Press-Fit Overload Coupling for Machine Tool Drive Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic and mechatronic solutions in machine tools fail to effectively limit short-term peak torques in the drive train, leading to potential damage and requiring oversized, heavy mechanisms to absorb these forces, which complicates handling and reduces usability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical overload protection device using a press-fit connection between the output and motor shaft, preferably with a gear wheel or bushing, that separates the drive train during extreme blockages to limit torque without increasing the machine's size or weight, utilizing materials like tool steel and molybdenum coating for rapid deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If electronic and mechatronic solutions are used for overload protection, then the machine tool can be kept compact and lightweight, but the drive train cannot be effectively protected from short-term peak torques
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the output shaft and the drive train. This coupling sleeve can slide axially to disconnect the drive train from the output shaft during overload conditions, thereby protecting the drive train while maintaining the compact and lightweight design of the machine tool.
2Reliability
If mechanical friction clutches are used to protect the drive train, then the drive train is mechanically separated in blockage events, but the machine tool becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential protective function of mechanical friction clutches (mechanical separation during overload) and implements it through a simplified coupling sleeve mechanism. This coupling sleeve can slide to disconnect the drive train, providing the necessary protection without the bulk and weight of traditional friction clutch assemblies.
3Strength
If robust and oversized mechanisms are designed into the drive train, then the machine tool can absorb large peak torques, but the machine tool becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a statically robust and heavy drive train, the invention introduces a dynamic protection mechanism where the coupling sleeve can slide axially during overload conditions. This dynamic response allows the machine tool to handle large peak torques temporarily without requiring permanently oversized and heavy components.
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
Effectively reduces peak torques in the drive train, protecting the machine tool from mechanical damage while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, enabling easier handling and extended use.
Implementation Method 1
The connection between the output shaft (22) and the coupling sleeve (42) is formed by a press-fit connection (44). The friction or sliding partners forming a sliding or friction pair are selected or designed so that the resulting press-fit connection (44) slips in the event of a blockage and in this way limits the torque in the drive train.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mechanical overload protection in a drive train of a machine tool, the drive train having an output side with an output shaft and an input side with a motor shaft. The output shaft is operatively connected to the motor shaft by way of a connector, the device for mechanical overload protection being formed by a press-fit connection between the connector-on the one side and the motor shaft or the output shaft on the other side. A method for producing such a device for mechanical overload protection in a machine tool is also provided. The peak torques in the drive train, which preferably occur for a short time, can be significantly reduced and the machine tool and its mechanical components can be protected from damage in the event of a blockage.