Horizontal Work Spindle Layout for Rigid 5-Axis Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools for 5-axis machining face limitations in traversing paths, rigidity of the spindle carrier, and positioning of tools relative to workpieces, particularly in relation to chip removal.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design featuring a machine bed and stand with a horizontally mounted work spindle that can move in three spatial directions, utilizing a quill with axial movement, a swivel table with a perpendicular axis, and double guide rails for high rigidity and efficient chip removal through a chip channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the work spindle is moved in three spatial directions to improve traversing paths and positioning capabilities, then the positioning precision and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and structural rigidity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine stand is segmented into two stationary machine stand bodies connected via a bridge, with the work spindle mounted on a movable carrier that can traverse between them. This segmentation allows the spindle to access three spatial directions while each stationary body maintains structural rigidity and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The work spindle carrier is designed to move in a third spatial direction (perpendicular to the line connecting the two machine stand bodies) in addition to the conventional two directions, enabling five-axis machining capability while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the work spindle is moved in three spatial directions to improve traversing paths, then the versatility for 5-axis machining is improved, but the rigidity of the spindle carrier is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve5-axis machining capabilityVSAvoidrigidity of spindle carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The machine stand is divided into two stationary machine stand bodies connected by a bridge, with the work spindle mounted on a separate movable carrier. This segmentation allows the carrier to achieve three-directional movement for 5-axis machining while the stationary bodies maintain high rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable carrier with the work spindle is extracted as a separate component that can traverse independently between the two stationary machine stand bodies. This extraction allows the carrier to have the required mobility for versatility while the stationary bodies preserve structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If a quill design with axial movement is used to improve positioning capability, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quill design with axial movement capability is merged into the work spindle carrier, combining the positioning function with the traversal mechanism. This integration reduces the need for separate mounting arrangements while maintaining high positioning precision through the quill's axial movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3624988B1Machine-tool
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 DECKEL MAHO PFRONTEN GMBH
  • EP3624988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624988B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3624988B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool having a machine bed (1), on the upper side of which a machine stand (2) is arranged, a working spindle (25) which can be displaced in a first, second and third direction of movement, is mounted with the spindle sleeve (9) and is arranged on the machine stand. The spindle sleeve (9) comprises a sleeve housing (8) which is guided along guide rails (5) which are arranged on the machine stand (2) and can be moved axially in the first direction and the working spindle (25) supporting the tool can be moved in and out of the sleeve housing (8) in the same direction of movement.