Quick-Change Coupling With Enclosed Locking Pins for Clean Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change couplings for container treatment machines have sharp-edged undercuts and exposed springs, making cleaning difficult and the locking mechanism unreliable, with a need for additional space for tool holder exchange.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change coupling with an outer and inner member engaging in a positive-fit manner, using resiliently preloaded locking pins and guide bevels for secure torque and axial force transmission, eliminating the need for lateral access and providing easy handling and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dovetail connection with exposed springs is used for quick-change coupling, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but cleaning becomes difficult and the springs can detach causing unreliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful feature (exposed springs and sharp-edged undercuts) is extracted and replaced by a fully enclosed coupling design where the inner member is completely surrounded by the outer member, eliminating cleaning difficulties while maintaining locking reliability through the enclosed geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is segmented into an outer member with locking pins and an inner member with engagement recesses, allowing the locking function to be distributed across multiple discrete elements that work together to provide reliable locking without exposed springs
2Ease of operation
If lateral removal space is provided for tool holder exchange, then quick-change capability is enabled, but additional installation space is required at the machine
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the inner member laterally as in conventional bayonet couplings, the invention inverts the separation direction by enabling axial withdrawal, allowing quick-change operation without requiring lateral access space
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from lateral/rotational separation in conventional designs to axial separation in this invention, changing the dimension of movement from radial to axial direction, thereby eliminating the need for lateral installation space
3Reliability
If locking pins are preloaded inwardly with springs, then secure locking is achieved, but the springs can detach from their seats during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The springs are extracted from their conventional exposed positions and relocated to fully enclosed spring receptacles within the outer member, eliminating the risk of detachment while maintaining the necessary preload force for secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring receptacles are nested within the outer member structure, creating a hierarchical arrangement where the springs are housed within protected cavities, ensuring they remain contained while still providing the necessary mechanical function
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 reliable, play-free transmission of unidirectional torques and axial forces without unintentional release, facilitating easy connection and separation with minimal effort and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the outer member comprises locking pins resiliently preloaded inwardly, and where the inner member comprises first guide bevels for the locking pins for forcing the locking pins outwardly when one is pushed into the other
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-change coupling is described for a container treatment machine, in particular a capping machine, with an outer member and an inner member engaging therewith in a positive-fit manner, between which members torques in a working direction of rotation and axial forces can be transmitted. Due to the fact that the outer member and the inner member are connectable to each other by pushing one into the other and twisting, a simple connection/separation of the quick-change coupling is possible without tools, as well as reliable and play-free transmission of unidirectional torques and contact pressure forces.