Bar Retraction Control for Automatic Sliding Headstock Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tool systems require operators to perform complex and error-prone tasks by manually switching between control apparatuses during startup and shutdown, necessitating intricate procedural instructions.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system with integrated control apparatuses that automate the spindle and pusher operations through bar retraction and supply modes, allowing for simplified activation via an input unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention in procedural tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate control apparatuses are used for the machining apparatus and bar feeder, then each device can be controlled independently, but the operator must perform complicated tasks by switching between control apparatuses during startup and shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the machining apparatus and bar feeder into a single integrated control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a control unit that can issue instructions to both the machining apparatus and bar feeder, eliminating the need for operators to switch between separate control systems during startup and shutdown operations.
2Reliability
If manual operation procedures are used for startup and shutdown, then operators can control each device, but mistakes in task procedures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control apparatus enables automated control sequences where the control unit automatically coordinates startup and shutdown operations of both the machining apparatus and bar feeder. This self-service capability reduces reliance on manual operator intervention and minimizes procedural mistakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives detection results from detection units that monitor the states of both the machining apparatus and bar feeder. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts and coordinates operations, ensuring reliable execution of startup and shutdown procedures without manual intervention errors.
3Reliability
If the pusher applies a weak biasing load to prevent slippage, then no slippage occurs between the bar and spindle, but the bar may not be sufficiently secured during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the biasing load applied by the pusher based on real-time detection of bar position and machining state. During different phases of operation (loading, machining, unloading), the control unit varies the pusher force to optimize both prevention of slippage and adequate securing of the bar, rather than maintaining a constant weak load.
Data Source
AI summary
The machine tool system has a spindle that can move in an axial direction of a bar, a guide bush that supports the bar, a first tool post to which a first tool for machining a tip end part of the bar supported by the guide bush is attached, a pusher capable of biasing the bar toward the tip end side of the bar, a first control apparatus that controls operations of the spindle and operations of the first tool post, and a second control apparatus that controls operations of the pusher, wherein the first control apparatus includes a bar retraction mode in which the first tool post is caused to machine the tip end of the bar in a state where the bar is gripped by the spindle, the spindle is retracted and the bar is extracted from the guide bush, and the second control apparatus is caused to release the bias applied by the pusher and release the grip of the spindle on the bar.