Lathe Spindle Air Purging for Bearing Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lathes face challenges in preventing chips and lubricant from reaching the bearing, leading to increased spindle length due to the need for extensive air purging units, which complicates the machining process and requires longer spindle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lathe design that incorporates a first air purging unit between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the cover and cap, eliminating the need for longer air purging units in the spindle axis direction, thereby shortening the spindle and protecting the bearing from chips and lubricant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multiple-stage air purging unit is provided at the boundary of the inner ring fastening nut and the outer ring presser to prevent chips and lubricant from reaching the bearing, then the bearing is protected from contamination, but the spindle length increases in the spindle axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the air purging function from the spindle axis direction (length dimension) to the radial direction (diameter dimension) by providing the air purging unit between the inner circumferential surface of the cover and the outer circumferential surface of the cap. This dimensional shift allows effective chip and lubricant prevention without extending the spindle length in the axial direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The air purging unit is segmented into multiple grooves (first groove, second groove, third groove, fourth groove) arranged in the spindle axis direction, creating multiple air flow paths that work together to prevent contamination. This segmentation allows effective protection while maintaining a compact spindle structure.
2Reliability
If a longer distance is maintained between the front end of the spindle and the bearing in the spindle axis direction to prevent chips and lubricant from reaching the bearing, then the bearing is protected from contamination, but the spindle length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air purging unit acts as an intermediary barrier between the chip-lubricant mixture and the bearing. By introducing air flow through the grooves in the air purging unit, the invention creates a protective air curtain that prevents contamination without requiring increased physical distance, thus maintaining a compact spindle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure by supplying air to the air purging unit, which has grooves connected to an air inlet and air outlet. This pneumatic system creates air flow that actively prevents chips and lubricant from reaching the bearing, replacing the need for passive long-distance protection.
3Reliability
If a multiple-stage air purging unit is provided to prevent chips and lubricant from reaching the bearing, then the bearing is protected from contamination, but the machining process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The air purging unit is merged with the existing cap and cover structure, integrating the air purging function into the components that are already part of the collet mounting system. This integration allows the air purging functionality to be added without significantly complicating the overall machining process or requiring separate complex systems.
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 design effectively prevents chips and lubricant from reaching the bearing, allowing for a shorter spindle configuration while maintaining effective protection, simplifying the machining process and facilitating easier collet cap removal and attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a first air purging unit provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cover and the outer circumferential surface of the cap, the first air purging unit being supplied with purge air
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lathe capable of shortening the spindle. The lathe comprises a spindle, a spindle support which supports the spindle through a bearing on an outer side of the spindle, a collet disposed on a front end of the spindle, an inner ring holder provided on the spindle to hold a front of an inner ring of the bearing, an outer ring holder provided on the spindle support to hold a front of an outer ring of the bearing, a cap screwed into the spindle in front of the inner ring holder, and a cover detachably provided on the spindle support side. The cover has an inner circumferential surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the cap. A first air purging unit is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cover and the outer circumferential surface of the cap.