Tool Spindle Clamping Sleeve for Low-Contamination Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool spindles, particularly overhead spindles, face challenges with contamination and efficiency when used in combined machining centers, especially when accommodating both stationary and rotating tools, and require improved designs for universal applicability and robust operation.

Innovation Solution

A tool spindle design featuring a spindle housing with a rotatable spindle unit, a clamping cap, and an actuating sleeve that allows for secure clamping and positioning of tool units, including stationary and rotating tools, while minimizing contamination through a clamping mechanism that includes a cover pot and clamping cap, enabling both positioning and drive movements with a single drive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If overhead tool spindles are used in combined machining centers, then versatility for both stationary and rotating tools is improved, but contamination from chip fallout and process fluids increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool spindle system is segmented into separate functional zones: a contamination-exposed machining zone and a protected drive zone. The drive unit with motor and transmission elements is isolated from the chip fallout area, while the tool holder and machining interface remain accessible to process fluids and chips. This segmentation allows the spindle to handle both stationary and rotating tools (versatility) while protecting sensitive components from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protective barrier or seal system acts as an intermediary between the contamination source (chip fallout and process fluids) and the drive components. This intermediary structure allows the spindle to maintain versatility for different tool types while preventing harmful contaminants from reaching the motor and transmission elements, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and contamination exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single drive is used for both positioning and drive movements, then device complexity is reduced, but the requirement for universal applicability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplexityVSAvoiduniversal applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single drive unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both positioning movements (for stationary tools) and drive movements (for rotating tools). The drive mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters and interchangeable configurations that allow it to universally accommodate different tool types and operational modes, reducing device complexity while maintaining universal applicability across both machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its function based on the tool type and machining requirements. The drive can switch between positioning mode (with controlled movement for stationary tools) and drive mode (with rotational power for rotating tools), enabling a single dynamic system to replace what would traditionally require separate static mechanisms, thereby reducing complexity while achieving universal applicability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If overhead tool spindles are used, then chip fallout and contamination are worsened, but gravity assistance for contamination prevention is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontaminationVSAvoidgravitational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The natural gravitational assistance for contamination prevention is replaced with an engineered protective system. Instead of relying on gravity to prevent chip fallout and fluid contamination, the overhead spindle design incorporates mechanical barriers, seals, and protective housings that actively block contaminants from reaching sensitive components, substituting the passive gravitational effect with an active mechanical protection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4400237B1Tool spindle, tool unit and machine tool

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 CHIRON GRP SE

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AI summary

A tool spindle (60, 560) for holding a tool unit (110, 210, 310, 410) on a machine tool (10) comprises a spindle housing (90, 590), a spindle unit (92, 592) mounted in the spindle housing (90, 590) and rotatable about a longitudinal axis (94, 594) by a drive (100, 600), which has a tool holder (62, 562) with a tool receptacle (136, 636) for holding a tool unit (110, 210, 310, 410), a clamping cap (96, 596) attached to the spindle housing (90, 590) with a deflectable clamping section (150) for clamping a held tool unit (110, 210, 310, 410), and a clamping element (96, 596) extending along the longitudinal axis (94, 590). 594) operating sleeve (134) movable between a relief position and a clamping position. The operating sleeve (134) has an actuating section (142) which, at least in the clamping position, acts on the clamping section (150) and deflects it.A machine tool (10) is equipped with such a tool spindle (60, 560), which serves as a secondary tool spindle. A method for operating a machine tool (10) uses such a tool spindle (60, 560) to hold a tool unit (110, 210, 310, 410).