Facing Head Sealing and Torque Sharing for Accurate Slide Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facing heads face issues with liquid and dust infiltration into the rotary compartment, inadequate torque sharing between speed reduction chains, and lack of automatic slide locking and tool change capabilities, which affect machining accuracy and safety.
Innovation Solution
The facing head design incorporates a sealed compartment with a continuous sealing gasket and pressurized air to prevent fluid ingress, uses adjustable gear chains for balanced torque transmission, and includes hydraulic locking pads for automatic slide locking, along with an electric and fluid collector system for secure connections and tool unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the drive and measurement system is located in the rotary part of the head, then the slide positioning accuracy is substantially increased, but the motor and measurement system are exposed to coolant and metal particles causing electrical connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The facing head is divided into a fixed part and a rotary part. The drive and measurement system is located in the rotary part for high positioning accuracy, while the rotary part is sealed to protect electrical components from coolant and metal particles, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
2Force
If keyed connections or grooved couplings are used to transmit rotary motion through speed reduction chains, then the maximum torque available on the head is increased, but the torque sharing between chains is compromised due to machining accuracy limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces keyed connections or grooved couplings with a gear chain transmission system. The gear chains provide positive engagement through toothed gears, ensuring accurate torque sharing between multiple chains while transmitting high torque from the spindle to the rotary part, thus resolving the contradiction between force transmission and manufacturing precision.
3Productivity
If the facing head is designed for automatic tool change, then the productivity is increased, but the operator is exposed to hazard conditions when manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The facing head is equipped with an automatic tool changing system that can perform tool changes autonomously at any radial position of the slide and tool holder. The system includes automatic locking and unlocking mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and operator safety by making the system self-sufficient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances machining accuracy, extends equipment lifespan, ensures safe automatic tool change, and prevents electrical component damage from contaminants, while maintaining precise torque sharing and locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculating ball screw (16) held by a fixed support (17) and a nut bracket (19) sliding along the screw (16), in which the screw (16) converts a rotary motion into a linear motion in order to drive the radial slide (6)
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor (31) fastened to the rotary part (5) and allowing to move the radial slide (6) by transmitting a rotation to the recirculation ball screw (16) through a reducer and gears (18, 30)
Implementation Method 3
a linear transducer having a magnetic scale (33) fastened to the rotary part (5) and a read head (32) fastened to the nut bracket (19) which is integral with the radial slide (6)
Implementation Method 4
a continuous sealing gasket (40) configured in such a way as to prevent infiltrations of liquids or dusts from taking place in the compartment (35) that rotates together with the head (1)
Implementation Method 5
The rotary part (5) is kept to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure by using one of the routes of the fluid collector to carry pressurized air to the compartment (35) of the rotary part (5) of the head (1)
Implementation Method 6
Solutions exist for transmitting the rotary motion to the head through one or several transmission chains performing the function of reducing the speed of rotation of the head, i.e. increasing the torque available on the head itself
Implementation Method 7
The facing head (1) also comprises locking means for locking the radial slide (6) whenever it reaches its programmed radial position
Data Source
AI summary
A facing head includes a fixed part, couplable with a head of a machine tool via an interface plate and a rotary part, wherein a compartment is placed internally to which drive means and measurement means are housed for driving and measuring a radial slide supported by the rotary part so as to close the compartment, and at least one electric collector for controlling the drive means and measurement means. A continuous gasket contacts the radial slide and a fluid collector supplies the compartment with pressurized air to seal the compartment. The fluid collector includes a rotary portion with first fluid routes, and a fixed portion integral with the fixed part of the facing head with second fixed fluid routes together supplying the rotary part with a coolant, supplying the compartment with pressurized air, and transporting the oil for locking the radial slide.