Turret Tool Holder Clamping With Self-Locking Tie Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with movable tool carriers face challenges in achieving high positioning accuracy and sufficient clamping force for tool holders during automatic tool changes, particularly in high-stress machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a tie rod and adjustable clamping element that applies an axial clamping force through self-locking engagement, allowing for high clamping forces without continuous holding forces, and enabling easy tool holder changes and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fixing screws are used to attach tool holders, then the tool holder can be securely fixed, but the automatic tool change process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is segmented from the tool holder body into a separate clamping device with independent clamping elements that act on the tie rod. This allows the tool holder to be quickly released while the clamping device remains engaged, simplifying automatic tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie rod serves as an intermediary element between the clamping device and the tool holder support surface. It transmits the clamping force while allowing independent movement of the tool holder during automatic changes, reducing complexity of the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If a central clamping device is used for automatic tool changes, then the tool change process is simplified, but the clamping force is insufficient for high-stress machining processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both multiple fixing screws (high clamping force through distributed clamping elements) and central clamping devices (simplicity of operation). Multiple clamping elements act on a central tie rod, providing both high force and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable during the clamping process. They can be independently positioned to apply force at optimal points on the tie rod, enabling the system to adapt to different tool holder weights and machining stresses while maintaining simple operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If high clamping force is applied to ensure positioning accuracy, then the tool holder remains stable during machining, but the tie rod may deform or fail under excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is segmented and distributed through multiple clamping elements acting at different points on the tie rod. This distributes the stress along the tie rod length, preventing localized deformation or failure while maintaining high overall clamping force for positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie rod is designed with varying local properties - thicker sections at stress concentration points and optimized cross-sections along its length. This allows the tie rod to withstand high clamping forces without deformation while maintaining the precision required for accurate tool holder positioning.
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 provides a simple and effective clamping mechanism that ensures high positioning accuracy and flexibility in tool holder placement, allowing for efficient automatic tool changes without compromising clamping force, even under high-stress machining conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tie rod is elastically deformable in a limited manner in axial direction and is strained or lengthened by an amount that creates the required axial clamping force
Implementation Method 2
In the clamping position the first clamping surface of the clamping element engages the second clamping surface in a self-locking manner
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool comprises a tool carrier, e.g. in the form of a turret disc (7) that is provided with receptacles (8) for tool holders (9), wherein each tool holder and tool carrier comprise support surfaces associated to each other and devices for fixing the tool holder at the tool carrier. At least one clamping element is provided at the tool carrier (7) that is adjustably supported between a clamping position and a release position in a direction transverse to a tie rod of a tool holder arranged on a slider (22) receptacle of the tool carrier. The clamping element is provided with a first clamping surface (24) that can be brought into engagement with a second clamping surface (35) at the tie rod of the tool holder in a self-locking and releasable manner.