CNC Spindle Coupling Layout for Compact Additive Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machining centers with additive and subtractive units have a high overall vertical dimension in additive configuration, limiting the stroke of the vertical operating axis and requiring significant height space.
Innovation Solution
A CNC machining center design where the subtractive unit's motorized spindle axis is connected to the additive unit's rotation axis, allowing the spindle axis to drive the operating member and reducing the overall vertical dimension by positioning the spindle axis next to the additive unit's vertical dimensions in a horizontal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the subtractive unit's motorized spindle is connected to drive the additive unit's operating member, then the additive unit can be driven without its own motorization, but the overall vertical dimension of the assembly becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the spindle from a vertical arrangement to a horizontal arrangement relative to the additive unit. The spindle axis is positioned next to the operating member in a horizontal direction rather than vertically above it, effectively changing the spatial dimension in which the drive connection is made. This dimensional change allows the drive function to be achieved while significantly reducing the overall vertical dimension of the assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the additive unit has its own motorization for driving the operating member, then the unit is self-contained, but the overall vertical dimension and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized spindle of the subtractive unit serves dual functions: it can drive cutting tools for subtractive operations and can simultaneously drive the operating member of the additive unit when connected. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate motorization system in the additive unit, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining configuration flexibility through the ability to switch between driving modes.
3Ease of operation
If the spindle axis is positioned vertically above the operating member, then the connection is straightforward, but the vertical stroke of the Z-axis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the spindle axis horizontally next to the operating member rather than vertically above it. This horizontal positioning decouples the spindle location from the vertical Z-axis travel path, allowing the Z-axis to achieve full stroke range without interference from the spindle structure. The drive connection is maintained through horizontal alignment and coupling mechanisms that accommodate the side-by-side arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A CNC machining centre is disclosed, with an additive unit that forms an unmachined workpiece by additive production and that comprises an operating member with a rotation axis, and with a subtractive unit that removes material from the unmachined workpiece formed by the additive unit and that comprises a tool-holding spindle with a motorized spindle axis, with a subtractive configuration, in which the spindle axis of the subtractive unit carries a tool for removing material, and with an additive configuration, in which the spindle axis of the subtractive unit is connected to the rotation axis to drive the operating member of the additive unit and in which a prevalent part of the tool-holding spindle is situated next to at least one part of the operating member, where “next to” means in a horizontal direction.