Modular Tool Interface With Shift Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool interfaces face challenges in ensuring simple handling and high repeatability of the tool holder's position during tool changes, often resulting in tension issues and risk of clamping bolts falling out due to sequential tightening and loosening requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular interface featuring a shift lever element that can pivot or translate, with articulation elements and corresponding gripping elements, allowing for torsion-proof and repeatable positioning of the tool holder relative to the spindle head, utilizing a shift lever element as an intermediate element between the two assemblies, similar to a bayonet lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamping bolts are tightened sequentially one after the other, then the tool adapter can be clamped against the cylindrical collar, but tension occurs and there is a risk of clamping bolts falling out
Solution Approach 1:
A shift lever element is introduced as an intermediary component between the tool adapter and the tool holder. This shift lever element includes articulation elements that engage with gripping elements on the tool holder, mediating the connection and eliminating the need for sequential bolt tightening while preventing bolts from falling out during tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the shift lever element with articulation elements, the gripping elements on the tool holder, and the clamping bolts. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the shift lever element managing the positioning and engagement while the bolts provide secure clamping without tension issues.
2Ease of operation
If clamping bolts must be unscrewed completely for tool adapter changing, then tool adapter can be removed, but there is a risk of them falling out
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever element acts as a mediator that maintains control over the clamping bolts during tool changes. The articulation elements on the shift lever element engage with the gripping elements on the tool holder, creating a controlled disengagement mechanism that allows tool removal without complete unscrewing of bolts, thereby preventing bolts from falling out while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a modular interface with shift lever element is used, then repeatability and torsion-proof positioning are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever element serves as a compact intermediary mechanism that achieves precise positioning repeatability and torsion-proof connection through its articulation elements engaging with gripping elements. While it adds a component to the interface, the mechanism is designed to be integrated within the existing tool holder structure, minimizing overall complexity while maximizing positioning accuracy and repeatability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interface comprising a first assembly and a second assembly, wherein the first assembly on the one hand has a recess which has at least one section in the form of a truncated conical casing, and on the other hand has a contact surface, which acts in the axial direction, and wherein the second assembly on the one hand has a truncated-conical section for resting on the section of the first assembly which is in the form of a truncated conical casing, and secondly has at least one contact surface, which acts in the axial direction, for making contact with the contact surface of the first assembly. A switching lever element is arranged such that it can pivot in the recess in the first assembly. The switching lever element has at least one articulation element. The second assembly has at least one clasping element, which can be moved behind the articulation element of the switching lever element by a pivoting movement of the second assembly. With the present invention, an interface is developed which ensures simple handling whenever a tool change takes place, with high repetition accuracy with respect to the position of the assemblies which make contact.