Tool Holder Clamping Mechanism for Compact Automatic Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for machine tools require manual operation or are bulky and unsuitable for use in tool turrets due to limited axial space.
Innovation Solution
A compact clamping device with a housing that includes a drawbar and engagement members, actuated by a rotatable actuating member and a motion transferring mechanism, eliminating the need for a gas spring and allowing for automatic tool changing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hydraulic piston and gas spring are used to control the clamping mechanism, then automatic tool changing operation is achieved, but the axial space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the axial movement of the drawbar into a rotational movement of the actuating member. Instead of moving the actuating member axially to control the drawbar (which would require significant axial space), the actuating member rotates about the longitudinal axis, and this rotational movement is converted to axial drawbar movement through the motion transferring mechanism. This dimensional change from axial to rotational control allows the clamping device to achieve automatic operation while minimizing axial space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic piston and gas spring mechanical system with a motion transferring mechanism that converts rotational movement into axial drawbar movement. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky axial components while maintaining the automatic tool changing function, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and compact axial dimensions.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for clamping, then the device structure is simple, but productivity decreases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed to perform the clamping and releasing operations automatically through the motion transferring mechanism that converts the actuating member's rotational movement into drawbar displacement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure, thereby improving productivity without excessive complexity.
3Length of moving object
If a rotatable actuating member with motion transferring mechanism is used, then axial space is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member serves multiple functions: it rotates about the longitudinal axis to control the drawbar, and its rotational movement is transferred through the motion transferring mechanism to achieve both clamping and releasing operations. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform multiple tasks, reducing the overall device complexity despite the sophisticated motion transfer required for compact axial dimensions.
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
The solution enables efficient automatic tool changing with a compact design suitable for tool turrets, reducing the need for manual operation and minimizing axial space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a motion transferring mechanism configured to transfer a rotary movement of the actuating member in a first rotary direction in relation to the housing into an axial movement of the drawbar from the advanced releasing position to the retracted locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for releasably holding a tool holder shank includes a housing, a drawbar axially moveable in a bore in the housing, engagement members moveable under the effect of the drawbar into locking engagement with the tool holder shank, and an actuating member rotatably arranged in the bore. Upon rotation of the actuating member, a contact surface on a motion transferring element fixedly connected to the actuating member achieves an axial movement of the drawbar by pressing against a contact surface on another motion transferring element fixedly connected to the drawbar. At least one of the contact surfaces includes two sections with mutually different pitch, such that the same angular displacement of the actuating member, when rotated in a first rotary direction, results in a longer axial movement of the drawbar in a first phase of the rotary movement than in a final phase thereof.