Combined lathe and milling machine with rapid mode-switching capability

Abstract

The present invention provides a combined lathe and milling device with rapid mode-switching capability. Featuring a dual-function rotating head, it switches between lathe and milling modes in under 5 seconds, enabling milling on complex workpieces from various angles due to head rotation. The device includes a driving unit with automatic power transfer, a main arm with a weight-balancing mechanism and sideways rotation capability for machining workpieces larger than the chassis, and adjustable platforms, with the lathe platform convertible into a vise. It occupies less space than separate machines, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and offers high flexibility and efficiency. The device is suitable for various applications, from DIY home models to large industrial settings.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention :i COMBINED LATHE AND MILLING MACHINE WITH RAPID MODE-SWITCHING CAPABILITYTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering, specifically to machine tools for performing lathe and milling operations. It introduces a combined device designed to improve efficiency and flexibility in machining processes through rapid mode-switching capability between lathe and milling operations.Background Art

[0002] Combined lathe and milling machines have been developed to perform both lathe and milling operations. Examples include devices such as the Bolton Tools BZ-1340 from Bolton Tools and the Emcomat 30 from Emco, which typically feature two independent fixed heads: one positioned vertically for milling operations, held by a fixed arm, and the other positioned horizontally, bolted to the chassis.Summary of Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a combined device for performing lathe and milling operations with rapid mode-switching capability. It overcomes the limitations of prior devices by utilizing a dual-function rotating head that switches between lathe and milling modes in less than 5 seconds, significantly enhancing flexibility and efficiency. The head is equipped with a three-jaw chuck for lathe operations on one side and a milling spindle for milling operations on the other side, enabling milling on complex workpieces from various angles due to its rotation around the B-axis. The device includes a main arm with a weightbalancing mechanism and sideways rotation capability, allowing machining of workpieces larger than the chassis length. It also features adjustable platforms, with the lathe platform convertible into a vise, eliminating the need for a separate vise. This device occupies less space than separate lathe and milling machines, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by using a single head, provides high efficiency, and is suitable for various applications, from DIY home models to large industrial settings.Technical Problem

[0004] Prior combined devices, such as the Bolton Tools BZ-1340 from Bolton Tools and the Emcomat 30 from Emco, typically feature two independent fixed heads: one positioned vertically for milling operations, held by a fixed arm, and the other positioned horizontally, bolted to the chassis. Due to the use of two independent fixed heads, prior devices lack the capability to switch modes using a single head. This fixed design imposes several limitations. For instance, because the lathe head is fixed on the chassis, it is impossible to perform milling operations on workpieces even as large as the chassis length, let alone larger ones.Additionally, the presence of two independent heads, each equipped with a separate spindle motor, increases the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the device. Furthermore, in prior devices, components such as the lathe platform cannot be converted into a vise, requiring a separate vise to hold workpieces, which adds to costs and further restricts the workspace. The absence of an end chassis platform in prior devices also limits the ability to work on larger workpieces. Finally, the main arm in prior devices lacks the ability to rotate sideways during milling operations, reducing flexibility for machining larger and more complex workpieces.Solution to Problem

[0005] This invention overcomes the limitations of prior devices by utilizing a dualfunction rotating head that switches between lathe and milling modes, significantly enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Unlike previous devices that relied on two independent fixed heads, this device uses a single head with modeswitching capability, eliminating the need for separate spindle motors. The head of the device is equipped with a three-jaw chuck for lathe operations on one side and a milling spindle for milling operations on the other side. A spindle motor provides the driving force and, depending on the device’s mode, transfers power to either the three-jaw chuck or the milling spindle, disengaging from the inactive section. Additionally, the head is rotated around the B-axis by a rotational driving force, such as a servomotor and gearbox, to switch between lathe and milling modes in less than 5 seconds, enabling milling operations on complex workpieces from various angles. The lathe platform of this device can be converted into a vise, removing the need for a separate vise and reducing costs. The inclusion of an end chassis platform with automatic movement capabilityenables working on workpieces larger than the chassis length, while the main arm, with its ability to rotate sideways, provides greater flexibility for machining complex workpieces.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0006] This device provides several technical and operational advantages over prior art. The rotation of the head around the B-axis allows for milling operations on complex workpieces from various angles, significantly enhancing flexibility in machining intricate parts. The device occupies less space than two separate lathe and milling machines, which can be assessed based on images of the device from different angles and verified by someone with basic knowledge in this field. It also reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by using a single head and eliminating the need for separate spindle motors. The rapid modeswitching capability, achieved in less than 5 seconds, increases operational efficiency and reduces downtime. Additionally, during milling operations, it is possible to work on workpieces larger than the chassis length, and despite being dual-function, both lathe and milling operations comply with common industrial standards (such as ISO standards for precision machining). The device includes a cooling system in the rotating head to maintain operational temperature, further supporting its performance.Brief Description of Drawings

[0007] Figs. 1 and Fig. 2: Front view of the device in lathe mode and side view in milling mode, showing the main components of the device and their numbering (such as the rotating head, cooling system, main arm, weight-balancing mechanism rails, head-locking mechanism, and platforms).

[0008] Fig. 3: Illustrates the mode-switching operation with three views: shows the main arm in milling mode at 90 degrees, shows the main arm and head both rotated at 45 degrees, and shows the main arm and head in lathe mode on the chassis at 0 degrees, also showing the head rotation mechanism and main arm rotation.

[0009] Fig. 4: Shows the movement of the spindle motor for power transfer from lathe to milling mode and vice versa with two views and one view illustrating the components of the spindle motor movement system.

[0010] Fig. 5: Illustrates the movement of the head base along the device and the transfer of the head and arms along the X-axis of the chassis with two views: shows the base, arms, and head on the right side of the chassis, and shows them on the left side of the chassis.

[0011] Fig. 6: Shows the mechanism of converting the lathe table into a vise with two views: one in lathe mode and one in milling mode.

[0012] Fig. 7: Shows the operation of the end chassis platform in lathe mode.

[0013] Fig. 8: Shows the operation of the end chassis platform in milling mode.

[0014] Fig. 9: Shows the operation of the head-locking mechanism.

[0015] Fig. 10: Shows the milling table and milling operations on workpieces larger than the chassis length.

[0016] Fig. 11 : Shows the movement of the head arm and its housing along the Y and Z axes with two views and also illustrates the operation of the weightbalancing mechanism.Fig.1

[0017] [Fig.1]Description of Embodiments

[0018] Rotating Head (10):

[0019] The head of the device is equipped with a three-jaw chuck (11 ) for lathe operations on one side and a milling spindle (12) for milling operations on the other side (Figs. 1) and (Fig. 2). A spindle motor (13) provides the driving force and, depending on the device’s mode, transfers power to either the three-jaw chuck or the milling spindle, disengaging from the inactive section (Fig. 4). The head is rotated around the B-axis relative to the head arm (20) by a rotational driving force (14), such as a servomotor and gearbox, to switch between lathe and milling modes, enabling the machining of complex workpieces from various angles (Fig. 3). The rotating head is typically made of steel or resistant materials. Additionally, the head is equipped with a cooling system (15), which can be either air-based or water-based depending on the type of spindle motor, to maintain operational temperature. In existing dual-function devices on the market, the use of two independent fixed heads eliminates the possibility of mode-switching witha single head, making direct comparisons of mode-switching times with this invention inapplicable. However, this invention is designed such that the head rotation occurs in less than 5 seconds, and the power transfer between lathe and milling modes happens rapidly. The power transfer mechanism is facilitated by a tongue (133) and a rack gear (134), enabling fast and precise mode-switching (Fig. 4). This high-speed head rotation (less than 5 seconds) increases productivity and reduces downtime during mode transitions. In this configuration:

[0020] In milling mode, the spindle motor, on a rail (131), is connected to the milling spindle via springs (132) (Fig. 4). In this state, a male gear on the spindle motor engages with a female gear on the milling spindle to facilitate power transfer for milling operations.

[0021] When switching from milling to lathe mode, the head is guided to a horizontal position by the rotational driving force, and in the final 10 degrees of rotation, a tongue (133) inside the head, with one end connected to the head arm, engages with a rack gear (134), pulling the spindle motor back and transferring power from the milling spindle to the three-jaw chuck. In this state, the male gear at the end of the spindle motor shaft disengages from the female gear of the milling spindle and engages with the female gear connected to the three-jaw chuck axis (Fig. 4).

[0022] Main Arm (30) and Weight-Balancing Mechanism (40):

[0023] The main arm, connected at its center to the movable base, can adjust its angle sideways using a driving force such as an electric motor and gearbox (31), positioning the head at various angles for machining operations. This arm enables working on workpieces longer than the chassis. Additionally, a toolchanging mechanism (32) for milling is mounted on this arm, automatically swapping milling tools as needed (Fig. 10). The weight-balancing mechanism, with a weight equal to the combined weight of the head, head arm, and head arm housing, is connected to the other side of the main arm on a pair of rails (43) via a cable (41) and pulley (42). As the head, head arm, and head arm housing move along the Z-axis, this weight also moves via the cable and pulley connection to maintain the device’s balance and reduce the force required to move the axes. The operation of this mechanism is illustrated in the drawings, with arrows indicating the movement of the weight (Fig. 11 ). This mechanism is designedsuch that as the head moves toward the center of the arm, the weight also shifts toward the center to maintain balance in any position (Fig. 11).

[0024] Head Arm (20) and Its Housing (50):

[0025] The head arm, independent of the main arm, enables the head’s movement along the Y-axis using a rail (21) and a driving force (22) such as a servomotor (Figs. 1) and (Fig. 2). The head arm housing, with a similar mechanism, facilitates movement along the Z-axis, allowing height adjustment of the head for both lathe and milling modes (Fig. 11).

[0026] Movable Base (60):

[0027] The movable base is connected to the chassis (70) on one side via rails (61) and to the main arm on the other side (Figs. 1 ) and (Fig. 2). This base moves the head and main arm along the X-axis using a driving force such as a servomotor and ball screw, providing access to the entire length of the chassis (Fig. 5).

[0028] Lathe Platform (80):

[0029] This platform serves as the primary surface for mounting the lathe tool holder (81) and can be converted into a vise for holding tools or auxiliary workpieces with a simple mechanism (Figs. 1) and (Fig. 2). By loosening the tool holder head screw (821) and removing the lathe tool holder, the movable vise jaw (82) is driven by a force such as a servomotor toward the fixed jaw (83) at the end of the platform to hold the tool or auxiliary workpiece between them, securing it with vertical (831) and horizontal (832) screws (Fig. 6).

[0030] End Chassis Platform (90):

[0031] In lathe mode, this platform is level with the chassis (Fig. 7). When switching to milling mode, as the tailstock (100) and lathe tool holder are moved onto the platform by the operator, the platform automatically lowers along the Z-axis via a driving force (91) such as a servomotor and rail (92), following a command from the device’s control system, to avoid obstructing milling operations on larger workpieces (Fig. 8). Conversely, during lathe operations, the platform automatically rises and returns to its original position, ensuring this mechanism operates autonomously without user intervention.

[0032] Milling Platform (701):

[0033] This platform is located on the main chassis and moves along one or more axes (Figs. 1 and 2). A head-locking mechanism (702) is installed beneath this platform, securing the head to the chassis. By adding an additional vise, this platform acts as a secondary holder for holding large workpieces during milling operations (Fig. 10).

[0034] Head-Locking Mechanism (702):

[0035] This mechanism is located beneath the milling platform and secures the head to the chassis in lathe mode (Figs. 1 and 2). The mechanism includes jaws (703) and a driving force (704) such as a servomotor. When the head is positioned on the milling platform by the arms, this mechanism activates, moving the jaws with the driving force and applying pressure on pins (705) attached to the head, securing the head to the milling platform and chassis, thereby increasing the device’s stability (Fig. 9). This mechanism serves as an auxiliary system due to the heavy workpieces on the three-jaw chuck, as the arms themselves hold the head securely in each mode with significant force and without vibration (Fig. 9).Examples

[0036] Industrial ApplicabilityThis device is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, including small-scale workshops, large manufacturing plants, and educational settings for training purposes. It can be utilized in the production of precision components for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and general machinery manufacturing. The device’s compact design makes it ideal for environments where space is limited, while its scalability allows it to be adapted for both small DIY projects and large industrial operations. Its ability to perform both lathe and milling operations with a single machine enhances productivity in settings requiring versatile machining capabilities.Reference Signs List

[0037] 10: Rotating head

[0038] 11 : Three-jaw chuck

[0039] 12: Milling spindle

[0040] 13: Spindle motor

[0041] 14: Rotational driving force (e.g., servomotor and gearbox)

[0042] 15: Cooling system

[0043] 20: Head arm

[0044] 21 : Rail (for head arm)

[0045] 22: Driving force (e.g., servomotor for head arm)

[0046] 30: Main arm

[0047] 31 : Driving force (e.g., electric motor and gearbox for main arm)

[0048] 32: Tool-changing mechanism

[0049] 40: Weight-balancing mechanism

[0050] 41 : Cable (for weight-balancing mechanism)

[0051] 42: Pulley (for weight-balancing mechanism)

[0052] 43: Rails (for weight-balancing mechanism)

[0053] 50: Head arm housing

[0054] 60: Movable base

[0055] 61 : Rails (for movable base)

[0056] 70: Chassis

[0057] 80: Lathe platform

[0058] 81 : Lathe tool holder

[0059] 82: Movable vise jaw

[0060] 83: Fixed jaw

[0061] 90: End chassis platform

[0062] 91 : Driving force (e.g., servomotor for end chassis platform)

[0063] 92: Rail (for end chassis platform)

[0064] 100: Tailstock

[0065] 701 : Milling platform

[0066] 702: Head-locking mechanism

[0067] 703: Jaws (for head-locking mechanism)

[0068] 704: Driving force (e.g., servomotor for head-locking mechanism)

[0069] 705: Pins (for head-locking mechanism)

[0070] 821 : Tool holder head screw

[0071] 831 : Vertical screws (for fixed jaw)

[0072] 832: Horizontal screws (for fixed jaw)

[0073] 131 : Rail (for spindle motor)

[0074] 132: Springs (for spindle motor)

[0075] 133: Tongue (for power transfer)

[0076] 134: Rack gear (for power transfer)Reference to Deposited Biological Material

[0077] Sequence Listing Free Text

[0078] Citation List

[0079] Patent Literature

[0080] PTL1 :Non Patent Literature

[0081] NPL1 :

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMSreceived by the International Bureau on August 1st, 2025 (01.08.2025)

1. A combined lathe and milling machine with rapid mode-switching capability, comprising: a dual-purpose rotating head equipped with a chuck for lathe operations and a milling spindle for milling operations, which switches between modes in less than 5 seconds using a rotary driving force; a power unit designed to automatically transmit power to the chuck or milling spindle and disconnect from the inactive section using a linkage mechanism; a main arm with lateral rotation capability and a weight-balancing mechanism utilizing a counterweight system connected by cables and pulleys; a movable base that displaces the head and main arm along the X-axis; a lathe platform that converts into a clamp using a movable jaw actuated by a driving force and is secured with adjustable screws; an end-frame platform with automatic vertical movement capability in milling mode; a milling platform including a headlocking mechanism with adjustable jaws; wherein the device occupies less space than separate lathe and milling machines.

2. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotating head switches between lathe and milling modes in less than 5 seconds using a servomotor or an equivalent rotary driving force.

3. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotating head is adjustable around at least one axis using a motor-driven system to enable machining from various angles.

4. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotating head is made of steel or high-strength, wear-resistant material compliant with ISO 683-1 standards.

5. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the power unit includes a linkage mechanism for automatically transmitting power to the chuck or milling spindle and disconnecting from the inactive section using a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical driving system.

6. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the main arm, through a combination of the arm's rotational movement and the base's movement along the X-axis, enables machining of workpieces larger than the frame length.

7. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the weight-balancing mechanism, using a counterweight guided by rails, cables, and pulleys and actuated by a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical driving force, maintains the device's balance during vertical head movement.

8. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the lathe platform converts into a clamp by removing the lathe tool holder and activating a movable jaw with a servomotor or equivalent driving force, and is secured with vertical and horizontal screws.

9. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the end-frame platform automatically moves downward along the vertical axis in milling mode and upward in lathe mode using a servomotor or equivalent driving force.

10. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the head-locking mechanism, using adjustable jaws actuated by a motor-driven system and secured with stabilizing pins to the frame, locks the rotating head in place.

11. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the power unit includes a rack-and-tongue gear mechanism for rapid power transfer between the chuck and milling spindle, utilizing a rail and spring system.

12. The combined lathe and milling machine according to claim 1, wherein the power unit is equipped with a cooling system to cool the head during lathe, milling, and head rotation operations.

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