Twin-Spindle Lathe Tool Post Layout for Compact Multi-Tool Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lathes face challenges in downsizing while accommodating an increasing number of tools on the second tool post, leading to expanded machine size and increased moving ranges, which hinders efficient machining and workpiece handling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tool post with multiple mounting parts aligned in the first axis direction, allowing for tool selection and positioning that overlaps with a functional member, such as a product receiver, to reduce the overall size and moving range of the lathe by optimizing the relative positions of the tool post and spindle, and utilizing space efficiently with features like a coolant nozzle below the slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of tools attached to the second tool post is increased, then the versatility of the lathe is improved, but the size of the second tool post and the entire lathe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reorganization by arranging tool mounting parts not only side by side but also in overlapping positions when viewed from the second axis direction. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple tools to be mounted on the tool post without increasing its size in any single direction, thereby increasing tool capacity while maintaining compact lathe dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the second tool post is increased to accommodate more tools, then the number of attachable tools is improved, but the moving range of the chucking apparatus must be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging tool mounting parts in overlapping positions in the second axis direction, the patent reduces the tool post's footprint in that direction. This consequently reduces the moving range required for the chucking apparatus to access all tools, as tools are more closely positioned along the second axis.
3Ease of operation
If tools are arranged side by side on the second tool post, then the ease of operation is improved, but the size of the lathe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines side-by-side arrangement with overlapping positioning in the second axis direction. This hybrid arrangement maintains operational accessibility while utilizing vertical space to reduce the lathe's overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable tool post that can shift in both the first and second axis directions, allowing dynamic selection of tools arranged in overlapping positions. This dynamic positioning capability enables easy access to all tools despite their compact three-dimensional arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tool post size is increased, then the number of mounting parts is improved, but the machining cycle time increases due to larger moving range
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging tool mounting parts in overlapping positions in the second axis direction, the patent reduces the distance the tool post and spindle must travel between tools. This shorter moving range directly reduces non-cutting time and accelerates the machining cycle while accommodating multiple tools.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An NC lathe (1) includes a first spindle (31) rotatable on a spindle axis (CL1), a second spindle (61) rotatable on a second spindle axis (CL2) and capable of holding a cut-off workpiece (W2) delivered from the first spindle (31), a second tool post (7) on which a plurality of tools (T2) are attachable in oder to machine the workpiece (W2) held by the second spindle (61), a product receiver (73) provided on the second tool post (7), a Y2-axis motor (701) capable of moving at least one of the second tool post (7) and the second spindle (61) in a Y2-axis direction, and an X2-axis motor (64) capable of moving at least one of the second tool post (7) and the second spindle (61) in an X2-axis direction. The second tool post (7) has a plurality of tool mounting parts (711) where the tools (T2) are attachable. The tool mounting parts (711) are aligned at intervals in the Y2-axis direction. At least one of the tool mounting parts (711) is arranged in a position overlapping the product receiver (73) with respect to the X2-axis direction.