Quick change true length collet chuck assembly

摘要

A true length collet chuck assembly is adapted to receive and actuate a quick change, segmented collet having a flange extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the collet adjacent a rear face of the collet. The collet chuck assembly comprises a chuck body having a longitudinally extending bore defined by an inwardly facing, cylindrical surface on the chuck body. The inwardly facing, cylindrical surface on the chuck body defines a circumferential groove for receiving the radially outwardly extending flange on the collet to thereby restrain the collet against axial movement relative to the chuck body. A collet closing sleeve, disposed within the chuck body and axially displaceable relative thereto, has an outwardly flaring interior surface adapted to engage an outwardly flaring surface on the collet. Axial displacement of the closing sleeve relative to the chuck body in one direction compresses the quick change collet to grip a workpiece and axial displacement of the closing sleeve in the other direction allows the quick change collet to expand and release the workpiece. A collet actuator is disposed within the chuck body and is adapted to be coupled to an actuator driver for axially displacing the collet actuator relative to the chuck body. The collet actuator is releasably coupled to the rear portion of the closing sleeve. Axial displacement of the collet actuator by means of the actuator driver correspondingly displaces the closing sleeve whereby the collet is compressed or allowed to expand.