Three-Ring Milling Head Coupling for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milling heads face challenges in achieving accurate positioning and long service life due to large forces and moments during engagement and disengagement, leading to inaccuracies and increased swivel time, which prolongs milling time.
Innovation Solution
A milling head design featuring a middle section and tool section connected via a coupling with upper, lower, and intermediate rings, where the intermediate ring is rotatable by motors, allowing for precise positioning without translational movement, and a second coupling system for the connection section, enabling simultaneous rotation of rings to minimize disengaged state duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a Hirth toothing coupling is used to firmly connect parts in adjustable angular positions, then the connection can transmit large forces and moments, but very large bearings are required and positioning inaccuracies occur due to large forces during engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into three separate rings (first upper ring, first lower ring, and first intermediate ring) that can be independently positioned and engaged. This segmentation allows each ring to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall impact of forces on positioning accuracy while maintaining strong force transmission capability through the distributed tooth engagement.
2Device complexity
If the upper ring is uncoupled and rotated into desired position before engaging the intermediate ring, then the coupling construction remains simple, but the swivel time becomes very long increasing milling time
Solution Approach 1:
The first intermediate ring is pre-positioned relative to the first lower ring through the Hirth toothing engagement before the final coupling engagement. This preliminary positioning action allows the upper ring to be rotated into its desired position more efficiently, reducing the overall swivel time while maintaining the simple construction approach.
3Strength
If large bearings are provided to handle large forces during engagement and disengagement, then the coupling can transmit large forces, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates and the life of the milling head is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design applies different structural characteristics to different parts: the Hirth toothing provides strong force transmission at the engagement points, while the intermediate ring and bearing arrangements are optimized locally to minimize force impacts on positioning accuracy. This local optimization allows the system to handle large forces without compromising overall reliability and service life.
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 design ensures high accuracy, extends the service life of the milling head by reducing forces and moments during disengagement, and significantly shortens pivoting time, enhancing overall machining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
In the first coupling position, the first upper ring can be rotated by a first motor (6)
Implementation Method 2
In the first coupling position, the first intermediate ring can be rotated by a second motor (18)
Implementation Method 3
an upper ring and a lower ring are provided. An intermediate ring is arranged between the upper and lower rings, the first intermediate ring having a number O1 teeth being geared to the first upper ring via a first upper tooth system
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
Figure 9
AI summary
The invention relates to a milling head for a machine tool (3), in particular a milling machine, with a central section (5) and a tool section (4), wherein the central section (5) is connected to the tool section (4) via a first coupling (12), wherein the first coupling (12) comprises a first upper ring (13), a first lower ring (14) and a first intermediate ring (15), wherein the first intermediate ring (15) is arranged between the first upper ring (13) and the first lower ring (14), wherein in a first working position (16) the first coupling (12) is engaged, so that in the first working position (16) a rotationally fixed connection is established between the central section (5) and the tool section (4), wherein in a first coupling position (17) the first coupling (12) is disengaged, so that in the first coupling position (17) the central section (5) is rotatable relative to the tool section (4),wherein in the first coupling position (17) the first upper ring (13) is rotatable by a first motor (6), and wherein in the first coupling position (17) the first intermediate ring (15) is rotatable by a second motor (18).