Thread-Engaging Collet Clamping for Precise Machine Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for components on processing machines are complex and limited in application to certain geometries, lacking simplicity, positional accuracy, and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a base body, a collet chuck, and an actuating element that uses conical surfaces and form-locking elements to achieve a form-fitting clamping mechanism, allowing for simple, positionally accurate, and reproducible clamping of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate clamping claws with conical surfaces and clamping sleeves are used, then clamping force and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into multiple independent clamping claws (typically 3-6) that are distributed around the circumference of the base body. Each claw can independently engage with the component, allowing the device to adapt to different component geometries and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping claws are designed with universal functionality to handle various component types. By adjusting the number, position, and geometry of the claws, the same base body structure can clamp different components (e.g., tool holders, workpieces) with different diameters and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamping devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If conical surfaces and form-locking elements are used for precise clamping, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Conical surfaces are used on the clamping claws and corresponding surfaces on the component. The conical geometry provides self-centering action during clamping, ensuring high positioning accuracy and concentricity. The tapered shape also facilitates easy insertion and automatic alignment of the component with the clamping device.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-locking elements (such as thread segments or keyed features) automatically engage with corresponding features on the component during the clamping process. This self-engaging mechanism ensures precise positioning and form-locking without requiring additional adjustment steps or complex control systems, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high accuracy.
3Reliability
If individual clamping claws supported on groove flanks are used, then clamping reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping claws are nested within grooves or recesses in the base body, with each claw supported on a groove flank. This nested arrangement provides stable support and guidance for the claws while keeping the overall structure compact. The groove flanks act as natural guides, ensuring reliable clamping action without requiring additional complex support mechanisms.
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 secure and reliable clamping of components with improved simplicity and versatility, facilitating easy insertion and removal while maintaining high concentricity and repeatability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element provides a first outer conical surface associated with the front clamping region of the clamping tongues and at least one second outer conical surface associated with the rear clamping region of the clamping tongues
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device for clamping a component to a machine element of a machine tool. This clamping device comprises a base body (4, 5, 5') with a receiving opening (6) for the component (2) to be clamped, a collet (11) axially movably arranged within the base body (4, 5, 5') with clamping tongues (26) for centrally clamping the component (2), and an actuating element (12) axially adjustable between a clamping position and a release position for actuating the collet (11). The clamping tongues (26) of the collet (11) have a front clamping area (27) associated with the component (2) to be clamped and a rear clamping area (28) associated with the base body (4, 5, 5'). The actuating element (12) has a first outer conical surface (15) associated with the front clamping area (27) of the clamping tongues (26) and at least one second outer conical surface (16) associated with the rear clamping area (28) of the clamping tongues (26).At the front clamping area (27) of the clamping tongues (26) associated with the component (2) to be clamped, positive locking elements (50) are arranged to engage in a thread (33) of the component (2) to be clamped.