And Draw Bar Patents (Class 409/233)
  • Patent number: 6370995
    Abstract: A holder for the detachable assembly of cutting tools includes a clamping mechanism, which has a piston axially movable by applying oil pressure on either of two opposite sides thereof. A projection of the piston includes a cone surface with a moderate cone angle arranged to co-operate with a wedge body which is self-locking in relation to the cone surface to keep the cutting tool clamped, even when oil pressure is relieved. In order to guarantee such self-locking, transverse grooves are provided in the cone surface enabling friction-reducing oil to be evacuated from the interface between the cone surface and an inner, partially cone-shaped surface on the wedge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Anders Skoog
  • Patent number: 6354776
    Abstract: In a drive spindle an electric motor has an output shaft which defines a spindle able to receive an associated tool and associated with an attachment device movable between a position in which it locks the tool on the spindle and a release position; the operative conditions both of the spindle and of the attachment device being detectable by means of a single monitoring optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: H.S.D. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Selci
  • Publication number: 20020013989
    Abstract: A milling, drilling, and grinding spindle is provided to practically use the space between bearings. The spindle comprises a clamping chuck and a release unit for tensioning and releasing the clamping chuck. The tensioning and releasing is performed for exchanging a tool to be applied in each case. The release unit viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tool spindle is disposed between the clamping chuck and a drive of a shaft, and in particular between bearings of the shaft. The spindle may be motor or belt driven. The release unit may be formed by an integrated pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder and a connecting rod, which can be displaced by means of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel Deuschle
  • Publication number: 20010048858
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a spring of a clamp unit for fixing a tool to a spindle for systematic replacement of the spring. The machine tool comprises a clamp unit (47) for fixing a tool in a taper hole provided in a spindle, and a controlling section (63) for controlling the operation of the clamp unit. The clamp unit (47) includes a holder for holding a holder portion of the tool, a driving rod coupled to the holder, a driver for moving the driving rod along an axis thereof, and a spring for biasing the driving rod in one direction along the axis thereof. The machine tool further comprises a service life end detecting section (11) for counting the number of times of actuation of the clamp unit (47) and, when the count of the number reaches a predetermined reference actuation number, judging that the service life of the spring ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Akamatsu, Makoto Fujishima
  • Patent number: 6309150
    Abstract: A chuck actuator has a main housing, a tube shaft having an outer end adjacent the main housing and an inner end remote from the main housing, a core shaft axially displaceable in the tube shaft between advanced and retracted positions, and a holding device on the outer shaft ends engageable with a tool or workpiece for holding same in the retracted position of the core shaft. A coupling member fixed on the core-shaft rear end and a housing member limitedly axially displaceable relative to the main housing and juxtaposed with the coupling member have formations including a radially projecting lug on one of the members and a radially open groove on the other of the members receiving the lug with play so that the lug can move limitedly axially in the groove. An actuating body axially displaceable in the main housing has a surface axially engageable with the coreshaft rear end and a pair of inwardly directed surfaces respectively engageable with the housing member and main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rohm GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Hangleiter
  • Patent number: 6287059
    Abstract: A machine tool tool changing device including a circular array of multiple collet fingers (5) housed in the shaft hole (12) of a spindle (1) capable of turning between a clamped position in which a tool holder (2) knob (22) is clamped and an unclamped position in which the knob is released, a collet sleeve (6) which surrounds the circular array of collet fingers and arrests the turning of same, an air cylinder which moves the collet sleeve axially relative to the collet fingers and releases the arresting of the collet fingers, a first plate spring (43) which exerts a strong force on the knob toward the spindle through the collet fingers, an air cylinder which removes the force exerted by the first plate spring, and a second plate spring (46) which exerts a force to maintain the collet fingers in the clamped position in opposition to the weight of the tool holder even if the collet fingers rotate and the force exerted by the first plate spring is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Sodick Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitake Hashidate, Keita Misawa
  • Patent number: 6280125
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved R-8 collet for insertion and attachment within a spindle of a milling machine. The R-8 collet comprises an elongated member having a first end of generally conical configuration with a bore arranged longitudinally therein. The R-8 collet has a second end with a gripping head thereon, for securement to a spindle in the machine. The gripping head comprises an enlarged member with a narrowed portion for gripping the R-8 collet within the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Marc H Boisvert
  • Patent number: 6264409
    Abstract: A tool holder clamp device for spindle, which is for clamping in a screw-fastening manner a shank portion of a tool holder to be incorporated to a spindle (1) in a removably fittable manner relative to a taper hole (9) formed at a distal end portion of the spindle (1), includes a clamp bolt member (23) rotatably and axially movably provided in a central through-hole (19) of the spindle (1) communicating with the taper hole (9), the clamp bolt member (23) having a threaded part (25) to be screwed in a threaded hole axially formed in the shank portion of the tool holder, the clamp bolt member (23) being adapted to fix the tool holder by fastening the shank portion by means of the threaded part (25), and a drive shaft body (29) rotatably and axially movably provided in the central through-hole (19) of the spindle (1), the drive shaft body (29) being adapted by axial movement thereof to engage with the clamp bolt member (23) for drive connection therewith to drive the clamp bolt member (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Date, Yoshiaki Kai, Katsuhito Endo
  • Patent number: 6260855
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a workpiece in a predetermined position in a machine tool. The apparatus has an axis of rotation and comprises an outer body having an outer surface, an inner bore, a first end and a second end with the second end being insertable into a tapered opening of a spindle of the machine tool. The outer body includes means projecting radially from the outer surface for abutment against a face of the spindle for stopping inward movement of the apparatus upon achieving a predetermined final position in the spindle. A portion of the outer surface adjacent the stop means and extending toward the second end is inwardly tapered by an amount whereby the taper of the outer surface is generally equal to the taper of the spindle opening. The workholding apparatus includes a connector attached to the second end of the outer body, the connector having a first end insertable into the second end of the outer body and a second end comprising a plurality of spaced-apart lugs extending radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Gleason Works
    Inventor: William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20010006280
    Abstract: A tool or workpiece having a mounting collar centered on an axis and for internally with an axially directed shoulder is mounted on a bolder having a drive sleeve also centered on an axis and fitted coaxially over the collar and a plurality of angularly spaced jaws in the sleeve having axially outer ends each formed with a rearwardly directed face. The jaws are displaceable radially between an outer locking position with their faces bearing axially inward on the shoulder and an inner freeing position with their faces out of engagement with the collar. An axially displaceable actuating member in the sleeve moves the jaws between their inner and outer positions. Axially extending retaining fingers each have a rear end secured in the sleeve and a front end with a rearwardly directed face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: ROHM GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Hangleiter
  • Patent number: 6238152
    Abstract: A fixed first sleeve and a movable second sleeve are arranged in a center through hole of a main spindle. Balls at the rear end of the second sleeve engage a recessed slope of the first sleeve and a recessed slope of a draw bar, thereby amplifying the urging force of a spring for urging the draw bar upward. Balls at the distal end of the second sleeve hold and pull in the head of the pull stud with the amplified force. The pull stud has an axial through hole and a hole that connects with the through hole and opens sideways. Compressed air passes through these holes, thereby cleaning the respective taper surfaces and end faces of the main spindle and a tool shank. Switching means is used to close the hole that opens sideways, whereby a cutting fluid is allowed to flow through the axial through hole only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Fujimoto, Kunio Kojima, Shinya Okamoto, Naoki Sato
  • Patent number: 6234731
    Abstract: An angle spindle attachment includes a spindle shaft 21 for mounting a tool detachably, a housing 20 for mounting the spindle shaft rotatably such that the spindle shaft is oriented to a different direction with respect to the drive shaft 3 of the spindle unit, a gear train for transmitting the drive power of the spindle unit to the spindle shaft of the angle spindle attachment. a collet means 29 for retaining and releasing the tool that is movable between a position for retaining the tool and a position for releasing the tool so as to interlock the rotation of the spindle shaft, and a switching means 24,16 for switching the collet means between a operative condition to permit the tool to be retained and released and an inoperative condition for mounting the tool undetachably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigetomo Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6213478
    Abstract: A collet assembly coupled to a rotary-linear drive unit allows easily placement of a susceptor shaft within a collet of the collet assembly when the collet assembly is in a first position. After the susceptor shaft is placed into the collet, the collet assembly is retracted to a second position by a spring force acting on a collet draw bar that is coupled to the collet. As the collet assembly is retracted by the spring force, the collet is closed about the susceptor shaft by the interaction between the collet and a collet spindle in which the collet is moveably mounted. As the collet closes, the collet assembly exerts a pressure about a circumferential surface of a susceptor shaft that in turn holds the susceptor shaft firmly in place within the collet, i.e., holds the susceptor shaft stationary within the collet. Consequently, when the susceptor shaft is rotated by the rotary-linear drive unit, there is no wobble associated with the rotary movement of the susceptor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Moore Epitaxial, Inc.
    Inventor: Katsuhito Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6196094
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for detachably connecting a tool unit to a tool supporter with increased holding force is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a housing, a pair of opposing locking spheres within the housing, a cylindrical canister member mounted within the housing that is matable with an insert-supporting tool unit and which has a pair of opposing apertures in its sidewalls for conducting the locking spheres from a locking to an unlocking position, and a lock rod reciprocally movable within the interior of the canister member along an axis A and having opposing cam portions for radially moving the locking spheres through the canister apertures into wedging engagement with opposing angled walls of sphere receiving openings in the tool unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kennametal PC Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6193451
    Abstract: A tool holder includes a house and a clamping mechanism provided therein. The clamping mechanism includes a male member adapted to engage in a female-like opening in a tool. The male member is movable to and fro between clamping and releasing positions by means of a piston device that separates inner and outer hydraulic medium chambers. A passage extends through the piston device and emerges in the two chambers. A valve is provided in the passage in order to open the passage when the hydraulic pressure in the outer chamber rises to a preset limit value so as to limit the amount of force that clamps the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sandvik Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Mats Åsberg
  • Patent number: 6179533
    Abstract: A device for clamping a knife of a machine center includes a kick member extends through a clamping member which is received in a sleeve. A knife is clamped by pawls extending from the clamping member and the sleeve has an annular flange to hold the pawls. Two bolts connected between the sleeve and the kick member via slots defined in the clamping member. The kick member is pushed by a pushing device which has a pressing member to push the kick member to disengage the annular flange from the pawls so that the knife is not securely held by the pawls and a knife switching arm can easily remove the knife from the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Ho Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 6174115
    Abstract: A machine tool spindle (1) having a through hole capable of housing a collect (30) which grips a tool holder (31) and a draw bar (27) to which the collect (30) is attached, and a tapered inner surface which holds the tool holder; the spindle being made of ceramic as a single cylindrical body. The single cylindrical body has a pair of enlongated holes (2) through which a pin (24) which moves the draw bar (27) in the axial direction of the spindle (1) penetrates. The spindle (91) is preferably made of silicon nitride ceramic, and has a thickness greater than about 0.1 times its outer diameter and greater than about 0.02 times its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Sodick Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitake Hashidate, Masami Sugahara, Keita Misawa
  • Patent number: 6079919
    Abstract: For increasing the tensile force on the draw rod (4) of a tool spindle clamping device, in addition to a first, pretensioned spring assembly (8) between the draw rod (4) and sleeve (1) is a second spring assembly (15), which is coupled in pretension with a fastener (17, 18) between the proximal end of the sleeve (1) and the proximal end of the draw rod (4). In operation, the two spring assemblies (8, 15) act in parallel and lead to a tensile force of approximately 18,000 to 20,000 N with which the cone (7) of a tool (6) fixed to the draw rod (4) is drawn into an internal cone (2) of the sleeve (1). For ejecting the tool (6), the second spring assembly (15) is uncoupled from the draw rod (4) and the draw rod is moved against the distal end of the sleeve (1). For uncoupling the second spring assembly (15) from the draw rod, a hydraulically operated piston (20) is provided at the proximal end of the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: C.R.I.D. S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Zosi
  • Patent number: 6077003
    Abstract: A tool holder with an elongate and expanding sleeve within a confining recess of a machine spindle to circumferentially engage the machine spindle and accurately, firmly and concentrically engage a machine tool adjacent to a machine spindle. In one form, a tapered expanding sleeve is disposed about the exterior of the tool holder and is received between the tool holder and the machine spindle in a tapered recess of the machine spindle. A hydraulic fluid is disposed between the tool holder and the expanding sleeve and is pressurized to expand the sleeve into firm engagement with the machine spindle. In another form, the expanding sleeve is received interiorly of a central bore within the tool holder and longitudinal grooves are provided in the sleeve about its circumference forming generally individual fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Hydra-Lock Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Laube
  • Patent number: 6036416
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a cutter holder in a machining tool include, a sleeve, a holder carrying rod, a cylinder body unit, a piston rod, and a spring unit. The sleeve and the cylinder body unit are adapted to be disposed on a machine bed, and are spaced apart from each other. The holder carrying rod is movable axially and reciprocally in the sleeve, and is adapted to carry the cutter holder thereon. The piston rod is aligned with the holder carrying rod, and can be activated to reciprocate in the cylinder body unit. When the piston rod moves forward in the cylinder body unit, it impels the holder carrying rod to move forward in the sleeve. When the piston rod moves rearward in the cylinder body unit, a spring unit biases the holder carrying rod to move rearward toward the piston rod. A tongue unit is mounted fixedly on the front end of the cylinder body unit, and engages an annular groove in the sleeve, thereby preventing axial movement of the sleeve relative to the cylinder body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Heng-Tsan Yeh
  • Patent number: 6003416
    Abstract: A tool holding device comprising a tool pot in which an interchangeable tool is releasably fitted and removed, a ball holder firmly fitted in the tool pot and having a guide surface around which a shank portion of the tool is releasably fitted for radially advancing and retracting balls in said ball holder for attachment and detachment of a tool relative to the tool pot and a slide pin in the tool pot to move said balls radially outward to engage the shank of the tool being attached and for movement in an opposite direction for releasing said tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ando, Michio Oitaka
  • Patent number: 6000306
    Abstract: A side activated clamping mechanism is disclosed for detachably connecting a tool unit to a tool support housing. The tool unit has a shank with openings which are engaged by locking elements extending radially from apertures in a canister mounted within the tool support housing. Mechanical advantage of the locking elements may be increased by angling the locking element contact surfaces relative to one another. The locking elements are driven along a ball track on a reciprocating lock rod. To accommodate the angle between the contact surfaces, the ball track must be angled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5997455
    Abstract: A tool clamp mechanism includes a hollow spindle in which a tool can be inserted, the spindle having at least one slot which is axially elongated, a draw bar movably provided in the spindle, and a spindle head which rotatably supports the spindle. A drive ring is provided around the spindle. The drive ring and the draw bar are connected by a connecting pin which penetrates the drive ring and the draw bar through the slot of the spindle. A pusher lever is provided to the spindle head, which urges the drive ring so that the draw bar releases the tool. The drive ring has a contact surface which the pusher lever abuts. The contact surface is positioned ahead of the connecting pin in a pushing direction of the pusher lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuoka, Ken Nagashima, Narihiko Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5988961
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a spindle to which a tool is detachably attached to be clamped, an unclamping lever provided for rocking motion and having two ends, rocking means for rocking the unclamping lever, a releasing section provided in the spindle so as to be pressed by the unclamping lever when the unclamping lever is rocked by the rocking means with a tool being clamped by the spindle, thereby releasing the tool from a clamped state, and a support shaft for rockably supporting the unclamping lever, the support shaft being movable axially with respect to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumio Kameyama
  • Patent number: 5971681
    Abstract: A guard ring having a center bore mounts on a face of a spindle of a machine tool having a taper socket drive, and a bore for receiving and driving a tool holder. A drive between the guard ring and the tool holder engages before a power drawbar of the machine tool spindle engages the tool holder. The guard ring is of an axial length such that the tool holder is within the center bore of the guard ring before the tool holder is driven by the power drawbar of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingo E. Wolfe, Roger J. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5911547
    Abstract: A spindle centered on an axis and formed with an axially forwardly open recess centered on the axis is secured to a tool holder formed with a tubular extension projecting axially rearward and fitted complementarily in the recess by a mount having an actuating rod axially displaceable in the spindle and having a head in the recess formed with an inner frustoconical surface directed rearward toward the collar and an outer annular surface generally perpendicular to the axis and also directed rearward toward the collar. A retaining element on the rod in the tubular extension has a plurality of segments forming a frustoconical inner front face directed forward toward the head, an outer annular face generally perpendicular to the axis and also directed forward toward the head, and a rear face directed axially rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Klement
  • Patent number: 5885039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool/collet alignment and securement arrangement for a vertical milling machine having a J-head and a manually adjustable spindle for the secure and rapid change of a tool held in a collet in a lower end of the spindle. An arrangement of receiving bores are spaced annularly around the lower end of the spindle. An arrangement of locating pins are correspondingly arranged about the tool/collet so as to mate with the receiving bores in the spindle, to provide secure and efficient engagement of the collet/tool with the spindle in the vertical milling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Marc H. Boisvert
  • Patent number: 5873682
    Abstract: The present invention is a tool holder for supporting a cutting insert during a material-removal process. The tool holder comprises a body having a channel formed therein for receiving a finger that extends from a head. The finger is secured within the channel by an assembly screw that permits the head to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the body. When the head is in its extended position, the head is permitted to pivot relative to the body; however, when the head is in its retracted position a pair of shoulders on the body engage a pair of notches on the head, preventing the head from pivoting. A locking screw is also provided that locks the head to the body. The locking screw is designed so that as the locking screw is tightened, the head is urged against the body, thus providing a positive known position for the insert each time the head is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Koyo Corporation of USA
    Inventor: Marius Tripsa
  • Patent number: 5865578
    Abstract: A spindle assembly has inner and outer coaxial shafts having front and rear ends and extending along a common axis with the inner shaft axially displaceable in the outer shaft, a holding assembly on the front ends adapted to grip a tool or workpiece in an axially forwardly displaced position of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, a coupling ring fixed on the rear end of the outer shaft, and an actuator having a piston axially engageable with the rear end of the inner shaft and operable to axially shift the inner shaft in the outer shaft. In accordance with the invention complementarily interengaging formations on the actuator and the coupling ring including a groove and a projection are displaceable between a holding position axially securing the ring on the actuator and a freeing position allowing the ring to be axially separated from the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Gunter Horst Rohm
    Inventors: Elmar Benedikter, Eugen Hangleiter
  • Patent number: 5860776
    Abstract: A main spindle apparatus for machine tools wherein a tool holder (T) having an anchoring edge on an inner circumferential surface and inserted into an attachment hole of a main spindle (1) is anchored to the main spindle (1) by expanding a collet (12) having an anchoring portion on the outer circumferential surface so that the anchoring portion engages with the anchoring edge. Pressure receiving surfaces (12b, 12c) which gradually decrease in diameter in approaching the tip are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the collet (12). The main spindle (1) is provided with a push rod (2) which expands the collet by means of pressure applying surfaces (2d, 2e) formed on the outer circumferential surface and gradually decreasing in diameter in approaching the tip, which press the pressure receiving surfaces (12b, 12c) of the collet (12) when the push rod (2) is moved forward so as to approach the tool holder (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyuichi Sato, Shuji Fujita
  • Patent number: 5855376
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing mechanism for a tool for treatment of a material, such as machining. The fixing mechanism comprises a combination of a tool (1), its frame (2) and tool holder (3) in the frame of a machine tool. At least one of the connecting surfaces (r, 7) in the tool frame (2) and in the tool holder (3) in the frame of the machining tool, extending mainly in the mounting direction, is shaped as a curved surface. The first contact surface (6) in connection with the tool frame (2) and the second contact surface (8) in the tool holder (3) are adjusted substantially in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction, to be placed against each other in the operational position of the fixing mechanism, in order to transmit machining force between the tool frame (2) and the tool holder (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Balaxman OY
    Inventors: Jorma Lillbacka, Riku Rantala
  • Patent number: 5846037
    Abstract: The invention comprises a vertical milling machine having a J-head and a manually adjustable spindle for the rapid change of a tool held in said spindle, including a milling machine head having a motor means for rotatively moving the spindle about its longitudinal axis. An elongated draw bar is rotatively supported within the spindle. A compressive spring is arranged between the top end of the draw bar and the top end of the spindle. An enclosure cap is attached to the head, so as to limit vertical advance of the draw bar, a coupling arranged at the lower end of the draw bar, and a collet with a pull stud thereon, is arranged in mating engagement with the coupling, wherein the collet and a tool therein are released as the spindle is moved longitudinally upwardly with respect to the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Marc H. Boisvert
  • Patent number: 5827021
    Abstract: A driven part of a tool is secured to a drive part of a drive spindle rotatable about an axis by a mount having a tubular extension projecting axially forward from one of the parts and formed centered on the axis with a radially inwardly projecting collar and a recess on the other part complementarily engageable axially over the tubular extension. A retaining element in the tubular extension has a plurality of dogs deflectable radially between an outer blocking position axially behind the collar and an inner position radially rearward of the collar. An actuating member in the retaining element in the tubular extension has a camming edge engageable forward with the dogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Klement
  • Patent number: 5823722
    Abstract: An automatic tool changer provides an attachment to be easily clamped if the attachment is mounted to a spindle head. Conical disk springs are arranged between the bevel gear for rotating a tool spindle supported by bearings at the center of an attachment body and the spline shaft projecting from the lower end of a shank member of the attachment to be mounted to the main spindle and inserted into the central part of the bevel gear. If the shank member is drawn up by a collet, the conical disk springs are compressed, and large diameter coupling provided at the attachment body engages with a large diameter coupling provided at the lower end face of a spindle ram. The attachment is thereby fixed to a spindle head and the turning torque of the main spindle is transmitted to a tool held by the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Takenaka
  • Patent number: 5795114
    Abstract: The machine tool includes a spindle rotor, a tool receptacle and a clamp for clamping a tool in the tool receptacle. The clamp is moveable in the direction of the spindle axis by a spindle drive which is actuated by rotation of the spindle rotor. A spreading member is provided in the tool receptacle for positive gripping and clamping of the tool. The spindle drive preferably includes an externally threaded section on the spreading member and an internally threaded section on the tool receptacle, the latter being non-rotatably joined with the spindle rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Richard Schweizer, Peter Grund
  • Patent number: 5782586
    Abstract: A spindle unit for machine tools, with a working spindle that is provided to accommodate a tool and is mounted so it can rotate in a housing and is driven by a motor, and with a chucking unit with an operating device and an internal coolant supply to the tool. A short and compact spindle unit is created according to this invention by the fact that the internal coolant supply is integrated into the chucking unit and has a rotary transmission lead-through mounted inside the operating device to convey the coolant from a stationary supply line into the chucking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Deckel Maho GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Geissler
  • Patent number: 5771762
    Abstract: A face-driver assembly and method for accurate coupling of a face driver with the spindle of a rotary-drive machining device. The assembly includes a face driver, a hub on the spindle defining a prealignment bore, a pair of self-centering coacting tooth sets on the hub and face driver, an engagement post extending into the hub and forming a prealignment shaft closely complementary to the prealignment bore, and a releasable coupling to hold and draw the engagement post rearwardly and thereby join the tooth sets in a manner facilitating final accurate centering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin J. Bissett
  • Patent number: 5743687
    Abstract: A quick fixture changing apparatus for the fourth axis turn table of a machine tool. A pneumatic servomechanism exerts force on a drawbar, which is releasably attached to the fixture plate. The drawbar passes through the central opening of the turn table, so that the servomechanism, drawbar, and fixture are all axially aligned. An intermediate fixture plate is permanently mounted to the turn table, and has dowels for aligning the work holding fixture plate. When pneumatic pressure is relaxed, the fixture plate is manually lifted from the fourth axis. Tedious threading of fixture plates is eliminated. A new fixture plate, which has been prepared during the prior machining operation, can then be mounted on the dowels. Air pressure is restored, and the new fixture is securely locked in place. With 80 psi (5.5 kPa) operating pressure, a servomechanism of 6 inch (15 cm) diameter can develop a clamping force of 1800 lb (800 N).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: John Ribic, Valentin Ribic
  • Patent number: 5739607
    Abstract: A machine tool spindle is supported at its spindle nose in a front, rolling element mechanical anti-friction thrust and radial support bearing means. The middle and rear end of the spindle is supported in a magnetic radial rear bearing and further supported at a generally mid-position of the spindle by magnetic radial mid bearing. The two magnetic radial bearings provide radial suspension of the spindle and permit the spindle to slide freely. A spindle flange is axially forced by a magnetic axial thrust bearing to vary the pre-load of the mechanical anti-friction thrust and radial support bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Wood, III
  • Patent number: 5735651
    Abstract: A spindle extension, especially for drilling and milling operations is desirable to complete many modern die molds or to protect the host machine spindle from undesirable wear. The inventive spindle extension contains its own adjustable length draw bar assembly that works in tandem with the host machine power draw bar that is easily activated to provide quick and secure tool changes. Surrogate and long-reach embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Hugh Harroun
  • Patent number: 5730562
    Abstract: An article clamping apparatus is designed to compulsorily open the front end portions of divided pieces of a collet and to allow the divided pieces of the collet to securely hold a pull stud of a tool holder. A draw bar is fitted into a spindle of the machine tool, and a support sleeve is disposed to surround the draw bar via the collet. A separator is disposed on the front side of the support sleeve and fixed to the spindle together with the support sleeve. The positioning plates provided on the separator are engaged with slit grooves of the support sleeve and inserted between the divided pieces of the collet. Upon advancement of the draw bar, the divided pieces are advanced, so that the front end slat surfaces of the divided pieces contact the slant surfaces of the collet opening projections provided on the separator so as to compulsorily open the front portions of the divided pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nikken Kosakusho Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Matsumoto, Yusaku Yamamoto, Hisashi Ide
  • Patent number: 5722806
    Abstract: A coupling system is provided that includes a male coupling having a cylindrical distal end including a recess that includes follower surfaces, a female coupling having a cylindrical interior for receiving the distal end of the male coupling, and a pair of opposing jaw members movably mounted within the interior and including external cam surfaces for engaging the follower surfaces of the male coupling when the jaw members are radially moved apart, and a drive train for radially and forcefully moving the jaw members apart. The drive train includes a wedging ball that freely floats in recesses between the opposing jaw members, and a drive rod for axially moving the wedging ball into and out of engagement with wedge surfaces located in the interior of the jaw members. The drive rod includes a distal end having a bore for slidably receiving the wedging ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Erickson, Anthony L. Barkley
  • Patent number: 5707186
    Abstract: A chuck-actuating spindle assembly has a hollow shaft extending along and rotatable about an axis, a clamping bar parallel to and rotatable with the shaft and axially displaceable relative to the shaft to clamp and release an object carried on the shaft, and a rotary union for transmitting a fluid to the object carried on the shaft. The union has in turn a union housing nonrotatable about the axis, an annular bar seal face on the clamping bar, and a sealing member axially movable in the union housing independently of the bar face, forming a pressurizable space with the union housing, and having an annular member seal face axially confronting and axially engageable with the bar seal face. The seal faces form a portion of a passage extending from the space along the bar and shaft to the object. Rotation of the sealing member about the axis relative to the union housing is inhibited and the member is braced against the union housing axially away from the bar seal face with a predetermined biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Gat Gesellschaft Fur Antriebstechnik mbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Gobell, Stephan Ott
  • Patent number: 5690137
    Abstract: A spindle device for supplying air for cleaning and a coolant for cooling or lubricating, including: a tool holder (11) with a coolant passage (22) through which a coolant is supplied; a spindle (10) having a support surface (26) formed at the front portion thereof for accepting the tool holder (11); a drawing bolt (25) having a through-hole for supplying air or a coolant and movably arranged in the spindle (11) for clamping or unclamping the tool holder (11) accepted on the support portion (26) of the spindle (11); and a pull stud (12) attached on the tool holder (11) and provided with a valve (13), the valve (13) being located in association with the coolant passage (22) and the through-hole, the valve (13) being so constructed as to open or close according to the movement of the drawing bolt (25) in such a manner that the valve (13) opens so as to connect the through-hole to the coolant passage (22) when the tool holder (11) is clamped, whereas the valve (13) temporarily closes so as to shut the connection
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Yamada
  • Patent number: 5678967
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a workpiece includes a rotatable cutting tool, a rotatable spindle for rotating the cutting tool, and a quick-connect and disconnect kinematic coupler for releasably coupling together the rotatable cutting tool and the rotatable spindle. The kinematic coupler includes a plurality of projections which cooperate with and enter a corresponding number of grooves to precisely place the cutting tool relative to the spindle and prevent relative movement between the cutting tool and the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Micro Optics Design Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Y. Savoie
  • Patent number: 5662442
    Abstract: A tool clamping mechanism for clamping a tool using a thrust applied by a hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder as an actuator. This thrust is weaker than that of coned disc springs withstanding a force applied during a cutting operation or the like of the tool. Compression of the coned disc springs is reduced so as to assure reliable and stable rotation of the spindle. The clamping mechanism further includes a force increasing mechanism constituted by sloped portions between a first draw bar and a second draw bar which is concentric to the first draw bar, a tapered surface of an annular piece, and a plurality of balls. When the second draw bar retreats, the balls are raised from the groove to a larger diameter portion of the second draw bar, so that an urging force of the coned disc springs acts on the first draw bar, and clamps the tool to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Taki, Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5660510
    Abstract: A spindle device in which a coolant passage 26, capable of being selectively connected to a main passage 17, is provided at downstream of the main passage 17, an air passage 32, capable of being selectively connected to the main passage 17, is provided externally of the coolant passage 26, a first open-close means 20 is provided between the main passage 17 and the coolant passage 26, and a second open-close means 30 is provided between the main passage 17 and the air passage 32, whereby when the tool is clamped, the first open-close means 20 is opened to connect the main passage 17 with the coolant passage 26 and the second open-close means 30 is closed to cut-off the connection between the main passage 17 and the air passage 32 whereas when the tool is unclamped, the first open-close means 20 is closed to intercept the connection between the main passage 17 and the coolant passage 26 and the second open-close means 30 is opened to connect the main passage 17 with the air passage 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuji Taniguchi, Shigeru Yamada
  • Patent number: 5639194
    Abstract: A spindle extension, especially for drilling and milling operations is desirable to complete many modem die molds or to protect the host machine spindle from undesirable wear. The inventive spindle extension contains its own adjustable length draw bar assembly that works in tandem with the host machine power draw bar that is easily activated to provide quick and secure tool changes. Surrogate and long-reach embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Hugh Harroun
  • Patent number: 5636950
    Abstract: A spindle arrangement such as a machine tool spindle which rotates at high rotational speeds includes separate elements, which may be in the form of a counter-weight and a driving and positioning shoulder, that are mounted on the spindle nose. The separate elements are secured to the spindle nose by locking pins that arranged at an angle to the rotational axis of the spindle nose. During rotation of the spindle nose, centrifugal force gives the locking pins a component force in a direction causing the elements to be wedged and the locking pins to be pressed into the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Sven Gothberg, Hans Wendeberg
  • Patent number: 5632580
    Abstract: A machine tool extension joins a machine tool to a spindle on a milling mine. The machine tool extension has an extension collar with a cavity therethrough and a mouth at either end for joining the collar to the milling machine and the machine tool. An extension shaft is disposed within the extension collar for mounting on the spindle. The shaft has a bar aperture extending axially therethrough. A draw bar is disposed within the bar aperture for holding the machine tool against the extension collar and shaft. The machine tool extension allows machining of parts with deep cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Joseph H. Dube, Steven P. Tobiaz