Machine Tool Headstock Guide for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine tools lack the ability to seamlessly switch between guide bush mode and non-guide bush mode, requiring complex and time-consuming processes, and often necessitate special modifications to the rail system.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a headstock with a main spindle, a rail system that provides varying play for the second bearing depending on the mode, and a quill guide that supports the headstock in the axial direction when the guide bush is removed, allowing for smooth switching between modes without the need for rail modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a guide bush is removed to machine shorter workpieces, then the headstock can be shifted forward to hold workpieces without support, but the switching process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is designed to dynamically change its support characteristics by varying the play on the second bearing based on the operational mode. When the guide bush is removed, the rail automatically provides larger play to accommodate the headstock in the forward position, enabling seamless transition between machining different length workpieces without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the rail's play on the second bearing to adapt to different operational modes. The rail provides different amounts of play depending on whether the guide bush is installed or removed, allowing the machine to efficiently handle both long and short workpieces by adjusting this critical geometric parameter
2Stability of the object's composition
If the headstock is supported by both sliding bearing and ball bearing, then the headstock is stably supported in the axial direction, but the rail requires special modifications to provide adequate play
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is designed with different local qualities at different positions: the portion supporting the first bearing has one characteristic, while the portion supporting the second bearing has different characteristics (larger play). This localized differentiation allows the rail to provide stable support where needed while accommodating the necessary movement freedom in other areas, eliminating the need for complex overall modifications
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
Facilitates efficient switching between guide bush and non-guide bush modes, reducing labor and preventing damage to components, while eliminating the need for special rail modifications, ensuring accurate and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding bearing and a ball bearing (a rolling bearing) are provided to support a headstock respectively on the front side and on the rear side in a movable manner in the axial direction of a main spindle. The distal end of the headstock is supported on a bed via the sliding bearing
Implementation Method 2
a sliding bearing and a ball bearing (a rolling bearing) are provided to support a headstock respectively on the front side and on the rear side in a movable manner in the axial direction of a main spindle
Implementation Method 3
a workpiece chucked by the main spindle is slidably supported by the guide bush to be machined by a tool on the front side of the main spindle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention provides a machine tool capable of facilitating a switching between a guide bush mode and a non-guide bush mode. A machine tool 1 comprises a headstock 10 provided with a main spindle 12 for gripping a workpiece W1, a rail 200 extended along a main spindle axis AX1, a first bearing 110 fixed to the headstock 10 and guided on the rail 200, a second bearing 120 fixed to the headstock 10 on the front side of the first bearing 110 and guided on the rail 200, a supporting bed 30 on which a guide bush 32 is removably mounted to slidably support the workpiece W1 on the front side of the main spindle 12, and a guide 40 mounted on the supporting bed 30 to movably support the headstock 10 in a direction of the main spindle axis when the guide bush 32 is removed. The rail 200 provides a larger play on the second bearing 120 when the headstock 10 is supported by the guide 40 than when the headstock 10 is not supported by the guide 40.