Segmented Clamping Mechanism for Large-Diameter Spindle Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices struggle to achieve precision when clamping workpieces with large diameters, as they are prone to tilting and catching in the guide arrangement, leading to inadequate force transmission and reduced clamping accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device features a power transmission system with segmented transmission elements spaced apart in the circumferential direction, forming a cage-like structure, which improves force guidance and reduces the risk of tilting, coupled with a guide arrangement that provides precise three-point guidance and a segmented second section for enhanced stability and material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid one-piece pot-like element is used for force transmission, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device is prone to tilting and catching in the guide arrangement, reducing clamping precision for large diameter workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission device is divided into multiple transmission elements (typically 3-6) spaced circumferentially around the spindle axis, replacing the rigid one-piece structure. Each transmission element is independently guided, preventing tilting and catching while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the guide ratio is increased to improve clamping precision, then the length of the force transmission element guided by the guide increases, but the available space in the rotating spindle becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission elements are arranged circumferentially around the spindle axis, utilizing the radial dimension to distribute the force transmission paths. This allows multiple independent guidance paths within the limited spindle volume, effectively increasing the guide ratio without exceeding spatial constraints.
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 enables high precision clamping of workpieces with clamping diameters exceeding 400 mm, even up to 800 mm, by optimizing the guide ratio and ensuring reliable chip removal, while maintaining structural simplicity and flexibility under high clamping forces.
Implementation Method 1
a force acting on the clamping ring in the axial direction is converted into a clamping force acting radially to the spindle axis
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping apparatus (1) for clamping a workpiece (100), which is or is to be toothed and has an axis of rotation, onto a spindle, which can be rotationally driven and has a spindle axis defining an axial direction (A), with a clamping mechanism (20), which converts an axial force (FA) transferred via a force transfer device (10) into a clamping force (Fg) directed radially to the spindle axis, wherein the force transfer device (10) has a first section (12) movably guided by a guide arrangement (30) in relation to a movement having an axial direction component, wherein the first section (12) is segmented into several transfer elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction.