Chucks or sockets – With centering means
Patent
1996-10-30
1999-01-05
Bishop, Steven C.
Chucks or sockets
With centering means
409233, 409234, 82160, B23B 3102, B23B 2904, B23B 312, B23Q 312
Patent
active
058553762
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
THE FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to a fixing mechanism for a tool for treatment of a material, such as machining, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a combination of a tool, its frame and tool holder in the frame of a machine tool.
The fixing mechanism according to the invention can be applied in a wide range of technology, including machining by chipping, such as milling, reaming, drilling, turning, etc. of wood, plastics, metal, etc. as the material for machining. The fixing mechanism can be used in various types of robot applications for production, in the exchange of grippers or the like in other automatic devices, such as apparatus for transfer and treatment of pieces, in pneumatic tools, etc., wherein exchange of tools required for different kinds of operations is necessary for carrying out various operations.
Further, the above fixing mechanism for a tool is particularly advantageous for use in cutting, punching, moulding and forming work, particularly in machining of metal sheets in so-called sheet machining centers.
In machining of this kind, the direction of fixing a tool is a linear movement whereby the machining or forming blade edge directs the machining force to the sheet, usually in a direction perpendicular to the main direction of the sheet, the sheet being placed between the tool and its counterpart, i.e. a cushion. The tool-fixing mechanism according to the invention can be used for fixing both the actual machining tool and its counterpart, i.e. the so-called cushion, to the tool holder in the frame of the machine tool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to prior art, it is common to use a so-called conic fit, i.e. a Morse conic fit, for fixing a tool, whereby the tool frame and the tool holder are joined to each other by a fixing movement in their axial direction, the release being effected in a corresponding manner in the axial direction. In particular, the conic fit has the disadvantage that the connecting surfaces very easily tend to be clamped too much against each other, particularly under effect of axial forces. For this reason, many systems presently in use comprise special release mechanisms for releasing clamped conic surfaces in connection with the exchange of a tool. As a natural result, the costs of fixing mechanisms required by tool settings are increased, also, the mechanisms are relatively complex and therefore subject to disturbances during the actual machining operation and particularly during the exchange of a tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As to the prior art, reference is further made to the publications DE-4218142, EP-22796 and DE-4223158, which disclose tool-fixing mechanisms using interfaces with totally curved surfaces.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved fixing mechanism for a tool, wherein the purpose of the invention is to improve the prior art in the field for a wide range of applications. For achieving these aims, the tool-fixing mechanism of the invention is primarily characterized in that at least one of the connecting surfaces in the tool frame and in the tool holder in the frame of the machining tool, extending mainly in the mounting direction, is shaped as a curved surface and that the first contact surface in connection with the tool frame and the second contact surface in the tool holder are adjusted to be placed against each other in the operational position of the fixing mechanism, in order to transmit machining force between the tool frame and the tool holder. Using the solution presented above, a very simple and secure fixing mechanism is achieved. The tool and its frame can be placed in the tool holder by a very simple movement defined by the curved surface, wherein the connecting surfaces are placed substantially against each other and the contact surfaces, extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction, in the final mounting phase transmit the machining force in the mounting direction between the tool, the tool frame and the tool holder and/or transmit the machin
REFERENCES:
patent: 2893291 (1959-07-01), Hollis
patent: 5201621 (1993-04-01), McMurty et al.
patent: 5322304 (1994-06-01), Rivin
patent: 5346344 (1994-09-01), Kress et al.
Lillbacka Jorma
Rantala Riku
Balaxman OY
Bishop Steven C.
Woo Louis
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