between reliable operation and compact installation space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual loosening and removal of the clamping device is required for tool changes, then tool replacement is possible, but the process requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism can be quickly actuated to release the clamping force, allowing the tool to be removed without manual loosening of the clamping screw. This dramatically reduces the time required for tool changes while maintaining the capability to replace tools as needed. The hydraulic or pneumatic actuation provides rapid release compared to manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed to automatically maintain clamping force during operation, and can be quickly released when needed without requiring complex manual manipulation. The spring-loaded piston automatically engages the clamping position, and can be easily actuated to release, making the tool change process simple and rapid.
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
Ensures consistent clamping force with minimal effort and space, facilitating quick and safe tool changes, improving operational safety and reducing the time required for tool replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly with axially acting spring force is arranged between the projecting regions of the bolt and one near the second end of the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
an axially movable piston is arranged, which is adjustable by means of pressurization via a housing-side pressure medium connection in the direction of the second end of the drive shaft against the spring force of the spring assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine-operated device with a drive shaft (2) rotatably mounted in a housing (1), the second end (8) of which projects from the housing (1) carries a disc-like tool (9) which is mounted with an axial hole (10) onto a disc block (11) held on the shaft side with ring clamping elements, which can be clamped against the bore of the hole (10) of the tool by means of a clamping means (13) in a force-fit manner, wherein the drive shaft (2) has a channel (14) open to the second end (8) into which a pressure piece (15) is inserted, which is coupled at its first end region (16) to the clamping means (13) and at its second end region (17) to a bolt (19) extending transversely through the drive shaft (2) and projecting radially beyond the drive shaft (2).wherein a spring assembly (21) is clamped between the projecting areas of the bolt (19) and a bearing (4) and an axially displaceable piston (22) is arranged between the projecting areas of the bolt (19) and a bearing (3), which is adjustable by means of pressurization via a pressure medium connection (23) in the direction of the second end (8) of the drive shaft (2) against the spring force of the spring assembly (21).