Tool Holder Clamping Sleeve and Wedge Layout for Short Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for machine tools are too long and not suitable for use in tool turrets due to limited axial space, as they require a gas spring or similar space-consuming components to control the axial movement of the drawbar.
Innovation Solution
A compact clamping device design that uses an actuating sleeve with radially increasing pressure surfaces to control the axial movement of the drawbar, eliminating the need for a gas spring, and employing separate wedges for each direction of movement to optimize the design for specific requirements, allowing self-locking and force-amplifying functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a gas spring or similar space-consuming components are used to control the axial movement of the drawbar, then the clamping device can achieve automatic tool changing operation, but the axial extent of the clamping device becomes too long and it is not suitable for use in tool turrets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the gas spring or similar space-consuming components from the clamping device. Instead of using a gas spring to control the drawbar movement, the patent employs a mechanical wedge system where wedges are pressed by the actuating member to directly control the drawbar's axial movement, thereby achieving automation without the need for space-consuming elastic elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces wedges as intermediary mechanical elements between the actuating member and the drawbar. These wedges convert the movement of the actuating member into controlled axial movement of the drawbar, providing a compact mechanical transmission system that replaces the need for gas springs while maintaining automatic operation capability
2Reliability
If separate wedges are used for each direction of movement, then the design can be optimized for specific requirements and self-locking functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the clamping mechanism into separate first and second wedges, each optimized for a specific direction of movement. The first wedge is configured for pressing the drawbar in one direction while the second wedge handles the opposite direction, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function and enabling self-locking behavior through their geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by giving each wedge different geometric properties and configurations suited to their specific directional functions. The first wedge has surface configurations optimized for its direction of action, while the second wedge has different surface configurations for its opposite direction, allowing each component to achieve optimal performance for its specific role
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 a compact clamping device suitable for tool turrets, providing self-locking and force-amplifying effects without the need for external actuators during tool changing operations, while maintaining efficient axial movement and force distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge (40) slidably received in a first aperture (45) that extends radially through a peripheral wall (14) of the housing (2), wherein the first wedge (40) comprises a first wedge surface (46), which faces towards the rear end (2b) of the housing and is in contact with a first slide surface (16) on the drawbar (5) facing towards the front end (2a) of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a second wedge (50) slidably received in a second aperture (55) that extends radially through the peripheral wall (14), wherein the second wedge (50) comprises a second wedge surface (57), which faces towards the front end (2a) of the housing and is in contact with a second slide surface (17) on the drawbar (5) facing towards the rear end (2b) of the housing
Implementation Method 3
the first wedge surface (46), which faces towards the rear end (2b) of the housing and is in contact with a first slide surface (16) on the drawbar (5) facing towards the front end (2a) of the housing
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 between an advanced releasing position and a retracted locking position, engagement members moveable under the effect of the drawbar into locking engagement with the tool holder shank, and a sleeve arranged around a wall of the housing and axially moveable in relation to it. A first wedge is received in a first aperture in the wall and configured to move the drawbar rearwards in the bore when pressed radially inwards in the aperture by movement of the sleeve in a first axial direction. A second wedge is received in a second aperture in the wall and configured to move the drawbar forwards in the bore when pressed radially inwards in the aperture by movement of said sleeve in an opposite axial direction.