Machine Tool Headstock Guide Bearing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in achieving high precision and efficiency during machining of rod-shaped workpieces due to issues with guide bush interference, reduced rigidity, and complex guide surface configurations, which affect the effective utilization and machining of both long and short workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design where the leading-edge portion of the headstock is supported by a sliding bearing and the base-end portion by rolling bearings, allowing for smooth and accurate movement along the axial direction of the main spindle, with the rolling bearings disposed on both sides to enhance stability and guide accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a guide bush is attached forward of the main spindle, then machining precision of long workpieces is improved, but the workpiece cannot be utilized effectively due to remaining material and short workpieces cannot be machined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guide bush removable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between two operational modes: with guide bush for long workpieces requiring high precision, and without guide bush for short workpieces requiring full spindle projection. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize for precision when needed and for utilization when the guide bush would interfere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide bush is removed, then short workpieces can be machined, but the main spindle lacks sufficient support and guide rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush is designed as a removable component that can be installed or removed based on workpiece requirements. When removed, the main spindle can project forward to machine short workpieces. When installed, it provides the necessary guide rigidity and support. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between versatility and strength requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the precision of guide section on leading-edge side is enhanced extremely high, then the leading edge of main spindle can be firmly guided, but very high cost will be incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush acts as an intermediary component that provides high-precision guidance for the main spindle's leading edge. Instead of requiring the main spindle's guide section to achieve extremely high precision directly, the guide bush serves as a mediator that can be manufactured with the necessary precision at lower cost, thereby resolving the contradiction between guide precision and manufacturing cost.
4Ease of manufacture
If the rigidity of guide on leading-edge side is weakened, then the configuration can be implemented, but the load imposed during machining cannot be born
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush serves as a load-bearing intermediary between the main spindle and the machine bed. It transfers and supports the loads imposed during machining, allowing the guide sections to have moderate rigidity while still bearing the full machining loads. This resolves the contradiction by providing load-bearing capability without requiring extremely rigid (and expensive) guide sections.
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 configuration enables high precision and efficient machining of workpieces, including short ones, by maintaining guide rigidity and accuracy, preventing warp, and simplifying guide surface machining, while avoiding the generation of excess material and ensuring effective utilization of the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
a leading-edge portion of a headstock, on which a main spindle is rotatably supported, is supported by a bed by way of a sliding bearing so as to be movable along an axial direction of the main spindle
Implementation Method 2
a base-end portion of the headstock is supported on the bed at two points, which are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the main spindle, so as to move in the axial direction of the main spindle by way of a rolling bearing
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a machine tool for machining a workpiece includes: a main spindle that holds the workpiece to rotate the workpiece around a axis; a tool that is configured to machine the workpiece by working together with the main spindle; a headstock that rotatably supports the main spindle and includes a leading-edge portion and a base-end portion; and a bed that supports the headstock by a sliding bearing at the leading-edge portion and rolling bearings at two points of the base-end portion so that the headstock is movable along an axial line of the main spindle, wherein the two points of the base-end portion are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial line of the main spindle.