Tool Spindle Clamping Using Friction Rings for Small Grinding Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for clamping tools on tool spindles in hard finishing machines, particularly for small grinding tools, are labor-intensive, prone to tool damage due to improper clamping forces, and difficult to automate, leading to increased production costs and tool failure.
Innovation Solution
A method and design for the hard finishing machine that uses the torque of the drive motor to clamp the tool by temporarily holding the clamping nut in a rotationally fixed manner, utilizing rings with varying friction coefficients to transmit torque efficiently and compensate for settling, allowing automated and secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping nut is used to clamp the tool on the tool spindle, then the tool can be securely fixed, but the tightening torque required may damage small grinding tools or cause improper clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
A friction ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the clamping nut and the tool. This friction ring has a specific friction coefficient that is higher than that of the clamping nut-tool interface, allowing it to transmit torque efficiently while protecting the small grinding tool from excessive clamping forces. The friction ring acts as a mediator that distributes and controls the force transmission.
2Ease of operation
If manual tightening of the clamping nut is used, then the tool can be clamped, but the process is labor-intensive and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The friction ring enables the clamping system to self-regulate torque transmission through its specific friction coefficient. This self-service mechanism allows the system to automatically control the clamping force without requiring manual intervention or complex automation, as the friction ring inherently limits and distributes the torque in a controlled manner.
3Reliability
If high tightening torque is applied to ensure reliable tool seating, then the tool can be securely clamped, but setting amounts and machining loads cause the clamping nut to loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The friction coefficient of the friction ring is specifically selected to be higher than that of the clamping nut-tool interface. This parameter change in friction characteristics allows the system to maintain optimal clamping force distribution over time, preventing both excessive initial torque and subsequent loosening from setting amounts and machining loads.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small grinding tools are used for internal generative grinding, then the machine can handle compact tasks, but the tools are more susceptible to damage from improper clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The friction ring serves as a protective intermediary between the clamping nut and small grinding tools. Its higher friction coefficient allows it to transmit the necessary torque for internal generative grinding while simultaneously protecting the small, vulnerable tools from excessive clamping forces that would cause damage.
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 reliable, automated, and efficient clamping of small tools with minimal manual intervention, reducing tool damage and production downtime, and ensuring consistent torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing rings with varying friction coefficients to transmit torque efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A method for clamping a tool on a tool spindle in a hard finishing machine that includes: the tool spindle connected to a drive motor, with a cylindrical receiving seat and a thread, and the tool. The receiving seat is limited at one axial position of the tool spindle by a abutment flange for axial abutment of the tool. A clamping nut can be screwed onto the thread and is designed for axial abutment on the tool. The clamping nut is temporarily held in a rotationally fixed manner when the tool spindle is rotated by the drive motor. The method includes: placing the tool on the receiving seat and screwing the clamping nut onto the thread; blocking the clamping nut against rotation during the rotation of the tool spindle with the drive motor; and actuating the drive motor to tighten the clamping nut so it presses axially against the tool.