Tool Turret Coupling Alignment for Higher Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool turrets are limited in transmitting higher machining torques due to the strength constraints of shaft-hub connections in conventional coupling devices, especially when using more powerful direct drives.
Innovation Solution
A novel alignment device for collision-free alignment of external and internal teeth is introduced, which extends through parts of the output shaft and includes a control means for interaction with the drive shaft and a fixable alignment means on the tool holder, allowing for a larger diameter shaft-hub pairing and enabling higher torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional coupling devices with gear teeth engagement are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the maximum transmissible torque is limited due to strength constraints of shaft-hub connections
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: a coupling element with external toothing that can be independently mounted on the output shaft, and a corresponding internal toothing in the drive shaft. This segmentation allows the shaft-hub connection to be optimized for torque transmission while keeping the overall device modular and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to be mounted onto the output shaft, creating a nested structure where the coupling element surrounds part of the output shaft. This nesting allows the external toothing of the coupling element to engage with the internal toothing of the drive shaft at a larger effective diameter, increasing torque capacity without proportionally increasing overall device size.
2Manufacturing precision
If anti-rotation devices with locking elements are used to prevent self-rotation, then alignment precision is improved, but the torque transmission is limited by the strength of locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is pre-mounted on the output shaft with its external toothing positioned to engage the internal toothing of the drive shaft before the coupling process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the drive shaft is inserted, the teeth are already aligned for engagement, eliminating the need for high-strength locking elements to maintain alignment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary component between the output shaft and the drive shaft. It provides the external toothing that engages with the drive shaft's internal toothing, while being independently mountable on the output shaft. This intermediary structure allows precise tooth alignment through its mounting geometry rather than relying on high-strength locking elements.
3Strength
If larger diameter shaft-hub pairing is used to transmit higher torques, then torque transmission capacity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: a coupling element with external toothing that can be independently mounted on the output shaft, and a corresponding internal toothing in the drive shaft. This segmentation allows the shaft-hub connection to be optimized for torque transmission while keeping the overall device modular and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed with mounting features that allow it to be attached to the output shaft in a simplified manner, potentially using standard fastening methods. This dynamic mounting approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to creating a monolithic large-diameter shaft-hub connection, while still achieving the required torque transmission capacity through the external-to-internal toothing engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device for the reversible establishment of a drive connection between a driving unit (13) of a tool turret and a driven unit (46) of a tool receptacle (36) which is attached to the tool turret and in which a machining tool is able to be received, said coupling device being characterized in that, in a coupling position, a drive shaft (14) of the driving unit (13) is engaged by way of its external toothing (32) with an internal toothing of a driven shaft (44) of the driven unit (46), and in that, for a collision-free orientation of the external toothing (32) with respect to the internal toothing, before coupling, an orienting device is used, which passes through parts of the driven shaft (44) and has a control means on one side for the cooperation with the drive shaft (13) and an orienting means that is actuable by the control means on the other side, said orienting means being securable to the tool receptacle.