Self-Locking Tool Holder Clamping for Precise Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with automatic tool change systems face challenges in achieving high positioning and clamping accuracy, especially when subjected to strong stress and precision requirements, due to insufficient clamping power in conventional clamping systems.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a tool carrier with a clamping device that includes adjustable clamping elements and a self-locking mechanism, utilizing an elastic shaft with a stretching element to generate axial clamping force, allowing for precise positioning and easy tool holder attachment and detachment without additional holding devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional clamping systems with multiple fastening screws are used, then tool holders can be securely fastened, but the tool changing process becomes time-consuming due to loosening and retightening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from multiple individual fastening screws and concentrates it into a single central clamping device. This central clamping mechanism can quickly secure or release the tool holder without requiring multiple screw operations, thereby significantly reducing the time lost during tool changing while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The central clamping device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fastening mechanism and the positioning reference for the tool holder. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system achieves rapid tool changing without sacrificing clamping security, resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.
2Device complexity
If central clamping systems like DIN ISO 10889 are used for simple structure, then tool changing is simplified, but clamping force is insufficient for heavy tool loading with high precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the clamping force parameter by introducing a tilting action in the central clamping device. This tilting mechanism amplifies the clamping force generated by the actuating screw, enabling the system to achieve high clamping forces suitable for heavy tool loading while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The force amplification resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and clamping force adequacy.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple tie rods arranged at right angles are used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the clamping device structure becomes more complex with separate adjusting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the positioning and clamping functions into a single integrated central clamping device. The tilting action of the clamping element simultaneously achieves precise positioning of the tool holder and applies the necessary clamping force, eliminating the need for separate adjusting elements and multiple tie rods. This integration resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and device complexity.
4Reliability
If additional holding devices are added to maintain clamping force, then clamping stability is improved, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central clamping device is designed to maintain its own clamping force stability through its tilting mechanism and self-locking characteristics. The geometry of the clamping element and tie rod arrangement ensures that once clamped, the system maintains stable clamping force without requiring additional external holding devices. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction between clamping stability and device complexity.
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 ensures high positioning accuracy and ease of tool holder change, maintaining clamping force across various tool holder positions and machine configurations, without the need for complex additional constructs, facilitating efficient automatic tool changes.
Implementation Method 1
The tie rod is elastically deformable to a limited extent in the axial direction and, when the clamping element is in the clamped position, is stretched across the mutually engaging clamping surfaces to an extent which generates the required axial clamping force
Data Source
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
A machine tool has a tool carrier (7), for example in the form of a turret, which is provided with receptacles (8) for tool holders (9), wherein each tool holder (9) and the tool carrier (7) have corresponding support surfaces (10, 18) and means for fastening the tool holder (9) to the tool carrier (7). At least one clamping element (22) is provided on the tool carrier (7), which is adjustable between a clamping position and a release position and is mounted transversely to a drawbar (19) of a tool holder (9) mounted on a receptacle (8) of the tool carrier (7). The clamping element (22) carries a first clamping surface (24) which can be engaged with a second clamping surface (35) on the drawbar (19) of the tool holder (9) in a self-locking and releasable manner.