Composite Lathe Tool Headstock with Comb-Shaped Rest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite working lathes face efficiency issues due to long tool-changing times when the processing position is distant from the automatic tool changer location, leading to decreased processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A composite working lathe design featuring a tool headstock that can be moved along the Z-axis, X-axis, and Y-axis, equipped with a comb-shaped cutting tool rest holding multiple turning tools, allowing for quick indexing and replacement of tools by rotating about the B-axis, enabling efficient tool access and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tools are changed using the automatic tool changer (ATC) at a distant processing position, then the lathe can perform composite processing with appropriate tools, but the tool changing time becomes long and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposite processing capabilityVSAvoidtool changing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool headstock is segmented into two distinct tool holding systems: a tool spindle for mill tools and a turret cutting tool rest for turning tools. This segmentation allows each tool type to be optimized for its specific function while enabling quick switching between tool types without requiring distant ATC operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Turning tools are pre-loaded onto the turret cutting tool rest, which is positioned at the tool headstock. This preliminary preparation of tools at the processing position eliminates the need for time-consuming ATC operations during machining, as tools are already in place and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple turning tools are mounted on the tool headstock, then tool selection flexibility improves, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool selection flexibilityVSAvoidtool headstock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool headstock is designed with multi-functionality to hold both mill tools in the tool spindle and multiple turning tools on the turret cutting tool rest. This universal design allows a single tool headstock to perform both milling and turning operations, eliminating the need for separate tool holding devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The turret cutting tool rest merges multiple turning tool positions into a single compact unit mounted on the tool headstock. By combining several turning tools into one integrated rest with indexing capability, the design achieves high tool selection flexibility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8887360B2Composite working lathe

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK

AI summary

A turning tool is arranged at a tool spindle (102) of a composite working lathe (1) to improve working efficiency. A composite working lathe (1) includes a first workpiece headstock (20) placed on a bed (10). A chuck (24) of a workpiece spindle (22) is rotated as holding a workpiece (K.sub.1). A tool headstock (100) arranged at a carriage (50) is rotated about B-axis while being linearly moved in the directions of X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. The tool headstock (100) operates a mill tool (110) and includes a comb-shaped cutting tool rest (150) having turning tools attached at the opposite side of a housing in a comb-shaped manner, so that turning processing can be performed with tool indexing in a short time.