Compact Spindle Unit with Integrated Clamping Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spindle units for machine tools are bulky and prone to collisions due to their long construction length, which complicates their integration in turning and milling machines, and often require complex rotational bushings for fluid transfer during tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A compact spindle unit design where a non-rotating ring cylinder is integrated into the rear end of the working spindle, with a sensor for detecting the tie rod position and a main portion of the rotational bushing inserted into the ring cylinder, reducing the axial length and allowing for a simpler construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tool spindle construction with a clamping cylinder flange-mounted to the spindle case is used, then the tool can be released and clamped, but the construction length becomes relatively long and requires more space in the working space of turning and milling machines
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping cylinder is integrated directly into the spindle shaft, merging the clamping mechanism with the spindle structure itself. This eliminates the need for a separate flange-mounted cylinder and reduces the overall construction length of the spindle unit while maintaining full tool clamping and releasing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping cylinder is nested within the spindle shaft structure, with the cylinder bore and piston arranged concentrically within the shaft. This nested arrangement allows the clamping mechanism to be housed within the existing spindle volume, reducing the axial length and freeing up working space in the machine.
2Reliability
If the rotational bushing is arranged in the zone of the rear rolling bearing or ring cylinder, then the tool spindle can function, but the construction length increases and the danger of collisions with surrounding parts or other aggregates increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the rotational bushing in the traditional zones (rear rolling bearing or ring cylinder area), the design inverts the approach by integrating the clamping cylinder directly into the shaft and arranging the rotational bushing in the front zone near the clamping device. This inversion reduces the axial length and moves components away from collision-prone areas.
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 achieves a highly compact and efficient spindle unit with reduced axial length, enabling the integration of powerful rotor spindles with small outer dimensions and facilitating tool clamping and fluid supply without the need for additional releasing mechanisms, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational bushing in order to supply the tools with a cooling and/or lubricating agent through a hydraulic conduit extending longitudinally through said working spindle
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for detecting the position of said tie rod is arranged in the zone of this segment
Implementation Method 3
a non-rotating ring cylinder for actuating said clamping device via a rotating tie rod
Implementation Method 4
a tie rod loaded at one side by a spring package
Data Source
AI summary
A spindle unit for machine tools that includes a working spindle rotationally bearing-mounted in axially spaced spindle bearings in a spindle case, and an electric driving motor. The working spindle includes at its head side a clamping device for a tool and at its rear side a non-rotating ring cylinder for activating said clamping device via a rotating tie rod, and rotational bushing for supplying said tool with cooling and/or lubricating agents through a hydraulic conduit extending longitudinally through said working spindle. At least a segment of the non-rotating ring cylinder may be received in the rear end portion of said working spindle.