Automatic Lathe Sensor-Block Layout for Faster Rod Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic lathes, the time required for detecting the cut-off condition and positioning the rod material is prolonged due to the need for the detector and positioning member to move in directions intersecting with the main spindle axis, increasing the overall machining cycle time.
Innovation Solution
The automatic lathe design incorporates a sensor and positioning block that move in the same direction (X direction) along a groove on the tool post, allowing for simultaneous detection and positioning of the rod material without separate movement devices, thereby reducing the time needed for these operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detector and positioning member move in directions intersecting with the main spindle axis, then the cut-off condition can be determined and the rod material can be positioned, but the time required for these operations is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The detector and positioning member are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves together along the rod material's axis direction. This allows both the cut-off condition detection and positioning operations to be performed in a single movement sequence, eliminating the time required for separate movements of these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement direction of the detector and positioning member is changed from intersecting with the main spindle axis to aligning with the rod material's axis direction. This dimensional change in movement trajectory enables simultaneous completion of detection and positioning operations, reducing the overall operation time.
2Ease of operation
If separate movement devices are used for the detector and positioning member, then independent control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector and positioning member are combined into a single movable assembly that is controlled by one movement device. This merging reduces the total number of movement devices required while maintaining the ability to perform both detection and positioning functions through coordinated movement of the integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detector for determining cut-off conditions and the positioning member for positioning the rod material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate movement devices while achieving both detection and positioning objectives through a single controlled movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
In a machine tool, to shorten times required for an operation of detecting a cut off condition and an operation of positioning, an automatic lathe (1) (machine tool) includes a positioning block (20) that positions a rod material (90), the rod material (90) projecting from a main spindle (50) contacting the positioning block, and a sensor (30) that moves in a direction intersecting with an axis direction of the main spindle (50) to detect a cut off condition of the rod material (90). The positioning block (20) includes a groove (21) (one example of path) that allows movement of the sensor (30), and moves in the same direction as a movement direction of the sensor (30) between a position that contacts the rod material (90) and a position that has no contact with the rod material (90). The sensor (30) moves along the path in the positon that has no contact with the rod material (90).