Quick-Change Clamping Device for Machine Tool Spindles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for machine tools require frequent replacement of base body units to accommodate workpieces with different coupling shafts, leading to significant effort and inefficiency due to the need for precise coaxial alignment.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device featuring a multi-part interchangeable body and base body with rolling elements and a wedge-shaped groove for secure coaxial connection, allowing for quick exchange of interchangeable bodies to adapt to various workpieces without removing the base body from the spindle, utilizing a cone coupling and tie rod coupling for precise clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the base body unit is replaced to accommodate workpieces with different coupling shafts, then adaptability to various workpieces is improved, but the effort and time required for replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various coupling shaftsVSAvoidtime for base body replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base body unit is divided into two separable parts: the base body (2) that remains on the spindle and the interchangeable body (1) that is exchanged. This segmentation allows the adaptable part (interchangeable body with different cone couplings) to be changed without removing the time-consuming base body, thus improving adaptability while reducing replacement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body (2) is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of interchangeable bodies (1) with different cone couplings. This multi-functionality allows a single base body to work with various workpieces having different coupling shafts, improving adaptability without requiring multiple base bodies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the base body unit is replaced to accommodate workpieces with different coupling shafts, then adaptability to various coupling shafts is improved, but the complexity of the replacement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various coupling shaftsVSAvoidcomplexity of base body replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the base body unit into a stationary base body (2) and a movable interchangeable body (1), the invention simplifies the replacement process. Only the lighter interchangeable body needs to be manipulated and exchanged, reducing the complexity compared to handling the entire base body unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable body (1) acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the base body (2). It provides the specific cone coupling adaptation needed for different workpieces while interfacing with the universal base body, simplifying the overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the interchangeable body is exchanged without removing the base body, then productivity is improved, but the precision of coaxial alignment may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of interchangeable body exchangeVSAvoidcoaxial alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering function is extracted as a separate feature (conical mounting surface) on both the base body (2) and interchangeable body (1). This dedicated centering interface ensures precise coaxial alignment is automatically achieved when the interchangeable body is mounted, maintaining precision while enabling quick exchange

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conical mounting surfaces are designed to automatically self-center the interchangeable body (1) on the base body (2) through their geometric shape. This self-service centering mechanism ensures precise coaxial alignment without requiring external alignment tools or complex procedures, maintaining precision while improving exchange speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and precise clamping of workpieces with different coupling shafts or diameters without replacing the base body unit, reducing effort and ensuring accurate coaxial alignment, while allowing for flexible adaptation to various workpieces.

Implementation Method 1

The rolling bodies (11) are braced frictionally against the base body (2) by the wedge-shaped groove (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

three rolling elements (11) which are arranged between the respective interchangeable body (1) and the base body (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 3

The purpose of the cone coupling is to connect the interchangeable body (1) to the workpiece, which is to be attached in rotation to the spindle of the machine tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

The base body (2) is detachably fastened to the hollow spindle (5) by means of a screw connection (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2178675B1Quick-change system
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 FRANZ HAIMER MASCHINENBAU KG
  • EP2178675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2178675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2178675B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping device 1a for clamping a workpiece or a tool on a rotating spindle of a machine tool, particularly a balancing machine, wherein the clamping device has a base body 2, which can be firmly connected to the spindle as intended, and at least one changing body 1 that can be coupled to and decoupled from the base body 2, wherein the changing body 1 and the base body 2 are held coaxially to each other in a completely coupled state by rolling bodies 11 and are braced against each other in the radial direction, wherein each of the rolling bodies 11 is disposed in a gap between the base body 2 and the rolling body 1, the gap being configured as a wedge gap and adjusted to the respective rolling body 11 such that the respective rolling body may be moved deeper into the wedge gap along the wedge gap in the course of the connecting of the base body 2 and the rolling body 1 such that the desired bracing is created in the radial direction.