Tool Holder Locking Sleeve With Lever Claw for Accurate ATC Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool holder locking sleeves in numerical control machine tool magazines suffer from large locking forces that deform the ATC manipulator, leading to accuracy loss, tool jamming, and increased maintenance needs, while manual loading is labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder locking sleeve with a pulling claw, elastic component, and pin mechanism that uses a lever structure to clamp the tool holder from the inside, providing a large locking force and reliable engagement, facilitated by a pulling claw drive device for separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If steel balls inside the tool sleeve are pressed against the inner wall of the tool holder through springs to lock the tool holder, then the locking force is large, but the ATC tool changing mechanism deforms over time, loses accuracy quickly, and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lever mechanism as an intermediary between the elastic component and the tool holder. The elastic component presses against the lever, which then amplifies the force to engage the tool holder's locking groove. This intermediary lever system distributes the locking force more effectively, preventing direct deformation of the ATC mechanism while maintaining strong locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static spring-ball system to a dynamic lever-based system. The lever can rotate around its hinge point, allowing the mechanism to adapt to slight variations in tool holder positioning while maintaining reliable locking. This dynamic capability reduces stress concentration and prevents deformation of the ATC manipulator over time.
2Force
If a large locking force is applied to secure the tool holder, then the tool holder is firmly locked, but the ATC tool change arm deforms, causing deviation of the tool change point and frequent collisions with the spindle inner hole
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as a mediator that transforms the elastic component's force into a controlled locking action. Instead of direct force application that causes deformation, the lever distributes the force through its rotational movement, engaging the tool holder's locking groove without exerting excessive stress on the ATC tool change arm, thereby maintaining tool change point accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force is segmented into two stages: first, the lever rotates to engage the locking groove, and second, the elastic component provides continuous pressure to maintain the locked state. This segmentation allows the locking force to be applied gradually and controlledly, preventing sudden deformations that would cause tool change point deviation and spindle collisions.
3Reliability
If manual tool loading is performed with effort to insert the tool holder into the tool sleeve, then the tool holder is securely positioned, but the operation is very labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs self-service principles where the elastic component automatically pushes the lever to engage the tool holder upon insertion, and the lever's geometry guides the tool holder into the correct position within the tool sleeve. This self-positioning and self-locking capability eliminates the need for manual effort to secure the tool holder, reducing labor intensity while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component is pre-loaded to exert a restoring force on the lever before the tool holder is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the tool holder enters the tool sleeve, the lever is already positioned to engage the locking groove, and the guiding surfaces are ready to align the tool holder. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual adjustment or effort during the loading process.
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 offers a simple structure with high reliability, suitable for heavier tools, reduces maintenance frequency, and minimizes spindle damage, while allowing easy tool insertion and separation with reduced operational effort.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring force of the elastic component drives the pulling claw to rotate around the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder locking sleeve includes a tool sleeve; a pulling claw; an elastic component; and a pin, one end of a tool holder accommodating cavity inside the tool sleeve is provided with a tool holder installation opening, and another end is provided with a pulling claw installation portion; a tool holder clamping portion of the pulling claw is provided with a tool holder clamping surface, the pulling claw is hinged on a pulling claw installation portion, the elastic component connects the pulling claw and the tool sleeve, after the tool holder is inserted into the tool holder accommodating cavity, the pulling claw is driven by the elastic component so that the tool holder clamping portion is engaged into the tool holder to engage the clamping surface of the tool holder with the inner diameter of the tool holder.