Tool Turret Coupling With Internal Alignment for High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for tool turrets are limited in transferring higher machining torque due to the strength constraints of the shaft-hub connection, which restricts the use of more powerful direct drives.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with larger diameter shaft-hub pairing and an internal aligning device that ensures collision-free alignment of external and internal gearings, allowing for greater torque transfer without the limitations of conventional gearing solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional shaft-hub connection with small diameter gearing is used, then the coupling device is simple and reliable, but the transferable torque is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from small-diameter gearing to large-diameter shaft-hub pairing, effectively moving to another dimensional scale to increase torque capacity. The drive shaft diameter is significantly enlarged to provide a larger hub for the external gearing, enabling higher torque transfer without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes critical geometric parameters of the coupling device, specifically increasing the diameter of the drive shaft and the corresponding hub of the output shaft. This parameter change directly increases the moment of inertia and the surface area for stress distribution, allowing higher torque capacity.
2Strength
If large diameter shaft-hub pairing is used, then higher torque can be transferred, but collision-free alignment of gearings becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning device performs preliminary alignment of the external gearing on the drive shaft with the internal gearing on the output shaft before the coupling engagement. This preliminary action ensures that the gear teeth are properly positioned to mesh without collision, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligning device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive shaft and output shaft. It facilitates the alignment process by providing a controlled method to position the gearings relative to each other, mediating the interaction between the two shafts during the coupling process.
3Reliability
If anti-rotation lock is used, then collision-free coupling is achieved, but the torque transfer is limited by the locking element strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-rotation function from the traditional locking element and separates it from the torque transfer path. The aligning device handles alignment and anti-rotation, while the large-diameter shaft-hub connection handles torque transfer, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without the strength limitations of a single integrated element.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device is 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) attached to the tool turret and in which a machining tool is able to be received. 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). For a collision-free orientation of the external toothing (32) with respect to the internal toothing, before coupling, an aligning device is used. The orienting device passes through parts of the driven shaft (44) and has a control on one side for the cooperation with the drive shaft (13) and an aligner that is actuable by the control on the other side. The aligner is securable to the tool receptacle.