Spindle Device Unclamping Mechanism Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spindle devices have an increased overall length due to the unclamping device being arranged on the outer side, leading to higher moment loads and limited machining stability, especially in machine tools with inclined or swinging spindles.

Innovation Solution

The unclamping device is integrated within an annular space between the spindle and the draw bar, utilizing a piston driven by fluid pressure and supported by radial bearings, allowing for a compact structure and reduced overall length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the unclamping device is arranged on the outer side of the rear part of the spindle, then the unclamping function is achieved, but the overall length of the spindle device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunclamping functionVSAvoidoverall length of spindle device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The unclamping device is nested within the annular space between the spindle and draw bar, with the piston inserted through the draw bar's through-hole. This nesting arrangement allows the unclamping device to be housed inside the existing structural space rather than adding external components, thereby achieving the unclamping function while minimizing the overall length of the spindle device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the overall length of the spindle device is increased, then the unclamping device can be accommodated, but the moment load on the support portion increases and machining stability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of unclamping deviceVSAvoidmachining stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging the unclamping device in the axial direction (length dimension), the invention utilizes the radial annular space between the spindle and draw bar. This dimensional shift from axial to radial arrangement allows the unclamping device to be accommodated without increasing the overall length, thereby maintaining short support spans and high machining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the unclamping device is integrated within the annular space between spindle and draw bar, then the overall length is shortened, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall length of spindle deviceVSAvoidintegration of unclamping device
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The draw bar is designed with a through-hole that serves dual purposes: it allows the piston of the unclamping device to pass through and also serves as part of the clamping structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the integrated arrangement of the unclamping device within the annular space.

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

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 configuration shortens the spindle device, reducing moment loads and maintaining machining stability across various conditions, while allowing for precise machining with reduced deflection and expanded operational ranges.

Implementation Method 1

the unclamping device has a piston that moves the draw bar toward the front of the spindle by utilizing the fluid pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the piston of the unclamping device is rotatably supported in the inner circumferential surface of the spindle by a first radial bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial bearing support: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP2554301B1Spindle device of a machine tool
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP2554301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2554301B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2554301B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a spindle device (5) for a machine tool such that draw bar (22) is inserted into spindle (20) which is rotatably supported in housing (12), and draw bar (22) is biased to a rear of spindle (20) by an elastic force of disc springs (23), resulting in tool holder (51) being clamped to spindle (20). Spindle device (5) is equipped with unclamping device (60) that comprises piston (63) which is provided in annular space (55) between spindle (20) and draw bar (22), and which, by means of fluid pressure, causes draw bar (22) to move toward the front of spindle (20) in resistance to the elastic force.