Electronic Spindle Lock Activation Through Tool Holder Rotation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require additional switches for activating and deactivating the spindle lock, which is complex to implement, space-consuming, and not ergonomically sensible for users.

Innovation Solution

A method for activating and deactivating the spindle lock in a machine tool using a rotary movement of the tool holder detected by the device electronics, eliminating the need for additional switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional switches are provided for activating and deactivating the spindle lock, then the spindle lock function can be implemented, but the device complexity increases and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespindle lock functionVSAvoidswitch implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only holds the tool but also acts as the activation mechanism for the spindle lock. When the user rotates the tool holder, this rotational movement is detected by the device electronics and triggers the spindle lock activation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The activation function for the spindle lock is merged with the tool holder component. The tool holder incorporates both the mechanical function of holding the tool and the control function of activating the spindle lock through its rotational movement, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If additional switches are provided for activating and deactivating the spindle lock, then the spindle lock function can be implemented, but the space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespindle lock functionVSAvoidswitch space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only holds the tool but also acts as the activation mechanism for the spindle lock. When the user rotates the tool holder, this rotational movement is detected by the device electronics and triggers the spindle lock activation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The activation function for the spindle lock is merged with the tool holder component. The tool holder incorporates both the mechanical function of holding the tool and the control function of activating the spindle lock through its rotational movement, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional switches are provided for activating and deactivating the spindle lock, then the spindle lock function can be implemented, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespindle lock functionVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only holds the tool but also acts as the activation mechanism for the spindle lock. When the user rotates the tool holder, this rotational movement is detected by the device electronics and triggers the spindle lock activation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4329986B1Machine tool and method for activating and deactivating a spindle lock in a machine tool

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 HILTI AG

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for activating and for deactivating a spindle lock in a power tool, wherein the spindle lock can be activated, for example, by an intuitive movement by the user. In particular, the activation of the spindle lock can be achieved by a rotational movement by the user on the tool fitting, which rotational movement is identified by the device electronics of the power tool. A limit value for a rotation angle or a rotation speed being exceeded can be used by the device electronics as an activation signal for the spindle lock. The spindle lock can be deactivated when the device electronics determines a rotational movement of the tool fitting in the opposite direction. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a power tool with which the methods for activating and for deactivating a spindle lock can be carried out.